Many visitors finish Umrah and ask the same question: what else is there to see? The best ziyarat places in Makkah are historic sites, mountains and open plains linked to the early Muslim community and to Hajj. This guide explains each one in plain words, where it is, and how long to allow, so you can decide which to visit.
It describes the places. It does not give religious rulings. For anything about how to behave at a site, ask your group leader or a scholar.
How a ziyarat visit works
Ziyarat means visiting. In Makkah it usually means a few hours by road to a set of sites around the city. Most are outside the Haram district, so a vehicle is the practical way to see them.
Our Makkah ziyarat comes in two tiers, both from your hotel with the driver waiting at each stop: a 2 hour tour from SAR 200 and a 4 hour full ziyarat, with more places and longer stops, from SAR 300, both for the whole vehicle in a Camry or Sonata. See Makkah ziyarat taxi for all vehicle fares. If you want longer, the hourly rate applies after the booked time, and the driver tells you before it starts.
The main places
Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira
Jabal al-Nour, the Mountain of Light, rises on the edge of Makkah. Near the top is the Cave of Hira, where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, received the first revelation of the Quran.
- Where: north east of the Haram, a short drive from the centre.
- Time: from the foot of the mountain, the climb to the cave is steep. The National has described it as taking up to two hours depending on fitness, heat and crowds. Many visitors look from the roadside instead.
- Tip: go early or late. Wear sturdy shoes.
Our tour views Jabal al-Nour and the cave from the roadside. See Jabal al-Nour.
Jabal Thawr
Jabal Thawr lies south of Makkah. Its cave is linked to the Hijrah. Accounts say the Prophet and Abu Bakr hid there for three nights while the Quraysh searched for them, before travelling to Madinah.
- Where: south of the city centre.
See Jabal Thawr.
Arafat
Arafat is a wide plain east of Makkah. It is where pilgrims stand on the Day of Arafah during Hajj. Jabal al-Rahmah, the Mount of Mercy, rises from the plain and is linked to the Prophet’s Farewell Sermon.
- Where: about 20 to 23 km east of Makkah, depending on the source.
- Time: 20 to 30 minutes for a stop.
- Tip: the ground is uneven at Jabal Rahmah and there is little shade.
See Arafat.
Mina
Mina is a valley between Makkah and Muzdalifah, known as the city of tents. During Hajj, pilgrims stay here and perform the stoning rite at the Jamarat.
Ask before you plan a stop.
See Mina.
Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah is an open area between Arafat and Mina. During Hajj pilgrims spend the night here after Arafat and collect pebbles for the stoning rite. It is mostly a plain with few buildings, so a visit is short.
See Muzdalifah.
Jannat al-Mualla
Jannat al-Mualla is the historic cemetery of Makkah, near the Haram. Visitors often stop here on the way back from Jabal al-Nour.
See Jannat al-Mualla.
Masjid Aisha and Ji’ranah
Two more places that visitors ask about are Masjid Aisha (Tan’eem) and Ji’ranah (Ju’ranah), both used by people who need a miqat to enter ihram again for another Umrah. They are priced as their own trips, with the wait included. See Masjid Aisha taxi and Makkah to Ji’ranah taxi.
More places in and around Makkah
The Makkah ziyarat now has a two hour and a four hour tier. Read the guides for the Kiswa factory, Taif ziyarat places and Badr. The sections on Masjid Namirah, Masjid al-Khayf, the Jamarat, Masjid al-Mashar al-Haram, the Hira Cultural District and Masjid al-Jinn are on the Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah, Jabal al-Nour and Jannat al-Mualla pages.
Putting a day together
A simple plan for the best ziyarat places in Makkah, in the order a driver would take them to avoid doubling back:
- Start after Fajr, or late afternoon, to avoid the heat.
- Jabal al-Nour from the roadside, then Jannat al-Mualla if you wish.
- Jabal Thawr.
- Mina, then Muzdalifah, then Arafat, in the direction the road runs.
- Return to the hotel in time for the next prayer.
This fits the 2 hour tour with short stops. If you want to climb, walk or pray at any site, book the 4 hour full ziyarat.
Visiting with respect
These are places of history and faith, and some are also holy sites for Hajj rites. Keep a few simple points in mind.
- Keep your voice low and your behaviour calm, especially at graves and caves.
- Do not climb where it is unsafe, and follow the signs and the guards.
- Do not treat a visit as a ritual you must perform. Ask a scholar what is right.
- Do not leave rubbish. Carry it back to the vehicle.
- Ask before you take pictures of other people.
When to go
Makkah is hot for much of the year. Early morning after Fajr and late afternoon are the most comfortable. The mountains have little shade, so midday visits are hard, especially for older travellers and children.
Hajj season changes everything near Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat, and access to those areas is controlled.
Practical points
- Heat. Carry water. Most sites have little shade.
- Dress. Wear comfortable shoes and modest, light clothing.
- Older travellers. Choose the roadside views, and read Umrah transport with elderly parents.
- Groups. Ask for the right vehicle. See choosing a vehicle for your group.
If your trip also includes Madinah, see Madinah ziyarat places.
Questions people ask
Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira, Jabal Thawr, Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah and Jannat al-Mualla. Many visitors also ask about Masjid Aisha and Ji’ranah.
Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira are the most visited, because of their link to the first revelation.
Sources count differently, from about six main sites to fifteen or twenty commonly visited ones. This guide covers the ones on our tour.
About two hours on the 2 hour tour, or about four hours on the full ziyarat. Climbing the mountains takes longer.
In a Camry or Sonata, for the whole vehicle: SAR 200 for the 2 hour tour and SAR 300 for the 4 hour full ziyarat. See routes and prices.
Visiting these places is separate from the rites of Umrah. Ask a scholar how you should approach each visit.
Still have a question?
Ask on WhatsApp in Arabic, English or Urdu, at any hour.
Book a Makkah ziyarat
Tell us your hotel, the date and how many of you are going, and we send the fare in writing. WhatsApp us, or use the booking page. Also see the ziyarat and tours hub.
Sources
- The National, 2 May 2026, five historic places to visit in Makkah beyond Hajj and Umrah (Cave of Hira climb time): thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2026/05/02/from-cave-hira-to-holy-quran-museum-five-historic-places-to-visit-in-makkah-beyond-hajj-and-umrah/
- Accor Makkah and Madinah guide, Jabal Al Nour: makkah-madinah.accor.com/makkah-madinah-guide/places-to-visit/jabal-al-nour/
- Saudipedia, Arafat Ritual Site (about 22 km east of Makkah): https://saudipedia.com/en/article/453/religion/hajj-and-umrah/arafat-ritual-site
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Arafah (about 23 km from the Grand Mosque): https://haj.gov.sa/en/Hajj/Arafah
- Umrah Online Taxi ziyarat tour route, time and fares: Makkah ziyarat taxi
