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Haifa Travel City and Hotel Guide

Haifa travel guide

PLACES OF INTEREST:

HAIFA UNIVERSITY
Haifa University is situated on one of the Carmel peaks, 480m. above sea level. It is outstanding for its modern planning and three graduated buildings. For spectacular views of Haifa and the Bay area, visit the lookout point in the Eshkol Tower, the University’s main building. The University also houses an art gallery with works displayed by artists, victims of the holocaust. A tour of the site includes the Visitors Center where a film is shown and a call at the Reuben and Edith Hecht Archaeological Museum. The entrance and guiding at the Museum – free.
– Address: Abba Hushi Road, Mount Carmel, Haifa. Coordinate your visit in advance with the Visitors Center at 04-8240097 Open:
Sundays — Thursdays 08:00 – 15:00 Buses: 24, 36, 37, 191, 192.

THE TECHNION ISRAEL’S TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
The Technion is located in the Neve Sha’anan neighborhood. This institution for higher technological studies is famous worldwide for its scientific achievements. The Coler Visitors Center screens a film on the Technion’s history. Address: Technion City, Neve Sha’anan, Haifa. The Coler Center is open: Sundays – Thursdays 08:00-14:00. Fridays: 08:00-12:00. Closed on Saturdays. Tel: 04-8320664/8 .Free entrance. Buses: 17, 19.

KABABIR
A village integrated in the city of Haifa, populated by Moslem inhabitants belonging to the Ahmedi sect. Opposed to all forms of coercion aggression or violence, they believe that Islam should be spread by information and by persuasion. The Mahmoud Mosque is situated in the village center. Buses: 34 – from the Carmel Center.

THE ZOO AND THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Zoo and the Botanical Gardens are situated in Gan-Ha’em in the Carmel Center. The Zoo has a variety of animal species and some lovely secluded spots. Also visit the Botanical Gardens and the Nature Museum, where you can view stuffed animals and a rare collection of live snakes Address: Gan Ha’em, Carmel Center, Haifa. Open during: July – August – Sundays – Thursdays 08:00 – 18:00; the rest of the year: 08:00 – 16:00; Fridays 08:00 — 13:00
Saturdays 09:00 – 16:00. Phone: 04-8372886, 372390
Buses: 21, 22, 23, 28, 37 or the Carmelit.

GAN HA’EM
“Mother’s Park” is situated in the Carmel Center and offers a promenade, lovely lawns, a children play area and cafes. During the summer open air concerts and performances are held in the park. The Zoo, the Zoological Institute and the Schtekelis Museum of Prehistory are also to be found in the Gardens.

THE SCULPTURE GARDEN
A beautiful setting for 22 bronze statues donated to the city by the scupltress Ursula Malbin. The garden perfectly combines art and nature and overlooks the Bay area and the Galilee landscape. Address: Zionut Avenue, Haifa. The garden is open during daylight hours and entrance is free. Buses: 22, 23, 25, 26.

THE BAHAI SHRINE
This beautiful golden-domed Shrine is located on Mt. Carmel, the site of the Adminsistraative and Spiritual Center of the Baha’i Shrine. The remains of Said Ali Muhammad, one of the two founders of the Bahai religion are buried inside the Shrine. The spectacular Bahai Gardens, planted in 1909 and nurtured ever since surround the Shrine, by comparison, the interior of the Shrine has been done with utmost simplicity. Address; Zionut Avenue. Haifa. The Bahai Shrine Open: Sunday – Friday and Saturday 09:00-12:00. The Bahai Shrine Gardens open: Sunday – Friday and Saturday 09:00-17:00. Phone: 04-8358358. Buses:22, 23,25,26.

THE GERMAN COLONY
A number of period styled houses still survive from the time German Templars settled in Haifa. Dating from 1868,
many of the houses are located on Ben Gurion Avenue and
in the immediate vicinity.
The lovely houses and courtyards tell us of the Templars lifestyle. Many restaurants now exist in the area.

THE STELLA MARIS CHURCH AND MONASTERY
An impressive Church of the Carmelite Order, it serves as a pilgrimage center. The Church also houses a collection
of antiquities. Elijah the Prophet’s cave is located nearby. The monastery served as a hospital for Napoleon’s soldiers and a monument to French soldiers was erected in front of the Church. Address. Stella Maris Rd. Open all week: 08:30-13:30 and 15:00-18:00. Phone: 04-8337758. Entry free. Buses: 25, 26, 27, 30, 31.

ELIJAH’S CAVE
The focal point of Elijah the Prophet’s activity, the cave has since become a pilgrimage site for believers of the three main religions. Visitors and pilgrims alike have recorded many inscriptions on the cave’s walls, including Greek names and a Menorah. Address: 230 Allenby St. Haifa. Open: during July & August – Sunday to Thursday 08:00-18:00. Friday 08;00-12;45.
The rest of the year: Sunday-Thursday 08:00-17:00, Friday 08:00-12:45. Buses: 3, 5, 43, 44, 45.

THE HAIFA FUNICULAR
Take the funicular from Stella Maris to the Bat Galim Promenade and back again for a spectacular
view of the Carmel and the sea. Address: Stella Maris or Bat Galim Funicular Stations, Haifa. Open: during the summer months — Sunday to Thursday & Saturday 09:00-23:00, Friday 09:00-14:00. Closed on Fridays in winter. Telephone: 04-8335970. Buses to Bat Galim Station: 3a 41,42, to the Stella Maris Station: 25, 26, 27, 30, 31.

THE REMEMBRANCE GARDEN
A Garden for the remembrance of Haifa’s citizens who fell in the line of duty in the Israel Defence Forces. It is located opposite the Haifa City Hall. Address: Hassan Shukri Street, Haifa. Buses: 15, 16, 19, 21, 37 or the Carmelit.

THE DRUZE VILLAGES
The Usfiya and Daliat-el-Carmel Druze villages are located on the Carmel summit. In the center of Daliat-el-Carmel you can find a colorful market, open daily except Fridays. Buses: 192, at 13:00, 14:05, 15:15, hours. For organised tours, please contact 04-8390125.

MUHRAKA
A Carmelite monastery situated on the site where according to tradition, Elijah the Prophet fought and defeated the prophets of Baal. Located just past the Druze Villages. Bus 192 to Daliat-el-Carmel village and from there by service taxi.

BEIT OREN – HORSERIDING CENTER
A horse ranch offering riding lessons for beginners or outrides on different routes on mount Carmel for the more experienced rider, Situated near Kibbutz Beit Oren junction, there is a restaurant at the site. Tractor rides and Jeeps tour
can also be arranged.

http://inisrael.com/tour/haifa/places.htm

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Museums in Haifa

There are three major areas in Haifa; the lower city is the “downtown” area where major businesses and factories are located, as well as hotels and year-long swimming beaches alongside the port area. The middle city is called Hadar HaCarmel and includes the market and a busy commercial area. The upper city is stretched on Mt. Carmel, where most entertainment and shopping areas and a lot of the residential areas are located. Commuting between the different areas can be done with the only subway in Israel, the Carmelit, which travels from sea level downtown all the way up the Central Carmel in 6 minutes. Many museums can be found in Haifa. No matter what your taste or interest are, whether it's art, technology or national history - you can probably find a museum that will attract you in Haifa: Haifa Museum of Art The Haifa Museum of Art is located in an historic building built in the 1930's in Hadar HaCarmel. The Museum of Art focuses on Israeli and international contemporary art, alongside thematic exhibitions which deal with various aspects of Israeli and international art. Tikotin Museum of Japanese art The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art, which stands on the brow of Mt. Carmel, is devoted entirely to displaying and conserving Japanese art works, and is the only one of its kind in the Middle East. It is a municipal institution, founded in 1959, with the assistance and initiative of Felix Tikotin (1893-1986) of Holland, and the late Abba Khoushy, who was Mayor of Haifa at that time. The Museum's collection comprises some 7000 items including paintings, prints, drawings, screens, textiles, ancient illustrated books, ceramics, miniature carvings (netsuke), metal and lacquer works, antique swords and handicrafts, mainly from the 14th-19th centuries. It also includes modern Japanese works of art. The Reuben & Edith Hecht Museum in Haifa University The Hecht museum contains thousands of unique archaeological items illustrating the theme "The People of Israel in the Land of Israel", from the private collection of Dr. Hecht. In the Art wing you’ll find French painting from the years 1830-1930, and Jewish art from mid-19th to early 20th century, including – Corot, Manet, Monet, Pissaro, Van-Gogh, Soutine, Modigliani and more. Chagall Artists House The Chagall Artists House was established in 1954 as an initiative of the Painters and Sculptors Association, and serves as a venue for one-man shows and group exhibitions, publication of catalogues and periodicals, international exchange exhibitions, projects accompanied by events such as artists dialogues, lectures on various aspects of art, chamber music concerts, etc. Mane Katz Museum The late renowned Jewish artist bequeathed his home, paintings and other artworks to the city. The National Museum of Science, Technology and Space Established in 1983, the Israel National Museum of Science is situated in the historic landmark – the old Technion building. Through a vast assortment of interactive exhibits and laboratories in its Education Center, it seeks to transmit basic scientific concepts - on mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics and acoustics, robotics and genetics, aeronautics and communications – that help people understand not only how items they use daily function, but also their underlying principles. The National Maritime Museum The National Maritime Museum is occupying a modern four-story building located near the entrance to Haifa from the south. This museum, founded by Arie Ben Eli in 1953, chronicles over 5,000 years of maritime history, with emphasis on the Eastern Mediterranean, cradle of shipping in the Western World. Clandestine Immigration & Naval Museum The museum is devoted to the Clandestine Immigration and to the history of the Israeli navy. The ship "Af-'Al-Pi", which ran the British blockade during the Mandatory period, is on display. Dagon Grain Silo & Archaeological Museum Grain storage and handling in ancient Israel and the Near East, including a display of working tools. Description: The beautiful city of Haifa is also an entertainment and culture center and has a unique museum to offer for almost any taste or interest.

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.

The Haifa Cable Car

Haifa has two cable car systems: the tourist-oriented Bat Galim cable car system that runs up Mount Carmel from the Bat Galim promenade in the western part of the city, and the Rakavlit – a public-transportation aerial tramway in the southeastern part of the city, which ascends from the Haifa Bay public transit hub to the hilly areas housing the University of Haifa and the Technion. The Haifa Cable Car offers an experiential five-minute ride with amazing Carmel Mountain Views, which begins on the Bat Galim promenade and continues to the end of Mount Carmel and back. The Haifa cable car is transparent for the best expirince. You can purchase a one-way ticket or a return ticket. Access to the cable car is possible both from the lower station (Bat Galim promenade) and from the upper station. At the top station you can complete the experience with entertainment in one of the restaurants or enjoy another attraction such as Stella Maris Church, a visit to the Cave of Elijah and an observation point to Rosh Hanikra and the Gulf of Acre. The new cable car, Dubbed the “Rakavlit” connecting the University with the Technion and the Lev Hamifratz central train/bus station, covers a total distance of 4.4 kilometers with an elevation gain of 460 meters. The “Rakavliture is to become a major city tourist attraction, most of the passengers are expected to be students traveling to and from the Technion.

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