Taif (Ta'if) - Mountain-top city above Mecca

 


Taif (Al-Ta'if) sits on a plateau around 1700 metres above sea level, near the plateau's edge. The city itself is not that exciting but pleasant, with a couple of attractions. The real attractions are to be found outside of the city, but I couldn't rent a car so I was unable to visit them, with the exception of the Al Hada Cable Car. I didn't take the ride, it actually leads nowhere, just down the valley and then back, but the view from there down to the valley and the road leading to Mecca is impressive.

The plain before Taif, coming from Riyadh by bus. You don't notice that it is a plateau, 1200-1500 metres above sea level.





There is no real budget accommodation in Taif, but what I got for GBP 25 per night, in the centre, is amazing value.









Taif is a modern city.













Still not open to the public, Shubra Palace is one of the attractions in Taif.







The renovated Al-Balad Market (City Market) area is another attraction if Taif.  






















The view from Al Hada Cable Car upper station. 









Leaving Taif to Jeddah, the surroundings are very green, and there are road works and traffic jams.





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