A Guide to Nazareth in Israel
Read our travel guide on Nazareth in Israel. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Located in the heart of Lower Galilee, Nazareth is one of the most important Christian destinations in Israel.
And after our recent trip here, we must say that it's pretty different from other cities in the country.
So why is Nazareth so famous? Nazareth is the biblical hometown of Jesus, a place where he grew up and spent a substantial part of his life.
Today, Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel, as more than two-thirds of the population is Muslim.
The remaining third is Christian, so Nazareth definitely offers a different experience from other predominantly Jewish towns and cities in Israel.
Today, it's hard to imagine that this vibrant city with a population of 80000 was just a tiny village more than two thousand years ago when Jesus supposedly lived there.
The face of Nazareth has been recently changing, and the once-forgotten city has come back to life, at least from the tourist point of view.
The visit of the Pope, together with the municipality focusing on tourism, turned the tide of the city's reputation.
We couldn't time our trip to Nazareth better, as we could already see the streets lined with Christmas decorations in mid-November, and while it might seem a bit cheesy, it definitely added up to the joyful atmosphere.
So here's everything you should know about Nazareth before you go.
Best Things to Do in Nazareth
Nazareth received considerable financial help to improve the infrastructure and other areas before Pope Benedict's visit in 2009.
Still, you can't expect to find similar experiences and sites here as in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, so make sure to set your expectations right.
The effort wanted to transform Nazareth from a destination for day-trippers to a proper tourist city where you would spend the night and see more than just the church, some other churches, and the well on your way to some other sites in Galilee.
Regardless, there are still plenty of worthwhile things to do in Nazareth.
Old City
The Old City of Nazareth is one of those places we loved exploring so much.
Narrow streets with stone steps and dead-ends, old houses with picturesque courtyards, colorful souq full of smells and flavors, and an almost mystical atmosphere in the air.
Simply put, the Old City has an entirely different atmosphere from the rest of the town.
When we walked through the market searching for a local eatery to fill our bellies with delicious falafel and hummus during the closing time, we ended up at the busy roundabout on the super busy Paulus ha-Shishi Street.
It felt like stepping from the past back into reality as the neverending stream of honking cars, and modern stores were so different from what we experienced only moments ago.
The Old City is the area where you want to spend as much time as possible, so try to find good accommodation somewhere around.
Church of the Annunciation
Church of the Annunciation, also known as Basilica of the Annunciation, is one of the most important Christian sites in Israel.
According to the tradition, the angel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary here and foretold her that she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God.
Today, the event is known as the Annunciation, hence the name.
This Catholic church is located directly in the Old City, and it is the top attraction in Nazareth that no traveler should miss.
One of the first things we immediately noticed about the Church of the Annunciation was the architecture.
The first impression was quite overwhelming, as the church is rather large and lacks the typical features of similar structures
It's also built upon older structures which you can even see beneath the church.
This is quite common, and you can find a similar approach even in places such as Masada in the Dead Sea area or Avdat in the Negev Desert, but unlike those places, here you can still see the results.
Commissioned by Emperor Constantine I. and founded by his mother, Saint Helena, the church was founded to commemorate Jesus' life.
Later on, the second church was built over the ruins during the Crusades, but the construction was never finished.
The Franciscans managed the church for centuries, and the church was later rebuilt in the 18th century once again.
In 1954, the old church was demolished, and a brand new church was designed and erected here from scratch.
It's also believed that the Grotto of the Annunciation is the childhood home of Mary.
Right at the entrance, before we even stepped into the basilica, we noticed several mosaics donated to the church by countries from all over the world.
Some of them are very traditional, and some are very artsy and modern. Nevertheless, it was fun to walk around the entire complex to see whether we could find the one from our home country.
Simply put, if you're looking for the best things to do in Nazareth, this church is almost exclusively on the top of the list.
There is no entrance fee to the Church of the Annunciation, which is great if you're visiting Israel on a budget.
The opening hours of the Church of the Annunciation are, in general, 8 AM to 5 PM every day except Sundays.
However, some sections such as the Grotto or Upper Basilica might have different opening hours, plus various events can also affect them.
Nazareth's Churches
As you would expect, the Church of the Annunciation is not the only church in the city, and there are a few more similar structures worth mentioning in Nazareth.
The city is a pilgrimage destination for a reason, and the churches play a big part in its reputation.
St. Joseph's Church
Only a few steps from the Church of the Annunciation lies a far more modest St. Joseph's Church.
According to tradition, this is the place where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus live. Some say that even Joseph had his carpentry here.
It might make sense to visit the smaller churches first and leave the basilica for the last stop as nothing can beat its grandeur.
The Synagogue Church
Another modest church built during the Crusade time, the Synagogue Church, is a place where Jesus might have prayed, studied, and preached.
You can find the building tucked away in the Old City, less than a five-minute walk from the Church of the Annunciation.
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
This 4th-century church was built (and rebuilt several times throughout the centuries) over the underground spring and is just next to the Marry's Well.
According to Greek Orthodox, this is the site where Archangel Gabriel appeared to Marry, who used to go to draw water from the spring there.
Salesian Church of Jesus the Adolescent
Although this church perched atop the hill is often closed to the public, it's still worth visiting as the views of Nazareth are well worth the effort.
Marry's Well
Marry's Well was one of the primary water sources for the people of Nazareth in Medieval times, but its importance was much more than just that.
According to Greek Orthodox, this is the actual site where the angel Gabriel appeared in front of Mary and announced to her that she would give birth to Jesus.
If you have been to Jerusalem and visited the Church of the Sepulchre and Garden Tomb, then you already know that even the same biblical events might have happened at different places.
Don't expect to see much here if you don't come to the well for religious reasons.
Honestly, we overlooked it the first time we passed by and had to retrace our steps on the way back to our accommodation.
The square adjacent to Marry's Well has a few nicer restaurants and stores, and the area was quite lively when we were there.
Not to mention that the well is located on a busy street.
However, if you're looking for a restaurant in this area, then this arched well without water might be worth a few minutes of your time.
Souq
The traditional market is located in the heart of Nazareth and offers everything you would think of, from fruits, veggies, spices to cheap clothing or food.
By the way, if you like good coffee, make sure to visit a nice little store called Fahoum Coffee.
This market is nowhere near as large as the one in Jerusalem but might remind you of the one in Akko.
Even if shopping for trinkets is not exactly your thing, this souq is a place that you should visit as the narrow alleys and old houses are well worth a visit.
Due to the central location, the market is one of those places that you will probably visit multiple times if staying in Nazareth overnight.
The Views
Nazareth reminded us a bit of Amman or As-Salt we visited in Jordan last year not only because of the Muslim residents or hectic traffic but also because of the beautiful hilly scenery.
If there was one thing that probably surprised us the most about Nazareth, it was how hilly and rocky this entire area is in reality.
We believe that climbing one of the hills to get an overview of Nazareth is well worth the effort. A more convenient option is choosing a hotel with a terrace overlooking the city.
We'll talk about the accommodation later in the article, but if you're eager to find out what some of those hotels are right now, then know that Ramada Olivie Nazareth offers a fantastic view.
Mount Precipice
Mount Precipice Viewpoint in the south part of the city is another popular place to enjoy the views of Nazareth and the valley, especially during the sunset (or sunrise).
The views from the 395 meters high hill are superb, but it's not the only reason to go there.
Also known as the Mount of the Leap, this site is believed by some to be a place of the Rejection of Jesus.
As some rejected Jesus's teachings, here might be the place where some people of Nazareth tried to push Jesus from the cliff, but he escaped.
The site is accessible by car, so it's relatively easy to get there.
But you can get there even on foot as the viewpoint is only three kilometers from the Church of the Annunciation if you want to explore Nazareth beyond its Old City.
By the way, Mount Tabor is only 18 kilometers east of Nazareth and offers even more spectacular views of the Galilee area and the Church of the Transfiguration.
Nazareth Village
When we said that the walk in the Old City would allow you to travel back in time, then the Nazareth Village offers a quite literal experience.
And while the Old City still keeps its charm even after all those centuries, the ordinary life here changed beyond recognition.
Historical Nazareth Village offers a glimpse into the lives of common people who used to live here in the first century CE.
We usually don't look for similar experiences, but Nazareth Village is one of the best activities to do for families with kids while in the city.
Surprisingly, you can reach the entrance to Nazareth Village on foot, as it's only a 20-minute walk from the Church of the Annunciation.
Nazareth Village is open from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the last tour starts at 3:30 PM.
The entrance fee is 50 NIS ($16).
The Jesus Trail
Have you ever thought about walking in the footsteps of Jesus? Do pilgrimage hiking trails such as Camino de Santiago de Compostela sound like something you would like to try one day?
The Holy Land gives you one of the best opportunities for making your dreams come true.
Or you might be just an avid hiker who is looking for alternative ways to explore new destinations.
Either way, if you prefer to spend your vacations actively, then you can consider hiking the 65-kilometer Jesus Trail.
This moderately-challenging trek starts in Nazareth and connects the important sites from Jesus's life such as Tzipori, Cana, Horns of Hattin, Mount of Beatitudes, and Capernaum.
The trail is free and well-marked, and if you're traveling on a budget, this might be a perfect alternative for you when looking for a way to save money on the road.
Best Day Trips From Nazareth
As the city is close to some other top attractions, it might make sense to base yourself in Nazareth, at least for a night.
So what is there to do outside the city limits?
You might want to visit the mystical Beit Shearim in the west, a former necropolis with stone coffins and rich Jewish history.
Tzipori National Park is known as the Roman and Byzantine city with the best mosaics in Israel.
It's the nearest top attraction to Nazareth, and we believe that the site will entertain you for at least two or three hours.
If you want to see more mosaics, then head out to Beit Alfa Synagogue featuring zodiac mosaic and no crowds.
Another Roman city you shouldn't miss out on is Beit Shean, which has an impressive collonade and beautiful theater and history extending back to 5000 BCE.
Lastly, we can't fail to mention the entire Sea of Galilee area, which is often explored from Tiberias, so that might be the place where your steps will take you next.
Make sure to bring you Israel Pass with you as you can use it in the national parks.
Nazareth on Shabbath
One of the most important things to know about Israel from a tourist point of view is that Shabbat is something you shouldn't underestimate when planning your Israel trip.
This Jewish day of rest that starts every week from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset can throw obstacles in the way as many services are closed.
So as Friday is getting nearer, you better start looking for activities and things to do on Shabbat, as places such as Safed are quiet and better to be visited some other days of the week.
You can always visit one of the national parks such as Beit Shean National Park or Beit Shearim National Park that are open every day.
Or you can go to Nazareth.
Businesses are open on Shabbat in Nazareth, which makes it so appealing when it comes to making plans for this day.
Of course, if you're swimming in the Dead Sea or snorkeling in Eilat, then it makes zero sense to alternate your travel plans so dramatically.
But if you're planning to visit the Lower Galilee area together with, let's say, Golan Heights, Haifa, or Northern Galilee, then try to squeeze a trip to Nazareth on these two days.
However, Nazareth gets busy on Saturdays, and if you want to avoid the crowds in places such as the Basilica of Annunciation, it's better to come another day.
Some say Saturday is the best day to visit Nazareth as the city gets lively; some say it's a terrible experience.
Obviously, some places and religious sites might be closed on Sundays.
When to Go
The best time to visit Nazareth is either in spring or autumn.
The Galilee region, where you can find Nazareth receives hot summers, and it's better to avoid them.
Winters in Nazareth are colder, but it's probably a better alternative to the scorching summers if you bring an extra layer or two.
Just be prepared that it can rain in Nazareth in December, January, and February. more than in the rest of the year.
Here you will find more information on the best time to visit Israel.
What to Pack
Walking along the streets of the Old City requires comfortable footwear. Regular runners should do the job just fine.
If you're planning to visit some of the religious sites, then modest clothing is required, though the rules are not as strict as, for example, in Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock.
We would bring a daypack that will contain your trusty water bottle, an additional clothing layer if needed, a travel camera, and a few more personal things.
How Much Time Do You Need for Nazareth
Nazareth can't compete in the number of top attractions with places such as Jerusalem, and we believe that anything between a half-day to a full-day should be more than enough.
We arrived in Nazareth in the afternoon and stayed there overnight as it fit our Israel itinerary.
But that's just us, and your travel itinerary will probably significantly differ from ours.
Either way, if you're short on time and want to make a quick stop in the city, then you can enjoy the Old City, the souq, Marry's Well, and the Church of the Annunciation in a couple of hours.
How to Get
Nazareth is located in the Northern District of Israel, approximately halfway between Haifa and Tiberias.
The easiest way to get to Nazareth is by car. By the way, don't forget to check out our guide on driving in Israel.
The traffic in Nazareth can be a bit crazy at rush hours, so equip yourself with some patience and try to enjoy the calming sounds of honking.
Car
Haifa is less than 50 kilometers from Nazareth, and it really depends on the traffic which routes your navigation will choose for you.
We would consider taking the longest route that follows Highway 75 and 77 and passes by Beit Shearim National Park.
Akko is located 40 kilometers northwest of Nazareth, and the fastest route offers Highway 79.
Nazareth to Tiberias is a 40-minute drive (30 kilometers) toward the Sea of Galilee in the east.
Safed and the nearby Rosh Pinna are about 60 kilometers north of Tiberias, and we would allocate roughly an hour and fifteen minutes to get there.
Jerusalem is 150 kilometers south of Nazareth, and be prepared that Highway 6 uses an electronic toll system.
Tel Aviv is 100 kilometers southwest of Nazareth, and you might consider avoiding Highway 6 by following the coastal Highway 2 in order to get there.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Israel.
Bus
Direct buses 331, 332, or 344 connect Haifa and Nazareth, but only some stops in Nazareth's city center, and they mostly leave from Haifa's outskirts (Haifa Merkazit ha-Mifrats CBS).
A direct bus 431 runs roughly every hour between Nazareth and Tiberias, and the ride shouldn't take more than an hour.
826 bus (Egged) also leaves Nazareth relatively frequently from Tel Aviv and reaches its destination in about two and a half hours.
Bus 955 (Egged) connects Nazareth with Jerusalem, and you should expect to spend about three hours on the road.
Here you will find more information on how to get around Israel.
Tours
Lastly, you can always take a Nazareth guided tour to see the best of the city without the need of arranging transport.
Most of the tours that include Nazareth in their itinerary also visit more places from the Galilee region.
This is a great way to see more places on a tight schedule; just make sure that the tour only visits sites of your interest.
Here you can reserve Nazareth, Tiberias and Sea of Galilee Tour from Jerusalem or Nazareth, Tiberias and Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Tel Aviv in advance.
Parking
Finding free parking in Nazareth is not easy. There are some small paid parking lots near the Church of the Annunciation, but it's not that straightforward to find them (see Iksal Street).
You can always try on-street parking (also paid) if you're lucky enough to find an empty space in the city center.
We booked accommodation with a central location and on-site parking, which solved this issue, and we believe it's the best approach when it comes to parking in Nazareth for those arriving there by car.
There is also limited free parking at the Nazareth Village, which is convenient for those who want to visit this place.
Where to Stay
One of the best ways to get around is on foot. Therefore, we believe it's better to find accommodation close to the Old City.
The city center is the most exciting area to explore, so it makes sense to stay nearby.
We don't recommend you stay somewhere on the city outskirts as getting around Nazareth by car is not very efficient.
Of course, you can always take a taxi to avoid the traffic and parking problems.
Luckily, most accommodations have a central location making your decision much easier.
So here is the list of the best hotels in Nazareth we believe are worth checking out.
Budget | Fauzi Azar by Abraham Hostels - Set in a charming 200-year old Arab Mansion in the city center, Fauzi Azar is one of the best hostels in Nazareth. The hostel features both dormitories and private rooms so that you can choose the right accommodation type according to your preferences and budget. Buffet breakfast is included.
Budget | Rosana Guest House - A lovely guesthouse located in the Old City, Rosana Guest House is one of those little accommodations that will make you feel like you're at home. The owner is very helpful and friendly, and the view from the terrace is superb.
Mid-range | Ramada Olivie Nazareth - One of the most popular hotels in the city, Ramada Olivie Nazareth is a great place to stay overnight while in the area. Rooms are clean and modern, the restaurant has a rooftop bar on a terrace with superb views of the city, and the hotel also has many facilities such as a heated pool, spa, or exercise room. The central location and free parking are just icing on the cake.
Staying Safe
We felt pretty safe in Nazareth, even when walking some dimly lit empty streets at night.
The most dangerous thing we experienced in the city was the traffic, so be careful when crossing the roads or walking through narrow streets with no sidewalks.
Saying that Nazareth is safe to visit doesn't mean that you should not use your common sense here either.
Moreover, staying safe in Israel requires a bit more active approach from your side, so make sure to check the news regularly while there to see what's happening right now.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Nazareth Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, Nazareth is worth visiting for several reasons. The most simple one is that the city is on the way from Haifa to the Sea of Galilee area, so it makes sense to stop there.
As the city is primarily Muslim and Christian, it has different vibes than other cities in Israel.
The contrast is even more striking if you're heading to Safed next, which has a strong Jewish orthodox community.
Moreover, Nazareth might present a valid alternative to Haifa or Tiberias when looking for suitable and cheap accommodations in the area in peak season.
Lastly, the city and its area is an essential place to visit for Christians. So if you've already been to Bethlehem, this is where the story of Jesus continues.
Having said that, we believe that even non-religious travelers will find some interest in the religious sites Nazareth has to offer.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
