The 9 Best Attractions In and Around Tiberias (2026)

Updated September 2026 · 9 picks

The best attractions in and around Tiberias in 2026 are the Sea of Galilee promenade, the tomb of Maimonides, and the New Testament sites of Capernaum, Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes — with Mount Arbel for the view. Tiberias is the only city on the lake and the base for everything around it. Here are 9, roughly in the order they sit around the shore.

1. Tiberias promenade and old city — Tiberias waterfront

The lakeside promenade, with Ottoman walls, old mosques and fish restaurants.

₪ BudgetBest for Families · Couples · Groups

The promenade runs along the waterfront of the old town, past the black basalt remains of the Ottoman walls, the old Al-Omari mosque and the fish restaurants that serve St Peter's fish from the lake.

It is at its best in the evening, when the heat breaks, the lights of the Golan come on across the water and the boats return to the marina.

It is the natural place to start and end a day around the lake.

Good to know: Walk it at sunset and eat St Peter's fish on the water.

Google Maps

2. Tomb of Maimonides — Central Tiberias

The grave of the great medieval philosopher and physician.

₪ BudgetBest for Solo · Groups · Families

Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon — Maimonides, the Rambam — died in Egypt in 1204 and was brought to be buried in Tiberias, and his tomb is one of the most visited Jewish sites in the Galilee.

The site is marked by a large steel crown structure and is an active place of prayer, with separate areas for men and women.

Nearby are the graves of other sages, including Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai.

Good to know: Dress modestly — it is an active place of prayer.

Google Maps

3. Capernaum — Northern shore, 20 minutes north

Jesus's base on the lake, with a white synagogue and Peter's house.

₪ BudgetBest for Families · Couples · Groups

Capernaum was the fishing village that the Gospels describe as the centre of Jesus's ministry in the Galilee, and it is the most important New Testament site around the lake.

Its remains include a striking white limestone synagogue from the late Roman or Byzantine period, standing over the basalt foundations of an older one, and the house traditionally identified as Peter's, now under a modern church.

It is run by the Franciscans and closes early in the afternoon, so go in the morning.

Good to know: Go in the morning — it closes mid-afternoon.

Google Maps Website

4. Tabgha — Northern shore, between Ginosar and Capernaum

The churches of the Multiplication and of Peter's Primacy on the shore.

₪ BudgetBest for Couples · Families · Groups

Tabgha holds two of the lake's best-loved churches: the Church of the Multiplication, with its famous Byzantine mosaic of the loaves and fishes, and the Church of the Primacy of St Peter, a small basalt chapel on the water's edge.

The mosaic is one of the finest in Israel, and the shore by the Primacy chapel is one of the most peaceful places on the lake.

Both are a few minutes apart and combine with Capernaum.

Good to know: Walk down to the water behind the Primacy chapel — it is the quietest spot on the tour.

Google Maps

5. Mount of Beatitudes — Above the northern shore

The traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount, in gardens above the lake.

₪ BudgetBest for Couples · Families · Groups

The Mount of Beatitudes is the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount, marked by an octagonal Italian church from the 1930s set in gardens overlooking the lake.

The view down the slope to the water is lovely, and the grounds are peaceful even when groups arrive.

Check the opening hours, which include a midday closure.

Good to know: Sit in the gardens looking down to the lake — it is the reason to come.

Google Maps

6. Magdala — Migdal, 10 minutes north

The home town of Mary Magdalene, with a first-century synagogue.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Families · Groups

Magdala is the archaeological site of the town associated with Mary Magdalene, where excavations uncovered a first-century synagogue in which Jesus may have taught, along with streets, a market and ritual baths.

The modern Duc in Altum spiritual centre on the site has a striking chapel with a boat-shaped altar over the water.

It is one of the newest and most rewarding sites around the lake.

Good to know: Take the guided tour — the synagogue's carved stone is easy to miss on your own.

Google Maps Website

7. The Ancient Galilee Boat (the "Jesus Boat") — Kibbutz Ginosar, 15 minutes north

A 2,000-year-old fishing boat found in the lake mud.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Families · Couples · Groups

In 1986, during a drought, two brothers from Kibbutz Ginosar found the remains of a wooden fishing boat in the mud of the lake, and it was dated to around the first century.

The boat is displayed at the Yigal Allon Centre at Ginosar, alongside the story of its extraordinary rescue from the mud.

It is a short visit and a fascinating one, and boats leave from the Ginosar jetty nearby.

Good to know: Watch the short film on how the boat was excavated before seeing it.

Google Maps Website

8. Yardenit — Southern end of the lake, 10 minutes south

The baptism site on the Jordan River where it leaves the Sea of Galilee.

₪ BudgetBest for Families · Groups · Couples

Yardenit is a baptism site on the Jordan River just below its exit from the Sea of Galilee, where pilgrims from all over the world are baptised in white robes.

Even for non-pilgrims, it is a moving place to watch — groups singing in many languages on the riverbank, the water green and shaded by eucalyptus.

Entry is free; robes can be rented.

Good to know: Visit in the morning, when most groups hold their baptisms.

Google Maps Website

9. Mount Arbel — Above Tiberias, 15 minutes north

A cliff-top viewpoint over the whole lake, with cliff caves below.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Groups · Solo

Mount Arbel rises in a sheer cliff above the lake, and the lookout at the top gives the best view of the Sea of Galilee — the whole lake, the Golan beyond and the Hermon in the distance.

Experienced hikers can descend the cliff path past ancient cave dwellings using handholds and ladders; everyone else can simply walk the short path to the edge.

It is a national park with an entrance fee and the best sunrise spot in the region.

Good to know: Come at sunrise, when the sun comes up over the Golan across the lake.

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What is Tiberias known for?

It is one of Judaism's four holy cities, the burial place of Maimonides and other sages, and the gateway to the Christian sites around the Sea of Galilee. It is also famous for its hot springs.

How long do you need in Tiberias?

Two days lets you see the town, drive the northern shore sites and climb Mount Arbel. One busy day can cover the promenade, Capernaum, Tabgha and the Beatitudes.

What should I wear to the Christian sites?

Modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered. Several churches refuse entry otherwise, so carry a scarf or light layer.

Can you take a boat on the Sea of Galilee?

Yes. Boats leave from Tiberias marina and from Ginosar and Ein Gev, including replica wooden boats aimed at pilgrim groups. Individuals can often join a group departure.

Where can I swim near Tiberias?

At the lifeguarded beaches along the shore, and in the hot springs — see our guide to the best springs near Tiberias.

1. Tiberias promenade and old city — Tiberias waterfront

2. Tomb of Maimonides — Central Tiberias

3. Capernaum — Northern shore, 20 minutes north

4. Tabgha — Northern shore, between Ginosar and Capernaum

5. Mount of Beatitudes — Above the northern shore

6. Magdala — Migdal, 10 minutes north

7. The Ancient Galilee Boat (the "Jesus Boat") — Kibbutz Ginosar, 15 minutes north

8. Yardenit — Southern end of the lake, 10 minutes south

9. Mount Arbel — Above Tiberias, 15 minutes north

Frequently asked questions

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