Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam — and one of the most spiritually charged destinations on earth. Whether you’re arriving as part of Hajj, Umrah, or a standalone visit, the city rewards those who plan ahead.
Masjid an-Nabawi: The Heart of Every Visit
Every visit to Madinah begins at Madinah’s most sacred site — Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque. It’s open 24 hours and entry is free. The mosque complex is vast, air-conditioned, and designed for the millions of pilgrims who pass through each year.
Alongside regular prayers, many pilgrims prioritise visiting the Rawdah — the garden between the Prophet’s tomb and his minbar, described in hadith as one of the gardens of Paradise.
Booking the Rawdah Permit
Access to the Rawdah requires a free permit, booked through the Nusuk app. Book before you travel — slots fill within seconds of release, typically on Friday afternoons (Saudi time) for the coming week.
- Each permit is free and tied to your passport
- You get 10–15 minutes inside
- Men enter via Gate 37; women via Gate 25
- Each person can visit once every 365 days
- Children under 5 are not permitted; children 5 and above need their own permit
- Show the live Nusuk app permit — screenshots are not accepted
See Wego’s full Rawdah permit guide for step-by-step Nusuk app instructions.
Top Ziyarat Places in Madinah
Beyond the Prophet’s Mosque, Madinah has a rich cluster of Islamic heritage sites within easy reach. Most are free to enter and can be covered in a half-day guided tour or at your own pace.
Quba Mosque
Quba Mosque is the first mosque ever built in Islam, founded by the Prophet after his migration from Makkah. Praying two rak’ahs here is considered equivalent to the reward of one Umrah.
- Located about 3.5 km southeast of Masjid an-Nabawi
- Free entry; open all day except during prayer times
- Best visited early morning to avoid crowds
Masjid al-Qiblatain
The Mosque of the Two Qiblas marks the spot where the direction of prayer was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah mid-salah. As of October 2025, it is open 24 hours by royal directive.
Mount Uhud
The site of the Battle of Uhud, where companions of the Prophet are buried in the hillside graves. You can walk the lower slopes, visit the graves of the martyrs, and take in the battlefield’s geography.
Jannat al-Baqi
The main cemetery adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque, where more than 10,000 companions and family members of the Prophet are buried. Opening hours are limited and subject to change — check locally on arrival for current access times.
The Seven Mosques
A cluster of historically significant mosques associated with the Battle of the Trench, located northwest of Madinah. Less visited than Quba but meaningful for those interested in early Islamic history.
Museums and Heritage Sites
Madinah has two excellent museums that are easy to combine into a half-day cultural itinerary.
Al-Madinah Museum (Hijaz Railway Museum)
Housed in the original Ottoman-era train station that connected Damascus to Madinah between 1906 and 1920, this museum covers 19 galleries tracing Madinah’s history from the pre-Islamic period to the present.
- Open daily 9am–10pm (closed 4pm–5pm; opens after 5pm on Fridays)
- Free entry
Dar al-Madinah Museum
Located near the Haramain Train Station in the Knowledge Economic City, Dar al-Madinah displays rare Kiswa fragments, historic coins, Islamic manuscripts, Ottoman-era pottery, and traditional Madinah clothing.
Shopping, Dates, and Local Food
Madinah is one of the best places in the world to buy dates — particularly the prized Ajwa variety, grown locally and considered among the finest in Saudi Arabia.
Where to Shop
- Souq al-Manakha and Souq al-Habbabah — traditional markets near the Prophet’s Mosque selling dates, perfumes, prayer beads, traditional clothing, and gifts at reasonable prices
- Al-Uyun Market — listed by Visit Saudi as one of Madinah’s key local shopping experiences
What to Buy
- Ajwa dates — buy from reputable sellers near the mosque, ideally certified
- Zamzam water — available officially through the Haramain authorities
- Attar (Arabic perfume) and oud
- Islamic books, prayer mats, and Quranic gifts
Practical Tips for Visiting Madinah
- How long to stay: 3–5 days covers the major ziyarat sites, both museums, and multiple prayers at Masjid an-Nabawi. Hajj pilgrims typically spend 8–10 days in the city.
- Best time to visit: November to February for cooler weather. Summer (June–August) regularly exceeds 40°C. Hajj and Ramadan bring the largest crowds — book accommodation well in advance.
- Getting around: The Haramain Train Station links Madinah to Makkah and Jeddah in around two hours. Within the city, use taxis, Uber, Careem, or the Hop-On Hop-Off bus — the bus is handy for Mount Uhud and Quba Mosque.
- Non-Muslim visitors: Non-Muslims cannot enter the Haram boundary (including Masjid an-Nabawi). Museums, markets, and exterior sites are generally accessible — verify current rules before visiting.
- Flights and hotels: Search flights to Madinah on Wego. For hotels in Madinah, aim for properties within 500 metres of the Prophet’s Mosque — they fill up months ahead for Hajj season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to visit the Rawdah in Madinah?
Yes. A free permit is required and must be booked via the Nusuk app before arrival. Slots release on Friday afternoons (Saudi time) and fill extremely quickly. Each person can book once every 365 days.
How far is Quba Mosque from Masjid an-Nabawi?
Approximately 3.5 km — about a 10-minute taxi or ride-hailing journey from the Prophet’s Mosque.
What are Ajwa dates and where can I buy them in Madinah?
Ajwa is a premium date variety grown exclusively in Madinah and prized for its flavour and religious significance. Buy from the traditional markets near the Prophet’s Mosque — Souq al-Manakha is a good starting point. Look for certified sellers to avoid imitations.
Can non-Muslims visit Madinah?
Non-Muslims can visit Madinah but are not permitted to enter the Haram boundary, which includes Masjid an-Nabawi. The museums, markets, and some exterior sites are accessible.
Sources
- Visit Saudi — Madinah: Heritage, Landmarks & Experiences
- Visit Saudi — Quba Mosque
- Visit Saudi — Hijaz Railway Museum
- Visit Saudi — Al-Uyun Market
- Nusuk — Official Umrah & Rawdah Permit Platform
- Dar al-Madinah Museum — Official Website
- Wego — Rawdah Permit Guide 2026
- Arab News — Masjid Qiblatain: The mosque where the qibla changed
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
