Ziyarat Places in Makkah and Madinah: A Guide

Quick answer: In Makkah, the main Ziyarat places are Jabal al-Nour (Cave Hira), Jabal Thawr, the Hajj sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat, and the Jannat al-Mu'alla cemetery. In Madinah, most pilgrims visit Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud and the martyrs' cemetery, Masjid al-Qiblatayn, the Seven Mosques and Jannat al-Baqi. A guided half-day tour in each city covers the main sites comfortably.

Ziyarat means "visit". These trips are not part of the rites of Umrah, but seeing the places where the story of Islam unfolded brings the seerah to life, especially for children and first-time pilgrims. Below we cover the key sites in each city, what happened there, and how to plan your visit.

Which Ziyarat places should I visit in Makkah?

Most Makkah tours run by coach and take three to four hours, stopping at the sites in a loop. Some places, such as the Hajj sites, are best seen from the coach or with a short stop, while the mountains need more time if you want to climb.

Jabal al-Nour and Cave Hira

The Mountain of Light lies a few kilometres north-east of the Haram. Near its summit is the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet ﷺ used to retreat for worship before prophethood, and where the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed: the opening of Surah al-Alaq, beginning with Iqra, "Read".

The climb is steep, with steps most of the way. Fit adults should allow two to three hours for the round trip, and it is best started after Fajr before the heat builds. At the foot of the mountain there is a visitor centre and museum area that tells the story of the revelation, which is a good option for those who cannot climb.

Jabal Thawr

To the south of Makkah is Mount Thawr. Its cave is where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) hid for three nights during the Hijrah to Madinah, while the Quraysh searched for them. The Qur'an refers to this moment: "the second of two, when they were in the cave" (9:40). The climb is longer and harder than Hira, so most pilgrims view it from below.

Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat

These are the sites of Hajj. Outside the Hajj season they are quiet, and the vast white tent city of Mina is striking to see. At Arafat, many pilgrims stop at Jabal al-Rahmah, the Mount of Mercy, near where the Prophet ﷺ gave his Farewell Sermon. Visiting is a good way to prepare your heart for a future Hajj.

Jannat al-Mu'alla

This historic cemetery, a short drive from the Haram, is where Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet's ﷺ first wife, and other members of his family are buried. Access arrangements vary, and women are generally not admitted inside, so it is often seen from the entrance.

Masjid Aisha at Tan'im

This mosque marks the nearest boundary of the Haram area, where Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) entered Ihram for Umrah after Hajj. Today pilgrims staying in Makkah who wish to perform another Umrah go there to enter Ihram. Scholars differ on how often extra Umrahs should be done, so ask a scholar you trust if you are considering several.

Which Ziyarat places should I visit in Madinah?

Madinah's sites are closer together, and a guided tour usually takes three to four hours. Many pilgrims also visit Quba on their own.

Masjid Quba

Quba was the first mosque built by the Prophet ﷺ, when he arrived at the edge of Madinah during the Hijrah. He used to visit it every Saturday, walking or riding. In a well-known hadith he said that whoever purifies himself at home, then comes to Masjid Quba and prays there, receives a reward like that of an Umrah.

To follow this Sunnah, make wudu at your hotel, travel to Quba and pray two rak'ahs. The mosque is a short taxi ride south of Masjid an-Nabawi, and there is a pedestrian route for those who enjoy walking in the cooler hours.

Mount Uhud and the martyrs' cemetery

The Battle of Uhud took place at the foot of this mountain in the third year after Hijrah. Hamzah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet's ﷺ uncle, and other Companions were martyred here and are buried in the cemetery beside the site. Opposite is the small hill of Jabal al-Rumat, where the archers were stationed. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it."

Masjid al-Qiblatayn

The "Mosque of the Two Qiblas" is where, according to the well-known account, the command came during prayer to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah (Qur'an 2:144). It is a short stop on most tours.

The Seven Mosques and the Trench

This area marks where the Muslims dug a trench to defend Madinah in the Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq). Several small mosques stand on the site, including Masjid al-Fath, and they help children picture the story of the siege.

Jannat al-Baqi

Right beside Masjid an-Nabawi, al-Baqi is the resting place of many Companions and members of the Prophet's ﷺ family, including Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him). Men can usually enter at set times, often after Fajr and after Asr, while women are generally not admitted. A short greeting taught by the Prophet ﷺ for visiting graves begins: Assalamu 'alaykum ahlad-diyari minal-mu'minina wal-muslimin, "Peace be upon you, people of these dwellings, from among the believers and Muslims."

What about the Rawdah and Masjid an-Nabawi?

The most important visit in Madinah is to the Prophet's ﷺ Mosque itself, praying there and sending salam to him. Entry to the Rawdah, the area between his house and his minbar, now needs a permit booked in the Nusuk app. We cover this in our guide to booking the Rawdah permit in Nusuk.

What is the right etiquette at Ziyarat sites?

Visiting these places for reflection and learning is widely accepted. Scholars warn against practices that have no basis in the Sunnah, so keep a few points in mind:

• Do not wipe walls, rocks or grilles for blessings, tie cloths or take soil or stones.
• Do not pray towards graves or ask the dead for help; make dua to Allah alone.
• Keep voices low at cemeteries and avoid climbing on or near graves.
• Dress modestly, and remember that some sites are busy with families and older pilgrims.

If your group follows a particular scholarly tradition, your guide or a local scholar can explain any further points.

How do I plan Ziyarat in practice?

• Go early. Morning tours avoid the worst of the heat and get you back before Dhuhr. In summer, temperatures can pass 40°C by midday.
• Choose a guided tour if it is your first visit; a guide explains the history and handles the driving and parking.
• Use taxis or ride-hailing apps for single visits, such as Quba. Agree the price first if you take a street taxi.
• Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb.
• Avoid Fridays for long tours, as you will want to be at the mosque early for Jumu'ah.
• Plan for elderly parents. Most sites can be seen from the coach or with a short walk; skip the climbs.

The cooler months between November and February are the most comfortable for sightseeing; see our guide to the best time to perform Umrah for weather and crowds through the year.

Our family Umrah guide has more ideas for travelling with children and older relatives.

How do I fit Ziyarat into my Umrah trip?

Most UK packages split the stay between Makkah and Madinah. A common plan is a Makkah tour once you have completed your Umrah and rested, and a Madinah tour in the first couple of days there, leaving the rest of your time for prayer in the two mosques. The road between the cities takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, or about 2.5 hours on the Haramain high-speed train; our Makkah to Madinah transfer page explains the options.

Staying close to Masjid an-Nabawi makes it easy to visit al-Baqi after Fajr and return for breakfast. Browse our hotels in Madinah to compare locations.

If you would like Ziyarat tours arranged as part of your trip, take a look at our Umrah plus Ziyarat packages, and our team will help you shape the itinerary around your dates.

Related guides: Umrah Shopping Guide: What to Buy in Makkah and Madinah · Laylatul Qadr: Last Ten Nights in Makkah or Madinah · How to Choose Umrah Hotels in Makkah and Madinah

Frequently asked questions

Is Ziyarat part of Umrah?

No. Umrah is complete after Tawaf, Sa'i and cutting the hair. Ziyarat is an optional visit for learning and reflection, though praying in Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba carries great reward.

How long does a Ziyarat tour take?

A guided tour in Makkah or Madinah usually takes three to four hours. Climbing Jabal al-Nour adds two to three hours on its own.

Can women visit Jannat al-Baqi?

Women are generally not admitted inside al-Baqi or Jannat al-Mu'alla, though access arrangements can change. They can still make dua for the deceased from outside or anywhere in the mosque.

Is it worth climbing to Cave Hira?

Many pilgrims find it moving, but the climb is steep and tiring. It is not a religious requirement, so only attempt it if you are fit, and go early in the day with plenty of water.

Can I visit Quba mosque on my own?

Yes. It is a short taxi ride from Masjid an-Nabawi. Make wudu at your hotel before you go to follow the Sunnah.