Haifa, the third largest city in Israel and the capital of the north, is an underrated gem. This port city on the sea boasts an abundance of visual delights, including the world famous Baha'i Gardens, an amazing view of the city and bay from the top of the Carmel mountain, several religious sites, the nation's best beach & boardwalk, unique museums, fun festivals, and more!
Also, Haifa is the only major city in Israel that combines a mountain view with a beautiful seashore. It is the equivalent of a San Francisco on the eastern Meditteranean.
Last but not least, Haifa is renowned as a model of coexistence between people of different faiths and backgrounds. In fact, hundreds of thousands from all over the world make Haifa their home.
If you plan on stopping by for a few days or only a few hours to tour the city - this lens will show you the best vacation Haifa, Israel has to offer.
Haifa Shrine of the Bab and Port
Photo Credit: Michael Paul Gollmer, 2003
New Table of Contents
- Haifa Shrine of the Bab and Port
- Baha'i Gardens & Temple
- Bahai Shrine & Gardens are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Wonder of the World: The Baha'i Gardens
- 3 Unique Religious Sites in Haifa
- A short report from the annual Goldstar Beer Festival
- Ordering Drinks at the Haifa Goldstar Beer Festival
- Photos Taken at the 2008 Goldstar Beer Festival in Haifa
- The Best Beach in Israel: Haifa's Dado Beach & Boardwalk
- A Lazy Weekend at Dado Beach
- The Annual International Sand Castle Competition
- Sand Mixed with Artistic Genius
- Two guys play Israeli paddleball on Haifa's beach
- A Dirt-Cheap Video Camera to Use on Your Vacation
- Two Fantastic Galleries of Haifa Photos on the Web
- A short story about the annual book fair
- Haifa Book Fair
- A DVD and novel about life in Haifa
- Join the Haifa vs. Tel Aviv Debate!
- Cool Museums in Haifa
- Featured Museum: MadaTech, The Haifa National Museum of Science
- If you have one day or less to spend in Haifa, see these places:
- Haifa at Night
- A Super Easy Camera for Your Trip to Israel
- The Best Annual Festivals in Haifa
- Walking Tours in Haifa
- The Best Observation Points of the City
- Party Time!
- Haifa, LOST, & the Dharma Initiative - Look at the sign on the lower right outside the travel agency
- The Quest for the Perfect Espresso
- Eat Falafel Here, or Forever Hold Your Peace
- 5 Fun Facts About Haifa
- Maccabi Haifa Football Club
- On the Outskirts of Haifa: The Druze Villages
- 5 More Fun Haifa Facts
- A photographic history book of Haifa
- Your Opinion is Needed!
- Is This Lens Stumble-Worthy?
- Reader Feedback
- Israelity: The reality of daily life in Israel
- Check Out My Other Israel Related Lenses
Bahai Shrine & Gardens are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
43% of tourists list the sites as the main reason to visit Haifa
Wonder of the World: The Baha'i Gardens
3 Unique Religious Sites in Haifa
- Stella Maris Monastery
- At the very tippy top of the mountain, this monastery hovers above all.
- Elijah's Cave
- Rumor has it that Prophet Elijah lived in this cave. Indeed, this site is sacred to Jews, Druze, Christians, and Muslims. There's a path to it from the Stella Maris church.
- Baha'i Shrine
- The most famous Shrine and icon of Haifa. It's located within the Gardens.
A short report from the annual Goldstar Beer Festival
Ordering Drinks at the Haifa Goldstar Beer Festival
The Best Beach in Israel: Haifa's Dado Beach & Boardwalk
Haifa has a few beaches, but the best are the Dado Beach and it's lesser developed segment - the Students' Beach. Dado Beach has a long boardwalk lined with kiosks, fruit drink stands, and cafe restaurants. Even if you don't swim, it's the perfect place for a walk when it's not too hot outside.
A Lazy Weekend at Dado Beach
The Annual International Sand Castle Competition
Sand in Haifa gets a makeover
The residents of the rocket-hit city of Haifa arrived at the beach to watch how local and foreign artists have turned the seaside thrill of building sand into an art form. Every summer, dozens of individuals, couples and groups enjoy the gigantic sand castle creations to be judged. Sculptures include animals, cartoon characters, people, toys and themed sculptures. www.itnsource.com Reuters RTV1402306
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curated content from YouTube
Two guys play Israeli paddleball on Haifa's beach
Matkot is Israel's unoffical national sport
Matkot (Israeli Beach Paddleball)
Two guys play matkot (Israeli beach paddleball) on Haifa's Dado beach. [ www.squidoo.com/beachpaddleballtennis ] The goal of the game is to keep the ball in the air as long as possible. For more info, check out my matkot site at
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curated content from YouTube
A Dirt-Cheap Video Camera to Use on Your Vacation
Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Orange) OLD MODEL
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
I own one of these FLIP cameras, and so far I'm satisfied with it. (The matkot paddleball video above was taken with this video camera!)
The Flip Ultra Video Camera is the easiest , cheapest, cutest and most mobile way to create small video clips for the web and for popular video sharing sites like YouTube. This FLIP model can hold up to 60 minutes of video, runs on regular AA batteries, fits in a pocket (or purse), and can be taken everywhere.
Anyone can shoot a video with the touch of a button, edit it, upload it, and send it forward. As a globe trotter, it can come in handy for those unexpected moments that serve as memories for a lifetime.
The camera has a USB port and hooks up to desktops and laptops. It comes in several colors, including black, white, orange and pink.
Note: This is last year's model (which is still selling strong). FLIP recently entered the HD market, so if you're looking for the cutting edge, search Amazon for the "FLIP digital Mino HD" model.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Two Fantastic Galleries of Haifa Photos on the Web
- Amazing Photos of Haifa
- These photos of Haifa represent some of the famous and hidden gems of the city. (Note: The pictures are huge and will take up to one minute on a high-speed connection to load up!)
- "My Haifa" Flickriver
- Check out some really awesome Haifa photos taken by various photographers and centralized in this flickr group. I suggest you click on the "flickriver" link near the bottom of the page and choose the "interesting" setting.
A short story about the annual book fair
A cultural event that draws the crowds
This year there were some artisan jewelry booths adjacent to the book vendors, so the fair had an artistic feel to it. The entire event is held in the evenings for 10 days, and many times it's possible to talk with the authors. Definitely worth seeing on a visit, even if you don't read Hebrew or buy anything. For a quick impression, take a look at some of the photos I took below.
Haifa Book Fair
A DVD and novel about life in Haifa
Broken Wings
Want to get an impression of Haifa without actually being there? Broken Wings is an internationally acclaimed Israeli drama filmed in Haifa. If you want to get an idea about the sights, sounds, and people of this sleepy port city on the Mediterranean, this is the film for you.
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 12/18/2009)
A Trumpet in the Wadi: A Novel
A love story set in Haifa between a Russian Jew and an Arab. This story received countless accolades and was made into a film a few years ago. The author lives in Haifa and is one of Israel's most famous writers.
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 12/18/2009)
Join the Haifa vs. Tel Aviv Debate!
It's time to settle this issue once and for all!
Some tourists love Haifa for its scenic views and quiet atmosphere. Others prefer the bustling city of Tel Aviv and its unlimited entertainment opportunities.
If you could live in either Haifa or Tel Aviv for one summer, which would you pick and why?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byHaifa
TheWhistler says:
Haifa, it is beautiful. The Mayer at the time offered to let me live there tax free for ten years if I moved there. Wonderful Port.
Posted December 16, 2008
TrixiJahn says:
What a question...Haifa ofcourse..its absolutely beautiful!
Posted November 14, 2008
LeorG says:
Spent five summers in Haifa. Calm, relaxing, quiet summers. Besides, Tel Aviv is less than 90 minutes away.
Posted July 14, 2008
amelia says:
I would pick Haifa, as it is a much more pleasant place to stay, and one could always travel down to see the sights and sounds of Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv's beaches are not THAT much more impressive than Haifa's, in my opinion. But, if you want to be in bustling city, then Tel Aviv is more for you. I choose Haifa.
Posted May 23, 2008
lobengulu says:
Tel Aviv is a flat and ugly city.
Guess what is the best thing in Tel Aviv?
No question that it is the train to Haifa.
Posted May 21, 2008
Tel Aviv
PleasantValley says:
I would choose Tel Aviv, because I already know what a summer in Haifa is like! :)
Posted May 21, 2008
Cool Museums in Haifa
- Hecht Museum at Haifa University
- This is a great place to spend at least two hours if you're into Canaanite, Phoenician, Hebrew, and Byzantine archeology.
- The Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum
- A multimedia experience awaits those who take interest in the stories of clandestine Jewish immigration before the Declaration of Independence and the battle heritage of the Israeli Navy and submarines.
- MadaTech, The Haifa National Museum of Science
- This former home of the Technion (Israel's equivalent to MIT) now serves as a science museum to the young and young at heart.
- More Museums...
- Here's the entire list of Haifa's museums.
Featured Museum: MadaTech, The Haifa National Museum of Science
The second video, titled "Super Kid", presents a unique 4-D experience called "The Road to Safety" in the CineMatrix at MadaTech. (The video is in Hebrew, but the visuals are worth watching.)
"The Cinematrix, the first of its kind in the world, is an extraordinary, innovative SMART Theater which engages all senses simultaneously...Using the 3E4DMi formula, it educates, explores and excites, engaging four dimensions: Seeing, Hearing, Feeling and Riding; and using Multi-Interactive systems boasting the latest techniques: 3-D film, multi-channel sound system, and smart seats, with built-in ticklers and dual-motion capability-complemented by scent, air flow and water effects." (Quoted from the MadaTech website)
If you have one day or less to spend in Haifa, see these places:
- Baha'i Gardens and Shrine
- Tour of The Baha'i Gardens and Shrine
- The German Templer Colony
- A recently refurbished part of town full of coffee shops and an amazing nighttime view of the Baha'i Shrine and Gardens.
- Dado Beach
- Begin (or end) your day on the boardwalk and absorb the relaxed atmosphere of the best beach in Israel.
- Louis Promenade
- View most of the city and bay area from this spectacular observation point. Try to arrive right before sunset to see the view under different lighting conditions.
Haifa at Night
A Super Easy Camera for Your Trip to Israel
Nikon Coolpix L10 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
Two of my family members own this model - and I enjoy borrowing it from them often.
The Nikon Coolpix L10 is a quality low-end digital camera meant for everyday use for beginners. I think a tourist can get a lot of mileage out of this model. It's really easy to document your trip with it.
The lack of complicated buttons makes this a very user-friendly camera. Of course, there are special settings for close-up "macro shots" and for different lighting situations. Overall, it's a point-and-shoot kind of camera for those who want to easily take and transfer good quality photos to their friends and family without having to spend hundreds of dollars.
Don't get me wrong - the photo quality is great for the price. This camera comes with a USB port and can connect to most laptops and desktops.
Avg. Customer Rating:
The Best Annual Festivals in Haifa
- The Haifa International Film Festival (October)
- The International Sand Castle Competition (July)
- Goldstar Beer Festival (August)
- Haifa University & Technion Students' Day (usually in May)
- National Hebrew Book Fair (June)
- International Festival of Childrens' Plays (April)
- Festival of Festivals - Hannukah and Christmas in the Wadi (December)
Walking Tours in Haifa
- Walking Tours in Haifa
- The tourist board can hook you up with guided walking tours throughout all the nooks and crannies of the city.
The Best Observation Points of the City
- The Louis Promenade (next to Panorama Center)
- German Colony
- Haifa University and the road to Osefiyah
- Stella Maris
Party Time!
Pubs & Dance Bars
Although Tel Aviv is the party capital of Israel, Haifa's nightlife scene has improved over the past few years. Several venues are located on top of Mt. Carmel on Yafe Nof Street and Moriah Avenue.
Haifa, LOST, & the Dharma Initiative - Look at the sign on the lower right outside the travel agency
The Quest for the Perfect Espresso
You won't find a Starbucks here
Recently, coffee shops have been popping up around Haifa like zits. Starbucks tried to set up shop in Israel, but the customers stayed with the originals.
Aroma Cafe
One of Israel's largest coffehouse chains. They serve various espressos, cappuccinos, sandwiches, and more.
Locations: Carmel Center (Merkaz HaCarmel), Grand Kenyon mall and Haifa Kenyon mall.
Cafe Greg
Another chain of famous espresso hangouts located on the top of the Carmel. Most Greg Cafes are open 24 hours a day, so if you can't sleep from all your walking around town, go there for a break.
Locations: One at Carmel Center (Merkaz HaCarmel) and on two on Moriah Avenue.
Ladybug Cafe (Hipusheet BaCafe)
If you're looking for a small, cozy, neighborhood coffeehouse, the Ladybug Cafe is the place for you.
Location: Moriah Avenue
Here's a Big List of Cafes and Restaurants in Haifa
Eat Falafel Here, or Forever Hold Your Peace
Right across the street is "Michel", another falafel stand and Hazkenim's stiff competition. I recall that Michel once won the #1 one spot a few years ago, but don't hold me to it.
Hazkenim is located on 18 Havadi Street, Wadi Nisnas. The the video below was filmed there.
5 Fun Facts About Haifa
- Haifa has the only subway in the country. It's called the "Carmelit", and unfortunately, it only goes up and down the mountain. During wartime, it doubles as a bomb shelter.
- Haifa is the only place in the country with some public bus service on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath.
- Haifa was known as "The Red City" (i.e the Labor party stronghold) for many years. This is where its sleepy workers-town reputation came from.
- Gene Simmons, from the metal band KISS, once lived in Haifa.
- One area of the Haifa shore has great conditions for windsurfers. The World Windsurfing Championships were held in Haifa a few years ago.
Maccabi Haifa Football Club
Although I'm not a big football/ soccer fan, I can tell you that Maccabi Haifa is popular not just in this city, but has fans across the country. Over the past 15 years, the club had its up and downs, winning national championships and even doing well in the UEFA Champions league against European teams.By the way, the city plans to build a new modern stadium for the team in the next few years, which means that Haifa will start winning every single home game and the UEFA cup ;)
Photo credit: Stefano Moscardini
On the Outskirts of Haifa: The Druze Villages
Technically not in Haifa, but close enough
The video below (Hebrew) provides a peek into their villages and culture:
5 More Fun Haifa Facts
- During the past 20 years, Haifa changed considerably. Haifa has embraced capitalism by attracting High Tech companies, spacious malls, cafes, boutiques and other entertainment services.
- IBM, Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Motorola opened offices in Haifa.
- Haifa has a large Russian-speaking population - a result of the early 1990s mass emigration from the former Soviet Union.
- San Francisco is one of Haifa's sister cities.
- Unlike other countries, the expensive real estate is located on the top of the mountain, not on the seashore.
A photographic history book of Haifa
The book is in English and Hebrew
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Reader Feedback
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- TrixiJahn TrixiJahn Nov 14, 2008 @ 9:37 pm
- A great lens..gets 5* from me and lensrolled to my Israel lens!!! I have close friends in Haifa and have been there several times. With this lens I can tell I still have points to see!!! Thanks for making them visible for me!
Yom Tov
Trixi
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- ArtByLinda ArtByLinda Aug 9, 2008 @ 10:25 am
- Great site, I really learned a lot about Haifa...very interesting. Thanks for sharing! Linda
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- poddys poddys Jun 4, 2008 @ 8:15 am
- Great lens, an instant 5*****. I never knew much about Haifa, now I do. I would love to visit Israel one day.
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- Serenity_Prayer_Gifts Serenity_Prayer_Gifts May 27, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
- Nice lens! Thanks for sharing! :-)
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- Piksychick Piksychick May 12, 2008 @ 5:03 pm
- I am embarrassed to say that I don't know much about Haifa. I do love seaside cities/ports/villages and would like very much to visit in the near future. I would also like to see the films that you suggested. Nice lens indeed.
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- Squidster Squidster May 6, 2008 @ 12:39 am
- I had no idea Haifa was so beautiful. If ever I get the chance to visit I will check out your lens again for the latest tips. A 5* member of the Squidoo.Asia Directory!
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino May 5, 2008 @ 10:35 pm
- Very nice travel lens... Welcome to All Things Travel!
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- May 5, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
- Great Lens 5* and thanks for submitting it to Travelmania Group!
Discount Travel Booking
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- Apr 22, 2008 @ 10:19 am
- Cool Vacation Lens I Love Vacations! 5 Stars Awsome World Travel Group!
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- badmsm badmsm Feb 22, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
- Great lens, gorgeous pictures. I hope to make it to Isreal sometime. 5 Stars for you!
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- Jerusalemite Jerusalemite Nov 24, 2007 @ 11:46 am
- Nice site, and I highly recommend MadaTech (The Haifa National Museum of Science) listed above. It's an excellent museum for adults and children--they even have a small toddler's area with enriching educational games.
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- Margaret_Schaut Margaret_Schaut Nov 21, 2007 @ 11:10 am
- Welcome to Wanderer's Travel Group! Awesome destination- thanks for all the information!
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Israelity: The reality of daily life in Israel
Here's a blog that brings together the best blog posts about life in Israel
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCheck Out My Other Israel Related Lenses
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Matkot: Israel's Unofficial National Sport (Beach Paddleball)
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I've taken the time to collect the best Israeli entries to this international competition for you. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by some of the videos! Photo: Jerry Daykin
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