Al Hada and Al Shafa
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Al Hada cable car and Al Kar village | Cable cars take you down from the Al Hada summit to Al Kar tourist village over the Sarawat Mountains; the village has water games and restaurants. | About 4 km and 17 minutes each way |
| The Al Hada road | One of the Kingdom's best-known mountain roads, winding between Taif and Makkah, with viewpoints at their best at sunset. | West of Taif |
| Jabal Daka in Al Shafa | Al Shafa's highest peak at over 2,500 metres, with wide views over the mountains. | About 25 to 30 km south-west of Taif |
| Al Shafa's farms | Pomegranates, grapes, figs and prickly pears, with stalls selling honey, ghee and seasonal fruit. | Summer is fruit season |
History and souqs
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Shubra Palace | A historic palace built between 1904 and 1906 in a blend of Hijazi and Ottoman styles, now a museum of old Taif. | Central Taif |
| Souq Al Balad | The heart of old Taif: shops for roses, perfumes, honey, traditional sweets and gifts. | Central Taif |
| Souq Okaz | The site of the most famous Arabian market before Islam, where the Souq Okaz festival is held in its seasons. | North-east of Taif |
Taif roses
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Rose farms and distilleries | In the picking season many farms welcome visitors to watch the harvest and the distilling of the famous rose oil. | Usually March and April |
| Taif Rose Festival | Exhibitions and family events celebrating the rose season. | Al Rudaf Park in Taif, in spring |
Tips before you go
- Summer is Taif's peak season and events fill the city, so book your hotel early.
- Nights on Al Hada and Al Shafa are cool even in summer.
- Makkah is about an hour and a half by car via the Al Hada road, so you can combine the summer resort with Umrah.
Hotels in Taif
Flights to Taif
More places in Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh malls
- Things to do in Riyadh
- Things to do in Jeddah
- Things to do in Abha
- Things to do in Al Khobar and Dammam
- Places to visit in Makkah
- Places to visit in Madinah
- Things to do in AlUla
- Things to do in Al-Ahsa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Taif?
The Al Hada cable car and Al Kar village, Jabal Daka in Al Shafa, Shubra Palace, the old souq and the rose farms in season.
When is the rose season in Taif?
In spring, usually March and April, with the Taif Rose Festival at Al Rudaf Park.
How long is the Al Hada cable car ride?
About 17 minutes each way between the Al Hada summit and Al Kar village.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.