Things to Do in Medina
50 curated spots from Medina itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Quba Mosque
Visit the first mosque built in Islam, perform two raka’at, and sit in the shaded courtyards or nearby gardens.
1h 30m · $5-10 (taxi/ride-share)
Dar Al Madinah Museum
Explore detailed models, dioramas, and artifacts that explain the history of Medina, the Prophet’s migration, and how the city grew around the Mosque.
2h · $10-15 per adult, discounted for children
Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) Miqat Mosque
Visit the miqat mosque where pilgrims intending Umrah enter ihram; even if you are not doing Umrah this trip, you can show the children the facilities and explain how pilgrims prepare here, and enjoy the palm-dotted surroundings.
1h · Free
King Fahd Central Park
Stroll shaded paths lined with palm trees, relax near the artificial lake, and let the kids enjoy the playgrounds and open lawns.
2h 30m · Free
Al Masjid an Nabawi – First Visit
Spend time orienting yourselves around the Prophet’s Mosque: walk the courtyards, note main entrances, locate family meeting points, and perform your first prayers there.
2h 30m · Free
Al Masjid an Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)
Spend unhurried time in and around the Prophet’s Mosque: join one of the daily prayers, walk children gently through the courtyards to see the Green Dome from outside, and let them observe the patterned carpets and umbrella canopies. Use this slot for your main family jama’ah and quiet reflection.
2h · Free
Al Masjid an Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) – Gentle Visit
Spend an unhurried morning around the outer courtyards and inside the mosque, focusing on quiet prayer, reflection, and soaking in the folding umbrella canopies and palm-like columns for that serene, structured-jungle feel. Move slowly, take breaks in shaded areas, and let this be your main anchor for the day.
2h 30m · Free
Al Rashid Mega Mall
Cool down in a large mall with shops, cafés, and occasional kids’ play areas; stroll under palm-style décor and pseudo-oasis spaces in the common areas. Use this as a relaxed, flexible time block for the children to unwind.
1h 30m · Free (excluding shopping or paid play areas)
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi – First Visit & Orientation
Arrive, check in nearby, then walk to the Prophet’s Mosque to get your bearings, perform prayers, and explore the courtyard and surrounding plazas.
3h · Free
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)
Spend unhurried time in and around the mosque: pray, sit quietly in the courtyards, and explore the outer areas lined with palm trees and marble umbrellas. Aim for mid-morning when it’s bright but calmer than prayer-changeover times.
3h · Free
Aliat Mall
Browse shops, let the kids check out the toy and clothing stores, and enjoy air-conditioned walking between stores.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
As Safiyyah Museum & Park Area
Visit the museum that highlights aspects of Islamic and local history (if open), then relax in the adjacent green areas with palm trees and walking paths.
2h · $5-10 per adult, less for children
Date Farm / Palm Grove Visit (e.g., local date farm on city outskirts)
Arrange a short taxi trip to a nearby date farm or palm grove area where you can walk between rows of date palms, see small irrigation channels, and buy packaged dates; confirm opening times via your hotel or taxi driver.
2h · $10-20 transport round trip; dates extra
Date Farm Visit & Palm Walk (Independent)
Visit a local date farm on the outskirts of Medina (many farms around the city welcome casual visitors or have small shops at the entrance). Stroll between palm rows where accessible paths exist, observe irrigation channels, and buy fresh or packaged dates at the on-site shop.
2h 30m · $5-15 (mainly for taxi and dates purchase)
Early Morning at the Prophet’s Mosque (Fajr & Sunrise)
Join Fajr prayer, then remain to watch the sky lighten over the domes and minarets, taking time for dhikr and reading.
2h 30m · Free
Evening at Masjid an-Nabawi Courtyards
Return to the Prophet’s Mosque after dinner to enjoy the cooler air, illuminated domes, and quiet recitation; bring a small water bottle and just sit together in the courtyard for as long as you wish.
1h 30m · Free
Evening Courtyard Time at Al Masjid an Nabawi
Return for Maghrib and Isha prayers and sit in the illuminated courtyards under the giant umbrellas while the kids quietly observe or read.
2h · Free
Evening Stroll Around the Haram Plazas
After Isha, walk the broad, marble plazas around the mosque, watch the umbrellas, and enjoy the gentle buzz of pilgrims.
1h 30m · Free
Evening/Night Prayer & Quiet Reflection at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Attend Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend some time after in personal dua or Qur’an recitation inside or in the courtyard under the night sky.
2h 30m · Free
Farewell Prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque
Perform your final Maghrib or Isha prayers there, make du’a together as a family, and gently talk about your favorite moments from the week.
2h · Free
Final Night at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Return for your last Maghrib and Isha in Medina, taking time after to sit in the courtyard and mentally close your journey.
2h 30m · Free
Final Tawheed-Focused Time at the Prophet’s Mosque
Spend a peaceful block of time reciting Qur’an, making du’a, and taking in the mosque’s atmosphere, then say a heartfelt farewell.
2h · Free
First Visit to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)
Perform salah, explore the courtyards, and gently familiarize yourselves with the mosque’s entrances, prayer areas, and services.
2h · Free
Free Evening at King Fahd Park & Nearby Cafés
Stay to watch the park light up after sunset, grab juices or snacks from kiosks, and optionally rent small bikes or scooters for the kids if available.
2h · $3-8 for snacks or rentals
Free Evening at the Prophet’s Mosque
Return via taxi to the Haram, perform Maghrib and Isha, and gently talk as a family about the sites you’ve seen in the last two days.
2h 30m · Free
Free Explore & Shopping Around Al Masjid an Nabawi
Use this final afternoon or early evening to buy dates, prayer mats, modest clothing, and small souvenirs; let the kids pick one special item each, and take a last slow walk around the mosque to say goodbye to Medina.
2h · Free (excluding shopping)
King Fahd Central Park (Medina)
Head to this large, green park for a leisurely afternoon walk among trees, lawns, and walking paths; find a shady bench or quiet corner to sit together, read, or just enjoy a more ‘jungle wild’ contrast to the city streets.
2h · Free
King Fahd Garden & Green Belt Walk
Taxi to King Fahd Garden, then wander tree‑lined paths, sit by small landscaped areas, and enjoy some greenery away from the built‑up center.
2h 30m · Free (plus $6-12 taxi)
Last Morning at Al Masjid an Nabawi
Spend extra time in your favorite spots around the Mosque—specific gates, shaded courtyards, or side streets—and take a few final family photos (respecting local guidelines).
2h 30m · Free
Last Reflections at Masjid an-Nabawi
Return to the Haram area for your final visit; choose one spot inside or in the courtyard to sit quietly, recap your favorite moments as a couple, make your final duas, and, if time allows, browse a nearby Islamic bookstore for a small memento.
1h 30m · Free (excluding optional books/souvenirs)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Arabesque Restaurant – Shaza Al Madina
Hotel buffet with a wide halal spread: eggs, foul, hummus, fresh breads, fruits, and kids’ favorites like pancakes and cereals.
1h · $12-18 per person
Arabesque Restaurant (Shaza Al Madina)
Buffet breakfast with a wide range of halal Middle Eastern dishes like foul, hummus, shakshouka, olives, fresh breads, and made-to-order eggs, plus fruit and yogurt.
1h · $15-25 per person
Al Baik – Central Medina Branch
Famous Saudi fast-food chain known for fried chicken and shrimp; order the broasted chicken or grilled chicken sandwiches and avoid any non-halal-label confusion (all meat here is halal).
1h · $6-10 per person
Steak House – Medina
Casual American-style grill where meat is halal; choose grilled steaks, chicken, or fish with vegetable sides and salads, avoiding any dishes that mention alcohol-based sauces.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Al Baik – Central Area Branch
Famous Saudi fast-food chain serving halal fried chicken, grilled chicken, and seafood; stick with the classic broast chicken, grilled chicken meals, or fish fillet, and pair with fries and coleslaw for a simple, fully halal lunch.
45m · $6-10 per person
Al Baik – Sultana Branch
Iconic Saudi fast-food chain serving fully halal fried chicken, grilled chicken, and shrimp with fries; for a lighter option, try the grilled chicken fillet sandwiches and salads. Kids usually love the crispy chicken and sauces.
45m · $7-12 per person
Al Modeef Restaurant (Quba Area)
Casual Saudi restaurant popular with locals, serving fully halal grilled meats, kabsa, mandi, and mixed grills; choose chicken or lamb mandi with rice and a side salad.
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Al Modeer Restaurant
Local Saudi and Middle Eastern breakfast spot with a homey feel and touches of greenery in the décor. Order foul medames, hummus, falafel, shakshouka, fresh bread, and tea — all are halal and reliably prepared in a family-style setting.
1h · $8-15 per person
Al Qiblatain Restaurant
Local Saudi restaurant offering kabsa, mandi, and grilled chicken and lamb; all meats are halal, and you can ask for chicken mandi, lamb kabsa, and mixed grills, with rice and salads.
1h · $10-18 per person
Al Rawda Restaurant, Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick
Hotel restaurant with a mix of international and Middle Eastern dishes, decorated in warm tones with soft lighting and some greenery touches. Choose from clearly halal grilled chicken, lamb dishes, biryanis, pastas with halal meat, and a variety of salads; staff can help you steer clear of anything you want to avoid.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Al Romansiah – Uhud Branch
Famous Saudi chain specializing in mandi, kabsa, and mathbi—order chicken mandi, lamb kabsa, and sizzling grilled platters; all meat is halal and there’s no alcohol.
1h 15m · $12-22 per person
Al Romansiah (Medina Branch)
Popular chain serving Saudi dishes such as jareesh, lamb qursan, kabsa, and chicken madhbi, all prepared with halal meat and rich spices.
1h · $12-20 per person
Al Tazaj – King Fahd Park Vicinity
Popular Saudi chain specializing in grilled chicken in a simple, family-style setting. All chicken and items are halal; order the charcoal-grilled chicken with rice, Arabic bread, garlic sauce, and a side salad.
1h · $10-18 per person
Al Tazaj – Sultani Chicken
Halal grilled chicken chain with rice, Arabic bread, and salads; try the charcoal-grilled chicken with rice and kids’ chicken meals.
1h · $7-11 per person
Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Buffet Restaurant
Extensive halal buffet with Middle Eastern, Asian, and international dishes; kids will find pasta, fries, and grilled items, while adults enjoy mixed grills and salads.
1h 30m · $20-30 per person
Arabesque Restaurant (Shaza Al Madina Hotel)
Buffet and à la carte Middle Eastern and international dishes in a warmly decorated, slightly lush setting; choose from grilled lamb and chicken, kebabs, rice dishes, and vegetarian mezze—everything is halal in this hotel restaurant in Medina.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Arabesque Restaurant, Shaza Al Madina
Upscale but relaxed buffet and à la carte restaurant in Shaza Al Madina hotel, with warm wood, soft lighting, and greenery accents. Stick to clearly labeled halal grilled meats, chicken dishes, mezze, salads, and rice plates — the entire kitchen is halal-focused, and you can comfortably avoid anything you’re unsure about.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Café & Juice Bar – King Fahd Central Park Kiosks
Park kiosks with fresh juices, smoothies, coffee, and light snacks like crepes, sandwiches, and popcorn; everything is halal, and you can keep it light with juices and simple bites.
1h · $5-10 per person
Cafe Najd (or Similar Local Café near Haram)
Casual café serving Arabic coffee, tea, simple sandwiches, and sweet pastries; choose chicken or vegetable sandwiches and confirm they’re using halal meat (standard in Medina).
1h · $8-14 per person
Dates & Snacks Stalls – Taiba Commercial Center
Grab Ajwa dates, nuts, packaged halal snacks, and simple baked goods as a light, flexible breakfast on the go before or after Fajr near the Prophet’s Mosque.
30m · $3-7 per person