Haifa
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At a glance
- Country
- Israel
- Region
- Haifa District
- Population
- 290,000
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to November
- Main airport
- Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV)
- Coordinates
- 32.79°N, 34.99°E
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Overview
Haifa climbs from a busy port up the slopes of Mount Carmel, with the bay of Haifa spread out below. It is Israel's third city and a working one, known for a long tradition of Jews and Arabs living side by side.
Most visitors come for the terraced Bahá'í Gardens, but the city also makes a relaxed base for the north, with Akko, Caesarea and the Galilee all within easy reach.
Things to see
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Photo: Immanuel Giel, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bahá'í Gardens
Nineteen manicured terraces run down the mountain to the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb; guided walks lead down through the upper terraces.
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Photo: StateofIsrael, CC BY-SA 2.0 German Colony
A broad avenue of 19th-century Templer houses, now restaurants and cafés, leading straight up to the gardens.
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Photo: זאב שטיין, CC BY 2.5 Stella Maris Monastery
A Carmelite monastery high on the headland, reached by a cable car from the seafront at Bat Galim.
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Photo: Deror avi, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wadi Nisnas
An Arab neighbourhood of markets, bakeries and street art, a short walk from the German Colony.
Things to do
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Photo: israeltourism from Israel, CC BY 2.0 Day trip to Akko
The walled Crusader port across the bay has underground halls, a lively souk and good seafood by the harbour.
Find tours -
Photo: אבישי טייכר, CC BY 2.5 Walk the Louis Promenade
A clifftop walk on the Carmel with sweeping views over the port, the bay and, on clear days, the hills of Lebanon.
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Photo: ליזי שאנן, CC BY 2.5 Eat in the lower town
Hummus joints and Arab bakeries around Wadi Nisnas and the market streets are some of the best in the country.
Where to stay
German Colony
Central, walkable and full of restaurants, with the gardens right above you.
Hotels in German ColonyCarmel Centre
Up the mountain, cooler and greener, with hotels near the promenade views.
Hotels in Carmel Centre
Getting around
The Carmelit, a short underground funicular railway, climbs from the lower town to Carmel Centre. Buses fill the gaps, and walking downhill on the city's many stairways is a pleasure.
Direct trains from Ben Gurion Airport reach Haifa in around 90 minutes, and trains from Tel Aviv take about an hour.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and clear. Summer is hot and humid by the sea, though breezier up on the Carmel, and winter brings mild weather with some heavy rain.
Plan your trip to Haifa
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.