- Bahai Gardens and Mount Carmel
- Haifa museums
- In Haifa with children
- Nightlife
- Other attractions
Haifa - one of the largest settlements in Israel, the largest port city in the country - was founded in the XIV century BC. NS. There are few historical sites in Haifa, but this city is definitely worth seeing during your trip to Israel. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and on the slopes of Mount Carmel, so visitors to the city will find here beautiful views worthy of photographs and a pleasant Mediterranean climate.
Haifa's past was turbulent; after the rule of the Byzantines, the city passed to the Persians, and then to the Arabs. In the 13th century, it was destroyed and rebuilt. Already in our time, he became part of Israel. Jews, Christians, Muslims, many of whom came here from different countries of the world, live peacefully in Haifa, turning it into a multicultural city.
Haifa is divided into several districts. The most prosperous is located on Mount Carmel. Poor neighborhoods are located in the harbor area.
Tourists who come to Israel are interested in where to go in Haifa, what to see during their vacation in order to get an idea of one of the most interesting cities in the country.
Bahai Gardens and Mount Carmel
Not a single tourist will pass by the Carmel ridge overhanging the city. If you don't have a special reason to come to Haifa, then plan a visit here for the sights that can be found on this mountain just 500 meters high. The main decoration of the entire city is the Bahá'í mausoleum, surrounded by luxurious terraced gardens.
Most people who visit Haifa do not know who the Bahá'ís are. These are followers of a monotheistic young religion founded in the 19th century in Persia (today Iran). This religion is based on the recognition of the spiritual unity of all mankind and the elimination of all prejudices. The diversity of races and cultures is right and natural. And racism, nationalism, division into social classes, patriarchy or matriarchy are artificial concepts invented by people that impede unity. Bahá'ís believe that God sent his messengers to earth as teachers and they created religions adapted to specific times and places. Among them were Krishna, Abraham, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammed, therefore the Bahá'í faith unites elements of all religions.
The first Bahá'í spiritual leader was the Bab, who was persecuted for his teachings and executed in Persia. His remains were brought to Haifa and buried in the mausoleum, a sun-shining tiled dome temple that rises in the center of the gardens. The Bahai Gardens were opened in 2001. They consist of 19 terraces decorated with exotic trees, flower beds and fountains. Symmetrical paths and stairs symbolize unity, balance and harmony.
In addition to the Bahai Gardens, on the slopes of Mount Carmel, mentioned in the Bible, there are many more interesting things:
- Stella Maris Monastery, belonging to the Carmelite Order. The monks of this order appeared on Mount Carmel in the middle of the 13th century, but then they were forced to leave the Holy Land for several centuries. They returned in the first half of the 17th century to build their own monastery, called Stella Maris. In the monastery you can learn about the history of the Carmelite monastic order and enjoy the excellent view of the Mediterranean Sea from the foot of the monastery;
- grotto of St. Elijah. It is said that this cave, in which the prophet Elijah slept, can perform miracles. People suffering from various diseases find their cure here;
- Metro "Carmelite" is the only one in the country and one of the smallest in the world. It was created in 1959 in the thickness of Mount Carmel. The length of the Karmelit railway line is only 1.8 km. The train makes 6 stops. The journey from the start to the end station takes 8 minutes;
- the complex of Haifa University at the top of the Hlalim of the Carmel ridge, where you should definitely go to see the Eshkol Tower - a building with a height of 100 meters, where the university museum and observation deck are located. An elevator takes you upstairs. From the tower you can see the surroundings of Haifa and the Carmel ridge;
- The Orthodox Church of Elijah the Prophet appeared at the beginning of the last century from the Russian courtyard, which was a refectory for pilgrims. The church was consecrated in 1913 and completely renovated in 2000. The main attraction of the temple is the bright paintings on the walls, made in the Old Russian manner.
Haifa museums
Haifa has about 20 museums, art galleries and cultural centers. They organize excursions, but you can also visit them on your own while on vacation in Haifa. Some museums will also be of interest to families traveling with a child.
It will take more than one day to explore all the museums in the city, so you should choose the most entertaining ones that you need to see first. These include the National Museum of Science, Technology and Space, which occupies the former building of the Institute of Technology in the Adar region. It has created about 200 interactive exhibitions introducing visitors to optical illusions, light, computers, and flying vehicles. The section with various puzzles is especially popular among visitors.
You can have an interesting time in the Haifa Art Museum, which contains a huge collection of objects of modern and classical art, as well as displays on the history of Haifa. Local ethnographic collections are of great interest, where you can learn in detail about the peculiarities of life and traditions of Jews and Arabs who lived in different countries of the world.
The Tikotin Museum, opened in Haifa in 1959, is dedicated exclusively to Japanese art. More than 6 thousand items are presented here, telling about the culture of distant Japan. The eastern rock garden is adjacent to the museum.
Toddlers and their parents will love the Railway Museum at the Eastern Railway Station. Here are collected old and modern wagons and locomotives, which can be viewed not only outside, but also inside, maps, tickets are presented, that is, everything that says without words about the development of railways in Israel since the end of the 19th century.
Archeology lovers should definitely visit the Hecht Museum, which operates on the territory of the local university. In addition to archaeological artifacts, there is an excellent selection of paintings by famous French impressionists.
In Haifa with children
Haifa is ideal for families with children. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, which means that it offers its guests excellent sandy beaches, which are close to popular hotels. Bat Galim is considered a good beach that has earned rave reviews from vacationers. Numerous breakwaters protect it from strong waves, so there is no better place to swim with children in Haifa. Playgrounds have been built here for kids, and other entertainments await adults: sailing on catamarans, relaxing under umbrellas on sun loungers and gatherings in beach cafes.
Dado Zamir Beach is calmer and less crowded. The sea at this beach is the cleanest in all of Haifa. Guests of the city come here, dreaming of peace and quiet.
Children will also like a visit to the local Gan aEm zoo. It is located in a small ravine on Mount Carmel and is hidden from prying eyes by residential buildings. The zoo appeared in Haifa in the middle of the last century. Its territory is divided into several zones where primates, predators, reptiles, and birds are kept. There is also a contact farm where you can pet and chat with cute pets. You can come to the zoo not only during the day, but also in the evening and stay on a night excursion.
Not far from the zoo there is a wonderful park planted with exotic plants, which is a separate pleasure to walk in in the heat! The only inconvenience in this botanical garden is the numerous stairs, along which it is very difficult to lower and raise carriages.
Nightlife
Haifa does not sleep at night. There are many young people in the city who prefer to have fun all night long in nightclubs and discos. The question of where to go in the evening in Haifa simply does not arise, because there are enough interesting places in the city. You can start burning the evening at the Moda-Bar, where world-famous DJs often perform. The entrance to the club is paid, however. And to other nightclubs in Haifa.
The "Malina" establishment is called the island of pleasure, which is a meeting place for the Haifa bohemians. Modern surroundings, Electro House and R&B music, many interesting people - what else do you need for a fun evening? It will not be easy to get to "Malina", because a visit here requires the perfect outfit. But trips to "Malina" never get bored, because every evening a new program awaits the residents of Haifa and tourists.
Loft 124 is the best choice for meeting friends. There is a bar where you can sit while enjoying music and drinks, and a great dance floor with plenty of room for all guests.
Older people prefer to rest in the clubs "Permanent Residence" and "School Lounge Bar", where pleasant music always plays and interesting thematic parties periodically take place. There is nothing unusual about Club 34, but it is a great place to while away the evening in the company of good people.
Other attractions
These are just some of the places you can visit in Haifa. The city has many temples belonging to believers of different religions. Such amazing buildings include the Universal House of Justice - a huge snow-white building with columns, where the council that governs the Bahai community sits. The Cathedral of St. Elijah is also worth visiting - the main Catholic church in Haifa, built in the 30s of the last century.
The Kababir district, where mainly Ahmadists live - members of one of the Muslim communities, has its own attraction - the Mahmud Mosque. Once near it, look for an observation deck, from where, as in the palm of your hand, part of Haifa is visible.
Lovers of modern architecture should definitely see the local Kiryat Eliezer Stadium and the high-rise building called Parus, which houses the offices of local officials.
