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The National Maritime Museum Haifa

Haifa travel guide

The National Maritime Museum – was established in 1953, from the private collection of the late Aryeh Ben-Eli, who was the founder and first director of the museum. In 1972, the building was inaugurated at 198 Allenby Street, where it is still today.
The museum presents spectacular exhibitions of ships from different periods, the pirate exhibition presented in the museum as part of the permanent exhibition is an experiential exhibition and the only one of its kind in Israel. In addition, the museum displays rare finds that survived from ancient times, underwater archaeology, Greco-Roman coins, maritime mythology and more. The museum is located at the southern entrance to Haifa and attracts thousands of visitors a year.

The exhibition invites visitors to a space full of love for the sea and connects them directly with the museum’s new story. It features a display of bottled ships and models of ships from around the world created by sailors as part of the unique leisure culture that has evolved aboard ships sailing in the distance.

Address: Derech Allenby 198, Haifa
Image by: Zvi Roger

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Tel Shekmona National Park - Excursion Route Suggestion

Discover the hidden treasures of Tel Shekmona National Park, a gem set against the stunning backdrop of Haifa's coastline. Ideal for families and romantic outings, this short and scenic route offers a blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty, suitable for all ages. Starting Point: The Sea and Lake Research Institute, Haifa End Point: Return to the starting point Historical Significance of Tel Shekmona Recent archaeological discoveries have propelled Tel Shekmona into the spotlight as a site of global historical importance. Prof. Ayelet Gilboa and Dr. Golan Shloy, from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa, have unveiled findings that position Tel Shekmona, once a modest seaside site on the southern edges of Haifa, as a pivotal center of ancient industry. Their research, published in the archaeological journal of Tel Aviv University, reveals that Tel Shekmona hosted the world’s largest and most productive scarlet dye factory around 3,000 years ago. This operation was a remarkable synergy of the administrative acumen of the biblical kingdom of Israel and the skilled Phoenician workers who specialized in the complex processes required to produce this valuable dye. Prof. Gilboa drew parallels between Tel Shekmona and Tel Dor during our discussion, noting their shared historical trajectories. Initially a small fishing village that also produced scarlet dye, Tel Shekmona evolved into a significant industrial facility. In contrast, Tel Dor served as a principal port city. Both sites fell under the control of the Kingdom of Israel in the ninth century B.C. According to Prof. Gilboa, the primary motive for the kingdom’s expansion into the Carmel coast was economic rather than territorial or maritime dominance. The control of crimson dye production centers, like Shekmona, was likely a strategic move to dominate this lucrative industry. These findings enrich our understanding of the historical and economic landscape of ancient Israel and highlight the sophisticated industrial activities that flourished under its influence. Route Description: Begin your journey at the iconic Sea and Lake Research Institute, located directly on the waterfront. This marks both the start and end of a leisurely route that explores the lesser-known beachfront and delves into the area’s rich history. Adjacent to Tel Shekmona is the expansive Rosh Carmel Sea Reserve, where the Carmel Ridge extends into the sea, forming a unique underwater landscape. The marine reserve, stretching from the institute to Nahal Lotem’s mouth and westward into the sea, covers about 50,000 dunams. It not only preserves historical sites from the ancient settlement of Shakmona but also showcases geological wonders like weathered dolomite and limestone, and a unique reef formed by tuber family snails. After departing from the Sea and Lake Research Institute, head south to reach the national park. Recently rejuvenated, Tel Shekmona was transformed from a neglected dumping ground into a beautifully landscaped area. The park now features native coastal vegetation and several protected species, enhancing its ecological value. Climb to the top of Tel Shakmona for a panoramic view of the sea and the city. The site, known historically as a-Smak ("Mound of the Fish"), offers a vista sprinkled with archaeological remains dating back to as early as the 15th century BC. The area was a hub during the Byzantine era, evidenced by church ruins and intricate mosaic floors uncovered in multiple archaeological digs. Continue your walk south along the boardwalk, passing by excavation sites and the hewn "hot tub" pool in the sea. Loop back north through Hecht Park and cross to Alex Garden. Near the garden, explore the ancient Shakmona caves, used historically for burial. The route concludes with a return to the Sea and Lake Research Institute. How to Reach: Access the starting point next to the Sea and Lake Research Institute via Hubert Humphrey Street in Haifa. Please Note: Swimming at the beach along this route is not permitted. Embark on this enlightening excursion at Tel Shekmona National Park, where history and nature meet the Mediterranean Sea.

Experience Delicious Vegan Cuisine at Umm Kulthum Hummus Bar in Haifa

Looking for a vegan restaurant in Haifa? Umm Kulthum Hummus Bar is the place to go! Our menu is inspired by nature and filled with fresh, plant-based ingredients. From hand-crafted soybeans to Portobello Shawarma Hummus and Vegan Lahmajoon, we offer a variety of tasty dishes. Our restaurant is located on Sderot Moriah in Carmel and welcomes families for a culinary coexistence. Come and experience the colors, tastes, and smells of our healthy cuisine today. Don't forget to try our delicious vegan desserts! Umm Kulthum Haifa vegan restaurant offers a menu with a variety of vegan dishes. They serve salads, dips, pita sandwiches, and hummus dishes. Their hummus menu includes various options like hummus Esli, hummus Sabah, hummus Paul, hummus Kolthom, and hummus Portobello. They also offer hot dishes like roasted cauliflower, mix mushrooms, lentil sweet potato and rocket, and others. They have a children's meal option as well.

Step routes in Haifa

THE GERMAN COLONY The itinerary begins at the Gedera Steps to Hahashmonaim Street. From here take a left turn to the Gamla Steps and walk about 350m. along Golomb Street to the Koresh Steps. On Arlosorov Street turn left to Buniak Steps and to Hillel Street and again to the left to Zionut Avenue and towards the Bahai site. On the right side of the Bahai Temple, descend from Shifra Street via the Shifra Steps to Abbas Street, turn left to Hacramim descent and then on Hagefen Street towards the German Colony. The views on this walk are very special and descending the scenic steps contributes to the charm. The Bahai sites, the Nazareth Nuns' School building near the Shifra Steps and the German Colony itself complete an interesting tour. Return to the Carmel Center by bus no. 22, which does NOT run on Saturdays. WADI NISNAS The Step route descends to Abbas Street as in itinerary a. On Abbas Street, turn right to Zionut Avenue, continuing along Shabtai Levy Street to the Haifa Museum. From there descend to Wadi Nisnas via the Dor Steps and walk along Hawadi Street and the Market Mall on St. John's Street. This walk, in the part below the Haifa Museum and along the Wadi Nisnas axis is characterised by the aroma of oriental foods and spices. Further down, on Ha'azmaut Street close to the port, thepavement offers multiple bargain stalls proposing. a wide open sky market. Return to the Hadar with bus no. 10 or 12 or to the Carmel Center with bus no. 22 or 37. PARIS SQUARE As in itineraries a and B, descend via the steps to Hahashmonaim Street. Turn right to Wingate Street and via Montefiori descend to the Spinoza Steps. After crossing Hess and Bar Giora Streets you will reach Arlosorov Street where you turn left, continue about 300m. and continue descending via the Shmuel Steps to Ben Yehuda Street again, turn left, continue about 100m. and descend to Hanevi'im Street via the Tzfat Steps. Hanevi'im Street is one of Hadar's busiest thoroughfares and here you will find shops, cinemas, kiosks and restaurants. Walk to Shivat Zion Street and continue along Hatib Lane to Paris Square and downtown Haifa. Return to the hadar with bus no.10, 12 or to Carmel Center with bus no.22, 37. EL PASHA Descend to Arlosorov Street as in itinerary C. Continue to the right about 200m. and then left to Chaim Steps. From here the route crosses the classical residential area of Hadar, where houses date from the 1920s and 1930s. Continue to Yosef Street where you turn left and reach the Usha Steps after about 150m. This leads to Pevzner Street, again turn left, go on about 100m. and descend via Hillel Yafe Steps to humming Herzl Street. We cross the Nordau Pedestrian Mall which offers many restaurants, street cafes and shops. Cross Herzl Street and descend to Hehalutz Street where we turn left for about 150m. and then right to Shapira Street. Continue your descent down Ma'ale Hashihrur Street until reaching the Ajlun Steps. Here descend to the House of Mustafa EL-Halil Pasha in the old town. Tour the area and then return to the Hadar and to the Carmel Center as in itinerary B.

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