Tiberias is the lively lakeside city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee and the natural base for exploring the whole north of Israel. With its waterfront promenade, fresh lake fish, hot springs, and deep layers of Jewish and Christian history, it blends a relaxed holiday feel with real spiritual weight. Whether you are touring the holy sites around the lake or just want a comfortable place to stay in Galilee, this guide covers the history, the best things to do, how to get there, and everything you need to plan your visit.
The history of Tiberias
The city was founded around 20 CE by Herod Antipas and named after the Roman emperor Tiberius. After the destruction of Jerusalem, it became the main center of Jewish life in Galilee, and much of the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud were compiled here between the second and tenth centuries. Today it is counted as one of Judaism's four holy cities, alongside Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed. Layers of Crusader, Ottoman, and modern history sit side by side, and the old town's black basalt buildings with white limestone trim are protected landmarks.
The best things to do in Tiberias
Walk the waterfront promenade
The lakeside promenade is the heart of the city. Lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels, it is the place for an evening stroll by the water, with views across the Sea of Galilee to the Golan Heights on the far shore. Boat trips set out from the small harbor, and in the evening the promenade comes alive with light and music.
Try St. Peter's fish
The lakeside restaurants are famous for St. Peter's fish, the local tilapia traditionally caught in the Sea of Galilee. Eating fresh fish by the water, looking out over the lake, is one of the simple pleasures of a visit and a local tradition that goes back a very long way.
Soak in the hot springs
Just south of the center, Hamat Tiberias has drawn visitors to its natural mineral hot springs for some two thousand years. The national park there also protects a beautifully preserved third-century synagogue with a striking zodiac mosaic floor, well worth a look alongside a soak in the thermal water.
Visit the historic tombs and old town
The city is a place of pilgrimage for the tombs of revered Jewish sages, including Maimonides (the Rambam) and Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes. Around the old town you will also find the Ottoman-era citadel, ancient synagogues, and a church with Crusader-period foundations along the shore.
A base for exploring Galilee
What makes Tiberias so useful for travelers is its location. It sits right at the center of the Galilee region, within easy reach of the holy sites around the lake and the wider north. The Jesus Trail, the walking pilgrimage route from Nazareth to Capernaum, passes through here, and the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, and Capernaum are all a short drive up the shore. For more on the region, see the official Israel tourism site.
How to get to Tiberias
Tiberias sits on Route 90 on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, about two to two and a half hours by car from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, and roughly half an hour from Nazareth. Buses connect it to the major cities, but the easiest way to see the lake and the surrounding sites is by car or on a guided tour of Galilee that uses the area as its hub.
Our Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour brings you to this region from Tel Aviv, and the Christian Galilee tour links the holy sites along the lake. To plan the wider area, read our Sea of Galilee guide and our Capernaum guide.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with warm days and pleasant evenings by the lake. Summer is hot, since the city sits below sea level in the Jordan Valley, so plan for early starts and plenty of water. Winter is mild and quiet, and the hot springs are especially welcome in the cooler months. Weekends and Jewish holidays are busy, so book accommodation ahead if you visit then.
Explore the Sea of Galilee with us
What to know before you go
Tiberias has hotels for every budget, from lakeside resorts to simple guesthouses, so it works well as a one or two night base. Bring a swimsuit for the lake and hot springs, and sun protection year round. Many restaurants and sites observe the Jewish Sabbath, closing from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, so plan meals and travel around that if you visit over a weekend. A car gives you the most freedom to reach the sites around the lake.
Frequently asked questions about Tiberias
Why is Tiberias important?
It is one of Judaism's four holy cities and a major center of Jewish learning, where much of the Mishnah and Jerusalem Talmud were compiled. It is also a base for the Christian holy sites around the Sea of Galilee and home to natural hot springs.
What is there to do in the city?
Walk the waterfront promenade, eat St. Peter's fish by the lake, soak in the Hamat Tiberias hot springs, visit the tombs of Jewish sages and the old town, and take boat trips on the Sea of Galilee. It also makes an ideal base for touring the wider Galilee.
How far is it from Nazareth?
It is about a 30 minute drive from Nazareth, and roughly two to two and a half hours from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem along Route 90.
Is it a good base for touring Galilee?
Yes. Its central location on the lake puts the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha, and the wider north all within easy reach, which is why many Galilee tours use it as a hub.
Can you swim in the Sea of Galilee there?
Yes. There are beaches in and around the city where you can swim in the freshwater lake, and the hot springs offer mineral pools as well. Bring a swimsuit in the warmer months.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather. Summer is hot because the city is below sea level, and winter is mild and quiet, with the hot springs especially pleasant.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. The promenade, beaches, boat trips, hot springs, and lakeside restaurants make it an easy and enjoyable stop for families, with hotels to suit every budget.
Plan your visit
Relaxed, historic, and perfectly placed on the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias is both a destination in its own right and the ideal base for exploring the holy sites of the north. Spend a night or two and you can easily combine the lake, the hot springs, and the Christian sites nearby. Browse all our Israel tours, explore our full travel guide hub for more Galilee itineraries, and read our Nazareth guide to round out your trip. Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 or email sales@booking-tours.com and a real person from our Eilat office will answer.