Things to Do in Medina: Mosques, Historic Sites and Pilgrimage Landmarks

Medina is the second-holiest city in Islam — a place of profound spiritual importance that draws millions of pilgrims and visitors annually. The city is open to non-Muslim visitors in most areas, though the Al-Haram restricted zone surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque is accessible to Muslims only. What follows covers the major sites and experiences for all visitors, with relevant access notes.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the central site of any Medina visit for Muslim pilgrims. The mosque occupies the site where the Prophet Muhammad established his first mosque in 622 CE, and it contains the tomb of the Prophet. The current structure is enormous — expanded repeatedly by Saudi rulers, it now holds approximately 1.5 million worshippers — with the famous green dome marking the tomb’s location.

The Rawdah al-Sharifa — the garden between the Prophet’s pulpit and his tomb, described in hadith as a garden from paradise — requires early arrival or timed-entry management by mosque authorities during peak periods. Early morning prayers (Fajr) offer the best access with lower crowds outside peak pilgrimage season.

For Muslim visitors, praying at the Prophet’s Mosque holds particular spiritual reward. The mosque operates 24 hours, with prayers broadcast from the distinctive minarets across the city. See our Masjid al-Nabawi guide for the full visit protocol.

Quba Mosque

Quba Mosque — approximately 5 kilometres south of the Prophet’s Mosque — holds the distinction of being the first mosque built in Islamic history (622 CE). Praying two units of prayer here is considered equivalent to the reward of Umrah according to hadith. The mosque is consistently less crowded than the Prophet’s Mosque and can be visited calmly at most times of day.

The surrounding Quba district has a pleasant neighbourhood atmosphere, and the road between Quba and the Prophet’s Mosque is traditionally walked by pilgrims (approximately 45 minutes on foot). Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available for those who prefer not to walk in heat.

Entry is free. Opening hours follow prayer times throughout the day.

Mount Uhud and the Battle of Uhud

Uhud Mountain — 5 kilometres north of the Prophet’s Mosque — is the site of the second major battle in Islamic history (625 CE), where Muslim forces faced a Qurayshi army. The mountain is visible from across Medina’s northern districts.

The Uhud Battlefield at the mountain’s base includes the burial site of the martyrs, including the Prophet’s uncle Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib. The site is open to visitors and attracts significant numbers of pilgrims. A guided tour (approximately SAR 80–150 per person as of 2026) provides historical and religious context that significantly enriches the visit. Tours typically combine Uhud with other major sites including Quba Mosque and Al-Baqi Cemetery.

A mosque (Masjid al-Sabaq) and small visitor facilities sit at the Uhud site.

Al-Baqi Cemetery

Jannat al-Baqi is located adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque on its eastern side. This historic Islamic cemetery contains the graves of many of the Prophet’s companions, wives, and family members. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Medina. The cemetery is open at specific visiting hours between prayers; check current times at the mosque information centre. Photography restrictions apply.

Qiblatain Mosque

The Qiblatain Mosque (Mosque of Two Qiblas) — approximately 4 kilometres northwest of the Prophet’s Mosque — marks the site where, during prayer in 624 CE, the Prophet received the divine revelation to change the direction of prayer (qibla) from Jerusalem to Mecca. The mosque originally had two mihrabs (prayer niches) marking the two directions, though the current structure retains only the Mecca-facing mihrab. A small but historically significant site, generally less crowded than the major mosques. Entry is free.

Medina Museum (Al-Hijra Historical Museum)

The Al-Hijra Historical Museum documents the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE and the early Islamic period. The museum covers the political, social, and military history of Medina during the foundational decades of Islam. Well-produced exhibits with Arabic and English labelling. Entry is generally free.

Opening hours approximately 9am–9pm Sunday–Thursday as of 2026; check current hours which vary seasonally and during pilgrimage periods.

Dates Markets on Quba Road

The dates market corridor along Quba Road is one of Medina’s most distinctive commercial experiences. Medina is one of the most important date-producing regions in the world, and the Ajwa date — grown specifically in Medina and regarded in Islamic tradition as having particular blessing — is the premium product here.

Ajwa dates sell for approximately SAR 80–350 per kilogram depending on grade and packaging as of 2026. The market also carries Safawi, Barni, and Medjool varieties. Buying dates in Medina and bringing them home is a near-universal tradition among pilgrims. Vendors are accustomed to tasting requests and the atmosphere is generally relaxed.

Getting Around Medina

The Prophet’s Mosque area and surrounding attractions are accessible by ride-hailing app (Careem and Uber both operate in Medina) or by the local bus network. The Haramain High-Speed Railway station is approximately 12 kilometres from the mosque centre; taxis and shuttle services connect the station with the city. For full transport and planning information, see the Medina city guide.

To make the most of your visit, browse Tours in Medina for guided experiences, sort travel insurance before you depart, and pick up a Saudi eSIM for easy navigation on the ground.

See Also

• Medina City Guide — transport, accommodation overview, and Haramain Railway
• Medina Food Guide — restaurants and eating options near the mosque
• Medina Hotels — accommodation by proximity to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
• Al-Masjid an-Nabawi Guide — detailed guide to the Prophet’s Mosque
• Umrah Guide — planning a combined Mecca and Medina pilgrimage
• Hajj Guide — the annual pilgrimage covering both holy cities
• Mecca vs Medina — comparing both holy cities for pilgrims
• Jeddah City Guide — the main entry gateway for western Saudi pilgrims
• Yanbu City Guide — the Red Sea port city 220km west of Medina