The Old City of Safed
The Old City of Safed
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
509 reviews
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Susan W
Jerusalem, Israel91 contributions
Jan 2020
The old city of Safed should be seen on a damp winter’s day with mist swirling around the tiny stone houses, or an hour before sunset on a sunny day when the light is golden. Home of the Kabbalah in the sixteenth century, it is still home to lots of cranks and saints. One of the four holy cities of the Holy Land, while Tiberias on the lake is water, Hebron tomb of the patriarchs is earth, Jerusalem which was burned is fire, Safed is air, the spirit. Some of the houses are crumbling away, others have been renewed. Just wander and look. And talk to people .
Written January 19, 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.
alexisrachelletx
Nashville, TN1,624 contributions
Dec 2019
Unfortunately, the day we visited Tzfat/Safed, it was POURING. Like actually flooding a bit. We were all drenched and cold (December), but the locals were thrilled. Still tried to see as much of this holy city as we could: stone streets, art galleries, Judaica/Kaballah shops, synagogues. It was beautiful, and I'd love to go back on a prettier day so that I could see and explore more.
Written January 8, 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,639 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 October 31, 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, Israel16,621 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 September 26, 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,639 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 October 28, 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.
Alina L
Tel Aviv, Israel136 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
This beautiful city in Israel's northern district is one of the four holy cities in the country. It is 900 m above sea level, on top of one of the mountains of Upper Galilee.
This city has been famous since the Middle Ages for its rich history (as well as the whole of Israel) associated with famous rabbis, bondagers, mystics. There are numerous tombs of Jewish sages from past times near Zfat.
Today it is a city with mixed population, ancient synagogues, numerous art galleries (be sure to walk in the areas where they are and admire the vibrant colorful paintings of local masters), wonderful views... Besides, this city is one of the world centers of Kabbalah.
In due course, as part of a tour of this city, we visited the doll museum owned by a woman who lost her daughter, but I'm not sure if it's possible to visit it today.
This city has been famous since the Middle Ages for its rich history (as well as the whole of Israel) associated with famous rabbis, bondagers, mystics. There are numerous tombs of Jewish sages from past times near Zfat.
Today it is a city with mixed population, ancient synagogues, numerous art galleries (be sure to walk in the areas where they are and admire the vibrant colorful paintings of local masters), wonderful views... Besides, this city is one of the world centers of Kabbalah.
In due course, as part of a tour of this city, we visited the doll museum owned by a woman who lost her daughter, but I'm not sure if it's possible to visit it today.
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Written October 13, 2024
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.
Claude A
Netanya, Israel653 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The visit to the old town is picturesque, worthy of a medieval village, but the streets are deserted at 5:00 p.m., not a cat, a few rare tourists, the places of tourist visits are closed, most of the Synagogues as well as the galleries paint. So in the end a very disappointing visit. Fortunately we had the landscape and the flamboyant panoramic sunset over Tsfat
Written October 1, 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.
Teoso
Brooklyn, NY281 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 October 16, 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,639 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Safed was renowned as one of the Four Holy Cities in the Jewish settlement. Safed became known for its commitment to the mysticism of the Kabbalah. These days, there is a vibrant artistic culture. Safed is a popular holiday destination for Israeli visitors, and international visitors are fascinated by Safed. Safed is in the north-east of the Holy Land.
Written February 13, 2024
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 February 11, 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)?
Written July 31, 2019
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
Written September 6, 2017
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.
Written September 7, 2017
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?
Written June 1, 2017
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.
Written June 1, 2017
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.
Written March 14, 2017
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!
Written April 14, 2016
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