Haifa

Overall Score

Haifa – a city in the north of Israel, the third most populous city in the world. It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Haifa and is the countrys second most important port. Before the 5th century, it was a benign Jewish settlement. During the Crusades, the settlement grew into a significant regional port, and on the mountain of Karmamel, the Mono-Czech tribe, named after the mountain – Karmelites, and still exists. In the late 19th century, Haifa was the main seaport of Palestine, and from the 1930s – the main center of non-egalitarian Jewish immigration, the main image of the nationalist Germany.

The modern city of Haifa – a thriving city of friendship and loyalty. And the welcoming Mediterranean climate and expansive beach area have turned Haifa into a popular resort center. By the way, the tourist appeal of Haifa is not just limited to its luxury resorts. There are lots of interesting places to see.

The city is divided into several neighborhoods, and each has something to see. For example, in the area of Batat Galim, there is the cave where the Prophet Elijah disappeared, as well as several ancient burial caves. The Lower Town is made up of some of the oldest buildings in the city – mosques, churches, ruins of fortresses.

The most significant feature of the city is the Carmel Mountains. In addition to being the shrine of the Prophet Elijah, it is also the home of the Carmelites. The monastery of this order (13th century) still stands on the hill. It is also the site of the main temple of the Baháí religion and the tomb of the founder of Baháulláhism. Mount Carmel is occupied by the most pervasive quarters in the intervening gardens and parklands (the most notable – the Persian gardens on the slopes). The main cinagogue of Haifa is also on the mountain, which is in a separate area. The mountain massif of Karmel, which falls outside the boundaries of Haifa, is enclosed in a vast National Nature Reserve, which is accessible to tourists. The two skyscrapers & làquo;Panorama» in front of the mountain are considered to be a symbol of modern Haifa.

Overall Score

• Air quality: 67 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
• Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
• Religious government: Religious
• Population: 280,000 people
• GDP: $38,788 / year
• Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
• Power outlets: 230V50Hz
• Internet: 15 Mbps
• Best wireless: Pelephone
• Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
• Tipping: The going rate for tipping in Israeli restaurants and cafes is between 10-15% depending on how pleased (or not) you are with your waiter/waitress. 10% is usually the minimum, with 12% an average tip. Only where warranted of course, a generous tip is always appreciated.
• Apartment listings:
• Apartments: Airbnb
• Hotels: Booking.com
• More hotels: Hotels.com
• Best taxi: Gett
• Online electronics shop: Zap
• Best hospital: Rambam
• Best short-haul air carrier: Arkia
• Best intl air carrier: El Al
• Monthly costs for expat: $2300
• Monthly costs for family: $4900
• Monthly costs for local: $1400
• Meal: $15
• Small Cola: $2.5
• Beer 1 Pint: $7.5
• Coffee: $5

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