Taif Governorate is one of the governorates of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the largest. Taif is called by several names, perhaps the most famous of which is the name of the summer capital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is due to the thousands of Saudis heading towards it in the summer, as it enjoys a moderate and cool climate in the summer, unlike the rest of the Saudi regions.
The official language in Taif is Arabic, and the people of Taif are Muslims.
Its population is approximately 1,750,000 people, and Taif's economy depends almost entirely on commercial tourism.
It is the only main station that receives visitors and pilgrims coming by land to Mecca from the east.
It has become one of the Saudi cities famous for the diversity and richness of the festivals held on its land, such as the annual Taif Festival, the Taif Summer Festival, the Hada Festival, in addition to the annual camel racing festival.
Tourism in Taif
One of the best tourist destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it attracts more than two million visitors from all over the world. Care has been taken to increase interest, focus and develop the tourism sector in Taif so that the city becomes fully integrated with entertainment and tourism services, satisfying different tastes and giving all visitors the most wonderful vacation.
Al Hada area
One of the most important and enjoyable tourist places in Taif, it attracts a large number of visitors from locals and tourists to enjoy the natural and recreational landmarks there. It is spread with picturesque green natural parks and recreational gardens surrounded by diverse natural terrain. It is a mountainous area with a fertile valley at its foot.
Activities to do
Many recreational activities and sports can be done such as walking, running in the open air or cycling.
Visitors can relax and walk with family or friends in the open air and amidst the green nature, as the park provides integrated services such as the presence of many shops.
You can enjoy various types of recreational activities, such as playing in amusement parks with various types of games that suit all ages, or practicing skating in one of the skating rinks in the area.
The area contains many restaurants and cafes that will provide you with a delicious food tasting experience of various types and delicious dishes that will appeal to different tastes.
Don't forget to end your visit to the area by riding the Al Hada cable car, which has a journey of about 4.2 km.
The start will be at the highest peak of the mountain at Ramada Al Hada Hotel, and the final stop will be at the bottom of Mount Kara.
Rawabi Land Park
The best tourist entertainment places in Taif, which are the favorite destinations for families as they offer their visitors a lot of fun and entertainment, and include a large number of different types of games that adults and children will love.
Things to do
Visitors can enjoy and play with the developed entertainment games of various types, electric, kinetic and electronic, which are suitable for all age groups, adults and children alike.
You can relax, walk or picnic with the family in the wide green spaces.
The park provides all the necessary services such as toilets, shops, and ice cream shops.
You can try some delicious food at one of the restaurants located in the place.
Marwan Castle
One of the most important historical landmarks in Taif, located in the northeastern part of Taif, it was built at the beginning of the year 12 AH and was built of solid stone. The castle is located on the eastern bank of the Lih Valley at the top of Mount Marwan, and it is one of the most important ancient monuments of Bani Adwan. The main reason for its construction was to defend the region from enemies and invaders.
Activities to do
Enjoy walking around the castle and learning about the history of the area by observing its general appearance and unique and distinctive architectural layout.
When you visit the castle, don't forget to climb the castle wall and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding horizon.
Al-Shifa area
One of the most famous tourist places in Taif, it has a charming nature in every sense of the word. The region combines natural landmarks and an entertaining atmosphere, so it is considered one of the most attractive cities for visitors and tourists.
Things to do
You can relax with a family outing in the lap of the picturesque nature, or walk and enjoy the beautiful natural landmarks such as rose farms and fruit orchards.
You can have a unique and distinctive shopping experience in the popular market complexes that display many natural products such as honey, ghee, and fragrant perfumes.
There are many amusement parks that contain different types of games that appeal to different tastes.
As for children, there are a number of play areas dedicated to children, which provide them with the best atmosphere of fun and entertainment.
Shebra Palace
One of the important historical tourist attractions in Taif, located in Al-Shubra district. It was built in 1904 AD and took about two years to build. At first, it was a summer headquarters for the government, and at the beginning of 1995 AD, it became an important museum for heritage and antiquities.
The most distinctive feature of the palace is its architectural style, which combines Islamic and Roman styles, in addition to traditional Hijazi architectural styles.
The museum has four facades, with many columns made of stone and lime inside. The windows and doors are made of wood, which has many artistic features that distinguish it from others.
It is visited by a large number of visitors to see the antiquities and ancient drawings found in the Taif region, which date back to the Islamic and pre-Islamic eras, perhaps the most important of which are:
Many antique weapons such as shields, daggers, pistols, etc.
Jewelry and precious stones as well as a number of ancient seals.
A number of rock tablets engraved with Arabic writings, illustrating Arabic calligraphy in its various forms throughout the ages.
Pottery and stone lamps and household items dating back to pre-Islamic times.
Al-Raddaf Park
One of the most famous recreational and natural landmarks in Taif, the park extends over a vast area of approximately 565,000 square meters.
It attracts a large number of visitors, as it is characterized by its green natural landscapes with a calm and pleasant atmosphere, which gives visitors an unparalleled hiking experience.
The park includes about 9 public gardens, each with its own design and style, which enhances the atmosphere of entertainment and fun and ensures that the needs of all tastes and ages are met.
Top things to do
If you want to enjoy a walk with your family, you will want to try the seating areas in the garden, surrounded by nature and shaded by the abundant green trees. This will leave a happy memory full of lively details that you will never forget.
Visitors can enjoy walking or jogging on the wide and long paths among the flowers and trees, providing the most enjoyable times for all ages and tastes to enjoy walking in the fresh air.
A rock climbing area has been provided with safe equipment to suit different levels, whether you are a beginner or a professional. Do not deprive yourself of this fun adventure.
The park has a safe area designated for children, containing various types of fun motor games suitable for different ages.
When you visit the park, do not miss the opportunity to see the dancing fountain, which is considered one of the most important landmarks of Al-Rudf Park.
Al-Raddaf Park provides a range of services to make visiting the place more comfortable and entertaining, such as:
Horse rentals are available for an adventurous experience.
Prayer room for men and women.
ATM.
Bathrooms
Parking
Popular market for a unique shopping experience.
Okaz Market Taif
It is a traditional market and one of the most important popular markets in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its history dates back to the sixth century AD. The Okaz Market is located in the eastern Rabwa neighborhood in Taif. The ancient market extends over an area of more than 260,000 square meters.
The market attracts many visitors to participate in the entertainment and cultural activities and events held by the market.
Activities to do
The market attracts a large number of visitors from all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the annual book fair, which displays the latest foreign and Arab publications that cover various fields, in addition to displaying best-selling books.
Visitors can participate in many artistic and cultural performances, such as plays and entertainment activities that suit all tastes and ages. These performances continue throughout the market.
Visitors can shop for many traditional and handicraft products in addition to popular foods.
If you want to try some traditional Saudi food, then Okaz Market is the perfect place to experience it, as you can taste grilled meat, mandi, and kabsa, in addition to learning about some traditional sweets.
Visitors can enjoy many entertainment and cultural activities such as watching dazzling horse shows and participating in cultural events that tell the heritage of Arab civilization.
Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the people of the region by visiting archaeological sites, the most important of which is Shubra Palace.
By participating in the activities of Souq Okaz, visitors can get to know and communicate with the people of the region and exchange different cultures and social experiences.
The door of firmness
Bab Al-Hazm is considered one of the most important tourist places in Taif. It is one of the three old gates of the Taif Wall. It directly overlooks the Al-Aqeeq neighborhood, which is close to the old city wall. It was formerly called Bab Shubra because it overlooks the famous Shubra Palace. It is one of the most famous places that tells in detail the story of the history and heritage of the Saudi people.
Things to do
Wander around and see many of the historic houses built in the Mamluk and Ottoman styles throughout the area, which will introduce you to the culture and art of the region. Don’t forget to take some souvenir photos to immortalize the memory.
Get a chance to have an entertaining shopping experience in the old market area and buy many souvenirs of handcrafted goods.
Visit the historic Shubra Palace Museum, built in the Roman style mixed with the Islamic character, and see the most important ancient monuments in it.
Water park
One of the most famous family entertainment destinations in Taif, as it contains various activities and events to give adults and children all the happiness and joy. The park is located in the Al Hada area, and receives a large number of visitors daily from all over the world.
Activities to do
Visitors can enjoy the large swimming pool, famous for its artificial waves that provide an opportunity for surfing enthusiasts to experience them. In addition to the swimming pools located in the amusement area.
The city provides many games for children, so that they can have a lot of fun, such as fun water sprinklers. There is also a swimming pool for children in the city.
The city contains many fun water activities and games such as the water roller coaster and the high water slide. You can also try the bumper boats for more play and fun.
You can try different types of dishes in one of the restaurants in the area.
There are many integrated basic service facilities such as:
Personal storage cabinets
Parking
Public baths
Free wifi
From the above, we find that the city of Taif is the city that combines various important elements of tourism. A trip to Taif is not just a tourist trip, but you will leave it with pleasant memories full of joy and happiness, after you have enjoyed its rich natural landmarks and its heritage sites rich in antiquities, all the way to its entertainment activities full of joy and pleasure.