Discover Haifa: A Guide to the City's Top Attractions

Haifa, a vibrant port city, is nestled among picturesque cliffs descending to the sea, offering a unique blend of industrial buzz and natural beauty. It's an ideal spot for travelers seeking both historical northern sights and a lively urban atmosphere, complete with a thriving café and dining scene.

The Baha'i Gardens, with their stunning terraces, are the heart of Haifa and a must-see attraction for visitors. As a center of the Baha'i faith, the city attracts pilgrims worldwide and serves as a convenient base for exploring Mount Carmel and nearby historical sites like Caesarea.

Explore the best of Haifa with our curated list of top activities.

1. Tour the Baha'i Gardens

The Baha'i Gardens are Haifa's crown jewel, featuring the iconic golden-domed Baha'i Shrine. The faith originated in Iran in 1844 and, after the death of its founder, his successor's remains were secretly moved to Haifa. Today, the gardens are a tranquil UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage destination. Visitors can enjoy free tours and breathtaking views from Yefe Nof Street.

Address: Off Yefe Nof Street, Central Haifa

Official site: www.ganbahai.org.il

2. Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery

This 1836 monastery is adorned with frescoes and a cedar Madonna statue. Founded in 1150, the Carmelite order faced destruction but rebuilt, offering panoramic views and a trail to Elijah's Cave.

Address: Off Tchernikovsky Street, West Haifa

Top-Rated walking tours in Haifa

3. Ride the Haifa Cable Car

The cable car offers a fun ride with stunning city and sea views, leading to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery and a scenic lookout.

Address: Entry from HaHaganah Street, Galshanim Beach

4. Elijah's Cave

Elijah's Cave, a site revered by multiple faiths, is accessible via a path from the monastery or Allenby Street. Modest attire is recommended for visitors.

5. Day Trip to Caesarea

Caesarea, once a grand harbor city built by Herod the Great, is rich in Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader history. Its archaeological park and ancient aqueduct are highlights.

6. Stroll around Downtown Haifa

Ben-Gurion Street, once the center of a German Protestant colony, now features restored period houses, dining, and shopping.

7. Take a Road Trip to Mount Carmel's Sights

Explore Mount Carmel's historic and artistic sites, including the Carmelite Monastery of St. Elijah and the artists' village of Ein Hod.

8. Hang Out on Haifa's Beaches

Haifa's beaches, including Bat Galim and Carmel Beach, offer facilities for a relaxing seaside experience.

9. Walk the Suspension Bridges of Nesher Park

Nesher Park features a short hiking trail with suspension bridges and panoramic views, perfect for a family outing.

10. Explore Jewish History at Beit Shearim

Beit Shearim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an archaeological treasure with a rich Jewish necropolis.

11. Visit Atlit Immigration Camp

Atlit's museum offers guided tours of the camp where Jewish refugees were detained post-World War II.

12. Mane Katz Museum

This museum showcases the art and collections of Mane Katz, with a café offering great views.

Address: 89 Yefe Nof Street, Carmel Center

13. Ursula Malbin Sculpture Park

Enjoy the bronze statues and trails of this park, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

14. Hecht Museum

The Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa displays artifacts from the Chalcolithic to the Byzantine period, including a 5th-century BCE shipwreck.

Address: University of Haifa, 199 Aba-Hushi Avenue

Official site: https://mushecht.haifa.ac.il

15. Keep the Kids Busy at Madatech

Madatech, an interactive science museum, offers engaging exhibits for children and is housed in a historic building.

Address: 25 Shermaryahu Levin Street, Hadar HaCarmel

Official site: www.madatech.org.il

16. Get Some Beach Time in Dor

Dor's idyllic beach is complemented by historical ruins, including a Crusader castle and a Byzantine church.

17. National Maritime Museum

This museum features exhibits on Mediterranean maritime history and the role of seafaring in regional development.

Address: 198 Allenby Road, Central Haifa

History

Haifa's history spans from its time as a shipbuilding hub and Talmudic college to its growth as a port city with the arrival of steamships and the development of the harbor. The city has been shaped by various cultures, including the Crusaders, Mamelukes, Ottomans, and the British Mandate, leading to its current status as a diverse and dynamic urban center.