Medina, also spelled as Madinah or Madina, is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca (or Makkah) that attracts millions of Muslim visitors every year. Masjid-e- Nabvior Masjid al-Nabawi is one of the places to visit in Medina where people must go as it is the place where Prophet Muhammad was buried. Muslims from around the world visit Medina while performing Hajj and Umrah. There is a lot more to Medina that meets the eye which include mosques, old lanes, craft shops, fresh dates, food, markets and much more. In this blog, we’ll talk about some remarkable historical places in Madinah.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Medina This Year
Medina is a city where one can learn about Islamic history and religious faith in depth. While its spiritual significance draws millions of pilgrims each year, there are many important places to visit in Madinah that every believer should travel to during their trip. If you're making plans to explore this blessed city, try to visit during the cooler months, from October to May, when the weather is mild and comfortable, making it ideal to discover its outdoor sites.
- Masjid e Nabvi or Masjid Al-Nabawi or Al-Masjid al-Nabawi
- Dar Al Madinah Museum or Dar Al-Madinah Museum
- Wadi Al-Jinn or Wadi Al-Baida
- Quba Mosque or Masjid Al Quba
- Madain Saleh or Al-Hijr or Hegra
- Jannat Al Baqi or Jannat Al-Baqi
- Al Noor Mall
- Mount Uhud
- The Seven Mosques
- Yanbu Al Bahr or Yanbu Al-Bahr
1. Masjid e Nabvi or Masjid Al-Nabawi or Al-Masjid al-Nabawi
Said to be the mosque of the prophet, Masjid- E- Nabvi or Masjid Al Nabawi is the second holiest mosque in Islam after Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and is one of the best places to visit in Madinah. It was a center for religious, political, and economic life of Muslims during Prophet Muhammad’s time. Built by the Prophet Muhammad, it has been renovated throughout the time multiple times. Tourists visiting the place are often awe-struck by how it's become bigger than its original size and is said to have over a million worshippers at one time. It is definitely one of the top historical places to visit in Madinah due to its large dome that is said to cover the Prophet Muhammad’s residential quarters. Every year, several Muslim pilgrims visit the mosque each year. With so much beauty tucked away in this city, what more can anyone ask for?
Main Highlights: Islamic Architecture
Location: Al Haram, Madinah 42311, Saudi Arabia
Time Required: 2 hours
Opening Hours: 24/7
Nearby Hotels:
- Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick
- Pullman Zamzam Madinah
- Golden Tulip Al-Zahabi
- Madinah Hilton
- Dallah Taibah Hotel
- Dar Al-Taqwa Hotel Madinah
Nearby Restaurants:
- Madinah food street
- Islamabad Restaurant
- City Owners Restaurant Madina Munawarrah
- ACACIA
- Arabesque Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Cave of Bani Haram
- Madinah Photo Frame
- Dar Al Madinah Museum
- Assalam Museum
- Mosque of Al-Ghamama
2. Dar Al-Madinah Museum or Dar Al Madinah Museum
For a deep understanding of Madinah’s history, Dar- Al Madinah Museum is the place to see in Medina. One can discover the Islamic heritage and cultural ties to the Prophet as it an institution of cultural and historical significance. Since the first contact of the prophet with his people till date, the museum showcases Madinah’s grand history. The legendary stories of the city are showcased through various sculptures and various collections. Specialized periodical on the history of Madinah along with its landmarks is seen on the 4 main halls. The museum also contains one of the most influential artifacts of a bow related to Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ, one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a famous archer of his time.
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the museum lies in the list of 10 places to visit in Madinah and attracts many tourists every year. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to exploring such a monumental place?
Main Highlights: Sculptures and Periodicals on the history of Madinah
Location: Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Medina Saudi Arabia
Time Required: 2 hours
Contact Number: +966 53 477 9997
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – Sunday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
- Friday – Closed
Entry Fee:
- 25 SAR for adults
- 15 SAR for children
Nearby Hotels:
- Diamond Suites
- Shams Hotel
- Rekaz Hotel
- How Inn Hotel
- Oasis Residential
Nearby Restaurants:
- BOGURA Restaurants
- Indese Restaurant
- Shing Yang Chinese Restaurant
- Bahrya Restaurants
- Waves of Hadramout Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Assalam Museum
- Quba Front
- Masjid Quba
- Cave of Bani Haram
- Clock Tower
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3. Wadi E Jinn or Wadi Al-Jinn or Wadi Al-Baida
Wadi Al-Jinn is a valley located around 30 kms from Madinah. Also known as Wadi e-Jinn or Wadi Al-Baida, lies in Islam's oldest scriptures that somehow prove the existence of Jinn in the valley. It is surrounded by hills on three sides and forms an egg-like shape.. The meaning of "Wadi" is valley, and "Jin" refers to genies. Its history is found in some of the oldest scriptures of Islam, which have mentioned the presence of a Jin several times in the Quran. People have claimed to encounter weird and abnormal occurrences there, making it one of the interesting places to visit in Medina. As per the Quran, Jinns are invisible creatures that coexist with humans but live separately. They are made of smokeless fire and can fly as well. These are certain things do in Saudi Arabia while on vacation.
Those who have visited the place know the truth behind the stories and folktales. Out of curiosity, tourists have gone there in their cars, switched off their ignitions, and put their cars in neutral. To their utmost disbelief, their cars began moving in the upward direction. Stories say that cars have moved very quickly without any humans driving. Interesting, right? Who wouldn’t want to visit such a fascinating place with an intriguing story behind it?
Main Highlights: Oldest scriptures of Islam
Location: Wadi Jinn 42755, Saudi Arabia
Time Required: 3 hours
Nearby Hotels:
- Taiba Suites Hotel
- The Seasons Hotel
- Taiba Madinah Hotel
- Al Eiman Royal Hotel
- New Madinah Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- Jakarta Restaurant & Kabab Al-Madinah
- Deafah Interernational Restaurant
- Islamabad Restaurant
- Marhaba Fekum Restaurant
- Al Salam Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Madinah Jabal Magnet
- Jabal Magnet
- Albaidha Public Park
- Dar Al Madinah Museum
- Cave of Bani Haram
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4. Masjid Quba or Quba Mosque or Masjid Al Quba
Masjid Quba or Masjid Al Quba is one of the holiest places on Earth for Muslims, established in the 17th century. It is said to be the first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad after his arrival in Medina from Mecca. Being the oldest mosque, it has expanded over the years to accommodate the increasing number of Muslims visitors each year. As part of one of the 5 pillars of Islam, the site holds significant religious importance.
Determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, the Hajj can be performed within a certain time frame. Umrah is another kind of pilgrimage that most Muslims undertake, which can be done at a It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Medina.
Main Highlights: The Hajj
Time Required: 2 hours
- almukhamilih Hotel
- Hotel Jawharat Quba
- OYO 377 Marina Palace Hotel
- Sidra Tul Aliya
Nearby Restaurants:
- Abu Osaid Restaurant
- FireFly Burger
- Kabab & Kubba
- Glitter Farm
- White Ribbon
Nearby Attractions:
- Quba Avenue
- Qubaa Square
- AlSirah Experience
- Quba Front
- Kebun Kurma Abu Faisal
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5. Madain Saleh or Al-Hijr or Hegra
The pre-Islamic archaeological site, Madain Saleh, also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra, is one of the many places that has been included in the UNESCO’S world heritage list. Did you know a Camel incident that talks about the story of the prophet of Salih or Saleh happened here? Designed with carvings depicted from the Nabataean Kingdom, the monumental tombs are worth exploring. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to visiting places in Madinah, one of the most stunning places in Saudi Arabia? Madain Saleh contains 131 rock-cut monumental tombs with decorated facades from the ancient Near East, Pharaonic Egypt, and the Hellenistic world.
There is a lot to discover at this world heritage site, that is not something people will get to see elsewhere. Visiting these places in Madinah offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. So, what are you waiting for? Explore the divine place that will leave you awe struck.
Location: Al Madinah Region, Al-Hejaz, Saudi Arabia
Time Required: 3 hours
Opening Hours: 24/7
Main Highlights: Monumental tombs
Nearby Hotels:
- The Chedi Hegra
- Our Habitas AlUla
- Under Las palmas ALula
- Banyan Tree AlUla
- Masarat Camp – AlUla
Nearby Restaurants:
- Joontos Restaurant
- Freshhouse
- Somewhere
- Sahary AlUla Resort
- Entrecôte Café de Paris
Nearby Attractions:
- AlUla Old Town
- Live the Moment Farm
- Jabal Ikmah
- AlUla Fort
- National Science Centre
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6. Jannat Al Baqi or Jannat Al-Baqi
Have you ever been to a cemetery in any part of the world? It may not seem like the ideal place to visit, but it is interesting to explore and see why it's often talked about. The exclusive cemetery in Medina, Jannat Al Baqi is also known as Baqi al- Gharqad. Members of the prophet’s family’s graves along with Sahabah’s grave are seen here along with Tabi’in scholars and righteous people. Sounds spooky, doesn’t it? It is the burial site of Imam Hasan ibn Ali, al-Mujtaba (2nd Imam), Ali ibn al-Husayn al-Sajjad (4th Imam), Muhammad al-Baqir, Abu Ja’far (5th Imam), & Ja’far al-Sadiq (6th Imam).
Visiting a place that has a grave. Well, it is one of the most famous places to visit in Medina, people should explore it once, making it one of the places to visit in Saudi Arabia.
Location: Medina 42311, Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: 24/7
Time Required: 3 hours
Main Highlights: Cemetery
Nearby Hotels:
- Pullman Zamzam Madinah
- Taiba Madinah Hotel
- Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick
- InterContinental Dar al Iman Madinah, an IHG Hotel
- Al Aqeeq Madinah Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- Madinah food street
- Jakarta Restaurant & Kabab Al-Madinah
- Zaitoon Restaurant
- Islamabad Restaurant
- Sea Spice Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Masjid Al Nabawi
- Rawdah (The Green Dome)
- Cave of Bani Haram
- Dar Al Madinah Museum
- Masjid Quba
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7. Al Noor Mall
Home to several brands like Clarks, ZARA,Marks & Spencer from all over the world, Al Noor is a popular mall located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. With its modern interiors, the mall follows the western safety standards. Kids can enjoy several activities all year round, which makes it the ideal place for them. Due to its easily accessible location on King Abdullah Road, Medina, it is one of the top places to see in Madinah for locals and tourists. When hungry or looking for something to drink, people can head to some of the cafes and restaurants and tuck into some of the international and local food. Known for its vast technological offerings, Al Noor is a place where you can buy all the latest gadgets at a reasonable price. One of the best things about Al Noor Mall is that there is a mosque inside the premises where visitors can pray during their shopping trip. Isn't it thoughtful? This mall is also a fantastic place to visit in Madinah, as it offers a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment that appeals to visitors of all ages.
Main Highlights: Mosque, Shopping, Cafes and Restaurants
Location: King Abdullah Branch Rd, Al'uyun, Medina 42331, Saudi Arabia
Time Required: 2 hours
Contact Number: +966 920000262
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11:30 PM
Popular Hotels:
- Abral Hotel
- Faraj Al Madinah Hotel
- Al Marzam Hotel
- Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick
- Balensia Hotel
Popular Restaurants:
- Fuddruckers and Chili's
- Kudu
- Mama Bunz Café
- KFC
- L'Douh Bakery Cafe
Nearby Attractions:
- Almadinah Sign
- Masjid Quba
- Quba Walkway Start
- Quba Square
- Assalam Museum
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8. Mount Uhud
The greatest mountains in the Arabian Peninsula, Mount Uhud, is one of the most famous places to visit in Madina. For their love for the Prophet, locals often visit the mountains. “Uhud is a mountain that loves us, and we love it,” these are words that were once said by the Prophet. Valleys, reefs, and historical places in Madina are some of the things this unique landscape consists of. Previously known as Anqad, it gains a huge number of visitors every year due to its majestic shape and gradual changes in the color of the rocks. Tourists have often found imposing castles and rock engravings fascinating. The group of mountains is said to be surrounded by a graveyard where several martyrs are buried. Exploring pilgrimage places in Madina allows visitors to connect deeply with the region's rich past and cultural significance.
Main Highlights: Volcanic rocks
Location: North of Medina, Saudi Arabia
Time Required: 3-4 hours
Nearby Hotels:
- The Seasons Hotel
- Faraj Al Madinah Hotel
- Assilah Hotel
- Abral Hotel
- Sukoon Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- Medina Asia Restaurant
- Tuffaha Restaurant
- Paragon Restaurant
- Fuddruckers
- Jamil's Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Cave of Bani Haram
- Masjid al-Ghamamah
- Quba Front
- Masjid Quba
- Al Khalidiyyah Park
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9. The Seven Mosques
The Seven Mosques, also known as the Saba Masjid (Saba Masajid), are a complex of small and historic mosquesthat tell the story of the history of Islam and are the ideal example of traditional Turkish architecture. Sitting on the western edge of Sela Mountain, the mosque is the one-stop tourist destination to visit during Umrah and Hajj. The Al-Khandaq Mosque is the centerpiece of the seven mosques, at the base of the mountain. The mosque is known for its central court and twin minarets. It is safe to say that it is an ideal place to visit in Madinah. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to visiting one of the most breathtaking places in Medina? Additionally, this is among the places to visit in Madinah for those seeking to immerse themselves in the spiritual and historical significance of the region.
Saudi Arabia's Seven Mosques are as follows:
- Masjid al-Fatah
- Masjid Salman Farsi
- Masjid Umar
- Masjid abu Bakr
- Masjid Ali
- Masjid Fatima
- Masjid al-Khandaq
Main Highlights: Turkish architecture
Time Required: 2- 3 hours
Location: The Seven Mosques, As Sih, Medina Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: 24/7
Nearby Hotels:
- Nersyan Taiba Hotel Apartments
- Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick
- Golden luxury hotel
- Safwat Alshindi Hotel
- Al Hayat Plus
Nearby Restaurants:
- Green Ribbon
- Shaheen Taiba Pakistani restaurant
- Madinah Lanka Restaurant
- Anwar Al-Taibat Restaurant
- Fine Dine Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Cave of Bani Haram
- Mosque of Al-Ghamama
- Masjid Quba
- Masjid al-Qiblatayn
- Masjid Abu Bakr Siddeeq RA
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10. Yanbu Al Bahr or Yanbu Al-Bahr
Beautiful Yanbu City Saudi Arabia Beach Stock Photo 757292788 | Shutterstock
The coastal town nestled on the Red Sea; the world knows Yanbu Al-Bahr as Yanbu. With its ancient maritime routes and natural ports of the old oasis of Madinah, Yanbu has the advantage of having underground water. It is one of the most beautiful tourist places to visit in Medina that is often expected to have human presence.
Modern resorts and corniches are tourist places in Medina where people can relax and enjoy stunnviews of the blue waters of the Red Sea and green mangrove bushes nestled on the shore. This coastal gem is among the must-see places to visit in Madinah for anyone looking to experience both history and natural beauty.
Main highlights: Maritime routes and natural ports
Location: Saudi Arabia
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Popular Hotels:
- Canary Beach Hotel
- Yanbu Inn Residential Suites
- ibis Yanbu Saudi Arabia
- Tulip Inn Yanbu
- Hotel Luzan
Popular Restaurants:
- Quraafi for Seafood
- Alhana Rice
- Lorenzo Pizza
- Aryaas India Restaurant – Yanbu
- Jira Restaurant
Major Attractions:
- Al Fairouz Park
- Yanbu Heritage Park
- Yanbu Beach
- Al Nawras Island
- Yanbu Waterfront
The holiest city in Saudi Arabia, Medina is one of the most stunning tourist destinations to visit. Also known as "The City of the Prophet", it is home to some of the holiest mosques in the world like Quba Mosque and Masjid Al-Nabawi. Whether you're a devotee, a traveler, or a history buff, trying to understand the importance of Islamic heritage, the popular places to visit in Medina provide an enriching experience to everyone. With so many historical attractions, Medina has so much to explore that people will never have a dull moment. So, go ahead, pack your bags, and book your flights to Medina right away.
Places to Visit in Medina - FAQs
Medina is the holiest city in Islam that has prophet’s mosque, Muhammad’s tomb. It is a place where Muhammad gave birth to the Muslim society and his body is entombed. Muslims from around the world visit Medina while performing Hajj and Umrah.
The most ideal time to visit Madina is during the cooler months from October to May as the weather is cold and mild. You can easily explore all major sacred sites without worrying too much about Saudi’s heat.
The Prophet Muhammad was buried in the Sacred Chamber, which is now a part of the Masjid Al Nabawi complex. Initially, this chamber was the house (hujra) of his wife Aisha, and he was residing at the time of his physical demise. The tomb is surrounded by several walls that can’t be seen or accessed as it has neither windows nor doors.
In Islam, Medina holds great importance and Muslims for around the world come for Ziyarat or Ziyara, which is a form of pilgrimage to places linked with Prophet Muhammad and other known figures in Islam including his companions, family members, and other notable Islamic personalities.
The mysterious valley, Wadi Al-Jinn is said to be a Ghost Road as many legends claim the occurrence of unexplained strange or enigmatic events that take place there. The meaning of Wadi is valley and Jinn is Genie. Its history is found in the oldest scriptures of Islam that have proved the presence of a Jinn, which has been talked about several times in the Quran. Most people believe they are creatures that co-exist with humans but live separately.
Traces of how Islam originated are seen in the holy site of Kaaba in Mecca. Masjed Quba is the holiest place on Earth for Muslims, which was given birth in the 17th century. It is said to be one of the oldest mosques which over the years has expanded to accommodate the increase in the number of Muslims visiting each year. As part of one of the 5 pillars of Islam, the site has a religious importance.
Yathrib is Medina’s old name. There is no such important meaning of Yathrib, it was a self-made name given to the city. It has a lot in store for its tourists, which includes discovering its historical and religious side.
Yes, non-Muslims can enter in the holy city of Medina. However, they are prohibited from entering the certain areas like the fenced area around the Prophet’s Mosque and Masjid Al Nabawi. Medina is open to everyone, including non-Muslims, unlike Mecca.
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