Madinah
Updated October 19, 2026
Also known as: Medina, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Yathrib
Main Landmarks in Madinah
History
Madinah, in a fertile oasis of the Hejaz, about 450 km north of Makkah, was known in ancient times as Yathrib, a town of date palm farms inhabited by Arab tribes, such as the Aws and Khazraj, and Jewish tribes. In 622 the Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated here from Makkah, an event known as the Hijra, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, and the town became known as Madinat al-Nabi, the City of the Prophet, or simply al-Madinah. Here the Prophet built the first Muslim community, the Quba Mosque, the first mosque in Islam, and the Prophet's Mosque, next to his home. The city was defended in the Battle of Uhud in 625 and the Battle of the Trench in 627. The Prophet died in Madinah in 632 and was buried in his house, now inside the mosque, under the Green Dome. Madinah was the capital of the early caliphate until about 656, when the capital moved to Kufa and then Damascus. Over the centuries, Umayyad, Mamluk and Ottoman rulers expanded the Prophet's Mosque, and the Ottomans built the Hejaz Railway, which reached Madinah in 1908. In 1925 the city came under Saudi rule. Today about 1.5 million people live in the city.
Culture
Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam, known as al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, the radiant city, and it has a calmer, gentler atmosphere than Makkah. Its life revolves around the Prophet's Mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, where millions of pilgrims come each year to pray, especially before or after the Hajj and Umrah, and to visit the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad. Visiting Madinah is not a required part of the pilgrimage, but it is deeply valued by Muslims. Unlike Makkah, the city is open to non-Muslims, though the central area around the Prophet's Mosque, the Haram, is reserved for Muslims. The city is famous for its hospitality, as the people of Madinah, the Ansar, welcomed the Prophet and his companions in 622, and residents still take pride in welcoming pilgrims. Madinah is also known for its dates, especially Ajwa, a dark, soft date grown only in the region, and for its gardens and farms. Many families descend from pilgrims from Central Asia, Africa, Turkey and South Asia who settled here, and the city's cuisine and crafts reflect this mix. Religious scholarship has always been important, with the Islamic University of Madinah attracting students from around the world. The city is quiet, spiritual and welcoming, with a strong sense of history.
Climate
Spring
18–39°C
March to May brings warm to hot days, from about 30°C in March to about 39°C in May, with dry air. It is a good time to …
Summer
28–45°C
June to September is extremely hot and dry, with days of about 42–45°C and nights around 28–30°C. The giant umbrellas an…
Autumn
18–37°C
October and November bring cooler temperatures, from about 37°C to 30°C, and comfortable evenings. It is a good time for…
Winter
10–27°C
December to February is the most comfortable time, with sunny days of about 24–27°C and cool nights that can drop to abo…
Fun Facts
Umbrellas that open like flowers
The courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque are shaded by 250 giant retractable umbrellas, each about 25 m by 25 m when open,…
The first mosque in Islam
The Quba Mosque, about 3.5 km south of the Prophet's Mosque, is considered the first mosque built in Islam, founded by t…
A date found only here
Ajwa dates, dark brown, soft and slightly dry, with a fine texture, are grown only in the Madinah region and are among t…
The Green Dome
The Green Dome, above the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, his companions Abu Bakr and Umar, is one of the most recognisabl…
The end of the Hejaz Railway
The Hejaz Railway, built by the Ottomans between 1900 and 1908, connected Damascus with Madinah, about 1,300 km, carryin…
A battlefield at a mountain
Mount Uhud, about 5 km north of the Prophet's Mosque, is the site of the Battle of Uhud in 625, between the Muslims of M…
Local Cuisine in Madinah
Practical Travel Information
Transport & Accessibility
International Transport
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, MED, about 15 km north-east of the city centre, has flights from many countries, especially in the Muslim world, and from Saudi cities, and it is busy during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Taxis to the centre cost about SAR 50–80. The Haramain high-speed railway connects Madinah with Jeddah, the Jeddah airport and Makkah, taking about two hours, at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Intercity buses connect Madinah with Makkah, Jeddah, Riyadh and other cities.
Local Transport
Most hotels are within walking distance of the Prophet's Mosque, and many pilgrims walk to the mosque. Madinah Buses connect the city, the Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud and the train station. Taxis and ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Careem, are widely used, and trips cost about SAR 15–40. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses visit the main historic sites. The Quba Walkway is a pedestrian path connecting the Prophet's Mosque with the Quba Mosque. Traffic near the mosque is restricted. Wheelchairs and electric carts help elderly pilgrims.
Safety & Health
Personal Safety
Madinah is very safe, with a large presence of police and volunteers. The main risks are heat, dehydration and crowds, especially in Ramadan and before and after the Hajj. Drink plenty of water, rest in the shade, use an umbrella, and keep a card with your hotel's address. Follow the instructions of security staff in the mosque, and avoid pushing in crowds. Keep valuables secure. Non-Muslims should not enter the central Haram area. In an emergency, call 911. Most visits are trouble-free with basic precautions.
Medical Services
Madinah has good hospitals, such as King Fahd Hospital, Madinah National Hospital and private hospitals, and medical centres near the Prophet's Mosque, which provide free care to pilgrims during busy seasons. Travel insurance is included with Umrah and tourist visas, but check coverage. Pharmacies are common around the mosque and in the city. Tap water is generally safe, but most people drink bottled water. Heatstroke is a risk in summer, so seek help immediately if you feel unwell. Carry your insurance details and any personal medicines.
Budget & Costs
Travel Costs
Costs in Madinah depend on the season and the distance from the Prophet's Mosque. A budget hotel farther from the mosque costs about SAR 150–250, a mid-range hotel SAR 250–600 and a hotel next to the mosque from SAR 800 per night, with much higher prices in Ramadan and the Hajj season. A meal costs about SAR 20–60, a fresh juice SAR 5–15 and Ajwa dates SAR 60–150 per kilo. Taxis cost about SAR 15–40, and the Haramain train to Makkah or Jeddah SAR 150–300. A mid-range traveller should budget about SAR 350–700 per day outside peak seasons.
Budget Tips
Visit outside Ramadan and the Hajj season for much lower hotel prices. Stay a short walk from the mosque rather than next to it. Use Madinah Buses and the Quba Walkway instead of taxis. Eat at local and South Asian restaurants. Buy dates at the market near Quba, not in hotel shops. Book the Haramain train in advance for the best fares. Visit free sites, such as the mosques, Mount Uhud and the Hejaz Railway Museum. Walking is free and often the best way to explore.
Culture & Traditions
Social Norms
Madinah is a holy city, and respectful behaviour is expected. Dress modestly, covering arms and legs, and women should cover their hair in mosques. Lower your voice in the Prophet's Mosque, avoid pushing, and give priority to the elderly. Do not take photos of worshippers without permission. Smoking is banned near the mosque. Men and women have separate prayer areas. Accept coffee and dates when offered. Greet people with As-salamu alaykum. Non-Muslims should respect the boundaries of the Haram area.
Cultural Activities
Pray at the Prophet's Mosque and visit the Rawdah, booked through Nusuk. Walk the Quba Walkway to the Quba Mosque. Visit Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Cemetery. Pray at Masjid al-Qiblatayn. Explore the Hejaz Railway Museum and the Dar Al Madinah Museum. Buy Ajwa dates at the date market. Visit a date farm during the harvest. Share iftar in the Prophet's Mosque during Ramadan. Take a historic sites tour. Learn about the Islamic University of Madinah. Check local listings for free events during your stay.
Unique Experiences in Madinah
Pray at the Prophet's Mosque at dawn, as the 250 giant umbrellas open like flowers over the marble courtyards, and visit the Rawdah, booked through the Nusuk app, between the Prophet's tomb and his pulpit. Entry is free for Muslims. Book Rawdah slots in advance.
Walk along the Quba Walkway from the Prophet's Mosque to the Quba Mosque, the first mosque in Islam, about 3.5 km, and pray there, as a hadith says it carries the reward of an Umrah. It is free. Walk early in the morning, and bring water.
Visit Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Cemetery, where Hamza and about 70 companions are buried after the Battle of Uhud in 625, and climb the archers' hill for views of the battlefield. Entry is free. Visit early in the morning, and behave respectfully.
Taste and buy Ajwa dates, grown only in the Madinah region, at the date market near the Quba Mosque, and visit a date farm during the harvest, from about July to September. Ajwa costs about SAR 60–150 per kilo. Taste before buying.
Share iftar in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque during Ramadan, when volunteers and local families lay out long mats with dates, coffee, bread and yoghurt for thousands of fasting worshippers. It is free. Arrive early to find a place, and accept the hospitality.
Travel Recommendations for Madinah
Book your Rawdah visit through the Nusuk app in advance, as slots fill up quickly, especially in Ramadan. Check the sepa…
Stay close to the Prophet's Mosque, especially if you are travelling with elderly family members, so you can walk to the…
Visit the historic sites around the city, such as the Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud and Masjid al-Qiblatayn, early in the morn…
Use the Haramain high-speed train to travel between Madinah, Makkah and Jeddah, which is faster and more comfortable tha…
Respect the calm, spiritual atmosphere of Madinah by dressing modestly, behaving quietly and following the rules of the …