Taif walking tour & city guide
The cool city of roses in the mountains.
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Taif, high in the Sarawat Mountains, has long been Saudi Arabia's summer retreat thanks to its cool climate. It is famous for its rose farms and the spectacular Al Hada road.
Roses
In spring, Taif's farms harvest pink Damask roses to make precious rose oil and rose water. The Taif Rose Festival celebrates the season.
Mountains
The Al Hada road zigzags down the escarpment toward Mecca, and a cable car descends to a mountain resort. Baboons are often seen along the roads.
Why it is special
Taif sits at about 1,800 meters in the Sarawat Mountains, and for centuries Arabian royalty and wealthy families from Mecca and Jeddah came here to escape the summer heat. Its Shubra Palace, with wooden balconies and marble inside, was once used by King Abdulaziz. In March and April, the rose farms at Al Hada and Al Shafa fill the air with scent as roses are harvested before dawn and distilled into rose oil. Souq Okaz, an ancient poetry market, is revived each summer as a festival.
Top sights in Taif
- 1
Al Hada road
A winding mountain road.
- 2
Rose farms
Damask roses and rose oil.
- 3
Shubra Palace
A historic palace museum.
- 4
Al Rudaf Park
Rock formations and gardens.
- 5
Souq Okaz
A historic market site.
Food markets & where to eat in Taif
Central souq
Honey, fruit and spices.
Al Hada
Mountain cafés.
Fruit markets
Pomegranates and figs.
Food to try in Taif
Taif pomegranates
Sweet local fruit.
Rose water sweets
Flavored with Taif roses.
Honey
Mountain honey.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Taif
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in TaifCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Taif.
- eSIM for Saudi ArabiaStay online from the moment you land.
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