Best Cities: Makkah

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

For any Muslim, there's one destination that stands above all others — Makkah (Mecca). This sacred city isn't just the heart of Islam; it's a place where faith, history, and culture blend seamlessly. Whether you're going for Umrah or Hajj, Makkah offers a truly unforgettable experience for the entire family. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything a Muslim family traveler needs to know — from the historical roots of the city and its religious landmarks to the best spots for local food, family-friendly markets, and unique cultural highlights.

A City Rooted in Divine History

Makkah’s story is as old as Islam itself — actually, even older. Some scholars say it was Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Ismail (peace be upon him) who built the Kaaba upon Allah’s command, while others have the opinion that is was built by Adam(peace be upon him) first and partially destroyed by the flood during the time of Nuh(peace be upon him) and then rebuilt. This sacred structure would later become the focal point of Islamic prayer and pilgrimage.

The significance of Makkah was sealed when our beloved Prophet(peace be upon him) was born here in 570 CE. It’s the city where the first revelations of the Quran were received and the birthplace of the Islamic movement. This powerful spiritual legacy continues to draw millions of Muslims every year, all yearning to walk in the footsteps of the Prophets(peace be upon them).

For Muslim families, it’s an amazing opportunity to teach kids about their faith in a real-world, immersive way. You just need to take some time to soak it in, and I would advise carrying some historic material for you and your family to read daily, specifically about this blessed city, as that would give you all a deeper feeling and understanding of the path you are walking. I also strongly advise to learn about the rituals before going on your journey. There are many great resources out there which will give you an in-depth appreciation for where you're going.

Why Every Muslim Comes Here First

Let’s be real — no trip to Saudi Arabia (or anywhere, for that matter) tops a visit to the Masjid al-Haram, home to the Kaaba, the direction of our prayers. Performing Umrah or Hajj is the main reason Muslims visit Makkah, and both rituals are profoundly transformative experiences.

Even for families not performing Hajj, coming for Umrah offers a more relaxed, less crowded way to introduce children to the rituals of Islam — from donning the ihram, making tawaf, to drinking Zamzam water and walking between Safa and Marwah.

Pro Tip for Families: Try to go during the off-peak seasons (like before Ramadan, early fall, or right after Eid days) when crowds are more manageable. It’ll make it easier to perform rituals and navigate the city with kids or elders. There isn't any time when this blessed city is quiet, but this will give you some breathing room.

The Haram — The Spiritual Center of the World

At the heart of Makkah is the Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world and home to the Kaaba. This mosque isn’t just massive; it’s also beautifully maintained with air conditioning, organized prayer spaces, elevators for wheelchairs and strollers, and multilingual signs to help visitors from all backgrounds.

Family-Friendly Features:

Separate prayer areas for women with added privacy and security.

Wheelchair rental services and smooth floors for accessibility.

Golf carts are available for young children and mothers, or the elderly.

Designated family zones in some areas, ideal for parents with small children.

Lost and found sections for personal items lost, and even for children if they get separated from you

Plenty of Zamzam water stations(try to drink as much as you can while you are there).

Just being in the Haram, hearing the adhan echo through the air, and watching people pray together from every corner of the world is enough to give goosebumps. It’s an experience that stays with you for life.

The Library of the Haram: A Hidden Gem of Knowledge

Tucked away near Gate 93 on the western side of Masjid al-Haram is one of Makkah’s lesser-known treasures — the Library of the Haram (Maktabat al-Haram al-Makki ash-Sharif). While millions visit the Grand Mosque every year, few are aware of this incredible hub of Islamic knowledge nestled within its complex.

Originally established over 1,000 years ago, the library has evolved into a world-class center for Islamic research. It houses over 100,000 books and manuscripts, including rare handwritten Qurans, early tafsir works, and classical texts in Hadith, Fiqh, and Arabic linguistics. For Muslim families, especially those with older children or teens, visiting the library can be a great opportunity to connect with the scholarly tradition of Islam.

Although general public access may be limited and sometimes requires prior permission, just being near this place of preserved knowledge adds a new dimension to your visit. During our visit, it was open and we were able to spend some time there. It’s a powerful reminder that Islam encourages both worship and lifelong learning — and that Makkah has always been a center for both.

Other Important Mosques in Makkah

While the Haram is where you want to spend the majority of your time, several other spiritually significant mosques around the city deserve a visit as they hold significance in our history. I encourage all to take part in tours given by scholars that give you more context and appreciation of this blessed place. For anyone looking for recommendations for these tours, please feel free to contact us.

1. Masjid Aisha (Masjid at-Tan’eem)

Located just outside the boundaries of the Haram, this mosque is where the respected wife of the Prophet(peace be upon him), Aisha (RA), once assumed Ihram. Clean, well-maintained, and accessible, it’s a great spot for families to learn about the rituals of Ihram, and this is generally where locals don their Ihram for Umrah.

2. Masjid al-Jinn

Yes, the name might intrigue the kids! This mosque marks the location where the Prophet(peace be upon him) recited Quran and presented Islam to a group of jinn.

3. Masjid al-Khayf (in Mina)

While mainly used during Hajj, this mosque is where our beloved Prophet(peace be upon him) prayed. It’s massive and has a serene ambiance. If you're visiting during Hajj or shortly after, it's usually open to the public, but even if closed it is worth a visit to see.

Let’s Talk Food

You will find food from all over the globe with so many options, from nice restaurants to street food available at every corner. This all depends on your standards, so do your research ahead of time and find the spots that fit your needs, but two of our favorites were Tazaj Chicken and Al Romansia(please always double-check). Another favorite of ours was the street food, especially the egg and bread stations for breakfast, which is cheap and convenient. We also purchased many things for the hotel from the local supermarkets, like labneh, nuts, and fruits.

Shopping in Makkah — Markets, Malls, and Souks

Shopping in Makkah is a unique blend of traditional and modern. Whether you're looking for Islamic books, abayas, toys for the kids, or souvenirs, you’ll find it all. While we don't recommend wasting too much time shopping, as most of your time should be spent in Al-Haram, it is good to spend a little while there and support the local businesses.

Top Shopping Spots:

Abraj Al Bait Mall – Right next to the Haram, it has everything from high-end brands to prayer mats and snacks.

Al Diyafa Mall – A bit more local, with family-friendly pricing and a food court.

Souk Al-Khalil – A traditional market vibe with plenty of bargaining. Great for souvenirs like misbahas (prayer beads), perfumes, and Islamic clothing.

If you're traveling with kids, look for toy shops and bookstores that sell Islamic coloring books and history books.

Demographics of Makkah — A Global Melting Pot

Makkah is one of the most diverse cities in the world — and not just during Hajj season. People from every corner of the globe live, work, and worship here. The city has large communities of Saudis, Burmese, Indonesians, South Asians, Africans, and Arabs from other countries.

For Muslim family travelers, this means your children will get a real sense of the ummah — a united global Muslim community. It’s beautiful to see people of all colors and cultures dressed differently but praying in unison. A reminder that Islam transcends borders, cultures, and races.

Other Religious Sites Worth Visiting

If you’ve got time between Umrah and rest, Makkah has several other sites that offer a glimpse into Islamic history and deepen the spiritual experience, and I advice short visits to learn and talk to your kids about the history.

1. Jabal al-Nour (Mountain of Light)

This is where our beloved Prophet(peace be upon him) received the first revelation from Angel Jibreel(AS). The hike up to Ghar Hira (Cave of Hira) is steep and not ideal for small children, but just visiting the base and sharing the story can be impactful. There are no specific rituals outside of Hajj at these sites.

2. Jabal al-Thawr

This mountain is where the beloved Prophet(peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during the Hijrah. It’s a more rugged site but packed with historical weight.

3. Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah

While mainly used during Hajj, these sites are worth visiting even outside the pilgrimage season. Mount Arafat especially, is a calm, spiritual place to reflect.

Final Tips for Muslim Families Traveling to Makkah

Pack smart – Bring extra clothes, comfortable walking shoes, prayer mats, snacks, and activities for kids.

Stay hydrated – It gets hot, even in the cooler months. Always have a water bottle handy to fill with ZamZam.

Be patient and flexible – The crowds can get overwhelming. Stick together as a family and have meeting points in case someone gets lost.

Follow the rules and respect everyone there - we all want to be there and there for the same reason.

Makkah isn’t just a destination. It’s a spiritual journey that reshapes your heart, brings your family closer together, and connects you to the essence of your faith. For Muslim families, it’s a chance to walk through the pages of Islamic history, while creating new, unforgettable memories.

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** Disclaimer: We are compensated for some of the links provided in this article if you purchase something, but we only recommend what we have used and found successful or we have done some research to find. This blog should not be used as financial advice and we are not travel agents, we are just letting you know our opinions from real life experience. May Allah bless you and your family on your travels.