Haifa between the sea, Carmel and cultural heritage

When choosing a hotel in Haifa, it helps to first decide on the main focus of your trip: the cityscape connects the sea and Carmel, while museums, Bahá’í sites and markets each add their own character. The Carmel ridge slopes down to the sea, creating the distinctive connection between sea and mountains that defines Haifa.

Culture and history in Haifa

The National Maritime Museum presents 5,000 years of maritime history in the Mediterranean region. The Haifa City Museum offers a different perspective: it is housed in two buildings dating from the Templar period in the German Colony. This brings together a broad maritime perspective and a tangible architectural connection to the city.

The Shrine of the Báb in Haifa is one of the Bahá’í Holy Places inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Holy Places in Haifa and Western Galilee are also visited as part of the Bahá’í pilgrimage. This connection gives a visit to the sites a religious and cultural-historical context that extends beyond any one location.

Beit Kish has two original Japanese rooms that introduce aspects of Japanese life, including clothing, food and housing. Beit Kish is located in Haifa, next to the Tikotin Museum. The rooms’ themes draw attention to everyday aspects of another culture, complementing the local historical and cultural heritage sites with a perspective of their own.

The Bet She’arim National Park is also part of the region’s cultural heritage. Its catacombs feature elaborate carvings and inscriptions; the park is also the final resting place of prominent Jewish figures, including Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi.

Markets and culinary experiences

The markets each have a distinct character: Wadi Nisnas has a lively year-round market with street food, spices and handmade sweets. The Turkish Market offers bars, street food, restaurants, art galleries and shops. Here you’ll find both specific culinary offerings and a mix of dining, art and shopping.

Cityscape and getting around

The Carmelit is Haifa’s historic underground railway. Museums, a theater, colorful markets and promenades are all within easy walking distance of the Carmelit stations. These walking connections can help you find your way around and put together a day’s itinerary.

Haifa in the wider context of travel in Israel

Israel’s wider travel landscape includes other cultural and natural sites. Caesarea National Park lies on Israel’s Mediterranean coast and includes the site of a former port city; its Roman theater is now used as a concert venue. Masada is a natural fortress in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. In a different landscape, visitors can snorkel at the reef in the Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve; snorkeling masks can be rented at the beach. The Israel Bike Trail is a north-to-south mountain biking route connecting Mount Hermon with Eilat. Coast, desert, reef and cycling route represent different ways to experience Israel as a countrywide travel destination.

Discover more destinations: Harish, Tiv‘on, Binyamina-Giv'at Ada, Ein Iron, Haifa, Zikhron Ya‘aqov, Hadera, Kiryat Tiv'on, Or Akiva, Kiryat Motzkin, Kiryat Bialik, HaBonim, Kiryat Yam, Atlit.

View the broader travel guide: Israel.