population: 1.3 million

extension: 589 square kilometers

Museums

If you're interested in museums and history, one place you could visit in Medina is the Dar Al Madinah Museum. It showcases the history of the city, including its unique architecture and culture. Other places of interest related to history and culture include the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque, Quba Mosque, and Mount Uhud.

If you're looking for similar museums in the area, you may want to consider visiting the Makkah Museum or the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Medina according to local people are:

1. Mandi - a dish made with seasoned rice and tender slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or chicken), which is then cooked in an underground oven.

2. Kabsa - a traditional Saudi Arabian dish made with seasoned rice and meat (similar to mandi), but has more spices and comes in different varieties such as chicken, lamb, camel, or fish.

3. Saleeg - a creamy white rice dish cooked with chicken or lamb broth, milk, and a pinch of saffron. It's usually served with boiled eggs, ghee, and date syrup.

4. Harees - a porridge-like dish made from ground wheat mixed with meat (lamb or chicken) and seasoned with salt and pepper.

5. Madfoon - a roasted meat dish that is marinated in Arabic spices (such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom) and then slowly cooked on hot coals until it's tender and juicy.

6. Shawarma - one of the most popular street foods in Saudi Arabia, consisting of grilled meat (usually chicken or lamb) shaved off the spit and wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and sauces.

7. Thareed - a popular bread-based dish where torn pieces of bread are mixed with meat, vegetables, and spices, then cooked in a tomato-based stew.

8. Jareesh - a popular porridge dish made with cracked wheat and meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked in a spiced broth until it's soft and creamy.

9. Mabshoor - a breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, onions, and spices, served with flatbread and cheese.

10. Luqaimat - a sweet dessert made of fried dough balls drizzled with honey or syrup, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and sometimes stuffed with cream or dates.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Medina (Saudi Arabia) include:

1. Visiting the Prophet's Mosque: This is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and locals often come here to pray, socialize, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

2. Exploring the Old City: Locals love to wander through the narrow streets and alleys of the old city, checking out the traditional buildings, markets, and shops.

3. Shopping at the Dates Market: Medina is known for its delicious dates, and locals love to visit the market to buy fresh dates, date-based sweets, and other local treats.

4. Going on a Camel Ride: There are plenty of places in Medina where you can rent a camel and take a ride through the desert or the outskirts of the city.

5. Eating Traditional Food: Saudi Arabian cuisine is rich and flavorful, and locals love to gather with friends and family to enjoy dishes like kabsa, mandi, and shawarma.

6. Attending Local Festivals: Medina hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Prophet's Birthday celebration and the Medina Dates Festival, which showcase local culture, food, music, and arts.