Travelling within Israel is always a good idea, and this time we are in Tiberias. Here are the things to do in Tiberias: the places not to miss, holy sites, nature, kosher restaurants, synagogues and more.
This guide was first written in 2020.
Things to do in Tiberias: places you should not miss
The Sea of Galilee
Do not skip time on the Kinneret. At the time of writing the lake was full, something we had waited years for, and it is a spectacular, refreshing sight. There are many organised beaches with lawns, electricity and toilets.
The Tiberias promenade
The first promenade along the lake in Tiberias was built by the British. Since then the Israel Government Tourist Corporation has looked after it, improving and adapting it for leisure while taking the lake’s changing water levels into account. The latest step, on the northern side, was the development of the Alon promenade. It included a suspended boardwalk that lets walkers and restaurant diners enjoy it above the water whatever the level. Attractions were built along the way, such as the open museum, the water-level gauge sculpture and the Tiberium water show.
Holy sites
The tomb of Maimonides (the Rambam)
In the plot that holds the Rambam’s grave, the graves of the Shelah HaKadosh and Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai are also marked, along with the Amoraim Rabbi Ami and Rabbi Asi. So too are the graves of Rabbi Maimon, the Rambam’s father, and Rabbi David HaNagid, his grandson. Many people come to pray here. In 2009 a new visitor centre, the Maimonides Heritage Center, was opened nearby to commemorate his work.
The tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess
The tomb is on the shore of the lake, on Eliezer Kaplan Boulevard in the south of Tiberias. A large synagogue stands over it today.
Nature and archaeology nearby
Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve
The Arbel cliff rises above the Sea of Galilee, looks out towards the Golan and Mount Hermon and forms the heart of the reserve and the national park around it. The site is well organised, with parking, superb viewpoints over the lake and the rebels’ caves, explanations of the history at every stop and walking trails at several levels of difficulty. Everything around is green, the air is excellent and the rock hyraxes are a delight.
Capernaum National Park
The park overlooks the enchanting shoreline of the Kinneret. Here you will find springs and nature sites, a biblical tel, the remains of a Jewish village from the Second Temple period, an ancient synagogue and more.
Practical information
Mehadrin kosher restaurants
Tiberias has many mehadrin kosher restaurants of every kind, from hummus places and pizzerias to fish restaurants, cafes, burger bars and meat restaurants. The list changes from time to time, so check an up-to-date kosher directory before you go.
Synagogues
There is no shortage of synagogues in Tiberias. Minyanim are held throughout the day at the tomb of the Rambam and at the tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess, and there are many more synagogues around the city.
Where to stay
See hotels in Tiberias, or read our guide to booking the Goma Hotel on the Kinneret. Travelling as a family? See Tiberias with kids.
