Medina, Saudi Arabia-6-day-itinerary

Medina, Saudi Arabia 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
  • Afternoon: Check-in at your hotel and freshen up
    • Recommended Hotel: InterContinental Dar Al Hijra or similar
  • Evening: Visit the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) for Isha prayer and take a stroll around the mosque complex
    • Try some local street food like shawarma, falafel, or kunafeh at one of the many restaurants near the mosque

Day 2: Islamic Heritage

  • Morning: Visit the Qiblatain Mosque (Masjid al-Qiblatain), where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca
  • Afternoon: Explore the Medina Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Medina
    • Recommended Restaurant: Al-Baik or similar for a delicious lunch
  • Evening: Attend the evening prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque and take in the spiritual atmosphere

Day 3: Historical Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit Mount Uhud (Jabal Uhud), where the Battle of Uhud took place in 625 CE
    • Take a panoramic view of Medina from the top of the mountain
  • Afternoon: Explore the Al-Baqi’ Cemetery, a historic cemetery that houses many companions and family members of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
    • Recommended Snack: Try some local dates and Arabic coffee at a nearby shop

Day 4: Islamic Learning

  • Morning: Visit the Islamic University of Medina (Jamia Islamia Madinah), one of the oldest and most prestigious Islamic universities in the world
  • Afternoon: Attend a lecture or seminar on Islamic studies at the university (subject to availability)
    • Recommended Restaurant: Mama Noura or similar for a delicious dinner

Day 5: Day Trip to Al-Ula

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Al-Ula, a historic city located about 300 km north of Medina
    • Visit the ancient city of Dedan, which dates back to the 6th century BCE
    • Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Al-Ula Valley
    • Recommended Restaurant: Try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Al-Ula

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market (souk)
  • Afternoon: Check-out from your hotel and depart for the airport
    • Recommended Transportation: Book a private taxi or Uber for a hassle-free journey to the airport

Things to Know

  • Respect local customs and dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
  • Remove shoes when entering mosques or homes
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (12 pm - 3 pm) due to heat and traffic

Tips

  • Book your accommodations and tours in advance to avoid high prices and availability issues
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “As-salamu alaykum” (hello), “Shukraan” (thank you), and “Afwan” (excuse me)
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas
  • Take plenty of photos, but respect local restrictions on photography

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available, but it’s recommended to book a private taxi or use Uber for a hassle-free journey
  • Many hotels offer shuttle services from the airport; be sure to check with your hotel
  • Walking is a great way to explore Medina, especially around the Prophet’s Mosque complex

Other Things of Interest

  • Take a stroll along the scenic Tahir Square (Sahat Tahir)
  • Explore the bustling markets and souks in Medina
  • Visit the King Fahd Complex for some amazing architecture and stunning views of the city