The Old City of Safed
The Old City of Safed
4.5
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35 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
507 reviews
Excellent
331
Very good
135
Average
28
Poor
9
Terrible
4
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,814 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Safed is an ancient city, known for its role in establishing the Kabala, a Jewish mystical tradition. It is one of the Four Cities of Judaism. The old town is quite fascinating. it's well worth exploring. Safed is located in Upper Galilee. It's hilly, the highest town in Israel. The Golan Heights is an area of strategic importance. Safed is worth a visit, it's one of the most fascinating cities in the Holy Land.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott R
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Amazing place beautiful old world charm with a huge helping of Spiritualism. The Art is off the charts too !
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,814 contributions
Oct 2022
Safed is the highest point in Israel. The Old City is hilly, but as you walk through the Old City's twisting lanes, you will find bijou shops selling all manner of things, including whisky distilled in Israel. Many of the artists are very well-known. These days, Safed is famous as a weekend get-away. Safed is best known as a center for Jewish mysticism. The blazing sun sets in the West over the hills, and in the far distance you can see the Sea of Galilee.
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan Maarek
Tel Aviv, Israel15,902 contributions
Oct 2021
One of the Old Cities to visit in Israel.
If you like the atmosphere I'd recommend you do them in this order:
Jerusalem comes first, then Akko, then Tsfat (Safed), Rosh Pina and some others.
This Old City is not big, so you can walk all its narrow alleys in 2 or 3 hours and allow yourself to stop for an art gallery or a coffee, some food and of course the many unique and historical synagogues like Yosef Caro's.
It is much more than it seems, try to find it.
If you like the atmosphere I'd recommend you do them in this order:
Jerusalem comes first, then Akko, then Tsfat (Safed), Rosh Pina and some others.
This Old City is not big, so you can walk all its narrow alleys in 2 or 3 hours and allow yourself to stop for an art gallery or a coffee, some food and of course the many unique and historical synagogues like Yosef Caro's.
It is much more than it seems, try to find it.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teoso
Brooklyn, NY270 contributions
Nov 2019
One of the holiest cities in Judaism. Lots of winding streets with small tourist shops and synagogues. Feels very different than the otherwise very modern Israel, as it seems much more conservative. Many beautiful nooks and crannies to find in this hilly city.
Written 16 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen S
New York City, NY5,237 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We drove to Safed especially to visit the Old City of Safed. We parked the car and walked through these beautiful small streets. They are full of restaurants, Judaica galleries, synagogues and private houses.
Written 24 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,058 contributions
Jun 2019
The serene, mystical, and beautiful Old City is best experienced by getting lost in it in order to look at the contrast of colors, the sense of mysticism and history, and the treasures around every unexpected corner and down every windy pathway. You will come across beautiful staircases and buildings, unexpected windows to gorgeous vistas, and a sense of calm and rightness. Pause for a while in any of the stores to admire the gifts, stop at a café to let the atmosphere infuse you, and overall enjoy your time here.
Written 7 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lsgoldblatt
London, UK806 contributions
Jan 2020
There is so much to see as you wander the streets of the Old City. The art is everywhere and each place has its own incredible story. We watched glass blowing and weaving and learned all about the amazing history of Safed. The synagogues are beautiful and the views if you climb are unrivaled. Definitely worth a detour to see the amazing candles too.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xi ra
Ramat Hasharon, Israel553 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Great atmosphere, cobbled streets, ancient synagogues, gift shops, crafts, art, restaurants, coffee shops and a great view from the hill. Authentic food everywhere.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jsavElizabeth
Elizabeth200 contributions
Jun 2019
First, let me say that the Old City in Tzfat is best enjoyed by getting lost in it. There are so many winding staircases, narrow alleyways, and stone walls that exploring every "simta" is exciting and fun. You will be guaranteed to find amazing treasures along the way in artists studios, shops, galleries, synagogues, wineries, cheese making factories, and museums. I spent a month living in the Old City and fell in love so deeply with the uniquely mystical atmosphere on Friday nights and Shabbat, when one can walk in the streets of the Old City and hear the beautiful tunes of people singing the Shabbat prayers in the synagogues hidden among the various alleys. I prayed at the Ashkenaz Ari Shul and the cantor on Friday night was amazing! One could truly feel the prayers reaching the Heavens (and I'm not usually a fan of cantorial music). There is just so much to see and do and learn in Old Tzfat. I took a wonderful glass fusing class and there is also a glass blowing demonstration and a tour of a 6-generation cheese factory (on Fridays). There is also the underground tunnel tour with Livnot Ul'hibanot. If you have the energy, climb all the way up the large central steps of Ma'alot Ole Hagardom and stop along the way to buy a really delicious fruit shake at Good Bar. Enjoy the incredible views and sunsets from Tzfat's highest point--the citadel. Be aware that in summer, every day is sunny. In the winter, there is a lot of rain, fog, and even snow at times. Dress accordingly.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I would be spending one night in Acre (coming from Nazareth), would it be possible to make a quick trip to Safed? Would I have time to fully explore both cities (Acre/Safed)?
le_collectionneur
Homburg, Germany264 contributions
no problem
Markky13
Prague, Czech Republic4 contributions
Hi I would like to go to Safed, I will be in Tiberia.... it is possible go from Tiberia to Safed? I try to searched some good public transport but I didn´t searched good connect, could U help me? thanks M
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,816 contributions
The distance is about 36 km and there is I believe a bus number 450. It costs about $3 - the cheapest way to travel.
It runs between Tiberias Central Station and safed Central Station.
Taxi is the quickest - 35 minutes but much more costly - about $70. I do not know if they have Uber or Lyft.
Prof_KP
Conway, AR98 contributions
I'm taking a group of college students from the US to Safed in July. This is my 6th time in Israel but my first in Safed. We will not have more than a few hours. Which synagogue(s) would you recommend?
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,816 contributions
In few hours you have you can do plenty! The old city is very easy and fascinating to navigate. You will likely visit a few galleries. Olive tree gallery is a good starting point. They gladly offer explanations and guidance. Then walk into the old section of the city and merchants row. You will see a map on the wall of a building with the listing and location of all main synagogues. Bait Hakal is one of the most popular. If you keep going eventually you will easily walk through the entire old city which emanates amazing atmosphere. The building with the sign advertising the underground tours is also a tourist information point and you can get free maps there. You will stumble upon many friendly eateries on your way. In my opinion you cannot go wrong visiting Safed. It avails itself to easy exploration in a very natural way.
Suzman-Tamar
Dundas, Canada1 contribution
where can we park to walk around?
ABI
Jerusalem, Israel1 contribution
Hey. The best place to park in the city of Safed, free of charge. Municipal parking lot located near the Saraya building. Their name down on foot toward Jerusalem Street, and the old city with synagogues and galleries. Old City does not have a large selection of restaurants and difficult to find Toilet.
Sharon D
Leverett, MA31 contributions
Best tour company?
LJPerlis
Potomac, MD5 contributions
We have been to Safed a number of times, and each time we explore on our own, going into and out of galleries, museums, restaurants, etc.
If you are in search of something specific, you can ask for help/guidance in most places.
We do stop people on the street and ask for where to find....whatever we might like to find!
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Claim your listingTHE OLD CITY OF SAFED: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Old City of Safed
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Old City of Safed:
- 8-Night Israel Tour from Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Northern Israel and Petra (From ₱128,473.38)
- Private 4-Night Jewish Israel Tour from Tel Aviv (From ₱221,410.38)
- Jewish heritage in Galilee Private Tour from Tel Aviv (From ₱46,994.35)
- Kabbalah Heritage Walk (From ₱2,490.87)
- Visiting Tombs of Pious Jews Judaism Private Tour in North Israel (From ₱60,887.86)
- Hotels near The Old City of Safed:
- (0.00 km) The German House
- (0.06 km) Akko Gate Hostel
- (0.10 km) Akkotel
- (0.09 km) HI Akko - Knights Youth Hostel
- (0.06 km) Eco Akko
- Restaurants near The Old City of Safed:
- (0.05 km) Abu Sohil - Sohila
- (0.06 km) Shnaklish
- (0.06 km) Soul Burger Bar
- (0.06 km) Feluka
- (0.15 km) Mercato by Omri Shahar
- Attractions near The Old City of Safed:
- (0.06 km) Western Galilee Now - Tourist Information Center
- (0.15 km) Travel with Andrew - Tour Guide
- (0.11 km) Citadel of Acre
- (0.11 km) Akko Old Town
- (0.11 km) Knights' Halls