Tiberias

טבריה

A major lakeside resort city on the Sea of Galilee with hot springs, beaches, and a lively promenade offering water sports and dining. It's a gateway to exploring the lake and surrounding Galilee region with good accommodations and services.

Things to do

• Sea of Galilee boat tours — Take a fishing boat or tour vessel across the freshwater lake to visit Capernaum, the Golan Heights, or enjoy sunset cruises from the marina.
• Hammat Tiberias hot springs — Soak in naturally heated mineral-rich thermal pools known since Roman times for their therapeutic properties, located just south of the city center.
• Tiberias Promenade (Tayelet) — Walk the waterfront boulevard lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops with direct lake views, ideal for evening strolls and people-watching.
• Ancient gravesites and tombs — Visit the tomb of Rabbi Akiva and other historic Jewish sages buried in the cemetery overlooking the city, important pilgrimage sites.
• Water sports at the beaches — Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or go windsurfing and swimming at public and resort beaches along the lakeshore.
• Monastery of the Twelve Apostles (Tabgha area day trip) — Explore the Byzantine-era church memorializing Jesus's feeding of the 5,000, a short drive north via the scenic lake route.

Food to try

• St. Peter's fish (Tilapia) — A whole grilled or fried freshwater tilapia served with lemon and herbs, iconic to the Sea of Galilee since biblical times.
• Hummus and local meze platter — Creamy house-made hummus accompanied by tahini, olives, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread, staple in waterfront restaurants.
• Shakshuka at breakfast — Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce with onions and peppers, served sizzling in a cast-iron pan and sopped up with pita.
• Grilled lake fish kebabs — Skewered pieces of fresh fish marinated in olive oil, garlic, and za'atar, grilled over charcoal at lakeside venues.
• Tahini-dressed cucumber and tomato salad — Light seasonal salad of diced local vegetables dressed with tahini, lemon, and garlic, common as a side dish throughout the city.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly at religious sites — When visiting tombs of sages or near Orthodox Jewish quarters, women should wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees out of respect.
• Eat where Israelis gather at the Tayelet — The promenade fills with local families and friends in evenings; joining the relaxed social atmosphere is key to experiencing authentic Tiberias life.
• Bargain at the market gently — In the old bazaar and with street vendors, light negotiation is expected and culturally normal, but excessive haggling is seen as rude.
• Friday before Shabbat is quieter — Many restaurants and shops reduce hours or close from late Friday afternoon through Saturday evening for the Jewish Sabbath, so plan dining accordingly.