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Overview

Haifa's neighbourhoods form an intriguing kaleidoscope: its smart German Colony, teeming Arab-Christian quarter and edgy Masada St each add their own verve to the port city. Posing above roaring traffic and dockside bustle is Haifa's most celebrated sight, a Baha'i shrine and tropical gardens. Tumbling down the flanks of Mt Carmel (546m), the gardens bestow a radiant symmetry on this complex city, whose atmosphere can change from placid to fast-paced in the space of a few steps.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Shrine of the Bab and lower terraces at the Bahai World Center in Haifa, Israel.

    Baha’i Gardens

    Haifa

    These formal gardens flowing down 19 steep terraces to a resplendent domed shrine – the final resting place of the prophet-herald of the Baha’i faith –…

  • HAIFA, ISRAEL - JULY 17, 2008: View on Stella Maris church of Carmelite monastery interior with dome painted by icons on July 17, 2008 in Haifa..; Shutterstock ID 741333706

    Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery

    Haifa

    The Carmelite Order was established in the late 12th century when Crusader-era pilgrims, inspired by the prophet Elijah, opted for a hermitic life on the…

  • The Hecht Museum, located on the grounds of the University of Haifa.

    Hecht Museum

    Haifa

    This university campus museum showcases engrossing archaeological finds such as well-restored mosaics and troves of ancient coins, but the pièce de…

  • HAIFA, ISRAEL - DECEMBER 4,2013: INS Mivtach, retired ship on permanent display at Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum at the bottom of Mount Carmel.; Shutterstock ID 612169475

    Clandestine Immigration & Naval Museum

    Haifa

    Using a series of powerful video testimonials, this fascinating museum showcases the Zionist Movement’s determined efforts to infiltrate Jewish refugees…

  • Shrine of the Bab and lower terraces at the Bahai World Center in Haifa, Israel.

    Shrine of the Báb

    Haifa

    Though it’s primarily a pilgrimage site, modestly dressed visitors are allowed to enter this domed shrine holding the remains of the Báb, spiritual…

  • Madatech, Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space.

    MadaTech

    Haifa

    Kid-friendly science exhibits fill this elegant 1912 building, including hands-on displays in the astronomy rooms, optical illusions and a hall of mirrors…

  • HAIFA, ISRAEL - DECEMBER 5,2013: Statue of Archimedes in a bathtub, demonstrating principle of buoyant force. Located at Madatech, Israel's National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space.; Shutterstock ID 611544791; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Haifa Guides app update

    Haifa Museum of Art

    Haifa

    Challenging and contemporary, the Museum of Art's three exhibition spaces showcase mixed media and photography by Israeli and international artists. If…

  • Elijah’s Cave

    Elijah’s Cave

    Haifa

    Holy to Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze, this cave is where the prophet Elijah is believed to have prayed before challenging the priests of Ba’al on…

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