About 4 hours away from Makkah, Madinah is second holiest Islamic city for Muslims. The city is home to prominent ziyarats and culturally significant attractions. They are also the most popular places to visit in Madinah during Umrah and Hajj. Pilgrims often make a trip to Madinah and pay their respects at famous mosques, tombs, and shrines.
Climate of Madinah: Although Madinah has a hot and dry climate all-round the year, it is better to avoid visiting the city in the summer season when the temperature can rise above 45°C. It is pleasant during winters when the temperature varies between 17°C and 28°C.
City Transport in Madinah: There are car rentals and taxis available for transport. However, if you want to experience local culture and save some money, buses are a good option for commuting.
Religious Places To Visit In Madinah During Umrah
Being the second holiest place in Islam, the city is dotted with sites of religious interest that one cannot miss. Below are some of the most sacred places to visit in Madinah during Umrah:
1. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi – The Prophet’s Mosque
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi the second most important Mosque after Masjid al-Haram. According to the legends, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) built it and was buried here under a green dome. A prayer here is equivalent to 1,000 prayers in any other Mosque. It is crucial for Muslims to offer prayers here.
Over the years, various rulers have modified and renovated the an-Nabawi mosque, enhancing its architecture. The highlights of the modern structure of the mosque include its green dome, Rawdah ash-Sharifah or the Noble Garden, the two mihrabs, the minarets and a minbar.
2. Masjid Al-Ahzab – The battle place
It is one of the seven mosques in Madinah that holds historic importance in the culture of Islam. The location of Masjid Al-Ahzab is renowned because this is where enemies of the idol worshipping Arabs and the Jews attacked Muslims of Madinah. Here, at the western corner of Jabal Sala, the Prophet made a Du’a, bringing him victory during the battle of Ahzab. It was also called Al-Fath because the Al-Fath Surah in the Quran was revealed here. It has been built and rebuilt many times in the past.
3. Quba Mosque – City’s second-largest mosque
Masjid Quba is one of the oldest mosques, which puts it among the important places to visit in Madinah during Umrah. It was founded by the Prophet after he migrated here from Makkah. Hence, it holds a prestigious place among Muslims. Many people consider it to be the third most important shrine in Saudi Arabia and many Muslims find it mandatory to visit while in Madinah. The historic sources of Islam reveal that it was constructed around 622AD and this is where first Friday prayer was held. They prayer was led by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and later he used to visit it every Saturday to offer prayers.
4. Al-Madinah Museum – The oldest museum in Madinah
This is the first and the oldest museum in the city. It narrates the history, heritage and rich culture of Islam. It reassesses the events of the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The museum even holds seminars on his life. It welcomes visitors between Saturday and Thursday. It has large models that simulate the construction of several landmarks in the city. The museum has rare pieces and artefacts on display to showcase the rich history of the city.
5. The Garden of Hazrat Salman Farsi (RA) – A beautiful tourist spot in Madinah
At this place, Prophet Muhammad planted around 300 date palms so that he could free Salman Farsi (RA) from slavery. He belonged to a rich family and was a Persian slave sold in the slave market and taken to Madinah. It is near Masjid Quba and still has tonnes of date palm trees that add to its beauty. The garden has a date shop where one can enjoy a hot steaming cup of tea amidst greenery. It is one of the most beautiful religious places to visit in Madinah during Umrah.
6. Mount Uhud – An important battle ground
Around 5 km north of Madinah lies a mountain where the Battle of Uhud had taken place. Quraysh assembled an army against Muslims after facing a defeat at the Battle of Badr. It is the burial ground of travel companions and of the uncle of the Prophet. The top of the mountain offers a stunning view of all the corners of Madinah. It has cavities that trap rainwater every year. Also, travelers can witness small markets in the mountain that allow them to shop and enjoy.
7. Jannat-Ul-Baqi – The oldest Islamic cemetery in Madinah
It is a graveyard in Madinah where wives, daughters and several companions of Prophet Muhammad were buried. The first person to be buried here was As’ad Bin Zararah (RA), the travel companion of the Prophet. He died soon after the Prophet migrated to Madinah. It is said that the cemetery was chosen by the Prophet himself. It is considered virtuous to visit this cemetery, especially on Fridays, and pray to Allah.
8. Masjid Al-Qiblatain – One of the most stunning places to visit in Madinah during Umrah
Built by Sawad ibn Ghanam, the opulent and traditional structure of the Al-Qiblatain mosque makes a sight to behold. It has a huge prayer hall and is renowned for its twin Mihrabs. According to tales, the Prophet received a command here from Allah to change the Qibla from Jerusalem to Makkah. In 1987, it was torn down and rebuilt during the reign of King Fahd. During the reconstruction, the prayer niche facing Mecca was left, while the one facing Jerusalem was removed. It is one of the most beautiful places to offer prayers during a visit to Madinah.
9. Madina Media Museum – Showcasing the history of Islam
The museum displays artefacts that provide deep insight into Islam, its spread and the events that followed it. It is a walk through the Islamic history and culture, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Its exhibits include old images, paintings, a theatre, battle schematics, models of important monuments, rocks and much more. It is situated near Masjid-al Nabawi and has a theatre that illustrates the construction of the Mosque and the city. It also has schematics of famous battles, serving the best of knowledge to historians.
Other Places To Visit In Madinah During Umrah
10. The Old Market Madinah – For some traditional buys
It is an old market where travelers can buy garments and mats in Islamic designs, plenty of Arabian products and souvenirs. It is a bustling place located among the major streets of the city. The best time to check out vibrant design and interesting themes is over the weekends when you can take home religious inscribed pieces, tableware, candleholders, keychains, etc. One can also visit it before starting the journey to buy abayas and other ethnic garments. The market has a colourful setup, giving you festive vibes on any day that one decides to visit it.
Visiting Madinah In The Ramadan Month: As one of the essential cities in Saudi Arabia on any Muslim pilgrims itinerary, Madinah has ample to offer to tourists and pilgrims. During Ramadan, the city gets all decked up and the Prophet’s Mosque becomes the most beautiful place. Also, Iftar is one of the main events to look forward to. All restaurants and cafes remain closed during prayer times and serve traditional delicacies in the evening. Iftar meals at Al Habibi Shinwari, Route 66, and Arabesque Restaurant are delicious. These restaurants must be on your list of places to visit in Madinah during Umrah.
With so much to see and do in Madinah during Umrah, it is one of the liveliest places in Saudi after Makkah during the holy month of Ramadan. Pilgrims can visit Madinah ziyarats, famous iftar places, and popular markets during this time.
Places To Visit In Madinah During Umrah FAQs
Why Madinah is famous?
About 4 hours away from Makkah, Madinah is an important Islamic pilgrimage site. The city is home to prominent ziyarats and culturally significant attractions. They are also the most popular places to visit in Madinah during Umrah and Hajj.
How is the climate in Madinah?
Although Madinah has a hot and dry climate around the year, it is better to avoid visiting the city in the summer when the temperature rises above 45°C. It is pleasant during winters when the temperature varies between 17°C and 28°C.
How to travel in Madinah?
The visitors can travel using the city transport in Madina. There are car rentals and taxis available for transport. However, if you want to experience local culture and save some money, buses are the best option for commuting.
What are the famous places to try iftar meals in Madinah?
Pilgrims must try the delicious iftar meals at Al Habibi Shinwari, Route 66, and Arabesque Restaurant. One of the top choices among food is lamb dishes.
What are the historical & religious places to visit in Madinah?
Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Jannat-al-Baqi, Mount Uhud are some of the historical and religious sites in Madinah.
