A picturesque Mediterranean town and the main health resort of Israel, Haifa has an ancient history, a friendly warm climate, a well-developed infrastructure, in general, everything that vacationers love so much. Many distinctive districts united into a single city have provided Haifa with a unique atmosphere, a synthesis of traditions and cultures, and wherever you find yourself - an exciting acquaintance with the diverse and multifaceted Haifa awaits you everywhere. But in addition to purely tourist topics, guests are also interested in such questions as where to stay in Haifa, where to go and how to spend the most vivid vacation.
Accommodation in Haifa
The territory of the city is vast and extends from the Mediterranean coast to the summit of Mount Carmel. Residential quarters are located on a hill, like terraces. It is unrealistic to get around such a mass on foot, and it is not very convenient to make daily pilgrimages by transport, so it is better to decide in advance on the area of / u200b / u200bthe rest.
Beachgoers arriving in Haifa traditionally choose the coastal neighborhoods. Although this part of the city is old and does not look perfect everywhere, the seaside districts attract by their proximity to the beaches, the opportunity to engage in active recreation on the water, and romantic promenades along the coast. In addition, the old districts are being actively restored and put in order, overgrown with skyscrapers and entertainment venues.
Hotels, as elsewhere in Israel, are not cheap, prices sometimes reach $ 150-200 per room, and this is not in the most expensive hotel. With early booking, you can slightly lower the price, but in order to save money, it is better to stay not in respectable complexes, but in mini-hotels and hostels, which are abundant in Haifa.
Another cheap accommodation option is country campsites. They are located on or near the beaches, for a small fee, vacationers receive a tent, toilet, water supply, electricity and the sea nearby. For undemanding tourists, campsites are ideal, allowing you to save substantial money on accommodation.
Tourist areas
With regard to areas in Haifa itself, most often, guests choose the following:
- Lower City.
- Bat Galim.
- Adar.
- Kababir.
- Moshava Germanite.
- Carmel.
Lower City
The oldest part of the resort, where many attractions are located. If you are looking for a cheap place to stay in Haifa and close to the sea, this is a good solution. Due to the fact that the area is considered not prestigious by the Israelis themselves, housing prices are somewhat lower here. But in the Lower City there are many educational institutions, which implies a large number of young people and places to hang out.
Here you can visit the Railway Museum, the Ottoman cemetery. During the Ottoman Empire it was a fort city, the remains of the old fortress can be seen today. Later, the area turned into an Arab quarter, poor, but colorful and interesting in terms of architecture. There are many buildings here, decorated with stone and brickwork, arched windows and sculptural decorations.
From Muslims, the Lower City inherited the Al Istiklal Mosque, and the flea market and many street outlets make sure you are in the Middle East with its love of bazaars. Trying to give the area a modern look, it is actively built up with high-rise buildings, the most famous of which is the Parus skyscraper, which the locals call Kukuruza. In general, buildings from the early 20th century prevail here.
A large number of creative and craft workshops are located in the Lower City, recently, mass events have intensified in the area - cultural festivals, fairs, open days in workshops, so creative people will definitely not be bored here.
Hotels: Golden Crown Haifa, Yonas, Yafo 82 Guesthouse, Agam Hahoresh Guest house, Asfour Guest House, Al Yakhour Hostel, Haddad Guest House, The Colony Hotel, Atelier Luxury Rooms, Templers Boutique Hotel.
Bat Galim
Well-groomed and beautiful Bat Galim has grown along a strip of coastline. The name of the district was given by the public beach located within its boundaries - the main resort place of rest. Nearby there is a separate beach for believers, but the bulk of holidaymakers live precisely on Bat Galim, which is not surprising: the territory is fully equipped with infrastructure elements, breakwaters are installed in the sea, water sports centers are immediately lined up offering equipment rental, training and other services.
Behind the beach, there is a promenade with shops and classic recreational facilities. In general, when choosing where to stay in Haifa for a beach vacation, Bat Galim is worth considering first.
The potential of the region is not exhausted by sea recreation alone. It houses the Museum of the Israeli Navy, the Museum of Illegal Immigration, the old mill of the 19th century, the cave of Elijah the Prophet, the burial caves of the 18th century and much more. There is also the lower station of the cable car, through which you can get to the upper quarters.
The famous Rambam clinic and other medical centers specializing in the treatment of many diseases also operate here, so Bat Galim is also the Haifa medical center, where people come for treatment from all over the world.
Hotels: Bat Galim Boutique Hotel, Blue Sky, Sea Plaza Residence, Sea Plaza Hotel Haifa, Tamer Guest house.
Adar
A cozy picturesque area stretches between the Lower City and the upper part of Haifa, due to the peculiarities of its location, it is divided into lower, central and upper sub-districts. Quite noisy, crowded, lively area, where a variety of leisure activities are guaranteed. There are also plenty of places to stay in Haifa, and for any request and budget.
The streets of Adar are full of architectural revelations, although they are slightly shabby, but there are many places for walking, and along them you will inevitably stumble upon hundreds of shops, cafes, eateries, shops, restaurants, pubs.
Of the original objects, the Talpiot market building, built in the Bauhaus style, can be noted. City Hall, Haifa Theater. The house with the clock is an outwardly unremarkable building, but for some reason called a landmark, there is a large clock in the upper corner of the house.
In Adar, there is the Museum of Science, Technology and Astronautics, a Bahai temple with part of the gardens, the Museum of Art, and the Tower of the Prophets. A favorite place for walks of townspeople and tourists is Nordau pedestrian street.
Adar is a multicultural area with a mixture of cultures, languages and traditions. This is evidenced by its development. Here is the central synagogue and the Arab theater Al Midas is also located here. There are many shopping streets, all the first floors of which are dedicated to shops and entertainment venues. Many buildings in the area are in poor condition, which may be why prices are very low.
Hotels: Theodor Hotel, Art Gallery Hotel, Guest House Orlihome, Loui Gardens, City Center Apartments, Loui Hotel, Bay Club Hotel, Levontine 14.
Kababir
A unique and very unusual area. This is a completely Arab Muslim quarter, very clean, well-groomed, beautiful and well-maintained. Strikingly different from the rest of the city. It is original in that most of the inhabitants are related to each other. It was founded by an Arab settler in the middle of the nineteenth century and has a vast family lineage from him. Residents enter into marriages strictly among themselves, observing their own intra-family traditions.
Kababir is located on the top of the mountain, which gave him many viewing platforms, although from wherever you look - a stunning panoramic view of the whole of Haifa opens up. The minarets of the Mahmud Mosque rise above the streets of Kababir. There are not many attractions in the area, but there are enough very beautiful houses, albeit unnamed.
Hotels: Sha'Ar Ha'Aliya.
Moshava Germanite
The area founded by German settlers is called the "German colony". For this reason, it is the most European in Haifa, which is easily struck by the peculiarities of its architecture and furnishings. The colony has preserved many examples of buildings from the 19th century, including the houses of the Templars - the founding fathers.
Here you can also see the Museum of the Settlement of Haifa, the building of the Dagon granary, where the Museum of Bread is now open, the Carmelite Church, the people's house and much more. Restaurants and cafes are open throughout to welcome tourists and locals alike. The center of the district is Ben Gurion Avenue.
Hotels: Haifa Guest House, Haddad Guest House, The Colony Hotel, Rosa Guest House, German Colony Guest House, Santa Maria Guest House, City Port Hotel.
Carmel
One of the favorite areas of both the townspeople and tourists. Located on the top of the famous mountain, after which it was named. The main place to stay in Haifa and without a doubt the most picturesque, interesting and comfortable. There are quiet sleeping quarters, but the main part is walking avenues with shops, restaurants, hotels and other resort surroundings.
The main promenade is Taelet Louis Boulevard, completely pedestrianized, teeming with gourmet restaurants and boutiques. Parks and squares transform Carmel into a blooming garden, which is so pleasant to be in during the summer heat. Carmel is also great for families with children, there is a zoo, the upper level of the Bahai Gardens, attractions and a cable car station for descending.
The center of the area - the Carmelite monastery - is the main attraction. Many iconic objects are lined up around - the Stella Mary Church, the Museum of Japanese Culture, the Archaeological Museum, a concert hall, an Orthodox church. The finishing touch is a pair of Panorama skyscrapers. And a bonus to all this is an indescribable view of the sea and the lower regions.
Hotels: Dan Carmel Haifa, Carmella Boutique Hotel, Haifa Bay View Hotel, Beth-Shalom, Dan Panorama.
