A practical guide to the ziyarat of Makkah and Madinah: Quba, Uhud, Al-Qiblatayn, Al-Baqi, Jabal al-Nour, Arafat and more, with a suggested order, the best times to go, how to book the Rawdah and how to get around.
After completing Umrah, most pilgrims want to see the places where the story of Islam unfolded: the mosque of Quba, the mountain of Uhud, the cave of Hira. These visits, known as ziyarat, are not part of the rites of Umrah, but they bring the Seerah to life and are among the most moving moments of the journey. This guide lists the main ziyarat in Madinah and Makkah, suggests an order that saves time, and explains how to book the Rawdah and get around.
Ziyarat in Madinah
1. The Rawdah in the Prophet’s Mosque
The Rawdah, the area between the Prophet’s pulpit and his house, is the visit pilgrims value most in Madinah. Entry is by appointment: book a slot in the official Nusuk app, choosing the men’s or women’s time window, and arrive early with your permit ready. Slots fill quickly, especially in Ramadan, so check the app as soon as you know your dates. Our guide on how to book the Rawdah in Nusuk explains the rules and the instant route.
2. Masjid Quba
The first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ used to visit it on Saturdays, and he said that whoever purifies himself at home and then prays in Masjid Quba receives a reward like that of an Umrah. It is about 3.5 km south of the Prophet’s Mosque and can also be reached on foot along the dedicated Quba walkway.
3. Mount Uhud and the Martyrs’ Cemetery
Site of the Battle of Uhud, where Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib and the martyrs of Uhud are buried. Visitors stand at the cemetery, greet the martyrs and see Jabal al-Rumat, the small hill where the archers were stationed. Go early in the morning, as the area is exposed and hot by midday.
4. Masjid al-Qiblatayn
The mosque of the two qiblas, where the change of the prayer direction from Jerusalem to the Kaaba took place. It sits in the north-west of the city and combines easily with a visit to the Seven Mosques near the site of the Battle of the Trench.
5. Al-Baqi Cemetery
Right next to the Prophet’s Mosque, Al-Baqi is the resting place of many Companions and members of the Prophet’s family. It opens at set times, usually after Fajr and after Asr, and access is for men; check the current timings locally.
6. Museums of the Seerah
Madinah’s museums, including the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, are a good choice for families and for hot afternoons, with exhibits on the life of the Prophet ﷺ and the history of the city.
Suggested half-day ziyarat route in Madinah
Ziyarat in Makkah
1. Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira
The cave where the first revelation came down to the Prophet ﷺ, north-east of the Haram. The climb takes roughly an hour each way for most people and is steep, so go before sunrise or late afternoon with water and good shoes. At the foot of the mountain, the Hira Cultural District has an exhibition on the revelation for those who cannot climb.
2. Jabal Thawr
South of Makkah, the cave where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr hid for three nights during the Hijrah. The climb is longer and harder than Hira, so most pilgrims view it from the base as part of a tour.
3. Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina
The sites of Hajj are empty for most of the year, which makes them easy to visit on an Umrah trip: Jabal al-Rahmah in Arafat, Masjid Namirah, the plain of Muzdalifah and the Jamarat bridge in Mina. A guided tour helps you understand what happens at each site during Hajj.
4. Masjid Aisha (Al-Tan’im) and Jannat al-Mu’alla
Masjid Aisha at Al-Tan’im is the nearest point outside the sacred boundary, where people already in Makkah enter ihram for an additional Umrah. Jannat al-Mu’alla, close to the Haram, is where Khadijah, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, is buried. If this is your first Umrah, our guide on how to perform Umrah step by step walks you through each rite.
5. Museums and the Kiswa complex
The Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture, the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kiswa of the Kaaba and the Clock Tower Museum show a different side of Makkah. Opening times and visit rules change, so check before you go. If you stay in the Clock Tower, see our guide to the Abraj Al Bait hotels.
Practical tips for ziyarat
Timing: start after Fajr and finish before the midday heat; avoid Fridays before Jumu’ah. Transport: taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy in both cities, and many hotels and operators offer group ziyarat buses for a few hours. Etiquette: ziyarat is a visit for reflection and remembrance; follow the guidance of the site staff and avoid practices that are not part of the Sunnah. Planning: book the Rawdah in Nusuk before you travel, and keep the rest of your days light so you do not miss prayers in the Haram.
Where to stay for easy ziyarat
A hotel close to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah lets you walk to the Rawdah and Al-Baqi and start tours from the door. Compare options on our Madinah hotels page and Makkah hotels page, or let us arrange everything with an Umrah package that combines Makkah, Madinah, transfers and a ziyarat tour.
Frequently asked questions
Is ziyarat part of Umrah?
No. Umrah is complete after ihram, tawaf, sa’i and shaving or trimming the hair. Visiting the historic sites is optional; visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is a separate, recommended act. For the basics, read what Umrah is and how it differs from Hajj.
How long do I need for ziyarat?
About half a day in Madinah and half a day in Makkah covers the main sites by car. Add time if you want to climb Jabal al-Nour or visit the museums. If your dates are flexible, our guide to the best time for Umrah helps you avoid the hottest and busiest weeks.
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