Located on the slopes of the scenic Mount Carmel and overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the historical city of Haifa is home to beautiful old town with a World Heritage -listed Bahá'í World Centre and green gardens. This largest city of Northern Israel has also beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural and entertainment scene with its theatres, clubs, fine restaurants and outdoor cafes.
A must see for visitors in Haifa is the Bahá'í World Centre, A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a magnificent golden dome, the Shrine of the Báb, and lush gardens to admire. You can also visit the Stella Maris Monastery and the Cave of Elijah, the prophet of Judaism and Islam. In addition, there are several fascinating museums to visit, including the popular Israeli National Museum of Science, Technology and Space, and the Haifa Museum of Art.
Theatres & entertainment. Haifa has traditionally been an important industrial and port city. The population in Haifa consists of both Jews and Arabs, living side by side. Those interested in culture and entertainment will find many theatres and dance clubs in the city. The German Colony with its beautifully restored buildings now serving as restaurants, coffee shops and bars is the center of the nightlife in Haifa. The city of culture also hosts many concerts in Haifa. You can also make a short out-of-town trip to the artist community of Ein Hod, which is home to many studios and galleries of Israeli painters, sculptors and musicians. Many modern malls make shopping in Haifa a pleasure.
Beaches & activities. Besides sightseeing, shopping and culture, there is plenty to do in Haifa. There are several golden beaches for sunbathing, swimming and water sports, including surfing in Haifa. If you want to go biking or hiking in Haifa, head to the nearby Mount Carmel National Park. It is here you can find many observation points with breathtaking views, caves, archaeological remains, holy sites and rich Mediterranean flora and fauna.
History, culture, entertainment, beaches and mountain views - Attractions in Haifa
The third largest city in Israel, the historical city of Haifa is located on the slopes of the towering Mount Carmel on the coast of the the Mediterranean Sea. From the upper parts of the city there are breathtaking views over the beautiful Bay of Haifa. Rich in history, Haifa has been ruled by several cultures and has some fascinating historical sights to explore. The beautiful Old town of Haifa is located near the port.A must see for visitors in Haifa is the Bahá'í World Centre, A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a magnificent golden dome, the Shrine of the Báb, and lush gardens to admire. You can also visit the Stella Maris Monastery and the Cave of Elijah, the prophet of Judaism and Islam. In addition, there are several fascinating museums to visit, including the popular Israeli National Museum of Science, Technology and Space, and the Haifa Museum of Art.
Theatres & entertainment. Haifa has traditionally been an important industrial and port city. The population in Haifa consists of both Jews and Arabs, living side by side. Those interested in culture and entertainment will find many theatres and dance clubs in the city. The German Colony with its beautifully restored buildings now serving as restaurants, coffee shops and bars is the center of the nightlife in Haifa. The city of culture also hosts many concerts in Haifa. You can also make a short out-of-town trip to the artist community of Ein Hod, which is home to many studios and galleries of Israeli painters, sculptors and musicians. Many modern malls make shopping in Haifa a pleasure.
Beaches & activities. Besides sightseeing, shopping and culture, there is plenty to do in Haifa. There are several golden beaches for sunbathing, swimming and water sports, including surfing in Haifa. If you want to go biking or hiking in Haifa, head to the nearby Mount Carmel National Park. It is here you can find many observation points with breathtaking views, caves, archaeological remains, holy sites and rich Mediterranean flora and fauna.
Practical information for your stay in Haifa
Haifa enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters.
Photo: The Akermarks, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
In summer, the average temperature in Haifa is around 26°C. The most rainfall can be expected in winter from October to April.
How to get there. Haifa is located in Northern Israel, approximately 90 km north of Tel Aviv. There are domestic flights to Haifa from Eilat and Tel Aviv. Haifa is located along the main highway and has good road connections from other parts of Israel. Therefore, car rental in Haifa is a good option. You can easily travel to Haifa by trains and buses from other major cities in Israel, including Tel Aviv. There is a good network of buses and service taxis in the city. You can also travel by the fast subway in Haifa, which is also the only subway in Israel.
Visitor services. Haifa has good facilities for visitors. There are plenty of hotels in Haifa, some of them providing panoramic views over the Haifa Bay. There is a good selection of restaurants in Haifa, some of them serving inexpensive local schwarma and falafel, and others serving international cuisine. English is commonly spoken in the city.
Safety. Haifa can be regarded a relatively safe city. Like in other Israeli destinations, there is a risk of terrorist attacks and security checks are very common in many places. Use common sense, be aware of pickpockets and avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Acre (Akko), Beirut, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Damascus, Amman
