Haifa, Israel is one of the most peaceful and beautiful cities in the country. People come here to enjoy the unique flavor of the eastern city and relax on the Mediterranean Sea.
General information
Haifa is the third largest city in Israel, located in the northern part of the country on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It covers an area of 63 square kilometers and has a population of 280 thousand people. The name of the city translates from Hebrew as “Beautiful coast”.
Haifa is the largest transport hub on the map of Israel. It has the largest port in the country and is the only city in Israel with a metro system.
As for educational institutions, Haifa is home to two of the most prestigious universities in the country – the University of Haifa and the Technion.
The city stands on Mount Carmel, sacred to Jews and Christians. We can say that Haifa is a place of contrasts. Some areas have completely preserved historical buildings (19th-20th century), while others are inhabited by repatriates from the USSR, and the appearance of these areas resembles Soviet cities. The new part of Haifa consists of skyscrapers and modern sports complexes.
Attractions
In our list you will find photos and descriptions of the best attractions in Haifa.
Bahai Gardens
The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa are one of the seven wonders of the world created by followers of the Baha’i religious movement. On the slopes of Mount Carmel stretches a picturesque park with tall palm trees, well-groomed flower beds and one of the main architectural attractions of Haifa-the tomb of the Bab. More information about the gardens can be found here.
The German Colony District
Moshav Germanit or simply “German Colony” is one of the neighborhoods in Haifa built by the Protestant Templar sect in the 19th century.
The popularity of this area among tourists is simply explained: the buildings are built in an unusual architectural style for Israel. The houses have high stone walls, tiled roofs and very deep basements that used to store food. However, the uniqueness of local buildings lies not only in their unusual appearance.
Before building this area, Templers carefully studied the local soil, wind speed, climate, and other features. This information helped them build houses that are not hot in summer and not cold in winter. For example, tiles were placed on roofs for a reason: they were specially designed in such a way that in summer the roof was blown through, and the rooms on the top floor were pleasantly cool.
The main attractions of the German Colony area include:
- Tempera houses. Don’t forget to visit the first house founded in the area (located at 6 Emek Rephaim Street). When walking around the block, pay attention to the details. For example, many houses are carved with sayings from the Bible and excerpts from psalms.
- Haifa History Museum. Located in one of the stone houses of the German Colony district. In the museum, you can not only learn interesting historical facts from the history of Haifa, but also visit an exhibition of works by contemporary artists and sculptors.
- Italian hospital. The hospital is located in one of the city’s historic buildings and still operates. You won’t be able to go inside, but it will be interesting just to approach the building (it is important to study its history in advance).
If you don’t know where to start, visit the tourist information center, where you can get a map and a booklet with photos and descriptions of Haifa’s attractions in Israel.
Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Stella Maris is a monastery of Barefoot Carmelites, built on Mount Carmel in the 19th century. The complex has the shape of a Latin cross, and inside the building you can see unusual stained glass windows, painted walls, crystal plafonds and the figure of the Virgin Mary.
However, the most interesting thing is hidden underground. If you go down the stone steps, you can get to the cave where, according to legend, the Madonna and Child rested. There is also an ancient wooden altar. Pay attention to the old organ, which is still in working order.
Also on the territory of the monastery is the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a small building, in the center of which stands a wooden figure of the Virgin Mary and there is a cave where the prophet Elijah liked to spend time.
In addition to the above attractions, there is another cave on the mountain, but it is no longer part of the monastery, and only Jews go here.
If you are not a religious person, or profess a different religion, you should still go to the territory of the attraction in order to:
- Visit the observation deck, where you can take several panoramic photos of Haifa in Israel.
- Approach the lighthouse. From the monastery complex there is a picturesque path to the sea.
- Go down the cable car. If you do not want to go to the sea, but want to get to the Old Town, go to the cable car – in a few minutes the funicular will take you to the foot of Mount Carmel.
- Visit the on-site Arabic restaurant or small coffee shop.
Practical information:
- Location: Stella Maris Road, Haifa.
- Opening hours: 9.00 -19.00.
National Museum of Science, Technology and Space
The National Museum of Science, Technology and Space is perhaps the most visited, most modern and most interesting museum in the city. The exhibition features hundreds of items, each of which demonstrates a certain process. For example, the operation of the lens, speed, and various chemical reactions.
The museum’s motto is: “Science that you can touch with your hands.”
This landmark of Haifa in Israel is located in four buildings:
- main part – permanent exhibition (updated 2 times a year);
- the second building – temporary exhibitions that are brought from foreign countries;
- the third building is used for master classes; the museum hosts more than 300 educational programs per year, and 3 laboratories that have been created here travel to different Israeli cities;
- the fourth is a cinema hall.
In the main building, make sure to visit the sights:
- mirror room;
- hall of holograms;
- stunt hall;
- the illusion room;
- exhibition of alternative energy sources;
- exhibition dedicated to the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci;
- gallery of paintings “Women in Science”.
Every year, the attraction is visited by more than 200 thousand people. It is important that people with disabilities can also enter the museum.
- Location: 25 Shmeriyahu Levin Street, Haifa.
- Opening hours: 10.00-16.00 (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday), 10.00 – 19.30 (Tuesday), 10.00 – 14.00 (Friday), 10.00 – 18.00 (Saturday).
- Cost: $ 25-adults; $ 19-children; $ 12-students, schoolchildren, soldiers; $ 7-pensioners.
Louis Promenade
Louis Boardwalk is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Haifa. This is a landmark that is only 400 meters long.
Despite the small area, this part of the city is one of the most popular among tourists due to the fact that:
- Here you can listen to performances of street musicians.
- Buy souvenirs and postcards with photos of the city of Haifa in souvenir shops.
- There is an opportunity to see the most beautiful places (Baha’i Gardens, port, zoo) from different viewing points and take a photo of the city of Haifa in Israel.
- Relax on one of the comfortable benches and enjoy the smell of flowers, of which there are so many in Haifa.
Interestingly, the attraction is named after an African boy who came to Haifa to rest, but died in a car accident. Heartbroken parents decided to finance the construction of a boardwalk and name it in memory of their son.
Area information: Louis Boardwalk, Haifa.
Yefe Nof Street
In Hebrew, Yefe Nof means “beautiful view”. Indeed, walking along this street, you can see almost all the most beautiful sights of Haifa. For example, from here you can get to the Baha’i Gardens. It also regularly hosts theatrical performances.
In recent years, it has become a tradition to hold the “Feast of Holidays ” festival on Yefe Nof Street: a tall fir tree and a large Hanukkah are installed here, dozens of shops with souvenirs and national treats are set up.
Location: Yefe Nof, Haifa.
Beaches
Since Haifa is located on the seashore, the city attracts not only those who want to explore the history of this ancient place, but also beach lovers. Fortunately, there are really a lot of good places for those who want to swim and sunbathe here. The sea in Haifa (Israel) is clean, and the beaches are regularly cleaned of garbage.
Dado Beach
Dado Beach is the most popular beach in Haifa. There are always a lot of people here, so this place is not suitable for a calm and measured rest. However, many consider Dado to be the best in the region due to the fact that here:
- there are several good cafes and restaurants nearby;
- large parking lot;
- there are toilets and showers;
- very long embankment;
- on the shore there is a children’s pool with sea water;
- artists perform periodically.
The beach itself is sandy, sometimes there is a small shell rock. The entrance to the sea is gentle, there are no rocks and debris. Admission is free.
Location: David Elasar St., Haifa.
Bad Galim
Bad Galim is located on the territory of the district of the same name. Like any free city beach, it is very popular with tourists, and during the season it is always full of people. The advantages include:
- availability of changing rooms, toilets and showers (inside there is soap, toilet paper);
- several cafes;
- a large number of flowers and trees on the embankment;
- fountains with clean drinking water on the embankment.
Also, local residents note that if you want to go surfing or diving, there is no better place in Haifa – the current is not strong, the bottom is gentle, the beach is sandy, there are no rocks and rocks. And the underwater world is very beautiful.
If we talk about the disadvantages, then tourists note that sometimes there are algae and garbage.
Location: Rehov Retsif Aharon Rosenfeld, Haifa.
Hof HaKarmel
Hof Hakarmel beach is one of the most popular among tourists, because here:
- there are free toilets (large and clean);
- there are many cafes and restaurants nearby;
- several small shops have been opened;
- rescuers are working;
- virtually no debris and algae;
- lots of space (you can play volleyball)
- not as many people as on Dado beach.
The beach itself is sandy, the bottom is flat, the water is very clean (the bottom is clearly visible). The only thing that can prevent you from having a good rest is the lack of breakwaters. In windy weather, you should not swim here with children.
Interestingly, the beach is secretly divided into several parts:
- the area around the boardwalk is usually occupied by families with children;
- on the more wild, “student” part, couples and singles rest.
Location: South of Neve David, Haifa.
Hof Door Tantura
Hof Door Tantura is one of the most beautiful beaches located in the suburbs of Haifa. Named after Poseidon’s son, Dor.
The beach is sandy, the bottom is gentle, there are lagoons and natural islands. It is worth coming here in order to:
- Enjoy the boardwalk with daffodils, palms and lilies.
- Go surfing and see submerged ships that sank centuries ago.
- Go to sea on a fishing schooner, and sail to the small but very beautiful islands of Shahafit, Dor, Tefet, Hofmi.
- Buy fresh fish in the fishing harbor.
- Climb a small cliff, on top of which you can see several lakes.
Despite the distance from the center of Haifa, there are no infrastructure problems: there are cafes, toilets, showers and cold storage rooms. There is also a campsite where anyone can stay.
In the middle and end of summer, there are a lot of tourists on the beach, so it’s better to come here in May-June (the water is already quite warm at this time).
Please note that the changing rooms and toilet are free of charge, but you will have to pay for a parking space.
Location: in the south of the city of Atlit (20 km from Haifa).
Hof Hashaket
Hof Hashaket is probably the most cozy place on the entire coast, because its name translates from Hebrew as “quiet beach”. Here you will definitely not meet a large number of people, because only local residents rest here. The reason is as follows: there are no cafes and shops that tourists like to visit during their holidays in Haifa, Israel.
There are also some problems with the infrastructure. There are very few toilets and changing booths, and there are no showers at all.
The beach is sandy, and thanks to the breakwaters, the water here is always calm. Garbage and algae are scarce. Admission is free.
Please note that this is a separate beach, and men come here on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and women-on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The only common day is Saturday.
Location: near the Rambam Sanatorium, Haifa.
Where to stay
There are just over 110 accommodation options in Haifa. This is a small figure for such a large city, so you should book your accommodation in advance.
A room for two people per night in a 3* hotel will cost $ 80-150. The range of prices is very large, as well as very different living conditions. For example, there are options for $ 80-120 located in residential areas. In such hotels, each room has a kitchenette, necessary household appliances and free Wi-Fi. More expensive options ($120-160) are ready to offer tourists more: a beautiful view of the sea/ Haifa’s Old Town with attractions, a room with designer furniture and a great breakfast.
Since housing in Haifa is quite expensive, you can save money by renting an apartment. The average price for a studio apartment for two people varies from $ 40 to $ 60 per night. Such housing is suitable for those who want to live in the same place as local residents. The price includes basic necessities, household appliances and the ability to contact the owner at any time.
Weather and climate, when it’s best to arrive
The city of Haifa is located in the northern part of Israel, so the climate here is Mediterranean (in most parts of the country it is subtropical). In fact, there is no autumn or spring in Haifa – only warm winters and hot summers. Winter usually lasts from November to February, and the rest of the year is summer.
The hottest month in Haifa is August, when temperatures reach 30-35 °C during the day and 25-26 °C at night. In February, the coldest month, the thermometer does not rise above 15 °C during the day and 11 °C at night. Also periodically in Haifa there are ” hamsins” – periods when the wind from the desert brings even hotter air.
Spring
In spring, the temperature in Haifa is kept at around 20-25 °C. This time of year is not suitable for those who would like to relax by the sea or sunbathe, because it is very often raining (usually heavy rains), and a strong wind breaks everything around.
Summer
Haifa’s summers are hot, and it is especially discouraged to visit the city in August. If you want to go on excursions and at the same time sunbathe, it is better to come in June or early July.
Autumn
In fact, there is no autumn in Haifa, as the weather changes very sharply-yesterday it was hot, and today a cold wind blows. This is probably the most unpredictable time of the year, so if you want to go swimming in the sea, do not risk coming to Haifa in the fall.
Winter
In winter, there is no snow in Haifa, but there are torrential rains and strong winds. The weather begins to improve only in the second half of January – the temperature remains still low, but there are no more showers and wind.
Interesting facts
- Haifa is the only city in Israel that has a funicular metro that connects underground and surface stations in a single network.
- The city of Haifa in Israel is the world center of psi-trance – this is one of the trends in electronic music.
- In Israel, Haifa is often called the city of hard workers, because during the day the streets and cafes are very empty, unlike, for example, Tel Aviv.
- Most of the repatriates from the USSR live in Haifa. On the shelves of bookstores, most books are in Russian, and many shops in the districts are named after Soviet cities. This is especially noticeable in the residential areas of Adar and Herzel.
- Many private homes in Haifa have street elevators. They are installed due to the fact that many buildings are located on the top of hills, and elderly people can not climb to such a height every day.
Haifa, Israel – a great place for those who would like to relax by the sea and learn a lot of new things.
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