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Medina, also known as Medina, Medila, and formerly known as Yathrib or Yathrib, is located on a wide, flat plain in the Salat Mountains in western Saudi Arabia. Surrounded by mountains, it stands at an altitude of 620 meters, making it a mountainous plateau city. Along with Mecca and Jerusalem, it is considered one of the three holiest sites in Islam and is the second holiest city in Islam.
Medina boasts an elegant environment, with large, clean, and spacious buildings in the city, creating a modern urban atmosphere. The city's suburbs boast abundant groundwater, producing high-quality dates. The city has a well-developed real estate industry, but its business activity is highly seasonal. An international airport is located in the suburbs.
The city also houses the massive King Fahd Quran Printing House. Medina's main shrine is the Prophet's Mosque, which houses Muhammad's tomb. Surrounding the city are numerous farms and gardens producing dates, wheat, barley, vegetables, and fruit. There is also a date processing industry, brick factories, and carpet factories.
Tropical desert climate, best from November to February
Al-Masjid al-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque in Medina is the second holiest mosque in Islam. Also known as the Medina Mosque, it is located in the Bani Najar district of Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most important mosques in the Middle East.
Kaaba
The Kaaba is a cubic structure built of gray-brown hard stone, 12 meters long from north to south, 10.10 meters wide from east to west, and 15 meters high. It serves as the direction of worship for Muslims worldwide and the center of the Hajj. The word "Kaaba" is a transliteration of Arabic, meaning "cubic house," and specifically refers to "the House of Allah" (Bayt Allah).
Recommended play time: 1 day
Medina is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca. It is the burial place of Prophet Muhammad and the site of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Medina played a central role in early Islamic history, including the migration (Hijra) of Muslims from Mecca and key battles that shaped Islam’s development.
Medina is in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. Visitors can reach it via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, followed by taxi, rideshare, or bus. Walking is common near the central religious sites, especially around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
Religious sites like Al-Masjid an-Nabawi are open daily for prayers, with visiting hours generally unrestricted for pilgrims. The best time to visit is during cooler months (October to March) to avoid extreme heat.
There is no entrance fee for mosques or most historical sites in Medina. Some museums may charge a nominal fee, payable at the entrance.
No tickets are required for mosques or most religious sites. For guided tours or museums, advance booking is optional but recommended during peak pilgrimage seasons.
2 to 4 days are recommended to explore the major religious and historical sites comfortably.
Guided tours are available, typically in Arabic and English. Some travel agencies offer detailed religious and historical tours of Medina.
Start at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, then visit Quba Mosque, Qiblatain Mosque, Al-Baqi Cemetery, explore the markets, and finish with Mount Uhud for historical context.
Night visits to mosques are allowed for prayers. Some public areas are beautifully lit, but there are no official light shows. Special guided tours can be arranged.
It can be very crowded during Hajj and Ramadan. The least crowded times are weekdays outside of major religious events.
Yes, main religious sites and mosques have ramps and accessible facilities for the elderly, children, and disabled visitors.
Both cash and cards/mobile payments (credit cards, Apple Pay, STC Pay, etc.) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and transport services.
Halal food is standard; vegetarian options are available at most restaurants. Vegan meals may require special requests.