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Nazareth is the home of Jesus Christ and a large city in the North District of Israel. Nazareth is an important spot on the Jesus Trail while the Galilee mountains are home to important parts of the Israel Trail, on which serious hikers cross the entire country.
Backpacking Nazareth and the surrounding area can be a great experience for independent travellers and for pilgrims. It’s a laid-back city rich in heritage and historic Christian attractions. As an independent traveller you can embark on an unusual trip through history in Nazareth, experience a unique mix of religions and enjoy reasonably priced food and lodging.
Geography
Nazareth lies on the southern edge of the Galilee mountains overlooking the Jezreel Valley, 1300 feet above sea level. Nazareth is about 25 kilometres (16 mls) from the Sea of Galilee and about 9 kilometres (5.6 mls) west from Mount Tabor. The majority of Nazareth's 65,000 inhabitants are Arab citizens.
Cheap Accommodation in Nazareth
There are several options for affordable backpacker accommodation in Nazareth, cheap hostels & guest houses. A great choice for the budget traveller is the Fauzi Azar Inn, a 200 year-old Arab mansion offering 6-person dorms and 2/4-person rooms at affordable prices. Comfortable guesthouses like Rosary Sisters and Al Mutran guest house are also recommended. Those with a bigger budget have a choice of several up-market hotels.
Nazareth Market
The old city market, one of the largest and most bustling open markets in Israel, is located in the heart of Nazareth. It’s a big weekend attraction brimming with countless small craft market stalls, and it's also home to many old churches. Besides, you’ll find various smaller specialised markets in Nazareth, where you can get a positive experience of the local culture.
Restaurants in Nazareth
Nazareth hosts a multitude of restaurants serving both local and international dishes. The Arab cuisine is most popular, especially pita bread, spicy dips and various meat dishes Tishreen is a great eatery serving huge portions of Arab specialities at reasonable prices.
If you prefer western food you will find many fast food places in Nazareth that supply pizzas, pasta and burgers. Pizza Joe's Italian Restaurant on Main Street is very popular.
Nazareth Nightlife
Nazareth is not huge on clubbing, but there are lots of pubs and bars to quench your thirst. A good place to start the evening and have a local “Taybeh” beer is the outdoor patio of Al Bayat The House.
Many locals prefer to relax smoking a “Nargileh” (hookah/water pipe) and playing backgammon at places like Abu Noor’s. Some Bedouin tents cater to a younger and more stylish clientele.
Religious Sites
Nazareth is a holy city and home to the largest church in the Middle East, the Basilica of the Annunciation. It is believed that the Archangel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary in a grotto below this church.
There are other Christian and Greek Orthodox churches in Nazareth as well as the White Mosque in the centre of the mosque quarter. ‘Adhans’ (prayer chants) are heard throughout the entire day in Nazareth.
Historic Experiences
Would you like to experience life as it was 2,000 years ago? Nazareth Village is the most popular of several places in the Jezreel Valley that offer travellers this opportunity. It’s a complete replica of the village of Nazareth as it was during the times of Jesus’ birth.
Getting to Nazareth
Buses to Nazareth, buses from Nazareth:
Haifa 331, Acre - Acco 343, Tiberias 431, Tel Aviv 826, Jerusalem 955, Aman-Jordan.
Taxis:
Regular "Sherut Taxis" to/from several towns.
Hiking Nazareth - in and around
Climbing Mount Precipice is something you have to experience while hiking the Nazareth area. It’s the city’s highest point and offers remarkable views of the Jezreel Valley, Gilad Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It is known to be the hill down which Jesus was thrown.
Another must as told before, for active travellers, is hiking Galilee, the famous biblical mountain region. There you can enjoy marvellous scenic views, hike the Israel National Trail and walk in the footsteps of Jesus in the Jesus Trail.
Nazareth is an attractive destination for backpackers. It offers an exceptional journey through history and a chance to experience the co-existence of the Islamic, Christian and Jewish religions and cultures. Independent travelers will highly appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of this lively and exotic town.
More info for independent travellers to Nazareth
Wikipedia - Nazareth .
Wikitravel article - Nazareth .
Biblewalks - Nazareth .
Nazareth Cultural and Tourism Association .
Join a Facebook Group .
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