10 Top Sights Of Madinah You Shouldn’t Miss

Madinah is a treasure trove of wonders and the secret-keeper of several important chapters from yesteryears. The overwhelming history of Islam is intertwined in every corner of this city. It is here that Prophet Muhammad lived and shared his invaluable teachings after his migration (Hijrah) from Mecca. Hence, it is no surprise that its original name, Al Medina Al Munawwarah, refers to ‘the Enlightened City.’ 

Located in the western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Madinah is the second-holiest Islamic city after Mecca. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit Madina. However, they are restricted from visiting the Prophet’s Mosque. The tranquil city of Madinah is home to significant things to do, from visiting the Prophet’s Mosque to ascending Mount Uhud to shopping at the Old Bazaar. We have compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in Madinah to help you truly experience the essence of the city. 

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Top 10 Things To Do in Madinah

Worship at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, was originally built on the orders of the Prophet Muhammad. This impeccable historical mosque is now one of the largest mosques in the world. It is considered the holiest landmark after the Al-Haram mosque in Madinah.

The most notable features of the mosque include the green dome and ten minarets. This awe-inspiring mosque is the resting place for Prophet Muhammad and the first two Rashidun Caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar. There is a belief that all prayers offered here are always answered.

Timings: Open for 24 hours.

 

Visit the historical Cave of Bani Haram

The cave of Bani Haram is a historic archaeological site and is located on the western side of Mount Sila. It is also known as ‘the Cave of Prostration’ due to an incident. Muadh-bin-Jabal was looking for the Prophet and discovered him in prostration before the significant battle of Uhud. 

The Bani Haram cave is now in ruins and was destroyed after the war. The entire cave is surrounded by expansive mountains, tranquil valleys, and tunnels that offer otherworldly experiences. 

Timings: Open for 24 hours

 

Take a stroll in the Garden of Salman Al Farsi

The Garden of Salman Al-Farsi is a lovely sight in Madinah. This is the place where the Prophet planted three hundred palm trees to free Salman Farsi from slavery. The garden also has a well with fresh water. Visitors can take a stroll in the garden, taste the water, and buy dates from the garden.

Timings: Open for 24 hours.

 

Explore the historic Al-Ghars Well

Don’t miss visiting Al-Ghars Well, which is located close to the Garden of Salman Al-Farsi. It is a historic water well, and it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad drank from this well and requested to be bathed in its water after his death. 

Timings: Open for 24 hours

 

Pay a visit to the Abu Bakr Masjid

The Abu Bakr al-Siddique Mosque is a significant religious site in Madinah. It is situated approximately 5 kilometers from Masjid al-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque. The mosque is named after Abu Bakr al-Siddique, the first caliph of Islam and one of the Prophet Muhammad’s closest companions. It is  believed that the Prophet Muhammad used to offer his prayers during Eid at this site, and after the Prophet, Abu Bakr continued the tradition during his Caliphate. 

The mosque was built in the princedom of Omar Bin Abdul Aziz and was later renovated by the Ottoman Sultan Mahmoud II in 1838 CE. It was designed in a modern architectural style and built with black basalt stones. The mosque has a large prayer hall and a 15-meter-tall minaret that stands out. The most notable feature of the small mosque is its ornate dome. The single minaret retains Ottoman architecture and is similar to one of the minarets of the Prophet’s Mosque. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths. 

Timings: Open for 24 hours

 

Climb up the historical Mount Uhud

Mount Uhud is the Arabian Peninsula’s most famous topographical and historical site. The mountain is known for Prophet Muhammad’s great prophecies. On the summit of this mountain, a force of 3000 non-Muslims and 700 Muslims engaged in the Battle of Uhud, the second-largest battle in Islamic history. Uhud Mountain’s rocks are incredibly tough and nearly never deform. People frequently visit the site for their intense devotion to the Prophet Muhammad and to pay respects to the martyrs of the war. Mount Uhud is an Arabic name, which translates to “the one,” which was given by the Prophet.

Timings: Open for 24 hours

 

Experience a magical power at Wadi Al-Jinn

Experience the phenomenon of reverse gravity at the Wadi Al-Jinn. Wadi Al-Baida, also known as Wadi Al-Jinn, is a mysterious valley located 30 kilometers northwest of Madinah. It is said to be mysterious because the cars move without the driver touching them. One of the strange stories about this valley is about vehicles driving upward on mountain roads without needing to press the accelerator. The car would continue to move even after the driver turned off the engine. And this is true too! Traditionalists think that Wadi Al-Jinn contains Jinn power. Geologists say that the mountains in this area possess unique magnetic properties that exhibit reverse gravity. This kind of phenomenon can also be experienced in the southern provinces of Asir and Najran. People from all over the Kingdom and other countries visit this natural park and set up tents to stay for a few days, especially on the weekends. 

Timings: Open for 24 hours

Discover rare relics at Koran Museum or The Holy Quran Exhibition 

The Holy Quran Exhibition is a permanent exhibition located on the campus of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.  The major highlight of The Holy Quran Exhibition is the collection of nine original Qurans, which explore the history and values of Islam. Visitors can view demonstrations to learn about the Holy Quran. A Quranic copy that dates back to the year 488 Hijri is worth a visit. Also, witness one of the largest Quran replicas, which weighs 154 kilograms!

The idea of creating the museum is to familiarize people with the Quran through the latest techniques of display. It also shows how much the Kingdom cares about the Holy Quran and its history. The demonstrations are available in English and on wordy placards. The original and replica of the Quran are displayed in the hall. It is advisable to hire a tour guide who will inform you about the history of the pre-Quran era and know its historical significance in detail.

Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM

Entry fee: 25 Saudi Riyal for adults & 15 Saudi Riyal for children

 

Explore the International Exhibition and Museum of the Biography of the Prophet and Islamic Civilization

The International Exhibition and Museum of the Biography of the Prophet and Islamic Civilization is an educational facility that is dedicated to showcasing all about Islam. The spacious facility displays a range of valuable collections, approximate models, pictures, and educational videos illustrating the Prophet Muhammad’s Hijra such as sites he passed and great incidents that accompanied his migration. 

Timings: 

• Sunday 6 am -10:30 pm
• Monday 6 am -10:30 pm
• Tuesday 6 am -10:30 pm
• Wednesday 6 am -10:30 pm
• Thursday 6 am – 10:30 pm
• Friday 1-10:30 pm
• Saturday 1-9:30 pm

Entry fee: 27 Saudi Riyal

 

Indulge in shopping at Old Bazaar

Shopping at the Old Bazaar is an absolute paradise for shoppers, where you can find everything from exquisite dry fruits, decor items, traditional handicrafts, intriguing Arabian products to exotic perfumes and more. Visitors looking for the perfect souvenir can head to the Old Bazaar located adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque. 

The bazaar is easily accessible from Gate 6 of the Prophet’s Mosque. Since it’s a local market, it is expected to have some bargaining skills to purchase a product at a fair price. Take home the best souvenirs from the Old Market Madinah.

Timings: 8 am – 12 am

Add these top experiences to your Madinah holiday and make the most of it. Take advantage of our travel deals to Madinah and save huge on your trip.