"Haifa - the City on the mountainside of Carmel" Haifa by Fjord87

Haifa Travel Guide: 330 reviews and 747 photos

Haifa by night: Ben Gurion Avenue and the Terraces

.Why to Haifa?.

Haifa is a city of varying landscape and beautiful sceneries. It's situated between the Israels gate to the Mediterranean, the Haifa Bay, and the legendary Mount Carmel.

For a tourist or a backpack traveller Haifa is a place where everyone should stop to spend some time in. You know, after long trips in huge cities and tiny villages it's sometimes to have a week or so just for resting. Haifa is the ideal place to spend that week.

The reason is this: Haifa has many things to do, but on the other hand it is a city where no-one has to do anything if they don't want to. You can choose between intense mountainclimbing or sailing tours or just resting in your hotel, taking strolls to beautiful gardens or swimming and laying on the beach.

.The people of Haifa and when to come?.

Haifa viewed from the mountainside of mount Carmel

The mayor of Haifa, Amram Mizna, has an extraordinary view on the city. As everyone probably knows, Israel is a Jew country between Muslim nations, and it is a holy land for four major religions: Judaism, Christianity, Bahá'i and Muslims. Haifa happens to be also the Holy City for the Bahá'ís. Mayor Mizna wants Haifa to not to be an object of quarrel between religions, but a place of cooperation and teamwork.

I, myself even saw this very practically right when we came to Haifa. Just by the road we used every day to get to higher Haifa, there was a public library. The library was held by members of all these religions, and all members of these religions could use it.

Of course Haifa, as other Middle Eastern countries have a lot of prejudice, but at least it is noticed and tried to root out.

The Haifan people are on the other hand hardworking but also in the Mediterranean way very easy-going and laid-back. The city has a lot of noise, but it comes from the daily conversations with people, the mouths of salesmen and taxidrivers etc.

People spend time in bars and restaurants nearly every night, but don't usually drink too much (to get drunk :P). It's not too dangerous to walk on the streets at night, so relax, but it would be wiser to hang around with two people.

.When should I come?.
The most beautiful time to come is probably March-April-early May. During that time the flowers are blossoming but it's not too hot.

.Online weather.
Here is a link where you can see the weather and time of Haifa online: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/40155.html

.What about the terrorists?.

A terrorist attack in Haifa

Of course Haifa as other Middle Eastern countries have the fear of bad things to happen. Terrorists, car bombs, innocent people dying and all that... But that's basicly the ONLY thing we see in the news and media, and all the Middle Eastern countries are SO much more than just that! During our visit in Haifa there was one alarm during the night and people were not encouraged to walk outside, but it didn't scare us too much. It was good to realize the situation in those countries, and for the Haifan people alarms are part of their everyday lives.

From my point of view, everyone who travels to such countries should be wisely cautious and obey the orders of authority, but NO-ONE should cancel their trips just because there is a tiny little risk that something would happen during the trip. Truly, the trip will be double, no, ten times worth the risk.

If you want to be sure, check the current terrorism situation from your local travel agenciy.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful sceneries and possibility to rest. Very good public transportation.
Cons:Really hot in June and July, sometimes there is a risk of terrorism.
In a nutshell:A cool place to be for a week with lots of options and flexibility: rest and lay on the beach or have an adventure!!!

Last visit to Haifa: May 2002
Intro Updated Oct 26, 2004
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Reviews (5)

Ben Gurion Avenue seen from the Terrace Gardens. - Haifa

A streetfull of restaurants. Restaurants (1)

Okey, this is not just one restaurant I'm introducing, Ben Gurion Avenue is a street full of different kinds of... more travel advice

Cheap, friendly and helpful accomodation... Hotels (1)

I was in Haifa in year 2002 on my pilgrimage to the Bahá'í Shrines. I travelled with my mom, dad and littlebrother and... more travel advice

8th wonder of the world. Things to Do (1)

The Bahá'í World Centre, the focal point of the International Bahá'i community is not only the spiritual centre of the... more travel advice

Shouting...:) an important tip for... Local Customs (2)

This tip is probably not that special for people coming from mediterranean countries, but people who aren't used to... more travel advice

Comments (10)

Martin_S. Sep 7, 2009 at 11:38 PM Report Abuse

The Bahai gardens far surpass those we saw anywhere in Europe, the architect did a fantasticaly impressive job. Martin
gilabrand Jan 29, 2008 at 2:26 AM Report Abuse

Good tip on Port Inn. It sounds very nice.
nicolaitan Sep 8, 2006 at 10:38 AM Report Abuse

nice page, commentary, and great pictures of the Bahai World Center. >~!
Fredda Jun 11, 2006 at 9:14 AM Report Abuse

Nice!! I wish to visit Haifa and Israel later this year. Kiitos ;)
leonik Dec 13, 2004 at 5:40 AM Report Abuse

if only everyone would see beyond the terrorism like you do... great page! israel is still high on my must-visit places!
Fjord87 Nov 3, 2004 at 9:45 AM Report Abuse

Hey thanks everyone!! :):) For commenting AND grading!
GrantBoone Nov 3, 2004 at 9:29 AM Report Abuse

Linda I can almost smell those kebabs from Here!!
dsantosh Nov 2, 2004 at 5:54 AM Report Abuse

Linda, you have coverd Haifa in a different style.thanks for sharing the information.Nice page and tips.
Raimix Oct 27, 2004 at 7:34 AM Report Abuse

Nice page, Linda! I hope, you had a good time in Haifa!
martin_nl Oct 27, 2004 at 4:55 AM Report Abuse

So they're quite fonf of their cars over there ;) Great page with loads of info and good pics!!