Medina, Saudi Arabia-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel. Many hotels offer airport transfers.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Consider staying at the Grand Makkah Hotel, Hyatt Regency Olaya, or The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah (note: these hotels are not in Medina, but in nearby Jeddah due to visa restrictions).
  • Places to Visit:
    • Masjid-e-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) - one of the most sacred sites in Islam.
    • Jannatul Baqi (Garden of Heaven) - a historic cemetery and a popular tourist destination.
  • Lunch: Try local cuisine at the Al-Basma Restaurant or the Saudi Arabian Cuisine Restaurant.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Masjid-e-Nabawi complex, which includes the mosque and several other buildings such as the Rawdah (a green area where many pilgrims perform prayer).
    • Explore the surrounding streets and shops.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the Al-Basma Restaurant or try some street food from local vendors.
  • Things to Know:
    • Medina is a conservative city, so dress modestly and respect local customs.
    • Remove your shoes before entering mosques or other sacred areas.
    • Don’t take pictures inside mosques or of people without their permission.

Day 2: Historic Sites

  • Morning: Visit the Masjid-e-Nabawi for Fajr (dawn) prayer, followed by a visit to the Rawdah.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or walk to your next destination.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Masjid Quba (Mosque of Quba) - one of the oldest mosques in Islam and said to be built by the Prophet Muhammad’s companion, Abu Bakr.
    • The House of Al-Imam (also known as the House of Ali) - a historic house where the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Imam Ali, lived.
  • Lunch: Try some local snacks or street food at one of the many food stalls near the mosques.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Masjid Quba and the House of Al-Imam.
    • Explore the nearby markets and shops selling traditional goods.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as the Saudi Arabian Cuisine Restaurant.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Attend a prayer session or listen to an Islamic lecture at one of the mosques.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or walk to your next destination.
  • Places to Visit:
    • The National Museum of Saudi Arabia - learn about the history and culture of Saudi Arabia through exhibits and artifacts.
    • The Prophet’s Mosque Compound (Rawdah) - explore the green area where many pilgrims perform prayer.
  • Lunch: Try some local cuisine at a restaurant or food stall near the museum.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
    • Explore the Rawdah and its surroundings.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as the Al-Basma Restaurant.

Day 4: Day Trip to Jeddah

  • Transportation: Take a bus or taxi to Jeddah (approximately 2 hours).
  • Places to Visit:
    • Makkah Gate - an iconic landmark and entrance to the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
    • Al-Balad Historic Area - explore traditional buildings, markets, and historic sites.
  • Lunch: Try some local cuisine at a restaurant or food stall near the Makkah Gate.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Al-Balad Historic Area.
    • Explore the nearby souks (markets) selling traditional goods.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as the Saudi Arabian Cuisine Restaurant.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Attend a prayer session or visit any last-minute sites in Medina.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle bus back to the airport for your departure flight.
  • Tips:
    • Respect local customs and dress modestly at all times.
    • Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) and “Shukraan” (thank you).
    • Don’t take pictures of people without their permission or inside mosques.

Additional Tips

  • Medina has a relatively dry climate, so be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • The city is generally conservative, so avoid public displays of affection or revealing clothing.
  • Many restaurants and shops are closed during prayer times (dawn to dusk).
  • Try some traditional Saudi cuisine, such as kebabs, falafel, or machboos.