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Welcome to my Haifa vacation lens! I've lived in Haifa for several years, so I know the wonderful elements of the city and would like to share them... (more...)
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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
Wonder of the World: The Baha'i Gardens
Recreating Eden - Baha'i Gardens - Haifa
The Baha'i Gardens in Haifa, Israel is one of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
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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.
Views of Haifa from Stella Maris Monastery
Haifa Bay, Israel
Bay and Port, Haifa,...
Bat Galim Neighborho...
View Opposite Stella...
Stella Maris Monaste...
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
Dado Beach at Twilig...
The Camel Cafe, Dado...
Dado Beach Flags, Ha...
Lifeguard Tower, Dad...
Lawn, Sand, & Se...
Boardwalk & Came...
Lazy Saturday on the...
Mt. Carmel, View Fro...
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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Sand Mixed with Artistic Genius
Photo Credits: "A Goblin" and "The Owl" taken by Max Timchenko, "Cinderella's Castle" taken by Adam Scheldt, and the last two taken by Jodie Daniel
A Goblin
The Owl
Cinderella's Castle
A Fantastic Gallery 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!)
A Film and a Book About 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: (as of 05/17/2008)
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: $15.95 (as of 05/17/2008)
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
Baha'i Temple at Nig...
Haifa Bay at Night
Port at Night, Haifa...
Haifa at Night
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
Restaurant Recommendation
When you're hungry for lunch or dinner
The prices are reasonable, the salads are big enough for two people, their fruit shakes are their "claim to fame", and the sea view from the window provides a relaxing atmosphere. If you're lucky and come on a good day, you'll eat and watch local windsurfers riding the waves.
Location: Haifa's Bat Galim neighborhood by the beach
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.
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.
Falafel
Sujeito arabe faz falafel no bairro arabe de Haifa, em Israel
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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.
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:
daliat el carmel - druze village in israel
daliat el carmel - druze village in israel by einav halabi communication studet \there is a voice over problem.
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Cultural Events in Haifa (Updated Weekly)
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byHotels and Car Rental in Haifa, Israel
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.
Your Opinion is Needed!
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Reader Feedback
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Piksychick
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. Posted May 12, 2008 |
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Squidster
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! Posted May 06, 2008 |
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KimGiancaterino
Very nice travel lens... Welcome to All Things Travel! Posted May 05, 2008 |
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capybara
Great Lens 5* and thanks for submitting it to Travelmania Group! Posted May 05, 2008 |
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Travel-Guy
Cool Vacation Lens I Love Vacations! 5 Stars Awsome World Travel Group! Posted April 22, 2008 |
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badmsm
Great lens, gorgeous pictures. I hope to make it to Isreal sometime. 5 Stars for you! Posted February 22, 2008 |
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.
Posted November 24, 2007
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Margaret_Schaut
Welcome to Wanderer's Travel Group! Awesome destination- thanks for all the information! Posted November 21, 2007 |
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Rachel2
Thanks for your comment. So much information here! Well done :-)Rachel"> Posted November 20, 2007 |
Great site, did not realise there was so much to see, While I am still here I will take a look.
Posted November 18, 2007
Great overview of an enticing city. We'll have to re-visit it soon.
Posted November 15, 2007
What a wonderful and thorough description Haifa's special qualities, beauty and culture. I really enjoyed seeing the Bahai Gardens and all the views last summer. Your information makes me want to see the other points of interest on my next visit. The Sharon family is also a Haifa highlight.
Posted November 14, 2007
