Tiberias

Tiberias is a laid-back resort town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, offering a slower pace than Israel's major cities. The town centers on the lake's blue expanse, visible from hilltop viewpoints throughout the area. Historically, Tiberias was a major center of Jewish scholarship—the Jerusalem Talmud was composed here, and the Masoretes recorded the definitive Bible text here between the 8th and 10th centuries. Today it serves as a convenient base for exploring churches, mountains, and historic sites around the Sea of Galilee.

Intercity and local buses connect Tiberias to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Nazareth, and other cities, arriving at the Central Bus Station. From Jenin (and onward from Nablus and Ramallah), you can take a shared taxi (sherut/serviis) to the border north (₪5-15), cross on foot, then take a taxi to Afula (₪40-50) or bus 52 to Afula (₪7.40), and finally a regular bus (30, 442, 541, or 840) to Tiberias (~₪10).

Most of Tiberias' attractions are easily walkable, particularly along the promenade and old town. For destinations further along the Sea of Galilee coast, buses depart from the central station. Bus lines 5 and 15 stop at most tourist attractions, major hotels, and Big Fashion Danilof Mall. Bus lines 37 and 39 travel from Tiberias to Poriya Hospital, located 3 km south of the city.

The Sea of Galilee area is best visited in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller than in summer. Summer can be very hot, though the lake breeze provides some relief along the promenade. Winter sees fewer tourists, but some attractions like Aqua Kef water park likely close. Religious Jews visit the tombs throughout the year, with peak crowds around Lag B'Omer (when a bonfire is lit at the Tomb of Meir Ba'al Hanes four days prior).

Budget accommodation clusters along the shore and on the main street near the Central Bus Station. Tiberias Hostel on Hayarden Street offers dorm beds for ₪70-85 (5% discount for direct booking), includes breakfast, and is a 5-minute walk to the sea. David Hostel on Rachel Street (₪240) offers private rooms with bathrooms, air conditioning, kitchen access, and WiFi. Many mid-range and luxury hotels line the waterfront, including the Scottish House boutique hotel with restored British decor and the Rimonim Galei Kinnereth with spa and private beach.

Cheap eats include Shawarma & Falafel on Hayarden Street, 70m northwest of Tiberias Hostel, where a big plate with falafel, hummus, and endless salad costs ₪25. Avi's Restaurant on HaKishon Street (11:00-23:00) serves fresh fish from the Sea of Galilee alongside quality meats. Old Tveria in the center offers filet mignon and beef stroganoff at prices much cheaper than comparable Tel Aviv restaurants, in a British pub ambiance with outdoor terrace. The fish market and promenade offer local produce and street food options.

Major historical sites include the Tomb of Rabbi Akiva in the hilly upper neighborhood (2km uphill walk or take local bus 6 every 20 minutes), the Tomb of Meir Ba'al Hanes with Sephardic and Ashkenazic synagogues, and the Tomb of the Rambam (Maimonides) with the Maimonides Heritage Center museum. Hamath Tiberias National Park (₪14/12/7 adult/student/child, 8:00-16:00) features a 3rd-5th century synagogue with a zodiac mosaic floor. The Dona Gracia Museum tells the story of the 16th-century Jewish woman who received control of Tiberias from the Ottoman Empire in 1558. Active options include a 55km cycling circuit around the lake, swimming in the lake, or chartering a boat through Kinneret Sailing Company (04-665-8008) to cross to the eastern shore.

Tiberias is generally safe for travelers, though standard precautions apply in any city. The old town has some uneven terrain and steep streets in the upper neighborhoods. During religious holidays, certain areas may be very crowded with pilgrims. Swimming in the Sea of Galilee is possible but be aware of changing conditions and boat traffic near the promenade.

Tiberias Hostel offers computers with internet and video chat capabilities at no charge for guests. WiFi is available at David Hostel and most mid-range and upscale hotels along the waterfront. Mobile coverage is provided by Israeli carriers with 4G service throughout the city.

A backpacker can get by on ₪200-300 per day in Tiberias, covering dorm accommodation (₪70-85), basic meals (₪25-50 per meal), and local transportation. Attractions like Hamath Tiberias National Park cost ₪14 for adults. Budget travelers should book Tiberias Hostel directly for the 5% discount and free breakfast, and eat at local falafel stands and the fish market for cheap meals.

The Sea of Galilee region offers famous churches about 12 km northeast of Tiberias, easily reachable by bus. Arbel Mountain to the northwest provides hiking and panoramic views. The Golan Heights lies just across the lake, accessible by road. Nazareth, Israel's largest Arab city and home of Joseph and Mary, is a short bus ride away. For history buffs, Jericho—one of the world's oldest settlements—is reachable as a long day trip, with Kalya Beach at the Dead Sea as a possible add-on. En route south, stop at Belvoir Castle for views across the Jordan Valley.

From Tiberias, Route 90 runs north to Metula and Qiryat Shemona, or south to Eilat via Belvoir Castle and the Jordan Valley. Regular buses connect to Jerusalem (2-3 hours), Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Nazareth. The Central Bus Station serves as the hub for regional transportation. For the West Bank, hitch-hiking or shared taxis to Jenin offer a cheaper but more adventurous route.