The holy feel of Medina is just the beginning of a lifetime of experience. So, to imbibe this holy feeling, are you interested in learning about the historical significance of the place? The city existed for about 1500 years, even before the prophet's arrival. Before becoming one of the holiest places in the world, several battles, such as the battle of Uhud, were fought on this land. With so much history, you can definitely look for things to do in Medina and take a break from your busy life to feel the positive and soothing vibes of the city.
Best Things to Do in Medina: Creating Precious Memories to Reminisce
The enlightened city is a place to forget all your worries and surrender yourself to the blessings and joy it offers. The city is primarily famous as one of the holiest places in the world; however, it also offers fun, thrilling, and adventurous activities. Other than visiting the places, indulging in Arabic cuisine is one of the fun things to do in Medina. One can take back newly discovered tastes, aromas and spices that will become a precious memory to reminisce about someday.
The essence of Medina lies in its rich history, ancient times, and Islamic culture. Visitors are astounded by the explicit beauty and the opportunity to delve into the life of Prophet Muhammad, from his immigration to his passing. If you're still wondering about the best things to do in Madinah, you can embark on an expedition to explore the historical museums and downtown districts, which offer shopping and events. Each mosque has its own unique story to tell, adding to the captivating experience of this historical and cultural journey.
Other than the positive vibes, there are a bunch of things to do in Medina that will fill your heart with immense happiness and content.
- Get the blessings from the almighty at Al Masjid An Nabawi
- Feel the Tranquility at Masjid Quba
- Enjoy climbing Mountain Uhud
- Relax and Chill with mother nature at Al Ula farms
- Enjoy Hiking on the Stunning Mountains of Al Ula
- Delve into the charm of Beautiful Souvenirs at Old bazaar
- Discover the Ancient Era at Dar Al Madinah Museum
- Explore the city of Hegra from the Sky
- Explore the Serene Landscapes of Wadi E Jinn
- Shopping at Al Noor Mall
1. Get the Blessings from the Almighty at Al Masjid An Nabawi
One of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia is to visit the charismatic mosques to seek the blessings of the almighty. Also known as the prophet’s mosque, the Al Masjid an Nabawi attracts millions from around the world to learn about the foundation of Islam. After migrating from Mecca to Medina, the prophet established his resting place on his own. The famous green dome of the Prophet’s tomb is one of a kind, which was colorless, and originally made of wood. There are eight pillars inside Al Masjid an Nabawi, standing tall, each carrying its significance. The second holiest mosque in Islam was established to offer congregational prayers without disturbance. The mosque’s beauty is graced by the marble floors that have the capacity to contain around a million pilgrims.
Location: Al Haram, Medina 42311, Saudi Arabia
Timing: Open 24 hours
Top Attractions: Tomb of Prophet Muhammed, architecture
2. Feel the Tranquility at Masjid Quba
Are you thinking of what to do in Madinah? Let us introduce you with the very first mosque that belonged to Prophet Muhammed, an interesting place for pilgrims to visit and pay their respects. This spiritual attraction is built on the outskirts of Medina. The mosque was rebuilt in the 20th century with a prayer room elevated to the second Storey platform. In recent times there have been many new additions that include seven major entrances, four parallel minarets, and fifty-six mini domes that create a boundary for the mosque. The mosque's architecture contains Arabesque latticework which helps filter the light and provide good airflow. While most of the essential things, such as minbar and mihrab are made of white marble, the courtyard is covered in white, black and red marbles that add to the mosque's beauty.
Location: In the vicinity of Al Masjid An Nabawi
Timing: Open 24 hours
Top Attractions: Architecture, marble floors
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3. Enjoy Climbing Mountain Uhud
Situated in the north of Medina, the place has the historical significance of being the site where the battle of Uhud happened. Many people who were important to the Prophet were martyred in the battle. It would be one of the best things to do in Medina as the experience will fill your heart with gratitude for the martyrs. It is said that the prophet also loved Uhud mountain. Other than being one of the sacred places for people to visit, one can climb the mountain to admire the scenic beauty. The mountain is steep, but people of all ages can still climb it. One can dine on the delicious and aromatic Arabic cuisine in many famous restaurants not that far from the place.
Location: North of Medina, approximately 5 kilometers from Al Masjid An Nabawi.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Top Attractions: History, scenic views, restaurants
4. Relax and Chill with Mother Nature at Al Ula Farms
Offering a blissful escape to nature, Al Ula Farm is one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia. It is a great way to reconnect with the organic aspect of the self and be one with the environment. The place provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about plants and fruits. One can spend a whole day with friends and family walking through various plants and fruits. Here, you not only get to pick fruits on your own from the farm but also get a chance to plant a seed there, which is one of the Madinah things to do. This is a perfect place to take a break from the hustle-bustle of life and spend time with nature. The farm attracts adults and children while offering a great way to spend hours in the company of delicious fruits and food.
Location: Al-Othaib 4 St, street, Al Jubail, AlUla 35819, Saudi Arabia
Timing: Different time
Top Attractions: Different plants and fruits, nature walk
5. Enjoy Hiking on the Stunning Mountains of Al Ula
In the old days, the city of Al Ula was where traders and travelers would rest because of many oases. The city offers many kinds of hikes with different terrains, from sand to rocks. The adventurous activity demands a medium fitness level as the bumpy terrain and heat from the sun tests the will of the hikers. If you are looking for adventure in Medina, this could be your place. The adventure trail varies from a 1-hour hike to a 4-hour hike, depending on the choice of the hikers. One of the most exciting things to do in Madinah is to explore the adventure trail. The trail offers different hiking options, ranging from a 1-hour hike to a 4-hour hike, depending on your preference. For an extra thrill, visit during winter when some sections of the trail are filled with rainwater, requiring hikers to pass through water pools or even swim through them. Just remember to bring extra clothes for this wet and adventurous experience!
Location: Al-Othaib 4 St, street, Al Jubail, AlUla 35819, Saudi Arabia
Timing: N.A.
Top Attractions: Adventure, scenic beauty
Suggested Read: Hajj 2022: A Guide to Attain Spirituality in the Holy City of Mecca Medina
6. Delve into the charm of Beautiful Souvenirs at Old Bazaar
The market adjacent to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is a fantastic place to find authentic souvenirs. It's a local market where you can showcase your bargaining skills while shopping for dates, clothes, decor, accessories, perfumes, handicrafts, lamps, and carpets. Buying native items from this holy place should be at the top of your list of things to do in Medina Saudi Arabia. After shopping, you can treat yourself to mouthwatering Arabic cuisine at the restaurants near the bazaar. Enjoy the flavors and the vibrant atmosphere!
Location: Accessible from gate 6 Al Masjid An Nabawi
Timing: N.A.
Top Attractions: Dates, dry fruits, artefacts, handcrafts
7. Discover the Ancient Era at Dar Al Madinah Museum
Are you a history lover? Do you look for the reasons why some things exist? Well, you’re in for a fun day! The Dar Al Madinah Museum is one of the best places to visit in Medina for taking a glimpse of the classical era. This museum has 14 halls containing the history of Medina, all the battles fought, the stories of sacrifices, recordings of different artefacts, visual galleries etc. The museum was created in 1983 when it was decided under a project that Al-Hejaz Railway Station would be converted into a beautiful museum. It is a place where one can shut everything happening in the present world and become a part of the incidents that led to the advent of the prophet. One of the top things to do in Madinah is to take a tour through the museum takes an interesting turn when one comes across the progression of Masjid Nawabi from a house with a courtyard to such a complex which can contain lakhs of people at a time.
Location: Knowledge economic city, Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Al Mabuth, Medina 42362, Saudi Arabia
Timing: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Top Attractions: Architecture, tour, history
Suggested Read: Largest Cities in Saudi Arabia: Reflection of Spirituality and Adventure
8. Explore the City of Hegra from the Sky
The 2000-year-old city opened for the first time in 2019 for tourists. This mysterious city could be the perfect place to understand the culture and tradition of the people that lived. It is said that the town belonged to the Nabataeans, a nomad tribe that turned into a kingdom with traders dealing in incense and spices. It is interesting to know that the city of Hegra is the sister of the famous Petra. The untouched city with rock-cut constructions could be a place holding new secrets that might add new stars to the face of history. So, if you are looking for a mysterious place to travel to, add the tour of the city of Hegra to your bucket list of things to do in Medina. If you don’t want to walk that much, choose the hot air balloon ride and admire the beauty of the place from the sky.
Location: Al Madinah Region, Al-Hejaz, Saudi Arabia
Timing: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Top Attractions: Architecture, history
Suggested Read: Shopping in Medina: Shop for the Best Gifts with a Divine Arabian Touch
9. Explore the Serene Landscapes of Wadi E Jinn
Wadi-e-Jinn is a mysterious and elusive destination close to Medina, the holy city of Saudi Arabia. Tucked up in a rocky area, Wadi-e-Jinn is well known for its peculiar gravitational phenomena where vehicles can roll uphill against gravity as if there were no outside force at all. Beyond the enigma around gravity, Wadi-e-Jinn is treasured for its undiscovered beauty and tranquil surroundings. The valley, which is engulfed by desert landscapes on all sides, provides a peaceful escape from Medina's bustling city life. One of the best things to do in Medina is to explore the majestic landscapes of Wadi E Jinn and delve into its captivating folklore surrounding the region. Never miss out on spending a night there by setting up your camp and enjoy your ideal stay amid serenity.
Location: 8110, Madinah Saudi Arabia
Timing: 24 hours
Top Attractions: Unique landscapes
Suggested Read: Mosques in Medina: Where All Prayers are Answered
10. Shopping at Al Noor Mall
Considered the biggest mall in Madinah city, Al Noor Mall is a paradise for shopping lovers offering unlimited options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Brimmed with a plethora of international brand showrooms and exclusive retail stores, you can find a wide collection of fashion apparel, skincare products, accessories, and footwear. One of the best things to do in Medina Saudi Arabia is to embark on an alluring culinary journey by exploring the myriad of restaurants and cafes best known for its regional and international delights. You need not worry about spending time in the mall as it offers a plentitude of entertainment options, catering to the needs of every visitor. Never forget to buy some souvenirs from the mall and redefine your style and glamour.
Location: King Abdullah Branch Rd, Al'uyun, Madinah 42331, Saudi Arabia
Timing:
5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Top Attractions: Shopping stores, restaurants & cafes, entertainment options
Suggested Read: Best 7 Malls in Medina: Splurge, Eat, and Chill!!
If you are looking for the best things to do in Medina, the mentioned places could be your choice. Your holiday will be full of spirituality, calmness, peace, learning, adventure, and many blessings. Medina offers a variety of places to visit, from the beautiful, serene, and holy mosques to the thrills of hiking on the mountains. The city has gone through various battles and emerged victorious with grace and positivity. When planning a holiday to Medina, avail yourself of the Saudi Arabia holiday package and enjoy a perfect time with your loved ones.
Things to Do in Medina FAQs
Some of the things people can enjoy are going for a walk at Al Ula farms, hike on the mountains of Al Ula, visiting the mosque and going shopping. Medina has something for everyone.
The best time to visit Medina is between October and May when the sun's heat is more tolerable. It is advised to see the weather before making a plan to do every activity with no health issues.
Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is the international airport in Medina. It is also known as Madinah Airport.
There are many holy places in Medina, such as Al Masjid An Nabawi, and Masjid Quba. If you are looking for fun and adventurous things to do in Medina, there is Uhud Mountain, Al Ula farm, Al Ula hike, Old Bazaar, Dar Al Madinah Museum, and City of Hegra.
Medina is primarily known for being one of the holiest places in Islam. Al Masjid an Nabawi, the prophet's resting place, is in the city. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the mosque to pay their respects and get the blessings of the prophet.
One can visit beautiful mosques in the city and take the blessing of the divine. There are interesting museums that give information about the historical events with which the city went through and survived. Besides that, one can spend time hiking, shopping, trying Arabic cuisine, and learning more about the city.
It is a mosque with the tomb of Prophet Muhammed. It is one of the holiest mosques in Islam, and people from all over the world visit it to pay their respects. The mosque is beautifully built, and one can spend ample time there to absorb the positivity of the place.
There are different markets in the city. One can buy many things to take back as gifts for one's loved ones. Some authentic things that can be purchased are dates, clothes, décor items, accessories, perfumes, handicrafts, lamps, carpets, etc.
