SherryStay Destination Guide
Tiberias
Sea of Galilee shoreline — Christian heritage, hot springs, low-altitude warmth.
About Tiberias
Tiberias sits right on the Sea of Galilee, some 200 metres below sea level, and that low, warm air is half the reason to come — it stays mild when the coast turns cold, which is why this has been a winter and healing town since Roman times. The lake is the draw: a promenade of fish restaurants along the water, boat crossings to Ein Gev, and the thermal springs of Hammat Tiberias, where the mosaics of a Roman-era bathhouse sit beside a modern spa. It is also one of Christianity’s holiest landscapes — Capernaum, Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes ring the shore a short drive north — and one of Judaism’s four holy cities, its old stone core dense with ancient synagogues and tombs. Stay near the promenade for the lake and the restaurants, and keep it to weekdays, as Shabbat quiets the town by Friday afternoon. A gentle, low-key two nights, best paired with a Galilee day of sites and Golan wineries.
Stay near the promenade for restaurants and lake access. February–April and October are warm without being hot, and Jewish/Christian holiday weeks spike prices 40%+.
Best For
Where to Stay
Promenade (Tayelet)
Lake-front, restaurants, walking distance to most hotels
Old City / Habanim
Stone buildings, synagogues, churches, historic core
Hammat Tiberias
Hot springs, day spas, ancient Roman baths
Kibbutz Ginosar
Beach hotels just north, quieter, Galilee boat ride launch
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Day passes to Hamei Tveria hot springs (₪90 weekday) include sauna — cheaper than booking a spa hotel.
- 2Restaurants on the promenade are tourist-priced; walk 2 blocks inland to Habanim Street for 30% less.
- 3Ferry crossings to Ein Gev are ~₪70 and double as a 45-min lake cruise.
Getting Around
- 1Egged buses 962 / 963 connect Tiberias → Tel Aviv (2h 45m, ₪40); 430 goes Tiberias → Jerusalem (2.5h).
- 2No light rail or metro — within the city, taxis are cheap (₪25–35) for most rides, or walk the promenade.
- 3For Galilee circuits (Capernaum, Tabgha, Mount of Beatitudes) renting a car or booking a day tour is best — buses are infrequent.
Most Common Mistake
Booking on a Friday-Saturday in summer expecting nightlife — Shabbat shuts most restaurants by 4 pm.
2–3 nights
- • Nazareth (40 min)
- • Capernaum + Mount of Beatitudes (25 min)
- • Beit Shean (45 min)
- • Golan wineries (1h)
Useful Local Hotel Phrases
Hebrew- Helloשלוםsha-LOM
- Thank youתודהto-DA
- Pleaseבבקשהbe-va-ka-SHA
- Check-inקבלת חדרka-ba-LAT KHE-der
- Check-outעזיבת חדרa-zi-VAT KHE-der
- Hotelמלוןma-LON
- Receptionקבלהka-ba-LA
- Breakfastארוחת בוקרa-ru-KHAT BO-ker
- Wi-Fiוויי-פייwai-fai
- Taxiמוניתmo-NIT
- Airportשדה תעופהs'deh te-u-FA
- Train stationתחנת רכבתta-kha-NAT ra-KE-vet
- Helpהצילוha-tsi-LU
- How much?כמה זה עולה?KA-ma ze o-LE
- Where is...?איפה?EY-fo
Tiberias at a glance
- Tiberias is in Israel.
- The nearest airport to Tiberias is Ben Gurion (TLV), ~2 hours; Haifa airport closer for domestic.
- Getting in from the airport takes ~2 hours from TLV.
- The best way in is Rental car or a private/shuttle transfer.
- A day in Tiberias costs roughly $50–90 per person on a budget, $120–240 mid-range and $350+ at the luxury end.
- Sherry suggests 2–3 nights in Tiberias.
- February is usually the cheapest month to visit Tiberias, August is the busiest, and October offers the best value.
Common questions
- What is Tiberias best for?
- A base for the Sea of Galilee, Christian holy sites (Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes) and Galilee nature.
- Do I need a car?
- Yes — the Galilee sites are spread around the lake; a car or a guided tour is best.
- How many days?
- 2 nights to cover the lake, the holy sites and a hike.
- When is the best time to visit?
- Spring and autumn; summer is hot and humid by the lake.
- Is there a beach?
- Lakeside beaches (not sea) along the Kinneret — pleasant for a swim.
Where to stay in Tiberias
Looking for hotels in Tiberias? It helps to decide on an area first — our guide to where to stay in Tiberias sets out which neighbourhoods suit which kind of trip.
Around Kinorot the options include Kinorot Hotel and Kinorot Hotel - kosher Le'mehadrin.
Around Kinora the options include Kinora and Kinora.
Elsewhere in the city you will also find Prima Galil, Eden, Bergik Hotel, Jacob Tiberias by Jacob Hotels, Astoria Galilee Hotel, Rest Hotel, Golden Tulip Jordan River Tiberias, Hotel Berger, פנטהאוס 5 עם נוף מדהים לטבריה ולכנרת, C Hotel Tiberias Boutique, Nino Sky Penthouse, ug Boutique, C Hotel Tiberias, G Suites & Spa, Royal Inn Hotel Tiberias, 1Bdrm APT With Panoramic View of Sea and Mountains, Silk Mansion, Hamedouraguim Tiberias, luxury suites and Kibbutz Country Lodging Golan Rooms.