Safed: Old City Walking Tour & Synagogues with Local Guide

Summary

Walk Safed’s winding alleys, meet artists, hear old stories

You’ll wander Safed’s maze-like alleys with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Step inside centuries-old synagogues, meet working artists in their studios, and catch unexpected moments — like incense drifting or laughter echoing off ancient walls. By day’s end you might find yourself quietly moved by this city’s gentle strangeness.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a smile from Miriam at the bakery — she handed me a warm boureka and said, “You’ll need energy for all those stairs.” She wasn’t kidding. Safed (or Tzfat, as everyone here calls it) is all blue doors and stone steps that twist through the Old City. Our guide, Amichai, met us just outside the Abuhav Synagogue. He had this gentle way of pausing in the middle of a story, letting you feel the silence before he’d point out something small — like the faded mezuzah on a doorway or the way sunlight hit the old stones. I liked that.

We wandered past three synagogues — Abuhav, AriZal, and Rabbi Josef Karo’s place. Each one felt different inside: cool air, echoes under domes, that faint scent of old books and wax. At one point Amichai explained how Kabbalah grew here centuries ago; I tried to follow but got distracted by a kid chasing pigeons outside. The city feels layered — history everywhere but also people just living their lives. There was an artist named Li painting in his tiny gallery; he let us watch for a minute while he mixed blues that almost matched the sky. I tried to say “beautiful” in Hebrew and probably butchered it because he laughed and gave me a thumbs-up anyway.

The artists’ colony was buzzing — paint splatters on cobblestones, someone playing oud somewhere behind an open window. We ducked into a shop where incense burned (cloves? maybe sage?) and I realized my shoes were covered in dust from some archaeological site we’d stopped at earlier. It’s not all tidy or polished here; sometimes you just stand in a doorway listening to wind chimes and forget what time it is.

I still think about that view from the edge of town — Galilee hills rolling out forever under late afternoon light. Amichai said something about Safed being “between earth and sky.” Not sure I understood it then but walking back through those narrow streets, I kind of did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Safed's history and art

• Visit Abuhav Synagogue
• Visit AriZal Synagogue
• Visit Averitch Synagogue
• Visit Rabbi Josef Karo Synagogue
• Learn about Safed's Golden Age and Kabbalah
• Pass by Artists colony galleries
• Explore historical and archaeological landmarks

Top questions

How long does the Safed walking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but expect several hours exploring on foot with stops at synagogues and galleries.

Which synagogues are included on this tour?

The tour visits Abuhav Synagogue, AriZal Synagogue, Averitch Synagogue, and Rabbi Josef Karo’s synagogue.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; travelers meet at a designated spot in Safed’s Old City.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the experience.

Will we visit art galleries during the walk?

Yes, you’ll pass through Safed’s artists’ colony with opportunities to visit local galleries.

Is lunch or food included in the tour?

No meals are included; however, there are bakeries and cafes along the route if you want to stop.

How physically demanding is this walking tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness due to stairs and uneven streets in Safed’s Old City.

What’s included

Your day includes guided entry into historic synagogues like Abuhav and AriZal, strolls through Safed’s artists’ colony with chances to meet local creators, plus time at archaeological landmarks — all led by an experienced local guide who shares stories as you go.