Tzfat, also spelled Safed, is a hilltop city in the Upper Galilee about 170 km north-east of Tel Aviv, at roughly 900 metres above sea level. It is one of Judaism's four holy cities and the historic centre of Kabbalah. Egged buses from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station take about 2.5 to 3 hours and cost around 50-65 ILS each way; line numbers should be confirmed on egged.co.il. A rental car is quicker and more flexible. There is no train, and no buses run on Shabbat, when the city is also very quiet.
The Old City is a maze of stone lanes, blue-painted doors and small courtyards. The Artists' Quarter holds galleries, studios and workshops set in former Arab houses, while the old synagogues include the Ashkenazi Ari synagogue, named for Rabbi Isaac Luria, and the Abuhav synagogue, known for its blue interior and Torah scroll. The Citadel Park sits at the summit and gives a view toward Mount Meron and the Sea of Galilee. Candle-making workshops, klezmer music and craft shops add to the atmosphere.
A sensible one-day plan reaches Tzfat in late morning after the early bus, starting at the Artists' Quarter and moving through the Ari and Abuhav synagogues, then taking lunch near the Citadel Park, where small restaurants serve falafel, salads and Middle Eastern dishes. The afternoon is for browsing galleries and walking the Old City lanes, with a late-afternoon bus back. Because the journey is long and the lanes are hilly, many visitors combine Tzfat with an overnight stay in the Galilee or a stop in Tiberias.
The best months are April to June and September to November, with cooler mountain air than the coast. Winters can be cold and wet, and summer evenings are pleasant. Streets are free and synagogue entry is free or by small donation. Modest dress is expected, and visitors should be mindful that many shops and sites close for Shabbat from Friday afternoon.
| Distance | 170 km north-east |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2 hours 30 minutes by bus |
| Getting there | Egged bus from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station to Tzfat (about 2.5-3 hours, 50-65 ILS (approx $16-21) each way; confirm lines on egged.co.il); no service on Shabbat |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Artists' Quarter, Tzfat, Israel |
How to get there
- Mode
- Egged bus
- Cost
- 50-65 ILS (approx $16-21)
- Frequency
- A few departures a day; none on Shabbat
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- 200-350 ILS (approx $66-115) per day plus fuel
- Frequency
- On demand
Location
Artists' Quarter, Tzfat, Israel
32.9646, 35.4960 View on map
Highlights
- Artists' Quarter galleries and workshops
- Ashkenazi Ari synagogue
- Abuhav synagogue and its blue interior
- Citadel Park viewpoint over the Galilee
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly when entering synagogues; shoulders and knees covered.
- Wear comfortable shoes for steep stone lanes.
- Check the last bus back before exploring in the afternoon.
- Avoid Friday afternoon and Saturday; sites close for Shabbat.
- Bring a light jacket in cooler months as the city is high up.
When to visit
April-June and September-November have pleasant mountain temperatures. Late morning to afternoon on weekdays offers the most open sites.
Accessibility
The Old City has steep, cobbled lanes and many steps, so access is difficult for wheelchair users. Some synagogues have step-free entrances, but visitors should inquire locally.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Tzfat from Tel Aviv?
The bus takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and costs around 50-65 ILS each way. Driving is somewhat faster.
Is Tzfat open on Shabbat?
Public transport does not run and many shops and sites close from Friday afternoon. Visitors usually plan to visit on other days.
Why is Tzfat known for art and Kabbalah?
The city was a centre of Jewish mysticism from the 16th century. Since the 1950s the Artists' Quarter has attracted painters and craftspeople.