The Old City of Nazareth: A Brief Travel Guide to Nazareth, Israel

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The Old City of Nazareth proved to be the perfect place to enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days. While Nazareth is rapidly growing, staying up on the hill of the Old City I felt like I was in a place where the clock had stopped a few centuries back. This was a world of solid limestone walls and narrow alleys where cars didn’t always fit, and at night, the neighbourhood would shut down leaving only the odd stray cat to startle you on an evening stroll. The Old City charmed me with its antiquity while still offering plenty of things to do.

The Old City of Nazareth: A Brief Travel Guide to Nazareth, Israel: View of the Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn

Eat sweet pancakes at Dewan Al Saraya

When staying in Old Nazareth you have to make time to stop by Abu’s shop Dewan Al Saraya. Firstly because his shop is a living museum full of metalware, paintings, musical instruments and unique antiques, and secondly because the man is renowned for his pancakes.

Dewan Al Saraya friendly local face with drink in hand in Nazareth, Israel

When I first walked into Abu’s shop, I didn’t realize he specialized in pancakes, so I proceeded to stuff myself with platefuls of pita, hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh. Big mistake, because once I was full beyond words and convinced that the meal was over, Abu approached the table with his signature dish – qatayef. My mouth dropped; you’d think that after a few weeks in the Middle East I would remember that the food comes out in a never ending stream of courses, but I still hadn’t learned that lesson.

Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn in Israel serving a plate of delicious local cuisine also known as qatayef

Abu placed the pancake dumplings at the table and explained that he specializes in two different types of qatayef; one stuffed with unsalted goat cheese, and the other stuffed with a blend of nuts and cinnamon. Add some sweet syrup to the mix, and the combination is pure magic! (It’s easy to see why these pancakes are a popular way to break fast during the month of Ramadan.) And of course, you can’t eat qatayef without coffee, so Abu also poured me a small cup of his cardamon coffee.

Take a FREE walking tour of Old Nazareth

The Old City of Nazareth has a completely different feel from the rest of the city. To me, the Old City was an intriguing maze of pointed arches, ancient ruins covered in ivy, and old men laughing as they swapped jokes and smoked cigarettes. It was a place where vendors sold giant pomegranates, where the streets smelled of freshly brewed coffee, and where the call of prayer could be heard echoing from the White Mosque.

Unique blue door with distinct heart shapes spotted in Nazareth nearby Fauzi Azar Inn in Israel

If you want to experience more than just the main sites like the Basilica of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church, then it’s worth taking the free tour which starts at the Fauzi Azar Inn (yes, I said free!) This tour doesn’t take you on the typical tourist route, but rather focuses on the Old City and the community. It gives you a chance to meet the people who live here by visiting the mosque, markets, cafes, and shops in the area.

Stay at a 200 year old Arab mansion

Have you ever checked into a guesthouse or a hotel that was so wonderful you almost wished you hadn’t planned any further travels? Well, that’s how I felt when I walked into the Fauzi Azar Inn. Once I set foot through the little hobbit-sized door and saw the oasis of lush plants, wicker chairs, and water fountains before me, I just wanted to spend day after day there!

Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn views of the courtyard in Israel from an overhead perspective with chairs and tables and staircases

Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn archways and distinct staircase at the hotel we stayed at in Israel

Soon after checking in I got to meet Maoz Inon, the man who transformed this crumbling mansion into a guesthouse for travellers.

Getting to hear his story was a very fun experience, because you see, Maoz was a man on a mission that many believed was crazy. When Maoz decided he wanted to open a guesthouse in the heart of Old Nazareth, there wasn’t really an infrastructure for tourism in the area – no other guesthouses, no hotels, no restaurants. Most buildings in the neighbourhood were in a state of complete abandon and disrepair, yet he believed that one guesthouse could help bring life back into the Old City.

You wouldn’t be able to tell now, but when Maoz first found this building, the inner courtyard was being used as a public toilet and the dark space provided the perfect cover for drug activity. However, he managed to convince the owners of this property that he could fix it up and turn it around if they would only give him a chance to bring his vision to life. The family agreed, and behold, this is what you have today.

Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn reception and lounge area in Israel with spacious ceilings and beautiful windows

You’d think staying in a place like this would perhaps be out of budget, but the inn actually caters to a variety of travellers including young backpackers, couples, and even families with children. They have 10 private rooms and 5 dorm rooms to choose from, and every morning an Arab style breakfast is served in the dining area.

Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn comfortable colorful couches for guests to enjoy in Israel to lounge like a lizard by day or night

Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn views from our comfortable bedroom in Israel decorated tastefully with rustic items

What struck me about Fauzi Azar Inn is that they go above and beyond when it comes to hospitality. Knowing that food is the key to many a hungry traveller’s heart, the inn always has a platter of cake available for the guests – chocolate cake, apple crumble, lemon poppyseed cake – and what’s more, they also had looseleaf tea where you could steep your own cup of spicy cinnamon or soothing chamomile.

Check rates at Fauzi Azar Inn here. 

Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn in the courtyard area with flowerpots in Israel

Dine with a local family

You know how I mentioned that the Fauzi Azar Inn has free cake all day, every single day of the week? Well, the lady who bakes these delicious cakes from scratch also happens to cook some spectacular meals. If you’re tired of eating shawarma every day of the week, then you have the option of booking a traditional Arabic style dinner at her home in the Old City.

Walk the Jesus Trail

The Jesus Trail is a 65 kilometre hiking trail through the Galilee, which starts in Nazareth and ends in Capernaum. The trail connects important sites from the life of Jesus as well as other historical and religious sites, and it draws both travellers in search of adventure, and pilgrims in search of meaning as they walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

The Jesus Trail rugged scenery and natural beauty nearby Nazareth, Israel

While I didn’t have the additional 3-5 days it takes to complete the trail, I think it’s something worth considering for those looking to experience Galilee in a different way.

Nazareth Fauzi Azar Inn with pigeons hanging out by the well tended flowers in Israel

 

Tour Galilee and Northern Israel

I used my time in Nazareth, Israel as an opportunity to do some further travels around Galilee and Northern Israel with Abraham Tours.

On my first day I took a half day trip to the ruined city of Caesarea where Roman sports competitions, gladiator games, and theatrical productions would have taken place on the banks of the Mediterranean.

The following day I visited the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights, which included visits to the Mount of Beatitudes, the ancient fishing village of Capernaum, a stroll through the Banias Nature Reserve, wine tasting at a winery in a kibbutz, and some down time to dip our feet in the Sea of Galilee. (I should have gone for a swim, but it was November and only one Dutchman was willing to brave the waters – that says a lot!)

And lastly, I took a whirlwind tour of Haifa, Acre, and Rosh Hanikra. Haifa’s main draw is the Baha’i temple and its perfectly manicured gardens. From there it was on to Acre, where we wandered in the maze of old city walls while weaving our way through markets and stopping for scoops of ice cream. The day ended with a visit to the Rosh Hanikra grottos which lie on the border with Lebanon, and that was also the day I spotted the strangest of animals – the hyrax (which looks a lot like a giant hamster)!

 

Nazareth Travel Guide: Important Information For Travellers 

Bustling market scene in Nazareth, Israel with shops and shoppers galore

Practical Pointers for a Smooth Nazareth Stay

Need‑to‑knowDetails
🚍 Getting ThereFrom Jerusalem: bus 955 (2 h) • From Tel‑Aviv: bus 826 (2 h 15 m). Both drop at Nazareth Central—10 min walk uphill to the Old City.
🕰 ShabbatNazareth is majority Arab; Saturday buses run, but many Christian sites close noon Fri & reopen Sun. Plan around it.
💰 ATMsReliable machines at Bank Hapoalim (Paulus VI St.)—others can be fussy with foreign cards.
👗 Dress CodeChurches & mosques require knees/shoulders covered. A light scarf works wonders.
📶 Wi‑FiFauzi Azar offers lightning‑fast fibre; cafés tend toward slow/spotty. Download offline maps.
🩺 WaterTap water safe. In summer, electrolytes help—Nazareth sits 350 m above sea level & gets toasty.
Colorful fruits on display in Nazareth, Israel as a local experience wandering the streets

Sample 48‑Hour Itinerary

Day 1
08:00 Taboon Trail breakfast
10:00 Free Fauzi Azar walking tour
13:30 Qatayef & cardamom coffee with Abu
15:00 Mary’s Well aqueduct visit
17:45 Mount Precipice sunset hike
20:00 Shishbarak roof‑top cook‑along

Day 2
07:30 Bus to Sepphoris / hike Carpenter’s Trail
13:00 Picnic + mosaics at Zippori
15:00 Hamam Market browsing
17:00 Ceramics workshop with Bishara sisters
19:00 Taizé chant at Synagogue Church
21:00 Craft beer & mezze at Tishreen restaurant

Distinct staircase from a high vantage point downward perspective in Nazareth, Israel

🗝️ Navigating Like a Local: Practical Tips & FAQs

Traveling to Nazareth’s Old City is easy, but these tips will help you make the most of your visit:

🗺️ Getting Around

  • By Foot: The Old City is best explored on foot. Wear sturdy shoes for cobblestones.
  • Parking: If driving, park outside the Old City and walk in; streets are too narrow for most cars.
  • Public Transport: Buses from Tel Aviv, Haifa, or Jerusalem arrive at the central station, a short taxi or 15-minute walk away.

🏨 Where to Stay

  • Fauzi Azar Inn: Great for all budgets, plus unbeatable atmosphere.
  • Guesthouses: Plenty of family-run guesthouses tucked in the alleys—ask at local cafés for last-minute options.
  • Homestays: Increasingly popular along the Jesus Trail and for slow travelers.

💡 Travel Tips

  • Language: Arabic and Hebrew are spoken everywhere; English is common in tourism.
  • Dress: Modest attire is appreciated, especially when visiting churches or mosques.
  • Weather: Summer is hot and dry; spring and autumn are ideal for walking tours.
Beautiful green plants on display in Nazareth, Israel

FAQs

Q: Is Nazareth safe for travelers?
A: Absolutely! The Old City is welcoming and friendly. As always, practice standard travel caution.

Q: How many days should I spend in Nazareth?
A: At least 2 nights—enough time to enjoy slow mornings, market strolls, and a day trip or two.

Distinct golden sunlit land formations at Rosh Hanikra as a day trip from Nazareth, Israel

🚗 Day Trips & Pilgrimage Paths from Nazareth

Nazareth is the ideal base for exploring the Galilee and northern Israel:

  • Jesus Trail: Whether you walk a section or tackle the full 65 km, you’ll discover olive groves, biblical sites, and village hospitality.
  • Sea of Galilee: Swim or dip your toes, visit Capernaum, and take in the tranquil landscapes of the Gospel stories.
  • Golan Heights: Waterfalls, wineries, ancient ruins, and mountain views.
  • Haifa & Acre: For Baha’i gardens, medieval walls, and a taste of Israel’s melting-pot culture.
  • Rosh Hanikra Grottos: Spectacular sea caves on the Lebanon border.

“Each day trip from Nazareth is a journey through time, landscapes, and layers of faith and culture.”

🍋 Savoring Nazareth: Food, Markets & Unique Flavors

🥙 Market Magic

  • Fresh Produce: Giant pomegranates, juicy figs, olives, and herbs—Nazareth’s markets are a sensory feast.
  • Street Food: Falafel stands, shawarma shops, and bakeries fill the air with irresistible aromas.

🍽️ Dining Experiences

  • Eat With Locals: Join a home-cooked meal at the Fauzi Azar or through a community dinner. Expect hearty stews, stuffed vegetables, and endless mezze.
  • Sweet Tooth? Try kanafeh, baklava, or the aforementioned qatayef. Don’t forget Turkish coffee or mint tea to finish.
Nazareth inside low vantage point views of a religious building in Israel

🛍️ Souvenirs & Shopping

  • Olive Wood Carvings: The Galilee is famous for artisan woodwork—pick up a small cross, nativity, or hand-carved bowl.
  • Spices: Bring home za’atar, sumac, or freshly roasted coffee with cardamom.
  • Local Art: Many shops feature paintings, jewelry, and textiles unique to Nazareth.

Have you been to Nazareth? Would you like to visit someday? Let us know in the comments below?

Join the Conversation

20 Comments

  1. says: Bill

    Wow ! What a special Inn to stay in. Steeped in history, am happy it is being restored & open for ‘rediscovery’ . Beautiful gardens & sitting areas to meet fellow travelers. Pace yourself with food, but have to admit that it would be tough not to taste everything ! Those pancake dumplings look awesome !!! Enjoy !

  2. says: Corinne

    Love the story about the guesthouse. Things like that make all the difference, don’t you think? I loved traveling all over Israel, but didn’t get a chance to go to Nazareth…oh well. There’s always next time.

  3. That guesthouse has a great story!! He certainly had a dream – I wouldn’t normally think of a guesthouse in a place being used as a public toilet. And those little pancakes look delicious!

  4. says: Emily

    I haven’t been to Israel but would love to go and your post certainly has put Nazareth on my ‘to visit’ list…I know that if I make it I will be staying at the same Inn too – how beautiful!

  5. says: Maria

    Audrey you have a definite knack for finding beautiful spaces and wonderful food. Wow!

  6. says: Heather

    Love the story connected to the beautiful old inn, and those pancake dumplings look delicious!

  7. I am literally aching to go home for Christmas… it might just be the pain of exams. Ugh. And this might sound weird, but this didn’t help, because of, you know, all the Christmas related words. That’s how pained I am.
    But besides the point, this looks fantastic. I now have to go.

  8. Amazing! What a wonderful experience. If I ever make it to Nazareth, I’m going to retrace all the points you listed 🙂 I love the architecture and the colors!

  9. says: Hogga

    would love to visit there

  10. says: Agness

    Amazing place with such a great history. I was there 3 years ago when visiting Egypt and I was truly touched by its magical atmosphere! By the way, the food was sooo good as well ;).

  11. says: Monina Nudalo

    Wow! I would love to do the Jesus trail at some point. I will definitely stay in that Inn in my trip to Jordan and Israel next year.

    Would love to taste that pancake! 🙂

  12. says: Julie

    What an awesome post, especially now with it being the holidays. Those pancakes sound amazing. I just finished reading the book “Killing Jesus” so the Jesus Trail seems like it would be an incredible history. I definitely have more of an interest in that era now.

  13. says: VeeraBianca

    Wow, seems amazing! 🙂

  14. says: Peter G

    I loved the old city… Nazareth was such a beautiful city. It was one of my favorite places in all of Israel and Palestine. I also enjoyed my time at the Fauzi Azar Inn. I couldn’t recommend that enough! Great pictures…

  15. says: Rachel of hippie in heels

    Looks amazing & I absolutely love free walking tours. the best one i took was in berlin!

    1. says: Audrey

      Agreed! It’s such a great way to discover parts of the city that you normally wouldn’t make it to. I’ll keep Berlin’s free walking tour in mind – I’m planning to hop on over there in the spring. 😉

  16. says: Christie

    I just made a bucket list and I think I will have to add Nazareth to it. I think I would take a few extra days and walk the whole Jesus trail and maybe a couple days to just eating cake and lounge around.

  17. says: Jeff

    Can’t wait to visit there.

  18. says: Jemi

    Oh no!! I feel like I could taste qatayef in my mouth as you described it!

    I’ve always dreamed of visiting the place where Jesus was born. Hopefully I can visit the place too someday just like you. I’ll make sure to visit these places you’ve gone to and taste their delicious food. Thanks for sharing your travel experience there. 🙂

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