Here are some sites to see while you visit Taif.

Wadi Wej

Taif is one of the cities that receives more rain than other parts of Saudi Arabia. Hence, there are several Wadi (valleys) that has streams of water running through most of the year. It’s a nice spot to see greens and water running through (yes, we appreciate seeing even a little bit of greens because it’s not easy to find in the city) It’s good for a picnic or simply a walk along the stream.

We also spotted a man fishing under the rocks!

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Wadi Dhe Ghazal

It’s another popular Wadi in Taif but I have never been there.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rz4FHrebVsk272mi9

Mount Qarnayt

It’s the best spot for camping, hiking, and climbing! The location is a bit tricky to reach, it’s best to ask locals to give the exact direction because Google Maps won’t take you to the final spot.

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Fruit Market

Taif is known for its fresh and local produce. Everyone who goes to Taif always come back with cartons of produce of the season.

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Al Kamal Rose Farm

Taif is known for its roses. A visit to one of the oldest rose farm owned by generations of Kamal family is a must-do.

Visit Restriction: Visiting Hours is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Cable Car

The cable car is best visited during the golden hours to get a picturesque view of the mountain and the winding roads against a sunset background. The price per person is quite pricey though. Its 18 USD per person.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Mount Dakkah

Mount Dakkah is the highest peak in Taif. Its a nice spot for a picnic and a viewpoint.

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jSYzzgBa9gXDG6qB8

Abdullah Al Sulaiman Palace

Abdullah Al Sulaiman Palace also known as Jabra palace is one of the many abandoned palaces in Taif. The palace is on the verge of breaking down due to negligence. King Saud used to stay here when he was a crown prince and the palace belonged to the late minister of Abdullah Al Sulaiman.

The details, marbles, and architecture is simply beautiful!

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oD6zpdyZwXA2

Writer’s Palace

Writer’s Palace or also known as Bait Al Katib was built in 1897. It was once home for King Faisal. The architecture style is a mix of Hejazi, Islamic and tall Roman pillars. It is one of the palaces that desperately needs restoration.

Visit Restriction: Currently closed to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Saleeg Badiya

One cannot visit Taif without trying their traditional dish of Saleeg which is basically rice porridge with chicken. Saleeg Badiya is the best place that makes it. Also, ask for their chicken broth for a delicious and heartwarming drink to sip on or pour on your rice.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KrBMdpzt6BUtj6V78

Shobra Palace

The Shobra Palace was built in 1905. It was home to King Abdulaziz and later home to King Faisal.

Visit Restriction: Currently closed to the public.

Contact Number: + 966 50 371 5949

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Kaki Palace

Kaki Palace also known as Beit Kaki was a residence of a wealthy and important merchant. It is currently closed but the gem can be admired from outside for its intricately carved windows and doors.

Visit Restriction: Currently closed to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p7X7SNFuDxw

Mohammed Suroor Sabban Palace

Another abandoned palace is closed to the public. During my last visit in April 2019, there was an open gate where we were able to access the palace.

Visit Restriction: Currently closed to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Souk Okaz

Souk Okaz is a very unique ancient and historical festival that is held once a year in the exact location where it started in the past. It is my favorite festival in Saudi Arabia. It is deeply rooted in the history where people used to gather to show their art, poetry and they also hold camel races.

Visit Restriction: Opens only one month per year during Souk Okaz Festival.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Madhoon Mosque

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Al Kou Mosque

Al Kou Mosque was built at the end of the Ottoman era and it is known for the story of a Christian boy named Addas who served grapes to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). It is also said that the prophet leaned against the mosque which gives the name Al Kou (The Elbow)

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Grand Mosque of Abdullah Ibn Abbas

The Grand Mosque of Abdullah Ibn Abbas is located close to the grave of Abdullah Ibn Abbas who is the paternal cousin of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Abdullah Ibn Abbas is

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

The post Taif appeared first on Nada Al Nahdi.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vNyG2o8a3RotthER7

It is a great place for camping and hiking. The hike was not easy due to the heat from the sun right on top of your head. It’s not easy to find shade while descending to the beautiful sodium phosphate base as well as the climb up to the rim.

It would be wise to wear a hat or tie a shemagh around your head and bring at least 2 liter of water in an insulated water bottle so it will stay cold. 

It is recommended to start the hike as early as possible and climb up before the sun strikes. It is recommended to attempt the hike only in winter season from December to February. 

The time to climb down and up really depends on how much stops you make but it takes about 45 to 60 minutes each. There is a rocky trail to follow and it goes in a zigzag like pattern. The climb up definitely took much longer than going down.

What’s great is that it is very secluded in the middle of nowhere and there is only a handful of people around. There were other tents and hikers but the rim is so big that you can pitch your tent away from others.

It was just us by the edge of the crater; accompanied by millions of bright stars, full moon light and brisk winds singing to our ears.

The sunrise is something you should not miss! Climb down and enjoy the sunrise over the plateau.

If you haven’t been there, then it’s a perfect place for a weekend adventure with friends or family! 😀 Just make sure to bring extra necessities because there isn’t any shop around the area.

“You could see it as heaps of gravel,

surrounding a massive hole,

or

a magnificent corollary,

of the mighty mother nature;

breeds beauty,

from an enigmatic catastrophe”

Cover Photo Credit goes to @mr_esob

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