The coexistence of Jews and Arabs, the abundance of museums and the city that is built on the slopes of biblical Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea make up a very nice setting. Some refer to it as the “San Francisco of Israel” because of the aura of its residents and its architecture. In addition, it is an important port on the coast of Israel and is one of the most important manufacturing cities in the Mediterranean.
Currency: Israel New Shekel
Calling Code: +972
Nearest airports from city center: Haifa Airport (9km), Tel Aviv Airport (121km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** BAHAI GARDENS and BAHAI HOLY PLACE (Yefe Nof St 61, Haifa)
It is the most popular and the most visited tourist attraction. The magnificent garden terraces and 1,500 steps leading to Mount Carmel are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
*** CAVE OF ELIJAH (Derech Allenby 227, Haifa)
It is a cave with a monastery that is related to the Prophet Elias.
*** MADATECH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM (Shmaryahu Levin St 25, Haifa, 3144801)
It opened its doors as a museum in 1984 and in 1923 Albert Einstein had visited this particular building. You will see many exhibits related to safe driving, natural science, toys, green energy, acoustics, artifacts of Israel’s first astronaut Ilan Ramon, Einstein room, Magical Science exhibition, models of Leonardo Da Vinci’s aeronautical inventions , civil engineering, mechanical engineering and physics. Your children will also like it, as it contains areas with games and sports activities.
*** HAIFA CITY MUSEUM (Sderot Ben Gurion 11, Haifa)
If you want to know everything about the history of the city, then you have come to the right place.
*** HERMANN STRUCK MUSEUM (Arlozorov St 23, Haifa)
Hermann Struck’s house has now become a museum and you will find the rich work of one of the leading international printmaking artists of the 20th century.
*** NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM (Derech Allenby 198, Haifa)
Here you will see the history of the Israeli Navy with many exhibits.
*** CLANDESTINE IMMIGRATION AND NAVAL MUSEUM (Derech Allenby 204, Haifa)
In the museum you will find two decommissioned ships and a submarine, as well as a very large collection related to immigration. You’ll also find articles, nautical exhibits, nautical charts, war medals and more.
*** THE ISRAEL RAILWAY MUSEUM (Derekh Khativat Golani 3, Haifa)
In this space you will have the opportunity to see the history of Israel’s trains from the opening of the first line in 1892 between Jaffa and Jerusalem to the current period.
*** HAIFA EDUCATIONAL ZOO (124 Ha-Tishbi St, Haifa)
Visit the zoo which is home to more than 100 species of wildlife (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians).
*** HAIFA MUSEUM OF ART (Shabtai Levi St 26, Haifa, 3304331)
In the museum’s collection you will find more than 7,000 exhibits that not only concern local contemporary art, but also international art.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery is worth a visit.
*** You should definitely visit Hecht Museum, which could easily be in the top-10 of the city’s attractions.
*** If you enjoy walking, then we would recommend a leisurely stroll through Hecht Park and HaKishon Park.
*** The wonderful beaches of Haifa are ideal for relaxing. Visit Carmel Beach, Dado Beach and Student Beach.
*** Nesher Park with its graceful bridge is excellent for your walk.
*** The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art is an equally good choice to pass the time pleasantly with original exhibits.
FOOD AND DRINK
In Haifa you can taste many cuisines, from Jewish and Mediterranean to Middle Eastern and American. The traditional foods of the city are falafel, hummus, msabbha, shakshouka and couscous. Also try fish, seafood and meats. We recommend that you naturally try the pizzas and pastas that are made in their own traditional way by the local cooks. Tubi 60 is the traditional drink of the city which is a potent liquor.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several options for finding affordable hotels or appartments in the city center or at a distance of 2 kilometers from the city center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** The city has several recreation and play areas for you and your children. Visit Balagan which is a modern amusement park.
*** Sea Waves Park is a water paradise playground to feel like a kid again!
*** Visit the Nisco Museum of Mechanical Music and you will be impressed.
*** For your shopping you can visit Azrieli Mall Haifa, Outlet shopping center and Panorama.
*** Ben Yehuda Street is the most popular shopping street.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bus, by light rail, by train or by tube.
CITIES NEAR HAIFA
Major cities close to Haifa are Nazareth (32km), Netanya (55km), Tel Aviv (92km), Ashod (116km), Irbid (118km), Jerusalem (135km), Beer Sheva (175km), Amman (206km).
