What to do in Madinah during your Umrah trip
Most Umrah packages from the UK include 3 to 5 nights in Madinah alongside your stay in Makkah. While there are no obligatory Umrah rituals performed in Madinah, visiting the city of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is a deeply rewarding part of the journey. Here is how to make the most of your time there.
Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
This is the main reason pilgrims visit Madinah. Praying in Masjid an-Nabawi carries immense reward — one prayer here is equivalent to 1,000 prayers elsewhere (except Masjid al-Haram). The mosque is open 24 hours. Visit during quieter times (after Fajr or between Dhuhr and Asr) to pray closer to the Rawdah, the blessed area between the Prophet’s pulpit and his chamber.
Visiting the Rawdah
The Rawdah ash-Sharifah is the area marked by green carpet between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit. Access is managed by the Saudi authorities — men and women have separate scheduled times. Arrive early and be patient, as queues can be long during busy periods. There is no booking system; it is first come, first served.
Visiting Jannat al-Baqi
Adjacent to Masjid an-Nabawi, Jannat al-Baqi is the cemetery where many companions of the Prophet and members of his family are buried. It is open to male visitors after certain prayers. Stand quietly, make dua, and reflect.
Masjid Quba
The first mosque ever built in Islam, located about 3.5 km south of Masjid an-Nabawi. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that praying two rakahs in Masjid Quba is equivalent to performing Umrah. Many hotel shuttles and local taxis can take you there for a few riyals.
Mount Uhud and the Martyrs’ Cemetery
The site of the Battle of Uhud, about 5 km north of the city centre. You can visit the Shuhada (Martyrs’) Cemetery where Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib and other companions are buried. Most Ziyarah tours included in Umrah packages stop here.
Practical tips for Madinah
- Madinah is generally quieter and more relaxed than Makkah — use this time to rest and recharge
- The area around Masjid an-Nabawi has excellent date shops — Ajwa dates from Madinah make a popular gift
- Hotels within walking distance of the mosque are worth the premium, especially for elderly travellers
- Most packages include a guided Ziyarah tour — check with your agent if it is included or optional
Planning your trip? Compare cheap Umrah packages that include Madinah stays, or build a custom itinerary with your preferred number of nights in each city.
