Top 9 Places to Visit in Madinah

Known as the 2nd holiest place in Islam after Makkah, Madinah is a lively city set 400 km from Mecca North in western Saudi Arabia. Every year, it pulls in dozens of pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj, who visit for their spiritual journey and wish to be transported back in time to explore history.

Originally referred to as “Yathrib,” Madinah became famous as the name of The Prophet’s City or Madinat-an-Nabi after the Prophet Muhammad's passing, later, it earned the title of “The Enlightened City” or al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. Being the Madinah Province capital, it houses a buzzing population, that delivers a combo of captivating sights and religious significance. We have rounded up a list of the 9 best tourist places in Madinah to ease up on the hunt and save you from tiring research. So, let’s dig into the essential places to visit in this beautiful city!

Masjid An-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque, is a spiritual haven built in the first year of Hijra after the Prophet migrated from Makkah to Madinah. It features the sacred tomb of Prophet Muhammad, easily recognized by its stunning green dome in the southeast corner. As the second most visited Islamic site after Masjid-e-Haram, it attracts millions of pilgrims during Umrah and Hajj, remaining open around the clock. Notably, Abu Huraira conveyed the Prophet’s words: “Prayer in my mosque is more excellent than a thousand prayers in other mosques, except for Masjid al-Haram,” highlighting its profound spiritual significance.

Located just 6 km from Madinah lies the Quba Mosque which is thought to be the very first mosque ever built dating back to the 7th century CE. Prophet Muhammad stopped by this sacred place during his journey to Madinah from Makkah, even spending 14 days there waiting for his son-in-law Ali to arrive. It stands as the second largest mosque in Madinah, it bustles with activity, greeting large groups of worshippers and pilgrims, specifically in the mornings, making up for an uplifting atmosphere of togetherness and faith and among the best historical places of Madina.

Get ready to be inspired at Masjid al-Qiblatayn, the mosque of two Qiblas. This historic site is exactly where Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. received a significant message to change the prayer direction to Makkah from Jerusalem. Built in 623 CE by Sawad bin Ghanim bin Ka'b, this magnificent mosque has two mihrabs, highlighting its special connection to this significant moment.

Popularly called “The Garden of Heaven,” Jannat-ul-Baqi is the earliest Madinah cemetery, serving as a tranquil resting place for many revered figures, like companions, family members of the Prophet Muhammad, and scholars. Among those buried are the Prophet’s grandson, Hazrat Imam Hasan Ibn Ali, and his beloved daughter, Hazrat Fatima-al-Zehra. The first person laid to rest was an Ansari companion, Al-Baqi, who passed away after the migration of the Prophet to Madinah.

Located 4 km from the Prophet’s Mosque lies a significant Islamic landmark, known for being the place of the Uhud Battle in 625 CE, Mount Uhud. This battle served as a crucial event in early Islamic history. You will come across a cemetery, honoring the brave martyrs who fought, home to the remnants of 70 individuals, incorporating the beloved uncle of Prophet Muhammad, Hamza Ibn Abdul Muttalib.

Set 120 miles in an enchanting Yanbu-al-Bah port city, Yanbu Beach serves as a charming getaway famous for its jaw-dropping panoramas and stunning blue waters. Here, visitors can delve deeper into adventure offering exciting activities including scuba diving, sailing, and jet skiing. The beach is also peppered with traditional houses of fishermen that add a touch of local culture.

Enjoy a rich history at Al-Madinah Museum of Islam, the 1st ever museum set in the city. Located on King Abdul Road in the Madinah Knowledge Economic City, this museum portrays the lively Islamic heritage with approx. 2,000 artifacts. You can discover rare photographs, engaging visual galleries, and archaeological treasures that detail the life of Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic story. Being the oldest museum, it provides an inviting look into history, making it among the essential places to visit in Madinah for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this heritage.

Explore the Desert of Saleh, among Madinah’s most captivating tourist attractions, where you will come across graves and giant tombs embellished with inscriptions and intricate drawings. Known as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it features the best-preserved remnants of the lost Nabataean Kingdom, set south of Al Nafud.

Located 41 km from Madinah is the mystical Wadi-e-Jinn, a valley that captivates visitors with its interesting phenomena. Here, you will come across a car that seems to roll without any effort, without any push from the driver, creating a surreal experience that locals say is a power of jins. Some have even reported hearing mysterious echoing sounds.