Tiberias

Tiberias (Hebrew: Teveriyah טבריה) is a resort town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. Founded as a Roman city between 20 CE and 44 CE and named for the emperor Tiberius, it became an important regional center — the Sea of Galilee was sometimes called the "Sea of Tiberias." During the 3rd century it became the center of Jewish scholarship, and the "Jerusalem Talmud" was composed here. From the 8th to 10th century, the Masoretes who recorded the definitive text of the Bible lived in Tiberias. It is one of the Jewish Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed.

Today Tiberias is a small city focused on tourism, characterized by the lake which presents its blue expanse from viewpoints in the hills. The climate is hot and semi-arid; summers are very hot (35°C+) while winters are mild. The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November).

By Plane

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is approximately 135 km south. From the airport, take a train to Haifa or Afula, then a bus to Tiberias. Taxis from Ben Gurion cost approximately ₪500–700.

By Train

There is no train station in Tiberias. The nearest stations are in Afula (about 40 km) and Haifa (about 60 km). From both, frequent buses connect to Tiberias.

By Car / Road

From Tel Aviv: approximately 135 km (1.5–2 hours) via Route 6 and Route 77. From Haifa: approximately 60 km (1 hour) via Route 85 and Route 77. From Jerusalem: approximately 155 km (2 hours) via Route 6 and Route 77. From Nazareth: approximately 50 km (50 min) via Route 75 and Route 77. Intercity buses run from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Nazareth, and other cities to the Central Bus Station.

Most attractions are walkable. Bus lines 5 and 15 stop at most tourist sites, hotels, and Big Fashion Danilof Mall. Bus lines 37 and 39 travel south to Poriya Hospital. Local buses run along the Sea of Galilee coast north and south.

Tombs

• Tomb of Rabbi Akiva — In the upper neighborhood, about 2 km uphill from the center (take local bus 6, every 20 min). A major pilgrimage site.
• Tomb of the Rambam (Maimonides) — This 12th-century sage's tomb is a revered pilgrimage site. Next to it is the Maimonides Heritage Center museum. Also buried here is Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakkai.
• Tomb of Meir Ba'al Hanes — 2nd-century rabbi who compiled the Mishnah. The tomb is marked by two synagogues (Sephardic and Ashkenazic).

Museums and Historical Sites

• Dona Gracia Museum, HaPrachim 3, +972 4 672 8900 — Dedicated to the wealthy 16th-century Jewish woman who was granted control of the Tiberias region by the Ottoman Empire.

• Hamath Tiberias National Park — 08:00–16:00. Features a 3rd–5th century synagogue with a beautiful zodiac mosaic floor, and a small museum in a Turkish bathhouse. Adults ₪14, students ₪12, children ₪7.

• Tiberias Castle/Fortress (The Citadel) — The Turkish citadel, now an art gallery.

• St Peter's Church — A lovely 12th-century Crusader Franciscan church along the northern promenade.

• Al-Amari Mosque — Built by Daher al-Omar in the mid-18th century, one of the few pre-1948 buildings remaining in Tiberias.

• Roman Theater (Khirbet Qasra Atabraa) — Far south of the city, with 1st-century Roman and 11th-century Arab ruins.

• Berko Archaeological Park — Similar Roman and Arab period ruins with a playground.

• Stroll along the promenade and catch a northern breeze along the Sea of Galilee

• Visit the City Spa featuring thermal and sulfur pools

• Take a swim in the Sea of Galilee

• Hire a bicycle and cycle the approximately 55-km circuit around the Kinneret lake (requires a full day)

• Charter a boat across the sea (Kinneret Sailing Company, 04-665-8008)

• Visit Aqua Kef water park floating on the Sea of Galilee at Ganim beach (check seasonal opening; closed in winter)

• Take a private hot springs tour to unofficial springs south of the lake (approximately ₪50 per person)

Tiberias is known for fresh fish from the Sea of Galilee, particularly St. Peter's fish (tilapia).

• Avi's Restaurant, HaKishon Street (in front of Leonardo Club Hotel), 11:00–23:00 — Famous for delicious meats and fresh Sea of Galilee fish. Mains ₪60–120.
• Old Tveria Restaurant — Gourmet institution with reasonable prices. Try the filet mignon or beef stroganoff. British pub ambiance with outdoor terrace. Mains ₪70–130.
• Shawarma & Falafel (70 m northwest of Tiberias Hostel) — Great inexpensive shawarma and falafel. ₪25 for a big plate with falafel, hummus, and unlimited salad.

Many restaurants serve kosher food. Fresh fish is the local specialty across all price ranges.

The promenade has several bars and cafés with lake views. Fresh fruit juices are widely available. The nightlife is modest compared to Tel Aviv but picks up on weekends. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Tiberias Hostel — Basic hostel on the waterfront promenade. Dorms from ₪80, doubles from ₪250.
• Mid-range: Leonardo Club Hotel — Beachfront hotel with pool. Rooms from ₪500–800.
• Upscale: Scots Hotel — Boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century Scottish compound. Rooms from ₪900–1,500.

• Fish market — Fresh catches from the Sea of Galilee
• The promenade — Souvenir shops and local goods
• Big Fashion Danilof Mall (1 Yehuda HaLevi Street) — The only mall in Tiberias

• Safed (45 km, 50 min) — Holy city with Kabbalistic heritage and artist colony
• Nazareth (50 km, 50 min) — Christianity's holiest city with the Basilica of the Annunciation
• Sea of Galilee region — Kibbutz Ein Gev, Capernaum, and the Mount of Beatitudes surround the lake
• Beit She'an (70 km, 1 hr) — Impressive Roman-Byzantine archaeological site
• Hamat Gader (30 km, 40 min) — Hot springs and ancient Roman baths near the Jordanian border