Your comprehensive guide inside Al-Madinah

This article will be your comprehensive guide inside Al-Madinah. Muslims nickname it “Tiba”. As it is the first capital in the history of Islam and the second holy place for Muslims after Mecca.

Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah is the capital of the Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah region. located on the historical land of Hejaz. Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah is about 400 km from Makkah Al-Mukarramah in the north-eastern direction. Due to its religious and historical importance, Al-Madinah has many notable tourist attractions. The most important of them is the Prophet’s Mosque. The Qiblatain Mosque, which includes two minarets and two domes, is also distinguished by its white color, which gave it a unique beauty. And Mount Uhud, where the historic Battle of Uhud took place. The Hijaz station, which contains a railway, is used to connect Damascus with Al-Madinah.

Among the recreational places inside Al-Madinah are; Old Al-Madinah bazaar where souvenirs are sold. Yanbu, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the city. It is famous for its green nature and for containing a diversified shopping center in addition to places designated for children and families.

The importance of Al-Madinah is due to the presence of the Prophet’s Mosque and the tomb of the Holy Prophet. It also has the first mosque in Islam, the Quba Mosque.

The area of Al-Madinah is 589 square kilometers and its population is more than one million, with thousands of visitors. But most of the population lives in an area of ​​only 99 km of the total area of Al-Madinah.

Find out about everything we offer in the transportation service within the Kingdom from here.

The most important landmarks inside Al-Madinah

Prophet’s Mosque

It is one of the largest mosques in the world. The Holy Prophet built it, may God bless him and grant him peace, in the first year of his migration, next to his house. It is the second mosque in Islam after the construction of the Quba Mosque.

The mosque has undergone several expansions throughout history, since the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Umayyad Dynasty, then the Abbasid and Ottoman Empires. Finally, in the era of the Saudi state, this was its largest expansion in 1994, with the aim of accommodating Muslim visitors from different countries of the world.

In the year 91 AH, the Commander of the Faithful, Omar bin Abdul Aziz, expanded the Prophet’s Mosque, where he entered the room of Aisha (now known as the “Holy Prophet’s Chamber.” The room of Sayyida Aisha is located in the southeast corner of the mosque) and where the Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, and Omar bin Al-Khattab are buried.

As for the green dome, which is one of the most prominent features of the Prophet’s Mosque, it was built during the era of Omar bin Abdul Aziz as well. The status of the mosque was not only as a place of worship during the era of the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, but the mosque had a major role in political and social life. The mosque is located in the center of Al-Madinah. It is surrounded by many hotels and markets. Many people who perform Hajj or Umrah visit it. The Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, said, “Whoever visits my grave, my intercession is necessary for him.”

Quba Mosque

The Quba Mosque is one of the most famous landmarks inside Al-Madinah after the Prophet’s Mosque. It is, as we mentioned, the first mosque built in Islam, as it was built in 622 AD when the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, entered the mosque. The Prophet laid the first cornerstone of the mosque. About 5035 square meters, nearly three times its previous area, which it was only 1,600 square meters in the past, while the total area of ​​the mosque has become approximately 13,500 square meters.

Al-Qiblatain Mosque

There is also the Qiblatain Mosque. The mosque was built in 623 AH, and it is the only mosque in the world in which Muslims pray with two qiblas. This is due to the fact that the Muslim prayer, in the beginning, was the direction of the Holy House. In the second year of migration, God commanded His Messenger to pray in the direction of the Sacred Mosque, and accordingly, the Messenger sent one of the Companions to reach the Muslims on the outskirts of Al-Madinah. And when the companion arrived, people were already praying towards Bait Al-Maqdis, and when the news was announced in the mosque, they turned while in their prayers to the qibla of the Sacred House in Makkah.

Al-Baqi’

One of the important landmarks for Muslims, which Muslims are very keen to visit, is the Baqi area. Its importance is due to the fact that it is the main cemetery for the people of Al-Madinah since the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, until now. Al-Baqi’ is located to the southeast of the Prophet’s Mosque.

In Al-Baqi cemetery, the remains of thousands of the people of Al-Madinah and those who died in it from the neighbors and visitors were buried. Of course, many of the honorable companions were among them. We can mention them, for example, the companion Othman bin Affan. Likewise, the mothers of the believers, the wives of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, were buried there, with the exception of Lady Khadija, Maymoona, and his daughter Fatima, may God be pleased with her. The area of ​​Al-Baqi area, after its current expansion, is about 180,000 square meters.

Mount Uhud

There is also Mount Uhud, which Muslims are keen to visit when going to Al-Madinah, and the fame of Mount Uhud is due to the fact that it represents the second invasion of Muslims during the era of the Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace. A thousand meters above sea level, it is not an independent mountain, but rather a mountain range from east to west. Ibn Abdul Muttalib.

Markets inside Al-Madinah

As for the most famous markets inside Al-Madinah, we should know that Al-Madinah includes many markets, as it is considered a commercial area with many hotels, markets, and restaurants located in it to serve visitors, especially during the season of Ramadan and Hajj.

We will mention here the most important commercial markets, restaurants, and hotels in which they are located.

City International Market

The most important market with good prices, which is considered cheap, is the Al-Madinah International Market, which is the largest market for the cheap markets of Al-Madinah. The market area reaches 25,000 square meters and includes more than 136 shops.

Al-Madinah International Market is located near the Prophet’s Mosque in Sultana Commercial Street in Abu Bakr Al Siddiq District, and sometimes it is called Al Raya Street. Selling electronics, antiques, furniture, cosmetics, and perfumes, and supermarkets for foodstuffs are located along the market.

Quba market

Also, one of the most famous markets that are characterized by the cheapest prices is the Quba market inside Al-Madinah.

The Quba market is located between the Prophet’s Mosque and the Quba Mosque inside Al-Madinah. It has a large assortment of stores that include all products, such as clothing and abayas stores, as well as men’s stores, children’s clothing stores, perfume stores, gift and accessory stores, gold and jewelry stores, and other stores.

Commercial streets inside Al-Madinah

One of the most famous commercial streets in the city is Sultana Commercial Street, which is the most important commercial street in the city. Sultana Street includes many wholesale shops in Al-Madinah. It can provide the visitor with all goods next to each other, which provides the visitor with a wonderful and comfortable shopping process. God is with Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, and like all markets, you can find a wide variety of exhibits, such as clothing and abayas stores, as well as men’s stores, children’s clothing stores, perfume stores, gift and accessory stores, gold and jewelry stores, and other stores.

The most important characteristic of the street is also the presence of restaurants for different cuisines, which is sometimes not available in some other markets.

There is also Barakat Commercial Complex. The most important characteristic of Barakat Commercial Complex is that it is one of the cheapest malls in Al-Madinah, where you can find products sold at very low prices and of good quality, where prices for some products can reach 5 and 10 riyals.

It is located in the Bar Othman area of Al-Madinah, near Al Noor Mall and Al Manar Plaza.

The Barakat complex includes many shops such as perfumes, oud, and eyeglasses stores, as well as stores for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing.

Al-rashed mall

What we mentioned above were places that are cheap for shopping, but there are a lot of other shopping places in the city such as Al Rashid Mega Mall, which is one of the best shopping centers as it includes 125 shops, almost all of the international brands and international restaurants, and is characterized by its unique interior design and its yard that includes a ship that provides Wonderful sessions, the mall is located on King Abdullah Road, Second Ring Road.

Al Noor Mall

It includes about 177 shops and there are shops for almost all products such as clothes, accessories, and gifts. It is located on King Abdullah II Ring Road.

Mazaya Mall

There is Mazaya Mall, which is located on King Fahd Road, north of the Prophet’s Mosque. It consists of two floors, and there is a variety of shops that include all the family needs of clothes, shoes, and household supplies.

The most important and famous hotels inside Al-Madinah

When we talk about visiting Al-Madinah, we must mention the most important hotels in the city, and we will review together those hotels, whether in terms of their proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque or, of course, in terms of quality.

Pullman Zamzam Al-Madinah Hotel

Which overlooks the Prophet’s Mosque and is only 5 minutes away. It is located on Omar Ibn Al-Jumouh Street, Al-Madinah, but it has a high price, as the hotel offers 4 restaurants, and it is a 5-star hotel.

Movenpick Hotel

It is a 7-minute walk from the Prophet’s Mosque and is located on the honorable Rawda / Sharia Court Road. You can see the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque through it. This hotel contains 206 rooms and the hotel consists of 10 floors and includes more than one restaurant.

Tulip Al Ansari Hotel

And Golden Tulip Al Ansar Hotel, which is only 4 minutes away from the mosque. And you can see the courtyard of the mosque through it, located in the southern area of ​​the Prophet’s Mosque. In addition to a very luxurious restaurant, which is a 3-star hotel.

Coral City Hotel

Which is only 4 minutes from the mosque and you can see the mosque square through it. It is located on Abu Ayyub Al Ansari Street, and the hotel has 3 restaurants.

Assaha Hotel

The hotel is characterized by being somewhat close to the Prophet’s Mosque and cheap, as it is about 100 meters from the Prophet’s Mosque. It is close to many shops and restaurants and the hotel is located on Zaid Bin Thabet Street.

Dar Al Shuhada Hotel

There is also the Dar Al-Shuhada Hotel. The hotel is located on Sayed Al-Shuhada Street. Close to the central area and about 10 minute drive from the Prophet’s Mosque.

Mukhtar Tower

Which is about 1 km from the Prophet’s Mosque and is located on King Faisal First Ring Road. The farther the distance from the Prophet’s Mosque, you can get lower the prices, as prices in some hotels reach about 60 riyals per night.

The most famous restaurants inside Al-Madinah

We will address the most famous restaurants in terms of luxury and fame, as well as the most famous restaurants in terms of prices.

Sheng Yang Restaurant

Let us first discuss the most famous restaurants in terms of luxury and fame. And in this quality, we will find that Sheng Yang Restaurant, has a good reputation. And is famous for serving Chinese food. It is located on King Abdullah Road, Al Noor Mall.

Indian palace restaurant

It is characterized by Indian cuisine as well as various oriental dishes. In an elegant template and a beautiful atmosphere, and it is considered the best and most suitable choice for families. It is located on the ring road after Al Rashid Mega Mall.

Hat Restaurant

It is a Chinese restaurant and consists of five floors, and there are two suites, a suite for families and another for individuals. The restuarant characterized by serving Chinese dishes in addition to dishes of international sweets, and delicious drinks.

It is located on the second ring road after Al Anbariya Roundabout, and before Al Salam Bridge.

Salhiya Nights Restaurants

It is characterized by the best varieties and delicious dishes of appetizers and grills. As well as many types of delicious soups. And the Levantine authorities and there are varieties of hot and delicious food. It also serves varieties of pizza and juices and delivers orders outside the restaurant. The restaurant offers to park and is also reasonably priced.

It is located near the central vegetable market – the main street – after the pedestrian bridge.

Iwan Al-Madinah Restaurant

It is famous for serving Italian and seafood dishes, free-range Indian dishes, and serving hot appetizers. It is also famous for its sweet dishes and is considered one of the best restaurants in Al-Madinah for families. As well as offers a delivery service and is located on Al-Hizam Street.

Albaik restaurant

Among the most famous restaurants available in the city. It is characterized by the quality of food and the low price. The restaurant is located in the belt area and near the Prophet’s Mosque as well.

Al Habibi Restaurant

It is a Pakistani restaurant that offers different types of good food. With low prices and is located in Sayed Al Shuhada.

Shrimp chip restaurant

Which is characterized by the provision of seafood meals and is located on King Abdullah Road.

Swiss House Restaurant

Swiss House Restaurant is one of the most prominent luxury and upscale restaurants located in Al-Madinah. It offers a wide variety of appetizers, salads, and European and international side dishes. In addition to pasta dishes, steak meals and chicken pieces are prepared using different sauces and served alongside vegetables or French fries.

Arabesque Restaurant

Arabesque Restaurant is distinguished by its delicate spiritual atmosphere and its charming views of the Prophet’s Mosque. The restaurant also offers its diners special offers by professional chefs while they prepare various delicious dishes. From the most delicious dishes of North Africa and the Levant to the most famous dishes of Iran and Southeast Asia. In the evening, the Arabesque Restaurant transforms into a luxurious hall for fine dining. To drown in the ethereal lights emanating from the lamps inspired by the design of the Mashrabiya that decorates the tables. Arabesque Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy with family and friends tasting delicious oriental dishes. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It offers a lot of dishes, including shawarma, tandoor, grilled kebab, or wok. In addition to the large pastry section, which includes Syrian teppanyaki ice cream, delicious konafa from the Levant, or high-end pastries.

Museums inside Al-Madinah

Al-Madinah Museum

Al-Madinah Museum is a government museum that displays the heritage and history of Al-Madinah. It includes various archaeological collections, visual galleries, and rare images related to Al-Madinah. It also displays about 2,000 rare artifacts that embody the heritage and culture of Al-Madinah. For documenting its landscape, its inhabitants, and how it has been shaped over the years. One of the most interesting parts of the tour around the museum is the evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque from a house, courtyard, and house to the huge complex that it is now.

Holy Quran Exhibition

The Holy Qur’an Exhibition is a permanent exhibition held in Al-Madinah in the Prophet’s Mosque, which was opened in 2015 with an area of ​​1500 m2. Organized by Samaya Holding Company under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs. In order to consolidate the concept and meanings of the Noble Qur’an for visitors.

Using advanced and modern technical and educational means. The idea of ​​creating it came in order to acquaint people with the Book of God Almighty through accurate content and a wide array of techniques according to the museum display method. In addition to inviting people to learn and teach the Noble Qur’an. Highlight the aspects of the greatness of the Book of God Almighty and the importance of glorifying it. Knowing the history of the great Quran. Presentation of techniques for the Holy Qur’an. It was highlighting the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, historical and modern, in caring for the Holy Quran.

Gallery Names of God

A permanent exhibition located in Al-Madinah, west of the Prophet’s Mosque, north of the exhibition of Muhammad, the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace. Worshiping Him and connecting people to their Lord and Creator so that they may worship Him with what they deserve of reverence and glorification.

The exhibition presents a presentation of the Most Beautiful Names of God and invites its visitors to meditate and reflect on His Names, Glory be to Him, through a system of paintings and modern display techniques to enhance faith in God, the Blessed and Exalted, and make the visitor utter his praise and glorification. A number of visitors to the exhibition in its multiple editions exceeded two million and four hundred thousand visitors from the beginning of its opening until now. The nationalities of its visitors varied to more than 75 nationalities who speak more than 25 different languages.

Khyber Museum

The Khyber Museum of Al-Madinah occupies a large area in the Khyber Governorate of Al-Madinah. It is considered one of the best museums in Al-Madinah. The museum consists of only one floor, but it can accommodate many archaeological and historical exhibits of great value. The museum includes large numbers of antique tools such as tools, coffee pots, embers tongs, fire blowers, and various tools. That is considered among the tools of Arab hospitality, which you will not find in any other museum. In addition to the ancient tools and weapons that were used in wars. Such as guns, swords, daggers, spears, pistols, and riding camels and horses. In the museum, you will also find old agricultural tools, milling mills, traditional irrigation tools, coins, old coins, some maps, and photos. All these exhibits were collected and displayed by the museum’s owner and founder, Turki Ali Al-Enezi.

Peace Museum

The Peace Museum is one of the most prominent Islamic places that you can visit and learn. Including a lot about religion and the history of Islam in general. And the history of the Prophet Muhammad, peace is upon him in particular. The museum is located near Haram in the Prophet’s Mosque. As it is a place that you should not miss the opportunity to visit while you are in Al-Madinah. The museum has a very well-photographed exhibition. You can learn about the biography of the Messenger of God from his birth to his journey in spreading Islam and ending with his death. Visit it with your family, children, or friends, and work to enrich your religious knowledge.