Quick answer: The main Madinah Ziyarat places are Masjid an-Nabawi and the Rawdah, Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatain, Mount Uhud and the Martyrs’ cemetery, the Seven Mosques, and Jannat al-Baqi. A Ziyarat tour of the sites outside Masjid an-Nabawi takes about 3 to 4 hours by car. Visiting the Rawdah requires a time slot booked through the Nusuk app.
Masjid an-Nabawi and the Rawdah
Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque ï·º, is the heart of Madinah and the reason most pilgrims come. Inside is the Rawdah, the area between the Prophet’s ï·º house and his minbar, described in hadith as a garden from the gardens of Paradise.
To pray in the Rawdah you need a permit booked through the Nusuk app. Slots open in advance and fill quickly in busy seasons, so book as soon as your dates are fixed. Men and women have separate times.
Good to know: Book your Rawdah slot before you leave home if the app allows it. Many pilgrims only discover the permit system after arriving — and find the slots gone.
Quba Mosque
Quba Mosque is the first mosque built in Islam, founded when the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah during the Hijrah. It is about 3–4 km south of Masjid an-Nabawi.
A well-known hadith reported by Ibn Majah mentions that whoever purifies himself at home and then comes to Quba Mosque and prays in it will have a reward like that of an Umrah. For this reason many pilgrims make wudu at their hotel before leaving.
Driver’s tip: Make wudu at your hotel before the drive to Quba. Saturday mornings are popular, so go early if you want a quieter visit.
Masjid al-Qiblatain
Masjid al-Qiblatain, “the Mosque of the Two Qiblas”, is where the command came to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah. It is north-west of the city centre and is a short, easy stop on most tours.
Mount Uhud and the Martyrs’ cemetery
Mount Uhud is where the Battle of Uhud took place in the third year after the Hijrah. At its foot is the cemetery of the martyrs of Uhud, including Hamzah ibn Abdul-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet’s ï·º uncle. Next to it is Jabal al-Rumah, the small hill where the archers were positioned.
The Prophet ï·º said of Uhud: “This is a mountain that loves us and we love it” (reported by al-Bukhari). Many pilgrims find this stop the most moving of the tour.
The Seven Mosques (Khandaq area)
The Seven Mosques area marks the site of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). Several small historical mosques stand here, and the larger Masjid al-Fath is the best known. It is usually a short stop on the way between Qiblatain and the city centre.
Jannat al-Baqi
Al-Baqi is the main cemetery of Madinah, right next to Masjid an-Nabawi. Many members of the Prophet’s ï·º family and thousands of companions are buried here. It is usually open to men for visits at set times (commonly after Fajr and after Asr). Visiting is on foot from the mosque, so it is not part of a car tour.
Date farms and markets
Madinah is famous for its dates, especially Ajwa. Many tours stop at a date farm or market so you can taste varieties and buy gifts to take home. Prices vary widely, so compare before you buy.
A simple Madinah Ziyarat plan
| Stop | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quba Mosque | 40–60 min | Make wudu at your hotel first |
| Masjid al-Qiblatain | 20–30 min | Short stop |
| Seven Mosques / Masjid al-Fath | 15–20 min | Short walk around the site |
| Mount Uhud & Martyrs’ cemetery | 40–60 min | Most meaningful stop for many families |
| Date farm or market | 20–30 min | Optional |
Including driving, this makes a comfortable 3–4 hour morning. Start after Fajr or after breakfast and be back at Masjid an-Nabawi for Dhuhr.
Getting around Madinah
Madinah is smaller and calmer than Makkah. Hotels in the central area around Masjid an-Nabawi are within walking distance of the mosque. For Ziyarat, a private car is the simplest option because the sites are spread around the city.
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport is roughly 15–20 km from Masjid an-Nabawi — usually a 25–35 minute drive. If you are travelling on to Makkah afterwards, our comparison of taxi vs the Haramain train will help you choose.
We run private Madinah Ziyarat tours at your family’s pace. See our services or ask us on WhatsApp.
Madinah Ziyarat places checklist
- Rawdah slot booked in the Nusuk app
- Wudu made at the hotel before Quba
- Tour start time agreed (early morning is best)
- Water and hats for Uhud
- Small cash for dates and gifts
- Back at Masjid an-Nabawi before Dhuhr
Just arriving? Read Madinah airport to your hotel: what to expect.
Official sources: Nusuk – official Umrah platform · Visit Saudi – Madinah
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to visit the Rawdah in Madinah?
Yes. A time slot must be booked through the Nusuk app. Slots are separate for men and women and can fill quickly in busy seasons, so book as early as you can.
How long does a Madinah Ziyarat tour take?
A private tour of Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatain, the Seven Mosques and Mount Uhud takes about 3 to 4 hours including driving.
What is the reward of praying in Quba Mosque?
A hadith reported by Ibn Majah mentions that whoever purifies himself at home, then comes to Quba Mosque and prays there, receives a reward like that of an Umrah.
How far is Madinah airport from Masjid an-Nabawi?
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport is roughly 15 to 20 km from Masjid an-Nabawi, usually a 25 to 35 minute drive.
Rules for visas, permits and train services change from season to season. Always confirm the latest details on the official Nusuk platform or with your airline before you travel. This guide was last reviewed in September 2026.
