If You Visit Nazareth, For Heaven’s Sake…Don’t Drive Yourself

A visit to Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation is awe inspiring – no matter what religion you follow. Built on the remains of The Virgin Mary’s house, pilgrims come to worship at the exact spot where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to the Son of G-d. The Basilica, built in the 1960’s is modern and memorable.

Nazareth’s Old City is wonderful to stroll around. Picturesque streets wind through fruit markets and little shops. Don’t miss a visit to El Babour Spice Shop – it’s a sensory treat for your eyes AND your nose. And, Nazareth is famous for its bakeries. Try to sample baklava with a multitude of fillings.

You’ll enjoy your visit to Nazareth, but don’t even think of getting there under your own steam. Derek and I have been touring around Israel, driving ourselves from Tel Aviv to Tiberias with stops at Beit She’an, Capernum, Mount of the Beatitudes and Sefat. Driving in Tel Aviv was a bit tense and parking was impossible. (Great Tip: overnight parking at Dizingoff Center is your most affordable choice – 22 Shekels if you’re out by 9 am). But nothing… nothing can prepare you for driving in Nazareth. Google Maps seems to be on drugs when barking out directions in Nazareth. Most streets are incredibly steep and unbelievably narrow. Parking is hard to find.
Please, take a tour to Nazareth or take a bus. No one needs that much anxiety while on vacation. Trust me.