Old Bazaar Central Souqs
A vibrant marketplace in Madinah, offering a mix of traditional goods, souvenirs, and local crafts, with a unique spiritual ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, vibrant atmosphere
Old Bazaar Central Souqs
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant marketplace in Madinah, offering a mix of traditional goods, souvenirs, and local crafts, with a unique spiritual ambiance.
"What a place amazing, old bazaar good worked honesty, With Medina Subhan Allah."
Gold Tax Alert
Be aware of a 15% tax on gold jewelry. Gold biscuits may be exempt.
Abaya Shopping Strategy
For best abayas, check main areas or upper floors of malls like Grand Plaza.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abaya & Thobe Shopping
Main areas and Grand Plaza Shopping Center
Find a wide selection of abayas and thobes, with entire floors dedicated to them in larger centers.
Budget Finds on Quba Street
Quba Street Market
Discover affordable treasures, with some shops offering items for as little as 2 Riyals.
Date Souvenirs
Various souqs and markets
Purchase delicious dates, often found at competitive prices in the bustling markets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Souqs
Shopping Smart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Gold Tax Alert
Be aware of a 15% tax on gold jewelry. Gold biscuits may be exempt.
Abaya Shopping Strategy
For best abayas, check main areas or upper floors of malls like Grand Plaza. +1
Budget Bargains
Quba Street Market is great for low-cost items, some as low as 2 Riyals.
Gift Items
Smaller markets are good for picking up small gift items.
Tips
from all over the internet
Gold Tax Alert
Be aware of a 15% tax on gold jewelry. Gold biscuits may be exempt.
Abaya Shopping Strategy
For best abayas, check main areas or upper floors of malls like Grand Plaza. +1
Budget Bargains
Quba Street Market is great for low-cost items, some as low as 2 Riyals.
Gift Items
Smaller markets are good for picking up small gift items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe the Old Bazaar Central Souqs as an amazing place, deeply connected to the spiritual essence of Madinah. While some find the shopping experience vibrant and full of honest vendors, others note that a distinct 'old bazaar' might be less apparent than expected, with souvenir shops being more common near the Prophet's Mosque.
"What a place amazing ,old bazar good woked honesty ,With Medina subhan Allah,"
AzeemAkhfar Azeemrana
"We didn't see an old bazaar at this location (west of the Alsalam Museum, Gate 6). Perhaps it depends on the day or time of year, or perhaps it no longer exists. On the other hand, there are many souvenir shops in the shops around the Prophet's Mosque."
Camille Gillet
"What a place amazing 😍
What is the matter with Medina, Subhan Allah"
Ayoub Khan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The souqs are generally located around the Prophet's Mosque. Many visitors find themselves naturally exploring these areas while visiting the mosque. Taxis are readily available to take you to specific market areas like Quba Street. +1
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak prayer times and seasons. It's often easier to rely on taxis or walk if you are staying nearby the Prophet's Mosque.
Some areas might have uneven surfaces. Larger shopping centers like Grand Plaza are generally more accessible. It's advisable to check specific areas if accessibility is a major concern.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the souqs and most of the shopping areas is free. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase.
Opening hours can vary, but most shops are open from morning until late evening, often closing for prayer times. It's best to check locally or visit after prayer times for the most vibrant atmosphere.
Mornings, especially on weekdays before midday, tend to be less crowded. Evenings and weekends are typically busier.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Popular items include abayas, thobes, perfumes, dates, prayer mats, Islamic books, and small gift items. +1
Haggling is common in many parts of the bazaar, especially for non-fixed price items. Be polite and respectful when negotiating.
While gold is available, be mindful of the 15% tax on jewelry. Some travelers suggest it might not be the cheapest place to buy gold.
Quba Street Market is frequently mentioned for its very affordable items, with some shops offering goods for as little as 2 Riyals.
For a wider selection, head to the main areas or the upper floors of shopping centers like Grand Plaza Shopping Center. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always respectful to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially women.
Early mornings or late evenings can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photo opportunities. The vibrant atmosphere in the evenings is also great for capturing the essence of the place.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When it comes to food, you'll find various local snacks and dates available, which can be a good way to keep little ones happy. Consider visiting during the day for a less overwhelming experience, or during prayer times when crowds might temporarily thin. The sheer variety of goods can be a great way to introduce children to different cultural items and the art of shopping.
💰 Budget Travelers
While gold jewelry might be subject to a significant tax, look for other affordable items like perfumes, dates, and traditional clothing accessories. Exploring the smaller stalls and less prominent areas can often lead to discovering hidden gems at lower prices. The key is to be patient, compare prices, and engage in friendly negotiation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Souq Experience
For those seeking specific items, strategic shopping is key. Abayas and thobes are best found in the main shopping areas or on dedicated floors within larger malls like the Grand Plaza Shopping Center.
When exploring, be prepared for crowds, especially during evenings and weekends. The energy of the souq is part of its charm, offering a glimpse into local commerce. Keep an eye out for unique gift items and don't hesitate to engage with the friendly vendors. The overall sentiment is that it's an amazing place, deeply connected to the spiritual significance of Madinah.
Gold Shopping Considerations
Interestingly, this tax may not apply to gold biscuits, which could present a different purchasing opportunity for those looking for investment gold rather than ornate jewelry.
Given these tax considerations, some travelers suggest that it might be more cost-effective to purchase gold elsewhere. Therefore, if gold is a primary shopping goal, it's recommended to research and compare prices and tax regulations in different locations before committing to a purchase in Madinah.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit