8 Best Places to Visit in Al Taif City
Taif, the “Unofficial Summer Capital” of Saudi Arabia, is a small city tucked away in the mountains of Makkah that offers a refreshing change of pace from the rest of the country’s summer heat. Taif is well-known for the aromatic flowers that bloom in the wadis and mountains which encircle it, filling the city with a distinct floral note and a persisting scent.
Taif offers plenty of attractions to visitors. With its rich history, culture, and beauty, it offers a lot to experience, which made it a go-to destination for many travelers. Below, we’ve created a list of places you can visit when touring Taif.
1. Shubra Palace
Start your Taif journey by visiting Shubra Palace, the historic tourist place in Al Taif. This traditional mud-brick palace offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and showcases the lifestyle of the Saudi royal family.
Location: Located on Shubra Street, one of the largest streets in the city Shubra Palace
Operating hours: Open from 9 am to 5 pm, from Saturday to Thursday. It is closed on Fridays.
The easiest way to get there: The palace is located in the center of Taif, so it is easy to get to by private car, taxi, or other public transportation.
Entrance fee:
- Adults: SAR 10
- Children: SAR 5
2. Al Rudaf Park
Known for its beautiful flower gardens, Al Rudaf Park is a must-visit tourist place in Al Taif, especially during the Taif Rose Festival held annually in April. Admire the vibrant colors and fragrant aroma of the roses while enjoying a leisurely stroll.
Location: Located in the south of Taif, near the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Arruddaf Park
Operating hours: The park is open from 4 pm to 11 pm, from Saturday to Thursday. It is closed on Fridays.
The easiest way to get there: It is a 10-minute drive from the city center.
Admission: Free
Things to do at Al Rudaf Park:
- Visiting the lake: The park has a large lake with a fountain show.
- Going for a walk or jog: The park has a network of walking and jogging trails.
- Having a picnic: There are many picnic areas in the park.
- Riding a camel or horse: There are camel and horse rides available in the park.
- Playing in the playground: There is a playground for children in the park.
- Watching the musical fountain show: There is a musical fountain show held every evening at 9 pm.
Also read: Top Hotels for Every Budget in Al Taif
3. Taif Cable Car
Take a ride on the Taif Cable Car for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The cable car connects Al Hada and Al Kar Tourist Villages and provides a unique perspective of Taif’s stunning landscapes.
Location: Located in Al Hada district of Taif, Saudi Arabia. Al Hada Cable Car
Operating hours: Open from 9 am to 10 pm, from Saturday to Thursday. It is closed on Fridays.
The easiest way to get there: It is a 15-minute drive from the city center.
Entrance fee:
- Adults: SAR 84
- Children (ages 2-12): SAR 42
Things to do at the Taif Cable Car:
- Taking a ride on the cable car: The cable car offers stunning views of Al Hada mountains and the city of Taif.
- Visiting Al Hada Park: Al Hada Park is located at the lower station of the cable car. It has a variety of gardens, fountains, and restaurants.
- Going for a walk or hike: There are many walking and hiking trails in Al Hada mountains.
- Visiting the Shubra Palace: The Shubra Palace is a royal palace located in Al Hada district. It is now a museum.
The cable car is a popular tourist place in Al Taif, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance. https://taifsama.com.sa/
4. Souk Okaz
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Souk Okaz, a traditional market that recreates the historical trading experience. Explore this tourist place in Al Taif, featuring bustling stalls selling handicrafts, spices, textiles, and local delicacies while enjoying live performances and poetry recitals.
Location: Located on the outskirts of Taif, Saudi Arabia. Souq Okaz
Operating hours: Open from June to August, from 9 am to 10 pm.
The easiest way to get there: It is a 20-minute drive from the city center.
Entrance fee:
- Adults: SAR 50
- Children: SAR 25
Things to do at Souk Okaz:
- Visiting the poetry festival: The Souk hosts a poetry festival every year, where poets from all over the Arab world compete for prizes.
- Shopping for souvenirs: The souk has a variety of souvenirs for sale, including traditional clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts.
- Sampling the local food: The souk has a variety of food stalls selling traditional Saudi Arabian food.
- Watching traditional dances: The souk hosts performances of traditional Saudi Arabian dances.
- Exploring the ancient ruins: The souk is located near the ruins of the ancient city of Okaz, which was a major trading center in pre-Islamic times.
5. Wadi Mitna
Nature enthusiasts should not miss Wadi Mitna, a picturesque valley located near Taif. Enjoy hiking trails, lush greenery, and natural springs. The serene surroundings of this tourist place in Al Taif offer a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Location: Located in Al Hada district of Taif
Operating hours: Open all day, but the best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
The easiest way to get there: It is a 15-minute drive from the city center.
Entrance fee:
- Adults: SAR 10
- Children: SAR 5
Things to do at Wadi Mitna:
- Hiking: There are many hiking trails in the wadi, ranging from easy to challenging.
- Swimming: There are several pools and waterfalls in the wadi where you can swim.
- Camping: There are several campsites in the wadi where you can spend the night.
- Picnicking: There are several picnic areas in the wadi where you can enjoy a meal.
- Bird watching: The wadi is home to a variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls.
Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks with you as there are no facilities in the wadi.
6. Taif Regional Museum
Delve into the region’s heritage at the Taif Regional Museum. Discover archaeological artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical exhibits in this tourist place in Al Taif, that shed light on Taif’s past.
Location: Located in the center of Taif, Saudi Arabia. It is a short walk from the Grand Mosque. متحف الطائف الإقليمي
Operating hours: Open from 8 am to 8 pm, from Saturday to Thursday. It is closed on Fridays.
Entrance fee:
- Adults: SAR 5
- Children: SAR 2.5
The museum has a collection of artifacts that showcase the history and culture of Taif. These include:
- Archaeological finds: The museum has a collection of archaeological finds from the region, dating back to the pre-Islamic era.
- Traditional clothing: The museum has a collection of traditional clothing from the region, including men’s and women’s clothing, as well as children’s clothing.
- Handicrafts: The museum has a collection of handicrafts from the region, including pottery, weaving, and metalwork.
- Religious artifacts: The museum has a collection of religious artifacts from the region, including Qurans, prayer mats, and other Islamic artifacts.
- Photographs: The museum has a collection of photographs that document the history of Taif.
7. Traditional Souks
Explore the traditional souks of Taif, such as Souk Al-Balad and Souk Al-Nada, where you can shop for local handicrafts, perfumes, spices, and traditional Saudi garments.
8. Al Shareef Museum
Visit Al Shareef Museum to learn about the ancient art of Arabian coffee making. Gain insights into the process of roasting and brewing coffee and participate in a traditional coffee ceremony.
Location: Located in Umm Al-Sebaa neighborhood in Taif, Saudi Arabia. It is 9 km south of Taif city center. Al Shareef Museum
Operating hours: Open from 4 pm to 8 pm, from Saturday to Thursday. It is closed on Fridays.
Entrance fee:
- Adults: SAR 20
- Children: SAR 10
The museum has a collection of artifacts that showcase the history and culture of Taif and the Arabian Peninsula. These include:
- Archaeological finds: The museum has a collection of archaeological finds from the region, dating back to the pre-Islamic era.
- Traditional clothing: The museum has a collection of traditional clothing from the region, including men’s and women’s clothing, as well as children’s clothing.
- Handicrafts: The museum has a collection of handicrafts from the region, including pottery, weaving, and metalwork.
- Religious artifacts: The museum has a collection of religious artifacts from the region, including Qurans, prayer mats, and other Islamic artifacts.
- Weapons: The museum has a collection of weapons from the region, including swords, daggers, and spears.
- Photographs: The museum has a collection of photographs that document the history of Taif and the Arabian Peninsula.
Al Taif is a hidden gem nestled between the Saudi Arabian mountains. Thanks to sites like Shubra Palace, Al Rudaf Park, Souk Okaz, Taif Cable Car, and Wadi Mitna, Al Taif beckons with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
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