Taif

DESTINATIONS saudi arabia taif

Taif

Rose fragrance fills the air in Taif, a scenic Saudi town whose fertile lands are dotted with abundant rose and fruit orchards. Nestled amidst the Shafa Mountain range not far from Mecca, Taif was once a major commercial hub for the Arabian Peninsula. Today, it has evolved into a popular summer retreat, boasting excellent infrastructure, breathtaking natural beauty, and a mild climate that offers a refreshing contrast to much of Saudi Arabia.

The City

The Saudi favourite summer retreat, Ta'if, is situated in the mountains at an elevation of 1,700 metres above sea level, with some areas reaching up to 5,000 metres. Its cooler climate offers a respite from the country's hot, humid coastal areas. So, each summer, the town experiences a vibrant influx of visitors, including residents and the Saudi royal family, who come here to escape the heat. Ta'if is renowned not only for its historical significance and archaeological sites but also for its natural beauty. The city is famous for its extensive rose fields and rose processing factories, a tradition that has been thriving for over a century. In addition to roses, Ta'if produces a variety of organic fruits, including grapes, figs, pears, peaches, and watermelons, which are available in local souks and markets. The city also hosts the Al-Massara International Equestrian Centre, one of the most prestigious in the country, where horse races and pageants attract visitors from across the region.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Ta'if's number one attraction is, perhaps, its natural beauty. No visit to the area is complete without exploring the Shafa Mountains and taking a ride on the cable car—one of the most ambitious projects of the kind on the entire peninsula. Some of the most scenic areas full of parks, gardens and fruit farms include Al-Hada and Al-Shifa, conveniently connected to each other via a two-way road. The town of Ta'if holds a few interesting locations, such as the famous Shubra Palace, the historic Turkish Fort, the informative National Museum and the cultural Souk Okaz.

Al Shafa Mountain Park & Cable Car

Ta'if attracts a large number of visitors with its breathtaking mountain vistas and attractions. Al-Hada and Al-Shifa are two key areas that offer public parks, lush gardens, and scenic agricultural zones worth exploring. A highlight of the region is the cable car journey in Al-Hada, which begins in Al-Kurr Village and ascends to the …

Rose Farms and Factories

Ta'if, known as the 'City of Roses', has a long tradition of rose cultivation, and visitors can explore this heritage by visiting local rose processing facilities. The delicate roses from Ta'if are used to create perfumes, aromatic rose water, and other …

Shubra Palace

Shubra Palace is a notable attraction in the city both for its architectural beauty and its cultural significance. This historic building exemplifies traditional Ta'if architecture and houses the Ta'if Regional Museum. The museum's exhibits offer insights into Saudi royal history—King Abdul-Aziz and later King Faisal resided in the …

Dining

Ta'if is not particularly known for its restaurant scene, but there are quite a few local eateries scattered throughout the town. Saudi cuisine primarily features grains like wheat and rice, along with meats such as chicken and lamb, as pork is generally avoided due to Islamic dietary laws. Yoghurt plays a key role in many local dishes, and dates are a common dessert staple. When visiting Ta'if, be sure to try the signature dish, 'seleeg,' a rice and milk pudding that embodies the region's culinary traditions.

Mirage Indian Food Restaurant

Located on the 30th floor of Awaliv Hotel, this eatery is one that, perhaps, tops the list of Indian restaurants in Ta'if. The menu offers an assortment of authentic Indian delights. Bear in mind that on the weekends, the restaurant caters to families only, so individual diners are advised to visit on working days …

Albaik

The Albaik fast-food restaurant holds somewhat of a legendary status in Ta'if (and Saudi Arabia in general). Immensely beloved by locals, this restaurant is frequently busy with visitors and serves a variety of chicken- and seafood-based dishes that are consistently finger-licking …

Kabayan Restaurant

Only restaurant in Ta'if serving Filippino food and boasting quite an extensive list of menu items ranging from starters to …

Ahlan Wasahlan

The restaurant offers a wide selection of high-quality meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Expect friendly service and Turkish …

Cafés

There are a few cafés throughout the city, with Western-style cafés and coffee houses gaining increasing popularity. Ta'if boasts a number of local and international chains, as well as individual establishments.

Vitamin Palace

Vitamin Palace attracts visitors with its enticing display of fresh fruit and offers a large variety of fresh fruit juices and smoothies. The café also serves a few meal options like traditional Arabic shawarma and …

Barn's

Barn's is a Saudi-wide chain with a couple of locales in the city of Ta'if. Meals are not served here, as the establishment specialises rather in hot and cold beverages (coffee in particular), but a selection of baked goods are available for …

Etoile Cafe

The Etoile Cafe is a local establishment specialising in hot drinks, such as coffee (multiple varieties available) and sweet treats like cakes and …

Bars & Nightlife

The cultural environment in Saudi Arabia is highly conservative. Religious law forbids the sale or consumption of alcohol throughout Saudi Arabia, so there are no bars or nightclubs. Instead, evening social activities are centred on shopping or dining out in one of the city’s many restaurants or cafés whilst indulging in a delicious mocktail (a mix of fresh fruit juices) or a strong cup of Arabic coffee.

Shopping

Ta'if offers shopping opportunities to fit any taste and budget, including modern shopping malls, individual boutiques and traditional markets. Do not miss Shahar Street - the local shopping street lined with fixed-price stores.