Have a spiritual weekend and more.

A visit to Makkah is a lifelong yearning for many. After all it is in the center of the city where you’ll find the holiest place in Islam – Masjid Al Haram. Once you have visited Masjid Al Haram and offered your prayers there you may want to explore the holy city that’s awash with historical landmarks and great food.

After completing your Umrah, here are some things you can do in Makkah

Day 1

Makkah Itinerary

• Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques

The entry to this exhibition that mainly houses relics from the two holy mosques of Makkah and Medina is free. On display are rare manuscripts of the Quran, the Kiswa (cloth) of the Kaaba and a range of artifacts unearthed during excavation and expansion works carried in and around the two holy mosques.

Location: Old Makkah Jeddah Rd, Al Hamra Umm Al Jud, Makkah
Tel: +966-12-5602188

• Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque

The sprawling Aisha Al Rajhi mosque is among the biggest mosques in the country with a total capacity of about 48,000 worshippers. Completed in 2013, the mosque is a potpourri of architectural styles from across the Muslim world.

Location: Ibrahim Al Khalil Rd, Al Naseem, Makkah

• Al Saggaf Palace

Though currently not open for tourists, the Al Saggaf Palace serves as a great insight into Makkah’s vivid past – from a time before the oil boom. It was built by a merchant who hailed from an eminent trading family of the city before eventually being bought by King Abdulaziz, the founder of the kingdom, who made several additions to the palace and even received foreign dignitaries here.

Location: Al Jummayzah, Makkah

Restaurants

• Afandim

Afandim is one of the most popular fine dining restaurants in Makkah. The scrumptious Iskender Kebabs and sizzling meat Tajines are luxurious hits. You might want to mop them down with bread that’s drenched in the fat and juices from the grill.

Location: Al Hujoon St, Al Diyafah, Makkah
Tel: +966-12-5456664
Instagram: afandim_makkah

• Route 66

If you’re’ craving an all American fare then this homegrown restaurant chain that serves everything American from fluffy pancakes and toothsome fajitas to juicy burgers and meaty steaks is just the place you should be heading to. The vibe is a take on symbolic American highway motels with some seating arrangements located inside replicas of vintage American muscle cars.

Location: Al Hijaz Mall, Makkah – Jeddah Highway, Makkah
Mob: +966-565672182
Instagram: route66b

• Mutabaq Abdullah Al Sindi

This hole-in-the-wall restaurant specializes in Mutabaq, a type of stuffed pan-fried bread. The restaurant has been serving Mutabaq for decades now and is arguably one of the best places in Makkah to try this quintessential Saudi street food item.

Location: Al Masjid Al Haram Rd, Al Jummayzah, Makkah

Take A Train Between Makkah to Medina

Day 2

Medina Itinerary

Welcome to Medina! Here’s how you can wander in the City of Enlightenment.

• Masjid An Nabawi

Known for its immense significance in Islam along with the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the mosque is a signature of the Muslim community.

Location: Al Haram, Medina

• Qiba Square

Along with the food stalls and kids playing on the street, Qiba Square is the place to rejoice with the community and connect with the cultural drift.

Location: Qiba Rd, Al Mughaisilah, Medina

• Uhud Mountain

Near the Jabal Uhud garden, Uhud Mountain offers a truly historical experience with a view.

Location: Jabal Auhud, Medina

Did you Know?
Over the years, Wadi Al Jinn has drawn attention from endless visitors due to a creepy phenomenon where cars move inexplicably.

Day 3

• King Fahd Central Park

King Fahd central park emanates old Medina vibes. Along with a theater area and a vast area to play, kids will adore this place.

• Dar Al Medina Museum

Dar Al Medina is the most visited museum in Medina, helping pilgrims and travelers understand the history and structure of the city.

• City Sightseeing on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

An affordable tour bus providing a 30 minute journey to the city’s main attractions. An excellent way to socialize, take pictures, and learn about this historical city.

EATERIES

Medina is well known for its diverse culinary options influenced by centuries of pilgrims and visitors sharing their culture through taste.

• Agate
  A modern eatery that offers a wide variety of food, both local and international.
  Instagram: agate.8

• Anast
  The best ice cream option offering a range of flavors.
  Instagram: anast.ksa

• Porch Restaurant & Café
  An elegant option for coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.
  Instagram: theporch_med

Souvenir Hunting

Taiba Commercial Center: Close to Masjid An Nabawi, this sprawling plaza has lots of souvenirs that visitors often purchase.

• I Love Medina
  This outlet has fine items with ‘I Love Medina’ written on them, memorable souvenirs that depict your love for Medina.
  Instagram: ilovemadiah_giftat