Haifa is Israel's third largest city and northern capital. Haifa is situated in a natural bay between the Mediterranean Sea and the Carmel Mountain. The city's terraced landscape offers a rich variety of spectacular views. Haifa is home to five different religions; Jews, Christians, Muslims, Bahai and Druze. A rich group of varying cultures and ethnic groups makes up the foundation of life in Haifa.
Haifa is built on three levels: downtown (old city, port and coast), the middle city (Hadar HaCarmel) and the upper city (Carmel and Ahuza). The only subway of Israel, the Carmelit, is found in Haifa. It travels from almost sea level downtown through the middle city to the Central Carmel (280 meters above sea level) in 6 minutes.
The Haifa Bahai Shrine :
Built on Mt. Carmel, the beautiful golden-domed Bahai Shrine is one of Haifa's most beautiful sites and sights. For people of the Bahai faith Haifa travel is not about tourism but about service and each Bahai is expected to make a pilgrimage to Haifa to help with the maintenance of the centers and gardens located here. The Shrine is the World Center of the Bahai Faith and the remains of Said Ali Muhammad, one of the two founders of the Bahai religion, are buried inside the Shrine. The magnificent and carefully manicured Bahai Gardens, planted in 1909, provide both beauty and serenity with its beautiful flowers and gardens. There are 19 terraces with more than 1,500 steps as the garden sweeps downwards toward the Haifa Port.
Things to See and Do in Haifa:
Haifa Tourist Sites:
The Haifa University is situated on one of the Carmel peaks. It is outstanding for its modern planning and three graduated buildings and also houses an Art Gallery. The Technion, Israel's technological institute is famous worldwide for its scientific achievements. The Zoo and the Botanical Gardens are situated in Gan Ha'em in the Carmel Center. The Sculpture Garden is a beautiful setting for 22 bronze statutes donated to the city my Ursula Malbin. The Stella Maris Church and Monastery is an impressive Church of the Carmelite Order and the Elijah the Prophet's Cave is situated nearby. The Haifa Funicular goes from Stella Maris to the Bat Galim Promenade.
Haifa Museums :
Haifa breathes culture with more then a dozen museums exhibiting a variety of collections. The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art is devoted to the art of Japan and display beautiful exhibitions. The Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum where the Af-Al-Pi ship, which ran the British blockade during the Mandatory period, is on display. The National Maritime Museum chronicles over 5000 years of maritime history. The Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum illustrates the theme "The People of Israel in the Land of Israel".
Haifa Culture:
Music and film are at home in this city, with an annual International Film Festival as well as a Jazz and Blue Festival in the Port of Haifa. There are also park concerts presented by the Haifa Symphony Orchestra.
Haifa Beaches :
The sea wraps around Haifa and has some of the best beaches in Israel. The beaches offer a range of water sports including windsurfing. For those who enjoy diving, explore the area's underwater archaeological sites. Cruises leave the Kishon Port for a cruise around the busy harbor affording a perspective of Haifa and Carmel.
Haifa Leisure :
Impressive by day and night, Haifa is a winning combination of cinemas, theaters, museums, restaurants, side walk cafes, discos, elegant hotels, boutiques and shopping mall
Haifa Hotels