Things to Do in German Colony
German Colony, Haifa: A relaxed, almost genteel calm pervades the main boulevard, a stark contrast to the busy port below, where the vibe is one of orderly beauty and quiet appreciation.
The German Colony in Haifa feels like a pause, a quiet, tree-lined avenue of restored stone houses set against the dramatic green slope of Mount Carmel. You'll hear the gentle hum of conversation from cafe terraces and the steady click of heels on the broad, smooth sidewalks. The air often carries the scent of roasting coffee and the faint, sweet perfume of bougainvillea tumbling over garden walls. It's a neighborhood for strolling, where you might find yourself peering at the detailed ironwork on a historic balcony or watching the afternoon light turn the golden stone of the Templer buildings a warm honey color. Many visitors come to use this elegant street as a starting point for walking up to the Bahá'í Gardens, but the German Colony in Haifa itself rewards those who linger, with its small galleries and quiet courtyards offering a sense of calm order that feels distinct from other parts of the city.
Perfect For
Top Attractions in German Colony
Ben Gurion Avenue
Walking the length of this central promenade, you'll see the well aligned rows of red-tiled roofs and pale stone facades of the 19th-century Templer houses. You can hear the rustle of palm fronds overhead and feel the cool shade they cast on the pavement, a welcome respite on a warm Haifa day.
The Templer Cemetery
Tucked away off the main avenue, this small, shaded cemetery is a quiet pocket of history. You'll see weathered headstones inscribed in German, feel the cool, damp earth underfoot, and hear nothing but birdsong, offering a moment of reflective silence.
View of the Bahá'í Gardens
From the top end of the German Colony, you get an impressive frontal view of the terraced gardens climbing the mountainside. You'll see the immaculate green lawns and white gravel paths well symmetrical against the blue sky, a striking visual anchor for the entire city of Haifa.
Beit HaGefen Arab-Jewish Cultural Center
Housed in one of the historic buildings, this center provides a tangible sense of Haifa's contemporary character. Inside, you might hear a mix of Hebrew and Arabic during a gallery tour or feel the textured pages of an art book in their library, focusing on local creators.
The German Colony's Side Streets
Wandering the narrow lanes like Schlumann Street, you'll smell jasmine from hidden gardens and see lively purple bougainvillea spilling over high stone walls. The feel is residential and secluded, with the sound of your own footsteps echoing off the old stones.
Where to Eat in German Colony
Fattoush
Haifa-style Levantine
Jacko Street
International and Cafe
Miznon Haifa
Israeli street food
Vicky Cristina
Spanish tapas and wine bar
Cafe Louise
French-style cafe and patisserie
German Colony After Dark
Shtei Ha'achim
A cozy, dimly-lit bar favored by local artists and students, known for its curated selection of Israeli craft beers and indie music playlist.
Vicky Cristina
As evening falls, this restaurant transitions into a relaxed wine bar, where people linger over glasses of Spanish and local wine on the terrace.
Beit HaGefen Cultural Center
Not a bar, but this center often hosts evening cultural events, live acoustic music, or poetry readings that draw a mixed, engaged crowd.
Getting Around German Colony
The German Colony in Haifa is very walkable, with Ben Gurion Avenue serving as a flat, pleasant spine. To reach the upper city or the Bahá'í Gardens terrace, the nearby Carmelit subway funicular is a cheap and unique option, taking you up the mountain in minutes. Taxis from here to most central Haifa points are a mid-range fare, while the public bus lines running along the base of the avenue are the most budget-friendly way to connect to the port or the beachfront. parking can be tricky here, so relying on foot and these transit links tends to be easier.
Where to Stay in German Colony
The Colony Hotel Haifa
Boutique, a splurge
Villa Carmel Boutique Hotel
Boutique, mid-range for Haifa
Guesthouses on Schlumann Street
Budget, budget-friendly
Explore Activities in German Colony
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in German Colony.
See All German Colony Tours on ViatorReady to plan your trip to Haifa?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.