Ta’if sits at around 1,800 metres in the Hejaz mountains above Mecca, and the altitude makes it one of the most pleasant places in the country during the brutal summer months. Temperatures here in July average around 30°C when much of the country is over 40°C. Saudi royalty and government used to relocate here in summer, and the city still has a prosperous, settled feeling.
Ta’if is famous for its roses — the city produces much of the world’s rose water and rose oil, extracted from the Taif rose (Ward Taifi) that blooms in spring. The rose farms and distilleries around the city are worth visiting if you are here in March or April.
The surrounding area has good hiking, particularly in Wadi Waj, a green valley with orchards of pomegranates, grapes, and figs. The old souq in the city centre sells honey (Al-Shafa honey is particularly prized), rose products, and silverware.