Which Ziyarah places should I visit in Makkah and Madinah?
A directory of Ziyarah places in Makkah and Madinah, including Jabal al-Nour, Masjid Aisha, Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud and the Seven Mosques, with map links.
Checked against official sources: November 2026
What etiquette applies at Ziyarah sites?
These places are valued for their history, and visiting them is not part of Umrah. Scholars caution against inventing rituals at them, so avoid touching rock or walls in the hope of blessing, and ignore anyone offering to sell special prayers. Lower your voice, dress as you would for prayer and follow the signs. The one with a specific virtue in the Sunnah is praying two rak'ahs at Masjid Quba.
How do I plan the route?
In Madinah, one morning loop covers Quba, then Qiblatayn and the Seven Mosques, ending at Uhud. In Makkah, combine Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, and leave Jabal al-Nour for a separate early start if you plan to climb. The places below are sorted by city and link to Google Maps.
Makkah Al-Masjid al-Haram
The Grand Mosque around the Kaaba, the direction of prayer for Muslims worldwide and the place where Tawaf and Sa'i are performed.
Field tip Note the gate number you entered by and photograph it. Most lost pilgrims are simply looking for the wrong gate.
Open in Google Maps (21.4225, 39.82611)
Makkah Jabal al-Nour and Cave Hira
The mountain holding Cave Hira, where the first revelation came. The climb is steep, with about 1,000 uneven steps. The Hira Cultural District sits at its foot.
Field tip Start after Fajr and carry water. By 10am the rock holds the heat and the path gets narrow with people coming down.
Open in Google Maps (21.45806, 39.86139)
Makkah Jabal Thawr
South of the Haram, the mountain where the Prophet and Abu Bakr sheltered during the Hijrah. A harder and longer climb than Jabal al-Nour.
Field tip Most visitors see it from the road. Only attempt the climb if you are fit, and never alone in the heat.
Open in Google Maps (21.3775, 39.85083)
Makkah Masjid Aisha (Tan'im)
The closest point outside the Haram boundary, used by people already in Makkah who want to enter ihram for another Umrah.
Field tip Shuttle buses and taxis run from around the Haram. Agree the taxi fare first, or use a ride-hailing app.
Open in Google Maps (21.46833, 39.80048)
Makkah Mount Arafat (Jabal al-Rahmah)
The plain where pilgrims stand on the Day of Arafah, the central rite of Hajj. Outside Hajj it is quiet and open to visitors.
Field tip Combine Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina in one Ziyarah drive. A car for three hours is far easier than separate taxis.
Open in Google Maps (21.35472, 39.98389)
Makkah Mina
The valley of white tents where pilgrims stay during Hajj and stone the Jamarat, about 7 km from the Haram.
Field tip Outside Hajj you drive past most of it. The Jamarat Bridge is the part worth slowing down for.
Open in Google Maps (21.41333, 39.89333)
Madinah Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque, the second holiest site in Islam, with the Rawdah inside and giant courtyard umbrellas that open for shade.
Field tip The courtyard umbrellas open around sunrise and close before sunset. Stay for it once, it is a quiet moment worth seeing.
Open in Google Maps (24.46833, 39.61083) Madinah Masjid Quba
The first mosque built in Islam, about 3.5 km south of the Prophet's Mosque. Praying two rak'ahs here carries the reward of an Umrah.
Field tip Make wudu at your hotel and come mid-morning, once the tour buses have gone and before Dhuhr fills it.
Open in Google Maps (24.43917, 39.61722)
Madinah Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Site
The site of the Battle of Uhud, with the graves of Hamza and the martyrs. Archers' Hill, the small rise opposite, is a short walk.
Field tip Go early. By late morning the coaches arrive together and the viewing area gets crowded.
Open in Google Maps (24.52273, 39.61826)
Madinah Masjid al-Qiblatayn
The Mosque of Two Qiblas, where the direction of prayer changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.
Field tip Pair it with the Seven Mosques. They sit about 3 km apart, on the same side of the city.
Open in Google Maps (24.48409, 39.57891)
Madinah The Seven Mosques
Small mosques near the trench of the Battle of Khandaq, led by Masjid al-Fath. Most of the historic buildings have been renovated.
Field tip A guide adds a lot here. Without the story of Khandaq it can look like a few small buildings by a road.
Open in Google Maps (24.4772, 39.59497)
Madinah Al-Baqi Cemetery
The historic cemetery beside the Prophet's Mosque, resting place of many Companions and family of the Prophet.
Field tip Access is usually for men, at set times after Fajr and Asr. Women are generally not admitted, so plan around that.
Open in Google Maps (24.4669, 39.6164)
Madinah Hejaz Railway Station
The restored Ottoman terminus of the Damascus to Madinah line, with a small museum and old locomotives.
Field tip A good pause for children between mosque visits. It is a short drive from the Haram.
Open in Google Maps (24.46167, 39.60019)Common questions
Is visiting Ziyarah places part of Umrah?
No. Umrah consists of ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i and cutting or shaving the hair. Ziyarah visits are optional.