Haifa is Israel's third-largest city and one of its main ports, set on the slopes of Mount Carmel and looking out over the Mediterranean Sea. Known in some sources as Hefa, it is a city that rises in terraces from the shore, so that many streets offer views across the water and down to the harbour.
What draws visitors
- The Bahá'í Gardens, the city's best-known landmark, laid out in terraced tiers on the mountainside and among the most visited sites in the area.
- The sea and the port, which give the city its character and make the waterfront a natural place for a walk.
- Its diverse population, which gives the city a mix of communities, neighbourhoods and everyday life that many visitors find distinctive.
Planning a visit
Haifa suits a visit of a day or more. The climb up Mount Carmel and the descent toward the coast are part of the experience, so comfortable shoes are worth bringing. Because the city is spread across hillsides, it helps to plan which areas you want to reach and to allow time for the gradients between them.
Beyond the gardens and the port, the surrounding Haifa District offers further places to explore, and the city makes a practical base for seeing the northern coast of the country. Check current details for the gardens and any other sites before you go, since opening arrangements can change.
