Perched on the cool plateau of the Hijaz at roughly 1,800–2,000 meters, Taif has been the Kingdom’s favorite summer escape for generations. In spring, the city perfumes the air with the scent of its famed Taif roses, distilled into coveted attar since the 7th century. Between misty mountains, heritage souqs, and a surprisingly green landscape, Taif blends history with fresh alpine-like air.

Taif’s story sweeps from ancient caravan routes to the modern revival of Souq Okaz, a cultural site celebrating Arabic poetry and trade. The serpentine Al Hada road—often with hamadryas baboons along the guardrails—climbs to panoramic viewpoints and an exhilarating cable car. In Al Shafa, strawberry patches, mountain farms, and Jabal Daka’s trails roll out views that look made for postcards.

Practical notes: Taif is noticeably cooler than Jeddah or Makkah, so pack a light jacket, especially evenings. Rose season typically peaks March–May; the annual Taif Season festivals often run in summer. Weekends are Friday–Saturday; modest dress is standard, and cards/Apple Pay are widely accepted. Self-drive is common; ride-hailing (Careem) is available.

Taif

Taif rewards slow travel: wander historic lanes, sip cardamom coffee, and breathe in rose fields at dawn. The city’s heart beats in its traditional markets and parks, while its edges unfurl into Al Shafa’s terraced farms and Al Hada’s dramatic escarpments.

• Top sights: Al Shafa highlands and Jabal Daka, Al Hada cable car (down to Al Kar Tourist Village), Ruddaf Park’s musical fountains, the atmospheric Qantara (Ottoman) Mosque, and the cultural grounds of Souq Okaz.
• Signature experiences: Tour a rose distillery in spring, picnic under acacias at Saiysad National Park, and drive the Al Hada switchbacks at sunset.
• Where to stay: Base in central Taif for markets and parks, or along Al Hada Road for resort-style views. Browse stays on VRBO in Taif and compare hotels via Hotels.com: Taif.
• Getting there: Fly into Taif International (TIF) or into Jeddah (JED) and drive 1.5–2 hours up Al Hada. Search flights on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Typical one-way domestic fares Riyadh–Taif run about US$60–120; car rentals average US$45–70/day.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Taif, and Ruddaf Park

Morning: Travel to Taif. If you arrive early, grab a local breakfast of tamees (flatbread) with smoky foul (fava beans) from a neighborhood bakery, plus a cardamom-laced coffee at a Taif branch of Barn’s (a beloved Saudi chain) or the specialty coffee spot Dose Café—both do excellent iced qahwa when the sun’s out.

Afternoon: Check in to your hotel via Hotels.com or settle into a view-forward rental from VRBO. Then orient yourself with a stroll around central Taif: photograph the elegant exterior of Shubra Palace (the region’s standout Ottoman-era landmark; check on current museum hours) and wander the nearby market streets for dates, spices, and locally made rosewater.

Evening: Head to Ruddaf Park, a popular family park with broad lawns and evening fountain shows. For dinner, try classic Hijazi comfort food: order saleeg (creamy rice with roast chicken) or kabsa at Al Romansiah (a reliable Saudi mandi/kabsa chain), or go casual with the country’s cult favorite, Albaik fried chicken—crispy, garlicky, and best eaten hot in the park. Cap the night with kunafa or pistachio baklava from Saadeddin Pastry, a long-running Saudi confectioner.

Day 2: Al Shafa Highlands, Rose & Strawberry Farms, and Mount Daka

Morning: Depart after breakfast for Al Shafa (35–45 minutes from the city). The road winds through juniper-dotted slopes to Jabal Daka, among the region’s highest peaks. Stretch your legs on easy trails, scan for birds, and breathe the cool air; bring a light layer as temperatures can be 6–10°C cooler than Taif city.

Afternoon: Visit a rose distillery or farm (most tours active in March–May; many small farms welcome visitors for a nominal fee, often 10–20 SAR). You’ll see copper stills gently turning petals into rosewater and attar; the morning distillation fragrance is unforgettable. In season, pair this with a stop at an Al Shafa strawberry patch—fresh juice, shortcakes, and simple farm cafés are common. For lunch, choose a viewpoint restaurant in Al Shafa serving mixed grills and mezze, or pack a picnic of flatbreads, olives, and labneh to enjoy at a scenic lay-by.

Evening: Return to Taif before dusk. Dine at Al Tazaj (a Saudi original) for charcoal-grilled chicken with tangy garlic sauce and warm bread, or settle back into Al Romansiah for a shared mandi platter—fragrant rice, slow-cooked lamb or chicken, and a bright tomato salsa. Night owls can grab a specialty pour-over at Dose Café; their baristas do a solid light-roast profile that pairs nicely with a rose ma’amoul cookie.

Day 3: Al Hada Cable Car, Souq Okaz, and Departure

Morning: Drive the dramatic Al Hada road (20–30 minutes) to the cable car station. The Al Hada cable car glides down to Al Kar Tourist Village with cliffside views and, often, baboons lounging near the road—keep windows closed and don’t feed wildlife. Expect about 80–100 SAR round-trip per adult; budget an hour for the ride and photos, and another hour if you explore the lower station’s family attractions and cafés.

Afternoon: On the way back toward Taif, detour to the cultural grounds of Souq Okaz (event programming varies by season; when quiet, the site’s heritage facades and poetry plaques still make a quick, atmospheric wander). If time allows, stop by the graceful stone-arched Qantara Mosque for a look at classic Hijazi masonry. Grab a fast lunch: Albaik or a shawarma stand near the city center works when you’re short on time. Aim to return to your hotel, collect bags, and depart by mid-afternoon for TIF or down to Jeddah (1.5–2 hours).

Evening (if you have a late flight): Unwind at Saiysad National Park with a last stroll under acacias, or catch one more fountain show at Ruddaf Park. Coffee to-go at Barn’s or a saffron-milk tea at a local café makes a gentle farewell.

Where to stay (quick picks): For easy access to markets and parks, choose central Taif; for misty mornings and cliff views, look along Al Hada Road. Compare options on Hotels.com: Taif or browse villas/apartments on VRBO in Taif.

Getting in and around: Fly to Taif on domestic routes or into Jeddah for the scenic drive; see fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Self-drive offers the most freedom for Al Shafa and Al Hada; otherwise, use ride-hailing locally. Allow extra time for mountain roads on weekends and at sunset.

Food & drink cheat sheet: Try saleeg, kabsa/mandi, mutabbaq (stuffed griddle pie), foul & tamees breakfasts, rose ice cream in spring, and hot Saudi qahwa with dates. Reliable, current spots include Al Romansiah (mandi/kabsa), Al Tazaj (grilled chicken), Albaik (fast-casual fried chicken), Barn’s (Saudi coffee chain), Dose Café (specialty coffee), and Saadeddin Pastry (Arabian sweets)—all with branches in Taif as of 2025.

In three days, Taif reveals its best angles: rose-scented mornings, mountain panoramas, and evenings under musical fountains. Whether you come for a cool-weather weekend or time your visit to the rose harvest, you’ll leave with the scent of Taif lingering long after you’ve gone.