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Visiting Medina as A Non-Muslim Guide

Visiting Medina as A Non-Muslim Guide

Medina is the second holiest location in Islam after Makah. This city is filled with heritage and divinity. Recently, this city has allowed non-Muslim explorers, Medina embraces all the explorers and promises them ventures beyond pilgrimages. Many tourists love the city's settings and Islamic heritage. We have curated a guide to assist non-believers in navigating through the metropolitan's hidden treasures and exploits. Let’s explore the best places to visit in Medina as a Non-Muslim. Whether you are a traveler looking for historical knowledge about Islam or seeking a deeper insight into the Muslim culture, Medina offers an exemplary venture to all.

Transport to Medina

Getting to and navigating through Medina is very easy, all credit goes to the well-maintained transport system built for pilgrims. For explorers coming from Jeddah, the Harmain High-speed train is the best choice. It offers travelers a comfortable journey which is 2 hours long at very reasonable prices. Those arriving from Riyadh have the opportunity of a quick flight that takes approximately 1 hour to land or a bus ride that takes a maximum of 12 hours to reach Medina. You can book all of these online. If you are arriving in Medina from other areas, consider going for the Northwest Bus, especially applicable for those coming from ALUla, which has two daily departures. Other options include renting a car from rentals as their prices are quite budget-friendly and you can be easily transported to different locations.

Transport in Medina

Once you have reached Medina opt for cabs and ride-booking apps like Careem and Uber to get around. While there are many taxis available on the streets, it's better to opt for the booking options as it saves you from the trouble of price discussion. Moreover, Medina houses a great bus system linked to train stations, airports, and main destinations. You can book the bus tickets online.

Things You Should Know Before Entering Medina as a Non-Muslim

Although Medina is open to all explorers, certain locations are still not accessible to everyone. Guards are there at every site, and of course, there are no formal security searches or any documents are not asked for, entering any location without following the rules and customs may draw attention, exclusively during the prayer timings. It's been said that official guards might see your visa to know whether you are exploring Medina for tourism or religious reasons. Despite these strict restrictions, you still can enjoy the magnificent vistas of the Prophet's Mosque from the outside.

The city of Medina is famous for its generosity and warmth, the locals are very approachable and eager to help travelers in navigation.

Dress Code for Medina

Medina is a culturally conservative metropolitan known globally for its dress code. Medina embraces Muslims from all distinct backgrounds: as for men there aren't any strict dress code rules, and there are men wearing t-shirts, and jeans together with pilgrims in traditional Indian, Burmese, or Indonesian attire. However, to make sure you don't attract attention consider wearing traditional Saudi attire which you can easily buy from the nearest local market. For women, wearing an abaya is recommended as wearing sleeveless tops with short skirts is not applicable in Medina.

Best Things to Do in Medina

Medina is an iconic destination for day trips, despite not being allowed to enter the majestic Prophet's Masjid, there are endless Medina tourist things to do and explore. A comfortable option includes booking a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus as it allows you to explore all the significant spots in one day.

  • Jannat ul Baqi

This ancient cemetery is home to the graves of many notable companions and family members of Prophet Muhammad.

  • Quba Road

This impeccable street is bordered by endless cafes, eateries, and shops. Saudi Arabia is now becoming famous for its coffee culture and this vibrant street is home to the best coffee-serving cafes.

  • Quba Castle

Situated near Quba Street, this castle is under restoration for now, however, the architecture looks breathtaking from afar.

  • Ancient Oasis Farm

Situated alongside the Quba Mosque, this woodland is the ultimate destination for a great exploit under the huge palm trees. This place is an ideal one for people who want to witness something distinct during a trip.

  • Bazaar Areas of Medina

Start your evening with shopping in the lively bazaars of Medina, situated near the Prophet Mosque and bordering some alleys on the Quba Road, shopping in these bazaars is really refreshing and promises amazing exploits.

  • Mount Uhud

Mount Uhud promises everyone majestic vistas of the surrounding land views and is a location where an important event occurred in Islamic history which is the Battle of Uhud.

 

In conclusion, visiting Medina as a non-Muslim is well worth it. Medina promises every explorer regardless of his religion an exceptional experience packed with lively culture and hospitality. Despite some sites not being accessible to everyone, the metropolitan's allure with its busy streets, huge population, and ancient destinations is evident. By blending well with the local culture and considering guided tours, you can gain deeper knowledge of this historic city.

Ready to experience the beauty and culture of Medina? Book your stay at Ewan Dar Al-Hijrah Hotel today and enjoy a comfortable retreat right in the heart of the city!

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