On vacation in Saudi Arabia? Whether you’re just passing through or staying for a few days, here are the areas where you can stay in Mecca.
According to Islamic tradition, Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. For Muslims the world over, Mecca is the holiest of holy cities. Every year, thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage across Saudi Arabia. For Muslims, it’s a must-do trip, as it’s one of the Five Pillars of Islam. To accommodate the ever-increasing numbers of pilgrims, Mecca has developed an extensive infrastructure. In addition to religious monuments, there are hotels and apartments to suit all budgets. To find the accommodation that’s right for you, check out our guide to Mecca’s accommodation districts.
Al Haram
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If you’re looking for a place to stay in Mecca, Al Haram is the place to go. This is where you’ll find the Al-Harâm Mosque, or to be more precise, the sacred mosque to which Muslims turn during their prayers.
At its center is the Kaaba, Islam’s greatest sanctuary. Kaaba Square can accommodate over three million worshippers every day. The Kaaba is of particular importance to Muslims the world over, as it houses the Black Stone. Indeed, during their pilgrimage, believers must perform a number of circumambulations (also known as tawafs). Among these tawafs, they must touch the famous black stone so that it can absorb their sins.
By staying at Al Haram during your stay in Mecca, you’ll be in the heart of Islam’s holiest place of prayer.
Find a hotel in Al Haram
Find an Airbnb in Al Haram
Arafat
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During the pilgrimage (the Hajj), Muslims must perform several circumambulations around the Kaaba and the Great Mosque. One of these is the prayer at Abraham’s Station. This station is actually the hill of Arafat, some 20 km from Mecca. Staying in Mecca on Arafat Hill allows you to take full part in this religious rite.
According to Muslim tradition, it was here that Mohammed bid farewell to the Muslims who accompanied him on the hajj. During the pilgrimage, hundreds of white tents welcome the faithful who come to spend the night in Arafat. To fully perform the tawaf, Muslims must pray standing at the top of the hill from midday to midnight, just as Mohammed did before them.
Find a hotel in Arafat
Find an Airbnb in Arafat
Mina
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Another stage of the pilgrimage is the Feast of Sacrifice, which takes place in Mina on the 10th of the last Muslim month. If you’re lucky enough to make the Hajj at this time, you’ll know where to stay in Mecca. Mina is just five kilometers from the Haram and can be reached by metro.
The Feast of Sacrifice is located at the western entrance to the city, at the Djamarat bridge. More precisely, it’s the ritual of stoning Satan’s steles. This ritual takes place between sunrise and sunset on the last day of the pilgrimage. On this occasion, the faithful must throw seven stones at the three concrete blocks in Mina. The aim is to chase away Satan, who is said to have appeared here three times. The concrete blocks then represent Satan.
Find a hotel in Mina
Find an Airbnb in Mina
Al Aziziya
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Al Aziziya is a more out-of-the-way district, allowing you to stay in Mecca on a more modest budget. Although further from the Great Mosque, Al Aziziya is still part of the sacred area of Mecca. As such, a prayer performed here is worth 100,000.
In addition to the Al Haram Mosque, Al Aziziya is close to Mina and the Steles of Satan. This district is therefore at the center of many of the essential stages of the pilgrimage to Mecca.
And if you’d like to bring back a few souvenirs from your trip to the holy city, there are plenty of shopping centers in Al Aziziya. You’ll find a wide variety of stores selling food, clothing, cosmetics and electronics.
Find a hotel in Al Aziziya
Find an Airbnb in Al Aziziya
Jeddah
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The last place to stay in Mecca is Jeddah. Located an hour from the holy city, Jeddah lies on the shores of the Red Sea. It’s an excellent way to relax after several days of pilgrimage.
Every year, the city welcomes thousands of tourists who come to enjoy the many things to do in Jeddah. The most popular is the King Fahd Fountain. This is the world’s highest water fountain. Depending on the strength of the wind, it can rise up to 312 meters. The best way to see the power of the fountain is after dark. Thanks to a light show, you’ll witness a dazzling spectacle.
Jeddah also boasts an amusement park with roller coasters and water activities to satisfy young and old alike.
Find a hotel in Jeddah
Find an Airbnb in Jeddah
Enjoy your stay in Mecca.