Tiberias travel guide
Tiberias Tourism | Tiberias Guide
You're Going to Love Tiberias
Tiberias is a city on the west side of the Sea of Galilee in Israel and is famous for being one of the Four Holy Cities in Judaism.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Tiberias
1. Hamat Tiberias National Park
This park has been a popular spa destination since Roman times, and now additionally houses a small museum and synagogue on the premises.
2. Tomb of Meir Ba'al Hanes
Visit one of Judaism's holiest burial sites, where a 2nd-century rabbi who helped to compile the Mishnah or "Oral Torah" is honored.
3. The Tomb of Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon
Here you can visit the final resting place of a famous Spanish physician and sage who served under the Muslim ruler Saladin.
4. St. Peter's Church
This church was built in the 12th century by crusaders, converted to a mosque, used as a caravan center, and in 1870 again reconstructed as a church.
5. The Citadel
This Turkish structure is the highest point in Old Town Tiberias and now features an art gallery.
What to do in Tiberias
1. Dip Into Nature And History
Usually, it's Israel's history and religious significance that draws many travelers, both secular and of faith. But the Hamat Tiberias National Park brings together moments of cultural significance through its gorgeous Severus Synagogue, and the natural world through the bounty of its hot springs. The synagogue dates back to almost 230 CE in its first incarnation and, though it's been reconstructed and added on to several times since then, the original tile-work and mosaics are still intact and exceptionally well-preserved. Once you're done dipping into history, take a dip into the mineral-rich waters of the Tiberias hot springs.
2. A Walk On The Beach
Stroll along this popular boardwalk, also known as the Tiberias Promenade. It's understandably thronging with locals and travelers alike but this is a rather good thing. As you stroll along, enjoying the breeze off the Sea of Galilee, the sunset and the pleasant sound of crashing waves, you'll be glad for the company. The promenade is graced with local food stalls and artists who set up shop for a casual portrait or two. In the evening, sit down for a multi-sensory music and light show, complete with pyrotechnics and fabulous lighted fountains.
3. Resting In Beauty
On the western shores of the Sea of Galilee is one of the most frequented spots in Tiberias. Even if you have never heard of the famous religious scholar buried here, the upstanding monument in his dedication is enough to attract your eye and pique your curiosity. The grave site of Moses Maimonides has survived since his death in the Middle Ages, around 1204 to be precise. Besides Maimonides, this site is also the burial place for two other major religious figures: Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz and Yochanan Ben-Zakkai. While the site is undergoing a facelift, visitors are still welcome and women are encouraged to dress modestly in respect.
4. Standing Watch Over The Sea
Mount Arbel is not simply for hikers and climbing enthusiasts. Scaling her cliffs via the land tracks is for anyone who simply cannot resist a view of an old city, teeming with life, lit up and with an air of mystery hovering about it. And the best part about the view from the top of Mount Arbel is the amount of access it gives you to the rest of Israel; a completely unobstructed view of the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon, Israel's tallest peak. Base-jumpers welcome! This is the only site that is state-sanctioned.
5. See The Sea
While it's a private beach, the Gai Beach Water Park is open to visitors of all ages. Located on the shores of Lake Kinneret, better known as the famous Sea of Galilee, the park's combination of wave pools, dedicated "children's world" play area, well-maintained and landscaped area for sun bathing and excellent restaurants will end up occupying your whole day.
1. Dip Into Nature And History
Usually, it's Israel's history and religious significance that draws many travelers, both secular and of faith. But the Hamat Tiberias National Park brings together moments of cultural significance through its gorgeous Severus Synagogue, and the natural world through the bounty of its hot springs. The synagogue dates back to almost 230 CE in its first incarnation and, though it's been reconstructed and added on to several times since then, the original tile-work and mosaics are still intact and exceptionally well-preserved. Once you're done dipping into history, take a dip into the mineral-rich waters of the Tiberias hot springs.
2. A Walk On The Beach
Stroll along this popular boardwalk, also known as the Tiberias Promenade. It's understandably thronging with locals and travelers alike but this is a rather good thing. As you stroll along, enjoying the breeze off the Sea of Galilee, the sunset and the pleasant sound of crashing waves, you'll be glad for the company. The promenade is graced with local food stalls and artists who set up shop for a casual portrait or two. In the evening, sit down for a multi-sensory music and light show, complete with pyrotechnics and fabulous lighted fountains.
3. Resting In Beauty
On the western shores of the Sea of Galilee is one of the most frequented spots in Tiberias. Even if you have never heard of the famous religious scholar buried here, the upstanding monument in his dedication is enough to attract your eye and pique your curiosity. The grave site of Moses Maimonides has survived since his death in the Middle Ages, around 1204 to be precise. Besides Maimonides, this site is also the burial place for two other major religious figures: Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz and Yochanan Ben-Zakkai. While the site is undergoing a facelift, visitors are still welcome and women are encouraged to dress modestly in respect.
4. Standing Watch Over The Sea
Mount Arbel is not simply for hikers and climbing enthusiasts. Scaling her cliffs via the land tracks is for anyone who simply cannot resist a view of an old city, teeming with life, lit up and with an air of mystery hovering about it. And the best part about the view from the top of Mount Arbel is the amount of access it gives you to the rest of Israel; a completely unobstructed view of the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon, Israel's tallest peak. Base-jumpers welcome! This is the only site that is state-sanctioned.
5. See The Sea
While it's a private beach, the Gai Beach Water Park is open to visitors of all ages. Located on the shores of Lake Kinneret, better known as the famous Sea of Galilee, the park's combination of wave pools, dedicated "children's world" play area, well-maintained and landscaped area for sun bathing and excellent restaurants will end up occupying your whole day.
Where to Eat in Tiberias
Decks Restaurant serves BBQ at its waterfront location, with meal prices for two costing around ₪200.
When to visit Tiberias
The best time to visit is between April and September with moderate temperatures allowing tourists to swim, hike, and explore the neighboring countryside.
How to Get to Tiberias
Plane
Haifa International Airport (HFA) is the closest airport to Tiberias located 37 miles west. Most travelers will connect to Tiberias via private car or public buses 430 and 23.
Car
If driving from Tel Aviv, follow Yitzhak Rabin Hwy/Route 6 and Route 77 to reach Tiberias in just over two hours.
Bus
Public transportation Egged Buses no. 835, 830, and 841 will take you from Tel Aviv to Tiberias on a journey that takes three hours; tickets start at ₪40.
Airports near Tiberias
Airlines serving Tiberias
Where to stay in Tiberias
The Khan - the ancient center of Tiberias holds a mosque as its central focal point.
Popular Neighborhoods in Tiberias
Tiberias Hot Springs - relax in the thermal and sulfur pools located within the city limits.
Kinneret Lake - rent a bike and ride the 34 mile route around the lake in the eastern part of the city.
Where to stay in popular areas of Tiberias
Most booked hotels in Tiberias
How to Get Around Tiberias
Public Transportation
Most tourist sites are accessible on foot, however there are many intercity buses in Tiberias. A single fare costs ₪2.80 and can be paid to the conductor on entering the bus.
Taxi
Taxi tariffs start at ₪12.50, and can cost up to ₪50 for a trip between downtown locations.
Car
Daily rental cars can be picked up from downtown Tiberias from companies such as Avis and Hertz for as little as ₪110 a day.
The Cost of Living in Tiberias
Shopping Streets
BIG Tiberias is the largest traditional shopping mall with international brands and multiple indoor storefronts. Visit the Old City Bazaar for tourist souvenirs including jewelry, clothing, and tiny trinkets.
Groceries and Other
Mania and Rami Levy are the two biggest grocery stores in town. A dozen eggs costs ₪13.