Eight Cool Things to Do in Haifa

things to do in haifa

Haifa is a gem of a city sitting on the slopes of Mount Carmel edging the Mediterranean coast. As the third-largest city in Israel, it has some unique stopping points for visitors to admire. However, while some tours may only take you to the Baha’i Gardens before moving on to the next stop, slowing it down and taking a couple days to explore Haifa is definitely worth your while. Here are our suggestions for the best things to do in Haifa.

Baha’i Gardens

things to do in haifa_bahai gardensIt goes without saying: the Baha’i Gardens are an unmissable attraction in Haifa. It’s not only one of the most popular sights in the city, but in the entire country itself! The Baha’i Gardens are a world heritage site, and its easy to see why. The stunningly manicured gardens are relaxing and beautiful to walk through. The view from the top over the length of the gardens and the bay is one of the most iconic of the region. There are daily tours that can take you through the tranquil gardens for a closer look at its natural beauty.

Louis Promenade

things to do in haifa_louis promenade

One of the highly recommended things to do in Haifa, the Louis Promenade is a fantastic place to take in the surrounding sights. Located on Mount Carmel, this 400m long promenade is the most picturesque walkway in the city. From here, you can take in the view from the top of the Baha’i Gardens, as well as the port of Haifa on the Meditteranean Sea. On a clear day, you can even see the city of Acre in the distance as well as the Galilee Mountains.

Looking for things to do in Jerusalem? Check out our suggestions!

Stella Maris Monastery

things to do in haifa_stella marisA stunning monastery situation on Mount Carmel, the Stella Maris is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Haifa. The current structure dates from the 19th century, but the sites history goes all the way back to the 13th century. Both the inside and surroundings of this church are extraordinary. The Italian art and painted ceiling on the inside makes the Stella Maris a grandiose sight. From the grounds surrounding it, you can also get a wonderful view over the city and coastline, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset.

Visit Haifa & The Western Coast

Beaches

things to do in haifa_beachesHaifa is a city built on the side of a mountain, so walking around up and down hills all day can be quite tiring. Take time to enjoy the beaches of Haifa and relax in the sand and sun. There are a few beaches to visit in and around the city. If you’re arriving by train, the Hof Hacarmel train stop sits right in front of the beach, so you’ll be greeted to the stunning blue shades of The Med as you step off the platform. The Dado and Bat Galim beaches are also popular spots for locals and tourists alike.

Haifa Museum of Art

things to do in haifa_haifa museum of artDating back to 1951, the Haifa Museum of Art is one of the biggest in Israel. If you’re looking for things to do in Haifa on a rainy day, or simply to escape the heat for a little while, this museum is the perfect choice. With exhibits of contemporary art from both local Israeli artists and international ones, the museum is a must-see for art lovers.

German Colony

things to do in haifa_german colonySitting at the foot of the Baha’i Gardens, Haifa’s German Colony is a popular and vibrant neighborhood to explore. Originally built by German Templars in the 1860s, the German Colony has now been restored and is considered to be THE place to be in Haifa. The main road, Ben Gurion Boulevard, is lined with cute cafés, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a great place to slow down and relax on your visit to Haifa. It’s also a popular area to enjoy the nightlife of the city. If you’re visiting, a trip to the German Colony is absolutely one of the best things to do in Haifa.

Wadi Nisnas

things to do in haifa_wadi nisnasWadi Nisnas, often referred to simply as “The Wadi,” is an Arab neighborhood in Haifa. There are a few things to do here that will surely fill up an afternoon. The bustling market offers a ton of local delicacies, including coffee, herbs, olives, traditional Arab pastries, and much more. There are also stalls with lovely Jewish and Arab artisinal products. The area itself is full of winding narrow alleyways that are a treat to explore. Be sure to come hungry, because this neighborhood is home to some of the best Israeli foods, particularly falafel, you’ll likely eat.

Planning on going to Eilat? See our 9 must-do activities!

Carmel Park

things to do in haifa_carmel parkBoasting 21,000 acres, the Carmel Park is one of the top things to do in Haifa if you’re looking to escape to nature. There are paths for both bikes and jeeps, offering something for all levels of adventurers. There are also fantastic observation points to take in the lush surroundings. The archeological remains on the mountain are also a draw for many visitors. If you have enough time to stop and rest on the mountain between all the fun things there are to do, you can enjoy a picnic or a quick nap by the running streams.

As you can see, there are no shortage of things to do in Haifa! You can easily spend a few days exploring this magnificent city, and still have things to do when you come back on your next visit.

Want to begin planning your tour to Israel and Haifa? Contact us today to get started. Our experts will be happy to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Christmas in Israel 2018: Where to Celebrate

Christmas in Israel_Christmas in tel aviv and jaffa

If you find yourself visiting during the month of December, there are plenty of ways you can celebrate Christmas in Israel. Despite the fact that the majority of the country is Jewish, there are still very unique ways in which you can celebrate the holiday. In fact, the Christmas you spend in the Holy Land might become your most memorable Christmas of all! Take a look at all the amazing events happening around the country, and feel free to reach out to us if you need help planning your own special Christmas tour in Israel.

Christmas in Israel_chrismas in jerusalemChristmas in Jerusalem

Israel’s capital city is magical year round. However, tourists agree that during the holiday season, there’s just an extra spark that makes visiting there even more special. Here are some things to see while you’re celebrating Christmas in Jerusalem:

  • Wander around the Christian Quarter of the Old City and visit the iconic Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where you can enjoy a beautiful midnight mass.
  • The Jerusalem YMCA usually puts on Christmas events, such as a youth choir concert which will be happening this year on December 24th.
  • Stroll down the Via Dolorosa, where visitors reenact Jesus Christ’s famous route with a cross on his back. To make this even more special, experience it with hundreds of others on Christmas Eve.
  • Also at the YMCA between December 15-18, you’ll find an exciting Christmas market with something fun for everyone. Children can enjoy clowns and visit Santa Claus, and there are live shows, music, Christmas lights, and food and drink stalls for the whole family.

Christmas in Israel_Christmas in tel aviv and jaffaChristmas in Tel Aviv & Jaffa

Chances are you’ll find yourself spending some time in Israel’s most metropolitan city when you visit. Though Tel Aviv doesn’t have as much Christmas cheer as many other cities, it’s still possible to get into the holiday spirit while you’re here.

  • Go for a stroll in Old Jaffa. On your way, admire the gigantic Christmas tree by the clocktower that is gorgeously lit up.
  • Also in Jaffa, you’ll find a winter market on December 22nd and 23rd. You can enjoy some warm winter treats, an exciting fair, and even an ice-skating rink! Bring your whole family for what’s sure to be a fun day.
  • While you’re wandering around Jaffa admiring the sparkling lights around you, you can also find Christmas events happening at different churches in the area. Check out the Franciscan St. Peter’s Church, Immanuel Letheran Church, or the Armenian St. Nicholas Monastary, all of which are opened for visitors.

Christmas in Israel_christmas in NazarethChristmas in Nazareth

If you’re spending your Christmas in Israel, visiting Nazareth is a no-brainer. As the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Nazareth is a fantastic place to get into the holiday spirit.

  • The city will officially light its Christmas tree on December 17th.
  • Visit the Christmas fair & market, where everyone can enjoy different stalls of food, drinks, and crafts. The fair takes place between December 17th-22nd.
  • Nazareth’s annual Christmas parade will be held on December 23rd and begins at 3:30pm. It’s advised to go early so you can get a good spot!
  • All the churches in Nazareth will have a Christmas mass. The most popular one is at the Basilica of the Annunciation, and it begins at 7:00pm. There will also be a festive mass at 10:00pm.

Christmas in Israel_christmas in bethlehemChristmas in Bethlehem

Christmas in Israel isn’t complete with a visit to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. This city is known for it’s incredible and spiritual celebration, which is attended by many people every year.

  • Wander around Bethlehem, where you’ll find Churches with many different holiday events going on. Admire the stunning lights and decorations around the city, and nativity scenes adorning the streets of Bethlehem.
  • The most popular Christmas event in Bethlehem is the midnight mass on December 24th. Thousands of people, Christians and Muslims alike, gather at Manger Square for this special day. Many people attend and it can be difficult to get into the Church of the Nativity, so it is best to leave it to the professionals to organize. Contact us to plan your visit to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.

Christmas in Haifa

It’s also possible to celebrate Christmas in Israel in the north of the country. Jews, Muslims, and Christians living together in harmony in this unique city. If you’re in Haifa for Christmas, there are a number of interesting things to do:

  • There are events happening nightly on the streets of Haifa, where you can enjoy a lit up Christmas tree, arts & crafts displays, and live music. The area around the German Colony is particularly known for its Christmas decorations and events.
  • The yearly Holiday of Holidays festival celebrates the holidays of the three major religions found in the city: Hanukkah, Christmas, and Eid-al-Adha. For an especially unique way to celebrate the holiday this year, head to Haifa and learn about different cultures and traditions. The event runs between December 6th-22nd.
  • The Stella Maris Monastery hosts a Christmas mass as well as a Christmas morning mass. Visitors can also go here to enjoy singing Christmas carols.

Wherever you may be for the holidays this year, whether you are spending Christmas in Israel, at home, or somewhere else, all of us at Mazada Tours wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! If you need help on making your holiday tour in Israel even more special, contact us today and let us help you plan a perfect Christmas.

Holidays in the Holy Land

Thanks to a mild winter, Israel doesn’t experience the holiday season like other countries. Christmas is never white and you won’t find massive lighting decorating the main streets. However, this doesn’t mean that the holiday season in Israel is any less exciting. With Hanukkah and Christmas usually falling within the same couple of weeks in December, there are multiple events around the country to please even the most hardened Grinch.

Unlike Christmas, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the miraculous burning of oil on the ancient temple’s menorah for eight days when there was only enough oil for one. Therefore, you will find exciting events happening on all nights of the holiday.

shutterstock_563453890 (1)

The Old City of Jerusalem is always spectacular to visit, but the festival of lights makes it an even more special experience with all the lit Menorahs around the city. Visit the Western Wall on any night of Hanukkah to take part in the lighting of the 2-meter-high bronzed Menorah. Lighting takes place every night of the holiday at 4:30pm, except for Friday at 3:30pm and Saturday at 7:00pm.

If you’re in the north, make sure to stop by Haifa for any of the Holiday of Holidays events taking place throughout the month of December. Go to discover different cultural events surrounding the major holidays of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Ramadan. There are different concerts, exhibits, shows, and antique fairs to keep you busy for even longer than eight days! Even farther north in the scenic city of Safed, you will find events for the whole family during Hanukkah, many of them focusing on artistic, historical, and religious activities. Check out their calendar of events for more details.

shutterstock_345906695

Make sure to stop by any of the bakeries around the country to sample some mouth-watering sufganiot (donuts). Get the classic jelly-stuffed donut or opt for a fancier version topped with chocolates, nuts, candy, or anything else the master bakers have come up with this season! If you’re in Tel Aviv and want to get into the spirit of the holiday, you don’t need to trek all the way to the capital; celebrate Hanukkah like a local and light the menorah in Gan Ha’atzmaut (Independence Park).

For those wishing to experience Christmas in Israel, there are still many unique options for you too! Head over to Bethlehem for the famous Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity. Get the full experience of the birthplace of Jesus by joining our Christmas Eve tour, which includes an unforgettable Christmas Feast!

shutterstock_540515407

If you’re in Nazareth, there will be special events all month in preparation for Christmas. Stop by the Christmas Market for a street fair and the lighting of the Christmas tree between December 17th – 22nd. You can also go and watch the Christmas Parade on December 23rd, starting at 3:00pm. Take part in a special Christmas Mass at the Basilica of Annunciation on December 24th, or visit any of the Catholic churches during the evening of December 25th.

While Jaffa is magical year round, it is even more of a special visit around Christmas time. Since Jaffa is home to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike, the meandering alleyways of this old city are decked out with lights, menorahs, and Christmas trees. The official lighting of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Christmas tree is on December 17th and 6:00pm at the Clock Tower.

Interested in celebrating Christmas in the Holy Land? Don’t miss out on our exclusive Christmas Eve tour!