A Perfect Day in Haifa

The Baha’i gardens are built on 19 terraces, beginning at the foot of the mountain and ascending towards its summit. The main axis points towards Acre, a historically and religiously important city to the Baha'i. At the center of the exceptionally beautiful and meticulously maintained gardens stands the Shrine of the Bab, the burial place of the religion's founder, whose golden dome illuminates the grounds. Various sections of the gardens are separated by gravel paths, trimmed hedges and flower beds, which are carefully tended to by a dedicated gardening team. The gardens offer splendid views of the Haifa Bay, the Galilee and the Mediterranean. It's possible to tour independently, but for an enlightening experience, join the free guided tours (every day but Wednesday). Reservations are not necessary. As the Baha'i Gardens are a Holy place, visitors are asked to dress modestly, keep the place clean and respect its special character.

Haifa’s cable cars are fun for the whole family. The line runs from the Bat Galim Promenade to the Stella Maris lookout point on top of Mount Carmel, and hosts a view for the ages. The ride is five minutes in a glass car that allows you to enjoy the scenery from every angle. For those who enjoy a walk, one way tickets can be purchased, allowing visitors to take a twenty minute journey back. The lower terminal features Yotvata Restaurant, famous for its salads and ice cream, as well as an art exhibit. The upper terminal has a refreshment kiosk. Free for children under 2.

Talpiot Market is housed in the historic Hadar HaCarmel building, which was built in the late 1930s. Here you can find farm-to-table produce, spices, freshly baked goods, and much more, all at fair prices. There are also plenty of eateries and street-food stalls that have popped up amongst the vendors - making for great lunch breaks on your way to do your shopping.

One of the most beautiful walking trails in Haifa is the Louis Promenade on Mount Carmel. It is located just minutes away from numerous museums, shops and hotels, making it a must-see when visiting. Louis Promenade is perfect for enjoying the sunshine with an exceptional view that includes Haifa, distant white outcropping Rosh NaHikra, the coastal cities of Nahariya, Akko, and the Krayot, and the mountains of the Western Galilee. The promenade lasts about twenty minutes, while connecting to various other walking trails. Bring your camera any day of the year to this free of charge sightseeing opportunity. 

The flea market in Haifa's Lower City is a gem for vintage lovers and collectors, but a recent facelift has opened the area to the wider public. On weekdays, the market is quiet, operating solely during morning hours, but it comes to life on Saturdays and Sundays selling everything from old enamel utensils and used sneakers to ornaments and cut class.

This is a great museum for curious kids and adults alike. Giant exhibitions invite visitors to a hands-on experience surrounding history's greatest scientists and inventors. 3D films in the ‘Cinematrix’ are enhanced by moving seats, wind, water, and bubbles.

Nestled between tall bamboo, this museum is dedicated to art from the Land of the Rising Sun, showcasing a broad cross-section of both traditional and modern Japanese prints and paintings. Due to the delicate nature of Japanese craftsmanship, which is sensitive to light and weather, exhibits change frequently.

Elad Bardicef takes the hummusia to the next level with hummus like you’ve never tasted before. Always made fresh, in small batches, and served warm as it should be, it is exceedingly rich from smooth, creamy tahini and jazzed up with elevated, yet classic toppings such as mashed broad beans, stewed chickpeas, parsley (in this case parsley-pesto) and olive oil. Also try their other Israeli dishes, such as sabich and shakshuka that are plated beautifully, and made with organic and fresh ingredients, yet are still just as affordable as the humbler versions found elsewhere in the city. Made with extra care by an attentive staff, it’s no wonder you’ll be hard pressed to find a stool here most days of the week. The Chasidic charm and cool Israeli attitude only add to the experience, making this an absolute favorite.

Bardicef’s new branch at 34 Shivat Tzion street brings their brand of heavenly hummus and other freshly prepared Israeli gourmet vegetarian delicacies to Haifa’s lower city. You’ll be blown away by their elegant take on homemade Israeli flavors that will simultaneously warm your heart and satisfy your belly.

Offering garden-view rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV, the luxurious Bay Club - an Atlas Boutique Hotel is half way between Haifa Bay and the peak of Mount Carmel. The style of the property is inspired by the famous resort towns of the Mediterranean Sea.

Guests benefit from free shuttle to the Bahai Gardens tour.

Air-conditioned rooms at the Atlas Boutique include a fridge, seating area, and electric kettle with tea and coffee. The private bathroom has a bath or shower. Some rooms feature a terrace.

An Israeli breakfast is served daily in the spacious lounge which opens on the garden with pond fountain. It includes cheese, eggs, and bread, along with cold drinks. In the afternoon of weekdays you can enjoy free drinks and appetizers in the lounge.

The Israeli National Maritime Museum is 500 metres away, while Haifa Airport is 12 km from the property. In 10 minutes you can drive to the Mediterranean Sea and the Bahai Gardens.