1. Al Rudat Park
Spend a day at Al Rudat Park, a large natural park in the south of Taif, where trees stand amidst magnificent weathered granite rocks. The park is a perfect spot for families as it has a small zoo and playgrounds. You’ll also find a large lake that covers an area of 13,000m2 with fountains and 750 water cannons. Enjoy a variety “of restaurants, food stalls, and small coffee shops. Outside, you can enjoy camels and horses rides as well as quad bike rides.
2. Visit a Rose Plantation
Whether you’re in Taif during the rose festival or not, the rose plantation is not to be missed. The fields of small fragrant pink Damask roses are known for their deep and intense fragrance, are usually picked at dawn then distilled to be used to produce the best rose water and rose oil. These are then used in the production of exquisite perfumes made by the likes of G1venchy, Estee Lauder, Valentino, and Guerlain.
3. Drive and Hike to the Al Wahba Crater
A remarkable natural volcanic crater and a great hiking spot to enjoy nature in its true essence. While there’s much speculation regarding the origins of the crater, geologists agree that it came from an eruption that caused groundwater to come into contact with hot lava. Being a good 250km away from Taif, this destination will be a memorable road trip. Take a journey in the daylight and enjoy the hike around the top to see all the unique rock formations. It takes around an hour to get to the bottom of the crater, as it’s 250m deep.
4. Explore Al Shala
This small village in the Sarawat mountains is a perfect site for nature lovers, with its cool temperature and rich cultural heritage. Farms and orchards make it a beautiful area to explore. It also hosts the Daka mountain, which is the highest mountain in the region and the second in the kingdom, offering a stunning view over the local mountain range amongst the clouds.
Location: 25km southwest of Taif
5. Ride the Cable Car
A recommended attraction for the whole family, with captivating scenery surrounding you. You start the ride within the Hada Resort and end at the Atkar theme park. This cable car is considered the longest in the Middle East You can take lodging at Hada Resort high on the tip of Al Hada mountain and enjoy the several restaurants and cafe options plus small shops.
6. Visit Shubra Palace
The regional museum of Taif occupies a beautiful building that was built in 1905 the palace is an excellent example of old Taif architecture with an attractive exterior of latticework windows and balconies, the museum with its Carrara marble hosts a brief exhibit of the Saudi royal history.
Location: Shubra Street, Shubra, Taif 26522
7. A bargain at the Taif Old Souq
Tastefully renovated with beautiful little squares and a dancing fountain in the historic center of Taif-this is a great place to buy traditional local products such as Bedouin jewelry, handicrafts, and carpets as well as local honey and rose water.
8. Camel Race Track
Visit the Camel arena and you might get lucky to catch a race or just get to see the finest camels in Saudi Arabia and the world.
THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T LEAVE TAIF WITHOUT
- Local honey
- Rosewater and rose oil
- Taif local cheese from the old souq
- Fresh fruits for the road (pomegranate, figs, and grapes)
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