Haifa Free Tour of Bahai Garden Overlook and Carmel Center

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Haifa

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: English and Hebrew

Guru: Eial

Registered on 14 February 2023

My name is Eyal. I am a tour guide and anthropologist with a deep love for my hometown, Haifa – a unique island of coexistence and harmony in the Middle East. I consider myself to be a “cross-cultural broker” and am excited to answer any questions you may have about Haifa’s rich mosaic of cultures. When I am not guiding in Haifa, you can find me exploring ancient archaeological sites, diving into religious traditions, or enjoying freshly ground coffee in a Bedouin tent. I have been to over 60 countries and love learning about different cultures.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Unique in this part of the world, Haifa has the distinction of being home to six religious traditions that live side by side in harmony. On our tour we will explore how this remarkable island of coexistence emerged in a region so often defined by division and conflict.

For starters, we will explore the beautiful Carmel Center neighborhood with its sweeping vistas overlooking Haifa Bay and the Bahai Gardens. On a clear day we will even see the white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra that mark the border with Lebanon. We will learn about how Haifa transformed in only 150 years from a modest fishing village of a few thousand people into the capital of the north, once considered to be the very heart of the Middle East.

Our tour starts at the Louis Promenade where we will take in the broad panoramic view while delving into Haifa's multilayered history. From here it is just a short walk to the Bahai Gardens overlook, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world headquarters of the Bahai religion where we will learn about the Bahai faith. Nearby is Rosen Park, where we will discover the untold history of Indian military contributions in World War I.

We'll then visit the Ruttenberg Center, followed by a stroll through the Carmel Center shopping district. The tour concludes near the Haifa Auditorium and Hecht House where we will recount the intrigues of the 19th century Great Game and the founding of Karmelheim by German settlers.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Louis Promenade, Louis Promenade, Haifa, Israel

I will be on Louis Promenade by the Haifa picture frame overlooking Haifa Bay and directly across the way from Lorees Café. This is a deck area with panoramic views. You will recognize me from the tour guide license that I am wearing.

Outside visit

Louis Promenade

We will meet at the Louis Promenade, lovely pedestrian walkway with sweeping views of Haifa Bay below. The exact meeting place is by the heart-shaped photo frame across the way from Lorees Cafe.

Outside visit

Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art

After a short walk, we will reach the back side of the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art. This collection of Japanese art works includes one of only five known original prints of The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai. This is also the only Japanese art museum in the entire Middle East.

Outside visit

Baháʼí Garden Haifa

We will stand at the uppermost terrace of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Bahai Gardens, Serving as the world headquarters of the Bahai religion, the gardens house the Shrine of the Bab and the International House of Justice where the leadership meets. We will take this opportunity to learn about Bahai traditions and beliefs.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).