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Safed is a small town located in the mountains of the Galilee, a center of Jewish philosophy, mysticism and Kabbalah.
Safed commands magnificent views to the Golan mountains, Mt. Hermon and Lebanon, Mt. Meron and the Amud Valley, Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret).
Safed is one of the four Jewish holy cities in Israel, together with Tiberias, Hebron and Jerusalem .
 Great mystics of the past foretell that Safed is to play an important role in the final redemption and that the Messiah will come from Safed on his way to Jerusalem. The Ari HaKodesh said that until the Third Temple is built, the Shechinah (God's Manifest Presence) is resting above Safed.
The population of this center of Kabbalah, Safed, is almost 32,000 people, almost all Jewish.
The old historical Jewish Quarter of Safed consists of narrow alleys, artists' studios (Artists' Colony), old synagogues, private homes and small backpacker guest houses. There is a small, famous candle shop selling hand-made "Safed candles".
Hiking in and around Safed
In the Upper Galilee - there are many holy Rabbis' graves, forests, scenic trails .
There are Kabbalah-Tours that reveal the ancient Safed mysticism and the treasures of the Kabbalah.
The village of Meron lies 9km/6mi west of Safed on the slope of Mount Meron, the highest hill in the Galilee, at the point where the road to Nahariya branches off the road to Acre (Acco).
Meron is known for the Kabbalistic work known as the "Zohar" ("Splendor"). In the honor of Rabbi Simeon Bar Yohai, who was buried in Meron, thousands of Jews come every year in spring (April/May) to this place of pilgrimage and celebrate the life and work of Rashbi Hilula with a festival of singing and dancing.
Getting There
There are buses that travel to Safed from a few cities in Israel and there is a small bus service in the town itself.
Lodging in Safed
There are various forms of budget accommodation available to hikers and backpackers in Safed's area. Safed is made up of youth hostels and guesthouses for overnight stays and also small privately owned rooms around the town, rented out by the locals.
Some hostels in Safed are:
Beit Binyamin Youth Hostel, Ascent, Beit Gesher - Mt. Canaan, Sukah Bagalil.
There are also many Jewish life seminars, schools and services of the Chabad organization.
Local food in Safed
Independent travelers, hikers and backpackers staying in Safed will appreciate the quick, inexpensive food on offer around Safed. Pizza, Shwarma’s, Falafel, café, food and markets are all in the market quarter of the town. California Falafel and Shwarma on 92 Jerusalem Street have an excellent reputation as an everyday eating place for backpackers, with a small supermarket across the road.
Places to See in Safed
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The Artists' Quarter / Artists' Colony: Many artists live in the former Arab quarter, inspired by the Torah and Jewish mysticism, they work and exhibit their paintings in Safed.
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Biblical Museum in the garden of the fortress of Safed.
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Jewish Ari Mikveh: A natural spring enclosed in a building, said to inspire spirituality.
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Many beautiful synagogues: The Caro, the Great Breslov, the Sephardic Ari, the Abuhav and the Ari Ashkenaz synagogues can all be visited and each has a history of its own.
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The Ancient Cemetery: The most famous of the town’s landmarks, where great Rabbis have been buried. This is a holy place for the locals and visitors as people come from all over seeking an answer to their prayers.
Shopping in Safed
There are many mainstream stores to shop in and buy the normal tourist stuff but don’t miss Safed’s treasury of privately owned souvenir shops. Greenbaum’s books is a great place to browse and learn more about the city you’re in. Anything from candles to original artwork can be bought in Safed.
Safed is a true historical gem, its sights and ancient buildings still stand after generations. To appreciate the town for everything it has, its art and religious relevance one could say that backpacking thru this town and hiking around would be a memorable experience for any independent traveler in Israel and the Holy Land.
Learn more about Safed
Wikitravel - Safed
Website of the city of Safed
Learn more about Kabbalah
Wikipedia - Kabbalah
Kabbala Online from Safed
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