Madinah Travel Guide 2026: Our Stay at Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah & Must-Visit Places

We visited Madinah in February 2026, but this blog is being published a little later. Although some details may have changed over time, I hope our experience helps anyone planning an Umrah or a visit to this beautiful and blessed city.

There are few places in the world that bring as much peace to the heart as Madinah Al-Munawwarah. From the moment we arrived, we felt a sense of tranquility that is difficult to describe. Whether it was praying in Masjid an-Nabawi, walking through its peaceful courtyards, or exploring the city's rich Islamic history, every moment was memorable.

🎥 Watch the Full Madinah Vlog Here:

In our vlog, you'll see:

• Full Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah hotel tour
• Junior Suite room review
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets
• Hotels near the Ladies' Gate
• Masjid an-Nabawi
• Mount Uhud Experience
• Uhud Cemetery
• Masjid Fa'sh
• Al-Faqir Well
• Masjid Quba
• Golf cart ride to Quba
• Viral rose ice cream at Quba Market
• Helpful travel tips for anyone planning Umrah

Where We Stayed: Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah

For our stay, we chose Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah, a luxury hotel conveniently located just a short walk from Masjid an-Nabawi. Its location makes it an excellent choice for families, especially if you're planning multiple visits to the Haram throughout the day.

We booked the Junior Suite, which offers approximately 45 square metres (484 sq ft) of space. Our suite featured two beds with the option to add an extra bed, making it ideal for families or small groups. The suite also includes a comfortable seating area, elegant Arabic-inspired décor, premium bedding, and modern amenities that made our stay both relaxing and convenient.

Was the Full Board Meal Plan Worth It?

One of the highlights of our stay was the Full Board Meal Plan, which included:

• Breakfast buffet
• Lunch buffet
• Dinner buffet

Throughout our vlog, I featured each meal so you can see exactly what was offered. The buffet featured a wide selection of international dishes alongside Middle Eastern favourites, with plenty of options for adults and children.

Experiencing Jumu'ah in Madinah

One of the most memorable parts of our trip was experiencing Jummah (Friday) in Madinah. There is something truly special about praying Friday prayer at Masjid an-Nabawi, surrounded by worshippers from all over the world who have gathered in the Prophet's ﷺ city.

If you're planning your own visit, be prepared to arrive well before the adhan, as the mosque fills up quickly on Fridays. We also found it helpful to stay nearby, which made returning to the hotel after the prayer much easier.

Our favourite meal during our stay was definitely the Friday (Jummah) lunch buffet. We were pleasantly surprised to find a delicious spread of Moroccan dishes, along with traditional Moroccan mint tea. Everything we tried was full of flavour, and it ended up being the best meal we had at the hotel. If you're staying at Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah on a Friday, I'd definitely recommend making time for the lunch buffet.

Hotels Near the Ladies' Gate

One of the questions many families ask is which hotels are closest to the Ladies' Gate (Women's Entrance) of Masjid an-Nabawi.

During our walk around the Haram, we also featured several hotels located near both Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah and the Ladies' Gate, giving viewers a better idea of the surrounding accommodation options and their walking distances to the mosque.

Must-Visit Places in Madinah

Masjid an-Nabawi

Every visit to Madinah begins with the Prophet's Mosque. The peaceful atmosphere, beautiful courtyards, and the opportunity to pray in one of Islam's holiest sites make every visit unforgettable.

Uhud Cemetery

Our visit to Mount Uhud was one of the most meaningful experiences of our trip. Located beside Mount Uhud, Uhud Cemetery is the resting place of many of the companions who were martyred during the Battle of Uhud, including Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA), the beloved uncle of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Visiting this site is a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and dedication.

Adjacent to the cemetery is Sayyid al-Shuhada Mosque (Masjid Sayyid al-Shuhada), where many visitors stop to pray before or after visiting the cemetery.

Masjid Fa'sh

One of the lesser-known sites we visited during our ziyarat was Masjid Fa'sh (Masjid al-Fash), located on the slopes of Mount Uhud. According to many traditional Islamic historical sources (sīrah and local Madinah traditions), this is the location where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is believed to have prayed after the Battle of Uhud. Following the battle, the Prophet ﷺ and his companions rested in this area, and it is narrated that he offered prayer here before leaving Mount Uhud.

Al-Faqir Well: A Historic Well Beside Salman al-Farsi Garden

During our Madinah ziyarat, we visited Al-Faqir Well (Bi'r al-Faqir), a peaceful historical site located next to Salman al-Farsi Garden. While it is less well known than many of Madinah's major landmarks, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city's rich Islamic heritage.

The garden and surrounding area are traditionally associated with Salman al-Farsi (RA), one of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ most beloved companions. Originally from Persia, Salman (RA) spent years searching for the true faith before embracing Islam in Madinah. He is also remembered for his wise suggestion to dig the trench around Madinah during the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq), a strategy that helped protect the Muslim community.

Masjid Quba

No trip to Madinah is complete without visiting Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Islam. The peaceful surroundings make it one of the most rewarding places to visit during your stay.

Golf Cart Ride to Masjid Quba

Instead of walking, we decided to take one of the electric golf carts from Masjid an-Nabawi to Masjid Quba. It was a fun, comfortable, and convenient way to travel, especially for families with young children or elderly visitors. During our visit, we paid around 15 SAR per person, although fares may vary depending on where you board and the operator. If you're visiting during warmer months, it's a great alternative to walking and lets you enjoy the journey between two of Madinah's most significant mosques.

Viral Rose Ice Cream at Quba Market

After visiting Masjid Quba, we explored Quba Market, where we tried the famous viral rose ice cream that many visitors have been talking about online. It was a refreshing treat after spending time exploring the area.

I hope our experience helps you plan your own journey to Madinah. May Allah ﷻ grant everyone the opportunity to visit these blessed places and accept the worship of all those who travel there. Ameen. 🤲