Mecca Pictures | Photo Gallery of Mecca

More to see in Mecca

Mecca is a city of pilgrims. Everything here is connected with Muslim culture and religion. So do not expect from a trip to Mecca extreme entertainment or bright visits to nightclubs. Moreover, there are no establishments of this type in the city. The people of Saudi Arabia do not treat parties too well, largely because of the moral ambiguity of such a holiday. So you can forget about the night entertainment, going to Mecca. It is customary to explore the spiritual side of life and read the Quran between visits to Hajj sites here. If you are interested in pilgrimage, you will need a visa to travel here. However, it is worth warning that non-Muslims are not allowed in the city. If pilgrimage is the purpose of your visit to Mecca, it is worth paying attention to the requirements of the Ministry of Hajj to incoming pilgrims. For example, pilgrims who have already been to the city in recent years will not be able to visit Mecca again. The restrictions were imposed because of the constant overcrowding of the streets and regular stampedes, claiming the lives of pilgrims. If you are not a born Muslim, you will have to apply to the mosque for help in obtaining a certificate notarized by the Islamic center. You have to understand that it is not easy to get to Mecca. You can't just enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa. There is no such type of visa for this country. You will definitely need a visa in order to enter the city. This can be a work, student or guest visa in case you … Read further

Chapters of the guide to Mecca

Top hotels with reviews

Elaf Kinda Hotel is open in an incredibly beautiful high-rise building. This relatively small hotel is open not far from the Great Mosque of Mecca. Premium wooden décor, luxurious carpets with intricate patterns, and the abundance of designer decorations – all these make any stay at the hotel an unforgettable one. Both locals and guests of the city like Al Majlis restaurant that is also open at the hotel. Al … Open

Attractions and active leisure

The hotel, which is ready to receive up to a hundred thousand pilgrims a year, is located in the highest building of the city - the Royal Abraj al-Bait Tower. There is also a Moon observation Center, which has many telescopes. You can get here as part of the tour. Of course, the Moon observation Center won't impress keen astronomers too much. This place was created for religious purposes, but not for the sake of … Open

Cuisine and top restaurants

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Traditions and mentality of Mecca

No one sleeps at this time also in Mecca. It is customary to pray and keep the fast regardless of whether Muslims perform Hajj or not. The pilgrims collect seven stones in the valley of Muzdalifah. They return to the camp in the valley of Mina on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Here all seven stones should be thrown into the last of the three pillars, which symbolizes the Devil. It's customary to make sacrifices … Open

Travel guide to Mecca

Traditional souvenir shops offer various fragrant oils and perfumes created on their basis. Female visitors simply cannot resist jewelry in the traditional Arabian style that often comes with precious and semiprecious stones. Beads, headwear in the national style, and special carpets for prayers handmade by local craftsmen are also popular categories of souvenirs. Visit local markets in order to shop for amazing … Open

Mecca for children - what to visit

However, it is unlikely that such a restriction will be accepted at least for the reason that staying of parents with children on the Hajj has been simplified recently in the city. A special kindergarten for pilgrims was opened. It is located in Abraj al-Beit Tower. It is possible to leave the child with specially trained tutors here. Keep in mind that many locals speak little English. So if your child does not … Open

Top sigths of Saudi Arabia

The Great Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, remains of the most famous destination in Mecca. This mosque hosts a priceless religious artifact of all Muslims - the Black Stone. According to a legend, this stone was gifted by God to Adam and Eve as a symbol of forgiveness. The mosque amazes visitors with its size and beautiful design. … Open

Photogallery of Mecca, Saudi Arabia