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Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina

No. 87 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Medina

Saudi Arabia

Islam's second holy city, home of the Prophet's Mosque, palm oases and historic Hejaz heritage.

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Photo: Vebra, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Medina is No. 87 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, is the second-holiest city in Islam, after Mecca.

Most visitors are Muslim pilgrims who come to pray at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, often as part of Umrah or Hajj. The city is surrounded by date palm groves, volcanic hills and the lava fields of the Hejaz.

Quba Mosque, Medina
Quba Mosque, Medina. Photo: Kaliper1, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

November to February is the most comfortable, with mild days. Summers are very hot, often above 40 °C.

Ramadan and the Hajj season are the busiest times, when hotels near the mosque book up early and prices rise.

Top sights

  • 1

    Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

    The Prophet's Mosque, with its Green Dome, vast courtyards and giant umbrellas that open for shade.

  • 2

    Quba Mosque

    Considered the first mosque in Islam, about 3.5 km south of the Prophet's Mosque.

  • 3

    Masjid al-Qiblatayn

    The 'Mosque of the Two Qiblas', in the north-west of the city.

  • 4

    Hejaz Railway Station

    The restored Ottoman-era station of the Hejaz Railway, with a museum.

  • 5

    Dar Al Madinah Museum

    Models, artefacts and exhibits on the history and architecture of Medina.

  • 6

    Date markets

    Markets selling Medina's famous dates, including the Ajwa variety.

Getting there

Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) is about 15 km north-east of the centre.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway links Medina with Mecca and Jeddah; the journey to Mecca takes about 2.5 hours.

Getting around

Taxis, ride-hailing apps and a hop-on hop-off bus serve the city, and buses link the main hotels with the mosques and sites.

Practical tips

Access
The Prophet's Mosque and the central area around it are open only to Muslims; non-Muslims can visit other parts of the city. Check the current rules before you travel.
Currency
Saudi riyal (SAR). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere.
Language
Arabic. English is spoken in hotels and many shops; Urdu, Malay and Indonesian are also common around the mosque.
Dress & customs
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair near the mosque. Alcohol is not available.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and EU countries, can get a tourist e-visa online or a visa on arrival. Apply only through Saudi Arabia's official visa platform and check the rules for your nationality before you travel. Pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj follow separate rules.
Power
230 V, 60 Hz; plug type G.

Official information: Visit Saudi (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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