Makkah's landmarks by private car

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Makkah is Umm al-Qura, the cradle of Islam and home of its holiest sites, from which the message of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, set out to the world. The sites its visitors hold dear beyond their time at the Grand Mosque are spread around the edges of the city, so a car with a driver makes visiting easier, especially for the elderly and families.

Entry advisory.

Entry to Makkah's sacred area is restricted to Muslims. Check seasonal entry rules before your trip.

Jabal al-Nour and the Hira Cave.

At the top of this mountain northeast of the Grand Mosque sits the Hira Cave, where the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to retreat in devotion before his mission, and where the Archangel Jibreel brought him the first revelation, beginning the message of Islam. The mountain rises 642 metres above sea level, and reaching the cave is an uphill trail that calls for fitness and time. If you plan to climb, wear proper shoes, carry water, and bring a light if you start before sunrise or your descent extends past sunset, always following the trail's opening times and instructions.

Jabal Thawr and the Thawr Cave.

South of the Grand Mosque stands Mount Thawr, witness to the greatest journey in Islamic history: the Prophet, peace be upon him, and Abu Bakr sheltered for three nights in a cave at its summit on their migration route to Madinah while their pursuers searched for them, a story the Quran refers to in Surah At-Tawbah. The mountain rises 754 metres above sea level, and the climb to the cave calls for time and effort, so check the trail instructions before your visit.

Before visiting the mountains.

Decide whether you want to view the mountain or climb to the cave; the climb is separate from the car trip and needs arranging around your physical ability and the site's instructions, and check the trail times before your visit.

Al-Taneem Mosque (Aisha Mosque).

One of Makkah's important historic mosques, known for its connection to Aisha, may God be pleased with her, who assumed ihram from it for an Umrah in the Prophet's time, which is why it is also called the Aisha Mosque. It lies on the northern side of the city on the Madinah road and is known for its two soaring minarets and Islamic architectural design.

The Sacred Sites.

Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah are where the Hajj rites are performed: at Arafat pilgrims stand on the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, home to Namira Mosque, the second largest mosque in Makkah; in Muzdalifah they spend their night after the standing, home to Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram Mosque; and in Mina lie the Jamarat and the historic Al-Khayf Mosque, which the official site says is not open for visits and can be viewed from a distance by car. Mentioning these landmarks does not guarantee entry; the source says Namira Mosque opens mainly on the Day of Arafah. Before including them in your tour, check the entry rules and available routes for your visit date with the trip operator.

Before you set out.

Start in the morning to avoid the midday sun, carry water and a hat, and wear comfortable shoes. Agree with the trip operator on the sites you want, their order and how long to stop at each.

Official sources

Discover Makkah: Mount of Light and Hira Cave · Discover Makkah: Mount and Cave Thawr · Discover Makkah: Al-Taneem Mosque · Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

Information reviewed: 27 October 2026.

Related guides

From Jeddah airport to Makkah hotels: an arrival guide for Umrah visitors · From Makkah hotels to the airport: planning your departure after Umrah · Madinah's landmarks by private car