Madinah al-Munawwarah is where the first Muslim community was built, and many of the places linked to the life of the Prophet ﷺ are within a short drive of Masjid an-Nabawi. This guide lists the most important Ziyarat places in Madinah, what happened at each one, how far it is from the Haram, and how to visit them all in a single morning.
Good to know: Ziyarat is not part of the rituals of Umrah. Pilgrims visit these places to learn, reflect and follow the Sunnah — for example, praying at Masjid Quba. There is no fixed order and no required prayer at most sites.
Inside and around Masjid an-Nabawi
The Rawdah
The area between the Prophet's ﷺ house and his minbar, described in hadith as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise". Entry is by time slot, booked in advance through the Nusuk app. Slots are released regularly and go quickly in busy seasons, so check the app as soon as your travel dates are fixed.
Jannat al-Baqi
The main cemetery of Madinah, directly south-east of Masjid an-Nabawi. Many members of the Prophet's ﷺ family and thousands of the Companions are buried here, including Uthman ibn Affan (RA). It is open to men at set times, usually after Fajr and after Asr. Women are not permitted inside.
Masjid al-Ghamamah
A short walk from the Haram's south-west corner, this is where the Prophet ﷺ prayed the Eid prayers and the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa).
Masjid Quba
Distance: about 4 km south of Masjid an-Nabawi · 10 minutes by car
Quba was the first mosque built in Islam, founded by the Prophet ﷺ when he arrived from Makkah during the Hijrah. It holds a special virtue: the Prophet ﷺ said that whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to Masjid Quba and prays in it, will have a reward like that of an Umrah (Ibn Majah). He ﷺ used to visit Quba every Saturday, riding or walking.
Tip: make wudu at your hotel before you leave so your visit follows the hadith, then pray two rak'ahs once you arrive.
Masjid al-Qiblatain
Distance: about 5 km north-west · 15 minutes by car
The "Mosque of the Two Qiblas". In the second year after the Hijrah, the revelation came to change the direction of prayer from Bayt al-Maqdis in Jerusalem to the Ka'bah in Makkah. According to the well-known narration, the Companions praying here turned towards the new Qibla in the middle of the prayer. The modern mosque is bright and spacious and a calm place to pray.
Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Cemetery
Distance: about 5 km north · 15 minutes by car
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it" (Bukhari). At its foot, in the third year after the Hijrah, the Muslims fought the Battle of Uhud. Seventy Companions were martyred, including Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA), the uncle of the Prophet ﷺ, known as the "Leader of the Martyrs". They are buried in the walled cemetery facing the mountain.
Opposite the cemetery is Jabal al-Rumah, the small hill known as Archers' Hill. The archers were ordered not to leave their positions; when some did, the battle turned. Standing here, most visitors reflect on the lesson of obedience it teaches.
The Seven Mosques (Battle of the Trench)
Distance: about 4 km north-west · 10 minutes by car
In the fifth year after the Hijrah, the Muslims dug a trench (khandaq) on the open northern side of Madinah to defend the city against a large confederate army. Small mosques were later built at the positions held by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions. The best known is Masjid al-Fath, where the Prophet ﷺ made du'a for three days before victory came. A larger modern mosque, Masjid al-Khandaq, now stands nearby.
Masjid al-Jumu'ah
Distance: about 3 km south · on the way back from Quba
On his journey from Quba into Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ stopped in the valley of Banu Salim and led the first Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer here. Most tours drive past or make a brief stop on the way back to the hotel.
Date farms, Wadi al-Jinn and Badr
Date farms
Madinah is famous for its dates, especially Ajwa. Several farms on the Ziyarat route let you taste different varieties and buy direct, often at better prices than the shops near the Haram — a perfect place to buy gifts.
Wadi al-Jinn
About 35 km north-west of the city, this valley is known for the "magnetic hill" effect, where cars in neutral appear to roll uphill. It is an optical illusion, not a religious site, but it is a fun extra for families. It adds about an hour to the tour.
Badr
The site of the first major battle in Islam lies about 150 km from Madinah. It is a separate half-day trip rather than part of the city Ziyarat. See our Madinah to Badr return trip.
How to visit them in one morning
The main Madinah Ziyarat sites fit comfortably into about 2.5 hours by car. A typical route:
- Leave your hotel after Fajr or Ishraq (with wudu).
- Masjid Quba — pray two rak'ahs.
- Masjid al-Jumu'ah — on the way back north.
- The Seven Mosques and Masjid al-Fath.
- Masjid al-Qiblatain — pray if you wish.
- Mount Uhud, the Martyrs' Cemetery and Archers' Hill.
- A date farm, then back to your hotel before Dhuhr.
| Option | Typical cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared hotel bus tour | Per person, varies by hotel | Solo travellers on a budget; fixed timetable and stops |
| Ride-hailing between sites | Pay per ride, with surge after prayers | Visiting one or two places only |
| Private Ziyarat taxi | From SAR 172 per vehicle | Families and groups; your pace, driver waits at every stop |
Book a private Madinah Ziyarat tour
Hotel pickup, about 2.5 hours, driver waits at every stop. From SAR 172 for up to 4 passengers or SAR 288 for up to 12. See prices and book on WhatsApp →
Frequently asked questions
How many Ziyarat places are there in Madinah?
The standard city tour covers six to eight places: Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatain, Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Cemetery, the Seven Mosques, Masjid al-Jumu'ah and a date farm. Jannat al-Baqi, Masjid al-Ghamamah and the Rawdah are next to Masjid an-Nabawi and visited on foot.
What is the best day to visit Masjid Quba?
Any day is rewarding, but many pilgrims choose Saturday morning, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ, who visited Quba every Saturday.
Can women visit the Ziyarat places?
Yes, women can visit all the mosques and sites on the tour. The only exception is the inside of Jannat al-Baqi, which is open to men only.
Do I need a permit for Ziyarat in Madinah?
No permit is needed for the places outside Masjid an-Nabawi. Only the Rawdah requires a time slot booked through the Nusuk app.
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