In this travel guide will find the perfect travel deals for your trip to Mecca and Medina. From great food options to the best things to do while you are there.

Doing Umrah is not just a ritual. Every step taken with sincerity brings a Muslim closer to Allah. Pilgrims always desire to make their Umrah trip more rewarding and they keep many factors in mind for this purpose. For instance, they look for the best hotels and flights, and weather.

For pilgrims who want to make the most of their pilgrimage, doing Umrah in December is one of the best options. The weather is cold in this month so they don’t have to face severe heat. They can easily travel around the holy cities, visit ziyarat sites and interesting spots, and enjoy tasty meals from the top restaurants. They can save money by opting for Cheap December Umrah Packages. Thinking about where to start from? Consider our list of top ziyarat sites, interesting spots, and bistros for a start.

Top Ziyarat Spots in Mecca & Medina

There are many ziyarat sites to explore in Mecca and Medina that have great importance in Islamic history. We’ll share some spots in the holy cities that need to be on your list as well as stories behind them to aware you of their value for Muslims:

Caves of Hira

Situated 2 miles outside the vicinity of Mecca, Hira is a cave set on the top of Mount Al Noor. The prophet Muhammad PBUH used to stay there mostly for three successive days to pray and meditate. 

This is the same cave where the prophet PBUH received the first revelation and the status of prophet hood and that’s why this spot is revered. It is relatively easy for pilgrims who do Umrah in December to trek up to the cave due to the nice weather.

This cave is located on the Mount Thawr where the Prophet PBUH stayed with His loyal friend Abu Bakr RA during migration. The idolaters of Mecca came here looking for Him but they left the place without searching it. The reason is that they saw an intact spider web and a pigeon’s eggs at the cave’s front making them think that no one was there.

Pilgrims availing December Umrah packages 2024 can head to this cave and revisit the loyalty of Abu Bakr RA. He stopped a snake from entering the cave by placing his toe on the hole. He didn’t move his toe even when the snake bit him and neither moved from his place, fearing that Prophet PBUH might wake up.

Quba Mosque

Located 15 minutes outside Medina, Quba is the first mosque of Islam founded by the prophet PBUH Himself. The mosque was built when He was migrating from Mecca to Medina. Muslims revere this place as the reward of reading only two ‘Nawaafil’ here is equal to an accepted Umrah. The mosque is not just a praying spot but it also serves as a madrassa, cabinet, and town hall.

Qiblatain Mosque

This mosque has an interesting story. Before praying in the direction of Kabah, Muslims prayed facing the Al Aqsa Mosque. As Jews also used to do that so prophet PBUH often prayed to Allah to change their Qibla towards Kabah.

Allah accepted the prayer and while the companions were praying behind the Prophet PBUH, He ordered to change the Qibla towards Kabah through a revelation. Muslims also visit this mosque to pray Nawafil here and earn rewards.

Savour The Best Dishes of the Holy Cities

Enjoy the tastiest dishes in these hot bistros of Mecca and Medina:

1. Al Baik: Known for its tasty broast chicken and shrimp, Al Baik has become an iconic place in KSA where you can enjoy halal seafood and fried chicken dishes. Located in Mecca, the restaurant offers indulging dining options for locals and visitors alike such as fries, soups, salads, entrees, and tempting desserts.

2. The Oasis: Getting a 5-star rating for food, ambiance, services, and value, this place was a global winner in 2023 for the best luxury hotels. Located in Mecca, The Oasis offers the best Asian, Western, and Arabic cuisines which you can savour in chic dining spots. You can have a buffet or choose from a la carte menu for an indulging breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your friends and family.

3. Arabesque: With polished wood floors and a seating capacity of 140, this chic dining space is located in Medina and pays homage to modern interior design. You can enjoy tasty meals with your family such as seafood, grilled kebabs, pasta, curries, tea, and desserts like Turkish knefeh, Syrian ice cream, etc.

4. Swiss House: Want to savour American and European cuisines in KSA? Head to this lux restaurant situated in Medina and enjoy lunch or dinner with your family amid a stunning ambiance. The menu offers a wide range of Western dishes but their steaks and dessert varieties are the main items.

Interesting Spots of Mecca & Medina

Other than exploring the date markets and shops, these hot spots of the holy cities are sure to make your December Umrah 2024 tour interesting:

Exhibition of the Architecture of Two Holy Mosques Museum

Situated in Mecca, this museum is dedicated to exhibiting the history and designs of Masjid Al Haram in Mecca and Masjid Al Nabawi in Medina through images, artifacts, and models. You can hire a guide to help you explore the museum and provide insights. Many people visit this place so plan your tour and consider visiting during the off-peak season to avoid crowds.

The Clock Tower Museum

Located in the Mecca Clock Royal Tower which is a part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, it unveils the history of clock-making, especially the world’s largest clock, located on the tower. But that’s not it. Get to the observation deck located on the 120th floor of the tower to enjoy the superb views of the city. 

Being located inside the Abraj Al Bait complex, one of the busiest areas in Mecca, you have to plan your visit to avoid crowds and to find enough time to explore the tower and museum.

The Beautiful Names of Allah Display

Displaying the 99 attributes of Allah as described in Islamic tradition, this exhibition offers visitors a chance to deepen their understanding of the Divine. Visitors are taken on a holy journey by exhibiting the profound meanings behind each of the 99 names of Allah through videos, portrayals, and interactive displays.

Dar Al Madinah Museum

Depicting the history of the city of the prophet PBUH, this is the first and biggest museum located in Medina. You can explore and see many artificial models of the original ancient sites of the city as well as various images and artifacts of the past.
Make your Umrah tour more interesting by exploring the best of holy cities by going to places of interest and trying savoury dishes from famous dining spots. Worried about the budget? Well, you can avail cheap December Umrah packages for economical lodging and air travel services and spend the saved money on exploration. Consider Muslims Holy Travel as your reliable partner that can help you embark on this Halal Holidays tour.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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