Where to stay in Madinah: the central area and beyond

Madinah is calmer than Makkah, and most visitors spend three to five nights here, praying in Masjid an-Nabawi and visiting the city's historic places. Almost all hotels for pilgrims are in the central area around the mosque, the Markaziyah, where the walk to a gate takes minutes. This guide explains how the sides of the central area differ, and when staying further out makes sense.

The central area (Markaziyah)

The Markaziyah is the ring of hotels, malls and markets around the mosque's plazas, inside King Faisal Road, the first ring road. The plazas are shaded by giant umbrellas and have washrooms and ablution areas below ground. From most hotels here a gate is two to ten minutes away on foot. Pilgrims usually describe the area by the side of the mosque it faces.

North side

The north side has some of the largest hotels and a wide choice of restaurants and supermarkets. Several entrances to the women's prayer halls are on this side, which makes it popular with families and women travelling in groups; ask your hotel which gate is nearest to your room. The Oberoi Madinah is one of the central-area hotels in our collection.

South and west sides

The south side runs along the qibla wall of the mosque, and the west side has Bab al-Salam, the gate many visitors use to go and send greetings at the Prophet's grave. Both sides have hotels from luxury to mid-range, large shopping complexes and busy plazas at prayer times.

East side

The east side borders Al-Baqi cemetery. It is usually a little quieter, with more modest hotels and lower prices, and suits pilgrims who want to stay central for less.

Quba and the outer districts

Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Islam, is about three and a half kilometres south of the Prophet's Mosque, joined to it by a long pedestrian road. Hotels and apartments around Quba, in districts such as Aziziyah, and along King Abdulaziz Road towards the railway station cost much less than the central area, but you will need a taxi, a bus or a shuttle for most prayers.

Best for: long stays, repeat visitors and budget groups.

Practical tips

• Rawdah. Praying in the Rawdah needs a time slot booked in the Nusuk app, at separate times for men and women; where you stay does not change that. Our Rawdah guide explains how it works.
• Fridays. The mosque and the plazas fill early for the Friday prayer. Leave well before the call to prayer.
• Arriving. Madinah airport is about 15 to 20 kilometres from the central area and the Haramain station about five to seven, so plan a taxi or a transfer for the last stretch.
• Green Dome views. Rooms that look onto the Green Dome are few and sell out first.

The story of how the mosque grew is in our history of Masjid an-Nabawi, and our Madinah Ziyarat guide lists the places to visit.

Common questions

What is the best area to stay in Madinah?

For most visitors, the central area (Markaziyah) around the Prophet's Mosque. Choose the side by what matters most to you: the north for big hotels and several women's entrances, the south and west for Bab al-Salam and the qibla side, and the east for lower prices.

How many nights should I stay in Madinah?

Most pilgrims stay three to five nights, which is enough to pray in the mosque, visit the Rawdah and see Quba, Uhud and the other historic places.

How far is Masjid Quba from Masjid an-Nabawi?

About three and a half kilometres. Many people walk the pedestrian road between the two mosques; it is also a short taxi ride.

Do I need to be in ihram in Madinah?

No. Ihram is for Umrah and Hajj in Makkah. If you travel from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, the miqat is Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), on the way out of the city.