Get To Know Haifa, Israel’s Third Largest City

Visitors to Israel tend to go to main tourist spots like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee. But Haifa is a hidden gem tourists should consider adding to their itinerary, and here’s why.

The Beaches

Most people assume Tel Aviv has the best beaches, but Haifa boasts some pretty spectacular ones as well. The coastline on the west side of Haifa has a variety of beaches to choose from like Dado and Zamir. Every beach has lifeguards, and if you choose one next to the boardwalk there is a plethora of restaurants to sit and eat a bowl of hummus at.

Haifa Beach. Photo take by Maria Lupan on Unsplash

The Nightlife

Carmel Center, which is about half-way up Mount Carmel, offers some upscale bars and restaurants to sit and have a few drinks at. Sasson features a fusion of Israeli cuisine and excellent wine choices. If you are looking for a bar to grab a couple of drinks at, head over  to Zafririm 1, which is on the same street. You can finish off the night at Sleek Bar, or the club Loft124, which are both on Hanasi street.

The Baha’i Gardens

A trip to Haifa would not be complete without a tour of the terraced Baha’i gardens. These gardens see hundreds of people every year, and provide breathtaking views of the city and the port. 

Baha’i Gardens, Haifa. Photo taken by Rade Šaptović on Unsplash

When you plan your trip to Israel, be sure to check out Haifa.