Haifa – Part I: Sites & Museums
Haifa, Israel’s third largest cities has amazing views, sites and museums. Here are just some of them:
The Bahai Gardens
The Bahai Gardens are located in the heart of Haifa on the north side of the Carmel Mountain and consist of a staircase of 19 terraces all the way up to the top of the Louis Promenade at the Carmel Center. The golden-domed Shrine stands at the center of the staircase. Work on the gardens began in 1987 and the terraces were opened to the public in June 2001. The gardens are linked by a set of stairs bordering streams of running water flowing down the mountainside.
Railroad Museum
It is open only a few hours a day and closed on weekends. Touch and see the trains from the beginning of the 20th century, such as the historic giant locomotive and the VIP car. See documents and schedules, locomotives and cars from different periods, the equipment and signaling systems, a stamp collection on the subject of trains and more. For more information see: http://www.rail.co.il/EN/Fun/Museum/Pages/default.aspx.
The National Maritime Museum:
Learn about shipyards, naval battles, mythology and archeology. One of the permanent exhibitions is dedicated to pirates and is full of fascinating information on the development of the genre of this criminal activity… Additional information can be found on the National Maritime Museum website.
Haifa’s Science Museum: Madatech
A must for every child (and adult). The local science museum is located in a beautiful historic building, with many permanent exhibitions that invite children to touch, feel and play. Relatively new exhibits include “Green Energy” and “My Green House”. For more info, see http://www.madatech.org.il/Pages/Index.aspx?language=English.
Steps of Haifa – One Thousand Steps Down from the Mountain to the Sea
The city of Haifa rises from the coast to the Carmel Mountain, with hills and valleys galore. The topography led city planners to place many staircases throughout the city, some with fantastic beauty and landscape views. In fact, you can make the journey from Carmel to the sea via these staircases. You can go down the stairs any time during the day (most of it is nicely shaded); however, many prefer to make this trek is around sunset.
The Haifa Tourism Association mapped these trails with signs posted throughout. (Should you get lost, it’s not a problem! Simply continue down towards the sea.) The most recommended route leads to the German Colony. Others take you to Wadi Nisnas, Paris Square or El Pasha. One can always find a small staircase tucked away next to a public park where one can rest awhile to enjoy the scenery or take the “Carmelit” to climb back to Hadar or to the Carmel. For more information, click on The Haifa Trails.
If you want to take the “lazy” route, you can stroll on the Louis Promenade, one of the loveliest places to walk and see in all of Haifa. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is conveniently located near many museums and hotels – and best of all, it’s free! Perfect for walks or jogs, the promenade has an incredible view, extending from Haifa to Rosh Hanikra. On a clear day, you can even see the snowy peaks of Israel’s tallest mountain, Mount Hermon. Watch the ships come into the port and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot dolphins leaping off the bay.