things to do in Taif
keep you happy and entertained. So, if you are on a Saudi Arabian tour, make sure you add Taif to your tour and do the following things:1. The Rose Fields of Taif
During Spring, the golden hues of the desert turn into a sea of pink thanks to the blooming of the roses. There are many pockets of land in and around Taif where these roses bloom. Many tourists come to the city to witness this natural phenomenon. Some of these rose fields are also located in proper parks, so you can plan a picnic to enjoy the roses. Spring also brings many beautiful orchards of grapes, figs, and pomegranates. These orchards leak a sweet aroma into the air creating an atmosphere that will make you admire Taif’s nature.
2. Taif Zoo
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A zoo visit is always fun but more so when it’s the Taif Zoo. Apart from being home to some wonderful animals from all over the world, the zoo also has an amusement park that is awesome for kids and adults. The zoo is not huge, but it still holds many animals like lions, elephants, zebras, birds of prey, llamas, camels, and more. All the animals are well-cared for by the amazing zoo staff. After admiring the sights, head over to the amusement park to enjoy various games and rides that will keep you entertained until sunset.. This is a fun place and is always packed with family crowds.
3. Shubra Palace
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Though built in the 1800s, the Shubra Palace has a modern design that is a perfect blend of Roman and Islamic architecture styles. This palace is renowned for its beauty and grandeur attracting tourists from all over the world. The main features worth seeing here are the arches, doors, windows, and pillars that contain intricate artistry. However, a must-see attraction is the stunning marble staircases. The Shubhra Palace with its 150 rooms, massive halls, and indoor museum, is one of the top tourist places to visit in Taif if you love architecture.
4. Al-Wahba Crater Site
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For those who love to trek, the Al-Wahba Crater is a great place to trek. This site is believed to have formed after a meteorite crash in the location, but recent research now attributes its formation to volcanic eruptions. The Al-Wahba Crater region is covered in sodium phosphate crystals which make the area quite visible even from great heights. Visitors have come 250 km away from Taif to the Hafer Kishb basalt plateau. The trek to the site is the easiest from the North side, and it is better to have partners and groups while hiking.
5. Green Mountain Park
This is one of the most popular theme parks in Taif, Green Mountain Park is a great place to come and have fun and cool off because you’ll find water to be an integral part of all the activities here. Green Mountain Park has artificial waterfalls, lakes, and musical fountains where you can even experience many water sports. There’s also an old-school amusement park here full of fun rides. Apart from these, there are gaming arcades, bowling alleys, cinema halls, retail centers, food courts, and lush gardens to keep you occupied and entertained.
6. Al Rudaf Park
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If you think Taif only has places and activities that will keep you on your toes then how about Al Rudaf. This place is a massive park where the main activity is to relax in the lush greenery and enjoy with your family. Yes, many attractions and activities are happening all around, but nothing beats relaxing on the grass and seeing the fountain dance atop the garden’s lake. Kids can have a great time as there are dedicated playground spaces and equipment for them to play while the adults can enjoy the gym or the volleyball and basketball courts. There’s enough for everyone to have a good time.
7. Al Shareef Museum
To know the history and culture of Taif, head to the Al Shareef Museum. This private museum has been built on almost 65,000 sq. ft. and houses artifacts, relics, paintings, and furniture that have been painstakingly collected by Al-Sharif Ali bin Malbas to preserve the history of Saudi Arabia and Taif. Even the building of the museum is quite unique as it is made from old stone, and the architecture is of old Islamic style. The wooden doors of the museum with intricate metalwork are another great feature of the museum. There’s also a market in the museum where you can buy awesome gifts and souvenirs to remember the good times you are sure to have at the Al Shareef Museum.
8. Al Hada Mountain
The Al Hada Mountain is a picturesque mountain that lies on the road to Mecca. Many people drive on the zigzagging roads of the mountain to take in the lush views and enjoy the cold weather. The road is also dotted with many rose farms, adding to the beauty of the place. The mountain is also home to baboons and Arabian tigers, which you may be able to spot during your drive. However, if a drive is not your thing, you can also take a cable car ride right from the valley to the top of the mountain. It is quite exciting!
9. Muawiyah Dam
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Right in the heart of the Saiysad Valley lies one of the oldest dams in the world. The Muawiyah Dam, built during the Umayyad Caliph by Abdullah Bin Sakhr, is a marvel that has stood the test of time. The dam’s reservoir is made of high-quality granite and has dimensions of almost 190.5 feet by 13.5 feet. This is quite a feat considering the era in which it was constructed. Tourists can admire the dam, immerse themselves in its salubrious atmosphere and even enjoy the region’s cool, calming waters.
10. Taif Central Market
To truly enjoy any Arabian city and get to know its people and culture, always head to the biggest local market. So, head to the Taif Central Market to learn more about Taif. If you see an aerial view of the market, you will see a maze of narrow lanes full of lively shops and sellers. There are different sections dedicated to specific items like perfumes, jewelry, rose products, spices, etc. This is where locals shop and you must too to truly know and understand the culture of Taif.
11. Jouri Mall
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One of the most happening places in Taif, the Jouri Mall is the entertainment capital of the city. Foremost, this place is a shopper’s paradise with many national and international brands having exclusive retail stores. You can shop to your heart’s content. Jouri Mall is also home to the largest soft play area in the world, Billy Beez. You can take your kids here and watch them jump joyfully in all the different play zones. Jouri Mall also has many leisure and recreation zones to relax, dine and catch the latest movies. Jouri Mall is always packed with locals and tourists who come to have a good time.
12. Al Faisaliah Park
Spring season is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia and the best city to visit here is Taif, because it has places like Al Faisaliah Park. This park is full of nature that instantly relaxes you and can put you in a great mood. You can pack a picnic and spend a whole day with your family, exploring the many features of the park. Al Faisaliah Park has many hiking trails, walkways, jogging paths, and playground equipment for kids. There’s also a dancing fountain that is quite relaxing to look at. This is a great place to unwind and watch the world go by.
13. Masjid Al Kou Mosque
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Dating back to the Ottoman Era, the Masjid Al Kou Mosque is a heritage structure made from stones. It is believed that the Prophet visited this location on his way to Taif and leaned on one of the stone structures with his elbow, hence the name ‘Al Kou’, which means elbow. Since the mosque is so old, it is rarely used for prayers except on special occasions. Tourists cannot enter the main area but the mosque’s minarets are accessible. This mosque is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the early days of Islam.
14. Souk Okaz
Travel back in time with a visit to the Souk Okaz. It is one of the world’s oldest marketplaces and has been in existence for centuries. People living thousands of miles away used to come to trade here. But that is not all. This market also served as a community gathering where people would come to settle disputes between tribes, create rules and regulations for the community, break bread together, and indulge in poetry and sports. Today, this has become a marketplace that covers 14 million sq. mtr. Every year, a poet is honored and apart from usual retail activities, many poetry competitions, sports, and games are held. Souk Okaz is located between Taif and Nakhla, and is a must-see cultural phenomenon.
15. Saiysad National Park
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Once you set foot in the Saiysad National Park, you will forget you are in a desert country. The greenery and the blooming fauna of the national park will make you feel like you are in a rainforest. There are multiple springs here that water the gigantic trees. Here you can dip your toes and feel the chill of the hilly region. You can also click many beautiful pictures with a gorgeous backdrop making your friends inquisitive about the location. The Saiysad National Park is a marvelous place that is a must-visit for any nature lover.
FAQs About Taif
The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Taif will give you more information about the region, and will help you plan your vacation even better:
1. What is the weather like in Taif?
In the summer months, Taif is warm with a temperature range of 21°C to 35° C. But it is a lot more bearable than cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. In the winter, Taif is quite cold but the best time is between January and March, when the weather is perfect.
2. What is Taif famous for?
Roses. The city has been crowned with the title, ‘City of Roses’ thanks to the 900+ rose farms that cultivate the flowers in the hilly region of the city.
3. Is Taif crowded?
Though there has been an increase in tourism and people settling in the city owing to its weather, Taif is still not considered to be a crowded city.
4. Is Taif expensive?
Compared to cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, Mecca, and Dammam, Taif is quite affordable. Many attractions here are free and even the private ones are affordable.
Taif is a wonderful city that showcases a completely different side of Saudi Arabia. From natural parks and gardens to lush and bright pink rose fields, this is a city where nature comes alive. So, if you are looking for a unique vacation away from crowds and bustle, start looking for the best Taif tours, and get ready for a nature-centric vacation.
