Top 29 Things to Do in Medina – Must-See Attractions & Nearby Spots!

Medina—the City of the Prophet, the City of Blessings, and the City of Islamic Brotherhood—warmly welcomes its visitors. Medina is where you can find the second greatest mosque of Islam: Masjid Al-Nabawi, the resting place of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which draws millions of Muslims each year in spiritual reflection and reverence.

Since tourism was allowed in Saudi Arabia, especially to its sacred cities, a huge number of people have started visiting Medina, not only for religious devotion but also to experience its growing cultural and historical appeal. While entry for non-Muslims in Makkah is still restricted, Medina offers broader accessibility, allowing many to explore its spiritual and historical legacy.

Medina has many attractions besides its religiously sanctified places. From the Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam, to the Uhud Mountain, where a significant battle in Islamic history took place, every site tells a story. The bustling dates market, museums, and beautifully maintained Islamic landmarks give visitors a deeper sense of the city’s heritage.

Visitors can easily travel around the city on a hop-on-hop-off bus, which offers audio guides and panoramic views, making it simple to explore Medina’s many memorable locations at your own pace.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore!

Masjid-Al-Nabawi has been, since the advent of Islam, a site of holy significance where millions of visitors come to seek the blessings and reward of praying here and paying an honorary salaam to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions. The second greatest mosque in Islam has, though, been restricted for non-Muslim tourists; they’re, however, allowed to admire the beauty from outside the mosque (courtyard area having a fence). Being a Muslim, you can enter and pray the congregational prayers inside and let peace and serenity take over your senses. The site where the Prophet’s tomb is also greatly revered by Muslims, known as ‘Rawdah-tul-Rasool’, where they seek blessings from Allah upon sending greetings to His Holy Prophet. However, permission from the authorities is required to enter this area, and you’re allowed only for a certain time inside. The intricate designs holding the pillars of the mosque, the golden gates, beautiful Islamic calligraphy, and its architectural marvel of green dome from afar portray its admirable quality.

The place where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had prayed upon his arrival in Medina is the same site where he had the prestige of building this mosque. Although it was built simply initially, today the grand architecture of its building will amaze any sight beholding its view. Masjid Al Quba, the first mosque of Islam, is approximately 3 miles from Medina. Visitors love to come here and enjoy its tranquil breeze of history and pray to follow the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. The mosque has seven major entrance gates,56 mini domes surrounding the precincts of its building, four parallel minarets, and a second-story area facilitating worshippers to pray feasibly. Audio guides offer knowledge about the area’s history, and the scenic surrounding of fountains and gardens outside the mosque gives time for happy strolling. So, make sure you’re adding this mosque to your bucket list of things to do in Medina!

A place of major historical significance in Islam, located north of Medina, 5 km away from Masjid-Al-Nabawi, was the battlefield for the Battle of Uhud that took place here in 3 A.H, 625 CE. Mount Uhud, also known as Archer’s Hill, is elevated at 3,533ft and 7.5km long; the rocky mountain where the archers transcended following the Prophet’s instructions to avoid the attack by Quraysh. About 70 martyrs of this battle are buried here in the Martyrs’ Cemetery. Holy Prophet (PBUH), along with his companions, had climbed this mountain for its love and admiration, upon which historians revealed that it trembled. Tourists can revive their great story and feel the resilience of faith by climbing up the mountain. Going on the guided hiking trail will lead you to look at the sacredness of this site.

A graveyard of thousands of companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Jannat-ul-Baqi, The Garden of Heaven, is the largest and oldest cemetery in Medina. This place is a must-visit for Muslims, as you will get time to ponder your spiritual wellbeing. Peeking into the past, it tells the story of the glorious days of Islam when each companion was true to their words and actions and reflected the honest guidance of obeying Allah and His Prophet. A guided explanation around the area will let you know about famous personalities who are resting here. Although the graves appear to be a bed of elevated gravel with a stone placed to mark it, their significance is praiseworthy. And don’t forget to say your salaam to them, from outside the boundary, as entry is currently restricted.

This place is for sure going to be a fun and exciting trip for you. The Islamic Heritage Museum represents the culture and traditional beauty of Medina, where you can find suitable keepsake gifts and souvenirs for purchase. These are handcrafted or a piece of traditional art, located inside their gift shop. The shopkeepers are friendly and love to describe the story behind each piece’s origin, and they also guide you to the best selection of gifts according to your liking. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in an amazing experience related to learning traditional art forms in the workshop hosted by the museum.

Another significant battle in Islamic history was the Battle of the Trench, the site where The Seven Mosques are built today to commemorate the auspicious victory. One of the notable mosques is linked to Salman Al-Farsi, the companion who proposed the idea and led the digging of the trench. Also known as Masjid Al-Sab’a, this group of mosques is located in Medina and can be viewed from Mount Sela.

Each of the six mosques—aside from the seventh, Masjid al-Qiblatayn—is named after companions who were stationed by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during the battle. These mosques include:

• Masjid Al-Fath: The largest of all, where the Prophet (PBUH) prayed, and where the battle was successfully won by the Muslims.
• Masjid Salman Al-Farsi: Named after Salman Al-Farsi, who proposed the idea of the trench.
• Masjid Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq: The third mosque, named after Abu Bakr, the first caliph.

These three mosques have now been combined into one larger mosque. The remaining mosques are:

• Masjid Umar ibn Al-Khattab: Named after Umar, the second caliph.
• Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib: Named after Ali, the fourth caliph.
• Masjid Fatimah Zahra: Named after Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Quba Walkway is a beautifully designed pedestrian path that connects Masjid an-Nabawi to Masjid Quba, following a route the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once took. Lined with greenery and well-maintained landscaping, parts of the walkway are set up as small parks—perfect for families to enjoy a peaceful evening stroll. Along the way, visitors can explore a variety of souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it both a spiritual and leisurely experience.

Originally built in 1908 by the Ottoman Empire as a railway station, the Medina Museum was later transformed into a museum in 1983, preserving the rich history of the Hejaz Railway. Today, it houses around 2,000 artifacts that reflect the cultural, historical, and geographical heritage of the region. The museum features a fascinating collection, including old photographs of Medina, vintage train parts, and archaeological items, offering visitors a window into the city’s past. It is located at the final station of the historic Hejaz Railway, near the Anbariya Mosque in Medina.

Located to the South of Masjid Al Nabawi, this museum is designed innovatively to present the history and significance of the life of the Holy Prophet PBUH and other messengers of Allah. It also showcases Islamic monuments and gives knowledge about Islamic principles through the presentation. This place is engaging as a Medina tourist attraction as it gives an immersive experience of learning about the Holy Prophet’s life as if you’re seeing it. They have advanced technological uses such as artificial intelligence, interactive screens, interactive murals, interactive rooms for children, and much more.

You will be taken on a camel ride to walk in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet and his companions, who embarked on a prominent event in Islam. The Battle of Badr, which took place in 624 CE against the Quraysh, ended in a victory for the Muslims. A historical tour will be given to landmarks that witnessed the events of the battle—such as the place where the army first stopped, where the first martyrdom took place, and other significant sites. The journey begins from the Sakiya Mosque in Medina and includes bus fare, breakfast, and drinks.

Located close to Masjid al-Nabawi, the historically significant Masjid al-Ghamama is the place where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) prayed to Allah to invoke rain. This tranquil place allows worshippers to visit during prayer times and experience a sense of peace washing over them as the words of the Quran soothe their hearts. The interior and décor of the mosque are phenomenal—simple, yet captivating. You can also visit the neighboring market area to shop and enjoy munching on local delicacies.

For the love of sweet and nutritious dates, a sweet lover and a health enthusiast must not miss going to the old dates market in Medina. Souq Al Tumair and the Old Bazaar are the places where you will get elegant varieties of dates, which are grown across different regions of Saudi Arabia. These hustling markets are filled with different cultural vibrancy, where the vendors allow you to have a taste of their fruit before purchasing it.  Some of the famous dates attributing each to a different sensory experience are Al-Ajwa (Personal favorite of the Holy Prophet PBUH), Al-Mabroom, Al-Safawi, Al-Barni, and Mejdool.

King Fahad Garden or Central Park is a lovely tourist and local attraction, which is nestled in the heart of Medina. Away from the busy city life, this perfect recreational spot allows visitors to relax and breathe in the serene oasis of beautifully crafted gardens. Attractive and colorful, scented flowers exhibit an enchanting atmosphere, which is even more enhanced at night by the illuminated pathways for strolling in a romantic setting. People come here to enjoy a picnic, and kids have their fun time in their designated play area.

One of the top attractions in Medina, Al-Noor Mall, is a place where excited visitors turn to for shopping for their favorites all under one roof. Al-Noor Mall brings about an exclusive shopping experience, providing a wide range of international and local products. Outlets that exhibit clothing brands, electronic items, beauty and cosmetic products, home décor, and apart from that, it also has an exciting and adventurous play area for kids, a delightful food court, and a cinema for movie lovers.

These panoramic views of the mountains and valley come with a mysterious and exhilarating story! About 30 km from Madinah lies Wadi-e-Jinn (also known as Wadi Al-Baida), meaning "the Valley of the Jinn"—named after the supernatural beings mentioned in Islamic tradition. Visitors are fascinated by unusual phenomena here, where cars appear to move uphill on their own, even without the engine running or a driver. Some believe these occurrences are caused by jinn, but in reality, it's an optical illusion—a natural phenomenon where the landscape creates a false impression of an upward slope.

Located near Masjid Al-Nabawi, this modern and stylish shopping mall is a favorite destination among locals and visitors in Medina. Boasting an impressive architectural design, the mall features a wide variety of shops—347 in total—including well-known international brands such as Hyper Panda, Saco, Extra, Home Centre, and Toys R Us, along with fashion retailers like H&M and Max.

Beyond shopping, the mall offers a complete leisure experience with numerous dining options, cozy cafés, and entertainment zones for children. Visitors can enjoy meals at popular spots like Romaway, AlBaik, Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King, making it a perfect place to relax, shop, and dine.

One can enjoy shopping at Medina’s largest shopping mall, Taiba Commercial Centre, which offers a variety of international products and local favorites like prayer mats, perfumes, and Arabic clothing. Dining options, including fast-food outlets, are also available here, making it a convenient destination for both shopping and a quick meal.

Embark on a captivating 4-hour journey through the historic sites where key battles unfolded between the Muslims and their adversaries, the Quraysh, along with other enemies of Islam. This tour will guide you through significant locations tied to events such as the Battle of Uhud, the Battle of the Trench, and the Battles of Banu An-Nadir and Banu Qaynuqa. As you explore these culturally important landmarks, you will learn about the strategies, bravery, and pivotal moments that shaped the course of Islamic history. The tour also includes meals along the way, offering a taste of local delicacies, as well as transportation for your convenience.

Masjid al-Qiblatayn, also known as "The Mosque of the Two Qiblas", is a historically significant place of worship. Built in 2 AH by Sawad Bin Ghanam, this mosque is famous for its two minarets, each pointing toward a different direction of the Qibla. One faces Jerusalem (Masjid Al-Aqsa), the first Qibla for Muslims, while the other points towards Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, the Qibla Muslims follow today.

It was at this mosque that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) received divine revelation during Zuhr prayer, instructing him to shift the direction of prayer towards Masjid Al-Haram. With a capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers, Masjid al-Qiblatayn remains an important site for both pilgrims and visitors to Makkah and Medina, who come to witness its cultural and historical significance.

As you wander through the streets of Medina, the air is filled with the enticing aromas of local delicacies being prepared at various restaurants. Let your senses guide you, and stop by one of these eateries to savor traditional dishes like Kabsah, Falafel, or Shawarma. These flavorful meals are a true reflection of Medina’s rich culinary heritage.

Engaging with a local artisanal experience in your neighborhood art gallery will connect you to the city’s rich tapestry of traditions. Exhibition of artefacts, paintings, and sculptures will leave you inspired, and you may also get to talk with the local artists to know the background story of their murals.

Visiting the ancient streets of Medina tells the story of old buildings and towns. Each corner speaks about the historical sights it has witnessed. Taking a guided stroll will enlighten you about the traditions and practices of locals, shaping the region as it is today.

Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Park is a beloved recreational spot located on Uthman bin Affan Road, near Jabal Uhud. The park is a favorite among families, offering a variety of attractions for children, such as a bunny house, bird-watching areas, and fun rides. Visitors can also enjoy a treat from one of the ice cream stalls scattered throughout the park. With its lush greenery and family-friendly amenities, it’s a perfect place to relax and have fun with loved ones.

Yanbu is a fantastic getaway located approximately 230 km from Medina, a two-and-a-half-hour drive. The city is a gateway to the Red Sea, offering beautiful beaches where you can unwind and escape the heat. Yanbu is also a diving paradise, home to popular spots like Seven Sisters, where you can immerse yourself in colorful coral reefs. Additionally, the area is rich in history, with shipwrecks from World War II scattered beneath the waves, adding an intriguing historical layer to your adventure.

The ancient city of Al-Ula holds deep historical significance, having witnessed the era of Madain Saleh. The region is renowned for its towering, intricately carved rocks, impressive sandstone formations, and tombs, including the iconic Elephant Rock and the Jabal Ahmar Tomb. These awe-inspiring natural and man-made wonders stand as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the area.

The site that holds immense historical and Islamic significance stands tall and mighty on a rocky plateau surrounded by lush green date palms and a beautiful plantation. The Khaybar Fort is an ancient mudbrick structure located 180 km from Medina, where the important Battle of Khaybar was fought.

Jeddah city is famous among tourists for its iconic landmarks such as Al-Ballad, which is also classified as a World Heritage site, old and modern souks (markets), ancient buildings, and an attractive seashore. It takes about 4 and a half hours to travel from Medina and can be accessed by bus, taxi, or a train trip.

This will be a 5-hour trip to remember, which you would plan from Medina. Taif’s old city, with the vibrancy of its modern attractions, attracts many visitors from around the world. The lush blooming fruit and flowers garden, the shafaa mountains, the local markets, and Taif zoo are must-visit. Taif was the city where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had visited to invite the people to Islam and met the chiefs of Thaqeef tribe.

If you’re a tourist, running short of time, the best way for you to experience the city’s attractions is to get on this red double-decker bus, which takes different routes around Medina. You’ll get to visit famous sites like Al-Baqi cemetery, Quba Mosque, the Site of the Battle of Badr, and Uhud mountains.