Medina

Good to know

1. 1Before Islam the city was known as Yathrib. It took the name Medina, meaning simply 'the city', after the Prophet Muhammad settled here in 622, a journey called the Hijra that marks year one of the Islamic calendar.
2. 2The Prophet's Mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, stands at the centre of the city and is the second holiest mosque in Islam after the Haram in Mecca. The city grew up around it, and its green dome is a landmark seen from far off.
3. 3Quba Mosque, on the southern edge of the city, is regarded as the first mosque ever built in Islam, and many visitors make a point of going.
4. 4Medina is famous for its dates. Local varieties such as the dark, soft ajwa are sold in shops and markets throughout the city and are a common gift to take home.
5. 5Mount Uhud, just north of the centre, was the site of a battle in 625 and remains an important place in early Islamic history.
6. 6The language is Arabic, and the currency is the Saudi riyal. You will hear English in hotels and larger shops, but a few Arabic greetings go a long way.

Tips for a first visit

• Dress modestly. Men and women should both cover their shoulders and knees, and women will generally be more comfortable in loose clothing that covers the arms and legs.
• Expect shops and services to pause for a short time at each of the five daily prayers. Plan errands around them rather than waiting at a closed door.
• Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but keep a little cash for small shops, markets and tips.
• Try dates with Arabic coffee, which is lightly roasted and flavoured with cardamom. It is often offered as a welcome, and it is polite to accept at least a small cup.
• Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off, since you will remove them often when entering mosques. Carry a bag for them if needed.
• In and around the Prophet's Mosque, follow the guidance of staff and signs, keep your voice low, and ask before taking photographs of people.

When to go

The cooler months from about November to March are the most comfortable, with warm days and fresh evenings. Spring is pleasant but warms up quickly. Summer is very hot and dry, and most visitors spend the middle of the day indoors. Ramadan and the Hajj season bring the largest crowds, and because the Islamic calendar moves earlier each year, those dates shift through the seasons.

From the airport

The city's airport, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International, lies a short drive outside the centre. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are the usual way into town and take roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Hotel and organised transfers are also common, especially for groups and pilgrims.