There are many interesting things to do in Haifa, Israel. This is one of the country’s most interesting cities and it would be a pity not to go when in the country.
The third biggest city in the country and allegedly its technology capital, Haifa is right on the coast, but at the same time on the hills – Carmel Mountain surmounts it. While the historical center is picturesque, the beaches are some of the best in Israel and at any time of the year they buzz with life, people running, walking their dogs, children playing, and a selection of excellent restaurants.
Many people visit Haifa on just a day trip from Tel Aviv, going to also Akko and Cesarea. I recommend spending at least a night there to fully appreciate its atmosphere.
If you are short on time, you can still make the most of the city in a day, though you may want to do a guided tour to save some time. You can book it here.
Continue reading to discover all the things to do in Haifa.
13 Fabulous Things To Do In Haifa, Israel
Explore the Bahai Gardens
This is Haifa’s most famous attraction. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this perfectly kept park is located on the hills and counts 19 terraces. From the top one, you get incredible views of the gardens below and of Haifa, including the harbor. Inside the gardens you’ll also find the shrine of Baha’i religion, as well as a multitude of plants.
The gardens are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and the shrine can be visited from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm every day.
Walk around the German Colony
You simply can’t go to Haifa and skip the German Colony. It sits right at the bottom of Bahai Gardens and chances are you’ll walk through it on your way there. This is Haifa’s prettiest neighborhood, first created in 1868 when a second wave of settlements hit the Holy Land. Many of the buildings are still very well kept – some are private homes, others have been turned into cafés, bars and restaurants.
Discover Wadi Nisnas
Right by the German Colony there is the Arab neighborhood of Wadi Nisnas, a maze of narrow alleys and white stone houses that is a perfect place to try some of the best street food in Haifa. If you want excellent falafels, this is where you should go. There also is a market worth exploring.
Try all the street food
As I have just said, Wadi Nisnas is a great area in Haifa to try falafel. However, go ahead and try all the other street food. Shawarma is best tried at Emil, and if you are in the mood for dough go to Houri for a pita that is stuffed to the brim with your choice of toppings (I recommend pouring copious doses of tahini over anything). For bourekas, go to Ha’agala.
Pop into Haifa Museum of Art
Haifa Museum of Art was inaugurated in 1951 and currently is one of the biggest art museums in the country. Close to Wadi Nisnas, the main focus is contemporary art with an eye for both Israeli artists as well as international ones. Keep an eye on the website of the museum for special exhibits and events.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; it’s open until 6:00 pm, on Thursdays; Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Visit Madatech Science and Technology Museum
Located on 25 Shmaryahu Levin Street inside the premises of Technion University, this is a fun museum to visit for both adults and children, with a fantastic exhibit with special insights into green energy and installations honoring the work of scientists such as Da Vinci and Einstein.
Outside the Madatech you’ll find an outdoors sports science exhibit as well as an interactive theater – which however costs an extra fee.
The museum is open every day but Friday and Sunday. Opening time is always 10:00 am but closing time varies throughout the week. For more information, visit their website.
Ride Haifa Cable Car
One of the most fun things to do in Haifa is riding the cable car. This is an excellent means of transportation that you can use to reach Stella Maris Monastery from Bat Galim Promenade and the views from it are splendid.
Go to Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery
Thought to be one of the oldest monasteries in the world, Stella Maris dates back to 1291 AD. It’s a gorgeous place to explore – and it’s free, in a country where everything is very expensive. The views from there are stunning.
You can get to the monastery by cable car. It’s open every day from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
Visit Elijah’s Cave
Elijah’s Cave is a chapel thought to be the place where Prophet Elijah’s used to live in the 9th century BC. It’s where he taught and many of his life events took place. This place of religious worship for Christians, Muslims, Jews and even Druze is located at the foot of Carmel Mountain.
Hit the beach
Haifa easily wins the title for best beaches in Israel. Bat Galim and Dado are both are excellent places to practice sports such as surfing, kite-surfing, wind-surfing, paddle-boarding.
Bat Galim is a lovely neighborhood with a nice promenade, restaurants and cafés perfect for a walk in any season. The cable car that connects Haifa to Stella Maris Monastery departs from Bat Galim.
Dado Beach is famous for the long boardwalk and the well kept gardens, and a favorite of locals.
Have a picnic in Carmel Park
Carmel Mountain National Park is the largest national park in Israel and it’s at just 20 minutes drive from Haifa. It’s a wonderful place to have a family picnic, to walk and even bike around and from there you can reach several archeological sites.
Browse around the Flea Market
If you are in search of a bargain or just want to peek around the stalls, go to the flea market. This is open daily, but the best day to visit is Saturday, when you’ll find the largest variety of objects – from vintage jewelry to used clothing and art pieces.
Hang out in Masada Street
One of the nicest things to do in Haifa is hanging out in Masada Street. This part of town is very artsy – you will find bohemian looking people enjoying a drink; vintage shops; cute coffee shops and a lot of street art.
Walk along Louis Promenade
Known as the Balcony of the Country, Louis Promenade was built in 1992 and it’s just 400 meters long. It’s a short but nice walk through the Mediterranean woods with benches and pergolas perfect for a break and with incredible views of the sea – a great place to hang around in the late afternoon, especially in the spring and summer months.
Practical Tips To Plan Your Trip To Haifa, Israel
Where to stay in Haifa
Haifa has a good selection of places to stay. You can decide to stay either near the beach or in the city center. The following are just a few places for your consideration:
- City Port Hotel is a small hotel near the center of Haifa, from where you can easily reach all attractions and even the beach. Click here for the latest rates.
- Schumacher Hotel Haifa has spacious, stylish modern rooms close to the center of Haifa and within easy distance from the best beaches. Click here for the latest rates.
- Haifa Hostel has plain but clean dorms and is within easy walking distance from Quiet Beach. Click here for the latest rates.
When to visit Haifa
Haifa is great at any time of year. The spring and summer months are best to enjoy the beaches and the lovely nightlife, but keep in mind Israel tends to get very hot in August. The rainiest month is January, so you may want to avoid that.
How to get to Haifa
Haifa is well connected to the rest of Israel.
BY TRAIN: The easiest way to get there from Tel Aviv is by train. There are frequent trains and the overall journey lasts around 45 minutes to one hour.
BY BUS: You can take bus 910 from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station all the way to Haifa Hof Ha Carmel bus station. It takes around 90 minutes.
Keep in mind that public transportation does not work in Israel during Shabbat, so from Friday afternoon until Saturday afternoon. If you want to go during that time, your best bet is a car rental.
You can book your car here.
How to move around Haifa
Public transportation works really well in Haifa – it’s actually the best in the country – and you can count on the bus, the light rail, the Carmelit (metro) and on a great web of service taxis to get around efficiently and cheaply.
Other useful information
I recommend getting a good travel insurance for your trip to Israel.
Get your insurance here. Check out my post Why You Need A Good Travel Insurance.
Further Readings
If you are planning a trip to Israel, make sure to read all my other posts:
- 33 Tips For Traveling To Israel
- How To Plan The Perfect Trip To Israel
- The Best Places To Visit In Israel
- Traditional and Alternative Things To Do In Jerusalem
- What You Need To Know About Shabbat In Jerusalem
- Where To Get The Most Impressive Views Of Jerusalem
- What You Must Know Before Visiting Temple Mount And Dome Of The Rock
- 9 Fantastic Day Trips From Jerusalem
- 21 Absolutely Unmissable Things To Do In Tel Aviv
- 15 Great Tel Aviv Beaches
- The 13 Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv
- Where To Stay In Tel Aviv: Recommendations By An Almost Local
- The Best Airbnbs In Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv Vegan Food Guide – The Best Vegan Restaurants In Tel Aviv
- 17 Unmissable Things To Do In Eilat, Israel
- Everything You Need To Know To Hike The Jesus Trail
- Why I took a Dual Narrative Tour of Hebron
- A Complete Guide To Israeli Food
- Masada Sunrise Guide: Hiking The Masada Snake Path
- Everything You Need To Know Before You Visit Palestine
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As someone who lived in Haifa from age 7 to 25 I totally agree with the recommendation. Haifa is wonderful city with a cool vibe and a history of tolerance and coexistence.
There is lot’s of wonderful food in Haifa – street food as well as more upscale restaurant food.
I would also recommend walking or hiking on the Carmel mountain (near Mukhraka, for example) and visiting the Druze villages Daliyat-Al-Karmel and Isfiya.
Going there on 28 December again and I can’t wait!