The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Absolutely Best Side of Masjid Nabawi to Stay

Choosing the best side of Masjid Nabawi to stay is one of the most critical decisions you will make when planning your pilgrimage or visit to the Prophet’s City, Medina. This choice directly impacts your spiritual experience, convenience, and overall peace of mind. The sheer scale of the mosque, with its capacity for over a million worshippers, can be overwhelming. Should you prioritize proximity to the Rawdah, ease of access, or tranquility? This exhaustive guide is designed to eliminate your confusion and provide a clear, detailed comparison of every side, empowering you to make the perfect choice for your journey.

We will dissect the advantages and considerations of the North, South, East, and West sides of the Masjid, delve into specific hotel recommendations and price ranges, and provide actionable tips to secure the best possible accommodation for your spiritual retreat.

Understanding the Layout of Masjid Nabawi

Before we can identify the best side of Masjid Nabawi to stay, it’s essential to understand its modern layout and the significance of its key areas. The mosque is not a simple square; it’s a massive complex with multiple entrances, courtyards, and towering minarets.

• The Old Ottoman Mosque: This is the central, green-domed section, which contains the most sacred area.
• The New Extensions: The vast, white marble areas that surround the old structure, added during Saudi expansions to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
• The Riyadh ul-Jannah (The Garden of Paradise): Often simply called the Rawdah, this is the area between the Prophet’s Chamber (his house and burial place) and his pulpit. It is considered one of the gardens of Paradise, and every pilgrim aspires to pray here.
• The Bab us-Salaam (The Gate of Peace): One of the main and most historical gates.
• The Bab ur-Rahmah (The Gate of Mercy): Another significant gate on the western side.

A Deep Dive into the Four Sides: Pros, Cons, and Vibe

The Eastern Side: Proximity to the Rawdah and the Beating Heart

For many, the Eastern side is unquestionably the best side of Masjid Nabawi to stay. This is because it houses the most sacred part of the entire mosque: the Rawdah ash-Shareef.

Why the East Could Be Your Best Choice

• Unbeatable Proximity to the Rawdah: This is the single biggest advantage. You can wake up for Fajr and walk directly to the Rawdah without crossing the entire mosque. For families, women, and the elderly, this proximity is a priceless blessing, especially during crowded times.
• Direct Access to the Prophet’s Tomb: The green dome and the chamber of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are on this side. The spiritual significance of being this close is immeasurable.
• The “Classic” Medina Experience: The older souks and the Quba Mosque direction are on this side, offering a more traditional atmosphere.

Considerations for the Eastern Side

• Highest Price Point: Demand dictates pricing. Hotels on this side, especially those with direct mosque views, are the most expensive in Medina.
• Constant Crowds: The area is perpetually busy. While spiritually uplifting, it can be noisy and challenging to navigate.
• Older Hotel Stock: Many hotels, while well-maintained, are from an older generation of construction. They might lack the modern luxuries of newer towers on the West side.

Eastern Side Price Range & Hotel Examples

• Luxury (5-Star): Pullman ZamZam Madina and Dar Al Taqwa Madinah offer unparalleled views and service. Expect prices from $500 – $1,200+ per night.
• Mid-Range (4-Star): Hotels like Al Masjid Al Nabawi Hotel provide excellent location at a slightly lower cost. Prices range from $250 – $500 per night.
• Budget (3-Star & Below): Options are limited, but smaller hotels a few blocks back exist. Prices can be $100 – $250 per night, but you’ll sacrifice the view and some convenience.

The Western Side: Modern Luxury and Expansive Views

The Western side represents the new face of Medina – sleek, modern, and incredibly convenient. For those who prioritize contemporary amenities and a slightly more relaxed environment, this is the best side of Masjid Nabawi to stay.

Why the West Could Be Your Best Choice

• Modern Hotel Towers: This side is dominated by brand-new, five-star hotel towers like the Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick and the Millennium Taiba Hotel. They offer world-class facilities, spas, and multiple dining options.
• Stunning Panoramic Views: From the higher floors, you get a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the entire mosque complex, including all its courtyards and minarets. It’s a photographer’s dream.
• Excellent Infrastructure: The area is designed for large crowds, with wide walkways, underground parking, and easy access to the mosque’s numerous western gates.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The newer hotels often have better family rooms, kids’ clubs, and larger swimming pools.

Considerations for the Western Side

• Distance to the Rawdah: This is the main drawback. Reaching the Rawdah requires walking across the entire width of the mosque, which can be a 15-25 minute walk inside the mosque during non-peak hours, and longer during crowded times.
• Less “Traditional” Vibe: The environment feels more like a modern global city than the historic heart of old Medina.

Western Side Price Range & Hotel Examples

• Luxury (5-Star): Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Al Madinah and Millennium Taiba Hotel are top contenders. Prices range from $350 – $800 per night.
• Mid-Range (4-Star): Al Majeedi Heritage Hotel offers good value. Prices are typically $200 – $400 per night.
• Budget (3-Star): More budget options are available a short walk away. Prices can be $80 – $200 per night.

The Northern Side: A Balanced Compromise

The Northern side offers a strategic middle ground. It’s more tranquil than the East or West but still within a reasonable distance of the key sites.

Why the North Could Be Your Best Choice

• Balance of Proximity and Peace: You are close enough to the mosque for easy prayers but far enough from the main throng of crowds around the Rawdah and the central western gates.
• Generally Lower Prices: You can often find better value for money here compared to the prime East and West locations.
• Easy Access to Transportation: This side provides good access to main roads for trips to Mount Uhud or the airport.

Considerations for the Northern Side

• Significant Walk to Rawdah: The walk to the Rawdah is still substantial, though not as long as from the far South.
• Fewer “Iconic” Views: Hotel views are of the northern courtyards and minarets, which are beautiful, but lack the iconic profile seen from the West.

Northern Side Price Range & Hotel Examples

• Mid-Range (4-Star): Hotels like Dallah Taibah Hotel fall in the $150 – $300 per night range.
• Budget (3-Star): Numerous good quality budget hotels are available for $70 – $150 per night.

The Southern Side: The Quietest and Most Economical Option

The Southern side is the sanctuary for those seeking solitude and the most budget-friendly options. It is the furthest from the main points of interest but has its own unique advantages.

Why the South Could Be Your Best Choice

• Maximum Tranquility: This is the quietest area around the mosque, ideal for retirees, families with very young children, or those who simply prefer a peaceful retreat after prayers.
• Lowest Prices: Without a doubt, this is the most economical side. You get more space for your money.
• Easy Access to the Mosque’s Southern Gates: Gates like Bab Abdul Aziz are less crowded, making entry and exit swift and stress-free.

Considerations for the Southern Side

• Longest Distance to Rawdah: The walk to the Rawdah is a serious undertaking, especially in the heat. It is not recommended for the elderly or those with mobility issues without a plan for using a wheelchair.
• Limited Amenities: There are fewer restaurants and shops immediately outside your hotel door compared to the West and East.

Southern Side Price Range & Hotel Examples

• Budget (3-Star & Below): This is the domain of hotels like Al Haram Hotel and many others, with prices ranging from a very affordable $50 – $120 per night.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Finding Your Best Side of Masjid Nabawi to Stay

To make your decision easier, here is a direct comparison:

Insider Tips for Booking Your Stay

Deciding on the best side of Masjid Nabawi to stay is only half the battle. Securing the right hotel requires strategy.

1. Book Extremely Early: Hotels in Medina, especially those with mosque views, can be booked out months in advance for Hajj, Ramadan, and school holidays. Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
2. Prioritize a “Mosque View” Room: If your budget allows, this is a transformative upgrade. Waking up to the call to prayer and seeing the illuminated mosque from your window is an unforgettable experience.
3. Use Reputable Booking Platforms: Use sites like Booking.com or Expedia to compare prices and read recent reviews from other pilgrims.
4. Consider Hotel Amenities: If traveling with family, a swimming pool or a kids’ area can be a welcome respite. Check if the hotel is connected to the mosque via air-conditioned tunnels—a huge advantage in the summer.
5. Be Flexible with Dates: If your dates are flexible, you can often find significant price drops outside of peak seasons.

Conclusion: So, What is the Absolute Best Side?

The truth is, the best side of Masjid Nabawi to stay is deeply personal and depends entirely on your individual priorities, physical ability, and budget.

• For the ultimate spiritual seeker prioritizing the Rawdah above all else: The Eastern Side is your answer, despite the cost and crowds.
• For the traveler seeking modern comfort, stunning views, and family-friendly amenities: The Western Side is the perfect choice, accepting the longer walk to the Rawdah.
• For the pilgrim looking for a peaceful, balanced, and value-for-money experience: The Northern Side offers an excellent compromise.
• For the budget-conscious visitor or those seeking maximum tranquility: The Southern Side provides a serene and affordable base.

No matter which side you choose, remember that you are in the blessed city of Medina. Every step you take to the mosque is rewarded, and every moment spent in its vicinity is a blessing. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can confidently select the accommodation that will make your visit a truly perfect and spiritually fulfilling journey.

For more detailed information on the history and significance of the mosque, you can visit the Official Saudi Arabia Tourism Website. For further reading on planning your Umrah, check out our footwear guide for umrah and hajj