Things to do in Bet Leẖem HaGelilit

The Bahá’í Gardens is the Haifa section of a set of parks spread across several Middle Eastern locations. A glorious shrine and monuments decorate its spectacular landscaped grounds, while its hilly peak provides views of the entire city. Admire the luminescent colors of the floral displays draping the hillside.

The Haifa Port is a vast marina that stretches along a large part of Haifa’s northeastern coastline. Built around a deep-water harbor, it’s a hub of enormous trawlers, yachts and cruise ships. Travel in ferries from this huge port to exotic destinations across the Mediterranean Sea.

Built by the Ottomans, the Hamam al-Basha Turkish Bath is an 18th-century site whose history is told via fun and informative videos. The public bathhouse has an opulent interior, with elaborate marble floors and a mosaic of ceramic tiles. Follow in the footsteps of affluent Ottomans as you amble through the site’s majestic halls.

Rising from the western side of Haifa city, Mount Carmel is a historic set of peaks providing spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Wineries, scenic hiking routes and villages of the hospitable Druze people adorn the undulating landscape. Learn about the biblical events that are said to have taken place on this scenic and sacred mountain range.

From the classical age to the medieval era and beyond, Akko Harbor, also known as Ze’ev Frid Marina, has played a key role in the social and industrial development of the city. See busy fishermen and their boats against a backdrop of the old district’s walls and the tall Khan al-Umdan clock tower. Snap photos of these glorious vestiges, well-preserved after many centuries.

Built on the vestiges of a Crusader fortress, the Citadel of Acre dominates the northern part of Acre Old City. Today, the 18th-century structure contains the Underground Prisoners Museum, which tells the story of Jewish fighters imprisoned and executed on this site by the British. Take photos of the stone colonnades, turrets and courtyard that make up this imposing stronghold.

The Stella Maris Monastery is a 19th-century religious institute with an important place in the history of Haifa. It is the world headquarters of the Carmelite Order, a branch of Catholicism that originated here on Mount Carmel. Spot the emblem of the order marking the top of the entrance to the monastery.

Biblical history and mystery shrouds the Synagogue Church of Nazareth. Visit the place that according to Christian traditions is one of the sites in Nazareth where Jesus studied. Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Synagogue Church of Nazareth amid the city’s frantic market streets. Browse the religious artwork and attend a service.

The Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the holiest churches of the Christian faith. Join pilgrims in visiting the supposed place where the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the son of God. A church has stood on the grounds of the Basilica of the Annunciation since the 5th century. Prior to this, common belief is that it was the home of Mary and Joseph.