Al Madinah Attractions Guide 2026

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Al Madinah.

1. 1

   Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi)

   Holy mosqueFree2 hours to a full day

   The second-holiest mosque in Islam, containing the Prophet's tomb under the Green Dome and the Rawdah. Entry to the mosque and its central zone is for Muslims only; non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque or the Haram boundary.

   Tip: Entry to the mosque is for Muslims only; non-Muslims should view the exterior from the permitted outer areas. · Rawdah visits require a permit booked through the official Saudi Hajj and Umrah channels. · Dress modestly and expect shoes to be left at designated racks or carried in bags. · Avoid the Friday midday prayer window and Ramadan evenings if a quieter visit is preferred. · Stay hydrated; the plazas are open-air and temperatures climb sharply in summer.

2. 2

   Quba Mosque

   Historic mosqueFree30 to 60 minutes

   The first mosque built in Islam, founded by the Prophet on arrival in the Madinah area in 622. Prayer halls are for Muslims; the surrounding plaza and the Quba Road shops are public areas.

   Tip: Go early in the morning for cooler weather and softer light. · A taxi or ride-hailing trip from central Madinah typically costs about SAR 15-25. · Prayer halls are for Muslims; non-Muslims can enjoy the plaza and exterior. · Dress modestly and keep voices low near the prayer areas. · Check prayer-time closures on arrival, as access to the halls pauses briefly.

3. 3

   Masjid al-Qiblatayn

   Historic mosqueFree20 to 40 minutes

   The Mosque of the Two Qiblas, where tradition places the change of prayer direction from Jerusalem to Makkah. It was rebuilt in a modern style in the 1980s.

   Tip: Visit mid-morning or in the evening to avoid midday heat. · Taxi or ride-hailing from the centre costs about SAR 15-25. · Pair the visit with Quba Mosque and the Seven Mosques in one outing. · Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall and dress modestly. · Prayer halls are for Muslims; the exterior is viewable by all.

4. 4

   Mount Uhud and the Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery

   Battlefield and cemeteryFree45 to 90 minutes

   The site of the Battle of Uhud (625) beneath the red-brown Mount Uhud, with the cemetery of the martyrs including Hamza. Women do not enter the cemetery; the foot of the mountain and the Archers' Hill viewpoint are open to all visitors.

   Tip: Arrive in the morning before the heat builds on the exposed plain. · Women do not enter the cemetery; the cemetery can be viewed from the road. · Taxi or ride-hailing from central Madinah costs about SAR 20-30. · Bring water and a hat, as there is little shade at Archers' Hill. · Agree on prices before buying from roadside vendors.

5. 5

   Seven Mosques (Al-Masajid as-Sab'ah)

   Historic mosquesFree30 to 45 minutes

   A cluster of small mosques at the foot of Mount Sala' near the trench dug for the Battle of the Trench (627). Visitors can walk around the compound and the hill below.

   Tip: Go in the late afternoon for softer light and cooler air. · Wear comfortable shoes for the steps and paths on Mount Sala'. · Taxi or ride-hailing from the centre costs about SAR 15-25. · Prayer rooms are for Muslims; the compound and hill are open to others. · Combine with Masjid al-Qiblatayn and Quba on one circuit.

6. 6

   Masjid al-Ghamama

   Historic mosqueFree15 to 30 minutes

   The mosque of the Cloud, traditionally the Prophet's Eid prayer ground, marked by white domes. It lies close to the Haram boundary, so non-Muslim access depends on the checkpoint line.

   Tip: Visit in the evening for the best light and atmosphere. · Walk from the western side of the Prophet's Mosque plaza. · Access for non-Muslims depends on the Haram checkpoint line. · Check prayer times, as the hall mainly opens then. · Dress modestly and keep conduct quiet around worshippers.

7. 7

   Central Dates Market (Souq at-Tumur al-Markazi)

   MarketFree1 to 2 hours

   Wholesale and retail market for Madinah's famous dates: Ajwa, Sukkari, Safawi, Khalas, Anbara and dozens more. Vendors offer tastings and sell boxes of 1 kg to 5 kg suitable for hand luggage.

   Tip: Visit in the morning for fresh stock and cooler temperatures · Taste several varieties before buying a box · Compare prices at two or three stalls; Ajwa grades vary widely · Expect brief shop closures at prayer times · Ask for vacuum-packed boxes for travel · Avoid the last days of Ramadan if crowds are a concern

8. 8

   Dar Al Madinah Museum

   MuseumAbout SAR 25-40 (~$7-11) (estimate; verify)1.5 to 2 hours

   Private museum with scale models of the Prophet's Mosque through its history, a model of 7th-century Madinah, and displays on daily life, crafts and the Hejaz Railway.

   Tip: Go in the morning to avoid school and tour groups · Allow about two hours · Confirm opening hours and ticket price locally · Use the museum as an air-conditioned stop in midday heat · Dress modestly · Visit before touring the Prophet's Mosque for context

9. 9

   King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex

   Cultural complexFree (estimate)1 to 1.5 hours

   One of the world's largest Quran printing plants, producing millions of copies and translations a year. Visitor tours show printing, binding and the translation library; entry rules for non-Muslims should be confirmed in advance.

   Tip: Visit in the morning, when tours typically run. · Confirm tour hours and non-Muslim entry rules in advance. · Ask staff before photographing inside production areas. · A taxi or ride-hailing trip from the centre costs about SAR 30-45. · Arrange a return ride, as taxis are less frequent at the complex.

10. 10

    Hegra (Al-Hijr / Mada'in Salih)

    UNESCO World Heritage siteTours from SAR 95 (~$25) per person on the standard coach tour2 to 3 hours

    Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site (2008): about 110 monumental Nabataean tombs cut into sandstone outcrops, including the lone tomb Qasr al-Farid. Visits are by guided tour only.

    Tip: Book in advance on experiencealula.com or the Experience AlUla app · Choose a late-afternoon slot for the best light · Bring water, sun protection and closed shoes · Do not climb on or touch the tombs · Visit between November and March to avoid heat · Check the Visitor Centre hours, which vary by day

Attractions by category

Explore by your interests.

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Access

Madinah city is open to visitors of all faiths since the 2021 rule changes, but the Prophet's Mosque and the central Haram zone are for Muslims only; checkpoints on the approach roads divert non-Muslims. Confirm current boundary rules at visitsaudi.com or on the Saudi tourism hotline 930. AlUla, Yanbu, Khaybar and Badr have no restriction by faith.

Hours

The Prophet's Mosque is open 24 hours; shops close for about 20-30 minutes at each of the five daily prayers. Hegra Visitor Centre is open 06:30-18:00 Sunday-Monday and 06:30-20:30 Tuesday-Saturday (verify).

Fees

Mosques, battlefields and the Old Towns are free. Hegra tours start from SAR 95 (~$25) per person. Dadan and Jabal Ikmah use a reservation in the Experience AlUla app. At 3.75 SAR per USD, taxis for a day of Madinah sights cost about SAR 40-150 (~$11-40).

Best Times

November to March is mild (15-28 C). June to September exceeds 40 C in Madinah and AlUla; visit outdoor sites before 09:00.

Booking

Hegra, Dadan, Maraya and AlUla activities are booked at experiencealula.com or the Experience AlUla app. Umrah visitors book Rawdah visits through the Nusuk app (nusuk.sa). Emergency: 911; tourist hotline: 930.

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Frequently asked questions