Top 8 Fun Things To Do and Places To Eat In Medinah

Medina or the city known as the city of light is one of the most important Islamic cities, with Saudi Arabia as its country. Being a site of the burial of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, millions of Muslims visit the place every year. Though people of other religions are not allowed to enter the city center of Medina, there are numerous places to visit and restaurants where to have a meal in Medina. 

1. Visit Historical Sites

Ensure you familiarize yourself with the details regarding Medina before commencing your tour of the central city and the famous historical places of worship and monuments that lie outside the prohibited zone. The Quba Mosque is the first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad, and Masjid Al-Qiblatain is another; this is the mosque where the direction of prayers was altered from Jerusalem to Mecca. Places like the trench and Mount Uhud where an important battle in early Islam was fought are also eye-opening.

2. It is important to shop in the Local Markets

Medina is replete with markets with an array of products ranging from fabrics, carpets, jewelry, spices, and other handcrafted items. Al Manakha Market is the most appropriate place to go for mainstream shopping while Bab Ash Shami Market is ideal for buying fruits and vegetables exotic to the region. Don’t forget to bargain! Gold Suq and Silvers Suq are markets that have the most exquisite Saudi traditional ornaments and trinkets. Shop around for some special gifts for your friends and relatives back home.

3. Stroll in Public Parks

Thus, Medina is mainly a historical site, however, the visitor can also go to such free areas as Al-Ansar Park or Al Mea’wa Park to rest for a while. The existent parks include fountains, streams, and vast areas of grassy land to relax in the natural environment. In the evening, it is not uncommon to find many of the town’s inhabitants coming to this place with their friends or relatives.

4. Indulge in Local Cuisine

Unlike Assuit, Medina has no scarcity of restaurants and street foods to taste the Arabian kosher. These are some of the meals that you should try: Mutabbaq which is a type of pancake that is stuffed with sweet or meat and Kebda Iskandaraniyeh which is a type of liver kebab and another common meal that includes Mandi Rice, Machboos or Saudi chicken baked rice. When it comes to sweet pleasures, Gulab Jamun, Luqaimat, and Umm Ali are a few that one must try.

5. Stay in Luxury Hotels

As religious tourism is much more prevalent in Medina, you can get a hotel based on your budget interest near to Haram zone. For those who prefer comfortable accommodation while on a trip, there are numerous 5-star hotels like the Hotel Pullman ZamZam, The Oberoi Medina, Anjum Hotel, and the Hyatt Regency Medina among others. Almost all the hotels are within shady proximity to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque through pathways. Do not forget to make your accommodation early enough.

6. Go on Excursions

Some of the interesting places to visit in Medina are on the outskirts and include Hejaz Railway Station, the Uhud mountain, which has historical significance as a battlefield, Mada’in Saleh which is an archaeological site, the hilltop of the Mosque of Al Jinn, Badr battlefield and Rabigh – a coastal town. Accordingly, the following are some of the relevant options that are available for such short trips from Medina that you may prefer based on your hobbies and preferences.

7. Explore by Medina Train

To explore the easy feet and comfortable sights of Medina one can travel on Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Southern Line commonly known as the Medina train. It covers almost 24 stations and links major city areas such as the Central Station, Quba Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, Al Ghamama Museum, Knowledge Economic City, and many others. The trains have compartments for men, women, and children and there are even carriages that are strictly reserved for families only.

8. Enjoy Camel Riding Adventure

It would be quite unbecoming to visit Saudi Arabia and not take a camel ride. Many tour operators based in Medina offer different kinds of camel safari in the desert that last anywhere from half an hour to the next day spending the night in the desert. Spend time riding a camel over dunes as the sun sets and partake in Arabic campfire meals at the campsites. It is best to perform it in small groups or even individually as it may make others uncomfortable.

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