A Complete Guide to Tiberias, Israel
Read our travel guide on Tiberias in Israel. Includes tips on the best things to do, when to go, how to get, or where to stay.
Jewish history, past connected with Christianity, a strong ultra-Orthodox community, beautiful landscape, and one large, hectic city full of huge concrete buildings, Tiberias offers for sure a strange mix of emotions.
Admittedly, the city itself is not as exciting as its surrounding areas. Nevertheless, it's an excellent base for exploring the Galilee region.
Located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias is one of the Four Holy Cities in Judaism and a popular holiday destination for locals and, to some extent, even international travelers.
Whether you come to explore Christian holy sites around the Sea of Galilee, visit the burial places of Jewish sages, or just laze around the beaches, Tiberias is full of new and exciting experiences.
And while the first impression of Tiberias can be a bit bizarre, the city might deserve some love from our side.
It's easy to say that Tiberias is overdeveloped, crowded, dirty, too touristy, or even ugly, even if it's (partially) true.
But not every destination must look like a perfect place from a travel brochure and yet it might deserve your attention.
So, here's everything you should know about Tiberias in the Galilee area in Israel.
Best Things to Do in Tiberias
Sitting at an altitude of 200 meters below sea level, Tiberias is the second-lowest town in the world after Jericho at the West Bank.
Things like this can be overlooked, but we believe this is quite a fascinating piece of trivia.
The combination of low altitude and hot climate attracts all fun and sun-seekers, making Tiberias a worthwhile resort destination to visit, especially in the summer.
So what is there to see and do in Tiberias?
Tiberias is a typical tourist town with a plethora of restaurants and stores, plus the Old City still hides some historical structures.
It's a gateway to the Sea of Galilee, so you can expect beaches, water activities, or nightlife.
Also, the city has a very strong and growing Jewish ultra-Orthodox community if that's what you're interested in.
The Old City of Tiberias
One of the things you should know about Tiberias is that the city center is pretty compact and easily covered on foot.
One of the best places to start exploring the buzzing streets is right at the waterfront.
The Yigal-Alon Promenade is a relatively short and shabby-looking walkway that offers beautiful views of the Sea of Galilee and distant Golan Heights amid the concrete and often ugly buildings.
Here you'll also find some restaurants, stores, travel agencies, or churches.
Water sports on Kinneret are pretty popular, so whether you want to rent a boat, try water skiing, or just enjoy a banana boat ride, this is the place to go.
We visited Tiberias in November, and this area was presumably much quieter than what you can find here during the summer holidays.
Leaving the summer frenzy behind was a huge advantage for us, but if you want to see Tiberias in its full 'glory,' then late autumn or winter is not a good time to come here.
While walking along the promenade, you can also see the Saint Peter’s Church, the Sea Mosque (Al-Bahr Mosque), or the Greek-Orthodox Monastery.
Plus, there's an open archaeological park if you stroll a bit farther from the waterfront.
Hamat Tiberias National Park
Hamat Tiberias National Park is a bit different from other similar historical sites in Israel.
It has everything you would expect from a site with ancient history but adds a bonus in the form of hot springs, some of which you can wade in.
By the way, there are 17 hot springs below the surface, some of them emerging at 60 Celsius.
This national park is relatively small, and the main attraction here is the ancient synagogue, which has a similar Zodiac mosaic that we saw later in Beit Alfa Synagogue.
It's known as Severus Synagogue, and you can't miss it while there.
You can also see here Turkish Hammam, a well-preserved ancient bathhouse from the 18th century.
As in places such as Avdat National Park or Tzipori National Park, don't forget to watch the informative movie to get to know this place a little better.
The entrance fee to Hamat Tiberias National Park is 14 NIS ($4), and you can use your Israel Pass here.
The site is open from 8 AM to 5 PM in summer, and 8 AM to 4 PM in winter from Saturday to Thursday. On Fridays, the park closes an hour earlier.
The parking lot is across the street.
Tiberias Hot Springs
At first, it might be a bit surprising to find naturally warm springs in Israel.
But once you dip in the soothing water, all your doubts will quickly dissolve and flow away.
If you think that the outrageous outdoor temperatures in Galilee are not hot enough, then you can visit the Hot Springs Tiberias.
The hot springs in Tiberias have a long tradition that goes all the way back to 20 CE when the town was founded by the son of Herod the Great, Herodes
And yes, Herod the Great was the same guy who also founded Masada, Israels' most famous attraction outside Jerusalem.
The Tiberias Hot Springs that feature outdoor and indoor pools can be found near the Hamat Tiberias National Park complex (almost across the street).
You can also try one of the available treatments there, including mineral bubble baths, mud baths, or therapeutic massage.
If you're a fan of this activity, you can also find hot springs in Hamat Gader in the southeast corner of the Sea of Galilee or near Ein Gedi in the Dead Sea area.
Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes
If you're interested in Jewish history and religion, then the Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes should definitely be on your itinerary.
The complex commemorates Rabbi Meir, who lived in the 2nd century CE during the time of Mishnah and who was one of the most important Jewish sages at the time.
The resting place of a rabbi who was also known as the Master of Miracles is near the Hamat Tiberias National Park, about three kilometers south of Tiberias' Old City.
This complex has been a pilgrimage place since the 13th century, has two synagogues built over the burial cave, and it's open every day.
This is not a typical tourist site as it's a place where people pray daily.
And it probably doesn't have the same meaning for non-Jewish visitors, so if you fit into this category while short on time, you can skip it.
Still, one of the things to know about Israel is that Judaism is the main religion here, and places such as Safed or Tiberias will allow you to learn more about it.
Like the Western Wall or King David Tomb, you can find separate areas for women and men here.
The entrance and the parking lot can be found above the Hamat Tiberias National Park.
The Tomb of Rabbi Meir is usually open from 7 AM to 11 PM.
By the way, more Jewish tombs can be found directly in Tiberias close to the Old City, such as the Tomb of Maimonides (also known as the Tomb of the Rambam).
This is also a burial place of Rabbis Isaiah Horowitz and Yochanan ben Zakai.
Sea of Galilee
Fed by the Jordan River in the north, the Sea of Galilee is a vast freshwater lake in the north of Israel, and it's a place where Jesus did most of his ministry according to tradition.
Tiberias sits on its western shores and serves as a base for exploring the unique scenery, Biblical sites, or ancient history.
By the way, the Sea of Galilee is also known as Lake Tiberias or Lake Kinneret (Kinnereth), which can be a bit confusing for someone who's planning a trip there for the first time.
Driving around the Sea of Galilee is one of the best things to do while visiting Tiberias, and you can rent a car in Tiberias even just for a day if you've arrived there by public transport.
Having a car is really worth it to get the most out of this area, even when visiting Israel on a budget.
If you want to enjoy the lake from a different perspective, you can also take a boat trip or even rent a bike and encircle the entire lake in a few hours (the distance is about 65 kilometers).
Don't forget to enjoy the sunset (or sunrise) at the Sea of Galilee from the shore as it's totally worth it.
By the way, if you like visiting Christian places such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, then the Galilee region is where you should be heading next as it's packed with similar sites.
Beaches
Unlike the extremely clean beaches we visited in Ein Bokek or Coral Beach Reserve, the beaches in Tiberias could use some attention.
Unless you want to visit a private beach in Tiberias such as Bora Bora Beach for 60 NIS, the chances are that the local beaches that are often dirty or noisy will disappoint you.
This is a known issue of the Sea of Galilee beaches, but it seems that the situation can improve in the near future.
The light of a change was lit by designating some of the Kinnerets' beaches as quiet zones.
The first results of this effort and development can be seen in Duga Beach in the northeast of the Sea of Galilee.
This public beach is free, quiet, clean, and a great place to visit for families with kids. Note that the parking is not free.
Hopefully, the visitors to the Lake Kinneret area will have more opportunities like this one soon.
How Much Time Do You Need for Tiberias
In our opinion, you only need something like an hour or two to walk around the city as there are not as many points of interest as in Akko, Jerusalem, or Tel Aviv.
But the most significant appeal of Tiberias lies outside the city limits.
We would argue that a whole day for the Sea of Galilee area, including Tiberias, sounds about right.
We arrived from the Golan Heights to Tiberias in the afternoon, saw the Capernaum on the way, walked around the city in the evening, and drove around the Sea of Galilee the next day.
In the text below, we've rounded up the best hotels you can find in the city.
But if you're looking for a more quiet experience in the countryside, then have a closer look at Ein Gev Holiday Resort or Setai Sea of Galilee on the eastern side of the lake.
It's an excellent alternative to the busy Tiberias and our not-so-secret travel tip.
Where to Stay
Tiberias is a famous resort town, so there's no shortage of accommodations. It means that you can get good deals on hotels, especially if you're arriving there in the off-season.
As we've said earlier, Tiberias is popular among local tourists, so it's better to book your reservation in advance.
When the locals take Tiberias by storm, then the prices for accommodation skyrocket, and you might end up paying a lot of money for an underwhelming room.
Make sure to check whether you're arriving on national holidays in Tiberias or not as it can make a huge difference in the hotel prices.
Here's our choice of the top hotels in Tiberias.
Budget | David Hostel - One of the best cheap accommodations in Tiberias, David Hostel offers rooms with a private bathroom, a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, or a shared lounge.
Mid-range | Caesar Premier Tiberias Hotel - Centrally located accommodation, Caesar Premier Tiberias Hotel offers spacious air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a thermo-mineral indoor pool.
Luxury | Scots Hotel - Located in a 19th-century historical building, Scots Hotel is a luxurious spa accommodation and arguably the best hotel in Tiberias.
When to Go
As mentioned above, Tiberias sits at the bottom of the valley about two hundred meters below sea level, and that reflects in the temperature.
If you like hot and humid weather, the best time to visit Tiberias is in the summer.
The average summer temperatures in Tiberias sit slightly below 30 Celsius, but you can often experience much higher daily temperatures.
If swimming in your own sweat is not your thing, then we would suggest arriving sometime in the spring or autumn.
Both periods are often regarded as the best time to visit Israel in general, and we believe that the weather during this time is much more pleasant in this country.
Winters in Tiberias are much warmer than in, for example, Jerusalem due to the low elevation, but you should still bring a layer or two to stay on the safe side.
While you might think that the cooler weather might be ideal for you, keep in mind that January and February can be rainy in Tiberias.
Note that due to the large ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, Tiberias on Shabbat is very quiet.
Most of the businesses, including restaurants, are closed, so you should take this information into account and plan accordingly if you'll be in the city on this particular day.
What to Pack
Whether you want to walk around the city or explore sites outside its limits, always bring your trusty reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.
The summer temperatures in Tiberias can be brutal, and hydration is crucial to stay safe and have a better trip.
A common travel mistake is not using strong sunscreen during the day due to the misconception that the lower elevation will take care of everything.
Also, wear a hat or scarf to protect your head against the sun.
As mentioned above, it can rain in the winter here, so probably a compact travel umbrella or a light rain jacket should be in your daypack as well.
Comfortable shoes and a good daypack will make your walking experience much better.
How to Get
Tiberias is well-connected with the rest of the country, and it's easy to get there.
However, the easiest and fastest way to get to Tiberias from any corner of Israel is by car.
As mentioned above, getting to Tiberias by bus is also a viable option, especially for those who don't want to drive in a foreign country.
The issue we see here is that you won't have the much-needed flexibility when traveling without a car, as some of the best sites in this area lie outside the town.
And having a car with you while you're in Israel is a huge advantage as it allows you to visit as many places as possible in a limited time.
If you want to find more information on driving in Israel, make sure to read our guide on this topic.
Car
Tiberias is very close to Nazareth, Haifa, or Akko, but it's not that long a drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem either.
Driving from Nazareth to Tiberias will take you about 40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Be prepared for heavy traffic in both Nazareth and Tiberias during the rush hour.
There are several routes between Haifa and Tiberias to choose from, so pick the one that's fastest according to your GPS navigation.
The lower route (Highways 75, 70, 77) passes by Beit Shearim, which is a former Necropolis and a worthwhile stop on every itinerary.
Tiberias is about 180 kilometers north of Jerusalem via Highway 6 or 170 kilometers via Highway 90.
It's usually faster to travel via Highway 6, but just know that it uses an electronic toll system, so it's not free.
Also, note that Highway 90 goes through the West Bank.
The highway runs through the territory that's under Israeli control and should be safe, but it's always better to check whether the current situation has not changed.
Highway 90 might be a good alternative to Highway 6 if you want to visit places such as Beit Shean National Park, Beit Alfa Synagogue, or Mount Tabor.
Tel Aviv is 140 kilometers southwest of Tiberias, and it should take less than two hours to get there.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Israel.
Bus
Getting to Tiberias by public transport is very easy.
Buses in Israel are comfortable and reliable and a great way to travel between the towns and cities.
However, it lacks the flexibility the rental car provides, which is one of the essential things for every visitor.
Bus 31, 38, and 431 runs between Nazareth and Tiberias.
Egged bus 955 connects Jerusalem and Tiberias, and the journey takes about two and half hours.
Similarly, Egged bus 836 runs frequently from Tel Aviv to Tiberias.
Here you will find more information on how to get around Israel.
Parking
Parking in Tiberias can be challenging, but that's a common issue in almost all Israeli cities.
As we stayed in Tiberias overnight, we chose centrally located accommodation with free private parking.
That solved the entire problem as we didn't have to stress over finding an empty parking space somewhere in the busy city center or paying a lot of shekels for it.
If you want to park somewhere on the street in the city center, note that pretty much every space you find is not free.
Always use the parking meter to avoid fines
Paid street parking is not that big of a deal, especially if you're familiar with this system, but it can be expensive if you need to leave the car there overnight.
You can also pay through the Pango or Cellopark apps, but it can be a bit more tricky for international tourists to use them.
Staying Safe
As with pretty much every destination, you might be wondering whether Tiberias is safe to visit.
In general, Tiberias is safe to visit as it's a popular tourist destination.
And we felt safe here while walking its streets regardless of whether it was daylight or at night.
Of course, always use your common sense and don't flash any of your valuables. But that's an approach you should adopt wherever you travel.
Staying safe while traveling should always be your number one priority, regardless of your destination.
Staying safe in Israel is not that difficult, but it's not as straightforward as when arriving, for example, in our home country, the Czech Republic.
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 Tiberias Worth Visiting?
If you're arriving in Tiberias just for the city itself, then you probably will leave disappointed.
In this case, we would probably spend a day extra in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, especially if you're short on time.
Or explore some of the more famous places on the Mediterranean Sea coast, such as Caesarea or Knights' Halls in Akko.
It all comes down to your Israel itinerary and travel preferences.
Having said that, Tiberias is a gateway to the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights regions, and we believe that it's worth visiting, even if it's just for this reason.
And if you primarily come here for religious reasons, then note that Galilee is one of the best places to visit in Israel in this regard.
Recommending or not recommending a travel destination is always tricky, but it's much more complicated with places such as Tiberias that do not strike with beauty.
Our only advice is to see Tiberias for yourself; only then can you be the judge.
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.
