After you finish your Umrah in Makkah, there are many beautiful and special places you can visit. You can also go to see the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) received the first revelation, and Mount Arafat, the place where pilgrims stand during Hajj. There is also Mina, Masjid Jin, As-Shajarah Mosque, Hudaibiyyah Mosque, and Masjid Aisha.
To learn and gain history, you can visit the Mecca Museum and also visit the Jannat al-Mu'alla Cemetery, where the relatives and friends of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are buried. On the modern side, you cannot miss the Makkah Clock Tower, always shining above the city, and also the Makkah Mall, where you see the busy life of local people.
These eleven places together make a complete Makkah journey — from the old times of the Prophet (PBUH) to the modern life of today. Whether you are traveling from any city in the U.S, you will feel both the spiritual history and the comfort of the present day in Islam’s holiest city.
Why Religious Places to Visit in Mecca?
For Muslims all over the world, Mecca is not just a city, it is the center of faith, the center of the universal spirit. But for many people coming from America or other Western countries, it may come as a surprise — there is much more to Mecca than the rituals of Umrah and Hajj. The streets, the mountains, the mosques — they are filled with stories from the Prophet Muhammad’s life, from the Quran, and from the early history of Islam.
Although the Grand Mosque of Mecca is a jewel, but the surrounding valleys, hills, old cemeteries and mosques, they show you a bigger picture of the sacred city of Makkah.
With this in mind, now we look at the 11 best places to visit in Makkah after your Umrah journey.
1. Cave of Hira (Jabal al-Nour)
The Cave of Hira is a small cave on the Mount of Light (Jabal al-Nour) where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) first met the angel Gabriel and received the first verses of the Quran. This place is very sacred to Muslims, many people feel deep emotions when they visit it.
The climb is not easy — around 1,700 stone steps, and it can take one hour, sometimes two or even three if going slowly. The mountain is about 640 meters above sea, and from the top you see all the holy city of Makkah and the Sacred Mosque shining below.
For many pilgrims, going up is not only an exercise but also a symbol of struggle to reach truth.
Location: The Cave of Hira is situated on Jabal al-Nour, a mountain north of Makkah.
Best time: The best time to climb a mountain is early in the morning or in the evening when the heat is lower than during the day.
Travel tip (especially for those coming from the USA): There are no modern amenities, no toilets, no shops, and no shade. If you go at night, bring water, sturdy shoes, and a small flashlight.
2. Mount Arafat (Jabal al-Rahma - Mount of Mercy)
About 12 miles east of Mecca stands Mount Arafat, not very high, only about 70 meters, but very important to our faith. Here in 632 AD, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his farewell sermon. He spoke of justice, equality and brotherhood - words that are still strongly alive in Islam today.
Every year, millions of Muslims gather in the plain around this mountain during the Hajj. Imagine an entire American city like Houston or Chicago, all standing together in prayer, that's what Arafat feels like. You can also feel this unique ambience by planning your Hajj 2026 from USA.
Standing in Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the heart of the Hajj. Without it, the Hajj is not complete. Pilgrims spend the day here praying, seeking forgiveness, and remembering Allah. Saudi authorities have set up water, mist spray and medical tents to help pilgrims in the heat.
Even outside of Hajj, a visit to this place reminds Muslims of unity, mercy, and that we are all equal in the eyes of Allah.
Location: It is located on the southeast of Mecca.
3. Mina - The City of Tents
Just 5 miles from Mecca, Mina becomes a giant tent city during Hajj. Everywhere you look, thousands and thousands of white tents, all in rows. The tents are air-conditioned and fireproof, and during Hajj they host about three million people - like the whole of Los Angeles living in tents for a few days.
In Mina, pilgrims stone Satan, throwing pebbles at the Jamarat. This is a symbol of rejecting evil and keeping faith strong. The Saudis built a huge multi-level bridge so that millions of people can perform the ritual with greater safety.
Amenities are everywhere — toilets, kitchens, clinics, cooling systems — because many nations all over the world gather here.
Outside of Hajj, Mina is empty and quiet, but it is still special to see, imagining how it fills with life during Hajj.
Location: A valley in the Masha'er district, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia.
4. Masjid al-Jinn (Masjid al-Bay’at)
This is a small mosque, very plain, but with a big story. It stands near Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery in Makkah. Here, a group of jinn listened to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he recited Qur’an, and they accepted Islam. This event is even written in the Qur'an, Surah al-Jinn.
The mosque is also called Masjid al-Bay’at, and it is one of the oldest mosques in Makkah. Many pilgrims like to ziyarah, because it reminds them that the Qur'an is not only for humans, but also for other creations of Allah.
The building is not large, not beautiful in design, just white walls. But because of its story, it shines in people.
Location: It is near Jannat Al Mualla Cemetery in Mecca.
5. As-Shajarah Mosque (Tree Mosque)
This mosque remembers one miracle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is said that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once called to a tree, and by Allah’s will, the tree moved from the ground and came to him. For Muslims, this is a reminder that the Prophet was close not only with people, but with all creation of Allah.
Location: In the Shi'b 'Aamir neighborhood, close to the historic Masjid al-Jinn in Mecca.
6. Hudaibiyah Mosque (Bay’ al-Ridwan)
Around 15 miles from Masjid al-Haram is Hudaibiyah Mosque. Here in the year 628, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quraysh tribe made the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. This agreement gave Muslims chance to return and perform Umrah next year. Many say it was a turning point in Islamic history.
For Muslims from America, you can imagine it like Independence Hall in Philadelphia — a place where one agreement changed the future of the whole community.
Location: Al-Shumaisi, near Makkah on the old Jeddah Road in Saudi Arabia
7. Masjid Aisha (Masjid Taneem)
This mosque is named after the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). It is very special, especially for female pilgrims.
It is located in an area called Taneem, just 5 miles from the Grand Mosque. Many pilgrims come here to make their intention for Umrah and enter Ihram. Locals also use it when they want to perform Umrah again.
That is why Masjid Aisha is one of the most visited mosques in Mecca after Masjid Al-Haram, with thousands of people visiting every day.
● Location: Taneem District, Makkah
8. Makkah Museum (Al-Zahir Palace Museum)
This museum is a good stop if you want to learn more about Islam and the history of Makkah. It houses Quranic manuscripts, old coins, pottery, calligraphy, and many other artifacts from the Hijaz region. There are over 100,000 items here.
The museum is housed in Al-Zahir Palace, a two-story building with gardens, designed in a mix of traditional and modern styles.
Open: Its opening and closing times are from nine to four o'clock and if we talk about its ticket, it is about one hundred and fifty SAR, which is about $42 USD. But the price does not necessarily always remain the same, there are always more and more discrepancies.
Location: Az Zahir District, Makkah
9. Jannat Al-Mu'alla Cemetery
This is one of the oldest Islamic cemeteries in Makkah. Many of the family members of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are buried here.
Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her): The first wife of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and the first person to convert to Islam.
Abdul Mutalib: The Prophet's grandfather, who took care of him in his childhood.
As well as other companions and relatives.
There are no monuments here now, only small piles of stones that mark the graves, but this place still feels very close to the heart. Many pilgrims come with respect and prayers, remembering these great people. But visitors should behave respectfully, and photos are generally not allowed.
Location: North of the Grand Mosque near Masjid Al Jinn
10. Mecca Clock Tower (Abraj Al-Bait Towers)
Standing right next to the Grand Mosque is the famous Mecca Clock Tower. It is huge, rather one of the tallest buildings in the world, taller than the Empire State Building in New York. From a far, you can see its giant clock faces - each larger than a basketball court, shining over the city, visible even 15-20 miles away.
On the upper floors is the Islamic Museum of Astronomy, which shows how Muslims long ago used the stars and moon to know prayer times and navigate the desert. Inside the tower you will find hotels, shops, restaurants, even apartments - because every year millions of pilgrims come to Mecca. The hotels at Mecca Clock Tower have a 5-Star ratng and offer Haram views. So, if you want to stay at one of the hotels that are located on Mecca Clock Tower, planning a 5-Star Umrah with any reliable tour operator csan be helpful.
For many Muslims, the minaret is symbolic - below is the Kaaba, connecting us to 1,400 years of history, and above is the clock, showing the future of Islam in the modern world.
Location: Adjacent to the Great Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), which houses the Kaaba.
11. Makkah Mall
If you want a short break from the pilgrimage and want to see the daily life of Saudis, Makkah Mall is a good place to go. Families, children, and teenagers enjoy it.
There are many shops inside, ranging from global brands like Zara, H&M, and Nike to local stores selling abayas, prayer rugs, and Islamic clothing. The food court is also a mix — American fast food like McDonald’s and Starbucks, and shawarma, falafel, and Arabic sweets.
There are also play zones and entertainment corners for kids, so parents can relax while they play. Sometimes there are special events inside.
For American Muslims, it may feel a little familiar, like a big shopping mall at home, but with an Islamic atmosphere all around.
Open: Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday: 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Entry is free.
Location: King Abdullah Rd, Al Jamiah, Makkah 24246, Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts
For Muslims from the U.S, a trip to Mecca is not just about performing Umrah. It is also about experiencing the city, where ancient history, deep faith, and modern life all coexist.
From the Grand Mosque with its timeless holiness, to the grand Clock Tower looking to the future, every step here strengthens your heart in faith and connects you with Muslims around the world.
Maybe you climb the Cave of Hira, visit Jannat Al Mualla, or take your family for a little shopping at the Makkah Mall — all these moments make your trip special, a combination of devotion and discovery.