Magnificent Taif is all about fragrant flowers, citrus fruits, fresh air and natural beauty – wrapped up in a bundle of clouds. Sitting pretty on the eastern slopes of the Sarawat Mountains, Taif’s cool weather, endless flowering farms, ancient history and lively traditions make it the perfect choice for a refreshing summer break.
Your trip to Taif will be so much more than simply waking up in a tranquil mountainous city – look forward to relaxing drives along the winding Al Shafa Mountain roads, take time out to enjoy the aroma of Taif’s flower industry right from planting to packaging, and mingle with locals as you share a cup of local tea and dig into traditional dishes at Al Rudaf Park.
Accommodation
Taif’s accommodation options are tailor made to suit every kind of traveler. Book your stay at luxurious resorts, comfortable budget hotels, rent a farm, caravan or stay at a local home to get a taste of authentic culture. Hotels available in the mountains as well as in city neighborhoods include Iridium Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, Platinum Park Hotel, Remaj Hotel and Al Hada Highest’s Hotel and Suites. Budget options include Boudl Taif, Nukhbat Almakan, Seven Garden, Casablanca Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Suites, Taif Gate Apartment Hotel and Kinda Suites Hotel.
Resort options include Narciss Hotel Chalets, Golden White Resort, Meral Oasis Resort, Aryaf Al Shafa Resort, Rawat Ghaym Resort, Rohara Resort and Arayik Luxury Hotel Villas. Browse applications like Gathern and book local homestays, farms or camping caravans for a completely different way to experience the city.
Attractions
Visit Wahba Crater, a dormant volcanic crater which is the largest and deepest in the country. A dash of adventure, a bit of a hike and you’re there. Facilities and services are available for tourists – the road to the crater is accessible and paved, there is a comfortable visitor lounge, digital exhibition center at the location and strategically built viewpoints too. In the historical part of the city, head to the ancient Al Kaaki Palace built in a unique blend of Roman and Hijazi style.
Spend some time delving into the history of the area as you go through the Hijazi inscriptions and decorations. Plan a driving trip along Al-Hada Mountain Road – historically known as Darb Al-Jammalah – and enjoy the scenery as you discover local fruits, drinks and snacks. Stop by at Al-Kar Tourist Village on the way for a meal and some local interaction. Keep a day to visit Saysed National Park and admire its rich natural heritage, views and diverse wildlife.
Food
Taif’s local delicacies center around ingredients available in and around the region. Dig in to dishes like saleeg, masoub, motabbaq and maadous. Traditional drinks include almond coffee, jamar tea and sobia. Hijazi cuisine can be sampled at establishments like Abu Zaid Restaurant, Harman Restaurant and Hashi Basha Restaurant.
Meats are cooked in a big way at BBQ restaurants around Taif. Chef’s Burger Restaurant, Al Safy Café and Restaurant, Harman Restaurant and Khayal Restaurant are places where you can try the best local preparations of the city. For your mornings, Taif also has a host of breakfast and coffee options. You can start your day at places like Brilliant Café, Nectar Café, Wareqa Café, Guitar Lounge and Merlo Café, all of which offer delicious breakfast options from different cuisines.
Shopping
Al-Balad is Taif’s traditional market. Primarily run by women, the stalls here stock everything from local spices to gold and silver products. Browse the alleys for toys, antiques, cooking equipment, camping gear, honey, ghee and Taif roses. Take a break in one of the many cafes and restaurants, or grab your meal at a local food stall.
Visit the iconic Souq Okaz – a historic souq which has become a destination for cultural shows, folk songs, plays and dances and is lined with caravans serving local delicacies. Jouri Mall has a lineup of both international as well as local stores. Shop till you drop or catch your breath for a meal at one of its many cafes or restaurants. Grab a cup of espresso at Barn’s Café or authentic Arabic coffee at Dafe and Café. Top it up with delicious desserts at Golden Basbosati Café.
Head to a pretty and fragrant mountain destination for your summer break in Saudi Arabia. Taif will surprise you with its cool and pleasant weather. Book your flights and hotels accommodation on Cleartrip now! Check out our summer offer here!
