Nazareth
Discover Nazareth
Nazareth (Arabic الناصرة an-Nāṣirah, Hebrew נצרת Nasarat) is a city in northern Israel. It is the largest Arab city in Israel proper, having a population of 60,000, a harmonious mix of Muslims (70%) and Christians (about 30%). Nazareth is best known as the home of Joseph and Mary and hence also Jesus, although the New Testament states that he was born in Bethlehem.
What to Experience in Nazareth
Taste of Nazareth...
The city’s many restaurants provide a full gastronomic experience in all types of Arab cuisine. Any visit to Nazareth must allow time to enjoy to the full the renowned and delicious local tradition of welcoming diners. Note, Nazareth's kenafeh is by far not as good as in Nablus. Right behind Mary's Well is a restaurant/bar called Al Bayat "The House". You can find pretty much any kind of alcoholic drink you like there and an extensive menu of international fusion cuisine. Locals like the outdoor patio for a local Palestinian beer called Taybeh, "Tasty" with complimentary pretzels and peanuts. Local musicians also play some nights.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe main bus route is bus 331 from Haifa. It runs along the main street of Nazareth and its station is very close to The Basilica of the Annunciation. Half of its trips depart and end in Downtown Haifa. And Half from HaMifratz central bus station at the eastern entrance of Haifa. It runs every 15 minutes on average. And it works continuously even on Saturdays. Unlike most public transportation in Israel. So unlike most Israeli cities, you can visit it on Saturday by public transportation from another city. From Jerusalem to the center of Nazareth, bus 955 arrives 5 times a day. Another option is buses that stop at the entrance to the city. In a large traffic circle about 800 meters from The Basilica of the Annunciation: Bus 833 from Tel Aviv (runs every hour), bus 431 runs every hour from Tiberias, and bus 353 from Acre (runes every hour). There is also a bus from/to Amman operated by Nazarene four times per week, departing Nazareth at 08:30, and costing ₪80....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Prepare for some of the area's worst driving. Traffic is typically on the heavy side, roads are not well-signed nor well-maintained, and parking is rather haphazard. Beware of sharp switchbacks and small, winding roads with no exit—these are cramped, crazy streets. Driving in this town is doable, but for the brave of heart. GPS is a must, but not entirely trustworthy. A souq (Arab market) extends up the hill from the Church of the Annunciation. The city’s many restaurants provide a full gastronomic experience in all types of Arab cuisine. Any visit to Nazareth must allow time to enjoy to the full the renowned and delicious local tradition of welcoming diners. Note, Nazareth's kenafeh is by far not as good as in Nablus. Right behind Mary's Well is a restaurant/bar called Al Bayat "The House". You can find pretty much any kind of alcoholic drink you like there and an extensive menu of international fusion cuisine.
Money & Budget
A souq (Arab market) extends up the hill from the Church of the Annunciation. The city’s many restaurants provide a full gastronomic experience in all types of Arab cuisine. Any visit to Nazareth must allow time to enjoy to the full the renowned and delicious local tradition of welcoming diners. Note, Nazareth's kenafeh is by far not as good as in Nablus. Right behind Mary's Well is a restaurant/bar called Al Bayat "The House". You can find pretty much any kind of alcoholic drink you like there and an extensive menu of international fusion cuisine. Locals like the outdoor patio for a local Palestinian beer called Taybeh, "Tasty" with complimentary pretzels and peanuts. Local musicians also play some nights.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Nazareth
Ksar of ait-ben-haddou
a city with many buildings
a grassy area with trees and rocks
a city with a lot of buildings and a cross on top of it
a city with many buildings
a city with many buildings
Empty Tomb, a symbol in Christianity of the resurrection of Jesus.
a city with many buildings
a city with many buildings
a group of trees in a field
Ksar of ait-ben-haddou
a city with many buildings
a grassy area with trees and rocks