Umrah Ziyarat Places in Makkah and Madinah: A Complete Guide
Quick answer: Umrah ziyarat places are historical Islamic sites pilgrims visit before or after Umrah. In Makkah, popular stops include Cave of Hira, Jabal Thawr, Mount Arafat and Jannat al-Mu'alla. In Madinah, pilgrims visit Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud, Masjid al-Qiblatain and Jannat al-Baqi. These visits are optional, not obligatory.
The main Umrah ziyarat places in Makkah are Cave of Hira, Jabal Thawr, Mount Arafat and Jannat al-Mu'alla. In Madinah, they are Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud, Masjid al-Qiblatain and Jannat al-Baqi.
Ziyarat is optional. It is not a rite of Umrah. Still, most pilgrims want to see these Islamic historical sites, and I understand why.
This guide helps you choose places to visit during Umrah, allow enough time and arrange transport. If you have not booked yet, start with this overview of Umrah packages from the UK.
Makkah Ziyarat Places to Visit During Umrah
Makkah's main ziyarat sites are Jabal al-Noor, Jabal Thawr, Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah and Jannat al-Mu'alla. Most connect to the Prophet's ﷺ early life or the Hijrah.
These holy places in Makkah carry real history. Choose by your energy, not by pressure.
1. Cave of Hira and Jabal al-Noor
Jabal al-Noor is a short drive from the Haram. Cave of Hira sits near its peak. Here, the Prophet ﷺ received the first revelation, beginning with Surah al-Alaq: “Recite in the name of your Lord who created.”
The climb is steep and uneven. It is tiring in summer heat. I would not suggest it for elderly pilgrims or anyone with knee or breathing problems.
Pro Tip: You do not need to climb. Seeing the mountain from its base still lets you reflect on the story.
2. Jabal Thawr (Mount Thawr)
Jabal Thawr lies south of Makkah. During the Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid in its cave while the Quraysh searched for them. The Quran mentions “the two in the cave” in Surah at-Tawbah.
The path is harder than Hira. In my opinion, most families should view it from the road and read the story together.
3. Mount Arafat (Jabal al-Rahmah)
Arafat is where pilgrims stand on the Day of Arafah during Hajj. Outside Hajj, you can visit the plain and Jabal al-Rahmah. It is not required for Umrah.
4. Mina and Muzdalifah
Both are Hajj locations. Mina holds the tent city and the Jamarat. Muzdalifah is where pilgrims rest after Arafat. Outside Hajj, expect open land, not a rite.
5. Jannat al-Mu'alla
This is Makkah's historic cemetery. Early Muslims and members of the Prophet's ﷺ family rest here, including Khadijah (RA).
Access can vary, so do not expect to enter. Keep your voice low and follow local instructions.
A simple example: Picture a family from Bradford. Dad is 72 and uses a stick. They drive to Hira's base after Fajr, share the story, then return for breakfast.
Madinah Ziyarat Places to Visit
Madinah's key sites are Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud, Masjid al-Qiblatain, Jannat al-Baqi and Masjid an-Nabawi. Most are a short drive apart and need far less climbing than Makkah.
These holy places in Madinah show how the first Muslim community grew. In my view, Madinah feels calmer.
1. Masjid Quba
Masjid Quba is the first mosque the Prophet ﷺ built after the Hijrah. It sits on the southern edge of the city.
A hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah says praying there after making wudu at home earns a reward like Umrah. This is a virtue, not a requirement.
2. Mount Uhud (Jabal Uhud)
The Battle of Uhud took place here in 3 AH. Hamza (RA) and many companions are buried at its foot. Entry is open, and Visit Saudi states no ticket is needed.
The ground is uneven and shade is limited. Wear sturdy shoes and visit early.
3. Masjid al-Qiblatain
This mosque marks the change of Qiblah from Jerusalem to the Kaaba, revealed in Surah al-Baqarah. Its name means “the mosque of two Qiblahs.”
Visiting hours and prayer access can change. Ask your driver to confirm on the day.
4. Jannat al-Baqi
Baqi is Madinah's oldest cemetery, beside the Prophet's Mosque. Many companions and family members of the Prophet ﷺ rest here.
Access rules and times can change. Check locally and follow instructions.
5. Masjid an-Nabawi and Rawdah Sharif
Masjid an-Nabawi is the Prophet's Mosque. Rawdah Sharif is the blessed area between his house and his pulpit.
Entering the mosque needs no appointment. Visiting Rawdah does. Book it through Nusuk. It is free, subject to eligibility and availability.
Pro Tip: Check Nusuk early in your trip. Slots can be limited in busy seasons.
A simple example: Picture a couple who walked straight to Rawdah. No appointment, no entry. Next trip, they booked the slot first.
How to Plan Your Ziyarat in Makkah and Madinah
Group nearby sites, keep one outing per day and arrange transport before you leave the hotel. Plan around prayer times and the physical demands of each place.
Good ziyarat Makkah and Madina planning is simple. My own rule is one outing a day. Pilgrims who rush through five stops often remember none.
• Go after Fajr, before the heat builds, and return by Dhuhr.
• Match each outing to the least mobile traveller.
Suggested Ziyarat Visit Grouping
1. Makkah – Jabal al-Noor and Jabal Thawr
Visit both mountain sites during one early outing.
Why it works: Both are mountain locations, making it practical to plan them together.
2. Makkah – Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah
Explore the important Hajj locations in one trip.
Why it works: These sites are relatively close to one another.
3. Madinah – Masjid Quba and Masjid al-Qiblatain
Visit both mosques during one short outing.
Why it works: They are a short drive apart and require relatively little walking.
4. Madinah – Mount Uhud and Jannat al-Baqi
Combine these visits with time near the Prophet's Mosque.
Why it works: It helps organise visits around important historical locations in Madinah.
This is a suggested grouping, not a fixed timetable. Real routes depend on your hotel, traffic and access rules.
Picture a UK group of eight with two toddlers. They planned one three-hour outing in Makkah and one in Madinah. The children stayed happy, and the grandparents joined every stop.
How Much Does Ziyarat Cost in Makkah and Madinah?
Many sites cost nothing to enter. Your real costs are transport and guided tours.
Rawdah appointments are free too. Private vehicles and tours are not. Prices depend on vehicle, passenger numbers, itinerary and season, so I will not quote old taxi prices.
The Haramain train is for travel between the two cities, not local ziyarat. Check the fare for your date on the official Haramain booking portal.
Pro Tip: Before paying for a guided tour, ask what is included: vehicle, driver, waiting time, stops and number of passengers.
Practical Tips Before Visiting Ziyarat Places
Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and check access rules before you travel.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Carry water, especially in hot weather.
• Check local access arrangements first.
• Think about elderly passengers' mobility.
• Pack essential medicines and personal items.
• Follow local instructions at mosques and sites.
• Check Nusuk for Rawdah availability.
Common mistake: Treating optional visits as compulsory Umrah rituals. They are not. Your Umrah is complete without them.
Final Thoughts on Umrah Ziyarat Places
Umrah ziyarat places add depth to your journey. Pick a few that suit your health, group them by area and leave time to rest.
Good ziyarat Makkah and Madina planning starts before you fly, with the right hotel and transport. If you want help, you can speak to an Umrah expert and get a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which are the most important Ziyarat places in Makkah?
Cave of Hira, Jabal Thawr, Mount Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah and Jannat al-Mu'alla. Each links to the Prophet's ﷺ life or Hajj.
Which Ziyarat places should I visit in Madinah?
Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud, Masjid al-Qiblatain, Jannat al-Baqi and Masjid an-Nabawi. Most are short drives apart.
Is Ziyarat compulsory during Umrah?
No. Visiting historical places is optional. It is not one of the obligatory rites of Umrah.
Can elderly people visit Makkah and Madinah Ziyarat places?
Yes, many sites are reachable by vehicle. Mountain climbs and long walks can be hard, so choose drive-by views.
Do I need a permit to visit Rawdah Sharif?
Yes, you need a Rawdah appointment arranged through Nusuk. Ordinary entry to Masjid an-Nabawi does not need that appointment.