How to Plan Your Al Madinah: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour in Mecca

Are you planning a trip to Mecca and wondering how you can explore the most iconic attractions of Al Madinah in a short period? One of the best ways to do that is by taking a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of the city. With this tour, you can easily explore the city’s highlights and attractions, including the stunning architecture of the Prophet’s Mosque and the famous battlefields like the Trench and Uhod. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan your Al Madinah: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour in Mecca, including the tour’s experience, highlights, itinerary, and how to book the tour.

The Experience

The Al Madinah: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour of Mecca is a 24-hour tour that includes two routes with 11 stops in total. The tour covers the city’s most significant attractions, and tourists can hop on and off the bus at any of the stops along the route. The iconic open-top double-decker buses allow passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the city while on-board commentary is available in 12 different languages.

The Highlights

Some of the major attractions that the tour covers include:

The Prophet’s Mosque

The Prophet’s Mosque is one of the most iconic and significant places in the Islamic world. The mosque is located in the center of Al Madinah and is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered the second holiest site in Islam after the Kaaba in Mecca. The mosque has undergone several renovations over the years, and its stunning architecture attracts millions of tourists every year.

The Trench and Uhod

The Trench and Uhod are the two most well-known battlefields in Islamic history. The Trench, also known as the Battle of the Confederates, is where the Prophet Muhammad and his companions defended themselves against a confederate force of nine tribes. Uhod is where the Muslims fought against the Meccan army led by Abu Sufyan. Both battles have significant historical importance and are must-visit places for anyone interested in Islamic history.

Al-Noor Mall

Al-Noor Mall is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Al Madinah. The mall has over 300 stores, a cinema, and several restaurants. The mall is located on King Fahd Road, and tourists can hop off the bus and enjoy some shopping and dining before hopping back on the bus to continue their tour.

The Itinerary

The Al Madinah: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour of Mecca includes two routes with 11 stops in total. The Green Route starts at Almasged Alnabwi, where tourists can hop on the bus and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. The route covers the Prophet’s Mosque, Al Baquee Cemetery, Seven Mosques, Quba Mosque, and Al-Noor Mall before returning to the starting point. The Red Route starts at Al Haram Hotel and covers major attractions like the Prophet’s Mosque, Abu Bakr Masjid, Masjid-e-Qiblatain, and Masjid-e-Jummah before returning to the starting point. Tourists can hop off the bus at any of these stops and explore the attractions at their leisure before hopping back on the bus to continue their tour.

How to Book the Tour

To book the Al Madinah: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour in Mecca, visit GetYourGuide.com and search for the tour using the tour name or code (T123578). You can also book the tour via the following link: book the tour here. When booking the tour, you will need to provide your name, email address, and your preferred tour date. You can make payments using a credit card or PayPal.

Book Your Tour Now

The Al Madinah: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour of Mecca is an excellent way to explore the city’s most significant attractions in a short period. With two routes and 11 stops, tourists can hop on and off the bus at any of the attractions and explore the city’s history and culture at their leisure. So, book your tour today and be prepared to experience the unique beauty of Al Madinah.

FAQ About Mecca

Mecca is a city located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. It is considered the holiest city in Islam and attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world every year. In this FAQ, we will cover some of the most commonly asked questions about Mecca.

1. Why is Mecca considered the holiest city in Islam?

Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam because it is believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The city is also home to the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure located in the center of the Grand Mosque. The Kaaba is believed to have been built by the Prophet Abraham and is considered the holiest site in Islam.

2. Who is allowed to enter the city of Mecca?

Only Muslims are allowed to enter the city of Mecca. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city or the surrounding areas. This is strictly enforced by the Saudi Arabian government and is a requirement for obtaining a visa to enter the country.

3. What is the significance of the Hajj pilgrimage?

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an obligation for all able-bodied Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place in Mecca and involves a series of rituals, including circling the Kaaba seven times, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and standing on the plains of Arafat.

4. When is the best time to visit Mecca?

The best time to visit Mecca is during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is when the Hajj pilgrimage takes place. However, if you are not a Muslim and are not able to perform the pilgrimage, the best time to visit would be during the off-season when the crowds are smaller. The temperature in Mecca is hot and dry year-round, so it is important to plan accordingly.

5. What are some other attractions in Mecca?

Aside from the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, there are several other attractions in Mecca. The Zamzam Well is a pilgrimage site located near the Kaaba, and it is believed to be the place where the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) revealed the well to Hagar, the wife of the Prophet Abraham. The Makkah Clock Tower is another popular attraction, and it is located near the Grand Mosque. The tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world and offers sweeping views of the city.

6. What is the dress code in Mecca?

The dress code in Mecca is conservative, and both men and women are required to dress modestly. Men are required to wear loose-fitting clothing, and women are required to wear a headscarf and a full-length gown. This dress code is strictly enforced in the Grand Mosque and other Islamic sites in Mecca.

7. Can I take pictures in Mecca?

Photography is allowed in Mecca, but there are restrictions on where you can take pictures. It is not allowed to take pictures inside the Grand Mosque or other Islamic sites without permission. It is also important to be respectful of others who may not want their pictures taken.

8. Is it safe to travel to Mecca?

Mecca is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is important to be aware of the local customs and laws. It is also important to be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks, as Mecca has been targeted in the past. The Saudi Arabian government takes security very seriously, and there are strict security measures in place during the Hajj pilgrimage.

9. What is the currency used in Mecca?

The currency used in Mecca is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). There are ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the city, and most hotels and shops accept major credit cards.

10. What is the language spoken in Mecca?

The official language of Mecca is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in the city. Many signs and menus are also available in English, and there are English-speaking tour guides and interpreters available for hire.

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Mecca is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. It is a city that is steeped in religious significance for Muslims around the world and is a must-visit destination for those who can perform the Hajj pilgrimage. We hope this FAQ has helped answer some of your questions about Mecca and has inspired you to learn more about this remarkable city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Mecca

Mecca, also known as Makkah, is one of the most popular destinations in the world for tourists. Millions of people from all over the world visit it each year, especially during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Mecca is a historical and cultural city, steeped in traditions and landmarks that have significant religious and cultural importance. If you are planning a trip to Mecca and are wondering how to spend your time as a tourist, then this guide is for you.

Understand the Significance of Mecca

Before you start exploring the city, it is essential to understand the significance of Mecca in Islamic history and culture. Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the founder of Islam, and the site of the Holy Kaaba – the most sacred site for Muslims. It is also the location of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. As a tourist, it is crucial to respect Mecca’s religious and cultural importance and follow local customs and traditions.

Visit the Holy Kaaba

The Holy Kaaba is the most important site in Mecca, and it is a must-visit for any tourist. It is a cube-shaped structure built of granite and draped in a black silk and gold-embroidered cover called the Kiswa. The Kaaba is located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram, which is one of the largest mosques in the world. As a tourist, you can visit the Masjid al-Haram and see the Kaaba from a distance. Access to the Kaaba itself is reserved for Muslims performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage.

Perform Umrah

Umrah, also known as the lesser pilgrimage, is a religious practice that can be performed at any time of the year. It involves visiting the Holy Kaaba, performing Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) seven times, and performing Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah). As a tourist, you can perform Umrah and witness the intense devotion and spirituality of the pilgrims.

Explore the Historic District of Al Balad

Al Balad is the historic district of Mecca, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district is known for its traditional architecture, bustling markets, and narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants. As a tourist, you can explore Al Balad’s rich cultural heritage and visit landmarks such as the Al Masjid al-Jinn mosque and the Al Mashar al-Haram mosque.

Visit the Cave of Hira

The Cave of Hira is a small cave located on the Jabal al-Nour mountain. It is the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation of the Holy Quran. The cave is a popular tourist destination and a place of spiritual significance for Muslims. As a tourist, you can hike up the mountain and explore the cave’s simple interior, which has a small prayer mat and a Quran.

Visit the Arafat Plain

The Arafat Plain is a vast plain located east of Mecca, and it is the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon during the Hajj pilgrimage. The plain is a place of great spiritual significance for Muslims, and pilgrims spend an entire day here during the Hajj pilgrimage. As a tourist, you can visit the Arafat Plain and witness the devotion and spirituality of the pilgrims.

Try the Local Cuisine

Mecca has a rich culinary tradition, and trying the local cuisine is a must for any tourist. The city’s cuisine is known for its rich flavors and spices and includes dishes such as Mutton Kabsa (a rice dish with mutton), Shawarma (a wrap filled with chicken or beef), and Harees (a porridge-like dish made with wheat and meat). As a tourist, you can try the local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls.

Shop at the Markets and Souks

Mecca is known for its bustling markets and souks, which offer a variety of products ranging from jewelry and clothing to spices and perfumes. As a tourist, you can explore the markets and souks and shop for souvenirs and gifts. The most popular markets and souks in Mecca include the Al Diyafa Mall, the Alaziziah Shopping Center, and the Souk Al Lail.

Book Your Tour Now

Mecca is a city with rich cultural and religious heritage and offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience for tourists. It is important to remember to respect Mecca’s customs and traditions and to be mindful of the religious and cultural significance of the city. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time in Mecca and experience everything the city has to offer.