Things to Do in Taif: 12 Best Places to Visit in the City of Roses (2026)

Just a couple of hours from Makkah and Jeddah, Taif sits high in the Sarawat Mountains and offers our-packages something the holy cities can’t: cool mountain air, fragrant rose fields, and a slower pace after the crowds of Umrah. Whether you’re extending your pilgrimage trip by a day or two, or simply looking for a refreshing escape from the heat, this guide covers the best things to do in Taif in 2026 — and how to get there comfortably by taxi.

Why Visit Taif After Umrah?

Taif has long served as Saudi Arabia’s unofficial summer capital. Perched at roughly 1,800 meters above sea level, it stays noticeably cooler than Makkah and Jeddah, which makes it a popular add-on trip for pilgrims who want a day of rest and sightseeing before flying home. It’s also close enough for a comfortable day trip — around 90 minutes from Makkah by road.

Top Things to Do in Taif

1. Drive the Al Hada Mountain Road

The Al Hada road is one of the most scenic drives in Saudi Arabia, winding through dramatic switchbacks with sweeping valley views. There are several viewpoints along the way perfect for photos, especially near sunset.

2. Ride the Al Hada Cable Car

Connecting the mountain heights to the valley resort area below, the Al Hada cable car gives you a bird’s-eye view of the canyon without the drive. It’s a quick, family-friendly activity and a great way to see the terrain from a completely different angle.

3. Visit Shubra Palace

Built in the early 1900s, Shubra Palace once served as a royal summer residence. Today it functions as a museum showcasing traditional Hijazi architecture and artifacts from the region’s history — a good stop for anyone interested in Saudi heritage.

4. Explore the Taif Rose Farms

Taif is famous across the Arab world as the “City of Roses.” If you’re visiting between March and April, you can tour working rose farms, watch the harvest, and see how the flowers are distilled into rosewater and rose oil — a tradition here for centuries. Outside of rose season, the farms are far less interesting to visit, so time your trip accordingly.

5. Stroll Through Al Rudaf Park

One of Taif’s main public green spaces, Al Rudaf Park combines natural rock formations, gardens, and musical fountains. In the evenings the park lights up with fountain shows, making it a relaxed spot for families to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

6. Wander Souq Okaz

Souq Okaz is a reconstructed version of an ancient Arabian marketplace, once famous as a gathering place for poetry and trade before Islam. It now hosts cultural festivals and gives visitors a glimpse into pre-Islamic Arabian heritage.

7. Cool Off in Al Shafa Village

Sitting at the base of the Al Shafa mountains, this village is known for its cooler climate, honey farms, and quiet, scenic surroundings. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the Al Hada and Al Shafa mountain roads.

8. Browse the Old Town (Al-Balad)

Taif’s old town features narrow lanes and older architecture that stand in contrast to the newer parts of the city. It’s worth an hour or two of walking if you enjoy soaking up local atmosphere rather than ticking off major landmarks.

9. Visit Abdullah Ibn Abbas Mosque

Named after a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who is buried in Taif, this mosque is an important stop for pilgrims interested in Islamic history and ziyarat (visiting sites of religious significance).

10. See the Al Wahba Crater

A bit further out from the city center, this volcanic crater is one of Saudi Arabia’s more striking natural landmarks. It requires more travel time, so it’s best suited to visitors with a full day to spare rather than a quick stopover.

11. Sample Local Food and Drinks

Don’t leave without trying Taif specialties like saleeg (a creamy rice dish) and local honey, along with regional drinks such as Jamar tea. Restaurants around the city center offer a good mix of traditional and modern dining options.

12. Shop at Jouri Mall or Al Kar Tourist Village

If you’re traveling with family, these two spots combine shopping, dining, and light recreation, making them a convenient way to close out the day before heading back to Makkah or Jeddah.

Best Time to Visit Taif

The most pleasant months are during rose season (March–April), when the weather is mild and the farms are in full bloom. Summer (June–August) is cooler than Makkah luxury bus packages but can still be warm, so early morning or late afternoon sightseeing is recommended.

How to Get to Taif from Makkah or Jeddah

Taif is easily reached by road:

From Makkah: approximately 90 minutes via the Al Hada road
From Jeddah: approximately 2.5 hours via Highway 15

Rather than renting a car and navigating the mountain switchbacks yourself, many pilgrims and travelers prefer booking a private taxi. It’s more comfortable, lets you stop at viewpoints along the Al Hada road whenever you like, and takes the stress out of driving unfamiliar mountain routes.

Book Your Taif Day Trip with Umrah Taxi Booking

At Umrah Taxii Booking, we offer comfortable, air-conditioned private taxis from Makkah and Jeddah to Taif — perfect for a day trip or multi-stop ziyarat tour. Our experienced drivers know the Al Hada road well and can take you directly to the attractions that matter most to you, at your own pace.

Things to Do in Taif: 12 Best Places to Visit in the City of Roses