Book flights to Taif (TIF)

Book your visit to Taif

In the Mecca province of Saudi Arabia is the beautiful city of Taif. This ancient settlement dates back to the 7th century, when it was a walled trading town. Sitting at the very heart of the province, Taif may be a better-suited option than Jeddah or Medinah for travellers who wish to dive deeper into the Kingdom’s rich culture after completing Hajj and Umrah. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination thanks to its cool mountain climate and spectacular scenery, as well as its diverse cultural scene.

With excellent restaurants and plenty of souqs, malls and markets to explore, Taif is a lush, green and visually stunning place that has rightfully earned its name as the ‘Summer Capital’.

The air is scented with Taif roses, used to make the world’s finest perfumes, and its succulent grapes are so good they have their own festival. Exploring Taif is a chance to delve deeper into Saudi heritage, history, and culture in exquisite surroundings.

Things to do in Taif

The sweet scent of roses drifts on the breeze in Taif, as rose oil is one of its biggest exports. If you’re here in the spring you’ll see more than 300 million pink and red roses blooming in the rose plantations around the city. To buy the most authentic rose oil, visit the Al Gadhi Rose Factory, the largest in the city, and buy your rose oil straight from the source.

For a family day out, Arruddaf Park is the place to go, with dancing fountains, waterfalls, play areas for the children, and family-friendly restaurants. Or cool off at the Taif Water Park at Al Kar Tourist Village.

If you have a head for heights, hop onboard the Teleferic Taif cable car, a 20-minute trip that will take you high above the city and give you spectacular views of the mountains and surrounding countryside.

Activities in Taif

Taif has plenty of museums to explore, including the delightful Al Shareef Museum, which has an eclectic collection of exhibits and artefacts to explore.

 A 30-mile detour will take you out to a well-preserved Turkish Fort, with some interesting rock carvings nearby at the site of the Souk Okaz, a pre-Islamic gathering site that has significant cultural importance in this part of the region. 

Ready to get your heart pumping? If you love a bit of adventure, the Taf Zip Line will have you whizzing over the wadi at up to 55km/h in an adrenaline-fuelled ride of a lifetime.

Towering above the city are the magnificent Sarawat Mountains. A trip to the Al Shafa Village at the summit is an ideal day trip for the whole family. Remember to take a warm jumper as it can get chilly at the top! 

Food in Taif

Taif cuisine is a diverse and interesting fusion of influences. The fertile soil also makes it a key farming area, so expect to find an abundance of fruit including pomegranates and figs as well as sweet dates on offer. 

Chicken, lamb and camel meat are staples, often served with rice and cooked in rich stews such as al kabsa, a chicken or lamb dish with basmati rice and spices. 

A delicious on-the-go snack is mutabbaq, a stuffed pancake or savoury bread filled with meat or vegetables. And expect to find plenty of street vendors selling spicy sambosas.

For special occasions, expect to be served haneeth, succulent slow-cooked lamb with a unique blend of seasoning to give it a rich, full flavour. And for a sweet treat try ma’amoul, shortbread pastries filled with dates, almonds and pistachios. 

Shopping in Taif

As with most modern cities, Taif is a mix of chic, air-conditioned malls and busy markets. For an authentic souq experience, Al Balad Market is one of the biggest in the city and is full of perfumes, rose oil, handicrafts, jewellery and textiles, as well as fresh fruit.

For a smaller, more intimate souq, Bab Al Hazm is an old market where you can buy souvenirs and handmade items in a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

The city’s malls are upscale and well stocked with outlets selling both Saudi and international brands, with plenty of food courts and entertainment options to keep everyone happy.

For a boutique shopping expedition, the winding streets of the old city are perfect for exploring, where you’ll find artisans and local tea shops side by side.