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Makkah Ziyarat Guide: All the Holy and Historic Places to Visit

After you finish your Umrah, your heart often wants to see more of the land where Islam began. Makkah is full of places linked to the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family and his companions. Visiting them, often called ziyarat, is not part of the rites of Umrah or Hajj, but many pilgrims find it deeply moving to stand where the revelation began, where the Hijrah started and where Hajj is performed.

This guide brings every Makkah ziyarat place together in one page, grouped by type, with a link to a full guide for each one. You will also find the most popular places, a suggested tour route, optional miqat stops for an extra Umrah, and how a private Zikr Cabs car can take your family around at your own pace.

Before you start: a few honest reminders

Ziyarat is a beautiful way to learn, reflect and make du’a, but it is good to keep the right intention. Scholars remind us that there is no special reward promised for touching rocks, collecting soil or performing special prayers at most of these sites. Visit to remember, learn and thank Allah, and keep your Umrah and your prayers in Masjid al-Haram as your first priority.

  • Most families start a tour right after Fajr, when it is cooler and the roads are quieter. A typical tour takes 3–4 hours by car, and longer if you climb a mountain.
  • Carry water, a cap or umbrella and comfortable shoes.
  • Keep your ID and the Nusuk app with you, as some areas have checkpoints, especially near the Hajj season.
  • Elderly family members can stay in the car at some stops; a private car makes this easy.
  • Some sites are closed or can only be seen from outside. Please respect local rules.

Most popular Makkah ziyarat places

Makkah ziyarat places by type

Inside the Haram

Your most important visits are inside Masjid al-Haram itself: the Kaaba, the Black Stone (read our guide to Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone): History, Meaning & Etiquette), Maqam Ibrahim, the hills of Safa and Marwah and the well of Zamzam. These are part of your worship rather than ziyarat trips, and no car is needed.

Mountains and caves

Hajj sites

Access to Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat is restricted around the Hajj season. Outside it, your driver can take you through all three.

Mosques

Cemeteries

  • Jannat al-Mu’alla: the historic cemetery of Makkah. Greet the people of the graves and make du’a, as the Prophet ﷺ taught.

Other places

  • Taif Ziyarat: a cool mountain day trip about 90 km away.
  • Masjid al-Hudaybiyyah (al-Shumaisi), near where the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was agreed.
  • The Prophet’s Birthplace (Makkah Library): now a library building near the Haram, viewed from outside.
  • The Kiswa factory and the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques’ Architecture; visits may need arranging in advance.
  • The Clock Tower Museum in the Abraj Al-Bait towers.

Suggested Makkah ziyarat tour route (3–4 hours)

  1. After Fajr: pickup from your hotel near the Haram.
  2. Jabal al-Nour & Ghar Hira (view, or start the climb).
  3. Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr (view from below).
  4. Arafat & Jabal al-Rahmah and Masjid Nimrah.
  5. Muzdalifah, then Mina and Masjid al-Khayf by car.
  6. Jannat al-Mu’alla and Masjid al-Jinn on the way back.
  7. Optional: Masjid Aisha (Tan’eem) for ihram, then back to the Haram for Umrah.

With a private car you choose the order, the pace and the stops. You can pause for prayer, let the elderly rest, or skip a place if the children are tired.

Optional miqat stops for an extra Umrah

  • Masjid Aisha (Tan’eem): the closest point outside the Haram, about 7–8 km. A Masjid Aisha (Miqat) round trip starts from SAR 120 for a sedan, and our Makkah Mazarat with Masjid Aisha tour from SAR 200.
  • Masjid Ji’ranah: where the Prophet ﷺ entered ihram after Hunayn, about 25 km away. A Masjid Al-Ji’ranah (Miqat) round trip starts from SAR 140, and the Makkah Mazarat with Masjid Jurana tour from SAR 250. See also Hunayn and Masjid al-Ji’ranah.
  • Qarn al-Manazil (al-Sayl al-Kabir), near Taif: for pilgrims returning to Makkah from a Taif Ziyarat who intend Umrah.

For the rulings in detail, read Miqat for Umrah: Masjid Aisha and the 5 Miqat Points and Ihram Guide for Men and Women: Rules Made Simple.

Bus tour or private taxi?

Group buses are cheap, but they often rush and you wait for many other people. A private taxi costs more per car, but your whole family shares it and it waits for you. For larger groups, a GMC Yukon, Hyundai H1/Staria or Toyota Hiace keeps everyone together. The Zikr Cabs Makkah Ziyarat taxi tour starts from SAR 200 for a sedan, and all vehicles and prices are on our routes page. * Rates exclude VAT.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a Makkah ziyarat tour take?

Most private tours take 3–4 hours by car. Add 2–4 hours if you want to climb Jabal al-Nour or Jabal Thawr.

Is ziyarat part of Umrah?

No. Ziyarat is optional. The Umrah rites are ihram, tawaf, sa’i and cutting the hair.

What is the best time for a Makkah ziyarat tour?

Early morning after Fajr, when it is cooler and quieter.

Can women and elderly people join?

Yes. Many sites can be seen from the car, so tired family members can rest while others step out.

Can I put on ihram during the tour?

Yes. Many families add Masjid Aisha (Tan’eem) to enter ihram for another Umrah.

How much is a Makkah ziyarat taxi?

The Zikr Cabs Makkah ziyarat starts from SAR 200 for a sedan, per vehicle. Rates exclude VAT.

Related guides

Sources and further reading

General information for pilgrims. Religious rulings can differ between schools of thought; please ask a qualified scholar. Official rules change often; check Nusuk before you travel.

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