Visiting Wadi Nisnas narket, the German Colony, The beautiful Baha’i Gardens and walking by the promenade – Haifa is such a perfect romantic location
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The invincible combination of blue seas and green mountain slopes works wonders with romantic vacations all over the world, and Haifa is no exception. Culture and nature lovers will find plenty of things to do here, and broad minded tourists will be happy to discover a real oasis of religious and ethnic coexistence. Haifa is the relaxed urban choice – it has everything a big city can offer, without the rush and commotion of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Take a deep breath – you will have to do some climbing, after all… – and enjoy your vacation.
Dining in the german colony in Haifa. Photo by Udi Goren
Good morning
Haifa’s “culture mile” is not so much a geographical line but rather more of a conceptual one: the city’s excellent “boutique” art museums are spread all over town, offering every visitor some precious treats to suit his or her taste. Be it modern contemporary art in Haifa Museum of Art (26 Shabbetai Levi street), carefully selected exhibitions displaying different aspects of ancient and contemporary Japanese culture in Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art (89 Hanassi Avenue), an aesthetic gem by itself, or more traditional drawings in Hermann Struck Museum (23 Arlozorov street).
Art and culture are closely connected in Haifa, in and out of museums. The most prominent site overlooking Haifa Bay is the magnificent Bahai Shrine and Gardens, and no trip to Haifa can be complete without visiting the gorgeously trimmed and maintained garden complex. Be sure to check out visiting hours in advance , as you can only visit the gardens through guided tours. The tour starts at the entrance at 45 Yefe Nof street.
The Bahai Palace. Photo by Udi Goren
If you like your greenery wilder and unmanicured, you have to go out to the wild. Luckily, in Haifa, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave town. The unique spreading pattern of this mountainous city has left surprisingly untouched pockets of wild nature amidst populated neighborhoods and busy roads, and these are easily accessible from within the city. One step in, and it’s a different world… lush vegetation, bird songs and peaceful tranquility. Such is the hike down Nahal Lotem (access from behind the zoo at Hanassi Avenue) – well marked with blue color all along the way. Don’t underestimate this hidden urban trek – it’s 3-4 kilometers downhill, and you need good walking shoes.
The German Colony. Photo by Udi Goren
Lunch
By now you must be hungry. Of the many great restaurants in Haifa, two of the most recommended options are perfectly situated at the ending points of your morning excursions. If you took the art track, be sure to end your tour up in Tikotin. Rola Levantine Kitchen (11 Moriya Avenue), serving local authentic food in a fine setting and at reasonable prices, is at a ten minutes walking distance, and is definitely worth the effort.
The visit to the lower Bahai gardens ends up at a short distance from the German Colony, where it’s worthwhile to drop by another good middle-eastern restaurant: Fattoush (38 Ben Gurion Boulevard). Music and art displays add extra value to the food experience, and cover for your absence from the forma museums scene.
Nice to see you in Haifa. Photo by Udi Goren
Good afternoon
If you lunched up the mountain, it’s a good idea to stay in the neighborhood and use the extra calories for a moderate walk along the Louis Promenade (Yefe Nof street), overlooking the fantastic views of Haifa Bay, the Bahai Gardens and downtown Haifa, and of the Western Galilee district beyond.
From there you can descend to the enchanting Ursula Malbin Sculpture Garden (entrance from Hatzionut Avenue). Almost 30 beautiful sculptors depicting earthly figures and scenes were donated to the city by the artist and placed in a charming little garden, amidst trees and local vegetation, surrounded with lawns and stone benches. If we had to choose one romantic place in Haifa, this would be it.
Bakeries in Wadi Nisnas market. Photo by Udi Goren
And if your energy resources are not yet depleted – why don’t you step further down? The step trails are one of the most original ways to tour Haifa. There are several interlocking trails, consisting of thousands of steps, leading from uptown Haifa to the downtown area. They start at Yefe Nof street and Gan Ha’em, and end at the foothills of mount Carmel, in Wadi Nisnas neighborhood and the German Colony. Take a map and a pair of comfortable shoes and start wandering through the intriguing backyards of Haifa.
Sunset is always romantic. Photo by Udi Goren
Dinner
Lunch was a long time ago, and besides – dinner is known to be the most important meal in a romantic vacation. When it comes to fine dining, Hanamal 24 (24 Hanamal street, downtown) is most Haifans’ first choice. But if your budget is a little tighter, there are literally dozens of other great options. Haifa rocks, despite what people (mostly from Tel Aviv) may say. Try the Sinta Bar bistro (127 Moriya avenue) or Zafririm 1 (1 Zafririm street) for some good food and local atmosphere, and then… have a little rest, will you?
