After completing Umrah, many pilgrims set aside time for ziyarat, visiting the historic and blessed places connected with the life of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and the early Muslims. This guide lists the most visited places in Makkah and Madinah, how long to allow and how to plan the day.
What is ziyarat?
Ziyarat means visiting. In the context of Makkah and Madinah, it refers to visiting places of Islamic history. These visits are for reflection and learning, and they are not part of the rites of Umrah. Many pilgrims find they deepen the experience of the journey.
Ziyarat places in Makkah
The most commonly visited places in Makkah include:
- Jabal al-Nour and Cave Hira, where the first revelation came to the Prophet. The climb is steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Jabal Thawr, the mountain with the cave where the Prophet and Abu Bakr sheltered during the Hijrah.
- Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah, the plain at the heart of the Hajj.
- Muzdalifah and Mina, sites of Hajj rites that you can see outside the Hajj season.
- Masjid al-Jinn, a historic mosque on the outskirts of the city.
Ziyarat places in Madinah
In and around Madinah, pilgrims commonly visit:
- Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Islam, where many pilgrims pray two rak'ahs.
- Masjid al-Qiblatain, where the direction of prayer changed from Jerusalem to the Kaaba.
- Mount Uhud and the cemetery of the martyrs of Uhud, the site of the Battle of Uhud.
- The area of the Seven Mosques, linked to the Battle of the Trench.
- A dates market, a popular stop to buy Madinah dates and gifts to take home.
Badr
Badr, the site of the first great battle in Islam, lies about 150 kilometres from Madinah. It is usually visited as a half-day trip from Madinah, or as a stop on the road between the two cities. A private car is the easiest way to include it, because public transport does not go to the site.
How long to allow
A guided private tour of the main sites in Makkah normally takes three to four hours, and the main sites in Madinah take a similar time. Badr and back from Madinah needs five to six hours. Plan Makkah and Madinah ziyarat on separate days and add Badr as its own day if you have time.
Planning tips
Go early in the morning or after Asr to avoid the heat. Carry water, wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly. Tell your driver which places matter most to you so he can plan the order and leave time for prayer. Visits to the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque are organised through the official Nusuk app, so check the current booking rules before you travel.
A sample day plan
A relaxed Makkah ziyarat usually starts after Fajr. Pick up from your hotel at around 8 am, drive to Jabal al-Nour and Cave Hira, continue to Jabal Thawr, then pass Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat, and return by late morning. In Madinah the plan is similar: Masjid Quba first, then Masjid al-Qiblatain, the Uhud area and the Seven Mosques, ending at the dates market before Zuhr. Leave the afternoon free for rest and prayer, especially in summer.
Respect and etiquette at the sites
These places are visited with respect. Keep your voice low, dress modestly, and follow the signs and instructions of staff. Do not climb restricted areas or perform acts at the sites that are not taught in the sunnah. If you take photographs, be considerate of other visitors, and never photograph people who are praying without their permission.
Why go by private car
The sites are spread across each city, with limited parking and long walks in the heat. A private car with a driver takes you from place to place, waits while you pray and reflect and lets you set the pace. You also avoid bargaining at each stop and can bring along elderly family members comfortably.