Haifa
A myriad of coexistence, Haifa is a mixed city of Jews and Arabs.
- The Bahai Gardens by Flickr user RonAlmog
Haifa is Israel’s third city, a mixed industrial city, home to Jews and Arabs. As a working city, Haifa is not really a big tourist destination, although there are plans to greatly improve it in this sense. The Bah ‘ai Gardens are, however, fascinating whether you like them or not, and should be included, where possible in any itinerary.
Bah ‘ai Gardens
Haifa’s main tourist attraction is the Bah ‘ai Gardens, part of the Bah ‘ai World Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These gardens, a place of pilgrimage for members of the Bah ‘ai faith are a kind of love or hate place. Whatever your opinion, however, the gardens give a fascinating view over the Bay of Haifa, and if you can stand the rather uncool guided tour which you have to go through to enjoy these gardens, are fascinating. Tours must be booked, see here for more info.
- View across Haifa from Mount Carmel by Flickr user exothermic
- Haifa’s German Colony by Flickr user runneralan2004
German Colony
At the bottom of the Bah ‘ai Gardens is the restored German Colony of Haifa. A main street lined with restaurants is a perfect place for a meal, with ethnic Arab style restaurants alongside Jewish restaurants.
The National Museum of Science
This huge museum is fascinating with loads of interactive displays on a wealth of cool topics. If you’re interested in science, or are coming with kids it is great. One word of warning, though: the museum gets very busy during school holidays so avoid visiting then if possible. Museum web site.
- The Bahai Records in Haifa by Flickr user Man United
Culture…
Haifa isn’t anywhere near as big as Tel Aviv or Jerusalem in terms of cultural offerings although the Israel Philharmonic and other musical and dramatic groups do perform here.
The biggest cultural event in the city is the International Film Festival, which runs for one week each year at the end of September and transforms the city into a party city with over a hundred films of all genres shown.
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