- Medina is historically known as Yathrib, having been renamed to its current title after the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE.
- The city was the first capital of the Islamic Empire before the seat of power shifted to Damascus during the Umayyad Caliphate.
- Medina operates under specific religious regulations regarding access to the central Haram area, which is restricted to followers of the Islamic faith.
- The city's architecture is strictly regulated to maintain the historical significance of its sacred sites, influencing the design of modern infrastructure.
- It is home to the Al Hijrah trail, which traces the significant historical migration route known as the Hijra.
About Medina
Medina serves as the second holiest city in Islam, defined by its historic core surrounding Al Masjid-e-Nabawi and the iconic Green Dome. As the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad, the city is a focal point for global pilgrimage and cultural heritage. Beyond its religious architecture, the city features historic landmarks like the Archers' Hill Uhud and the early foundations of Islam at Masjid Quba. Modern expansion now blends these preserved sites with urban spaces like King Fahad Central Park.
Highlights of Medina
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Visit the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad and the expansive courtyard of the Prophet's Mosque.
Temples
Observe the distinctive emerald-colored structure that marks the burial site of the Prophet.
Temples
Pray at the site of the first mosque established by the Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in the region.
Historical places
Tour the landscape where the Battle of Uhud occurred and view the position of the archers.
Temples
Visit the site where the direction of prayer was divinely changed toward Mecca.
Temples
Explore the historic mosque built on the spot where the Prophet reportedly held prayers for rain.
Temples
Visit the complex of smaller historical mosques built to commemorate the sites of the Battle of the Trench.
Museums
Learn about the historical Hijaz Railway and its role in connecting the city to the wider region.
Top things to do in Medina
The 37 highest-rated places in Medina, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Al Masjid-e-Nabawi is the second holiest site in Islam and contains the burial chamber of the Prophet Muhammad beneath t...
2
Temples
Masjid Quba is historically recognized as the first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in Medina duri...
3
Historical places
Archers' Hill, also known as Jabal al-Rumah, is the site where 50 archers were stationed by the Prophet Muhammad during...
4
Temples
Masjid al-Qiblatayn is historically significant as the site where the Prophet Muhammad received the divine revelation to...
5
Temples
Bilal Ibn Rabah Mosque is a prominent neighborhood place of worship located within the Qurban district of Medina. The mo...
6
Temples
The Green Dome is a prominent structure situated above the burial chamber of the Prophet Muhammad and the first two Cali...
7
Parks
King Fahad Central Park is a massive public green space in Medina spanning over 400,000 square meters. It features exten...
8
Temples
The Seven Mosques, also known as Masjid al-Khandaq, are a complex of small historical mosques located near the site of t...
9
Museums
Ghars Well is a historic site in Medina, traditionally associated with the Prophet Muhammad, who requested to be washed...
10
Natural attractions
Al Hijrah Walkway is an expansive, purpose-built pedestrian thoroughfare in Medina designed for fitness and leisure. Str...
11
Temples
The Mosque of Al-Ghamama is a historic site in Medina built on the location where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have p...
12
Museums
The Hejaz Railway Museum is housed in the historic Ottoman-era Medina railway station, which served as the terminus of t...
13
Museums
Dar Al Madinah Museum specializes in the architectural and urban evolution of Medina throughout Islamic history. The fac...
14
Parks
Jabal Ohud Garden is situated at the base of Mount Ohud, a site of immense historical significance in Islamic history as...
15
Temples
Masjid Al-Jumuah marks the specific site where the Prophet Muhammad performed the very first Jumuah (Friday) prayer afte...
16
Parks
Al Khalidiyyah Park is a neighborhood-scale green space located in the Al Khalidiyyah district of Medina. The park featu...
17
Temples
Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddiq is a historic mosque located within the immediate vicinity of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi complex...
18
Temples
Al Anbariya Masjid, also known as the Hamidiyah Mosque, is a historic site commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II...
19
Natural attractions
Jabal al-Rumah, also known as the Mountain of Archers, is a small rocky hill in Medina that served as a critical tactica...
20
Temples
Al Fath Mosque is located on the western slope of Mount Sala' in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the Seven Mosques co...
21
Temples
Masjid Ali bin Abi Talib is a historic site in the Al Manakhah district of Medina, associated with the life of Ali ibn A...
22
Parks
23
Temples
24
Amusement parks
25
Temples
26
Temples
27
Historical places
28
Temples
29
Parks
30
Temples
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Medina on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Medina
November to February, as these months offer cooler, more manageable temperatures for walking between outdoor historical sites.
3-4 days to properly visit the central mosques and the peripheral historical sites in the surrounding valley.
The city is serviced by the Haramain High Speed Railway for regional travel, with taxis, ride-hailing apps, and a developing bus network providing local transport.
Stay in the Central Area surrounding the Haram for walking access to the primary mosques, or in the northern districts for newer hotel developments.
Mid-range; accommodation costs fluctuate significantly based on peak pilgrimage seasons and proximity to the Haram.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 37 curated attractions in and around Medina, ranked by traveller ratings.
Al Masjid-e-Nabawi is the highest-rated place to visit in Medina right now.
The largest category is temples, with 23 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
