Taif sits quietly in the highlands of western Saudi Arabia, wrapped in cool mountain air and the soft scent of roses. Known as the Kingdom’s summer capital, it feels different from the desert cities. Mornings begin with mist over the hills, and the days move at a slower, more generous pace. This is a place where nature and culture meet, where ancient markets sit beside rose farms and festivals fill the calendar.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Taif, this guide brings together the most meaningful experiences—from scenic cable car rides to the city’s time-honored rose traditions. Whether you’re here for the quiet, the history, or the thrill of a desert drive, Taif gives you something lasting to take home.
Ride the Cable Car Over Al Hada
One of the most memorable things to do in Taif is the cable car ride across Al Hada Mountain. It’s a 15-minute journey through the clouds that gives you a full view of Taif’s changing landscape—rocky cliffs, green slopes, and the winding road below. The cabins are modern and fit and each cable car can fit up to 8 people, making it easy to go with family or friends.
The route connects Al Hada to the Al Kar Tourist Village. Along the way, you can spot the outlines of old buildings, patches of rose fields, and cars that look like tiny toys on the serpent-like road. If you go in the late afternoon, the light turns golden and the view feels almost unreal.
The ride runs daily from 9 AM to 8 PM. Tickets cost around 84 SAR per person, and it’s best to book ahead during peak season. The ride is especially popular during spring when the roses bloom, and the air smells faintly floral even from above.
Go Off-Road Driving in the Mountains
For travelers looking for something more active, off-road driving in Taif offers a thrill. Local guides take you across the rugged Al Hada terrain in 4×4 vehicles, weaving through dusty paths, sudden slopes, and wide desert clearings. These tours often mix adrenaline with storytelling, with guides sharing the history and geography of the area.
Depending on the operator, trips can last a few hours or an entire day. Some packages include traditional Saudi meals set in the open air. It’s an experience where the landscape becomes part of the adventure. You get to see jagged rocks, deep valleys, and mountain views that change with every turn.
To get the most out of it, wear closed shoes, sunglasses, and bring water. The terrain is uneven and exposed, so comfort and sun protection go a long way. Make sure to book through experienced guides who know the area well and prioritize safety.
Visit the Rose Fields in Bloom
Taif is famous for its Damask roses, and visiting the rose fields during bloom season is a highlight. The season runs from mid-March to mid-May. Early mornings are best. This is when workers handpick the flowers, and the air is thick with scent.
There are over 900 rose farms in the area, and many offer guided tours where you can watch the harvest and learn how rose oil is made. The traditional distillation process uses copper pots and takes tens of thousands of petals to create just one small bottle of rose oil. You can buy rose water, perfumes, and oils directly from the producers, making it a thoughtful souvenir.
The experience isn’t only about what you see. It’s about what you smell, what you touch, and what you remember. Walking among the rows of pink, hearing the quiet pluck of petals being picked, feels like a step into a different rhythm of life. This place oozes Instagram aesthetics, so don’t forget to fill up your camera roll with memories.
Explore Historical Places Around the City
Taif carries its past with grace. At the heart of this history is Shubra Palace. Built in the early 1900s, the building was once a royal residence and now functions as a museum. Its carved wooden balconies, marble staircases, and vintage interiors offer a glimpse into the city’s layered past. Inside, you’ll find manuscripts, traditional clothing, and an old Qur’an said to date back to the 7th century.
The ancient Souq Okaz is another historic site worth visiting. Once a gathering point for poets and traders in pre-Islamic Arabia, the market has been brought back to life through cultural festivals and re-enactments. Actors in traditional dress welcome visitors, while stalls sell crafts, foods, and artworks from across the Arab world.
These places connect you to the stories that shaped Taif, from its role in trade routes to its poetic traditions. They’re less about looking and more about feeling your way through time.
Catch a Camel Race at Taif Camel Square
Camel racing in Taif is both sport and spectacle. The Crown Prince Camel Festival, held in August and September, is one of the biggest racing events in the region. Races take place at the historic Taif Camel Square, where the dust kicks up and the cheering begins as dozens of camels speed across the track.
The event draws thousands of spectators and participants from across the Gulf. It’s a rare chance to see a deep-rooted tradition up close, trainers with their prized camels, families gathering on stands, and the rhythmic gallop echoing across the sand.
Guided tours are available and often include behind-the-scenes access. You might meet camel breeders, learn about training techniques, or enjoy Saudi snacks while watching the action. Even if you’re not usually into racing, the energy of the event is contagious.
Walk Through the Gardens and Parks
Taif’s cooler climate means its public spaces bloom longer and brighter than most cities in the Kingdom. Saiysad National Park is a favorite among both locals and tourists. With shaded walking paths, picnic spots, and plenty of greenery, it’s a great place to unwind. You’ll see families relaxing under trees, kids chasing birds, and groups sharing meals on woven mats.
You can also enjoy a day at Green Mountain Resort. Here, the garden views stretch wide, the air feels clean, and there’s just enough for kids to stay entertained. You’ll find rides, quiet walking paths, and benches where families gather as the sun begins to dip.
Al Rudaf Park is another peaceful spot, known for its granite rock formations and lake views. In the evenings, the park lights up with music fountains, creating a relaxed setting for night strolls. If you’re visiting with family or just want a break from the buzz of sightseeing, Taif’s parks are easy to access and worth lingering in.
Shop at Local Markets and Malls
Shopping in Taif is a mix of old and new. Jouri Mall offers everything from fashion to electronics, with a food court and cinema that make it a full-day stop. But if you’re looking for something more rooted in the city’s identity, head to one of the traditional markets.
Souq Okaz, apart from being a cultural venue, is also a place to find handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and items made with Taif’s rose oil. The local souqs are also known for fresh produce like pomegranates, grapes, and figs picked from nearby farms. Many of the products you’ll see here aren’t sold in chain stores, which makes shopping in these markets feel more personal.
Whether you’re after souvenirs, snacks, or something small to remember the city by, the markets of Taif deliver both charm and authenticity.
A Different Side of Saudi Arabia
Planning what things to do in Taif is about tuning in to the mountain air, the rhythm of old marketplaces, the quiet of rose fields at dawn. Taif doesn’t overwhelm. It invites you in gently. And once it does, it stays with you.
Whether you come for the festivals or the peace, the views or the flavors, Taif shows you a slower, more grounded side of Saudi Arabia. It’s a place that gives you time to look around, breathe deeply, and feel something real.
FAQs
What are the top tourist attractions in Taif, Saudi Arabia?
Cable car rides, rose fields, camel races, and Shubra Palace are popular attractions. You can also enjoy Taif Season and Souk Okaz Festival.
When is the best time to visit Taif?
April to September offers the best weather. Rose season in April and May is a highlight for many visitors.
Are there family-friendly activities in Taif?
Yes. Families enjoy Taif Zoo, Saiysad National Park, indoor parks at Jouri Mall, and cultural shows during festivals.
What makes Taif’s Rose Festival special?
It happens during peak bloom. You can walk through farms, watch rose oil being made, and join traditional events.
Where can I shop for local products in Taif?
Try Souk Okaz for handmade items and rosewater. For modern shopping, Jouri Mall and Tera Mall have local and global brands.
