Nazareth, Israel: travel guide
The largest Arab city in Israel and, in Christian tradition, the boyhood town of Jesus. Its Old City clusters around the Basilica of the Annunciation, ancient churches, a covered souk and Mount Precipice.
- Country
- Israel
- Currency
- ILS
- Time zone
- Asia/Jerusalem
Top places to visit in Nazareth
Basilica of the Annunciation
Church · 4.7 rating · about 1.3 h
The largest Christian church in the Middle East, built over the grotto where Catholic tradition holds the angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.
Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (St. Gabriel)
Church · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
A Greek Orthodox church over the spring that fed Mary's Well, where Orthodox tradition places the Annunciation while Mary drew water.
Mary's Well
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 0.3 h
A restored fountain in the town centre marking the spring that supplied ancient Nazareth, revered in Orthodox tradition as the place of the Annunciation.
Mount Precipice
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h
A clifftop just south of Nazareth, traditionally the "Mount of the Leap", with sweeping views over the Jezreel Valley, Mount Tabor and the Galilee.
Church of St. Joseph
Church · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
A Franciscan church beside the Basilica, built over cave-cellars traditionally identified as the workshop and home of Joseph the carpenter.
Mensa Christi Church
Church · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h
A Franciscan church in Nazareth's Old City built over a rock traditionally said to have been a table used by Jesus and the apostles.
Nazareth Village
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · entry ILS 55
An open-air living-history museum recreating a first-century Galilean farm and village with costumed guides, terraces, a winepress and workshops.
Old Market (Souk)
Market · 4.0 rating · about 1 h
The vaulted lanes of Nazareth's old bazaar, selling spices, sweets, coffee and crafts among Ottoman-era houses, khans and small churches.
White Mosque (El-Abiad)
Mosque · 4.3 rating · about 0.3 h
The oldest mosque in Nazareth, an early-19th-century white-stone mosque in the heart of the old market, a symbol of the city's Muslim community.
Things to do
- Old City & Basilica Walking Tour Walking Tour · 3 h · from ILS 100 per person
- Nazareth Culinary Tour Food Tour · 3.5 h · from ILS 250 per person
- Nazareth Village Living-History Experience Cultural · 2 h · from ILS 55 per person
- Jesus Trail Guided Hike Hiking · 5 h · from ILS 200 per person
Day trips and tours
- Nazareth & the Galilee 6 h · from ILS 260
Where to stay in Nazareth
- Old City about ILS 500 per night
The historic core around the Basilica and souk, with heritage guesthouses in Ottoman mansions.
Hotels
- Fauzi Azar Inn 3-star · ILS 150 to ILS 600 per night
- Al-Mutran Guest House 3-star · ILS 450 to ILS 750 per night
- Ramada Olivie Nazareth 4-star · ILS 600 to ILS 1,050 per night
Where to eat
- Al-Reda Levantine, Palestinian, Mediterranean · about ILS 130 per person
- Tishreen Levantine, Galilean, Mediterranean · about ILS 120 per person
- Diana Restaurant Levantine, Grill, Arab · about ILS 130 per person
- Abu Ashraf (Diwan al-Saraya) Dessert, Arab, Cafe · about ILS 40 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Pushy shop commissions
Old City souk, Nazareth
A friendly "helper" walks you to a relative's shop where prices are marked up and pressure to buy is high.
How to avoid it: Explore the souk yourself and buy only where you feel comfortable; prices are negotiable.