The two most sacred cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina located in Saudi Arabia, have historically been off-limits to outsiders. Some changes have occurred recently regarding Medina, although several areas remain restricted. Saudi Arabia enforces strict regulations barring non-Muslims from accessing Mecca, and the most sacred sites in Medina are also prohibited.
To explore both cities, you can view this video from Mecca here and continue reading below for additional information about both cities.
Journeying To Mecca
For most travelers, Jeddah serves as the entry point into Mecca. It is the nearest major airport, and from there, visitors can take a high-speed train, drive, or hire a taxi to reach Mecca.
<p Checkpoints are positioned at the city boundaries and are usually staffed depending on the season. During the Hajj season (the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca), there may be an increase in staff, while at other times, Mecca tends to be relatively peaceful.
Numerous hotel accommodations are available within walking distance of the Great Mosque, and rates are competitive. Although the primary attraction in Mecca is the sacred sites, the city also offers various modern amenities. There are ample dining options, shopping venues, and tours available that will guide you to the nearby holy sites.
Exploring Medina
In 2021, the Saudi government allowed non-Muslims access to Medina, with certain exceptions. It’s advisable to verify the most current regulations from official sources, but overall, the city is generally accessible, with restrictions on only some religious sites. These include the Prophet’s Mosque and the Quba Mosque, but if you wish to visit them, you can view the video linked below.
In summary, visitors have opportunities to explore several holy sites and cities within Saudi Arabia. Traveling is comfortable, modern, and pricing is comparable, if not somewhat cheaper than that of Western Europe.