Haifa, Israel, is dazzling in the sun, but its beauty remains undiminished in the cold moonlight, when the Mediterranean city is bathed in millions of lights. It gives tourists sandy beaches, clean mountain air, paths lost in the forests, and the opportunity to enjoy life.

Shrines of Haifa

The city bears the title of the northern gate of Israel. From here it is convenient to start your journey to the mysterious Galilee. The city of Haifa is famous for its architecture, but that's not the only thing it offers visitors. It will take a lot of time to visit all the sights of Haifa.

The eighth wonder of the world

Splendor and harmony - this is what you can say when looking at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. Like a living stream, they flow smoothly towards the sea, decorating the slope of Mount Carmel. Symmetrical terraces with fountains run across half of the city, creating a festive and sophisticated atmosphere. The Gardens have 19 terraces that recreate the Persian style with neat alleys with decoratively trimmed bushes. Tours of the gardens begin from the upper platforms. Stone steps lead down, along which water flows quietly. The gardens are magnificent at any time of the day. In the light of the sun it is sophistication, and at night it is the sparkling lights.

The gardens, which are nine regular circles, radiate in waves from the central temple. Harmonious combinations of metal and stone, beautiful fountains, ideal alleys and lawns decorated with exotic flowers make them the eighth wonder of the world.

Monastery of Stella Maris

The name literally sounds like “Star of the Sea”. Here the mountain, going down to the coast, meets the water surface of the Mediterranean Sea. At the top there is a monastery and a church of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. The attraction is not only of tourist importance - it is a place of worldwide pilgrimage. The church was often attacked, so its appearance is unusual: there are almost no windows on the lower floor, and the existing ones are covered with thick bars.

The Bahai Temple - the nine-pointed star of the new faith

This building is the center of the Bahai faith. The temple is crowned with a 40-meter gilded dome, the walls are made of Italian marble, and the entrance is decorated with granite columns. Its shape resembles the configuration of a nine-pointed star. Many world artifacts claim participation in the biography of the prophet Elijah, but only a cave in the depths of the mountain claims the right to be authentic.

The floor is covered with carpets, and along the walls there are cabinets with sacred Jewish books. There is a small niche in the wall, covered with a curtain, where everyone can pray in complete privacy. Here the prophet Eliyahu (Elijah) hid from the enemy, Queen Jezebel. He spent the night in the cave before talking with the priests of Baal, whom he then killed.

To have a good rest, learn some facts about city life:

1. Haifa is an hour's train ride from Ben Gurion Airport. The complex receives planes not only from Moscow, but also from other Russian cities. The flight from the capital takes three hours. It also has rail connections to Jerusalem, Netanya, Acre, Nahariya and Beersheba. You should take into account the time difference: minus an hour.
2. The city lies in a humid subtropical climate - hot summers and comfortable winter weather, when the thermometer does not drop below +10C. The best time to visit is from May to October. During these months the weather is sunny and the amount of precipitation is negligible.
3. It is beneficial to stay in one of the hostels, where you can spend the night and have breakfast in a calm, almost homely atmosphere. The city has many restaurants offering dishes from different countries. The oldest pub, Little Haifa, is popular with a wide selection of beer and other alcoholic drinks.
4. The main attraction is the biblical Carmel.
5. Haifa is somewhat exclusive. Only here there is an underground cable car.
6. Due to the high humidity, there is no dust on the streets, so clothes and shoes remain clean for a long time.
7. This is the only city in the country where Saturday is not a day off for public transport.
8. Taxis have meters programmed with two tariffs.

One of the main advantages of all Mediterranean resorts is the warm weather and the opportunity to soak up the seaside, regardless of the time of year. These include one of the oldest cities in Israel - Haifa, which seduces tourists not only with its unique landscapes and pristine beaches, but also with its unique architecture, religious shrines and color. How to get to Haifa, where to relax in this cultural center of Israel, rating of the best hotels, restaurants, beaches of the city and much more - in our article.

Haifa - first acquaintance with the port city of Israel

There are several versions that explain where this unusual name of this city came from. The most common one is that “Haifa” translated from ancient Hebrew means “beautiful coast”. According to the second, the name comes from the derivative name of Caiaphas, the high priest under whom Jesus Christ was crucified (it was the crusaders who would later name the city in memory of this high priest).

The most plausible version sounds like this: the name “Haifa” comes from the word “hapa”, which means “to cover”. The biblical Mount Carmel (Carmel), at the foot of which the city lies, really “shelters” it from bad weather and cold winds.

There is no official theory of the origin of the name Haifa; moreover, indigenous residents can give more than a dozen versions of the appearance of the name of their favorite city - and each of them will reveal a new, unique feature of the city.

Geographical position

This Mediterranean resort is the third largest city in Israel and the largest in the northern part of the country. It covers an area of ​​more than 5,100 hectares and is located at the foot of Mount Carmel and in the southern part of the Zubulun Valley. The mountain range goes around the city from the south and east and descends to the Mediterranean Sea, forming a wide cape and bay.

This unique location of the city means that Haifa is one of the largest seaports in the country: ships sail across the Mediterranean Sea to Egypt, Greece, Turkey and Italy, maintaining well-established trade links. Tel Aviv, Israel's economic capital, is just 90 kilometers south of the city, and Israel's largest international airport is just an hour's drive away.

The city itself is conventionally divided into 3 tiers - middle, lower and upper. In the lower tier, located on the coast, there are industrial enterprises, the Government Quarter and recreational beaches. The middle part is a densely populated area with many shopping outlets, markets, museums and various cultural and entertainment businesses. The upper city is a residential area with modern hotels, holiday homes and villas.

The development of the city was carried out from the bottom up - that is why the ancient buildings are located in the lower part. The uniqueness of Haifa lies in the fact that it is home to the only metro in Israel - in fact, it is a funicular car carved into the rock that connects the Lower City with the Upper City.

Haifa Map

A little history

Throughout its centuries-old existence, Haifa was not always a prosperous and wealthy city - at different times it suffered attacks from external enemies. The city was founded during the Roman Empire on the site of an ancient Jewish fishing settlement - later it became part of the province of Judea in the Roman Empire. From about the 2nd century AD. e. the city was captured by the Byzantines, and already in the 4th century it came under the rule of Egyptian and Damascus rulers, who rebuilt the provincial town into a well-defended fortress.

A relatively peaceful existence continued until the 11th century - in 1100 the Crusaders captured the city and forcibly converted it to Christianity. In the 12th century, the city suffered a great misfortune - in the fight against the Egyptians, Haifa was razed to the ground.

Only in the 18th century did this Palestinian city begin to be rebuilt under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, and after 100 years Haifa grew to an impressive size. At the end of the 19th century, the city continued to be rebuilt by the Carmelite monks, who were later joined by the Templars of German origin.

With the construction of the first railway in 1905, Jewish refugees began to arrive from Europe to Haifa, and Israel finally received the city under its own control only in 1948, by decision of the UN. From that moment on, the infrastructure and industrial branch of the city received unprecedented development, which led to the fact that today Haifa is not only the “pearl” of the country, but also an important commercial, industrial and cultural center.

The second official name of the city is Porphyrion: this is the name of a special paint that is extracted from special mollusks. Purple dye obtained in this way has long been used to dye the robes of kings, expensive fabrics and furs, and was also used in ritual ceremonies.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Haifa: by car, by sea liner and by plane. The latter method is the leader, despite the fact that the city does not have its own airport. From all major cities in Europe there is a flight to Tel Aviv, from which you can get to Haifa in just an hour's drive by transfer or taxi.

The cost of a taxi from the international airport to Haifa is on average 500 ILS, which is equivalent to $140. A direct flight from Kyiv to Tel Aviv starts from 200 dollars, from Odessa - from 180, from Kharkov - from 190. A flight from Moscow will cost at least 210 dollars, from St. Petersburg prices start from 250, and for a flight from Novosibirsk you will have to pay from 300 dollars. The world's European capitals also offer flight services: a flight from Berlin costs from $190, from Paris - from 250, Vienna - from 220, Rome - from 160.

The easiest way to get to Haifa by sea is from Cyprus - the price per flight starts from $350. A ferry from Istanbul costs a little more - from 400 dollars, and a sea trip from Italy starts from 450.

Getting there by car is much more difficult: you will have to go through Turkey or Italy and board the ferry. Therefore, air travel remains the most optimal, fastest and most economical option: you can choose a suitable flight, options with transfers, or take advantage of promotional offers - this will significantly save financial costs.

Weather and climate

The city has a Mediterranean subtropical climate. Warm weather lasts all year round, but in the winter months the temperature still drops to +13–18°C. From the end of February the sunny weather becomes almost constant, and from the end of April the temperature rises to +25°C. In the summer months, the thermometer remains stable at +29–32°C.

The water temperature in the winter and spring months fluctuates between +13–17°C, and on hot summer days and until late autumn the water warms up to +25–28°C. Thus, those who want to get a good tan and swim in hot water can come to Haifa from mid-spring to the end of autumn, but those who want to relax on the beach not under the scorching sun and walk around the city without stuffiness should choose the winter and early spring months .

From the end of November to mid-January, Haifa usually experiences a period of rain, and in rare cases, the coast can be covered with fine snow (the last such case was recorded in 2008) - such nuances also need to be taken into account when drawing up your travel schedule.

Best beaches

“Jerusalem prays, Tel Aviv rests, and Haifa works” - this well-known Jewish proverb does not mean at all that Haifa is only an industrial center and there is no place to relax. On the contrary, the city is an amazing combination of ultra-modern industrial enterprises, ancient buildings, architectural monuments and pristine coastline. We offer the top 4 best beaches for your consideration:

1. Bat Galim. The oldest small beach in the city, which provides an opportunity for all fans of surfing, diving, and water sports to try their skills independently or with an experienced instructor. This place is located within the city and is ideal for an active pastime: in addition to a huge variety of professional equipment for water activities, there are cozy cafes, restaurants and playgrounds for children along the entire beach strip. Huge schools of fish besieging the shore beckon divers to dive into the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. At the very beginning of the beach there is a funicular that will take you to the Upper Town in a matter of minutes. Entrance to the beach is free, but a small fee may be charged for renting canopies, sun loungers, and towels. For older people, the descent into the sea is equipped with special rope railings. In addition, there are lifeguards on the beach who can provide prompt assistance in emergency situations.
2. According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, this beach is the cleanest in the country. Its territory starts from the fashionable Leonardo Hotel and stretches for 3 kilometers. In addition to ideal cleanliness and a variety of facilities for a comfortable stay (hammocks, sun loungers, umbrellas, etc.), the beach area contains an amphitheater, a dance floor where festivities and international festivals take place, and a special fenced-off area in the sea for safe swimming of children. The descent to the sea is covered with wooden flooring, which eliminates the possibility of getting burned on the hot sand. There is a barbecue area at the end of the beach. One of the attractions of the beach is the office of the world famous company GOOGLE, which is located across the street from Dado. The beach also boasts free Wi-Fi throughout the entire area.
3. Kiryat Haim. Located in the west of the Kiryat Haim district. Its peculiarity is an absolutely flat, straight coastal strip, which stretches 2.5 kilometers in length. It is noteworthy that the northern part of the beach is reserved for religious Israelis, who can take water treatments away from tourists. In addition, this part of the beach has "men's" and "women's" swimming days, which should be taken into account when visiting. Free parking, a concert venue, a magnificent view of the port and a huge number of pubs, eateries, and cafe chains make Kiryat Haim one of the most visited places in Haifa.
4. Neve Yam. Located in the southwestern part of the coastal settlement of Atlit. The beach is a small secluded bay, which creates an atmosphere of intimacy and privacy from prying eyes. In September, magnificent sea lilies bloom in the bay, and palm trees and mountain cliffs complete the picture of natural splendor. This beach is ideal for a quiet, leisurely and secluded holiday.

In total, there are more than 10 beaches in the city: noisy and quiet, public and closed, wild and equipped with modern equipment - every tourist will find a swimming place to their liking. It is worth noting that absolutely all Haifa beaches are famous for their purest sand and are absolutely comfortable for relaxation.

Haifa is the only city in Israel where, during Shabbat, restaurants, cafes, hotels and other establishments continue to operate as on weekdays. The same applies to the free buses that run from the city center to the beaches: on Saturday they do not stop operating and take tourists to different parts of the city.

Sights and interesting places

Perhaps a week will not be enough to see all the sights and memorable places of Haifa. It is also difficult to single out the best places to visit from the mass of religious, historical, modern monuments and attractions. However, based on reviews from tourists and recommendations from travel companies, the top 10 most colorful, memorable and popular attractions of the “northern pearl of Israel” have been identified:

1. One of the most revered shrines in Israel. According to biblical legends, it was in the caves of Mount Carmel (Carmel) that the prophet hid from Jezebel and King Ahab, and the raven brought him food every day. The cave itself is now surrounded by the Carmelite Monastery of the Order of the Crusaders (built in the 13th century). Thus, by visiting this place, you can not only admire the ancient monastery, but also be immersed in history and feel the presence of God, who once upon a time protected his prophet in the caves.

   
   
   

2. It was in Haifa that a new, modern religion was born, which preaches faith in the unity of God, all religions and all humanity. The majestic Temple of All Religions, located on a mountain ridge, is visible from all points of the city, and its unique architecture is amazing.

   
   
   

3. Seaport and maritime museum. The city, built on the sea, has its entire history connected with the sea - the National Maritime Museum contains unique finds and ancient objects: the remains of ships, Arab and Muslim household items, ancient weapons, unique naval uniforms from various eras and much more. The museum can be visited not only on weekdays, but also on Saturday - on Shabbat it is also open to visitors.

   
   

4. Unique gardens, inimitable in their structure and beauty, located on Mount Carmel and descending to the sea for several kilometers. The spacious, sun-drenched terraces not only house exotic plants, shrubs and trees, but also all kinds of fountains, gazebos and statues - from ancient to ultra-modern. On the central alley of the garden there is another attraction - the mausoleum of Seyid Ali-Mohammad. In the heart of the terraces is the tomb of the Bab, one of the founders of the Bahai religious movement.

   
   
   

5. The oldest structure located not far from the Bahai Terraces. It was built in the 12th century, and the walls of this monastery contain paintings that are dedicated to the ancient Carmelite Order. In addition, the monastery is decorated with ancient religious frescoes, and at the entrance there is one of the oldest statues of the Virgin Mary in Israel.

   
   
   

6. Muslim and English cemeteries. The burial places of ancient warriors turn out to be no less interesting than museums and architectural monuments. The oldest graves and ancient burial caves create a unique atmosphere that a tourist visiting Haifa can feel.

   
   
   

7. The remains of an ancient fortress and a reminder of the Damascus people are located at an altitude of 285 meters above sea level. Mentions of this fortress are recorded in the Jerusalem Talmud, and archaeological excavations have proven that back in the 3rd century BC. e. this territory was already inhabited by the first people.

   
   
   

8. - the oldest city quarter of Haifa, located at the foot of Mount Carmel. It was founded by colonists of German origin who settled in this territory back in the 19th century. This beautiful area with German traditional buildings is one of the most visited places by tourists.

   
   
   

9. Mount Carmel National Park and Preserve. Despite a major fire in 2010 that destroyed much of the mountain range's forests, today the National Park has been successfully restored and is reopened to visitors. Stunningly beautiful flora, vineyards and flowers, steppe animals and a unique collection of water lilies are what attract and attract biologists from all over the world. Cozy campsites and equipped tent cities will allow the whole family to comfortably enjoy their vacation and admire the beauty of pristine nature.

   
   
   

10. . Perhaps the most visited place in Haifa, it transports more than 1,000 visitors every day. Despite the fact that Carmelit has only 6 stations, and the length of the route is 2 km, all stops of this metro are decorated with designer Arabic tiles, the trains have an ultra-modern design, and the names of the stations are written in 3 languages ​​(English, Hebrew and Arabic). Israel's only metro connects all major architectural monuments and provides access from the upper neighborhoods to the beaches of the lower part of the city.

    
    
    

In total, the city has more than 10 different museums, about 30 parks, several large universities and cultural centers. There are more than 40 temples in the Holy Land of Haifa - ancient, modern, Jewish, Bahai, Uniate and even Orthodox. This explains the pilgrimage of believers from all over the world - more than 30 thousand such tourists come every year.

What else can you do?

Haifa is by no means a boring city: in addition to excursions to holy places and quiet relaxation on the beach, the resort offers a lot of options for active pastime.

Leisure

For lovers of active recreation, Hecht Park was opened in the city center. In addition to panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and bike paths nestled in the hills, the park provides rentals of roller skates, scooters and other mobility aids. There are a huge number of attractions here that will appeal to both adults and children. In the park you can ride a horse, drive a go-kart, take off in a small airplane and even make a parachute jump.

Extreme lovers can go rock climbing in the largest shopping and entertainment center Ktktim, dive into the depths of the sea with an experienced diver on Bat Galim beach, reach speed on a modern water scooter or conquer the steep cliffs of Mount Carmel. For active recreation with children, there is a network of rope parks, water parks and swimming pools where children can relax under the supervision of adults.

Night life

For lovers of discos and dancing until the morning, modern clubs are open around the clock in Haifa, the most popular of which are located right on the coast. The list of the best and most popular places for a night out includes:

1. Haifa Pub Crawl. The most popular holiday destination for the “golden youth”. You'll have to pay 700 ILS to enter this elite establishment, but it's worth it: elite drinks, famous DJs and unique dance performances make this club one of the best in Haifa.
2. A favorite place for Russian-speaking youth in the city. The interior and surroundings of the club are impressive: it is equipped with huge liquid crystal screens that change the internal design of the club several times a night. Every Saturday, everyone can sing karaoke, try signature signature drinks and take part in an open-air disco.
3. Wunderbar. Located in the heart of the city and is the most musical nightclub in Haifa. Many concerts of both solo performers and musical groups take place here. All connoisseurs of high-quality sound, excellent acoustics and the beauty of live singing are recommended to visit this place.
4. JAM Bar. An excellent wine list and free entry for birthday people have made this establishment extremely popular. Live music, a cozy atmosphere and a quiet lounge will allow you to relax in comfort in this bar.

Haifa's nightclubs are some of the safest nightlife spots in all of Israel: young people can sit back, relax and enjoy drinks without the fear of getting involved in a fight or being robbed.

Almost all nightclubs in Haifa allow entry only to persons over 19 years of age, and in some over 21. Therefore, when going to the club, be sure to take your passport: the security guard at the entrance may require a document.

Where to stay

There are no problems with overnight accommodation in Haifa: there is a wide network of hotels, hostels and holiday homes in the city, and you can choose a room and pay for your reservation online, through the appropriate resource.

Private apartments and apartments

For those who like to relax in comfort and prefer a cozy home environment, it is better to stay in private apartments or apartments. The price per day for apartments in the coastal zone or by the sea starts from 25 dollars, in the Upper Town - from 12.

Private apartments in Haifa, which can be booked online through the appropriate website, are equipped with everything necessary for your stay. Some apartments include breakfast, while others provide free parking. Short-term rent of an entire apartment will cost much less than a similar hotel room, so an increasing number of tourists prefer to stay in private apartments.

Hotels

For those who are accustomed to staying in hotels, the resort offers more than 25 options to suit every taste and budget. The best of them are listed below:

1. The hotel is located in an old building from 1913. Located 500 meters from the Bahai Gardens. Excellent technical equipment of the rooms, free Wi-Fi and parking, good value for money, as well as an excellent restaurant menu have brought this hotel to 1st place in the ranking of the best in Haifa. The average price for a standard room for 2 people is about $150.
2. La Cappella Business Boutique Hotel. Ultra-modern hotel with 24-hour reception. In addition to its stunning design and on-site fitness center, the hotel provides recreational facilities for people with disabilities.
3. Templers Boutique Hotel. Located in the center of the German colony of Haifa. Magnificent views of the sea and the Bahai Gardens are complemented by hydromassage baths and plasma TVs in each room.
4. Templers Boutique Hotel. An excellent option for those who want to relax in comfort for little money. The hotel is located near Boulevard Louis and has a great rooftop terrace. There are only 14 rooms, but the complex has its own SPA studio.
5. Maris Hotel. One of the most inexpensive hotels in the city. Located near the train station, for just $50 per night it provides laundry services and its own concierge.

The most expensive hotels are not by the sea, but on the top of Mount Carmel: the view from the height is simply stunning. On average, a room in a five-star hotel will cost from 1,500 ILS per day, in a four-star hotel - from 700 ILS, and in a three-star hotel - from 350 ILS.

The Bahai Gardens in Haifa are considered the unofficial “eighth wonder of the world.” To visit this attraction, you will have to follow some rules: turn off your mobile phone, move only from top to bottom and comply with the dress code (closed legs and long sleeves).

Hostels

Hostel is the most budget-friendly holiday option. Ideal for avid travelers, groups of tourists and young people. Top best hostels in Haifa in the ranking below:

1. Khan Al Carmel. Located close to architectural monuments such as the National Science Museum and the Bahai Gardens. Perfect cleanliness, an equipped kitchen and quality service will cost only $20 per person.
2. It is located near the city theater and very close to the International Convention Center. In addition to quality service, the hostel provides accommodation for people with disabilities.
3. Levontin 14 Dormitory. Provides free airport transfer, room service and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

In total, there are more than 10 hostels in Haifa for budget holidays - just like in a hotel, you can book a room in them online.

Public transport and car rental

Ground transport in Haifa is buses, trains, taxis, metronites, and underground transport is the metro. The railway is located almost along the entire coast, and trains run strictly on schedule 24 hours a day. The price for a train ticket starts from 6 ILS. Metronits are double buses that run along a special lane (by the way, they also operate on Shabbat). Travel in such transport costs 7 ILS. A metro ticket costs 6.9 ILS, the average interval between trains is 10 minutes.

The metro stops operating on Friday at 15:00 and resumes on Saturday after sunset - the metro in Haifa does not operate on Shabbat.

Renting a car in Haifa is very unprofitable: there is practically no free parking, and in addition, in the afternoon hours there are huge traffic jams on the highways. Nevertheless, there are many rental offices in the city: there is even one at the airport, but there you will have to pay an additional 100 ILS for the airport tax. On average, the rate for renting a car per day starts from 30 ILS, but if you park in the wrong place, you will have to pay a fine of 100 ILS. It is easier and more profitable to take a taxi - the price per hour is about 10 ILS.

Where to eat deliciously and inexpensively

Haifa is famous for its variety of gastronomic establishments. There are especially many cafes and restaurants in the Lower Town - here they are on almost every corner. On average, lunch in an inexpensive cafe for two will cost about 50 ILS, but dinner with alcoholic cocktails is much more expensive - from 110 ILS per person.

Every tourist should definitely try local delicacies - corn sticks with peanut butter (“bambo”), salty snacks “bisli” and sweet cakes “krembo”. Haifa halva is one of the gastronomic calling cards of the city: more than 10 types of it are produced here (with peanuts, honey, chocolate, salt and even pepper). However, do not forget that Haifa is primarily a Mediterranean resort, so first of all you need to visit restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine, namely:

• Kalamaris;
• Shrimp House;
• Gold Fish.

You can enjoy real Italian pizza and pasta in the following restaurants:

• Raffaello Haifa;
• Vivino;
• Pizza Linga.

Oriental cuisine is presented in the following restaurants and cafes:

• Giraffe;
• Chaina Bay;
• Taipei Chinese Restaurant.

But you can taste real local cuisine in the following establishments:

• Elkheir Druze Cuisine;
• Falafel Ha'zkenim;
• Douzan;
• Shtroudl.

In addition to restaurants and cafes, cozy bars stretch along the entire coast, where you can taste both classic drinks and signature alcoholic shots. Also, don’t forget about the famous Israeli fast food: shawarma, burekas, falafel and grilled meat will cost about 20 ILS. In addition, freshly squeezed juices and fruits are sold on almost every corner.

Communications and Wi-Fi

For vacationers in Haifa, it is best to purchase tariffs without a monthly fee (for example, Cellcom). The SIM card will cost 50 ILS, and for another 50 ILS per week, unlimited calls within the country, unlimited SMS and 500 MB of Internet will be provided. Almost the entire city has a free Wi-Fi network: city transport, hotels and restaurants, hotels, parks and even beaches provide the opportunity to use the Internet for free.

What to bring

Memorable souvenirs are something that will help you remember with warmth the holiday spent in the “northern pearl of Israel.” Fine local wines based on grapes, pomegranates and currants (price from 150 ILS) can serve as a gastronomic souvenir. In addition, date paste, different types of coffee (especially with cardamom) and delicious Elite chocolate are popular.

Dead Sea cosmetics have gained great popularity - they can be purchased either in specialized stores or pharmacies. Lovers of Arabic spices, sweets and clothing should definitely visit the Wadi Nisnas market: you can also buy jewelry and handicrafts here.

Traditional souvenirs - magnets, mugs and T-shirts with the symbol of the city - are best purchased near the port embankment. Those who love first-class shopping should visit the shopping centers (which, by the way, are called “canyons”): “Grand Canyon” and “Castra”.

In addition to buying fashionable clothes, here you can attend master classes and exhibitions of famous designers. Remember that most shops in Haifa are closed on Saturday, so plan your shopping around Shabbat.

The biggest discounts in Haifa are observed in spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October), before the holidays of Pesach (Easter) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). These days you can buy designer items with a 70% discount.

Haifa is a city that, once you visit, you will never forget. And it’s not even about the beauty of nature, colorful sunsets, warm sea and excellent local cuisine. Haifa is a city filled with a special flavor and spirit of history, literally hovering in the small streets of the city, filling it with a warm atmosphere that resonates in the heart of every tourist or religious pilgrim.

Getting to Haifa is quite convenient - you can by plane, by train, by bus, and even by sea. You can arrive directly to Haifa by plane or cruise ship, and if you fly to, then bus and train will also be added to the list of transport.
I will note, however, that the most convenient way is to fly - in any case, I have not met a single extreme sports enthusiast who got here by car or bus through neighboring countries.

By plane

Most international flights are served by the airport. Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv. Direct flights from El Al airlines (in cooperation with S7 from Sunday to Thursday) and Aeroflot (every day) fly from Moscow; only Aeroflot flies from St. Petersburg directly to Ben Gurion. Round-trip tickets cost an average of 15 thousand rubles; in the season from May to October, prices are, of course, higher. In addition, prices for return tickets increase at the end of September - beginning of October, when a series of Jewish holidays begins in Israel and everyone wants to go on vacation abroad.

When choosing a flight, it is important to take into account the time of arrival and not plan it on Friday evening and Saturday - this is Shabbat, days of rest in Israel, and public transport is limited at this time. Although, of course, if you want to spend more time at the airport waiting for the train or take a taxi for the amount that you can buy another plane ticket from Moscow to, this is your option.

Some airlines fly from Russia with a transfer in Tel Aviv or Athens to Eilat, and from there you can take local airlines to Haifa - the city has a small airport that accepts flights from Eilat and Cyprus.

You can see which flight options are most optimal for your dates.

In addition, you can go from Eilat to Haifa by bus, but the journey from the Red Sea to the north takes about five to six hours. I think that this option is less preferable, so I’ll tell you in more detail about how to get to Haifa from the country’s main airport.

Once you've cleared strict border controls and are finally in the Holy Land, you'll have the choice of traveling to Haifa by bus or train.

By train

Immediately at the exit of the arrival terminal is the entrance to the railway station - behind the turnstiles you can see the escalators down to the platforms, and you can’t help but notice people buying train tickets from self-service machines. They are very easy to use - there is an English-language interface, all tips and options also appear on the screen, and you can pay for the ticket either by card or in cash. A one-way ticket to Haifa costs 35.5 shekels, or about $10. The machine issues a small, business card-sized card with a magnetic stripe - you need to insert it into the receiver to go through the turnstile and be sure to take it with you, since it will also be needed for the same procedure at the exit at the arrival station. By the way, when boarding the train, it is important to know that if you bought a simple ticket without a seat, you can board any carriage except the first one - it is reserved for reserved seats.

Trains to Haifa go every half hour, at five and thirty-five minutes, and those that leave at thirty-five minutes are a little faster. On average, the journey to Haifa takes about one hour, fifteen to twenty minutes. Train stops are announced in both Hebrew and English. They also say which stop will be next, and also show a reminder on the board at the beginning and end of each car.
There are several train stops in Haifa:

• the first of them is Haifa - Hof HaCarmel, followed by

• Haifa - Bat Galim

• Haifa Center - HaShmona
• Lev HaMifratz.

Depending on where you decide to stay in the city, it is worth choosing a station, but the first one is the best connected to the city - Haifa - Hof HaCarmel. From here you can immediately get to the central bus station Mercazit Hof HaCarmel, from where buses go to almost any part of the city - you just need to follow the Exit sign in the direction of the fourth path. There is also a licensed taxi rank here; you can catch a car at any of the exits - both the one closer to the sea and the one that leads to the bus station.

The main advantage of the train is speed, price and predictable schedule. In addition, the trains have excellent air conditioning (and this is very important, even if you are traveling from cold St. Petersburg, the local heat makes itself felt immediately), there are sockets and even free Wi-Fi. If Wi-Fi does not work, you can enjoy the views from the window - the train will pass through the center of Tel Aviv and along the Mediterranean coast. The downside is that during peak hours it can be quite crowded; a couple of times I had to spend about $1.5 (5 shekels) to reserve a seat and get from Haifa while standing.
You can view the train schedule on the website, which also has a Russian-language version.

By bus

You can also get from Ben-Gurion to Haifa by bus, but this is somewhat more difficult than by train - there are no direct routes, because not all buses can enter the airport for security reasons. To catch a bus, in the arrival terminal (terminal 3) you need to go up to the second level and follow the signs to the shuttle that goes from the terminal to El Al Junction. This part of the trip will last 16 minutes. Next, you will have to get out of the shuttle and wait about half an hour for bus 947 to Haifa - moreover, one that is already returning from Jerusalem, and is not going there. Payment on both lines is made to the driver at the entrance, a shuttle ride costs about $1.5 (5 shekels), and a bus ride to Haifa costs about another $9 (34 shekels). In total, the trip will take about two and a half hours, but during this time you can see the mountainous Israeli landscapes, since the bus travels along a highway somewhat distant from the coast. You can figure out the bus schedule; the English version of the site works much better than the Russian version.

By car

As I already wrote, coming to Israel by car is not the best idea. It is impossible to enter from the north because tourists are prohibited from crossing the border with Syria and Lebanon. In the south you can cross the border with Egypt and Jordan, and the road to Haifa in this case will take at least 6 hours.

However, if you want to rent a car, from Tel Aviv you will need to head north on Coast Highway 2 or Highway 6.

By ferry

Haifa is a maritime city, and of course there is a passenger port. Most cruise ships start in Greece and call at Haifa for a very short time, only five to six hours. Several flights also depart from Italy and practically skip Haifa. You can find a suitable flight from Cyprus, Greece or Italy. The most popular cruise route - Haifa - costs from 250 euros, and the standard travel time is 15 hours.

Clue:

Haifa - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

1. German colony, also known as Moshava Germanit, built by the German Templars in the 19th century. This is a good place to live for those who want to walk around the city late and have fun in the bars of the Lower Town and who are not bothered by the noise and din of the neighboring areas. Accommodation near the colony is relatively inexpensive in hostels and guest houses (from $40, or 150 shekels), but hotels here are only expensive, from $150 (600 shekels).
2. Carmel, uniting French Carmel, Carmelia and the Carmel Center, the de facto Haifa center. Life is in full swing here any day of the week and any time of the day, and it is also convenient to get to all the attractions. Carmel is one of the expensive areas of Haifa, and you will have to pay at least $150 (600 shekels) for a night in a hotel here.
3. Neve Shaanan, where the Technion campus is located and from where it is not so far from the University of Haifa. This area is one of the quietest in Haifa; there are plenty of places to go for walks with children. The area is well connected to Carmel and the Lower Town by bus routes, and accommodation will cost $80-150 (300-600 shekels) per night.

I’ll tell you a little about other popular areas:

• Bat Galim translated from Hebrew means “mermaid”, that is, daughter of the waves. We can say that the area is to some extent isolated from the rest of the city by the railway running between it and the Lower Town.
• Lower city– the oldest district of Haifa. The area is home to many government offices, allowing the once disadvantaged area to develop.
• Adar– one of the most colorful areas. Jewish quarters, immigrant neighborhoods, and a Christian-Arab area are united here. This area is home to one of the largest markets in Haifa.
• Ahuza and Dania- expensive and prestigious Haifa districts, perched high on the slope. Doctors, teachers and professors, lawyers - in general, all those who can afford expensive housing - settle there.

The cheapest places to stay are in the Lower Town and Adara, but it can be hectic and generally quite dirty there in the evenings. The highest prices are in Carmel.

What are the prices for holidays?

Israel, as I already said, is not a cheap country, especially if you constantly convert shekels into rubles. To guide you which prices are considered acceptable and which are already high, I will list the approximate order of magnitude:

• accommodation – from $50 (200 shekels) per night;
• food in cafes and restaurants - from $12 (45 shekels) per salad (large! can be eaten for two), drinks, both alcoholic and soft - from $3-4 (10-14 shekels) per glass;
• taxi - from $3 (12 shekels) upon boarding and then depending on the distance, on average about $10-15 (40-60 shekels) per trip;
• bus ticket for one trip – $1.5 (5.90 shekels);
• tickets to museums - from $7.5 (30 shekels), there are discounts for students and pensioners;
• visiting the beaches is free, as is the use of stationary umbrellas, public toilets and changing rooms with showers.

The easiest way to spend less money is to buy food in stores or eat at stand-up cafes rather than restaurants, and use public transport. You can save on entertainment by buying complex tickets to museums (more on this below), and on accommodation by renting a room found from private individuals.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, ruble New Israeli shekel, ₪

Main attractions. What to see

Haifa, especially the old city, is home to many religions, so it's worth walking through the churches and looking at the local mosques and synagogues, as well as the Baha'i temple. In addition, Haifa has several interesting museums, a funicular railway, the only Carmelit metro station in Israel and a zoo.

It is especially interesting to walk through several districts of Haifa and compare their flavor - for example, in the German Settlement, where there was once a German colony, in the area of ​​​​the former Arab village of Kababir and in the Wadi Nisnas district, where among the picturesque streets you can get to a real Middle Eastern market.

Beaches. Which ones are better

Haifa has two popular city beaches - Hof HaCarmel and Galim. On weekdays the beaches are usually quite empty; during the season they fill up in the late afternoon, when people come to relax after work.

• Hof HaCarmel Beach is located in the south of Haifa. This is a sandy beach with a gently sloping bottom. There is a promenade with cafes and restaurants along the beach. The beach has free toilets and showers, stationary sunshades and umbrellas are provided. There are also chairs and sun loungers near the cafe area, but their use requires ordering at least a drink. There are lifeguard stations along the shoreline and the entrances to the water are clearly marked. Hof HaCarmel is an open beach, no other shores are visible from here, and the waves can be quite strong, so one of the surf stations is located here. However, the beach is also suitable for families with children - the shore is shallow and you can splash around, and there is also a free children's pool with sea water.

• Galim beach is also sandy with a gradual descent. There are permanent shelters, showers and toilets, rescue stations and a cafe. Its main difference from Hof ​​HaCarmel is that it is smaller and located in a closed bay, so there are fewer waves. In addition, there are residential buildings right on the coastline, so it can be more crowded and not as clean.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

• The Baha'i World Center is perhaps Haifa's most famous landmark. The Bahai Gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, surround the Shrine of the Bab, topped with a golden dome. You can go down the nineteen terraces on your own or as part of an organized excursion group, but only the enlightened can climb up the garden and enter the tomb. It is best to come to the gardens from 9 to 12 o'clock in order to get as close to the tomb as possible. You can find out the schedule of free excursions in Russian and English, and read more about the World Center here.

• Haifa's Central Synagogue is located at the very beginning of HaRav Herzog Street. The building was built in the forties of the last century. Its facade is decorated with two lions and tablets with commandments. There is no particular point in going inside the building, but if you wish, you can get in for free while members of the community do not gather for prayers. This time varies depending on the time of year, holidays, etc., with the greatest probability you can go in the middle of the day.

• The Monastery of Stella Maris stands on Mount Carmel. It was here, on Mount Carmel in the cave of Elijah the Prophet, that the Carmelite order arose in the 12th and 13th centuries, which was later forced to leave the holy place due to persecution. The Carmelites returned in the 18th century, and construction of the monastery began in the mid-19th century. The church with the cave of Elijah the Prophet can be visited every day from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00, admission is free. The church at the monastery is active, services in various languages ​​are held from Monday to Saturday at 7:00 and on Sunday at 8:00 and 9:00. The most interesting thing is to go up to the church at the top by funicular from the coast, and then also go down - a round-trip ticket costs $8 (30 shekels).

• Al Istaqalel Mosque is the largest and most visited mosque in Haifa, built in the 1920s. Here, at the address st. Kibbutz Galuyot 1 is also home to the Sarei Religious Court. The mosque is not accessible for tourist visits, but it is interesting to look at it while walking around the Lower Town.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

• The Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa displays not only a fairly large collection of archaeological finds, but also Dr. Hecht's private collection: paintings by Monet, Manet, Pissaro, Van Gogh and Modigliani. One of the most interesting exhibits is the skeleton of the ancient ship Maagan Mikael, built more than 2,400 years ago. The museum is located on the campus of the University of Haifa, open every day from ten in the morning, and closes at different times (see). The best thing about the Hecht Museum is that admission is free. In addition, once you are at the University of Haifa, be sure to go to the observation deck - not only is this a great place for a selfie worth a million likes, from here you can see the whole of Haifa and the sea to the very horizon.

• The Haifa Railway Museum is located in the Lower City, not far from the very recognizable sail-like high-rise building of the Israeli Ministry of Interior. Here you can get acquainted with the history of railways in the Middle East, look at ancient locomotives and stroll around the territory, admiring the views of the city. The museum is open from Sunday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; an adult ticket costs $7.5 (30 shekels). Address: st. Khativat Golani, 1. By the way, very close to the museum, a five-minute walk away is the lower station (yes, the metro in Haifa goes uphill!) Carmelita, a ride in which (about $2.7 shekels) will be an excellent continuation of the walk. The upper station is located on Carmel not far from the Bahai Gardens, which I wrote about above.

Parks

Park lovers will enjoy Carmel walks around the University of Haifa campus through the Hai Nature Reserve, where you can see rare animals and birds. Also surrounded by parks are sea promenades, there are several of them:

• The beach promenade at Hof HaCarmel - from the Matam technology center, where the offices of companies such as Google and Intel are located, to the Leonardo Hotel.
• Promenade Galim at the foot of Carmel, where the lower funicular station is located.

Tourist streets

The main tourist streets are Ben-Gurion Avenue in the German Settlement and the Louis Promenade - Jaffe Nof Street near the Bahai Gardens, which offers views of the city descending to the sea.

• On Ben Gurion Avenue you can relax in restaurants and go shopping, and learn about the history of Haifa at the city museum.
• The four-hundred-meter Louis Promenade offers beautiful views of the Bahai terraces and the sea below.

Both streets are absolutely charming and demonstrate how different Haifa can be.

Here, for example, is a view of Ben-Gurion Avenue from the lower exit of the Bahai Gardens:

And this is what Louis's promenade looks like:

What to see in 1 day

To have time to see all the main attractions of Haifa, it is better to get up early and first of all, around eight o’clock, go for a walk around the Lower City. It's best to start from Paris Square and walk to the Ministry of the Interior, which looks like a sail. A walk around the area from Jaffa Street to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and back to Paris Square will take about forty minutes.

Returning to Paris Square, take the Carmelit - its lower station is located here - and go up to Carmel, to the Bahai Gardens. From 9 to 12 here you can get close to the tomb of the Bab. A leisurely walk will take about an hour and a half. At approximately 10 a.m. you will leave the Bahai Gardens not far from the German Settlement, and going a little lower, you will find yourself on Ben-Gurion Avenue, in its very heart.

From here you have a cool view of the terraces. It’s also worth going to the Museum of Urban History and spending about half an hour there, and then go for a walk to the Bat Galim promenade (about forty minutes) in the Kiryat Eliezer district. At the end of the promenade there is the lower station of the funicular, which takes you to Stella Maris.
The best time to get to the funicular is around 11 am, because this way you can also visit the monastery church; it is open until noon and then from three o’clock. Not far from the monastery there is also a very picturesque lighthouse. There is a restaurant at the top station of the funicular, where you can have lunch, or you can go down again and choose some establishment on the promenade.

Around two o'clock in the afternoon, therefore, you will find yourself again down near Bat Galim. To take a break from the heat and still see the city, near the lower funicular station at the HaAlia HaShnia - Elisha stop, take bus 24 in the direction of the University of Haifa. In an hour it will travel through the entire city, and you will end up on the university campus without transfers, where it is worth going to the Hecht Museum and also spending about an hour.
At four o'clock, go to the observation deck and walk around the campus. In the evening, around five to six o'clock, on the same 24 or 37 bus, go down to the colorful Arab district of Wadi Nisnas to wander the streets, and then, returning to Bat Galim, look into the port - when it starts to get dark, the Bahai Gardens will be illuminated, and the view will be incredibly beautiful.

To end the day with another pleasant walk, return to Dolphin Square near Bat Galim Station and take the metronite bus line 1 towards Hof HaCarmel. When you get off at the terminus, you will find yourself almost by the sea; you just need to go through the bus station to the railway station and cross the tracks via an underground passage.
In the evening, from the promenade you can go to the Haifa Mall or go a little higher to the Kastra shopping center, both of which are open until ten o'clock.

What to see in the area

If you suddenly want to take a break from Haifa in a smaller city, you can go to Acre, Caesarea or Nesher.

• Nesher is the closest suburb of Haifa. The border between the cities is quite formal, and from some Haifa districts you can come to Nesher on foot without even noticing it. For example, Nesher borders the campus of the Technion Israel Institute of Technology, which is quite interesting to walk around - you can accidentally meet Nobel laureates Shechtman, Chikhanover and Gershko. There is a wonderful park with hanging bridges, a walk along which will take about one and a half to two hours.

• You can get there in half an hour by train. The old town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List; the fortress and underground passages of the Crusaders have been preserved here. You can relax in one of the fish restaurants on the coast, and buy aromatic spices as a gift at the local oriental market.

• In the town of Zichron Ya'akov, south of Haifa, it is pleasant to stroll along the main street of Hameyadsim, which recreates the typical style of Baron Rothschild's colonies, or in the Ramat Hanadiv gardens.

Many companies offer excursions from Haifa to the Galilee, Druze villages and the Rosh Hanikra cave, as well as to Tiberias. Getting to these places on your own is quite problematic if you are not going to rent a car, so I would advise you to contact the official Haifa tourist office at 48 Ben Gurion Avenue and choose a suitable excursion.

Food. What to try

Haifa cuisine, and Israeli cuisine in general, is typical Middle Eastern cuisine, aromatic, often spicy. For me, the most Israeli dish is falafel, deep-fried chickpea patties in pita bread with tahini, which can be found in street cafes in any neighborhood.

If you want to sit in a restaurant serving local cuisine, I recommend choosing one of the establishments on the Hof HaCarmel promenade that serves fish or meat grilled over coals. For traditional Jewish cuisine or something exotic (Asian and signature cuisine), it is better to go to Carmel, to the upper Carmelite station.
For spices and fresh produce, I like to go to the Talpiot market on Adar - here you can bargain and just look at the beautiful pomegranates and fragrant placers. The cheapest time to shop is on Fridays around three o'clock, before the market closes for Shabbat.

In addition, you can simply buy groceries in chain supermarkets, most of which are open until nine in the evening, or in mini-markets. Some mini-markets are open 24 hours a day, which affects prices - you can easily spend two or three times as much.

If you try all the delicacies of the local Jewish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Ethiopian and Druze restaurants in Haifa, you may end up paying for excess weight on the plane - the portions are large and tasty. My favorite places:

• Ma-Ayan HaBira in the Lower Town is a beer restaurant where, in addition to delicious food, there are also parties and live music concerts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Approximate budget: minimum $20, including drinks, per person.

• on Carmel - a small cafe in a nook on the busy Moria Street with an outdoor terrace and excellent shakshuka. You can have lunch here for about $15 (60 shekels) per person.
• Ein El Wadi in the Wadi Nisnas area - in a young restaurant of Lebanese-Palestinian cuisine in an old building, you can choose any dish from a small menu, and it is sure to be very tasty. Main courses cost $15-20, from 55 to 80 shekels.

Budget

• Cafes of the Mandarin chain, for example, on HaNassi, 129 and in Haifa Mall.

• Abu Shakker, st. HaMeginim, 29.
• Hummus HaNamal Abu Ramy, st. Namal, 30.
• Falafel Hwadi Micheal, st. Wadi, 21.

Mid-level

• Douzan, Ben-Gurion Avenue, 35.
• Leon et Yoji, st. HaNeviim, 31.

• Cafe Masada, st. Masada, 16.
• Confit, Yeve Nof, 111.

Expensive

• Colony Grill, 56 Allenby Road.
• Villa Carmel Restaurant, Heinrich Heine Square, 1.
• Kalamaris, Stella Maris, 102.
• Vivino, Elisabeth Square, 1.

Holidays

Every year, Haifa hosts a large number of different festivals and holidays, the largest of which are:

In addition, on the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah (New Year) in late September - early October and on Passover (around mid-April), local holiday events with processions and festivals are organized in the city. On the eve of the calendar New Year, Haifa is also decorated, and it is especially beautiful at this time in the evening in the German Settlement at the foot of the Bahai Gardens, when the terraces are simultaneously illuminated, and the palm trees and a specially placed Christmas tree are decorated with garlands.

Safety. What to watch out for

Overall, Haifa is one of the calmest cities I've ever been to. However, long-time locals advise avoiding the Adar area in the late evenings. Also, perhaps, you should not walk in religious areas, for example, Kiryat Shmuel on Shabbat and holidays. Nothing bad will happen to you, of course, but through ignorance you can break the rules adopted here and end up in an unpleasant situation.

As elsewhere in Israel, there are metal detectors at the entrance to public places, and security guards check bags. You should not be offended by the fact that you are being checked - everyone is being checked, these are the local realities.

Things to do

In Haifa, you can not only study history and admire the views, but also take a yacht ride, paraglide - these activities are available on the Hof HaCarmel beach and in the port. These pleasures are not cheap; for example, classes with an instructor can cost $80, or 300 shekels.

You can get out of the room by completing the quest in several locations in Haifa itself and the satellite city of Nesher. Such entertainment in Israel is called escape rooms, and costs about $50-65 (200-250 shekels) for a group of three people.

Local shopping centers offer many additional entertainment options. For example, in cinemas films are shown in the original language with English subtitles, and you can even go to screenings of Russian films at the Cinemall center in Lev HaMifratz.

Shopping and shops

Shopping lovers also have somewhere to go - there are enough shops and shopping centers in Haifa. For example, you can visit one of the following:

• The Grand Canyon is the largest shopping center in Israel with many shops, cafes, a spa, an amusement park, a food court and a cinema (Simha Golan St., Neve Shaanan district).

• Mercaz Panorama on Carmel, not far from the Dan Panorama hotel, is a shopping center for connoisseurs of designer items.
• Haifa Mall is a shopping center located close to the central bus station, offering shopping and snacks in local cafes.
• Castra Canyon (Moshe Fleeman 8) is both a shopping center and an arts center. Decorated by artist and sculptor Eric Broder, the center combines art galleries, two small museums, a pub, several restaurants and art shops, and is worth a visit if only to look at the interior decoration.

Bars. Where to go

The center of bar culture in Haifa is the Lower Town. Many venues here offer live music and theme nights such as poetry readings and discussions. Popular bars include Eli's, Syncopa and Wunderbar, which regularly host concerts and other events.

Most establishments are open until one in the morning, and those that host concerts can be open until the morning. In bars and pubs you can simultaneously see a group of students and a married couple going out for a walk - the contingent is quite diverse and heterogeneous.

For two, a visit to the bar will cost about $25-30 (100-200 shekels).

It's great to visit:

• Nola Socks, a pub on Sholom Aleichem 4, near the Technion.

• Sinta Bar, st. 127 Moriah St., Carmel.
• Ma'ayan Habira, st. Natanzon, 4, Lower Town.
• Libira, st. HaNeemanim, 21, Lower City.

Clubs and nightlife

Among the locals, it is believed that the nightlife in Haifa is not very lively (pun intended), and for sleepless nights it is better to go to.

However, the Malina club in the HaMifratz area is popular among Russian-speaking youth. There is a dress code and age limit - for young people it is 25+, for girls it is 22+. Most often, until midnight, entry to parties for girls is free; the rest of the time, the price depends on the organizers, and drinks in the bar are at the whim of the bartenders.

A Malina-friendly project, the Oblaka club, located nearby, adheres to the same rules and gathers large parties from Friday to Saturday, from midnight to six in the morning.

Extreme Sports

I believe that for lovers of active recreation, Haifa is an almost ideal city. Here you can have fun on land, at sea, and even in the air.

• For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is an amusement park called X Park Extreme Sport Park, where you can play paintball, rollerblading, rock climbing and walk through a rope course. I myself am not a fan of heights, so just a glance at the high walls of the climbing wall was enough for me to get scared; I think that you can get the adrenaline rush there. They conduct classes and master classes for all skill levels, and also provide equipment for rent. A one-time climb up the wall costs about $7 (25 shekels), a day ticket costs about $12 (45 shekels), and rental of harnesses and shoes costs $5 (20 shekels).
• You can go karting at the Haifa Mall - it's the longest karting track in the country. Children are allowed here from the age of ten; you can come with a family or a group. Ten minutes of skiing costs approximately $15 (60 shekels), before skiing there is a mandatory briefing and helmets are provided.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

You can read about what to bring from Israel in the story about the country. Specifically from Haifa, you can bring Baha'i-themed souvenirs, which can be found in shops near the Baha'i World Center - these are rings, pendants, jewelry and ceramics. Prices for small jewelry start at $4 (15 shekels), for ceramics - from $7 to $25 (25-85 shekels).

How to get around the city

The most convenient way is by bus. The Haifa line network is very extensive and covers all areas. One trip costs almost $1.5, or 5.90 shekels, transfers are paid again. To save money, you should buy a green Rav Kav card at bus stations - you can put any amount of money on it, trips are recorded, and a transfer ticket is valid for an hour and a half. This card will be useful not only in Haifa, but also in other cities - Israel has a universal transport system, and you can pay for Rav Kavom travel both on the train and on the Egged bus in any city.

There are also special tourist buses, but their routes are irregular. You can buy a ticket for such a bus at the Haifa tourist office on Ben Gurion 48.

You can also travel by taxi, car and on foot.

Taxi. What features exist

There are quite a few taxi stations in Haifa; they are quite easy to find near train and bus stations, as well as in the city center. It’s easier to find a car in such a parking lot than to catch it on the road, or call it in advance by phone.

The cost of the trip starts from 12 shekels ($4) upon boarding. A kilometer costs on average 5-6 shekels (about $1.5), and a trip from the bus station on the coast to high-altitude areas or to Carmel will cost about 60-70 shekels ($20) depending on the day of the week and time of day. You can agree on a fixed amount rather than go by the meter, but this will not always be more profitable.

It is worth keeping in mind that the driver charges about $1 (4-5 shekels) for each suitcase for loading luggage.

A taxi ride to the city center from Haifa airport will cost inexpensively, about $10 or 40 shekels, because the airport is not far from the port and the Lower City, but taking a taxi from the airport. Ben-Gurion to Haifa is already expensive, from $150 (550 shekels).

Taxi's only accept cash.

Metro

The only metro line in Israel is Haifa's Carmelit. Travel there costs approximately $2, or 6.6 shekels. From Sunday to Thursday it is open from six in the morning until midnight, on Friday from six in the morning until three in the afternoon, and on Saturday from the end of Shabbat until midnight.

Carmelit is convenient if you need to go down or up the slope of Carmel; there are a total of six stations on the line: the upper one near the Bahai Gardens and the lower one on Paris Square. The trip to Carmelita is safe and interesting, because the train goes uphill, which affects the layout of the stations.

Buses

As I already noted, Haifa buses travel throughout the city. On average, the interval of each route is 10-20 minutes, but there are also rare buses that run once an hour. Bus service operates around the clock and even on Shabbat, but at night and on weekends their number is sharply reduced. It’s very easy to view the schedule and plan routes on the website.

An important point: sometimes it happens that there is no one else at the stop except you. In this case, the bus will need to “slow down,” like catching a ride, otherwise it may pass by without stopping if the driver thinks that you are waiting for a different route. For the same reason, many stops are only on demand, and to get off at the right one, you need to press the red button on the handrail a little in advance.

Transport rental

Renting a car in Haifa is quite easy - there are three car pick-up points in the HaMifratz area. Car rental companies include Sixt, Budget and Hertz. The conditions are approximately the same: a day of rental costs from $25 (about 100 shekels), documents you will need are a passport, driver's license and credit card. The driver must be at least twenty-one years old and have at least a year of driving experience, which is determined by documents. Cars are rented with a small supply of gasoline, and a liter of it costs from 6 shekels ($2) per liter. You can check the prices for different car models in advance.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to rent a scooter in Haifa itself - the nearest rental point is in Tel Aviv. Moreover, in any case, I would advise taking a car - it’s safer on Haifa’s mountain roads. You need to get used to the local driving style and be prepared for impatient signals from behind while you try to make out what the sign says - it often happens that the inscriptions on them are only in Hebrew and Arabic.

In addition to driving style, you need to keep in mind that parking in the city center is in most cases paid, and there are not always spaces.

Paid zones are marked with blue and white markings, and red and white markings on curbs (the same as curbs) mean that parking is prohibited here. In some areas, parking time is limited, for example, a maximum of two hours. Payment machines only accept coins.

If you rent a car and suddenly receive a fine for violating parking rules, you should not hope that you will not have to pay it - the fine will be written to the car's license plate, and the company will charge the corresponding amount from your credit card.

Haifa – holidays with children

Haifa is quite attractive for traveling with children if the children are already able to move around on their own, without a stroller. A stroller can create inconvenience when traveling and walking around the city - often the streets going uphill are organized as stairs rather than ramps, and I would definitely not envy parents carrying both a child and a stroller in the heat.

Little travelers will certainly enjoy the local sandy beaches - the shore is very shallow and the water warms up well. It is worth visiting the local zoo in Carmel, taking a ride on the cable car and in Carmelita. In the Lower Town you can rent Segways and explore the city on them. The National Maritime Museum, the Israeli National Museum of Science, Technology and Space Madatek and the Railway Museum will seem fascinating, but I would not recommend going to art museums.

Children are friendly in Haifa; most cafes and restaurants have high chairs for children, and they give up seats on public transport.

, .

Anything to add?

The word “Haifa”, if literally translated from Hebrew into Russian, means “ beautiful coast” or “safe, sheltered harbour.” Both of these translations are correct and reflect the essence of Haifa, the third largest and most important city in Israel.

Residents of the country and tourists coming to Haifa can enjoy the unusually beautiful view from the Mediterranean Sea all year round, thanks to the mild climate in this place. True, in winter (from November to April) it can often rain, sometimes very heavily.

Haifa traces its history back to the 3rd century AD. At that time there was an ancient Jewish settlement here, under the rule of the powerful Roman Empire.

This city has a lot of attractions related to different religions, the history of the state of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Of particular note is the Haifa parks area, which occupies a vast area in the city.

Haifa has interesting places for adults, teenagers, as well as small children.

The atmosphere in the city is friendly and joyful.

Biblical Mount Carmel (“Vineyard of God”)

One of the main attractions of the city is the biblical Mount Carmel. Many tourists come here first, and then explore the rest of the city’s attractions. It is here - on its slopes and at the foot of the mountain - that this Israeli city is located.

Today the biblical mountain is built up with urban areas. There are numerous observation platforms from which you can admire views of the city from different angles.

On one of the streets is the Central City Haifa Synagogue, which is the center of religion in the state of Israel.

Perhaps this is one of the main attractions of Haifa where everyone goes - both tourists and the local population.

According to biblical legend, the prophet Elijah lived in one of the caves of Mount Carmel. Some time later, the Carmelite Order movement was founded here and a monastery of the same name was built. On the territory of this monastery, the entrance to the cave of Elijah the Prophet remains today, to which free access is now open.

Carmelite Monastery Stella Maris (Star of the Sea)

The monastery was founded in the 13th century on a biblical mountain. One of the fundamental factors in choosing the location was that the prophet Elijah once lived here. Today, this monastery is the active world center of the Carmelite Order.

The next most important attraction of the city is the famous Bahai terraced gardens, located on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

This place is filled with unusually strong, positive energy. Amazing plants grow on 19 terraces: cacti, silver olives, various types of flowers. There are many fountains throughout the area.

Walking here you can see the temple of the “Bahai Religion”, in which the tomb of the founder of this religious movement, the Bab, is located. The essence of this religion-teaching is the trinity of God, religion and man.

A zoo in any city or country is always a unique place. Here you can always see strange and unfamiliar animals. Haifa Zoo is designed for school activities.

The park in its modern form has been known since 2002. It was then that its large-scale renovation was carried out. Animal enclosures have been replaced and they have become much more comfortable. At the same time, the zoo's infrastructure was improved: benches were installed, catering areas were opened, a children's playground, and an amusement park.

Thanks to perestroika, in the same year 2002, the number of new species of animals, never seen before in this zoo, increased.

A special feature of the Haifa Zoological Garden is the petting zoo area. Few people know that the first contact zone was founded here.

Unfortunately, the zoo is not suitable for groups of tourists with limited mobility, since a significant part of it is located in the mountainous area of ​​the Carmel Nature Reserve.

The University of Haifa is a student cluster within the city. There are about 17 thousand students, undergraduates and graduate students who study and conduct scientific work in six faculties that make up the university base.

1. Humanitarian.
2. Social.
3. Legal.
4. Natural science.
5. Pedagogical.
6. Medical.

The university has a “business school” in which only graduate students study. Upon completion, they all go to work as government officials. This is one of the most respected and highly paid professions in Israel.

On the territory of the university there is an interesting museum, which has no analogues in the world. It was named after the Hecht couple - in honor of the founder of the museum, one of the professors and his wife. They were passionate collectors, and the basis of the museum’s exhibition is their collections. Here you can see various collections, including masterpieces of fine art. Also on display are collections of coins and seals from different times, as well as an exhibition telling the history of the settlement of Palestine.

The museum’s collection also contains archaeological exhibits, among which one can highlight an ancient boat (about 2,500 years old).

The museum is located in a special area of ​​the city called "Wadi Nisnas". It was founded in 1951, which coincided with the holding of a grand exhibition of Marc Chagall in Haifa.

Today, the main focus of the museum is contemporary fine art by Israeli artists. It is their paintings that make up the main exhibition of the museum. Here you can get acquainted with the works of: M. Shemi, J. Kriza, M. Gross, M. Kuppermani, P. Cohen-Gan.

In addition to local artists, there is also an international collection. It includes paintings by M. Chagall, M. Lieberman, D. Ribera and H. Orlov.

The museum's exposition is updated up to 3 times a year. The total number of exhibits is about 7,000 items. There are sketches of drawings and paintings, as well as sculptures, photographs, and origami.

Location: Shabtai Levi Street - 26.

The Temple of Elijah the Prophet was built in the second decade of the 20th century. During its construction, it was necessary to resort to various tricks, since there were opponents to the construction of the temple.

After the temple was consecrated, rare services began to be held there. At this time he did not have a rector.

There is a bell tower near the temple. The interior decoration of the temple is very restrained. This temple attracts tourists and pilgrims who want to worship the prophet Elijah. At the beginning of the 21st century, the church received a rebirth and finally found a rector. Today this is one of the most interesting places on the biblical mountain.

In this museum, visitors will learn about the history of Israel's railways, starting with the establishment of the network during the unification of the country. The museum is located in two autonomous buildings.

In the first one you can learn about the history of development, get acquainted with transport tickets of that time, coins and tokens, see old stamps and road maps.

The second presents an exhibition of rolling stock from different time periods.

On the territory of the museum, excursions are held, which tell about each individual carriage, and a film about the development of the country's railway communication is broadcast.

This place is famous for the fact that all the active artists of the city gather here. There is a lot of discussion going on here about the world of painting. Exhibitions, shows and various concerts are held.

It’s worth going here after sightseeing to enjoy good music and get a charge of positive energy.

Location: Zionism Avenue - 24.

The house-museum of the national artist of Israel Mane Katz is located in his Haifa workshop. The artist lived in Haifa for several decades. His creative path began with graduating from art school. Then he studied for a long time with the French artist F. Cormon.

The museum displays interesting collections of oil works, watercolors, gouache drawings and pencil sketches by the owner of the house.

Also here you can see items collected by him as a famous collector: Judaica, plaster and bronze figurines, antique furniture and oriental carpets. Having been here, you can feel the unique energy of Haifa.

Location: Efe Nof street - 109.

The city has an extensive library network consisting of 20 branches. In 7 of them there is a part of the fund in Russian. Here you can also find literature in different languages: Yiddish, Hebrew, German, English and others.

The equipment of the library collections corresponds to modern technological progress. All branches of the library have Internet access. 4 of them are wireless. There are computer game consoles, and there is a service for ordering books over the phone with delivery to your home or hotel.

The fund of video films in different languages ​​is extensive. Books written off from the library collection can be purchased by any visitor at a price ranging from 5 to 15 shekels.

One of the most unusual museums in the city. It contains various models of computer installations, microchips and memory cards. In addition to the technical equipment produced by the Israeli company, equipment from other countries is also presented here. There are also Russian-made ones.

All exhibits in the museum, even the “oldest” ones, are in working condition and you are allowed to work on them.

The doll is a symbol of history. The Haifa Museum tells the history of the State of Israel through them. It also presents puppet compositions based on fairy tales from around the world and works of art by famous classical writers from around the world. You can also see biblical scenes with your own eyes. In the workshops at the museum you can try to make a doll with your own hands.

Israel is a relatively young state. For decades, Israelis have fought for their autonomy.

The museum presents two exhibitions to visitors.

1. Development of the country's Navy.
2. A story about illegal emigration. In the exhibition dedicated to emigration, you can see documents, eyewitness accounts, photos and videos.

The film about emigration, broadcast in the exhibition, was created in the early 80s. The exhibition is presented on a preserved emigration ship, which, after being dismantled and transferred to the museum, was reassembled.

Location: Derech Allenby - 204.

It is located in the main tourist area "Carmel Center" and occupies a specially built building. The central place in the building is given over to the main concert venue “Auditorium”. The Rappoport Arts Center and the city cinema Cinemathek are located in the same building.

Many cultural events are held here, including concerts and recitals by Israeli and Russian artists of various genres. The cinema shows films in many languages ​​of the world.

Location: HaNassi Blvd - 140.

The only metro line in the whole country. It includes six stations. Using the metro you can visit the central part of the city.

It is located in the coastal area. There are many sports facilities and a large city playground. The main advantage of the park is the amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea.