Nazareth 360°

1. What are the accommodations like?
 

Nazareth hosts a variety of accommodation options, from hostels, inns, boutique hotel, through to 5-star hotels. Accommodation in Nazareth is similar to Western standards with all of the modern conveniences.
 
 

2. How to get there and around?
 

By bus:
 

From Tel Aviv: Take bus number 823 or 826 from Tel Aviv New Central Bus Station to Nazareth. The journey takes about 2 hours. Bus does not operate on Sabbath or Jewish holidays.
 

From Haifa: Take bus 331 from station MerkazHashmona. The journey takes about an hour, and operates daily including the Sabbath and holidays.

From Jerusalem: Take bus 955 from Central bus station or take a bus to Afula and switch to bus to Nazareth. Bus does not operate on Sabbath and Jewish holidays.
 

From Amman: There is a daily bus during the summer from /to Amman. And 3 days a week(Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday) during winter period. (Operated by Nazarene 04-6010458).
 

Get around!
Central Nazareth can be easily covered on foot. There is also public transport, operates daily. However the buses tend to get stuck in the traffic.
 
3. What type of food is typical of Nazareth?

Palestinian cuisine is similar to Lebanese, Syrian and Jordanian cuisines. Ingredients used are based on the climate and region and traditions. Rice, kibbee, meat, mazeh, salads, bread dips, hummus, falafel, shawarma, fresh vegetables and fruits are some of the standard foods that travelers may expect in Nazareth.
The city is also home to many desserts, baklawa, kenafa (pastries filled with either sweetened cheeses, almonds, walnuts or pistachios) and many more.
Coffee and tea is consumed throughout the day and liquor is not very prevalent amongst the population, however, alcoholic beverages are served in most of the restaurants.
 

Restaurants

The city’s many restaurants provide a full culinary experience in all types of Palestinian cuisine as well as international.
 
Any visit to Nazareth must allow time to enjoy to the popular and delicious local tradition of welcoming diners.

Most restaurants accept international credit cards, but do not accept personal checks.
 
Tip can be included in your credit card charge; you need to mention this before paying. Not all restaurants accept tips on credit cards.
 
 
Fast Food

Falafel is a vegetarian fast food meal.
 
These are fried balls of mashed chickpeas, served inside pita bread with hummus, vegetable salad and tehina.
 
A selection of more salads is usually available. This is usually the cheapest lunch available.
Another popular meal is shawarma, sliced lamb, turkey or chicken, served inside a pita, or a baguette with hummus and salad.

Hummus, a cream of chickpeas, tehina, onion, lemon and olive oil, served on a plate. At some places that specialize in Hummus, they serve the dish topped with chopped lamb, and many other different toppings.
 
 
4. Is the water safe to drink?

The tap water is generally safe to drink in Nazareth.
 
Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants.
 
 

5. What immunizations are recommended/ required?

No immunizations are currently required for visiting Nazareth.
 

6. What time zone is Nazareth?

Nazareth is 2 hours ahead GMT.
 
Daylight savings time is observed during these months (April-October), Nazareth is on GMT+3.
 

7. Do I need a visa/passport?

You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months after you depart. Visas are not currently required for travelers from the US, European Community or British Commonwealth.
 
Travelers from other nationalities should check with the Israeli Embassy or consulate for visa information. Entry requirements change with surprising frequency.
 

8. What is the local currency?

New Israel Shekel (NIS) Units of Currency: Notes: 20, 50, 100, 200 (NIS). Coins: 10 Agorot, ½, 1, 5 and 10 (NIS).
 

9. When is the best time to go to Nazareth?

Nazareth has a Mediterranean climate. Summer is long, hot and rainless and winter is short, cool and rainy.

Spring: Mid-March, April, May

Summer: June, July, August, early September

Autumn: October, November

Winter:December, January, February, Early March
 
 
January is the coldest month with average temperatures between 6 to 15 °C
July and August are the hottest months at 22 to 36 °C
 
 
10. Should I bring cash or Traveler's checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?

Payment:US dollars and Euro are the easiest form of money to use.

All major credit cards are accepted – American Express, Diner’s Club, Eurocard and Travelers cheques are mostly accepted but personal rarely.

Some but not all the restaurants, shops, and other service providers will readily accept US dollars and Euro.
 
They will generally give you change in New Israeli Shekels.
 
It is recommended to exchange money and use the local currency.

Banks: Main banks are Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Israel Discount Bank, United Mizrahi Bank, Mercantile Bank.
 
Banks open Monday to Saturday from 08:30-12:30/13:00 and twice a week from 16:00/16:30 – 18:30/19:00.

ATMs:are available.
 
International Credit cards are widely accepted.
 
Note that showing of the Visa logo by an ATM does not mean it takes all types of Visa cards, at the moment the ones with Chip and Pin technology is only accepted by Bank Leumi ATMs.

Money Change:This can be obtained in hotels, banks, post offices, foreign exchange depots and some shops. You may need your passport for exchange.
 

11.Tipping

Outside of the food industry, hospitality and tourism services tipping is not common.

Restaurants - Tip 10%-15%. 15%-20% is considered a generous tip.

Hotel staff - No tipping.

Tour guides - 10% - 15% of the daily rate.

Bartenders - Tip 10%-15%. 15% is considered a generous tip.

Taxi drivers - No tipping.
 

12. Can I use my cell phone?

If you have a cellphone with unlocked SIM, you can buy a Prepaid Israeli SIM-card which is available at Pelephone, Orange and Cellcom phone stores, shopping malls or store.

Roaming with your own device: Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information.

International telephone cards work in most places and have toll free access numbers
13. Do I need a converter/ adaptor for the electricity?
Nazareth uses 220 volts AC 50 Hz.
 
Plugs are typically the 2 pin unearthed type so US travelers will need a converter and adaptor to operate any 120 volts, 60Hz appliances.

Outlets may have only 2 holes so if your device has a third prong, bring an adaptor.
 

14. Is travel insurance recommended?

It is recommended to have travel insurance before beginning your trip. In case you needed a medical treatment during your stay.
 
The costs to treat you in Israel could be high!
 


15. VAT:
 
16.5% is added on goods and services. However, most tourist services are excluded, hotel services are exempted. A VAT refund form can be filled if purchase is over $ 100.