Top 10 Things to do in Medina - A Complete Guide to Visit ‘The Enlightened City’
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
Medina has a brim of adventure and history that makes it a great attraction for tourists all over the world. So, to give you an insight of what Mecca 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 a 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 hiking adventure. Al Ula is also known as the adventure trail. Al Ula is a cynosure of 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 picturesque for tourists. Pedaling up on the thrilling canyons to pedaling down on the slopes to riding through sandy tracks defines the perfect adventure.
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 in 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.
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.
4. Relaxing at Yanbu Al Bahr Beach
Yanbu is 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. Yanbu 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 and cold sea breeze. The special diving spots on the beach are a home to enormous attractions and adventure for tourists. You can take advantage of the phenomenal diving spots along the reef.
There are abundant restaurants and cafe 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.
5. Exploring the Cave of Bani Haram, the Icon of Battle of Trench
Cave of Bani Haram is located at the north west of the Prophet’s Mosque. 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 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. This cave is also known as the cave in which the prophet 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 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’. This is one of best things to do in Medina todaythat will fill your day with bliss. You will also be able to explore very old writings of 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. Best part is that it is open daily 24*7.
Location: West side to Bab al-Salam of the Prophet’s Mosque, Saudi Arabia.
7. Uthman ibn Affan’s Farm and Well
Uthman was son in law and companion of the Prophet. Uthaman was wealthiest of all Prophet’s companion and he bought this well, in response to Prophet’s promise of donating water to needy in time of drought. Water from this divine well was purchased by Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan and was distributed to those who were in need. The miraculous thing is that this well springs even till today. Known as the ‘Well of Roma’, this well is about 1400 years old and as a result you will find beautiful palm trees in the surroundings, making the ambience a complete bliss.
Address: Bir Uthman, Medina 42331, Saudi Arabia
Opening hours: Sun — Thu: 8am — 12pm (closed on Fri & Sat)
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).
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.
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 Salman plan palm trees. The Prophet planted palm trees with his hands and thus Salman got free. The well is also called the “Well of the Poor’ and is present till today.
Originally published at https://www.myholidays.com on December 10, 2021.