Places to Visit in Madinah – 15 Things to See and Do
Looking for the best places to visit in Madinah? Beyond Masjid an-Nabawi, the city is full of history from the time of the Prophet ﷺ, peaceful date farms, interesting museums and natural wonders, with the Red Sea and AlUla within reach for day trips. This guide lists the top things to do in Madinah, how far each place is from the Haram, and a simple plan to see them.
Table of Contents
Holy Sites in Madinah
1. Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque and the heart of Madinah. Pray in the mosque, give salam at the Prophet’s ﷺ grave, and, if you can, pray in the Rawdah. A Rawdah visit must be booked in advance through the official Nusuk app.
2. Masjid Quba
The first mosque in Islam, about 3.5 km south of the Haram. Praying two rak’ahs here carries the reward of an Umrah. Read our Masjid Quba guide.
3. Masjid al-Qiblatain
The Mosque of Two Qiblas, where the qibla changed from Jerusalem to the Kaaba. Read our Masjid Qiblatain guide.
4. Mount Uhud and the Martyrs’ Cemetery
The site of the Battle of Uhud and the resting place of Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and the martyrs. Read our Mount Uhud guide.
5. The Seven Mosques (Sab’a Masajid)
A group of small mosques at the site of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq), close to Masjid al-Qiblatain.
6. Jannat al-Baqi
The historic cemetery next to Masjid an-Nabawi, where many Companions and members of the Prophet’s ﷺ family are buried. Men can visit at set times, usually after Fajr and Asr.
See Quba, Qiblatain, Uhud and the Seven Mosques in one morning with a private driver who waits at every stop. Madinah ziyarat tour from SAR 200 per car.
History and Museums
7. Dar Al Madinah Museum
A museum about the history of Madinah and the life of the Prophet ﷺ, with models of the city and Masjid an-Nabawi through the ages.
8. The Hejaz Railway Station
The restored Ottoman-era station of the old Hejaz Railway, which once linked Madinah with Damascus. Check opening times before you go.
9. King Fahd Quran Printing Complex
One of the largest Quran printing centres in the world, on the road to Tabuk. Visits are sometimes possible, so check before you go.
10. Masjid al-Ghamamah and the historic mosques
Masjid al-Ghamamah, Masjid Abu Bakr and Masjid Ali stand close to the Haram, near the place where the Prophet ﷺ prayed the Eid prayer.
Nature, Dates and Markets
11. Wadi Jinn
The famous valley where cars seem to roll uphill, about 40 km north-west of the city. Read our Wadi Jinn guide.
12. Date farms and the dates market
Madinah is famous for its dates, especially Ajwa. Visit a date farm near Quba and the dates market to buy fresh dates to take home.
13. Shopping near the Haram
The streets and malls around Masjid an-Nabawi are full of shops for prayer mats, perfume, abayas, books and gifts.
Day Trips from Madinah
14. AlUla
Home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Elephant Rock. About 3½–4 hours by car, so most visitors stay a night. Madinah to AlUla taxi.
15. Yanbu and the Red Sea
A seaside city about 2½ hours away, with a long corniche, beaches and coral reefs. Madinah to Yanbu taxi.
Many pilgrims also visit Badr, the site of the first battle in Islam, as a separate trip or on the way to Makkah.
Suggested 2-Day Plan
| Day | Morning | Afternoon and evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ziyarat tour: Quba, Qiblatain, Seven Mosques, Uhud | Dates market, Masjid al-Ghamamah, shopping near the Haram |
| Day 2 | Dar Al Madinah Museum and the Hejaz Railway Station | Wadi Jinn trip, back in time for Maghrib |
Add a night in AlUla or a day at the Red Sea in Yanbu if you have more time.
Places to Visit in Madinah – FAQs
What are the top places to visit in Madinah?
Masjid an-Nabawi, Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatain, Mount Uhud, the Seven Mosques, Jannat al-Baqi, Dar Al Madinah Museum, the date farms and Wadi Jinn.
How many days do I need in Madinah?
Most pilgrims spend 3–5 days. Two days are enough to see the main ziyarat places and a museum.
What is there to do in Madinah apart from ziyarat?
Visit museums, the Hejaz Railway Station, date farms and the dates market, Wadi Jinn, or take a day trip to Yanbu or AlUla.
How do I get around Madinah?
The easiest way is a private taxi or a ziyarat tour with a driver who waits at each stop. Ride-hailing apps and taxis are also available.
How do I visit the Rawdah?
Book a time slot in advance through the official Nusuk app.
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