In my personal impression, Haifa is the cleanest of the major cities of Israel. Compared to Tel Aviv - so for sure. But it is worth considering that this is the north of Israel, so water in the sea warms up more slowly. At the end of March, the water was +17, it is possible to go into the water, but there is no desire to swim. Ben-Gurion airport can be easily reached by train - quickly and conveniently. Just keep in mind that the city is stretched along the sea, and has several stations.
By itself, the town is quite calm. Of the main attractions - incomparable Bahai gardens. They are simply great, and at any time of the year. But it is trite. But visit the German monastery Stella Maris is just necessary. And next to him - there is an observation deck, offered simply a chic view of the entire city, the port, the sea.
By the way, I am very simple to get there - the cable car rises from the coast. The passage in one direction costs 22 Shekel, so it is better to immediately take a circular for 29 shekels.
We were primarily interested in the Maritime Museum - "Museum of Maritime Transport and Illegal Immigration of Israel." However, in March 2015, he was closed for repairs. We managed the largest exhibits only to photograph because of the fence ...
It was the biggest disappointment for the entire trip to Israel. We'll have to go again.
Well organized beach infrastructure, sand, convenient entrance. Very cozy streets with low-rise buildings. But be careful with the choice of hotels - all Israel sometimes resembles a large building, you can fly overlooking the window. Many good shops, small cafes with delicious food.
Haifa is sometimes called the most Russian city of Israel. It is not necessary to calculate it very much and better "stock" knowledge of Hebrew or at least English - it really helped us. But people are very friendly. There are plenty of police on the streets, especially at the stations - but here you need to show an understanding, this is a matter of survival of the country. If you quietly for the first requirement to present luggage, the backpacks for inspection - there is no questions. In addition, the police are polluous enough.