The main places to visit in Madinah on your Umrah trip: Masjid an-Nabawi, the Rawdah, Quba, Qiblatain, Mount Uhud and more, with practical tips.
Visiting Madinah is not part of the rites of Umrah, but most pilgrims from the US would not think of skipping it. The city is calm and full of history. Here are the main places to see, and how to plan your time there.
In Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque
The heart of your visit. Most of your time in Madinah will be spent here, so try to pray as many of your prayers in the mosque as you can.
The Rawdah
The area between the Prophet's ﷺ home and his minbar. You need a separate permit through the Nusuk app, with a set date and time. Slots can go fast, so book as soon as you can and arrive early for your time.
Greeting the Prophet ﷺ
Pilgrims send salam on the Prophet ﷺ and on his two companions Abu Bakr and Umar, may Allah be pleased with them. Follow the flow of the line, speak quietly, and move along so others can do the same.
Jannat al-Baqi
The historic cemetery next to the mosque, where many companions and family members of the Prophet ﷺ are buried. Opening hours and access are limited and can change, so ask locally when you arrive.
Around Madinah
Masjid Quba
The first mosque built in Islam, about 3.5 km from Masjid an-Nabawi. There is a hadith that praying in Masjid Quba carries a reward like that of an Umrah, which is why many pilgrims make wudu at their hotel and go there to pray two rak'ahs.
Mount Uhud and the martyrs' cemetery
The site of the Battle of Uhud, where Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib and other companions were martyred and buried. A guide who can tell this story properly turns the visit into something you remember for life.
Masjid al-Qiblatain
The "Mosque of the Two Qiblas", linked to the change of the prayer direction from Jerusalem to Makkah.
The Seven Mosques
A group of small mosques connected to the Battle of the Trench, northwest of the city center.
Museums
Dar al-Madinah Museum and the museum in the old Hijaz railway station show the history of the city through manuscripts, models and objects. They are a good choice with children or on a very hot day.
A simple plan for your stay
- Day 1: settle in, pray in the mosque, and greet the Prophet ﷺ.
- Day 2: group ziyarah to Quba, Qiblatain and Uhud, usually in the morning.
- Day 3 onward: your Rawdah permit, Baqi if it is open, and as much time in the mosque as you can.
Practical tips
- Madinah's mornings are the best time for ziyarah, as it is cooler and less crowded.
- Bring a small bag for your shoes, and remember your gate number.
- Wear modest, comfortable clothes and good walking shoes, especially at Uhud.
- Visit with a knowledgeable guide. A place only means as much as what you know about it.
- These are places of history and remembrance. There are no special rituals required at any of them, and scholars warn against treating them as if there were.
FAQ
Most trips from the US include three to four nights, which is enough for the main sites and plenty of time in the mosque.
You don't need one for regular prayers. The Rawdah does need a Nusuk permit.
No, ihram is for Umrah. If you travel from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, you enter ihram at the miqat on the way, at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali).
Visit Madinah with Amana Travel
Amana Travel has served pilgrims from our Brooklyn office at 507 68th St since 2005. We are IATA/ARC accredited and an authorized EgyptAir agent, and our team speaks Arabic and English.
Message us for this season's packages, or call (718) 491-6456.