Bahai Gardens is the main and most visible attraction in Haifa. It is one of the factors making Haifa a beautiful city. Located on the slope of Carmel Mount in the historical center of the city, it is well visible from cruise ships in Haifa port. The Bahai Gardens is Haifa’s most iconic tourist attraction and probably the most frequented. Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals visit the Bahai Gardens on Mount Carmel, the holiest site in the Bahai faith. Millions of visitors admire the stunning terraces of the Bahai Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The entire well-maintained garden serves as a “house of prayer,” where strolling and meditating are vital aspects of the faith’s worship.
A Wonder of Plants and Landscape Design
Bahai Gardens is an architectural jewel. It has 19 terraces descending along a slope of about 1,000 meters and is 400 meters wide at its widest point. 140 gardeners maintain the beautiful plants and sculptures daily, keeping everything in perfect cleanliness and order.
A Must-See in Haifa
Visiting Bahai Gardens in Haifa is a must for every excursion in the city. You can explore them by yourself or with a private tour guide.
Entry Points to Visit Bahai Gardens
The public can enter and enjoy the Bahai Gardens at three points. A private tour offers maximum mobility, allowing us to explore the gardens’ beauty from these key points in a short time.
When I visit Bahai Gardens in Haifa with my tourists, we usually start from the foot of Carmel Mountain, enjoying the view from the German Colony. Then, we ascend in the comfort of a Mercedes Van to the Main Entrance Terrace. Finally, we continue up to the Upper Terrace of the garden, which offers a spectacular view of Haifa Bay. If we start from the top of Carmel Mountain, we follow this route in reverse order.
Lower Terrace of Bahai Gardens or German Colony Plaza
The entrance to the Lower Terrace is located at 21 Hagefen St. This spot is the starting point for many visitors and offers a stunning view of the gardens from below. The stairway continues from Ben Gurion Street, the main axis of the German Colony. On the garden’s website, this point is called the German Colony Plaza.
This area serves as a beautiful viewpoint of the gardens. The terrace features a large fountain and cascading waterfalls, adding to the scenic beauty. Benches are available for visitors to rest and enjoy the surroundings. A viewing platform is accessible via two flights of stairs.
The Lower Terrace is within walking distance of shops and restaurants along the German Colony. However, parking and stopping spaces for cars are limited.
Middle Terrace – Main Entrance to Bahai Gardens.
Located on Tzionut Street 80, the Middle Terrace is the largest and features the iconic Bahai Shrine. This terrace offers a fantastic viewpoint where visitors can admire the beautiful olive groves, vibrant flowers, a large succulent garden, and a historic building. This entrance also provides the closest view of the Shrine of the Báb and the inner gardens.
The Upper Terrace or Balcony
The Upper Terrace is next to Yefe Nof Street. From here, visitors can see the cascading terraces below and enjoy the breathtaking landscape.
The balcony provides sweeping views of the Shrine of The Báb, the port of Haifa, Haifa Bay, and the Galilee Hills.
Three viewing platforms and a water fountain are accessible via two flights of stairs.
Conveniently located directly across the street, the Louis Promenade provides easy pedestrian access to a variety of shopping and dining options.
Renovated Shrine
On April 12, 2011, a grand ceremony at the Haifa Bahá’í Gardens unveiled the painstakingly restored gold dome of the Shrine of the Báb. Now covered in 11,790 glazed Portuguese porcelain tiles in more than 120 different sizes and shapes, the dome was added to the original stone shrine in 1954 and required cosmetic and structural work. Builders retrofitted the entire building to reinforce it against earthquakes.
Research and design took more than three years before the restoration started. The $6 million project was completed in two and a half years, ahead of schedule and under budget, with volunteers from Mongolia, China, Ecuador, Kenya, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Vanuatu, India, the United States, and New Zealand.
Last Updates July 2024
I always remind everyone to check the latest information before planning your visit. The Bahai Gardens may be closed for various reasons, including weather conditions, Bahai holidays, international events, or maintenance work. Here are the critical updates you need to know:
- Partial Opening: The Holy Bahá’í Gardens are partially open, allowing visits to the upper balcony, the outer gardens of the Shrine, and guided tours.
- Shrine of the Báb Closure: The Shrine of the Báb will be temporarily closed from 25 July to 27 October 2024.
- Main Entrance Closure: The main entrance at 80 Hatzionut Ave will be closed to the public on Sunday, 28th July.
- German Colony Plaza: Temporarily closed.
For the most up-to-date information, we strongly advise you to visit the official Bahai Gardens website or contact your tour guide. This will ensure you are well-informed and can plan your visit accordingly.
All public are welcome to use my essential tips for visiting the Bahai Gardens in Haifa (push button below)
Plan your visit accordingly and enjoy the serene beauty of the Bahai Gardens while respecting the guidelines and closures.
Tips for Visiting Bahai Gardens
Plan Your Visit: The Bahai Gardens are open to the public, but checking the visiting hours in advance is essential to ensure you have ample time to explore. If you are not assisted by a private tour guide, check the updated visit information here.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The gardens have many steps and slopes, so it is highly recommended that you wear comfortable shoes to make your visit more enjoyable.
Respect the Rules:
The Bahá’í Gardens are a place of worship open to all humanity as a gift. Visitors are, therefore, asked to respect the spiritual character of this holy site by wearing appropriately modest clothing. The following are considered appropriate clothing for all visitors aged 12 and above:
- Blouses, shirts, or T-shirts covering the shoulders (sleeves for men)
- Pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses that reach 6 cm above the knee or below
- Jackets or similar worn on the upper body
- Shawls and scarves (women only) worn on the upper body
It would NOT be considered appropriate for MEN or WOMEN to wear any of the following in the Bahá’í Gardens:
- Clothes with tears, holes, scratches, or any other torn style
- Shorts, skirts, or dresses shorter than 6 cm above the knee
- Spaghetti straps, open backs or sides, low cuts, tank tops and crop tops, beachwear, skirts or dresses with slits above the knee, sheer or transparent clothing
- Towels, blankets, or such items that are generally not meant as clothing
- Covering the lower body with shirts or jackets or transparent shawls/scarves
- All forms of costumes, unless associated with a nationality or culture
Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially on warm days. The gardens are extensive and can take some time to explore.
Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas, but it’s best to check if there are any restrictions in specific sections.
Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the Bahai Gardens.
Quiet Enjoyment: Remember to speak softly and maintain a peaceful atmosphere to respect other visitors and the spiritual ambiance of the gardens.
Explore the beauty and tranquility of Bahai Gardens in Haifa. Whether you’re with a guide or exploring on your own, it’s a visit you won’t forget.