Best 10 Activities to Do in Makkah Post-Umrah
After finishing your Umrah, many people assume the journey is over. But that's just not the case. Makkah still has loads to offer after your Umrah duties are done. After getting some rest and a glass of Zamzam water to settle you in, it's time to take a leisurely look around. Makkah is so much more than just a place for rituals; it's also a city that offers peaceful spots to discover, simple pleasures to enjoy, and experiences that really make an impact. You can grab a seat near the Haram, do some reading on Islamic history, try some local grub, or just sit quietly and take some time to reflect. So don’t rush off back to your hotel for a lie down. Instead, here are the top 10 things to do in Makkah after Umrah.
Revisit Masjid al-Haram
After finishing their Umrah, many pilgrims head back to Masjid al-Haram to say a few more prayers. You'll find Masjid al-Haram right in the heart of Makkah. You can pray at any time of day, whether it’s morning, noon, or night. If you need a drink, Zamzam water is available inside the mosque, and some people like to sit in the courtyard to read the Quran. The mosque itself has loads of space for prayer, with each floor capable of holding a lot of worshippers.
Explore Jabal Thawr
For some people, after Umrah is the perfect time to take a trip to Jabal Thawr in Makkah. This place is south of Masjid al-Haram and is a pretty significant spot in Islamic history. The Cave of Thawr is right on top of it, where, in fact, Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr hid out during the Hijrah. If you decide to go, you'll be in for a bit of a hike; the mountain climb is quite steep and rocky, so bring plenty of water and good shoes. You won't be able to get a bus or taxi all the way to the top, so you'll have to walk. It can take a while to get to the cave, normally several hours.
Journey to Madinah
After finishing their Umrah, most pilgrims like to make the trip to Madinah. The distance is roughly 450 kilometers, so it’s a good job that there are buses, cars, and trains to take you there. First thing you'll want to do is visit Masjid an-Nabawi to say a few prayers. Once you're inside, you can take a look at the Rawdah, which is pretty special. Jannat al-Baqi Cemetery is right next to the mosque, and you might also like to visit Masjid Quba, which is the very first mosque in Islam. There are loads of hotels near the mosques, so it’s all very convenient. When you're in the mosque courtyard, you can just take a stroll. For most people, going to Madinah is a key part of their Umrah journey.
Explore Makkah's Cultural Side
When you're in Makkah after your Umrah, it’s a good time to get out and explore the local culture. In the markets, you'll find loads of interesting things to buy. There are shops selling ihram clothing, prayer beads, and Qurans. You might also like to try some traditional perfume, which is sold in lots of different shops; it's a great way to capture the essence of your trip. If you fancy a cup of Arabic coffee, then you're in luck; it's served up in loads of different shops. There are also loads of street food stalls and local vendors selling all sorts of tasty treats like dates from different regions. Some of the local museums have old photographs of Makkah, which is a nice way to pass the time when you've got some free time between Umrah rituals. Because of the heat, people usually like to go out in the evenings to explore.
Visit Masjid Jin
For a lot of pilgrims, a visit to Masjid Jin in Makkah after their Umrah is pretty high on the list of things to do. You'll find that it is near Jannat al-Mualla and has a pretty interesting history to it; it is said that the jinn listened to the Quran being recited by the Prophet there. When you visit, you can take a look inside the mosque, which is a pretty simple but beautiful building. As well as that, visitors can also pray inside the mosque, which is a lovely way to get closer to Allah.
Makkah Museum
After completing their Umrah, many pilgrims head to the Makkah Museum, also known as the Makkah Regional Museum. It is located in the Al-Zahir district. It's a treasure trove of Islamic history, and it's fascinating to see old manuscripts safely displayed in glass cases and life-size models of the famous Masjid al-Haram. Historical maps of Makkah are also on show, and info panels give you a glimpse into the city's past. You'll need to grab a ticket before you head in, and visiting hours are pretty strict, but the whole experience shouldn't take up more than an hour or two of your time.
The Clock Tower Museum
A lot of pilgrims make a point of visiting the Clock Tower Museum after they've finished their Umrah; it's a pretty popular spot, and for good reason. Located inside the Abraj Al Bait Tower (which just so happens to be one of the tallest buildings in Makkah), the museum's main focus is on the way the world has kept track of time over the centuries. There are heaps of cool displays to check out on timekeeping instruments and how our understanding of the lunar calendar has changed over time. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even head up to the observation decks for some cracking views of Masjid al-Haram. Just be aware that your visit will be limited to the time on your ticket.
Shopping in Makkah
After Umrah, many people find themselves with some extra time and money to spend, and Makkah's markets are the place to be. Abraj Al Bait Mall is just a short walk from Masjid al-Haram, and this is where you'll find all sorts of goods, from clothes to prayer mats to souvenirs. And if you're looking for something specific, you can try one of the local shops selling Zamzam water, dates in every variety, or even traditional Islamic clothing. Don't be surprised if you're offered a good deal; bargaining is all part of the experience in small markets. And the best part is, most of the shopping areas are within walking distance of hotels, so you can pop in and out as you like.
Visit Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira
After Umrah, lots of people make their way to Jabal al-Nour in Makkah, and it's not hard to see why; this mountain is right next to the holy city, and the Cave of Hira is the place where the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation. The climb is a bit of a hike; you'll need to tackle a rocky path, and it'll take you anywhere from an hour to two to get to the top. There are no lifts or taxis that will bring you all the way up, so be prepared to put in a bit of effort. But the views from the top are well worth it; just don't forget to bring water and some sturdy shoes for the climb.
Taste Local Delicacies
After performing Umrah, many people are eager to try all the delicious local food on offer. Makkah has loads of traditional restaurants to choose from, and the food is a must-try. Kabsa is a popular rice and meat dish, while Mandi is cooked using slow heat; it's a real taste sensation. And then there is the street food—Mutabbaq is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Samboosa is widely available, and of course, you can't go wrong with a daily dose of fresh dates. Arabic coffee is a must-try, too, served in tiny cups. And if you're looking for some fresh bread to go with all the other goodies, there are plenty of bakeries to choose from.
In a nutshell, these activities in Makkah after Umrah help pilgrims relax, reflect, and make better use of their time.
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About Author
Amelia has a great eye for photography. She has traveled to over 30 countries and has produced great videography and photos, along with penning them down with her writing skills. She has also worked with many top travel photographers.