Haifa
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Religious Experience,
Town / City
Haifa (חֵיפָה), the third largest city in Israel, is a very modern city with many different attractions. In addition to religious destinations, there are many other cultural centers to visit.
The Baha'i Gardens and World Center acts as the holiest site of pilgrimage for members of the Baha'i Faith, and the surrounding gardens are some of the most impressive in the country. There are also gorgeous botanical gardens adjoined to the Haifa Zoo.
The Cave of Elijah is also considered to be an interesting place to visit for its religious-historical significance. Walking down to the cave from Stella Maris, the French Carmelite monastery, provides a beautiful scenic route.
There are also many museums in Haifa, such as the National Museum of Science, the National Maritime Museum, the Haifa Museum of Art, the Hecht Museum, and the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art.
Latest Reviews
Review by Philip G, May 2013
Doing what: Caeserea, Rosh Hanikra and Acre Day Trip from Tel Aviv
The tour sites visited were excellent and interesting but it was just a pity that the tour guide, Eli, was not very knowledgeable and did not give us sufficient insight of the places visited. Also the place he selected for lunch was rather expensive for the food offered.
Review by Gordon W, April 2013
Doing what: Caeserea, Rosh Hanikra and Acre Day Trip from Tel Aviv
This was one of the best tours I've been on. The guide (Tamar) was supurb. Imagine a woman in her seventies scrambling over ruins and through caves and explaining all the history, archeology, geology and the plants along the way. She even sang to us on the way back. Rosh Hanikra is beautiful, as are the Bahai gardens.
Review by Alison S, November 2012
Doing what: Caeserea, Rosh Hanikra and Acre Day Trip from Tel Aviv
This tour was extremely interesting. A very long day so plenty of energy required, but our guide was great and told us lots of interesting facts at each destination. The usual stop for overpriced gift shop and lunch, but that's standard and if you don't want it just don't go in shop and bring own lunch!
Practical Info
Unlike a lot of destinations in Israel, Haifa is very easily accessed. It operates its own airport that serves flights to and from Tel Aviv (the closest international airport). You can also take a train from Tel Aviv, Acre, Beersheva, and the Tel Aviv airport. There are also buses from Tel Aviv (line 910) Jerusalem (lines 940 and 947) and Afula (line 301).
If you have a private car, the journey to Haifa from Tel Aviv takes about 2 hours.
Local buses operate on a daily basis, including Saturday, but often do not run on Friday evenings. It is also home to the only subway in Israel, used for getting up and down the mountain from downtown.
