Things to Do at Baháʼí Gardens

Complete Guide to Baháʼí Gardens in Haifa

About Baháʼí Gardens

The Bahai Gardens cascade down Mount Carmel in 19 terraces over a 1-km slope and charge no entry fee, though you must join a guided tour (free, offered at 12:00 daily in English except Wednesdays) to walk the upper and middle sections. The lower terrace at 45 Yefe Nof Street is open independently 9:00 to 17:00. The gardens required 100 years of planning and 10 years of construction, with each terrace planted in geometric precision: circles of flowers within triangles of hedging, all pointing toward the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab at the center, where the founder of the Babi faith is buried in a sarcophagus beneath the marble floor. The 225 steps (descending only on the tour) are flanked by ornamental grasses, rosemary borders, and 450 species of plants sourced from five continents, and the gardeners maintain the terraces in complete silence to respect the shrine below. From the top terrace at 280 meters elevation, Haifa Bay stretches to the industrial port, Acre's walls glint on the far shore, and on clear days the hills of the Western Galilee form a blue-gray ridge to the north. The golden dome catches afternoon sun in a way that makes it glow against the dark cypress trees. No food, drink, or smoking anywhere in the gardens, and modest dress is required (covered knees and shoulders). The Carmelit subway from the German Colony to Gan HaEm station puts you at the top terrace in 8 minutes for 6.90 ILS (about $1.90 USD).

What to See & Do

Shrine of the Báb

The golden-domed shrine at the heart of the gardens, where the Báb (forerunner of the Baháʼí faith) is entombed. The dome actually gleams - they use real gold tiles.

Terraced Gardens

Nineteen levels of meticulously maintained gardens that flow down the mountainside. Each terrace has its own character, but they work together like a symphony.

Panoramic Views

From the upper terraces, you'll get sweeping views of Haifa Bay and the Mediterranean. On clear days, you can see all the way to Acre.

Geometric Patterns

The garden beds are arranged in intricate geometric designs that become more apparent as you move up or down the terraces - it's like seeing a mandala from above.

Water Features

Fountains and water channels run throughout the gardens, creating a subtle soundtrack and helping to cool the air on hot days.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Gardens are open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (until 4:00 PM in winter). The shrine has more limited hours and may be closed during Baháʼí holy days.

Tickets & Pricing

Entry is completely free, though guided tours are available for a small fee. No advance booking needed for general visits.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Spring (March-May) offers the most blooms, though the gardens are maintained year-round.

Suggested Duration

Plan for 1-2 hours to walk through properly, though you could easily spend longer if you're into photography or quiet contemplation.

Getting There

The gardens are surprisingly accessible for something built on a mountainside. Most people take the bus-lines 136, 137, or 31 will get you to various entrance points along the gardens. Easy enough. If you're driving, there's parking at both the upper and lower entrances, though it fills up quickly on weekends. The lower entrance is walkable from the German Colony neighborhood, which is a pleasant stroll through some of Haifa's most charming streets. Worth the walk. Taxis know the place well, obviously, and it's about a 15-minute ride from most parts of central Haifa.

Things to Do Nearby

German Colony
A beautifully preserved Templar settlement with stone houses, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for lunch before or after the gardens.

Stella Maris Monastery
A Carmelite monastery higher up Mount Carmel with its own impressive views and a cable car down to the beach.

Wadi Nisnas
Haifa's Arab quarter, known for excellent food, bustling street art, and a more authentic local atmosphere.

Haifa Museum of Art
A solid contemporary art museum in the city center, worth a visit if you're spending more time in Haifa.

Louis Promenade
Another viewpoint higher up Mount Carmel that offers a different perspective on the city and bay below.

Tips & Advice

Dress modestly - this is a religious site, so cover shoulders and knees. They're not super strict about it, but it's respectful.

Bring water, especially in summer. There are fountains, but it's hot and you'll be walking uphill (or downhill, depending on where you start).

The upper entrance tends to be less crowded than the lower one, and walking downhill is obviously easier than climbing up.

Photography is allowed in the gardens but not inside the shrine itself. The best shots are from the upper terraces looking down.