Prepare to be mesmerised in Madinah, the city with the most unique blend of religious significance, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences.
This blog is your one-stop guide to the best places to visit in Madinah, from must-see religious sites to cultural experiences that will enrich your understanding of the city.
Must-visit Places in Madinah For New And Experienced Travellers!
Dar Al Madinah Museum
Dar Al Madinah Museum is a must-visit place in Madinah for anyone interested in the region's history. Located in the Knowledge Economic City, this museum offers a captivating experience. Explore its collection of rare manuscripts and intricate models, all depicting the city's remarkable evolution.
Opening Hours: Dar Al Madinah Museum is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, except on Fridays as they are closed.
Location: Knowledge Economic City.
Al Masjid Al Nabawi
During your trip to Madinah, you need to visit one of the most important places to visit in Madinah during Umrah. Al Masjid Al Nabawi is among the holiest places in Islam, as it was founded by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after he migrated to Madinah. To Muslims worldwide, it serves as a mosque, a pilgrimage site, and a place of historical significance.
Location: Al Haram, Madinah 42311, Saudi Arabia.
Masjid Quba
Masjid Quba is another one of the best Islamic places to visit in Madinah. It is one of the first Masjids ever in Islam’s history, located on the outskirts of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. It holds major significance because Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stayed there for a few days after the Hijra and led the first congregational prayer there.
King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex
When it comes to the best must-visit places in Madinah, the list is incomplete without the mention of the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex. The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex was established in Madinah, Saudi Arabia to serve the Islamic world's need for the Quran. It prints and distributes the Quran in various formats and translations, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to Islam.
Opening Hours: The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex welcomes visitors between 10 AM and 12 PM.
Location: An Nakhil, Madinah 42334.
Uhud Mountain
Uhud Mountain is one of the best religious places to visit in Madinah and a top place to visit in Madinah during Umrah. Located just north of Madinah, it holds religious importance as the site of the Battle of Uhud, where the Prophet's companions fought valiantly. It offers scenic beauty with a variety of rock colours and natural features like caves for travellers to experience.
Location: Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
King Fahd Central Park
If we are talking about must-visit places in Madinah, then King Fahd Central Park, located just south of Al Masjid Al Nabawi, has to be one of them. The park itself is quite spacious and incorporates various recreational activities. These activities were chosen carefully to consider local customs and traditions while also aiming to protect the natural environment.
Location: Al Hadiqah, Madinah 42383, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Noor Mall
For all the shopaholics, Al-Noor Mall is the place for you. It offers a variety of shops, including women's clothing stores, cosmetics and beauty stores, shoe and bag stores, and kids' clothing stores from a plethora of brands such as Zara, and Magrabi.
Opening Hours: Al-Noor Mall is open daily from 10 AM to 11:00 PM.
Location: King Abdullah Branch Rd, Al'uyun, Madinah 42331, Saudi Arabia.
The Best Time to Visit Madinah
When it comes to the best time to visit Madinah, we recommend a visit between October and March. This is the most ideal time to visit Madinah, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
Travel Tips for Madinah
Here are some travel tips for Madinah, for both new and experienced travellers:
During prayer times, some shops and restaurants may close.
The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).
While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Arabic phrases will go a long way.
Be mindful of noise levels, especially near religious sites.
Transportation and getting around
There are many options when it comes to transportation in Madinah:
Buses: A well-developed and affordable way to get around the city.
Taxis: Readily available, but more expensive.
Ride-hailing apps: Check if Uber or other ride-hailing apps operate in Madinah.
FAQs
Q. Are non-Muslims allowed to visit Madinah?
A. Madinah, unlike Makkah, allows visitors of all religions to explore the city. However, the area surrounding Al Masjid Al Nabawi is restricted to Muslims only.
Q. What are the prayer times in Madinah?
A. As prayer times change, we can’t provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date data. However, on average the Fajr prayer is around 4:00 AM, the Duhur prayer is around 12:00 PM, the Asr prayer is around 3:30 PM, the Maghrib prayer is around 7:00 PM, and Isha is around 8:30 PM. Remember to download a prayer time app on your phone, as they will not only get you the most up-to-date information, but you can also set reminders for yourself on each prayer.
Q. Are there any specific etiquettes I should follow while visiting religious sites?
A. There are some general etiquettes to follow while visiting religious sites, particularly in Madinah:
Dress modestly: As you already know, dressing modestly is key in Madinah.
Maintain silence: Avoid loud talking or noises that might disrupt the prayers or contemplation of others.
Be patient: Religious sites can get crowded, especially during prayer times or religious holidays.
Ask permission: If you're unsure about anything, it's always best to ask a trusted source or someone who works at the site.
Q. Is it safe to travel to Madinah?
A. Madinah is known for its low crime rates and well-maintained security measures, making it a comfortable destination for many travellers, including women.
.png)