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Taif, a city in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia, is known far and wide for its tourist appeal. Whether it be the lush rose gardens for which it is known, the rich cultural heritage, or its greenery offering you a breath of fresh air, Taif is a place that has something for everyone. Let us look at some of the top places to visit in Taif, alongside the best time to see them.
Al Rudaf Park
Located in the heart of Taif, Al Rudaf Park is a well-loved destination by locals and tourists alike.
The park is known for its lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to get away. Its well-manicured lawns, walking tracks, and children’s play areas make it the perfect go-to place for any trip.
The park also has several fountains, lakes, and picnic spots, making it the perfect place for a gathering with friends, family, or yourself.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Al Rudaf Park is in the spring, either in the morning or evening. This is also when the weather is most pleasant, with cool breezes and flowers in full bloom.
Shubra Palace
Built in the 1900s, Shubra Palace is a historic Taif monument reflecting the region’s local architecture.
The palace has several rooms previously used by the Saudi royal family, a mosque, a small museum, and lush green gardens, pools, and fountains that add to its beauty.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Shubra Palace is in the afternoon when the palace is open for visitors.
Souq Okaz
A well-known outdoor market that dates back to pre-Islamic times, Souq Okaz is the perfect destination for anyone fascinated by history and culture.
Once a hub of trade and commerce in the Arabian peninsula, the Souq Okaz is worth visiting due to its significance and age alone. Today, the Souq is a bustling marketplace offering various traditional items, including handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Souq Okaz is during the annual Souq Okaz Festival, which takes place in August.
Taif Zoo
Home to animals ranging from the enormous lion to the smallest monkey, Taif Zoo remains a popular destination among tourists and locals for its breadth of experience.
Spread over an area of 120,000 square meters and featuring a safari park, playgrounds, and picnic areas, Taif Zoo promises an experience like no other. You can take a guided tour of the zoo or explore it on your own.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Taif Zoo is in autumn and winter when the weather is milder and more pleasant.
Al-Hada Mountain
Being on top of a mountain is something you cannot do every day, especially in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Al Hada Taif mountains are Ideal for a day for two or a family outing. You can take the cable car to the top, watch the stunning city views from above the clouds, and then have a nice meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes the place offers.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Al-Hada Mountain is during the mornings to get the best views.
Rather than taking a car to the mountain, take a chance to travel to the top yourself.
Al Hada Mountain Road is a scenic route that leads to the very top of Al Hada Mountain. Known for its hairpin turns and breathtaking city views, this is the ideal experience for anyone with a sense of adventure.
The best time to visit Al Hada Mountain Road is during the summer months, from June to August.
Taif Rose Festival
Please get to know the city of roses at the rose festival itself.
The Taif Rose Festival is an annual event celebrating the city’s ever-popular rose farms. It takes place in April and May when the roses bloom. Visitors can explore the terrain, attend cultural events, and shop for rose-based products, including perfumes, oils, and cosmetics.
The festival also features a rose competition, where growers from across the region
showcase their best roses.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit the Taif Rose Festival is when the roses bloom in May.
Al Taif Rose Farm
Suppose a festival is different from your usual taste. In that case, you can visit the Al Taif Rose Farm, a farm on the outskirts of Taif that specializes in growing some of the most gorgeous roses you have ever seen.
The farm is over 300,000 square meters and features more than 300,000 rose bushes. Get a chance to learn about rose cultivation and production and buy rose products on this breathtaking visit.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Al Taif Rose Farm is spring, from March to May.
Al Shafa Mountain
Rising along the Sarawat mountain range in the Taif region, Al Shafa proudly claims the title of the tallest peak, standing at an impressive elevation of 2500 meters above sea level.
Al Shafa Mountain is located about 50 kilometers from Taif.
Known for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and fresh air, Al Shafa is the perfect escape from the city’s heat. You can hike to the top of the mountain, enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings, and escape the pressures of daily life.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Al Shafa Mountain is during the summer months, from June to August.
Al Shafa Tourist Village
If hiking to the top of a mountain is not to your taste, you can also visit the Al Shafa Village.
Located about 2,000 km above sea level, the village is known for its fresh air, cool climate, and gorgeous scenery. It is also hugely popular for its honey production, offering a unique taste and many health benefits.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Al Shafa Village is during the summer to escape the city’s heat.
Al Wahbah Crater
If the peaceful tourist life is not for you, spice up your trip to the Al Wahbah volcanic crater.
About 250 km from Taif, this is the perfect spot for anyone with a sense of adventure. You can explore the area surrounding the crater or even go to the bottom to take in the breathtaking sights of this marvel of nature.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit the Al Wahbah Crater is in the winter to ensure the weather is cool enough to hike and explore a volcanic crater.
Wadi Al-Mithannah
Much like Al Wadi Al Jinn, Wadi Al-Mithannah is a valley that will leave you stunned for words.
Located in the Sarawat Mountains in Taif, Wadi Mitna is brimming with a diverse range of animal and plant species. You can find mountain goats, acacia trees, and stunning wildflowers all in one place in Wadi Mitna.
However, something that genuinely sets Wadi Al-Mithannah Apart is its waterfalls. These are some of the most gorgeous sights in the breathtaking valley, ranging from small trickles to large cascades. The most impressive waterfall, however, is the Al-Soudah Waterfall, around 60 meters tall and accessible via a hiking trail.
Go on your own to take in the sights, plan an adventure with friends, or take your family on a picnic they’ll never forget. Wadi Al-Mithannah is the perfect destination for all types of people.
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit Wadi Mitna is spring when the valley is fully blooming. However, check the weather in advance since the valley is prone to flash floods during rain.Â
Taif University Botanical Garden
At this point, you’ve probably acquainted yourself with that Taif is a natural marvel.
For anyone who is unconvinced or wants to explore the sights Taif has to offer even more, the Taif University Botanical Garden is an excellent place to do so.
Filled with various rare and exotic plant species, this is the perfect spot for anyone with a green thumb. Explore the sights and learn more about what nature offers in this excellently curated garden.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Taif University Botanical Garden is during the spring since this is when all plants are in full bloom.
King Fahd Garden
King Fahd Garden is a large public park in Taif, beloved by all tourists and locals.
Filled with many meadows, lakes, walking and cycling tracks, and play areas for children, this is the perfect spot for people from all walks of life.
You can go on your own to explore the sights and catch a breath of fresh air, plan an outing with friends and spend some quality time together, or even take your family for a nice picnic in one of the many picnic spots within the garden.
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit King Fahd Garden is during the mornings and evenings to get the most out of your experience.
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