The 'Enlightened City’ and the city messenger of God, Medina, is considered as the second holiest place in Islam. Being an epitome of culture and spirituality, it has become a major Islamic pilgrimage site. It is believed that Prophet Mohammad got the rights to change the direction of prayer to Mecca. The history of the place has only been narrated in the form of a story, and so, it has yet to be discovered while on vacation.
Things To Do In Medina: To Enjoy The Adventure And History
Renowned as a major religious place of Islam, the majestic city of Medina has a lot more to offer to the tourists. So, to give you an insight into what Medina beholds, here are the top 10 things you can do in Medina to make your visit a complete bliss.
1. Hiking Adventure Paradise At Al Ula
UNESCO's first heritage site, Al Ula is home to numerous ravines and mountains. The bumpy terrain of various volcanic rocks and basaltic flows, very old rock engravings and shiny soft sand makes this place a perfect place for a hiking adventure. Al Ula is also known as the adventure trail and exploring this place is one of the fun things to do in Medina. It is a great fascination for the hikers in Saudi Arabia. The 14 km long cycle trail is also a paradise for adventure lovers. one can enjoy pedaling up on the thrilling canyons to pedaling down on the slopes, to riding through sandy tracks for a perfect thrilling adventure amidst fascinating scenery.
Among the things to do in Medina, hiking is one you should definitely try. Fun is on its peak when we ride near the natural oasis in Al Ula. The gleaming oasis and rock arts will offer you an enchanting unforgettable experience. If you are a star lover, then voila, the 4km sequestered night hike in Al Ula will make your trip even more exciting. Connecting with nature’s beauty and getting lost in the starry constellation on the alpines is bliss.
2. Shopping Merriment at Old Bazaar Near Nawabi Mosque
In great glee, to see that nonpareil charismatic smile you bring back home some frolicsome souvenirs for your loved ones from a holiday. Old Bazaar near Nawabi Mosque will help you to fulfill that endeavor. It is a bazaar full of colorful fabrics, fascinating handicrafts, charming décor artifacts, delicious dry fruits especially piquant dates of Saudi Arabia. The colorful local market in Medina will make your hair upside down and will cherish your shopper soul and satisfy your oniomania. Whee! well honestly, shopping here is a great pleasure because here in local markets you can bargain a little and voila! you can be a little penny pincher, well obviously it will help to buy wonders while paying little.
Suggested Read: Cafes In Saudi Arabia: Top 10 Spots in Country for a Soulful Coffee Spree
3. Flying a Hot Air Ballon over Hegra
Hegra is an ancient untouched site of Media, Saudi Arabia. It is a pristine archeological site, once a thrilling international trade hub, left undisturbed for about 2000 years, now open for tourists. Hegra is also known as Mada’in Saleh. One can unlock the key to an almost unforgotten and flawless ancient civilization of Hegra, get lost in the mesmerizing and magical beauty of rock cut constructions and monuments. Hegra’s beauty, appeal fascination lies in the fact that it is virtually unknown to the world. The monuments here articulate the ancient empire tales of thousands of years ago. Exploring this ancient place from the sky, while flying in the hot air balloon is one of the best things to do in Medina.
You can revive historical colors of this heritage, while flying hot air balloons in Hegra. Hot air balloon festival is celebrated during winters, known as Tantora festival. It’s a great fun and a great tourist attraction.
Suggested Read: Things To Do in Jeddah For All The Love Of Travelling The World
4. Relaxing at Yanbu Al Bahr Beach
Known for its beautiful beaches on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, Yanbu Al Bahr Beach, is one of the most tranquil beaches in Saudi Arabia. The charming beach welcomes tourists from all walks of life and one can relish in the golden sand under the sparkling sun and feel the gushing waves of cold sea breeze. The special diving spots on the beach are home to enormous attractions and adventures for tourists. You can take advantage of the phenomenal diving spots along the reef.
There are abundant restaurants and cafes nearby the beach where you can taste some amazing delicacies. Saudi Diving Center is one the best famous in the city which allures focus of many tourists.
Suggested Read: Best Honeymoon Places In The World For A Soul-Satisfying Honeymoon Experience
5. Exploring the Cave of Bani Haram, the Icon of Battle of Trench
Located in the northwest of the Prophet’s Mosque, the majestic Cave of Bani Haram is one of the fascinating places that attract tourists from all over the world. Being an important icon of the Battle of Trench, this place will give you a chance to unlock the ancient cultural and historical events of the ancient era. This is one of those places to visit in Saudi Arabia that will make your trip a blessed one. It was a heated battle between Muslims and Quraysh in which Muslims came out victorious. During this war, Prophet spent many nights in this cave and he got prostrated when he received a message from Allah through angel Jibraeel and that’s why the cave is also known as the Cave of Prostration.
Location: Al Fath, Medina 42312 6753, Saudi Arabia
6. Exploring the Assalam Museum
The Assalam Museum will help you step back in time and help in discovering and reviving the historical aspects. Located west of the Prophet’s Mosque, Assalam Museum showcases the great ventures of Medina. By exploring the Assalam Museum you will also be able to know why Medina was undertaken as the ‘Land of Spreading Islam’. Exploring this historical place is one of the best things to do in Medina that will give you a glimpse of the past and rich culture. You will also be able to discover very old writings of the Quran, written on pieces of rock. It also projects different constructional phases and maintenance of Prophet’s Mosque that took place with time that will take you back in time. The best part is that it is open daily 24*7.
Location: West side to Bab al-Salam of the Prophet’s Mosque, Saudi Arabia.
Suggested Read: Wedding Destinations In The World That Will Awe-Inspire You
7. Uthman ibn Affan’s Farm and Well
Uthman was the son-in-law and wealthiest companion of the Prophet. He bought this well, in response to the Prophet’s promise of donating water to the needy in times of drought. Water from this divine well was purchased by Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan and was distributed to those who were in need. Known as the ‘Well of Roma’, the miraculous thing is that this 1400 years old well springs even till today. You can find beautiful palm trees in the surroundings, making the nearby area adorned with lush greenery.
Address: Bir Uthman, Medina 42331, Saudi Arabia
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 12pm (closed on Fri & Sat)
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Abha: A City Home to Craggy Mountains and Dense Forests
8. Reading the Biography of Prophet at Medina Museum
The Medina Museum, is located at the King Abdul Azeez Street, Knowledge Economic City in Medina. Apart from all other things to do in Medina, this one has a holy connection. This museum showcases the civilization, constructional features and cultural heritage and history of Medina where you will get details on the same. This museum will give you a virtual tour of Prophet’s Biography and knowledge of old Islamic life.
Location: King AbdulAziz Street, Knowledge Economic City Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily).
Suggested Read: Stunning Places To Visit In February In The World To Experience The Best Of Your Vacation
9. City Sightseeing in Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus
If you are planning to visit Medina and want to travel and explore places in 24 hours, without getting much tired, then voila! Hop-on-Hop-off Bus tour will really help you to visit places, hopping at your own pace at any one the 11 stops. You can learn about the sites through audio aids as well. So, are you ready to rejoice in this fantastic audio-visual journey? I am sure you are. Other facilities like wifi, and drinking water.
Departure Point Departure Point- Green Route - Stop 1, Almasged Alnabwi Red Route - Stop 1, Uhod Battlefield Join at Stop 1 for the full tour. Isn’t it great that the Passengers can hop on the tour at any of the stops along the route and can enjoy the most.
Departure Time- 1/1/2022 - 3/31/2023 Monday - Sunday: 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Return Details- At the 'end' of the tour, the bus will return to the first departure point.
Suggested Read: Solo Female Travel Tips For Women Globe-Trotters
10. Explore the Garden of Salman Al Farsi
Years ago, there was a garden in this place which consisted of a well also. This garden was owned by a Jewish lady who kept Salman as a slave. The Prophet insisted the lady to free Salman. The lady asked the Prophet she will do so; if the slave planted palm trees for her. The Prophet planted palm trees with his hands and thus the slave got free. The well is also called the “Well of the Poor’ and is present till today.
So, are you looking for a rejoicing long vacation with your loved ones blended with historical, spiritual, tranquil and adventurous aspects, then Medina is the best place for you. From shopping souvenirs to hiking, diving and exploring Islamic history at beautiful museums, amazing hotels in Saudi Arabia that will pervade your vacation with luxury and hospitality. Medina has a lot to do and discover. So, are you ready make most of this beautiful destination and complete one destination of your bucket list, So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now. Pack your fancy bags and relish in this beautiful destination.
FAQs
Medina is the regional capital and the second holiest city of Islam. It is located in Saudi Arabia.
Yes, Non-Muslims may enter Medina, but they must keep a distance from Masjid Al-Nawabi.
One has to drive for approximately 5hrs to reach Medina from Meeca, covering a total distance of 435.22 KM.
The name of the Medina airport is Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. It is one of the two gateway airports for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
The best time to visit Medina in Saudi Arabia is between months of October and May. At this time, the weather is pleasant as compared to other months which experience extreme heat.
Al Ula is a cynosure of fun things to do in Medina and Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO first Heritage site. Starting from hiking, cycling on the bumpy terrain and volcanic rocks, to stargazing during night in the clear dark sky, Al Ula makes the travel full of bliss and adventure.
Hegra was used as a swarming trade hub by the Nabataean Kingdom. This place was left untouched for about two millennia but the site still features breathtaking astonishing architecture consisting of cliffs and beautiful carved structure.
Yanbu is known for its beautiful beaches on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Yanbu Al Bahr Beach, is one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in Saudi Arabia. One can take advantage of the phenomenal diving spots along the reef and plan a lifetime experience of diving in here.
