Discover Madinah
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Madinah.
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Must-see attractions in Madinah
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 10 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Madinah is the second holiest site in Islam after Makkah, largely because it is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and where the religion attracted its first followers. Madinah is home to Masjid al Nabawi, the second largest mosque with towering minarets and a signature green dome is built on the site of Mohammed’s (PBUH) home. The elegant minarets and stately domes dominate the skyline of the city. Madinah has a population of approximately more than 1.3 million people and is inhabited only by Muslims. Islam’s first and oldest mosque, Masjid Quba, is also located in Madinah along with the tombs of the famous Abu Bakr (RA), Umar
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Halal restaurants in Madinah
Madinah’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 8 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
madinahMadinah Restaurant, Marmara Restaurant
Offering Oriental and International Cuisines, the Madinah Restaurant and Marmara Restaurants offer 3 and 2 meals a day respectively. You must try the Red Sea shrimp or lobster thermidore at the Madinah Hotel and definitely try the mixed grill Mediterranean-style fish at the Marmara Restaurant. Café Najd This cafe is located inside the luxurious Madinah Hilton, just a few steps away from the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) Mosque in Madinah. At the Café Najd you will come across fresh juices, pastries and light snacks. The Hiltonia Mocktail is a specialty of this Café.
madinahAl Salam Main Restaurant, Al Rehab Restaurant and Al Taiba Restaurant
These 3 restaurants are located inside the Hotel Anwar Al Madinah’s premises. The Al Salam Main serves both oriental and western breakfasts; Al Rehab serves a variety of international specialties in a quiet atmosphere and Al Taiba serves international buffets.
madinahShing Yang Restaurant
It is perhaps the best Chinese restaurant in town. It gives you the vibes of a restaurant from the Far East and yet it is located right here in the Middle East. One of the specialties of this unique eating place includes the Chicken in cashew nut sauce that would cost you about SR 20 per plate.
madinahAl Tazaj
Al Tazaj is barbeque chicken restaurant chain in Saudi Arabia. The chicken comes fresh from the poultry farms and is then marinated using natural ingredients. Its menu includes barbecued chicken, chicken kabab sandwiches, french fries etc. The following are its 3 outlets in Madinah:
madinahPizza Hut
Pizza Hut is an international pizza chain and has outlets in Tabuk, Yanbu, Khobar, Dhahran, Dammam, Qatif, Jubail, Ras Tanurah, Buraidah, Hail, Onaizah, Riyadh (32 branches), Taif, Makkah, Madinah etc. Its branches in Madinah are on Al-Hazim Road, Qurban Street and Sultana Street.
madinahPizza Inn
Pizza Inn is fast food chain with approximately 27 restaurants in the central & eastern provinces; owned by United Food Co, part of the Abdullah Abunayyan Group. It has outlets in Riyadh, Dammam, Khobar, Doha, Ahsa, Kharj, Madinah etc.
Madinah masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Mosque of the Prophet (Masjid Al-Nabawi)
This Masjid is the second mosque ever built in Islam after the Quba Mosque. It is so much more valuable to the Muslims because it was built by the Prophet and his Companions. It is the major attraction of Madinah and the only reason why so many Muslims around the world flock to this city. It is a Grand Mosque that is signified by its stately green dome and fine Islamic architecture. It is also the resting place of the Prophet (PBUH) and two of his closest companions: Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA).
Masjid Qiblatain
Masjid Al Qiblatain has a very historical significance in Islam. In the early years of Islam the Muslims of Madinah used to pray with their faces towards the Masjid Al Aqsa (the mosque in Jerusalem). It is at this masjid that Allah revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) the Ayats of the Quran that commanded the Muslims to now face the Holy Ka’abah. The Prophet (PBUH) then tilted his face towards the Ka’abah and was immediately followed by his companions. The Mosque previously had two prayer niches (mihrabs) facing the two directions but recent renovation has lead to the removal of the mihrab facing Jerusalem. It is advised to perform two Rakahs prayer when you visit this Masjid.
Masjid Quba
Masjid Quba is the first mosque in Islam and was constructed when the Prophet (PBUH) was migrating from Makkah to Madinah whilst he was accompanied by his close companion Abu Bakr (RA). Masjiq Quba has tremendous significance and the Prophet (PBUH) said that those who would perform two Rakahs in this Masjid would get rewards equivalent to that of an Umra.
Masjid Juma
Masjid Juma was constructed on the place where the first Juma was performed by the Muslims in congregation. It remains closed for the entire week except for Fridays. So if your stay in Madinah extends to a Friday then definitely go out there and make your own luck.
Where to stay in Madinah
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
madinahMadina Oberoi
Built in 1988 and remodeled in 2000, the Madina Oberoi is a 5-star hotel with Islamic Design and luxuriously furnished rooms. It provides an uninterrupted view of the Prophet’s Mosque and the Green Dome. Its dining options include international and Indian cuisine. The hotel offers various services including babysitting, hair salon, parking garage, room service (limited hours), laundry, and barbecue grill, parking garage and more. It also hosts a business center and conference room(s).
madinahAlJaad CROM Madina Hotel
The AlJaad CROM Madina Hotel is a 4-star hotel with fresh décor and modern amenities. It is located in Al-Madinah’s city centre and is within walking distance from the Prophet’s Mosque and Bab Al Salam Gate. This state-of-the-art hotel is equipped with modern technology (wireless Internet access) and offers guests a variety of restaurants, a café shop, a ballroom, a business center, pick & drop services accompanied with 24-hour front desk, onsite car rental and tour assistance services. The rooms have coffee/tea makers, direct dial phones, cable television service, soundproofed walls, rollaway beds and refrigerators.
madinahLe Meridien Hotel
Le Meridien was built in 1978 and remodeled in 2006. The interior has been decorated with fine Italian marble in a unique and traditional Saudi Arabian style. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the Medina International Airport and 7km away from the Qiblatain Mosque, Islamic University and the Sultana Shopping Center. It offers convenient and flexible meeting facilities for businessmen and religious travelers, an onsite barber shop and a spacious yet intimate lobby. It is open for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
madinahInterContinental Hotel Dar Al Iman
The Dar Al Iman InterContinental is located right on the Masjid al Nabawi’s plaza, and is only a 10-minute walk from King Abdul Aziz library. The Taiba Mall and Bin Dawood Supermarket are right next to Dar Al Iman. The hotel offers a safe, a mini-bar and a private bathroom to each room with laundry, ironing, 24-hour front desk and tour desk services too. The onsite Rotana Restaurant offers buffet and an à la carte menu. Wireless Internet is available in the entire hotel (including the Business Centre) and costs S.A.R. 20/hour and S.A.R. 75 per 24 hours.
madinahHilton Madinah
The Hilton is a 5-star hotel located only a short walk from Masjid Al-Nabawi, a perfect place for Hajj and Umrah visitors. It is smack in the heart of the city’s shopping district and provides a range of breathtaking views of the Holy Mosque. The hotel offers on site laundry, dry cleaning, currency exchange and an ATM/Cash Machine. It also provides a 24-hour front desk, a business center and a designated smoking area. Wired Internet is available in both the business center and public areas at a cost of S.A.R. 50/hour.
History and today in Madinah
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
When to go
Being part of the Arabian Peninsula, Madinah is naturally dry for most of the year. The coolest months on the calendar are January and February but even these months are hot.
City Information
Fast Facts
-Location:: Madinah (Al Madinah Al Munawarah) is located in the Eastern Part of Al Hijaz region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It lies about 150 miles to the east of Red Sea & Egypt situated in the north-western part of KSA. The city is 620 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 50 square kilometers.; -Dialing code:: +9664 or 009664; -Emergency numbers:: Police: 04-823-0930; 04-822-9373; Fire: Ambulance: 997 Airport Inquiry: 04-842-0000 (Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Airport) -Population: greater than 1.3million (as per 2006 data) -Languages: Arabic -Time zone: GMT + 03:00 hour -Average January temperatures – Min: 11.6 C Max: 23.6 C -Average July temperatures – Min: 28.4 C Max: 39.3 C -Annual rainfall: 49.1mm
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Exchange Rates
The Riyal is the currency of Saudi Arabia (code: SAR)
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Public Holidays
1. 11th Sept: Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends) 2. 23rd Sept: Saudi National Day 3. 17th Nov: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
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Annual Temperature
Month Average Min. Temp C Average Max. Temp C January 12 24 February 13 26 March 17 30 April 21 34 May 25 39 June 28 42 July 28 39 August 29 42 September 27 41 October 22 36 November 17 30 December 13 25
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Madinah Residents
The city is mostly inhabited by Arabs with some Asian and African minorities in the mix also. Modesty in dress (especially for women), abstention from alcohol, and no nightclubs, movie theaters or similar entertainment exist in this city, so residents tend to be quite religious. Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world, with several deluxe five-star hotels with luxurious amenities offered to visitors. Despite the luxurious environment, Islamic laws are still upheld above Western values. This can be seen in the gyms and fitness centers that cater to men only.
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Madinah Today
Madinah is the second holiest site in Islam after Makkah, largely because it is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and where the religion attracted its first followers. Madinah is home to Masjid al Nabawi, the second largest mosque with towering minarets and a signature green dome is built on the site of Mohammed’s (PBUH) home. The elegant minarets and stately domes dominate the skyline of the city. Madinah has a population of approximately more than 1.3 million people and is inhabited only by Muslims. Islam’s first and oldest mosque, Masjid Quba, is also located in Madinah along with the tombs of the famous Abu Bakr (RA), Umar (RA) and Fatima (RA). If people do go for tour visits then they must be ready to adhere to the code of conduct, which includes maintaining proper dress code and decorum.
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Madinah History
Madinah (originally known as Yathrib) is an extremely old city. It existed hundreds of years before the advent of Islam. The city, situated on a plain surrounded by hills, has abundant water supplies, vast date palms and vegetable gardens. Thus, in the past Madinah became a supplier of food and water to trade caravans on the move from southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula to Syria and Egypt along the Red Sea.
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Shopping in Madinah
Explore 3 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
madinahMadinah Dates Company/Dates Market
Madinah is known for being one of the biggest producers of high quality dates; you are likely to find all kinds of shops in the Dates Market selling distinct variety of delicious dates suiting to all kinds of tastes. There is a factory outlet of Madinah Dates Company where you will find a more selected category of dates.
madinahStreet vendors
Street vendors are also a part of the city’s attraction, famously known to be selling every kind of product. They offer both affordable and high quality goods. These inexpensive shops are easily distinguishable from the more expensive alternatives, since they sport giant signboards claiming ‘Everything is 2/5/10 Riyals.’
madinahSouvenir Shopping
Some of the most popular souvenir items of Madinah include their high quality prayer mats for worshippers and their exotic non-alcoholic perfumes (called Iturs), which visitors from abroad are known to buy in bulk to take back home. Other souvenirs include magnets pointing towards the Ka’abah, caps, tasbeeh or rosary beads, abayas (the black cloak muslim women wear), pictures of the holy city and mosques, religious CDs, copies of the Holy Quran, clocks sounding Azan or the call to prayer (correct to the second) for nearly 5 million cities, etc.
Signature sights in Madinah
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Madinah
Plan around 4 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
madinahRamadan
Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. It is the month of fasting when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn till sunset. The purpose is to teach Muslims patience, modesty and spirituality. It’s the time to offer more prayers than usual and seek refuge in Allah. It is the dearest festivals of the Muslims that culminates to Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of the month. Ramadan in Madinah is especially marked by a huge influx of visiting Muslims from all over the world. The Masjid Al-Nabawi is jam packed during the month and entertains a very warming and welcoming environment within its walls. The locals offer free Iftar at sunset. Madinah remains a very buzzing city throughout the month.
madinahEid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr in essence is a celebration by the Muslims to thank Allah for blessing them with the Holy Month of Ramadan. This month gives them an opportunity to get all their sins forgiven from the Almighty and get back to ground zero in terms of their bad deeds. Therefore, Eid-ul-Fitr is a time of sharing joy and happiness as gratitude for Allah’s numerous bounties. The Muslims hug each other as a show of emotion and love without the distinction of race or color. Shopping centers and malls are literally overwhelmed with people and simply put, the whole environment is very festive and refreshing.
madinahSaudi National Day
It is perhaps the only non-religious event that takes place in the city. The Saudi National Day signifies the day when Saudi Arabia became an independent state. It marks the unification of the country by King Abdul Aziz in 1932. It was first celebrated in the year 2005 and is a day of jubilation for the locals and celebrations are marked by a national public holiday.
madinahEid-ul-Adha
This is the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ or ‘Greater Eid’ marking the day after Arafat during Haj. Domestic animals (usually goats, cows or sheep) are sacrificed as a symbol of Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion to Allah. During this time, there is none of the usual rush in the city because all visiting pilgrims perform their sacrifice in Makkah. So Madinah is usually quiet in comparison. However, the locals are very spirited during the 4 days of Eid-ul-Adha distributing meat and chanting ‘Takbir’ out loud before and after prayers.
Madinah tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
madinahSadd Al-Samallaghi Co. Ltd.
This tour company will commence tour operations for Madinah shortly. Currently they just operate out of Jeddah.
madinahJawlah Tours
Jalwah Tours offers services to Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah's visitors; arranges city tours, hotel reservations, airport pick-ups etc. They also offer tour guides who are native speakers of over 17 languages
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Madinah travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
