The Definitive Vacation Guide to Haifa, Israel
Ranked #5,275 in Travel & Places, #151,313 overall
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
- 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
- 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
Baha'i Gardens & Temple
Photos by Bernard Fresco
Bahai Shrine & Gardens are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
43% of tourists list the sites as the main reason to visit Haifa
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
Photos Taken at the 2008 Goldstar Beer Festival in Haifa
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
Two guys play Israeli paddleball on Haifa's beach
Matkot is Israel's unoffical national sport
A Dirt-Cheap Video Camera to Use on Your Vacation
Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Orange)
Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)
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.
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
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?
Haifa
cmoneyspinner says:
I'm going to pick Haifa because I recently made friends with someone from there and if she's a sample representative of people who are from Haifa, I want to go there and meet more people like her!
sherioz says:
I live here the entire year round. No contest!! Haifa of course.
askhelen says:
I have been to both cities and Haifa is fab.
july says:
haifa because the shore is amazing but u can also take a bike ride through the mountains. :-)
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.
Tel Aviv
PleasantValley says:
I would choose Tel Aviv, because I already know what a summer in Haifa is like! :)
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: $199.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
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.
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
Your Opinion is Needed!
Is This Lens Stumble-Worthy?
Press the blue button below to share this lens with the StumbleUpon community so others can enjoy Haifa too!
Reader Feedback
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cmoneyspinner
May 22, 2012 @ 2:49 pm | delete
- I thought it was Stumble-Worthy. So I stumbled it.
I checked it as safe for work; categorized it in Travel; and gave it the following tags: vacation, Israel, Haifa, Middle East, Squidoo, guide, tourist, tourist activities, tourist destinations, festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Site. if stumblers can find this lens, they're just looking in all the wrong places. :) <3 [http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/cmoneyspinner]
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PleasantValley
May 23, 2012 @ 7:20 am | delete
- Thank you so much! That was very kind of you.
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sherioz
Dec 27, 2011 @ 6:24 am | delete
- Well, another lens you beat me to. Great coverage of my hometown.
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PleasantValley
Dec 27, 2011 @ 12:47 pm | delete
- Thanks for the kind words. I'm sure there's enough room here for two Haifa lenses, so don't let mine stop you! :)
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hoildays
May 19, 2011 @ 2:29 am | delete
- I really enjoyed reading this lens. So much great information about Haifa! Is it cool if i post some materials in my site www.holidaysinisrael.org ? thank u for this lens!
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askhelen
Mar 22, 2011 @ 9:35 pm | delete
- I lived at a kibbutz way back in the 1970's and was lucky enough to visit Haifa. Thanks for the memories.
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Senora_M
Jan 10, 2011 @ 4:00 pm | delete
- Cool lens. My husband and I just returned from Israel. We were so excited to walk where Jesus walked!
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TrixiJahn
Nov 14, 2008 @ 9:37 pm | delete
- 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 Aug 9, 2008 @ 10:25 am | delete
- Great site, I really learned a lot about Haifa...very interesting. Thanks for sharing! Linda
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poddys
Jun 4, 2008 @ 8:15 am | delete
- 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
May 27, 2008 @ 10:22 pm | delete
- Nice lens! Thanks for sharing! :-)
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Piksychick
May 12, 2008 @ 5:03 pm | delete
- 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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Israelity: The reality of daily life in Israel
Here's a blog that brings together the best blog posts about life in Israel
Check Out My Other Israel Related Lenses
by PleasantValley
I've lived in Haifa and know the area well, so I created this lens for potential tourists.
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