Explore the Charm of Haifa: Must-Visit Tourist Attractions:
Haifa is a port city and the 3rd largest city in Israel, nestled on the picturesque Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa city blends of history, religion, and culture, old industry, high tech industry, modernity, leisure, natural beauty with urban delights.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a taste of local culture, Haifa has something to offer everyone, it is also a great tourist hub for cruise ship passengers to explore Galile, with nice hotels for business visitors to the Matam high tech park and a nice stop for tourist grips on the way to the north.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the top tourist attractions what to do in Haifa:
Visit The Baha'i Gardens and Shrine
It is the must visit stop for tourists and visitors to the city, and a center for pilgrimage to the Baha’is religion.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Baha’i Gardens and Shrine is a breathtakingly beautiful terraced garden that cascades down Mount Carmel.
Explore the serene gardens and visit the stunning gold-domed shrine at the heart of the complex.
Stella Maris Monastery
At the western top of Mount Carmel, this monastery offers magnificent views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, and it is a must visit site for Catholic visitors to Haifa.
The Cave inside the church is related to Elija the prophet, this is where the Carmelite order was founded, this is the only Christian order founded in the Holy Land.
Reveal the Mystery of Elijah's Cave:
A significant religious site, this cave is believed to be associated with the prophet Elijah, it is a holy place for Jews and Mulsims, considered to be the place where the prophet Elija stay while he hid from King Ahab.
German Colony - Time for Leisure And Fun
A European style stone houses built by the German Templars at the end of the 19 century, built at the bottom of Mt. Carmel and the Bahai’s gardens.
Wander through charming streets adorned with historic buildings, boutiques, great restaurants and cafes.
During the day it is a nice place to visit and take some nice photos and at night it has become one of the best places to hang out in the city.
Haifa Port - The gate to Haifa
Witness the bustling activity of one of Israel’s largest and busiest ports.
Haifa port passengers terminal is the most friendly cruise port in israel for cruise ship passenger,next to the passengers terminal you can find a train station and public transportation, a short walk to the German colony, the Bhai’s gardens, there is supermarket open for 24 hours and is a great place to take a shore excursion to explore Galilee, Acre, Caesarea Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The port itself is not open for visitor and it is only open for cruise ship passengers.
Haifa's Museums:
National Maritime Museum: Discover the maritime history of Israel and its connection to the Mediterranean.
This museum is a nice stop to study about the modern history of the state of Israel and there are many attractions for families with kids in this museum.
Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art: Explore an extensive collection of Japanese art and culture, just a short walk from Haifa main hotels.
Hecht Museum: Delve into archaeology, art, and Judaica, located inside the Haifa university campus – this is the most recommended museum to visit by the Haifa Excursions team.
If you combine the visit to the museum with a Cable car ride from Lev Hamifratz central bus station it will be a nice day attraction for adults and kids.
Carmelit - See Haifa from the underground
Take a ride at the Carmelit, Haifa’s unique underground funicular railway, for a novel way to see the city, and an easy ride to Carmel Center.
Haifa Beaches - Time for Leisure
Haifa boasts some of the finest beaches along the Mediterranean coast.
Bathe in the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in water sports.
Dado Beach, Hof HaCarmel Beach, and Bat Galim Beach are some of the popular options.
To know more about Haifa Beaches, please read our new article about “Haifa Beaches”.
Wadi Nisnas Market
Immerse yourself in Haifa’s vibrant culture at this lively market, taste a local food, Falafel / Shawarma.
If you want to tour the city like the locals, you must visit this local market, where you can see, feel and smell the people and culture of Haifa, you can buy some fresh fruits, vegetables and spices, taste local food and talk to the local people.
See Haifa Zoo
Perfect for a family outing, the zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world. It is an educational and entertaining, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
In this Zoo you can see indigenous animals to this region, together with animals from all over the world.
The only cons for this Zoo is the fact that it is built on the mountain, so it might be a hard tour for elderly and people with walking difficulties.
If you wish to see a more accessible zoo, please take a visit to Hai Park zoo at Kiryat Motzkin.
The Louis Promenade
Take a leisurely stroll from Haifa Hotels along this scenic promenade and enjoy spectacular vistas of the city.
Take a Private Shore Excursion from Haifa port
For Cruise ship passengers coming to Haifa port with a very short schedule we provide tailor made private tours to fits your need,
Just tell us what you want to do and see and we will provide you with a professional tour guide with a tourist vehicle to make the best of your visit and all these with a great price and service.
Join a day Tour from Haifa to Galilee and Jerusalem
Do you stay in one of Haifa hotels and you want to see more of Israel?
You can join a day tour to the Galilee or Jerusalem and the Dead Sea?
You can join us for a group tour, we currently have this option available on Friday and Saturday.
On Friday we have a day tour to Nazareth and Galilee, and on Saturday a tour to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.
For these tours we need a minimum number of participants to run the tour.
Wish you a great time in Haifa.
Do you want to visit Haifa on your own using public transportation and see Haifa like the locals?
Please read our article about Haifa Hop on Bus Alternatives.