Safed is a city you measure not in kilometres but in the number of steps, alleyways and stories waiting around the corner. Within a few hours the Old City lets you take in stone lanes, ancient synagogues, galleries, inner courtyards and views out to the Galilee hills. The good news is that you do not need a car to see the places that are genuinely beautiful. In fact, driving through the narrow alleys can be awkward. The route below links several of the main points in the Old City and suits a walk of a few hours with stops along the way. If you are staying in a suite or a holiday apartment in the heart of the Old City, you can simply step out of the door and start walking.
The route at a glance
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of route | Circular |
| Length | About 2.5 km, with a shorter option of about 1.2 km |
| Time | About three hours at an unhurried pace, including stops |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate, depending on the weather and the number of steps |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs; a baby carrier is recommended |
The circular route, stop by stop
To avoid walking the same steps twice, follow one continuous line: the artists’ quarter, then the ancient synagogues, then the Ezra steps and Mashiach Alley, then the citadel garden viewpoint, and back to where you started.
A tip for the way: before you set off, open the route in a navigation app and mark the main stops in advance.
Suggested timings for the full route: the artists’ quarter, 30 to 45 minutes; the ancient synagogues, about 45 minutes; the Ezra steps and Mashiach Alley, about 20 minutes; the citadel garden viewpoint, about 30 minutes; walking between the stops, 40 to 60 minutes.
Stop 1: the artists’ quarter and the galleries
The walk begins in the artists’ quarter, a place of picturesque alleyways and old buildings where local artists work. You will find galleries of Judaica, oil painting, glass sculpture, ceramics and silverwork.
A practical tip: if you want to go into the galleries and see the artists at work, check the opening hours in advance. On Fridays and the eve of festivals the galleries and shops close relatively early.
Stop 2: the heart of the Jewish quarter and the ancient synagogues
From the artists’ quarter the route descends gently towards Safed’s ancient synagogues.
The Abuhav Synagogue is known for its walls in shades of blue, its distinctive decoration and a tradition kept through the generations.
The Ari Synagogue is among the city’s best-known sites, bound up with the rich history of Safed’s sages.
Where to eat along the way
Around the Old City, the market and nearby Jerusalem Street, you will find local bakeries, food stalls, small cafés and dairies offering traditional Safed cheeses, depending on opening hours and the day of your visit.
Useful tips for the alleyways
Navigation and signs: the thick stone walls can interfere with GPS reception. The blue signs fixed to the walls point towards the main sites and are worth following.
Walking safely: the old paving stones have worn smooth over the years and can be slippery. Come in walking shoes with good grip.
Residents’ privacy: the Old City is a living neighbourhood. Please respect the privacy of the people who live there and avoid photographing anyone without permission.
Parking: if you have come for the day by car, park at the citadel car park or in the organised car parks on the edge of the Old City, such as those on Jerusalem Street, and continue on foot.
Common questions about walking in Safed’s Old City
Can you tour the Old City without a car?
Yes. For the Old City, walking is usually the easiest way to get about, since many of the alleyways are not open to private vehicles.
Does the route suit children?
Yes, though bear in mind the steps along the way.
