24-hour Itinerary in Makkah

 One Day in Makkah: Where every stop has a meaning

Makkah is not just a city; it’s a spiritual heaven for billions of Muslims around the world. This city is home to the Kaaba and the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, where visitor gets to experience peace, historical richness, and top hospitality. Planning a 24-hour itinerary can be a bit of a challenge for new visitors. That’s why we have curated a perfect guide, which is filled with culture, food, religion, and all the fun things to do in Makkah!

If you are Muslim, what better way is there to start your day than with the morning Fajr prayer at Masjid Al Haram? Arrive early and find your spot in the haram, where Quran recitation is the first thing you hear. After praying the salah with thousands of other Muslim brothers, take a moment to do Tawaf around the Kaaba seven times, a beautiful practice filled with peace and spirituality. Once the tawaf is done, don’t forget to sip the Zam Zam water, available in the Haram coolers; it’s a refreshing way to start the day before having breakfast and a reminder of Allah's mercy.

Although Makkah is a city rooted in rich history, its breakfast options are as modern as those in any other city. So, no matter what your perfect breakfast looks like, Makkah has it all sorted.

If you like a traditional breakfast, Foul Tayba is the top option we would recommend. The restaurant offers a variety of meals, which consist of rice seasoned with strong Arabic spices, juicy pieces of meat, and various fried nuts that are used as garnishing. Customers who arrive early in the morning for breakfast can enjoy menu options like beans, fattah, Hummus, and falafel.

If you prefer Western options, head to Tim Hortons in the Abraj Al Bait Mall, offering a wide range of Halal, vegetarian, and healthy options.

Start the tour by visiting the popular exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques, which offers a peek into the interesting and profound history of Masjid Al Haram and Masjid e Nabawi in Madinah. Visitors can see old minibar design, old calligraphy, replicas of Kaaba doors, and models of old mosque layouts. This exhibition gives a deeper understanding and insight into Islamic heritage. Entry is free and is usually less crowded in the morning.

After exploring the exhibition, go and enjoy the sky view of Makkah city by visiting the Abraj Al Bait Tower, a magnificent piece of architecture with an observation deck on the top floor allowing visitors to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. Visitors can also explore a luxurious shopping mall in the tower with all the high-end brands and a variety of national and International restaurants.  

They say the best way to know a city is to explore its local markets. The Souq Al Khalil in Makkah is a very famous local market, which sells everything from garments, perfumes to dates, and spices. Visitors can experience bargaining with the vendors and get high-quality crafts, souvenirs, books, dates, and textiles at cheaper rates. The market is located close to haram, making it convenient for the visitors to explore without covering much distance.

For lunch, try the popular Arab rice dish kabsa, which is topped with soft, juicy meat and a mixture of spices. Many restaurants in the city provide this dish, but establishments like Kabsa Hashi Makkah and Al Romanish are well-known for their distinctive taste and best services. Furthermore, you can also try falafel or shawarma, which are available at several street-side stands, if you prefer something lighter. In case if you are traveling with your family or have a large appetite in general, Mandi is also a great option, which is a rice dish prepared in a deep oven. Lastly, make sure to end your meal with a small cup of Arabic coffee.
While enjoying your meal, please make sure to respect the Arab eating customs. Sharing food is a sign of friendliness in Saudi Arabia, where it is obligatory to eat with your right hand.

The sunset at the courtyard of Masjid al haram is hands down one of the most beautiful experiences one can have before ending their trip in Makkah. When the golden rays of the sun fall upon the Kaaba, the surroundings turn heavenly, creating a moment for gratitude. After the sun sets, perform the short Maghrib prayer in the haram, make time to recite the holy Quran, or send salawaat for maximum blessings.

Dress Modestly: As Makkah is a Muslim city with religious significance, it's important for the visitors to dress properly, appropriate to the culture.

 Maintain Silence at Holy Places: In the holy places or other important Makkah attractions, make sure not to create any unnecessary disturbance and noises that can negatively affect the pilgrims or people devoted to prayers.

 Interaction with Locals: Learn to say basic greeting words like SALAM when interacting with locals, as a sign of respect and fostering goodwill.

For your stay, make sure to book a room at Anjum Makkah Hotel — a top-rated choice for comfort, convenience, and stunning views near Masjid Al Haram.