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The top 33 things to do in Israel

Discover Israel with our list of the very best things to do: whether you are looking for restaurants, landmarks, beaches, experiences or ancient sites – Israel has it all

With all of Israel's opportunities for adventure – from finger lickin' culinary endeavors to uncovering ancient ruins – it's a legitimate challenge to pick and choose what to see and do first. That's why we've come to the rescue with a tried-and-true to DO list that'll have you chomping at the bit for the day's (and night's) itinerary of locally-loved sites , sounds, and signature Israeli moments

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

You can also find out more about  how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world , or take a look at our list of the  50 best things to do in the world right now .

The top things to do in Israel

1.  Stroll the ancient pathways of Jerusalem's Old City

• Attractions
• Public spaces
• Jerusalem Old City

What is it? The Old City is a 220-acre walled area overflowing with more history, culture, and spirituality than any other place in the world.

Why go? Divided into four quarters - Muslim, Christian, Armenian, and Jewish – perk your ears up to have a listen as the ancient area whispers its millennia-old stories. Soak up the intensity as you elbow your way through the mosque-going masses on Fridays. Witness the black hats bob and the ritual fringes sway as the ultra-Orthodox quorum prays at Judaism’s holiest site, the Western Wall . Take in the awe-inspiring song of pilgrims shrouded in their white garb, retracing the path of Jesus through the smooth cobblestoned steps of the Via Dolorosa .  

Don’t miss: The Old City is replete with sites that jump off of the pages of the Bible, such as the Temple Mount , the Tower of David , King David’s Tomb, and the Last Supper room. In the early 70s, Neil Armstrong visited wall excavations at the Davidson Center and said that it was more exciting to him as a Christian to step on the steps of the Temple Mount through Jesus' steps 2,000 years ago than to step foot on the moon.

2.  Ooh and ahh around the White City

What is it? A neighborhood in Tel Aviv rife with original Bauhaus and International-style buildings harking back to the 20s and 30s.

Why go? In 2003, the area was dubbed 'The White City' and designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site for having the largest concentration of Bauhaus buildings in the world.

Don’t miss: Sit at a kiosk café on Rothschild Boulevard and enjoy a coffee amidst the stunning architecture while watching everyday Israeli life unfold in front of your eyes.

3.  Get your dose of contemporary works at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art

• Art and design
• Tel Aviv - Jaffa

What is it? The artfully architected museum houses the best of Israeli art as well as new and old masters.

Why go? Gracing the walls are Israel’s most comprehensive collections of modern, contemporary, and Israeli art . The museum boasts an impressive collection of the old masters, diverse temporary exhibitions, displays of photography, design & architecture, a performance hall, and a beautiful, calming sculpture garden to wander around or relax in.

Don’t miss: The fittingly beautiful restaurant Pastel, just next door to the stunning Paul and Herta Amir wing of the museum.

4.  Wine and dine in the Old City of Jaffa

What is it? An ancient port city with Levantine influences combined with Ottoman-era walkways riddled with churches, galleries , and trendy restaurants .

Why go? One of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean basin, the Old City of Jaffa is proudly perched on a cliff protruding from the water, puncturing the Tel Aviv skyline. The range of attractions in Old Jaffa is startling, from mosques and churches to ancient clock towers, museums, galleries, restaurants and bars - the list of things to do in this new-old city is never ending.

Don’t miss: The iconic Shuk Hapishpeshim  is a maze-like flea market where locals and visitors alike scour for bargains and treasures, while also exploring the various design studios in the area.

5.  Be inspired by a different faith at the Baha’i Gardens

• Parks and gardens
• Hadar-Carmel‏

What is it? Built by the members of the Baha'i faith who consider Mount Carmel a Holy place, the Baha'i Gardens is arguably Haifa 's most famous attraction .

Why go? Built on 19 terraces, beginning at the foot of the mountain and ascending towards its summit, the main axis points towards Akko , a historically and religiously important city to the Baha'i . At the center of the meticulously maintained gardens stands the Shrine of the Bab, the burial place of the religion's founder, whose golden dome illuminates the grounds.

Don’t miss: The gardens offer splendid views of the Haifa Bay, the Galilee , and the Mediterranean . It's possible to tour independently, but there are free guided tours (every day but Wednesday).

6.  Experience a new kind of Israeli cuisine at OCD

• Restaurants
• price 4 of 4

What is it? A communal fine dining experience that has you sitting with old friends and strangers (or new friends) in Jaffa with extreme attention to detail and satisfying, delectable dishes.

Why go? OCD  lives up to its name, offering a meticulous dinner experience. Tasting menus by the infamous 20-something Israeli chef Raz Rahav, are crafted to perfection with flavors that pop and playfulness that entices your tongue.

Don’t miss: Making a reservation on time. There are only two time slots per evening Monday-Friday - 7 or 9:30. And this top-notch dinner is one of the most talked about experiences in town.

7.  Go ‘under the sea’ at the Coral Beach Underwater Observatory

What is it? One of the world’s most spectacular underwater  universes, including an observatory, a nature museum, 40 fish tanks, a sea turtle/stingray pool and a shark pool.

Why go? There's a darkroom specifically designed to showcase the fascinating flashlight fish: a bioluminescent fish that carries a glowing bacteria beneath its eyes. Head just off the shoreline for the underwater observatory which boasts observation decks above and below the surface, then climb 90 steps to the Peace Terrace for expansive views of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.

Don’t miss: Science-lovers will ooh and aah at the Coral Beach Nature Reserve’s Oceanarium: a virtual-reality, sci-fi film with interactive moving seats.

8.  Delve into the historic intrigue of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

• Religious buildings and sites

What is it? A 12th Century building with 4th century origins, this is one of Jerusalem's most revered Christian sites.

Why go? Built on the site renown by Christians as the location of Jesus' resurrection, the church has been a location of pilgrimage since the 4th century. Christians of all denominations and people from around the world can be seen visiting its various frankincense-laden vestibules and chambers.

Don’t miss: Take an informational guided tour to uncover more about the deeply-rooted history of this ancient church without becoming overwhelmed by its various nooks and crannies.

9.  Zip-line through Timna Park

• Historic buildings and sites

What is it? North of Eilat in the  majestic Negev Desert, Timna Park is an awe-inspiring mix of history and geology. Its 15,000 acres include valleys, cliffs, and even a lake - all surrounding Mount Timna – the world's first ever copper mine.

Why go? The site has a range of attractions , including ancient rock formations like The Mushroom, The Arches, Solomon’s Pillars, and The Valley of Rock Drawings.

Don’t miss:   For those who want a total desert experience , you can camp overnight and truly see everything the park has to offer under the stars.

10.  Float with ease at the Dead Sea

What is it? This most peculiar body of water is located at the lowest point on the face of the earth –with an extremely high salt concentration of 33.7% - making it the saltiest body of water known to humankind.

Why go? The Dead Sea is also chock-full of skin-friendly therapeutic minerals that reputedly combat the effects of aging and skin ailments. Pack your beach bag and head to the popular Kalia Beach, which has changing rooms, showers, lounge chairs, plenty of shady areas, a fully-stocked snack bar, and a lifeguard.

Don’t miss: Indulge in a free mud bath, and slather yourself with the gooey mineral mud from head-to-toe for the ultimate Instagram opp. Just don't dunk your head!

11.  Go out for drinks to Port Said

• price 2 of 4

What is it? This outdoor hangout is the capital of Tel Avivian hipster life .

Why go? Located just across from the largest synagogue in the city, you won’t find anyone praying here. With a massive vinyl collection, the hippest waitresses, and a menu created under the supervision of iconic Israeli chef, Eyal Shani (also of HaSalon , HaMiznon , and Beit Romano ), you’ll understand why Port Said has been successfully serving the cool crowd for years.

Don’t miss: Sitting on the steps out front and waiting for a table. Running into half of the city and schmoozing while in line is part of the whole experience.

12.  Marvel at the circle of nature in the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History

• Natural history

What is it? This newly-minted landmark museum has everything you need to know about Israel’s natural world and then some.

Why go? The only museum of its kind in the world, these collections include 5.5 million plants and animals that illustrate the history of Israel's (and the rest of the Middle East's) biodiversity over the last century.

Don’t miss: The museum  boasts thousands of displays for audiences to observe, which include collections like biological archaeology and the history of human biodiversity.

13.  Observe Judaism's holiest site on earth - the Wailing Wall

What is it? Considered to be the holiest place for the Jewish faith, this 2,000-year-old wall made of limestone, otherwise known as the ' Kotel ' contains the last remains of the Second Jewish Temple.

Why go? No visit to Jerusalem is complete without a visit to the pulsing center of Jerusalem's ancient heritage . The Kotel is a short walk through the Old City of Jerusalem, leading visitors directly to the sacred site.  

Don’t miss: Be one of the annual million people to write a wish or personal note on a scrap of paper and slit it into the cracks of the wall, as visitors have done since the early 18 th century.

14.  Uncover the luxury behind designer heritage brand, Maskit

• Fashion exhibitions

What is it? Launched in Israel in 1954, by Ruth Dayan, Maskit is a luxury women's ready-to-wear brand that pulls influences from Hungarian, Yemenite, Bulgarian, Bedouin, Palestinian, Druze, Lebanese, and Jewish traditional textiles and craftsmanship.

Why go? The original idea, over half a century ago, was to establish a brand to create work opportunities for new immigrants in fabric and design. Today, Israeli designer Sharon Tal (the former head of embroidery at Alexander McQueen) has breathed new blood into the heritage brand, re-establishing its roots with modern takes on each look.

Don’t miss: A visit to Maskit's stunning showroom in Old Jaffa marries the past and present – with both heirlooms from the brand's inception to Maskit’s new “Desert Collection” featuring mesmerizing cloaks re-imagined from original designs.

15.  Trace the test of time at the Photo House

• Tel Aviv City Center

What is it? Israel's impressive progression has been well documented - and The Photo House's archives are here to prove it.

Why go? First opened on Allenby Street in 1936, the Photo House has a massive collection of negatives numbering close to a million images, and today, the shop houses one of the country’s most monumental private archives of historical photographs, recounting the story of Israel's past, and bursting with nostalgia.

Don’t miss: For those searching for a unique gift , any of the images can be blown up into huge posters, magnets, coasters, and more.

16.  Take a trip to the mysterious Tel Megiddo

• Sightseeing

What is it? This sprawling valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has long been important due to its strategic location connecting Egypt to Damascus.

Why go? The area marks an ancient battlefield including a historic battle between the Egyptians and the Canaanites, and many others. It is also the site prophesied by the Book of Revelations in which the Messiah will defeat the Anti-Christ during the battle of Armageddon. Tel Megiddo seems to have a grueling future ahead of it.

Don’t miss:  There is also a small, sleepy kibbutz, a fascinating museum, and archaeological excavations that include a well-preserved water cistern from the time of Solomon.

17.  Trek a revolutionary route on the Israel National Trail

What is it? Diverse landscapes and various routes make the Israel National Trail a must in hiking communities the world over.

Why go?  The routes are a fantastic way to see the country's beautiful landscape, and they all link up to form one giant hiking path that traverses the entire country. Its northern end is at Dan, near the Lebanese border, and it extends to Eilat at the country's southernmost tip on the Red Sea . The trail has been named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best hikes .

Don’t miss: Google Street View photographed the 660-mile trail, the longest trail photographed and the first that spans a whole country in Google Maps history.

18.  Enjoy a mix of history and culture at the Israel Museum

• Neve Sha'anan

What is it? Arguably Israel’s most magnificent cultural asset, the Israel Museum is consistently ranked among the world’s leading art and archaeology museums.

Why go?   Founded in 1965 and housing the largest encyclopedic collections with works dating from prehistory to the present day in archaeology, fine art, and Jewish art, in the world, this is the place to get schooled on Israel’s 5,000-year history.

Don’t miss: Special events that happen throughout the year, including gallery talks, story times and the 'Big Art for Little Artists' series.

19.  Eat at hands-down the most talked about restaurant in Jerusalem, Machneyuda

• Mediterranean
• Machne Yehuda
• price 3 of 4

What is it? One of the most popular restaurants in the entire country, this hotspot serves market -fresh fare in a lively, happening atmosphere.

Why go? With three Jerusalem chefs Uri Navon, Assaf Granit, and Yossi ‘Pappy’ Elad running the show (also of London's The Palomar fame), this rustic haven for foodies offers a changing market-to-table menu with all its ingredients sourced from the nearby Machne Yehuda Market. The open kitchen gives diners a front seat to the action, and the lively , spirited vibes are like no other.

Don’t miss: Go for the palatable tasting menu to get a mouthful of everything the restaurant has to offer. And book rezzies waaaay in advance.

20.  Fall in love with Caesarea's venerable architecture

What is it? The beautiful port city of Caesarea is known for its remarkable blend of ancient and new architecture.

Why go?  Built by King Herod in the first century BC and serving as the regional capital, today, the city beckons thousands of years back into the past with its innovative, one-of-a-kind underwater park. Visitors can view Herod’s elaborate port and marvel at sunken ships and ancient cargo that look as though they’ve been transported straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Don’t miss: Archeological  findings attest to the inhabitants’ high standard of living; the port, which encompasses no less than 50 acres, features the remains of pools, wave breakers, docking piers, a promenade, and a lighthouse.

21.  Water Hike through the Banias Nature Reserve

• Rivers, lakes and ponds
• Golan Hights

What is it? Rife with abundant natural and historical beauty, from the ruins of ancient cities to the roaring Banias Waterfall, this is the biggest waterfall in Israel.

Why go? Hours can be spent here; walking the trails, exploring the ruins, and picnicking in the lush green woodlands. The Banias Spring emerges at the foot of Mount Hermon and flows powerfully through a canyon for 3.5 km, eventually leading to the waterfall - the most impressive cascade in the country.

Don’t miss: A stepped path near the spring leads to the Banias Cave , where the remains of a temple built by Herod the Great can be seen.

22.  Revel in the unique and youthful atmosphere at Romano

What is it? This lively bar situated right in the heart of Florentine suits all your hipster needs and drinking desires.

Why go? This is the go-to bar for the beautiful crowd of Tel Aviv’s preeminent hipster kingdom. DJs play sets fusing funk and reggae, electro and hip-hop until the early hours of the morning. With beer on tap and a groovy crowd, this is a must-visit if you have even an ounce of bohemian blood bubbling inside of you.

Don’t miss: The food at Romano is an essential part of the experience. Dig in to all the small plates and wash 'em down with shots of anise-flavored arak.

23.  Stroll down the Tel Aviv Promenade

• Tel Aviv Beach 

What is it? The vibrant stretch of coastline from Jaffa in the south to Tel Aviv's port in the north awakens all of the senses with a feast of colors, sights, songs, and smells.

Why go? Nothing beats walking – or cycling – along the seaside promenade , breathing in the fresh, salty air of the Mediterranean. With Old Jaffa stamping the horizon to the south and the city’s skyscrapers to the north, this is the all-time best spot for people-watching and whizzing by.

Don’t miss: Sitting on a bench to watch local life unfold before your eyes with beach-goers, paddle players, sunset buskers, magicians and more doing their thing as the waves gently crash on the shore.

24.  Hike through the Ramon Crater

• Mitzpe Ramon

What is it? The world’s largest erosion crater (“Makhtesh Ramon in Hebrew) boasts spectacular sunsets and once-in-a-lifetime hikes for travelers from all over the world to visit .

Why go? The Negev Desert 's Ramon Crater has an ancient history dating back 220 million years to when an ocean once filled the massive hole. With a network of hikes ranging from easy loops to advanced mountain scales, this worldwide landmark is the perfect place for thrill seekers to get their adrenaline fix.

Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the unbeatable sunset at the Camel Lookout point or camp out overnight under the stars.

25.  Visit the Holocaust memorial museum, Yad Vashem

What is it? Yad Vashem is the largest and most comprehensive Holocaust museum and memorial in the world.

Why go? The state-of-the-art, 45-acre campus comprises indoor museums and outdoor monuments, exhibitions, memorial sites, gardens, sculptures, and world-class research and education centers. The museum’s research is devoted to commemorating the victims and the events of the Holocaust and accurately documenting one of the most ominous periods in human history.

Don’t miss: A hollowed-out cavern with a single candle reflected by a series of mirrors commemorates the 1.5 million children who were lost in the Holocaust.

26.  Take the kids to the Holon Children’s Museum

What is it? Purpose-built for kids to explore, this innovative museum offers a range of activities geared to kids ages 2-12.

Why go? The award-winning museum is a wonderland for kiddies, but it is just clever enough for adults to not-so-secretly love the special exhibits on display. Unlike conventional museums, children are encouraged to touch all of the displays, and even play a role in the exhibits. Designed to create tolerance and dialogue is what makes this museum a real-world model for all.

Don’t miss: Not-to-be-missed are the famous 'Dialogue in the Dark' and 'Invitation to Silence' exhibits, two experiences that provide emotional and telling insight into the worlds of blind and deaf people.

27.  Go on an artful excursion to Ein Hod

What is it? Nestled on a hillside peppered with olive groves, this artists’ colony boasts spectacular views and archeological treasures.

Why go? A visit to the Carmel region without a stop in Ein Hod would be remiss. As well as being jam-packed with galleries and museums , Ein Hod affords views of the Mediterranean Sea and even has a Crusader fortress. There are often free jazz concerts in the outdoor amphitheater and a host of cafes and restaurants make this a popular weekend day spot.

Don’t miss: The range of workshops visitors can take part – everything from sculpting, printing, silk-screening, ceramics and pottery to blacksmithing, lithography, mosaics, and stained glass, as well as several music workshops.

28.  Discover the wonderfully weird mix of elements at the Materials Library in the Holon Mediatheque

What is it? Showcasing over a thousand samples of the world’s most cutting-edge materials, this innovative display includes the very latest in plastics, wood, ceramics, paper, metal, composites, textiles and biodegradables.

Why go? : The space looks something like a kindergarten class on steroids. It's also one of a handful of material museums in the world that is actually open to the public.

Don’t miss An entrance ticket to the adjacent and amazing Design Museum also includes admission to the Materials Library – the best 2-for-1 around.

29.  Kiss the chef at HaSalon

What is it? Celebrated chef Eyal Shani ’s HaSalon is a quintessential Israeli culinary experience. The famous chef has his own straightforward style, one that has truly shaped contemporary Israeli cuisine.

Why go? Diners will find the best vegetables and raw materials coming together in a slick, but hip manner. Arrive for a late night party of flavors and see how every ingredient stands out on its own. The exquisite menu changes on a whim, so there are always delectable surprises.

Don’t miss:   It’s only open Wednesday and Thursday evenings so be sure to plan ahead for this unique dining experience.

30.  Sip on flavorful wine at Tishbi Winery

What is it? Experience over 30 years of a wide array of wines , jellies, and jams ... and a memorable day trip to the countryside of Zichron Ya’akov .

Why go? Established in 1985, Tishbi Winery grew from humble beginnings to a much-admired internationally acclaimed winery. Tishbi Estate Winery remains family run and offers a tasting center including delicious chocolate pairings, and guided wine tours in Hebrew and English. The estate also sells farm-fresh fruit jams, wine jams, and olive oil.

Don’t miss: Pop by the delicious on-site restaurant and see for yourself why the winery produces approximately 1,000,000 bottles every year.

31.  Explore one of Tel Aviv's very first neighborhoods, Kerem Hateimanim

• Markets and fairs
• Shuk  HaCarmel

What is it? What is known as the Yemenite Quarter , just below the iconic Carmel Market , houses a warm and welcoming labyrinth of small streets wafting smells of home-cooked stews, kebabs, and other Yemeni comfort foods . The authentic eateries and story-telling cooks are a neighborhood classic.

Why go? It is the closest travelers will get to staying in a local's home – the food and hospitality are purely wonderful . Don't miss the area's raucous Friday mornings and afternoons before everything shuts down for Shabbat. The area is transformed with lively music, hordes of people, and good vibes.

Don’t miss: At the top of the Carmel Market is the famous Yemen Uzi Eli Etrog Man shop whose age-old medicinal juices are as refreshing as they are healing.

32.  Let go of your inhibitions at the Nalaga’at Center

• Performing arts space

What is it? Prepare yourself for a totally unique theater-going experience exploring culture and arts from an entirely different perspective - a meeting place for both the deaf and blind.

Why go? Located in the heart of Jaffa’s port , the Nalaga’at Center is home to one of Israel’s most unconventional and exceptional theaters : both deaf and blind actors and hosts take the audience on a magical tour into the districts of their own inner world.

Don’t miss: Prior to the performance, visitors can try their hand at eating completely in the dark, while being served by blind individuals at the on-site Black Out restaurant. Nalaga’at is also home to Café Kapish - run completely by deaf barristers who are experts at reading lips.

33.  Taste the sea at Manta Ray

What is it? Located directly on Tel Aviv's beachfront , you can literally inhale the sea's salty air and fresh seafood all at once.

Why go? The winning view and top-notch menu make Manta Ray one of the most popular restaurants in Tel Aviv . Enjoy a leisurely meal from breakfast to dinner and then head out for a dip.

Don’t miss: The Manta Ray kiosk has a limited menu, but allows beach goers who prefer to eat on the beach a nice lounging area or beach chairs even closer to the sea's glittering waves.

Check out our guide to the best of Jaffa:

The ultimate Jaffa area guide

With so much hustle and bustle going on in its White City neighbor, sometimes people forget the beautiful gem of Israeli culture that exists on the southern port. 

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Must-Visit Attractions in Israel

Israel offers a rare mix of delicious food, warm people and an endlessly diverse list of sites. So no matter if it’s the culture, faith or curiosity that caught your eye, here are the attractions you just must see once you’ve arrived. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Eager to explore the very best of the Holy Land? Join Culture Trip’s specially curated seven-day trip to Israel , which includes visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea.

Tour ancient and new in the Old City of Acre

A rarely visited site, this amazing old city offers the best of the old and new worlds: great restaurants perched on seaside cliffs alongside all the fun of a classic Arab market.

This mountaintop fortress in the Israeli desert was the last stronghold for the members of a Jewish revolt against the Roman empire. Their fate was a bitter one – after a lengthy siege they took their own lives rather than surrender – but visiting the site is anything but bitter. Wake up extra early and go for a hike or take the tram and enjoy this amazing historical site. You can visit Masada on Culture Trip’s action-packed seven-day Israel tour, led by our Local Insider .

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Gaze at the Bahá’í Gardens

The Hanging Gardens of Haifa are an absolute beauty. Holy to the adherents of the not-widely known Bahá’í faith, the gardens are a temple to their god Bah. Come for the view or to learn about the faith – just don’t miss it.

Tour the Old City of Jerusalem

Winding streets and alleys; home to the holy sites of the three main monotheistic faiths – the Old City of Jerusalem is steeped in history. The area also has amazing food and countless secrets for those willing to brave its maze of shaded streets. Join a guided walking tour as part of our specially curated small-group Israel trip .

Discover the Western Wall in Jerusalem

The exterior wall of the long-destroyed Jewish Temple, the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall) is one of the most holy sites in Judaism, so holy that ultra-Orthodox Jews won’t even step beyond the wall to where the temple actually sat for fear of desecrating the land. An open plaza accommodates both women and men for prayer. Regardless of your faith, follow the local custom and put a note in the wall.

See the religious sites of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via Dolorosa

Follow in the steps of Jesus by walking the Via Dolorosa, or head to his final resting place in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The tomb itself has been renovated and is a popular site for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Admire the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock, next to the Al-Aqsa Mosque within the Temple Mount complex, is one of the holiest sites in Islam. Though a flashpoint for tensions between Jews and Arabs, it is safe for tourists per a few caveats: don’t go on Friday, Israelis might be barred from entering and women are required to dress modestly, meaning long skirts extending below the knee and no cleavage or exposed shoulders.

Feast at Tel Aviv Port

Tel Aviv Port, recently revamped, is now an urban powerhouse of cafes and restaurants. It’s a great place to see the sea without having to pass through a beach, while the farmer’s market offers great local food in its produce and restaurants.

Enjoy the sea air at the Old Port of Jaffa

One of the oldest port cities in the world, Jaffa is one of the most vibrant spots in Israel. Head to the port for sea breezes and fresh fish.

Marvel at architecture in the White City of Tel Aviv

Home to an internationally acclaimed collection of International-style houses (sometimes called bauhaus) the so-called White City is actually part of the central Lev Ha’ir district in Tel Aviv. The homes are beautiful even for those usually not interested in architecture.

Explore Jaffa Flea Market

Trendy and stylish, Jaffa Flea Market is home to strange antique stores alongside new restaurants and cafes, a symbol of how Jaffa’s old meets Tel Aviv’s new to create something amazing.

Get lost in Mahane Yehuda (Jerusalem Markets)

The central market in Jerusalem is a bustling Middle Eastern bazaar offering the best local delicacies. Take a chance and get lost within the alleyways.

Join hipsters at the Big Synagogue in Tel Aviv

The epicentre of the hipster side of Tel Aviv , the Big Synagogue plaza on Allenby Street, is home to a bar, a restaurant and two places that fall somewhere in between. The Port Said and Santa Catarina are the places to eat contemporary Tel Avivi cuisine, while the Otzar is the place to get a drink if you’re young and trendy.

Relax on the Tel Aviv beaches

The multitude of beautiful beaches in Tel Aviv needs no introduction and remain some of the most famed and popular tourist attractions in Israel.

Dive among coral reefs near Eilat

In the southernmost tip of Israel sits the resort town of Eilat. Perched on the head of the Red Sea peninsula, its waters open to Egypt to the south and Jordan to the west. On good days, Saudi Arabia is visible between them and across the water. Eilat has great coral reefs, a few dolphins and even a bird festival, so go south and enjoy the sun. Discover the natural wonders of the Arava Desert

Discover the natural wonders of the Arava Desert

This tall stone towers and dry landscape in this desert, reminiscent of Nevada’s, offer something ethereal. Check out the amazing cabins at Bamidbara to spend the night.

Get fresh skin in the Dead Sea

The lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea is said to have healing powers while its mud is said to help reinvigorate your skin. So take a splash in the murky, mineral-rich waters and dip yourself into some high-grade mud (mud-faced selfies are mandatory).

Chill out by the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret)

Called the Sea of Galilee by Israelis, Lake Kinneret is the site where Jesus is said to have walked on water. It’s also the main reservoir in Israel and a favourite attraction for locals, who can regularly be found basking along its beaches.

Cool down in the Golan Heights

The Golan Heights, on the northernmost tip of the country, offers respite from the Israeli heat. There is a ski site and a cafe called Cafe Anan – a play on the name of former UN chief Kofi Annan and the Hebrew word for cloud ( anan ).

Uncover Roman ruins in Caesarea

Caesarea is arguably the most affluent community in Israel, but the adjacent national park offers some of the most exciting ruins in the country. Built by Herod the Great around 25BCE, the Caesarea Maritima port city includes the ruins of a hippodrome, a Roman theatre, an impressive collection of Crusader-era fortifications, a temple and an impressive aqueduct. It also offers an amazing view of the old harbour, which was once the largest on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean.

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A guide to visiting masada national park, israel.

Places to Stay

The best spa and wellness hotels to book near the dead sea.

The Best Resorts on the Dead Sea

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The Best Hotels Near the Sea of Galilee, Israel

The Best Hotels in Tiberias, Israel

Passover in a Pandemic: How the Jewish World Can Celebrate This Ancient Tradition

Food & Drink

Shakshuka: the spicy red signature dish that took over israeli cuisine.

Jerusalem Catacombs: An Ancient Underground Burial Practice Comes to Life

A Traveller’s Guide to Accessing the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif

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Rechter: three generations of an israeli architecture dynasty.

Tel Aviv: A Mix of Cultures and Communities

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One-Week Itinerary

Best Israel Tours

Top Things to Do in Israel

Best Beaches

Best National Parks

Outdoor Markets

How to Visit the Dead Sea

Food to Try in Israel

Things to Do in Jerusalem

Top Sacred Sites

Guide to the Western Wall

Best Restaurants

Tel Aviv Nightlife

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Ben Gurion Airport Guide

Driving in Israel

Reasons to Visit Israel

Top Destinations

Top 15 Destinations in Israel

Anton Petrus / Getty Images

Alluring and inimitable, Israel is one of those destinations that stirs up a myriad of contemplations when visiting. Located on the Mediterranean Sea and bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, this Middle Eastern country is known as the biblical Holy Land by Jews, Muslims, and Christians. For such a small country, there is much to see and do here, even if you’re more of a history buff than a religious devotee. From the incredibly diverse topography to the chronicles embedded in the streets of Jerusalem, to the modern seaside city of Tel Aviv, and to the ethereal tranquility of the Dead Sea, Israel has a way of engaging wanderers who seek depth in their travels. Keep reading to learn about the top things to experience while visiting this country.

Tel Aviv and Jaffa Port

  Ilan Shacham / Getty Images

Dining, shopping, and nightlife opportunities abound in the coastal beach city of Tel Aviv, which in many ways can feel like the American city of Miami. You’ll see vibrant graffiti art, modern architecture as well as the largest collection of Bauhaus buildings in the world, and plenty of boutiques selling everything from textiles to home goods to clothing to furniture. Walk along the beach promenade or take a tour of the area via bicycle or Segway. Be sure to visit Carmel Market to sample different types of Israeli foods and drinks, influenced by a multitude of cultures.

Explore the winding and narrow streets of Jaffa’s Old City, also known as Yafo, and its port. The contrast of the oldest port in the world, home to multiethnic communities, next to the modern city of Tel Aviv is stark. See the Jaffa Clock Tower, Saint Nicholas Monastery, the Great Mahmoudiya Mosque, the Old Jaffa Museum of Antiquities, and several gardens, squares, and courtyards.

Mount of Olives

 mbell / Getty Images

Located in east Jerusalem, near the Old City, Mount of Olives is a worthwhile place to visit to gain perspective of the land—you can see far and wide over the Kidron Valley to Jerusalem and Temple Mount when standing on this mountain. Olive groves once covered this Jewish burial ground, which has been the resting place for notable Jewish biblical figures for thousands of years. Dome of the Ascension, where Jesus is said to have made his last footprint on Earth, is located in these hills as is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before crucifixion.  

Jerusalem’s Old City

 Wendy Altschuler 

The walled and historic Old City of Jerusalem has been at the epicenter for religious faith, sacred to millions of people for thousands of years. Tourists, entering through one of seven entrances (the New Gate, Damascus Gate, Herod’s Gate, Lions’ Gate, Dung Gate, Zion Gate, and Jaffa Gate), explore the four uneven quarters—Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Armenian—within the stone walls. Visit religious sites, look for goods throughout the many stalls in the quarters, and dine out in any of the various eateries. The top must-see sites to experience here are the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Temple Mount. Explore Jerusalem through one of our recommended tour companies .

The Western Wall

Also called the Wailing Wall or Kotel, Jerusalem’s Western Wall is a moving sight for people of any faith but particularly those of the Jewish religion. Millions of pilgrims make their way here each year to pray, read scripture, and write prayers and wishes on pieces of paper that then get wedged into the cracks of the limestone wall, the only remainder of the wall surrounding the Temple Mount and the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, which were destroyed first by the Babylonians and then by the Romans. The wall is divided for men and women in Prayer Plaza, and conservative dress is required to visit the free site.

Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock

roevin / Getty Images

The grounds of the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque—known as Al Haram Ash Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary) to Muslims and Har Ha Bayit (Temple Mount) to Jews—is one of the holiest sites for Jews and Muslims. According to the Muslim faith, the Prophet Muhammad made the ascent to heaven at Temple Mount, where the Dome of the Rock sits, and Jews believe this is the site where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son. Visitors are allowed to view the area, however; only Muslims are allowed to go inside the temple. Modest dress is required.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

You’ll see people in awe, crying, praying, and placing purchased objects on the Stone of Anointing, where Jesus’s body was prepared for burial, inside the Holy Sepulchre, a church built on the site of Jesus’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Located in the Christian quarter of the Old City, you’ll see two chapels—one Greek Orthodox and one Catholic—and the Aedicule, a smaller chapel housing the Holy Sepulchre. Be prepared for long lines as tourists make their way through the sections.

Mahne Yehuda Market

Don’t be shy when you wander through this market full of delicious bites. Try the various types of halva, breads, nuts, dates, olives, hummus, pastas, and freshly squeezed juices. Take photographs of the tables with mounds of multi-hued spices. Watch locals haggle over prices on cuts of meat and fish. Take your time, sit at an outdoor café, and enjoy the great people-watching. This market is where everyone comes together to shop, eat, and relish each other’s company.

Via Dolorosa

julof90 / Getty Images 

Christian pilgrims make their way to Jerusalem’s Old City to walk the route Jesus walked from condemnation to crucifixion. Visitors walk and pray at 14 different Stations of the Cross including spots where Jesus was condemned, falls, meets his mother, is stripped of his garments, is nailed to the cross, and is put in the tomb. The Via Dolorosa, or Sorrowful Way, is an important historical and religious route not only for pilgrims and tourists, but also, for a Roman Catholic procession held each week.

City of David

Richard T. Nowitz / Getty Images

Archaeological digs still happen in the City of David, a settlement from the Canaanite period, and ancient relics from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age are constantly being discovered. See the Gihon Spring and the Pools of Siloam, and walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which are part of an archaeological park. Splash through the Siloam Tunnel where water from the early spring still flows. It’s worth noting that the site, occupied by Israel, is controversial in terms of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Tower of David Museum

 Lucky-Photographer / Getty Images

Near the Jaffa Gate entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City, lies the Tower of David , where inside the citadel a museum sits. The museum hosts changing exhibits, cultural events and the well-loved nighttime showing of The Night Spectacular Sound and Light Show, which tells the story of Jerusalem’s history through the use of a laser projection system on the tower’s walls.

The Israel Museum

Glow Images/Getty

To learn about Israel’s art and archaeology, visit the Israel Museum. You’ll see the Shrine of the Book, which is where the Dead Sea Scrolls are located. Wander through the Archaeology and Fine Arts wings and explore the European, Modern, and Israeli art collections. Outside, walk around the large replica of the Second Temple Period.

Sarfoto / Getty Images

An ancient port city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, built by Herod the Great, Caesarea is an archeological park which includes a large Roman amphitheater and remnants of a hippodrome where prisoners once fought wild animals, and horse-pulled chariots raced around a track. You’ll see ancient mosaics, created in intricate patterns, as well as a Roman aqueduct and palace remains.

Negev Desert

The vast Negev desert, which encompasses more than half of Israel’s land area, is home to the Makhtesh Ramon, a large erosion crater. Bedouins make their home throughout the desert, and some tours will allow you to meet a family in person. Jeep, camel, and hiking tours are popular in this area as is rappelling off of the edge into the Ramon crater.

Ten times saltier than the ocean and the lowest point on land, the Dead Sea is a well-visited destination in Israel and Jordan. People come for a spa vacation, to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and to float on top of the water in an otherworldly landscape. Cover yourself in mineral-rich mud and soak in the water—just be sure that you don’t get the water in your eyes or in a cut, because it will sting.

 Wendy Altschuler

Masada National Park, located about an hour south of Jerusalem on the edge of the Dead Sea, is one of the most visited destinations in Israel. King Herod the Great built this ancient fortress on a plateau, which was later occupied by Jewish rebels who were fighting against the Roman Empire. After seven years, the Jewish people committed mass suicide rather than fall into the hands of the Romans, which today is seen as a strong example of resolve. Hike up the path to the top or opt for the cable car and give yourself a couple of hours to roam the grounds.

The Most Sacred Places in Jerusalem

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Israel

Your Trip to Israel: The Complete Guide

One Week in Israel: The Ultimate Itinerary

The 19 Best Things to Do in Israel

The Best Time to Visit Israel

The Top 25 Things to Do in Jerusalem

How Jerusalem Became the First Accessible UNESCO World Heritage City

Weather in Israel: Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature

Guide to Planning a Trip to Israel

Complete Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea

Top 10 National Parks in Israel

Akko in Israel, called Acre in the Bible: Exotic, Authentic, Unforgettable

The Coolest Underwater Museums in the World

Ben Gurion Airport: The Complete Guide

The Best Food to Try In Israel

35 Amazing Tourist Attractions in Israel To Visit

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There are many tourist attractions in Israel that are worth visiting. Tourist attractions in Israel range from historical and cultural attractions to beach tourism and dark tourism . Israel is a fascinating place to visit, and by the time you have finished reading this article you will understand why! Are you ready to learn more about the tourist attractions in Israel? Read on…

The best tourist attractions in Israel by destination

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There are many tourist attractions in Israel that are located in various parts of the country. During our trip we hired a car so that we were able to visit almost all of them, which is something I definitely recommend doing if you want to visit lots of the tourist attractions in Israel.

So, which are the best tourist attractions in Israel and why? Read on to find out…

Many of the best tourist attractions in Israel are found in Jerusalem and the Old City of Jerusalem is high on everyone’s list when visiting Israel. It was certainly one of the highlights for our tour! If you’re planning a trip to the area and want to make the most out of your time in Jerusalem, here’s everything you need to know about the tourist attractions in Israel…

Nestled within the modern city of Jerusalem, the Old City is a walled area of 0.9 km2 or 0.35 square miles. It is roughly divided into four quarters: the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter and the Jewish Quarter, all of which are home to various tourist attractions in Israel.

You can stay in the Old City, or simply visit it on a day trip from the newer part of Jersualem, which is what we did. Public transport is pretty good, meaning that it is easier to stay in a cheaper part of the city and travel in to visit the main sites here, which helps with your Israel travel budget ! It is also accessible from Tel Aviv.

The nearest airport to Jerusalem Old City is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Located in Tel Aviv, it is 55km from the centre of Jerusalem. Flights are easily available from many major cities worldwide, such as Paris, London, New York City, Frankfurt and more.

It takes just under an hour to drive from Ben Gurion airport to Jerusalem Old City. We hired a car through Eurocar , collected it at the airport and off we went to Jerusalem.

Public transport is also on hand to get your from the airport to the Old City and other areas of Jerusalem. Shuttle bus 485 departs from gate 23 on the second floor of Terminal 3 – it costs 16 ILS per person each way. The shuttle bus runs every hour, on the hour apart from during Shabbat. There are 6 stops within the city, including the edge of Jerusalem Old City.

Tourist Attractions in Jerusalem Old City

Just walking around the old city itself is breathtaking enough. The walls, the market stalls, the incredible architecture – there’s so much to see and take in. But in case you’re looking for more structure, here’s some definite must-see tourist attractions in Israel based in the Jerusalem Old City.

• David Street: one of the old city’s main market streets
• The Church of St. John the Baptist: 11th century church with a dome
• The Museum of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
• Hezekiah’s Pool: an ancient reservoir
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre: 4th century church that is said to be home to the site where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, and also his empty tomb
• The Broad Wall: an ancient defensive wall (8th century)
• The Burnt House Museum: a museum dedicated to an excavated house six metres below ground level, which is said to have been burnt by Romans
• Sidna Omar Mosque: a fascinating abandoned mosque
• New Church of Theotokos: a 6th century Byzantine church which is mostly destroyed
• The Southern Wall: a wall built during King Herod’s expansion of the Temple Mount platform, now one of the last remaining walls of the Jerusalem Old City
• The Ramban Synagogue: the second oldest active synagogue within the old city
• Hurva Synagogue: rebuilt in 2009
• Karaite Synagogue: the oldest synagogue in the Jerusalem Old City

• The Old City Three Markets: a butchers’ market, perfume market and goldsmiths’ market on Olive Press Street
• The Dome of the Rock: Islam’s third holiest site, and the iconic building with the gold dome that is synonymous with the Jerusalem Old City
• Al-Aqsa Mosque: the second oldest mosque in the world and where Muslims worship the they come to the mount
• The Western Wall: also known as the Wailing Wall, an ancient wall that is sacred to Muslims – there are underground tunnels here too
• The Temple Mount: the mount itself is home to the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque
• The Church of St. Anne: church with medieval architecture and near-perfect acoustics

Tip: Make sure you dress appropriately when visiting sites of religious significance or they might not let you in! I’ve written in this post about recommended clothes when visiting religious sites . I’ve been caught out many times on my travels so it’s worth making sure you are wardrobe ready for your trip to Jerusalem!

• The Cathedral of St. James: a 12th century cathedral
• St. Toros Church: a church built in memory of the son of the Armenian King of Cilicia in the 1200s, renovated in 1727
• Helen and Edward Mardigian Museum: a museum dedicated to Armenian art and culture
• The Tower of David: an ancient citadel with a museum
• The Armenian Garden: a walled park

The four quarters of the Jerusalem Old City all offer something different, but all are wonderful to explore. You can learn so much, I know I certainly did! The colours, the locals and the biblical sites are all something that will stick in your mind when you get home.

The Jerusalem Old City is also within easy reach of the Mount of Olives. Other things to see in the old city are the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and the New Temple Institute Visitor’s Centre. You can book tours that take you around the old city, I personally love Viator for their range of tours whether you’re already staying in Jerusalem or coming from further afield such as Tel Aviv .

Mount of Olives

The Mount Oof Olives is one of the best tourist attractions in Israel. Lets find out why…

As the name suggests, it’s a mountain ridge named for the olive groves that once absolutely covered it. The Mount of Olives has been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years. There are approximately 150,000 graves! 

The southern part of the mount was the Silwan necropolis – the most important ancient cemetery in Israel. A lot of the tombs were destroyed through quarrying and conversation into housing for monks and Muslim villagers, but many can still be seen by visitors today.

The Mount of Olives has a lot of biblical significance, making it one of the most important tourist attractions in Israel. It is mentioned in the Old Testament, in connection with David and his flight from Absalom, as well as in relation to Yahweh the Israeli god who was to stand on the Mount of Olives and split it in two. It is also referenced in the New Testament as the place where Jesus stood as he wept over Jerusalem. He is said to have spent time on the mount with his disciples. The Garden of Gethsemane is at the bottom of the mount, and it is said that the Mount of Olives is where Jesus ascended to heaven.

The Mount of Olives is located just outside of the old city of Jerusalem. You can walk from the old city to the mount, or get a bus. If you choose to walk, set off from St Stephen’s Gate (also known as Lion’s Gate) – it is a 1.3 mile walk from here, which should take approximately half an hour.

Buses are available from Sultan Sullivan Terminal. The terminal itself is around a 14 minute walk (0.6 miles) from the old city, and the bus ride then takes approximately 15 minutes, stopping 13 times along the way. The bus you want to take is the 275, and you’ll want to alight at the Chapel of the Ascension. From there it’s a 2 minute walk to the Mount of Olives.

You can, of course, get a taxi. Ask around for the best taxi firm to use when you’re there – it can sometimes be difficult to find drivers who will take you there, or will be happy to use the meter, so it helps to ask the advice of a friendly local.

If you’re not much of a DIY traveller, book a tour like one of these . There are various tours that incorporate the Mount of Olives, leaving from the old city of Jerusalem and covering all of the major sacred and religious sites. These tours are ideal if you want to make sure you don’t miss anything out, and if you’re worried about getting lost and doing it all alone.

The mount is somewhat of a pilgrimage for Christians, due to the sheer amount of biblical locations there, which is why this is one of the most important tourist attractions in Israel. There are over half a dozen churches! You can visit them all, especially on guided tours, and there’s plenty more to see too…

The Church of Mary Magdalene is a Russian Orthodox church and is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Israel. It has seven gold domes and was built in 1888 to honour the Russian czar’s mother. There are some stunning mosaics inside.

The Chapel of the Ascension, sometimes known as the Dome of Ascension, marks the highest point in Jerusalem. It is a small, standalone dome. Built in 392AD, this exact spot is where Jesus is said to have ascended to heaven – hence the name! Inside is a stone with a footprint, said to be that of Jesus himself. The chapel was detroyed, rebuilt, purchased by Saladin, made into a mosque and now belongs to the Islamic Waqf of Jerusalem. It draws a lot of visitors.

There is also the Church of the Ascension, another Russian Orthodox church and another one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Israel. This is also said to have been the spot where Jesus ascended to heaven – different derivatives of the faith tell the story slightly differently. This church is also said to be where the head of John the Baptist was found!

The most vibrant place on the mount is the Church of All Nations. Also known as the Basilica of the Agony, it is adorned with a stunning gold mosaic. It was funded by 12 nations, each of which is honoured inside by a mosaic in the ceiling. This church is adjacent to the Garden of Gethsamane, and is apparently where Jesus prayed for the last time before ascending to heaven.

Augusta Victoria Lutheran Hospital, Church and Tower has stood since 1910, with the hospital itself being established in 1950. It was the first building in Jerusalem to have electricity. The hospital now helps Palestinian refugees.

Dominus Flevit, or ‘The Lord Wept’ is a church constructed in 1955. It’s in the shape of a tear drop, in memory of Jesus weeping when he foresaw Jerusalem being destroyed.

The Church of the Lord’s Prayer (Pater Noster) is a convent and church and another of the most interesting tourist attractions in Israel. The church that stands there now was built in 1874 – other churches have stood there before, but they were destroyed. The site is where Jesus is said to have taught the Lord’s Prayer to his disciples. 

There are other tourist attractions in Israel based here too. The Garden of Gethsemane, as mentioned, is located at the bottom of the mount. It’s an urban garden that visitors can walk around. According to the New Testament, this is where Judas betrayed Jesus on his final night. It has long since been a focal point for Christian pilgrimages. There are ancient olive trees growing in the garden.

The Tomb of the Virgin Mary is located in the Kidron Valley, at the foot of the mount. She died a natural death, and is said to have been buried here. Apparently, her body was resurrected on the third day after her soul was received by Christ. The tomb is on the eastern side of the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary.

As mentioned, the Old Jewish Cemetery takes up a lot of the Mount of Olives. It is the oldest continually used Jewish cemetery in the world with graves belonging to all sorts of people. This is certainly one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Israel.

When thinking about the best tourist attractions in Israel, you will want to organise how you visit these based on available accommodation. We based ourselves on the outskirts of Jerusalem in an Airbnb for our trip, because we thought that made a good base for exploring the rest of the country. I was, however, secretly envious of the people that we met who were staying in the Jerusalem Old City. Here are some of the recommendations of accommodation options in the Jerusalem Old City that we were given.

The Sephardic House Hotel is located in the Jewish Quarter the old city. With a 24h front desk, free WiFi, air-conditioning and a shared lounge/games room, the hotel is perfect for modern travellers. There is an airport shuttle service available too! The stunning 19th century building gives the hotel a real sense of authenticity and tradition, and reviews cite the location and breakfast as being absolutely spot on.

Legatia is an older building that has been converted into apartments. Family rooms are available and the accommodation has free WiFi. Close to a variety of amenities such as restaurants and shops, the building also has a terrace for guests to sit back and relax. Again, this accommodation is in the Jewish Quarter. It offers a perfect clash between modern and traditional decor, too.

For a spot of luxury, this apartment – known as a ‘modern pearl in historic setting’ is lovely. With an exceptionally clean and modern look as well as free WiFi, a fully functioning kitchen (meaning the freedom to eat whenever you want) and plenty of seating area, the apartment has it all. It also sleeps six! This means it’s the perfect option for group travellers, or larger families.

If it’s views you’re after, consider the Hashimi Hotel. It’s rooftop terrace offers stunning views across Jerusalem Old City at any time of day, and the interior decor is beautiful too. The hotel has free WiFi and parking reservations can be arranged; there are family rooms, a designated smoking area and a 24h front desk.

These are all great bases to explore the tourist attractions in Israel.

When visiting the tourist attractions in Israel, it is important to understand the background history of the area that you are visiting. Jerusalem’s Old City is a walled area located within the modern city of Jerusalem. It is considered to be one of the most important heritage sites in the world and is home to some of the holiest tourist attractions in Israel in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Old City is located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains and is divided into four quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter- all home to tourist attractions in Israel.

The Old City has been a focal point of conflict throughout its history. It has been besieged numerous times, most notably by the Assyrians in 732 BC, the Babylonians in 586 BC, the Romans in 70 AD, the Crusaders in 1099 AD, the Mamluks in 1267 AD, and the Ottomans in 1517 AD. Many of these conquests have left their mark on the city, with architecture and monuments from each era still standing today.

In 1967, the Old City was captured by the Israeli Defense Force during the Six-Day War, and it has been under Israeli control ever since. In 1981, it was officially annexed by the Israeli government and declared a part of the unified Jerusalem.

Today, Jerusalem’s Old City is a vibrant and bustling area, with a population of approximately 40,000. Visitors to the Old City can explore the winding alleys and historic tourist attractions in Israel of this ancient city, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Old City is also home to many of Jerusalem’s most popular markets, such as the Shuk, where visitors can find everything from fragrant spices to traditional souvenirs.

The Old City of Jerusalem is truly a unique and special place, and it is no wonder that it has been a source of fascination and conflict for centuries. It is a place of great spiritual significance for millions of people, and a place full of history and culture. Jerusalem’s Old City is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the region and visiting the many tourist attractions in Israel located here.

The Best Things To Do in Jerusalem’s Old City

Many of the best tourist attractions in Israel are found here. Jerusalem is a city of faith. It’s a place that harbours the holy sites of 3 major religions, and where people from all over the world travel to pay homage.

Visiting Jerusalem’s Old City is a truly unique experience. You can find yourself surrounded by thousands of people from around the world who have come together to pray, or simply admire the architecture and iconic sights.

All you need is your Israel online visa , and you’re ready to head to one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world.

One of the best tourist attractions in Israel is the Kotel (Western Wall). The Western Wall is one of the holiest places in all of Judaism, and it’s a place where many people come to pray, meditate, and connect with their faith.

The Kotel is also called the Wailing Wall because Jews would come here to mourn after Jerusalem was destroyed by Rome in 70 CE. A common practice among visitors is to write a wish on a piece of paper and push it through the cracks of the wall.

The Kotel Tunnels are a place of quiet contemplation and reflection. The tunnels were created to allow access to the Western Wall, or Kotel, which is located underneath Jerusalem’s Old City.

Today, visitors can walk through the tunnels and experience what it was like for pilgrims to make their way from the Temple Mount to visit the Western Wall. Walking through these tunnels is one of the most powerful ways to connect with Jerusalem’s history and culture, making this one of the most important tourist attractions in Israel.

The Dome of the Rock is one of the most iconic religious sites in the world, making this one of the most famous tourist attractions in Israel. The site has been an important place of worship since it was built in 691 CE.

The Dome of the Rock is a beautiful building with breathtaking architecture and design. It is considered to be one of the holiest sites for Muslims because it houses what they believe to be the rock where Muhammad ascended to heaven.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a major Christian pilgrimage site, as it is where Jesus Christ is said to have been crucified and buried, therefore this is one of the most religious tourist attractions in Israel.

The church itself is considered holy because it contains relics from Christ’s crucifixion: a piece of his cross, a piece of his ribboned robe, and what are believed to be his tomb and burial shroud. This is one of the most important tourist attractions in Israel for history.

Visiting the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem’s Old City is a great way to learn about the history of Jerusalem. The museum is located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City and offers an incredible journey back in time.

This museum is full of artefacts from the Second Temple period and beyond. These include ancient coins, pottery, stone weights, and more. You’ll also see many weapons used during times of war. This is certainly one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Israel.

Another one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel, the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem’s Old City is a must-see for anyone who loves history, religion, or art.

You’ll find exhibits that explore the history of Jerusalem, including exhibits on its past inhabitants, including the Canaanites and Romans. You’ll also find an exhibit on Jesus’ life and death, as well as an exhibit on other religions that lived in Jerusalem at different points in history.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, we recommend a trip to the Old City Market (souq). It’s a huge space with tons of shops and stalls, but what sets it apart is how much history it has—and how much of that history is still visible.

You’ll see merchants selling everything from spices to fruits and vegetables, as well as souvenirs like jewelry or handcrafted artwork. If you like shopping, this will be one of your favourite tourist attractions in Israel.

If you’re in Jerusalem, the Cardo is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Israel. The Cardo is an ancient Roman road that used to connect the Temple with the Forum. It’s now a pedestrian walkway that runs through the Old City and has been converted into a museum of sorts.

You can see some excavation work done on the site, learn about its history, and even hear some stories about it from archaeologists who worked on it.

The Temple Institute is a place of worship, study, and research in Jerusalem’s Old City that seeks to prepare the world for the coming of the Third Temple.

The institute offers classes on subjects like biblical history, Jewish law, and Hebrew language. They also hold regular events such as concerts and lectures from rabbis who support their mission, making this one of the more popular tourist attractions in Israel.

Lets take a look at some other tourist attractions in Israel located outside of Jerusalem.

Haifa is the third-largest city in Israel. Whilst many tourists have never heard of it, Haifa was a prominent part of our Israel travel itinerary as it is home to some of the great tourist attractions in Israel. A port city in the north, it has plenty to offer to visitors and I would absolutely recommend visiting if you get the chance.

To visit Haifa, the best airport to fly to is Ben Gurion (TLV). This is Israel’s main international airport located in Tel Aviv. Its Hebrew acronym is Natbag, which is how the airport is sometimes referred to. You can fly to Ben Gurion from many major cities across the globe: London, Paris, New York and more.

Upon landing in Ben Gurion, Haifa is a 1.5 hour (120km) drive away. There are official taxi stands outside the terminal. You can choose from a private taxi, or for a cheaper option go for a shared taxi which is more like a minivan. 

Haifa is also a cruise port. You may visit Haifa as part of a Mediterranean cruise . Companies such as Viking, Seabourn, Royal Caribbean and more. A lot of cruisers tend to take an organised excursion to Jerusalem or Bethlehem, but Haifa itself has so much to offer if you want to stick around.

Things to do in Haifa

There is a huge variety of things to do in Haifa and many tourist attractions in Israel can be found here. No matter what your age, interests or abilities, you are bound to find something that suits you. So, what can you do in Haifa?

Museums make for some great tourist attractions in Israel. Here are the best in Haifa…

The National Maritime Museum is a popular choice for families. It tells the story of the people who travelled to Israel from Europe via boat, and also the beginnings of the Israeli Navy. The museum is really engaging and has air conditioning!

The Railway Museum is located at the Haifa East railroad station. Perfect for train lovers, it traces the history of Israeli rail travel going back to 1892.

Hermann Struck was a prominent 20th century artist, and his home in Israel has been turned into the Hermann Struck Museum. Alongside his and other print artists’ artwork, visitors can see some of Struck’s furniture, books and trinkets.

The Baha’i Gardens were the main reason that we chose to visit Haifa- they are iconic and one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel. There are 19 terraces and a gold-domed shrine in the centre, Shrine of the Bab, which contains the tomb of Siyyad Ali Muhammed. With birds singing, a stunning sea view and beautiful flowers, it’s a must-visit. You can go with a guide to see even more of the park.

Dado Beach is clean and spacious, as well as being the longest beach in Haifa. There is a public gym, lifeguards for safety and even a salt water ‘pool’ for children to swim in.

The Sculptures Garden, Gan Hapsalim, is a bit of a hidden treat. It has plenty of parking space, if you have hired a car, and is perfect for an urban hike. With plenty of sculptures and a view over Haifa, it provides a bit of quiet in such a bustling city.

There is so much to do in the city and a few mote tourist attractions in Israel that are worthy of a mention. Visit the German Colony, see the Sammy Ofer Stadium, check out the cave of Elijah or walk down Yefe Nof Street to soak in the incredible views. You can visit the  Stella Maris Lighthouse and the Carmelite Monastery, or take a trip to Haifa Zoo!

After a busy morning of visiting the tourist attractions in Israel, you will surely want to food! Ha Sandwichim shel Bracha (Bracha’s Sandwiches) is, as the name suggests, a sandwich shop. One of the cheapest places to eat in Haifa, they’re labelled as the best sandwiches in Haifa! The perfect lunch option in the city. Previous visitors suggest letting Bracha decide what you have on your sandwich, which is prepared freshly in front of you!

Hanamal 24 is a gourmet restaurant offering Mediterranean and European food. With a ‘room for two’ offer if you want a romantic meal and a hugely varied menu, it’s easy to see why so many people recommend this place if you’re looking for somewhere special.

Sangria Tapas Bar is the place to go if you’re after seafood in Haifa. With proper Spanish sangria and a huge choice on the menu, as well as a cosy atmosphere, everybody seems to love this restaurant.

Whilst we didn’t stay overnight in Haifa as we opted to do a day tour, staying for more than one day would give you more time to truly experience and appreciate this city. Below are my recommendations for some of the best places to stay in Haifa.

The Haifa Bay View Hotel is only a 2 minute walk from the Baha’i Gardens. With bright and modern decor, sea views, WiFi, parking and great disabled access, this is a great choice. There is also a kosher Chinese restaurant at this hotel!

The Bay Club is an Atlas Boutique hotel. For something a bit more luxurious, this hotel has a stunning terrace and greenery as well as beautifully decorated rooms. Pets are welcome here, there is free WiFi and family rooms are available.

The 1926 Designed ApartHotel is a colourful choice. Excellently located a 5 minute walk from the port and only 550 yards away from the train station, this is the perfect choice no matter how you’re getting to the city. It’s also surrounded by cafés and pubs so if you’re into socialising, this is the hotel for you.

Port Inn is again 5 minutes walk from the port, and you can choose between dormitory rooms, private rooms and apartments depending on what you want. With a sun terrace, garden, air-conditioning, free WiFi and private parking, this is a great choice if you’re looking somewhere fairly affordable to stay in Haifa.

And on to the next destination with plenty of tourist attractions in Israel. Masada, in the Southern District of Israel, is an ancient fortification on top of an isolated rock plateau. On the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, it’s a popular place to see when visiting Israel as it is home to some of the magnificent tourist attractions in Israel.

We visited during our tour through Israel. It was actually one of the highlights of our trip, although we were very under prepared (we often to hike, in 35 degree heat, in flip flops…). I wish that we had done a little more research prior to visiting Masada so to help others I will share what I learnt…

Masada is the perfect day trip and there are organised tours from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv . You can also drive to Masada if you have rented a car , like we did.

It takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive from Jerusalem to Masada, and just over two hours to get there from Tel Aviv. You can also get the bus if you are travelling on more of a budget. From Jerusalem, catch the 486 bus. It runs 5 times per day, stopping at the Masada Junction a short walk from the entrance to Masada National Park. From Tel Aviv, there is one bus per day (number 421).

One of the main things to do in Masada is hiking and the trails here are some of the great nature-based tourist attractions in Israel. There are two hiking trails available, depending on your fitness levels and preferences. You can take a short walk along the Ramp Trail from the western side of the mountain, or a longer hike up Snake Path.

If walking isn’t for you, or if you are travelling in the height of summer like we did, there is a cable car that takes you to the summit. It leaves every 10 minutes from the visitor’s centre. Whatever way you get there, you’re guaranteed fantastic views!

As well as being the departure point for the cable car, the visitor’s centre also has a museum. Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the museum tells its story. There are excavated artefacts and plenty of information about the history of Masada.

Set across three levels, you can see Herod’s Northern Palace at the northern tip of the plateau. With a staircase, terraces, baths and more, it’s absolutely fascinating to behold, making this one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Israel.

Plenty of other ancient architecture can be seen, all impressive tourist attractions in Israel. There is a synagogue at Masada, one of the oldest in the world – as well as a bath house, a Byzantine church, and the western palace which was actually Herod’s official residence. Wander around these incredible buildings and their reminds, and you’ll be completely awestruck.

There is a light show too. Twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) during the summer months between March and October, visitors flock to the Masada amphitheater. This can only be reached on the road from Arad. The light and sound show tells the history of Masada and if light shows are your thing then this just might be one of your favourite tourist attractions in Israel.

The best time to visit Masada

Israel is a hot country. However, the winter months do see lower temperatures at times. In January the temperature in Masada can get as low as 10°C with highs of 21°C – but in July and August, it goes up to around 40°C. If you can handle the heat you’ll be able to visit and hike Masada at any time of year, but it is something to bear in mind!

In terms of what time of day to visit Masada, sunrise is recommended. Not only is it not yet the hottest point of the day, it is also absolutely beautiful to see the sun rise above the desert. Tours are often arranged to arrive in time to see this.

If you are wanting to hike, you definitely need to get there early. The Snake Path is one of the most iconic hikes in Israel. At 400m long, it takes between one hour and ninety minutes to climb. The path opens around one hour before sunrise but on hot days, it will be closed by 9am for visitors’ safety.

To visit the museum and the rest of the national park, the opening times are as follows:

April to September: 8am-5pm

October to March: 8am-4pm

Summer: 8am-4pm

Winter: 8am-3pm

Masada: practical information

To enter the Masada National Park, there is an entrance fee. The tariff is as follows:

• Adult: NIS 77
• Child: NIS 45
• Israeli senior citizen: NIS 62
• Adult: NIS 59
• Child: NIS 31
• Israeli senior citizen: NIS 30
• Adult: NIS 31
• Child: NIS 17
• Israeli senior citizen: NIS 16

The entry fees for the light show are as follows:

• Adult: NIS 41
• Child: NIS 34

For groups of over 30 people, adult tickets are NIS 37 and child tickets are NIS 28. The light show starts at 9pm between March and August, with shows in September and October starting at 8pm. You are advised to arrive 30 minutes beforehand.

If you are taking a day trip from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or elsewhere then you likely have your accommodation sorted. However, you may be looking to spend the night closer to Masada. There are a few options available depending on what you are looking for:

Or Gani is a guest house with WiFi, free private parking, air condition and private bathrooms. Reviews cite the host as being kind and caring with excellent breakfast-making skills! With Masada around 9 miles away, it’s one of the closest authentic-style accommodations to the national park.

Dead Sea Yehuda Apartments are self-catering, and located around 10 miles from Masada. With free parking and free WiFi as well as your own kitchen and bathroom, the accommodation has everything you need.

For a hotel, check out the Daniel Dead Sea Hotel around 8.5 miles from Masada. Free WiFi, free parking, a pool & spa as well as sea views and a kid’s club make it perfect for everyone. The beach is nearby, too!

If you’re looking for luxury, Spa Club Dead Sea Hotel is the place for you. Again, it’s around 8.5 miles away from Masada and parking is available. The hotel ticks a lot of boxes in terms of accessibility, and offers an extensive list of spa treatments.

Bethlehem, a Palestinian West Bank town south of Jerusalem, is an important destination for a lot of pilgrims and travellers and home to several important tourist attractions in Israel.

At 66km away, Ben Gurion (TLV) is the closest airport to Bethlehem. Direct international flights reach this airport from a wide number of major cities worldwide: NYC, London, Paris and many more.

It is approximately a one hour drive to Bethlehem from Ben Gurion Airport. You can hire a car at the airport! Drive via Route 1. You might want to leave the car when you get close though and take the bus.

Bethlehem is still a contested territory and there remains to be uneasiness between Israel and Palestine . I experienced it during my trip when I saw several fights and was advised by the locals not to stay out after dark! So I wouldn’t take any risks when travelling in this region. We took the touristy bus, which I thought was the safest option.

If you do choose to reach Bethlehem via public transport, there are four different buses you will need to take, and here is the route:

• From Terminal 3 at the airport, take the x5 towards קרית שדה התעופה_קרית שדה תעופה
• After approximately 20 minutes, get off at the El-Al Junction
• From here, take the 947 towards ירושלים_התחנה המרכזית
• After around half an hour, you will reach Jerusalem Central Bus Station
• From here, take the 75 towards Homat Schumel
• After a 15 minute journey, alight at HaBankim Junction/Hevron Road
• From here, take the 231 towards גוש עציון_באב אל-זקאק
• Get off 20 minutes later at Bab El-Zakak/Beit Jala Road
• From here it is around 11 minutes to the centre of Bethlehem on foot

Taxis are not authorised to enter Bethlehem when coming from Ben Gurion. You can get a taxi to Jerusalem, and then another on to Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is heralded as the birthplace of Jesus and home to some of the best tourist attractions in Israel. It is, therefore, a place of religious significance – and those who practise or are interested in the Christian religion will have a lot to see when visiting the town. Having said that, a day in Bethlehem is enough time to see the tourist attractions in Israel that are located here.

Several of the tourist attractions in Israel are biblical sites. The Church of the Nativity (well, a grotto within it) is said to be the exact spot where Jesus was born. You will likely have to queue, but this is pretty much THE place to visit in terms of Christian pilgrimage. It is beautiful as well as significant, and has terraced gardens, original mosaic flooring and various convents to explore.

The Chapel of the Milk Grotto is a Catholic chapel. It takes its name from the story that sees the holy family (Mary, Joseph and Jesus) hiding in the chapel during the Massacre of the Innocents. As the tale goes, a drop of milk fell from Mary onto the floor of the cave and turned it white.

If you like scenery, Shepherd’s Field is the one. This stunning site is also, according to the gospel of Luke, the place where the angel announced the birth of Jesus. With soft, sloping hills and lush green land, it really is beautiful. It is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Israel.

TIP: if you’re not looking to stay in Bethlehem itself, you can take a day trip from Jerusalem.

Solomon’s Pools are three ancient pools located just southwest of Bethlehem. Once part of an ancient water system, it is one of the oldest sites tourists can visit in the area. Legend says that King Solomon actually built the pools for his wives to bathe in! If history is your thing this will be one of your favourite tourist attractions in Israel.

Rachel’s Tomb is important to the Jewish faith. It is draped in a velvet cloth and surrounded by eleven stones to represent eleven of her sons – there is no stone to represent Benjamin, her twelve son, who’s birth she died during.

The Palestinian Heritage Centre is home to a multure of authentic Palestinian items. Clothing, jewellery and home decor is lovingly crafted by local Palestinian woman, and profit from sold items goes to support families in need in Bethlehem. This is one of the most philanthropic tourist attractions in Israel.

The Old Bethlehem Museum offers a real insight into old Palestinian life and culture. You’ll find it within a typical 19th century Palestinian home, making the whole experience feel even more real. There is an embroidery centre upstairs, too.

Rewined is popular for its local drinks, shisha and terrace with a view – most visitors are people who live in the area, but you’ll be made to feel welcomed. 

Nirvana Café is a student haunt, with a varied food/drink menu and Saturday karaoke.

Special Café offers home-baked cakes and pastries as well as excellent coffee if you need a bit of a caffeine fix in somewhere with a laid-back vibe.

Star & Bucks, poking fun at the well-known coffee chain found across the globe, is popular with tourists because it’s a good laugh. The coffee (and tea) is meant to be good there, though, and they have free WiFi if you happen to need it. I got excited for a moment when I saw this coffee shop thinking that I could purchase a new addition for my mug collection …. sadly not!

Afteem Restaurant offers traditional architecture and even more traditional food: falafel and hummus.

Fawda Café & Restaurant is on everybody’s list. Owned by chef Fadi Kattan, the restaurant is part of a boutique hotel. There is a four-course set menu and exquisite Palestinian wine. Booking is absolutely essential here.

Herodian Guesthouse , located 700m from the Church of the Nativity, offers single, double and family rooms. It has free WiFi and private parking, outdoor seating and eating areas, city and mountain views and more. Restaurants and markets are nearby, and it is within easy reach of a lot of the popular tourist sites.

Al Salam Hotel is in the centre of Bethlehem. With a bright and colourful interior and plenty of things to see/do nearby, this is a great choice. The hotel offers single, double, twin and triple rooms; there is free WiFi, air-conditioning, free public parking, a restaurant on site and so much more.

House of Peace is more of a hostel. There are private rooms and dormitories, but all bathrooms are shared. Past visitors praise the cleanliness of the hostel, which has comfortable beds, free WiFi and parking, a shared kitchen, outdoor seating spaces and more.

If you’re after an apartment, check out Giovanni Apartment . It sleeps 7, so is ideal for big group trips. There is a garden, free WiFi and a small kitchenette. On-site parking is available if you are driving, too.

Eilat is a city in the south of Israel and some great tourist attractions in Israel. A port town on the Red Sea , it’s a far cry from other parts of Israel frequented by tourists. But it’s worth a visit all the same.

We actually ended up in Eilat by accident when our flight to Tel Aviv was cancelled and we took a bus to Israel from Egypt instead. Whilst it might not have been on our original itinerary, however, Eilat was a lovely place to visit and I would highly recommend it because it is home to some of the best tourist attractions in Israel! Here’s my complete guide to visiting Eilat, Israel.

The closest airport to Eilat is actually King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan. This is over the border in Jordan. Direct flights reach Aqaba from London, but most flights require a stopover. To get from Aqaba to Eilat, you will need to cross the border. This cannot be done in a rental car, so bear that in mind and if you plan to hire a car do so when you reach Israel.

There are three places to cross the border into Israel. To get from Aqaba to Eilat, choose the Yitzhak Rabin Terminal – it is the closest to each of the two cities. You can get a taxi from the airport which will take you to the border crossing, and taxis are available on the other side too. You will need to pre-arrange your visa! Shuttle buses leave twice daily from Aqaba airport to the border, so if you are lucky you may catch one of these.

If you want to avoid crossing the border, fly to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Direct flights reach Ben Gurion from most major cities worldwide. You can hire a car from here and take the almost four hour drive to Eilat at your leisure. 

It is also possible to get from the airport to Eilat without car hire. Take a taxi from Ben Gurion to Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, and catch the 370 bus to the bus station in Beersheba. From here, take the 397 bus to Eilat Central Station. While the journey is long, it is not particularly difficult. Beware, however, that Friday is a holiday in Israel and many buses do not run! We were caught out and ended up staying an extra night in Eilat, which wasn’t our plan!

Things to see in Eilat, Israel

There are some great tourist attractions in Israel based here. The Eilat Mountains are vast and absolutely breathtaking. You can hike from the nature reserve, and there are various different routes. The trails follow ancient trade routes as well as the great Rift Valley. It’s also possible to see four different country from various points while hiking. As long as the weather is decent, you might be able to spot Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as nearby Jordan and Israel itself.

If hiking isn’t for you, jeep tours are available. They’re a lot more relaxed than hiking, and you can even try local cheese and herbal tea. There is various wildlife in the area: the Striped Hyena, the Dorcas Gazelle, the Golden Jackal. You might be lucky enough to spot them!

For some people, riding a camel is high on their bucket list when visiting Israel or other countries with large desert areas. You can ride a camel in Eilat. Camel Ranch is really nearby, and accessible by taxi – though they also offer a free shuttle service to and from the main road in Eilat. The ranch offers camel rides as well as donkey carts, bungee jumping and their very own rope park. Refreshments are available as well as shaded area and free parking. 

With a 10km shoreline, Eilat has plenty of beaches, making these major tourist attractions in Israel. Some have lifeguards and some don’t, and some are affiliated with the various hotels along the shore. The beaches in Eilat are all different, so you’ll be able to choose the right one for you.

• Kisuki Beach, for example, is quite rocky. It has no lifeguards, but offers plenty of water sports .
• Dolphin Reef Beach is popular because, unsurprisingly, you can see and interact with dolphins there. It’s a pretty beach with place to snorkel and a bar.
• Migdalor Beach is particularly peaceful. There is a lighthouse over the road, where the beach gets its name from, and it is one of the more quieter beaches.
• Village Beach has a bar with plenty of parties, and offers activities like beach volleyball. Not only this, but it has a tanning raft in the water too!
• Bar Beach is popular with scuba divers. The beach is on a natural reef reserve, and there is also a restaurant there.

One of the most popular beaches in Eilat – and the most famous – is Coral Beach. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive here and there is so much to see. There’s more than 100 types of coral here! There is also around 650 different species of fish here, too. The water is clear and warm, and the Coral Beach Nature Reserve and Underwater Marine Observatory are close by. This is one of my favourite tourist attractions in Israel.

Eilat is a great place to simply chill out and relax on the beach. The beaches are clean and have a very European feel to them, unlike the Egyptian beaches that are just down the shoreline. During out visit there was some tension between the Israelis and the Palestinians and we even got to see the iron dome in use! I wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting Israel during a war, like we did, but there was no arguing that it wasn’t an educational experience!

It doesn’t rain much in Eilat. December is probably the wettest month with around 5mm or rainfall on average throughout the month – August is the driest, when it barely rains at all.

July and August are the hottest months, hitting high temperatures of 40°C and lows of 26-27°C. January is the coolest month of the year. It gets a high as 21°C and as low as 10°C during the month.

The weather in Eilat makes it a pleasant beach holiday destination year round.

No matter what you’re after, there is plenty of accommodation in Eilat, as you can see on the map below.

Here are some of my personal recommendations-

Herod’s Palace Hotel & Spa is a spot of luxury in Eilat. The rooms are spacious, modern and clean with balconies and free WiFi. Free private paring is available, there is a bar and restaurant and plenty of space to relax. With a gym, children’s area and large pool, there’s always something to do. The nearest beach is a mere 200 yards away!

Prima Music Hotel offers something a bit different. There is a music room, where you can spin records yourself, and the colourful rooms are complete with stern systems. There is free WiFi and public parking, a pool and spa facilities, and a 24h front desk. Coral Beach is just 5 minutes away by foot.

Exodus Hoste l offers both private rooms and dormitories. A little less central, the hostel still has everything you’ll need: free WiFi, a pool, a garden & barbecue, shared kitchen and more. Pets are welcome, too! The nearest beach is around 1300 yards away.

There you have it, a complete guide to visiting Eilat, Israel. Enjoy your stay!

Mitzpe Ramon

This was one of my favourite tourist attractions in Israel. Nestled in southern Israel, Mitzpe Ramon is a far cry from the more tourist-driven areas of the country. But that’s the main reason why I loved it!

Somewhat reminiscent of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Mitzpe Ramon is eerily quiet, yet spectacularly beautiful. If you get a chance, I would absolutely recommend visiting Mitzpe Ramon on your travels through Israel and add it to your list of must-visit tourist attractions in Israel.

This is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Israel, for sure. One of the main draws of Mitzpe Ramon is its proximity to the Ramon Crater. The town is right on the edge of the crater, which you can discover more about further down this blog post. The visitor centre and museum for the creator is located in the town, too.

We loved just looking out at the view. There were barely any tourists and it was really peaceful. There are some ruins around the area and random statues too. This was one of my favourite tourist attractions in Israel.

Another reason to visit Mitzpe Ramon is its Spice Quarter. Warehouses and hangars have been transformed into businesses, both cultural and touristic. Cafés, hotels, a bakery, a dance school, a jazz club and more can be found within the Spice Quarter.

Israel’s only alpaca farm can be found in Mitzpe Ramon, too. It costs NIS 25 (under £6 sterling) for entry, and there are alpacas, llamas and horses. Children can ride the llamas and alpacas, and anyone can ride the horses. This is a working farm, and visitors can explore the weaving factory as well as feeding the animals.

Mitzpe Ramon is also a great base for accessing Zin Valley and Ein Avdat, which are brilliant hiking locations. There are jeep tours, bike trails and wine tasting experiences nearby, too.

The closest airport to the town is the new (as of 2019) Ramon Airport. It is just over 130km away from Mitzpe Ramon, and around 1.5 hour drive. Public transport takes around 2.5 hours. Due to how recently the airport opened, not a lot of flight routes have been established. There are not a lot of direct international flights operating at present – more seasonal flights are due to be released over the next few months, however.

The second closest airport to Mitzpe Ramon is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. This is the largest international airport in the country, and flights operate to and from a variety of major cities worldwide. You can fly here from London, New York, Munich and more. At just over 180km from Mitzpe Ramon, and a 2 hour drive, it isn’t too far to consider flying here. Car rental services are available from Ben Gurion Airport.

The average high temperature ranges from around 13°C in January, to 31°C in July. The average low temperature ranges from 6.6°C in January, to 19.7°C in July.

The hottest months are between May and September. The coldest months are between December and March. However, the location above the crater means that the wind is fairly strong – this means  that it often feels colder than it is in Mitzpe Ramon.

There are plenty of places to stay within the Mitzpe Ramon area.

Ramon Suites by Smart Hotels offer comfortable suites in a great location. The suites have private bathrooms and free WiFi (the hotel also provide laptops you can use if need be) as well as free private parking, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and more. With bright and modern decor, spacious seating areas and brilliant access to the crater, this is a great choice if you’re looking for a hotel in the area.

VILA KEDEM is a private villa that sleeps 13. It offers true luxury: a private pool, hot tub, terrace and barbecue facilities as well as stunning decor, gorgeous views, free WiFi, and a whole 2368 ft² so you have plenty of space. Located in the town of Mitzpe Ramon, this is the perfect choice if there’s a big group of you travelling together. With a large kitchen, soundproof rooms and three bathrooms there is plenty of opportunity for privacy, too.

Spice Quarter Inn offers a variety of different room types. There are family rooms and dorm-style rooms, all with private bathrooms. The hotel is said to have a lovely community feeling, with a shared lounge area and a sun terrace. Pets are allowed here, and the hotel can arrange activities such as archery, horse riding, pub crawls and more! This is the ideal hotel for a family trip to Israel, and as it’s located in the Spice Quarter there is plenty to do in the immediate surrounding areas.

Now you know a bit more about planning trip to Mitzpe Ramon, let’s talk about the main attraction! The Ramon Crater – also know as Makhtesh Ramon – is an erosion crater. This type of landform is unique to the Negev Desert in Israel, where the Ramon Crater is, and to Egypt’s Sinai Desert.

An erosion crater or makhtesh is a large erosion cirque. They were caused around 220 million years ago, when the areas were covered by oceans. The Ramon Crater is around 40km long, and between 2 and 10km wide. The Ramon Nature Reserve is Israel’s largest national park.

There is plenty to do at the Ramon Crater, such as:

• Stargazing (with snacks and mattresses to ensure comfort)
• Abseiling (also known as rappelling )
• Camel Lookout viewpoint
• The Albert Promenade (decorated with environmental structures, and leading to the so-called bird balcony where birds will soar below your feet)
• Jeep and 4X4 tours

You can also camp in the Ramon Crater. Khan Be’erot Camping Ground is the only location within the crater itself, and has a capacity of 700 people. You can bring your own tent, or come in a group (such as a school or university trip) and stay in the larger tents available with mattresses. There are also ‘staff’ rooms with bunk beds.

The camping ground has electrical outlets, barbecues, a kitchen, drinking water, tables with benches, and some showers and toilets. You can find more information here .

Mount Tabor

When it comes to visiting Israel, there are plenty of biblical sites to explore, which are some of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Israel. One of the places that we stopped off at was Mount Tabor, which I would recommend.

The dome-shaped mountain is located in Lower Galilee. At the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley, it offers 360 degree views of Northern Israel. On a clear day, visitors can see the valley as well as Mount Gilboa, the Samarian mountains, the Golan Heights, Mount Carmel, Afula, Gilead, both Lower and Upper Galilee and even Mount Hermon, at the Lebanese border- wow! This is certainly one of the best tourist attractions in Israel for views!

The closest international airport is Ben Gurion. You can get flights to here from various major cities worldwide: London, Munich, NYC, Paris. From here there are various ways to get to Mount Tabor and, of course, the nearby areas where you can stay.

Car hire is available at Ben Gurion Airport, and most tourists (myself included!) claim that driving is the easiest way to travel around Israel. We used Europcar , which was great value for money, quick and simple.

Whilst we didn’t drive directly from the airport to Mount Tabor, you can do if you wish. The drive to the Mount Tabor area is around 1.5 hours.

The nearest village is Kfar Tavor. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to get here by public transport. The 50 train will take you to Tel Aviv-Hashalom, where the 825 bus from Azrieli Mall will take you to the centre of Afula. From here, you can get the 442 bus for the 20 minute journey to Kfar Tavor.

Nazareth is also close to Mount Tabor. Getting here also takes 2.5 hours, but might be slightly less complicated. It again involves the 50 train from Ben Gurion to Tel Aviv, then you’ll get the 826 bus from Azrieli Mall directly to Hapikud Junction in Nazareth.

From either of these towns, you can drive to Mount Tabor. You can also walk via the Israel National Trail. This will take a few hours but if you’re a keen walker, it might be worth doing! Once you get to the peak, there is a car park area from which you can continue driving to the summit. Again, you can hike to the summit instead or hop on a minibus.

If driving or hiking isn’t your thing, guided tours and day trips to Mount Tabor and the surrounding area are also available.

There are a few tourist attractions in Israel based here. There is an entire church complex at Mount Tabor, making this one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Israel. Known as the Church of the Transfiguration, it is a Franciscan church believed to be the site where the Transfiguration of Christ happened. The current church was built in the 1920s on the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church and a 12th-century Crusader Kingdom church.

The Church of Transfiguration contains three grottoes. These belonged to the Crusader church and are said to represent the three huts that Peter wanted to build, for Jesus, Moses and Elias/Elijah. The Grotto of Christ is in the eastern part of the church, and there are two chapels – one for Moses and one for Elijah.

There is also a gold mosaic within the church. On August 6th each year, the sun strikes a glass plate which illuminates the mosaic. This date is considered to be the day of the Transfiguration.

The church is surrounded by the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. It’s interesting to walk around and soak up the architecture, even if you’re not particularly interested in biblical sites.

TIP: the church is open from 8-11.45am and then again from 2-5pm, and modest clothing is required for entry.

If you’re a keen walker, hiking up Mount Tabor is an incredible way to spend a day. At 575m high, the mountain is not particularly high – so you don’t need too much hiking experience. There are three different hiking trails:

• The Long Trail: beginning at the Bedouin village or Shibli, at the foot of Mount Tabor, this trail is 5km long.
• The Short Trail: this is a 2.5km nature trail at the summit.
• The Israel National Trail: this much lounger route encompasses Mount Tabor.

There are also plenty of beautiful walking trails in the woodlands surrounding the mountain itself, which are nice tourist attractions in Israel. You can also do jeep tours that encompass Mount Tabor! If you’re feeling really daring, you can actually paraglide at Mount Tabor if the wind conditions are right for it.

Where to stay when visiting Mount Tabor

As mentioned above, there are two places you can stay that are close to Mount Tabor. These are Nazareth and Kfar Tavor. There are plenty of options depending on what you’re after…

At 1.8 miles from Mount Tabor, the Pearl of the Valley Hotel is bright, modern and spacious. It has free WiFi and free parking, as well as a bar, a garden and terrace, a chapel and a 24h front desk. There is a petrol station nearby, which is ideal if you are driving around Israel, and the location is ideal for hiking.

Just outside of Kfar Tavor and approximately 4 miles from the mountain itself, you can book a beautiful 6-capacity villa . With a city view, functional kitchen, modern decor and plenty of outdoor space, this accommodation is ideal for larger families. The kitchen means you are free to eat whenever you want! There is free WiFi, and pets are allowed too. There’s even a jacuzzi…

2.5 miles from Mount Tabor lies a beautiful country house . It has rooms that sleep up to 4, all with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. There’s free WiFi, an outdoor dining area, wellness facilities and the opportunity to arrange airport drop offs.

The Al Mutran Guest House , in the old city of Nazareth, is a 200 year old Arab mansion that has been converted into a hotel. There are a variety of room types, from economy rooms to family rooms – all are non-smoking. The guest house has free WiFi, private parking, traditional decor and stunning rooms. Mount Tabor is around 5 miles away.

The eConci Apartments in the Latin Quarter sleep up to 5 people. It’s one apartment, with two bedrooms and a sofa bed – there’s a balcony and fantastic views, airport transport can be arranged and the kitchen provides the freedom to eat whenever you want. Mount Tabor is 5.2 miles from this apartment.

Sea of Galilee

This is another of the best tourist attractions in Israel. The Sea of Galilee, whilst not technically a sea, is one of the most important biblical landmarks in the world. It is where Jesus is said to have walked on water. Every year tourists flock to visit – so here’s everything you need to know about making a trip to Sea of Galilee.

The Sea of Galilee is in the northeast of Israel. It is located in the Jordan Rift Valley, between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region. This valley was caused by the separation of the African and Arabian plates – so earthquakes are common.

Confusingly, the Sea of Galilee is actually a lake. It is the lowest freshwater lake on the planet, at levels of between 215m (705ft) and 209m (686ft) below sea level! This makes it one of the most noteworthy tourist attractions in Israel.

Only the best tourist attractions in Israel have multiple names, right? There are various other names for the lake itself. This can get confusing: street signs or information boards might not say what you’re expecting them to say. Other names include:

• Lake Tiberias
• Kinneret/Kinnereth
• Buhayrat Tabariya
• Yam Kinneret

Fun fact: Kinneret is Hebrew for ‘violin’ – this is said to be the shape the lake most closely resembles.

The closest city to the Sea of Galilee is Tiberias. To get to Tiberias, you can fly to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv. Flights arrive here from various cities around the world such as London, Paris, Madrid, Los Angeles and more.

The airport is 130km from Tiberias. Whether you choose the 1.5 hour drive (you can hire a car or use a local taxi company) or the 3 hour train and bus journey, there are plenty of ways to get to the city. 

Tiberias is on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. You will have fantastic views of the lake from the city, and especially from the newly renovated Tiberias Promenade.

You can also incorporate a visit to the area on a day trip from other Israeli cities. A lot of tourists choose to stay in either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, and there are a variety of organised tours that take you to see the Sea of Galilee amongst other fascinating places. 

There are plenty of beaches around the lake, which make for great tourist attractions in Israel. Depending on what you’re after, there is bound to be the perfect beach for you. Tsemach Beach is one of the best: for a small fee you can enjoy all the amenities it has to offer. These include chairs, umbrellas, dining facilities, lifeguards and an on-site water park!

Gofra Beach is another popular beach around the Sea of Galilee – especially with campers. Open all week, it is lined with Eucalyptus trees making it perfectly shaded for pitching tents. Upgrade your pitch to include a picnic table, lighting, a fridge and more.

Another tourist haven in the area is Bora Bora Beach. Privately owned, it has everything you might need. From sofas to grassy areas, shower and restrooms, various seating levels and long opening hours – the beach has it all. Perfect for families, couples and party-goers alike, Bora Bora Beach is a favourite among visitors to the area around the lake. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel for relaxation.

Other than relaxing on the beach, the area has several other tourist attractions in Israel. You can go kayaking or canoeing in the lake itself, marvel at the stunning Church of the Beatitudes or hike along the 35km trail known as Shvil Sovev Kinneret.

Tiberias promenade offers a light show in the evening, there is a spa built around the hot springs of the area and the Hamat Tiberias National Park offers fantastic archaeological sites.

Of course, given the biblical importance of the Sea of Galilee, there are a lot of religious things to see and do. The Jesus Boat Museum houses a 2000-year-old boat as well as other historic artefacts, and you can see the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Capernaum National Park (sometimes called the town of Jesus) is there, as well as Tabgha – the garden where Jesus fed the 5,000. There are so many Christian sites in and around the area, so if it’s something you’re interested in you’re bound to have a fruitful visit.

There are so many options when it comes to finding somewhere to stay at or near the Sea of Galilee. Whether you’re after a hotel, apartment, chalet or something different, here are some ideas…

Tiberias Vacation Apartments offer modern decor, a varied continental breakfast and stunning sea views. There’s free WiFi, a sun terrace, free private parking and pets are allowed, too. In the centre of Tiberias, the apartments are well located and look out over the Sea of Galilee.

Cnaan Village Boutique Hotel & Spa is excellently located with panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee. As you might expect, it has a boutique vibe: a spa and wellness centre, slippers and bathrobes in the rooms, free Wifi and parking, air conditioning and much more. The rooms have flat-screen TVs, and guests are welcomed with complimentary wine, soft drinks, chocolate, fruit and more. It’s perfect for something a bit special!

The White Chalet View , as the name suggests, offers a great view of the Sea of Galilee. Pets are allowed, there’s a pool and free WiFi, a private bathroom for each chalet, BBQ facilities and more. The pool area has a jacuzzi and plenty of loungers, and the class are perfect for couples and families alike.

Trust Inn is an apartment that sleeps 8. With four bedrooms, a kitchen, a pool and plenty of living space, it makes the perfect option for group trips.

The final destination on this list of tourist attractions in Israel is Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is an exciting city renowned for its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine. As the largest city in Israel, it is a major tourist destination for people from around the world . There are plenty of tourist attractions in Israel based in Tel Aviv, from exploring its historical sites and monuments to enjoying the city’s beaches and culinary delights.

One of the top tourist attractions in Israel in Tel Aviv is the Mediterranean Sea, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful white-sand beaches. Visitors can spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, or participating in a variety of water sports such as snorkeling and paddleboarding. There are also a variety of beachfront restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views.

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is another popular destination in the city. Museums make for some of the best tourist attractions in Israel and this one is no exception. The museum features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world, as well as a selection of Israeli artworks. Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent collection, take part in the museum’s educational programs and events, or visit the museum shop for unique souvenirs.

For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the Old City of Jaffa is a must. This ancient port city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a variety of historical monuments and sites. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleyways, explore the ancient fortifications, and visit the archaeological site. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel.

Tel Aviv is also a great destination for foodies. The city is known for its vibrant culinary scene, and there are plenty of restaurants serving up delicious dishes from around the world. From traditional Israeli dishes to international cuisines, you can find something to satisfy your cravings in Tel Aviv.

No matter what you’re looking for, there are plenty of things to do in Tel Aviv. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or a cultural experience, Tel Aviv has something for everyone.

As you can see, there are many fantastic tourist attractions in Israel. Some of the tourist attractions in Israel are cultural, historical or religious and some of the tourist attractions in Israel are relaxation-focussed. But whatever you’re in to, the tourist attractions in Israel have something to suit you.

If you enjoyed this article on the tourist attractions in Israel, I am sure that you will love these too:

• 12 surprising facts about the Dead Sea
• 15 Incredible Tourist Attractions in Jordan + detailed guide
• An Incredible 8 Days in Jordan with Kids
• 7 Incredible Sights Along The Kings Highway Jordan
• Driving in Jordan: 10 things you NEED to know

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Home » Middle East » Israel » 28 BEST Things to Do in Israel – The Must-Sees and Dos of the Holy Land!

28 BEST Things to Do in Israel – The Must-Sees and Dos of the Holy Land!

Today, we’re talking about the top things to do in Israel, and I’m really excited to! Partly, that’s because there is a lot of dope stuff in Israel. It’s not just that though.

There’s also a lot of tourism in Israel. People already know the score: Jerusalem, parties in Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, Nazareth, floating in the Dead Sea, Jericho… You get it. These are the big draws.

That’s why I’m really excited to write this list. Because the famous Israel ancient sites and typical itinerary hits aren’t the part of Israel that I enjoyed. The part that I enjoyed was everything that fell in between. The nuances and complexities that tie all of it together.

I’ll cover some touristy attractions and destinations in Israel, of course, but what you’re more going to find here is more a homage to my two months in Israel. A homage to those wonderful little nuances that I found and a tribute (and statement) to those complexities.

These are my best things to do in Israel. I can assure you there’ll be no other list on the interwebs like it. Consider this your jumping-off point for writing your own uniquely-you story in Israel.

Because today you are you and that is truer than true.

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The Top Things to Do in Israel

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Opening the list, we have the top of the top! What constitutes “top”? Well, I figured there are some things that everyone planning a trip to Israel is going to do, so let’s smash ‘em out real quick. These may not strictly be my best things to do in Israel but you’re probably gonna do them anyway so let’s hop to it!

1. Eat Hummus

I lied! That’s called subverting expectations! I just manipulated your emotions – muahahahah.

This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the top thing to do in Israel. Zion be damned: forget the breathtaking southern landscape and put Jesus back on that cross because all of that is meaningless! Hummus is the best of Israel and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

It’s cheap, it’s plentiful, and it’s everywhere, so put on your hat, take off your pants, and get to gorging. Aim for local; forget the fancy restaurants – hummus was made to be eaten in dank hole-in-the-walls.

Looking for a romantic thing to do in Israel? Well, it’s time for a dinner date! Buy some takeaway hummus, head back to the room, and slather each other up.

Did I go too far? There’s no such thing – it’s hummus. Nothing is sexier than hummus.

2. Lose Your Mind in Jerusalem

Perhaps Jerusalem is like coriander. You’ll either be astounded by the (frankly, gorgeous) architecture and wealth of varying cultures residing in one city, or you’ll take one step inside the Old City and want to spew as some insidious feeling surges in your gut.

If I can be hippy-dippy-bo-bippy for a moment, I genuinely believe that you can’t have so much blood shed in one place without leaving something energetic behind. People lose their mind in Jerusalem.

So, maybe it’ll be a fabulous and historical destination in Israel for you. Conversely, maybe it’ll be your first foray into dark and alternative tourism. Either way, Jerusalem is an unmissable must-see in Israel.

Top tip: If the touristic and over-crowded vibe of the Old City isn’t cutting it, there are plenty of other cool neighbourhoods in Jerusalem to check out all around. A long walk through the city is going to take you from one extreme to the next.

3. Weightlessness in the Dead Sea

This is, naturally, a must-do in Israel. I’d very much be so bold as to say that if you travelled to Israel and DIDN’T go to the Dead Sea, ya dun fucked it!

There are spots around for what can only be described as a ‘day at the beach’. You lounge about in sun chairs, maybe grab a beer, try not to hit the 7-foot angry Russian man in the head with the frisbee again: all-round excellent fun! Kalia Beach is one spot for this style (entry fee: $17) .

Option two is to dirtbag it. Camp out, catch the sunset, presumably the sunrise, and, best of all, it’s free! Metsoke Dragot is one place you can do this but there are also spots in the southern area of the Dead Sea which you’ll have to go find yourself – it’s an adventure!

As for what to do at the Dead Sea itself. It’s pretty simple. Like back and lose all sense of gravity.

4. The Tel Aviv Thing

If you’re backpacking Israel, you’re going to stay in Tel Aviv : it’s a given. Visiting Tel Aviv, by virtue of itself, is a thing to do in Israel.

So what is there to do in Tel Aviv? Take your pick. It’s got Israel’s nightlife up the wazoo, so if you’re seeking techno and Tinder, you’re in the right city.

Jaffa is the old area of Tel Aviv, and it’s here you’ll find a higher concentration of cultural goodness and Arabic vibes. If you really want to see something off Israel’s beaten track, the neighbourhood Neve Sha’anan is still one of the most interesting places I visited in Israel. Everywhere you turn in Tel Aviv you’ll uncover a new piece of street art or some hidden element.

Other than that, I expect you’ll be living the Tel Avivian life. It’s nothing unique; comparable to most other modern, hipster, sort-of-progressive-but-not-really cities. It is, however, the only place to go in Israel that offers this vibe.

Top tip: Tel Aviv is “whoa mama” levels of pricey so book yourself a budget hostel that feeds you a free breakfast, and eat cheap! Abu Adham is the best hummus I had in Tel Aviv (and makes the shortlist for all of Israel) and Falafel Razon has 6 shekel falafel which quite frankly turned me on a little bit.

5. Explore Israel with Abraham Tours

Ya-hah, this is for the ones who like taking tours! You know who you guys are.

I worked rather extensively reviewing the Abraham Tours company and man oh man was it a journey. Was it a whimsical and heartwarming journey to the centre of the goodness of humanity? I wouldn’t say that… it was more like a spiralling decay into the centre of my own nihilistic despair but hey, welcome to Israel! (You know exactly what I’m referring to; don’t worry, we’ll get it.)

So, yeah, Abraham Tours (based on what I experienced first-hand) offer some of the best tours in Israel. It doesn’t have to be all the dark depressing shit either; they also do pretty sunset shit!

I wouldn’t strictly say tours are going to give you the immersive and authentic experience of travelling Israel away from the tourist mishaps, but they are going to give you an incredible level of insight and they do offer some level of shelter from the “rawness” of backpacking in the Middle East (as my colleague so sublimely put it). It’s also what to do for a week in Israel if you’re running short on time.

For a few recommendations, here are my favourites of the tours I did:

Looking for a dope spot? This is the best area in Israel for traveller vibes!

Moving along to the fun stuff now! These are some activities in Israel you can do while blissfully frolicking and gallivanting with gay abandon.

Conflict? What conflict? I don’t see any conflict. Now gimme some sugar!

You will party in Israel. Unless of course, you like your Friday nights (well, Thursday nights in Israel) filled with sewing, Antiques Roadshow, and decaf tea because you don’t want the caffeine to keep you up. In that case, stop reading my articles, Mum!

Parties are everywhere and they are hectic . Israelis really get loose: whether it’s under the stars, in a pool, or partying in the streets of Tel Aviv , the gloves are coming off and so are the shirts! (Hopefully the pants too.)

You’ll find most any types of music at least somewhere in the country accompanied by most any type of delicious substances to complement it. Better yet, there’s psytrance – like good, proper, dugga-inducing, bass-wobbling psy.

A lot of the doof scene in Israel is, sadly, pretty mainstream and far removed from the feral-hippy goodness that I know and love. That said, look hard enough and you’ll find some proper underground throwdowns. Either way, partying is a thing you can fully expect to do in Israel.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

7. Visit an Israel National Park

Israel may be a relatively small country but what it lacks in size, it sure as heck makes up for in sights! Boasting spectacular scenery, Israels draws millions of tourists each year, many with the intention of learning the Holy Land’s history and enjoying the many outdoor activities on offer.

Outdoor fans absolutely have it made with various types of landscapes encompassing hot springs, crashing cascades, beautiful hiking trails, and gently gurgling streams cutting through chalky canyons. Making visiting its National Parks a popular choice when backpacking Israel .

8. Befriend the Kitties

This may not necessarily be a fun thing to do in Israel for you depending on where you fall on the cat-dog spectrum. For me, however, I have more cat pictures backdropped by old limestone architecture than I’d care to admit. (That’s a filthy dirty lie; my untold gigabytes of cat pictures bring me no shame.)

Believe it or not, there are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between India and Israel – West Asia is still Asia after all. So what if you took all the stray dogs in India and transfigured them into kitty cats? Well, you’d have a lot of kitties to pitty-pat!

So the real question is… why are you even still reading this? I just told you that there’s a whole land of cheap hummus, extremely bangable strangers, and stray cats needing cuddles. Get yo’ ass to the Holy Land!

9. Hit the Beach

What’s one benefit of being situated on the Mediterranean Sea? The beaches! Israel gets some good beaches and they’re definitely super pretty destinations (in the right places).

Ideally, get out of Tel Aviv’s overpriced madness and start heading north or south (but not too far south; you’ll hit Gaza). You don’t necessarily have to go too far, however, the best beaches in Israel I found (best meaning chill) was in Haifa… granted, it was winter.

So what are cool things to do on Israel’s beaches are there? Well, prepare yourself for the pseudo-national sport of Israel and the ultimate beach activity anywhere in the world – matkot! It’s like tennis if tennis had no courts and no rules and no real point whatsoever. It raises many questions – mainly, why?

Outside of that, there are a few interesting things to do on Israel’s beaches but nothing too adventurous. Surfing is around but the waves are super meh. The beaches in Israel are mainly for cooling off and chilling to the sweet sweet sounds of men in speedos whacking their balls back-and-forth.

Oh, and the sunsets. It’s the west coast on the Mediterranean and those sunsets are absolutely fucking mesmerising.

It may sound counter-intuitive given the whole missiles thing, but Israel is safe – at least for tourists. Statistically, crime is actually very low (possibly due to the high prevalence of assault rifles) and regarding my personal wellbeing (muggings, thefts, surprise wet willies, etc.), I never felt concerned

That said, there still is that whole missiles thing… You should always consider travelling with insurance and that goes double for going to Israel, especially if you’ll be getting off the beaten track (and in certain cardinal directions, i.e. any of them).

So make sure you’re keyed in and making the smart choices when you’re travelling around Israel:

• Read up on our travel insurance company reviews .
• Refresh your brain with our tops tips for travelling safely .
• And, as a side note, I always travel with a money belt because they’re just so damn handy!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

This is what to do in Israel if you’re a cool cat that wears sunglasses inside and snapbacks with offensive slogans on them! If you floss, you may want to skip this section because you’re clearly not rad enough.

That was a joke. You should always floss. Flossing is one of the best things to do in Israel for your dental hygiene.

10. Skiing at Mount Hermon

Right so skiing on Mount Hermon isn’t exactly the unrivalled legendary powder adventure of Canada or Japan, but it is definitely a cool thing you can do in Israel. The Mount Hermon Ski Resort is only open for skiing during the winter snowfall (generally, January to March). However, outside of these months, you’ll still find a bunch of other nature activities like hiking and mountain biking.

It isn’t a destination in Israel worth chasing for the powderhounds, and it’s expensive too, but it’s still worth the consideration to scratch that skiing itch. It’s a thing to do in Israel in winter and, also, I just find it funny that your skiing in an occupied territory a stone’s throw from Syria on a mountain that’s technically in three countries. Crazy life, man!

11. Get Stuck at Mitzpe Ramon

Mitzpe Ramon is a spectacularly beautiful place in Israel to visit and just one fine example of the wonders of the southern Negev Desert. And, bonus points, it’s a mega-hippy place! Mitzpe Ramon is easily where to go in Israel to smoke joints, watch-breathtaking sunsets, and then probably smoke more joints.

There’s also no shortage of awesome hiking trails around Mitzpe Ramon, and I really can’t do justice to the majesty of the landscape with words alone. If you’ve got the money to get stuck, or the appropriate dirtbag skillset to make it work, this is a point of interest in Israel that you may find slows you down. Good people float in – travellers and Israelis – and there is a lot of niche little things going on firmly accompanied by dreadlocks and funny pants.

One way or another, watching the sunset from the cliff edge over the crater is a must-do in Israel and not to be missed.

12. Find the Dirtbags in Eilat

Speaking of the normal people!

Now, listen, Eilat can eat my farts – it’s super dumb. Hotels, casinos, and crappy club “bangers” spoiling the splendour of the Red Sea with everything being overvalued beyond recognition… perhaps more so than Tel Aviv.

BUT it’s the Red Sea – that shit is so gorgeous! Israel’s south is a spectacular thing to see and no less unmissable than Mitzpe Ramon. So here’s what you do?

You go to Eilat and you keep walking south several kilometres. Before long you’ll be at the beaches where all the grungy folk set up their camping gear on the beach and sleep for free! From there, you’ll have an excellent base to start exploring Israel’s south (that section is coming up soon) and for some Red Sea adventures too.

If that’s not your vibe, well… maybe you’ll really enjoy what things to do there are in Eilat proper.

13. Pick Fresh Fruit

Oh, yes. Fresh oranges, mandarins, this other type of citrus fruit that I forget the name of, and a whole host of other treats depending on the season. They’re yummy too!

You’ll find fresh fruit in a lot of places. You’ll see trees when you’re hiking or passing through some kibbutzim or moshavim fields or hanging over the fence from peoples’ gardens. Even in Tel Aviv, I stumbled across a few trees! Is it ok to pick the fruit?

Well, considering the kibbutzim and moshavim were founded on socialist ideals, I’d say so! Regardless, if you see a tree with such an abundance of fruit that they’re falling on the ground and going to waste, it’s free game. So, not only is this one of my personal best things to do in Israel, it’s a free feed!

14. Learn About the People in Israel

Cool cats show an interest in the culture and people! From Israel’s ancient biblical history to its modern Zionist saga worthy of any anime epic, there’s a lot to learn.

Visiting Israel’s top historical sites is obviously gonna teach you some things, but I’d say it pales in comparison to just talking to people, asking questions, and, most importantly, listening with an open heart. I’d also say, candidly, that learning about what’s happening in Israel now is infinitely more important than the things that may or may not have happened 2000-4000 years ago (though it’s still all connected).

Of course, I’m not just referring to Israeli people here, am I?

The scope of people in Israeli is simply mind-boggling: Israelis, Arabs, Israeli-Arabs, Palestinians, Bedouin, Druze, North and East African refugees, cheap labourers from Asia… The list is huge and I’d say learning and listening is one of the most interesting and important things to do in Israel.

To be further candid, a lot of this stuff is going to hurt. I’ve never been somewhere where I can get culture shock just by catching the bus for an hour but that’s Israel. There is a lot that is going to shatter your worldview, and that makes it all the more important to see these things in Israel.

Finding a place to stay in Israel is easy. Everywhere you travel to, there will be a bed for rent be it one of Israel’s many hostels, hotels, Airbnbs, and other more unique accommodations.

However, this is Israel and travelling in Israel is notoriously expensive. There are ways to live cheap but generally, the accommodation in Israel is a real budget killer, even including the backpacker accommodation. There are cheaper places to stay than others though.

There are decently(ish) priced hostels in Jerusalem or Airbnbs in Tel Aviv that while not strictly cheap, are better value for money. There is also a blessed alternative-living scene in Israel, farms ahoy, and no shortage of hippy and grunge-muffins that prefer the less-affluent life. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open and you’ll find something manageable.

Best Hostel in Israel for Chill Vibes: Fauzi Azar, Nazareth

Although Fauzi Azar is not cheap in any sense, it is a gorgeous guesthouse (with a killer breakfast to accompany) and easily my personal top hostel in Israel . The building itself is spectacular and the staff are mega-friendly. It also just feels really far removed from the tourism sector of Israel, tucked away from the madness in the old city of Nazareth.

Best Hotel in Israel: Savoy Sea Side Hotel, Tel Aviv

Close to Tel Aviv’s beaches, Savoy Sea Side Hotel is a good base for a one-week splurge trip to the White City. From Savoy, you can check out the markets, drink yourself silly at the beaches, or go join the speedo-men for a round of Matkot (that never ends beacuse Matkot has no win-state). Oh, brekky is included too!

Best Airbnb in Israel (in Palestine): Amazing Room in a Villa, Nablus

Man, that is one hell of a pad for less than you’d get a 10-bed dorm for on the Israel side! There’s a lot of sexy amenities here plus it’s a proper opportunity to get a window into Palestinan life. Nablus overall is one of the comparatively more chill places to visit in Palestine.

Best Hostel in Israel for Chillers: Me’ever, Mitzpe Ramon

I already said Mitzpe Ramon was a hippy haven so you can probably guess what you’ll find at Me’ever: joints, solo backpackers, and a decisive lack of shoes! Being in the south of Israel means you’re further away (relatively speaking) from a lot of the tourist destinations, but I’d say that’s kinda the point of coming to Me’ever. It’s a traveller thing.

Me’ever, Mitzpe Ramon is one of our favourites in Israel but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Well, I stayed at a bunch of them, I also reviewed a bunch of them! Check out my review for Abraham Hostels before you arrive as you’ll almost definitely catch wind of them once you do.

Yep, we’re doing this. I’d say the last thing to do in Israel I wrote about was ample priming but before we start, a note.

Visiting Palestine is important. Even if you’re just wondering what to do in Israel for a week, travelling to Palestine is still important. The big question, however:

Is Palestine safe?

It’s more dangerous than Israel in that Israel is highly-developed first-world Americanised country. Palestine, conversely, is pretty clearly far from highly-developed and a system shock for anyone, especially those unused to travelling in a developing country.

That said, Palestine is safe for tourists. It’s simply a matter of putting on your ‘backpacking India hat’ (or any other similar comparison) and knowing how to open your heart to some truly good people without simultaneously lowering your guard.

Okiedoke! Note over; let’s do this.

15. The Wall of Bethlehem

Bethlehem itself is one of Palestine’s and Israel’s top attractions. Naturally, there’s a bunch of Jesus stuff there but the wall is what truly astounds.

It’s the wall that annexes Rachel’s Tomb and divides the West Bank (Palestinian Territory) from Israel. For some, it’s a sign of Israel’s steadfast defense; for others, it’s testament to the ungodly occupation. Regardless, the wall at Bethlehem is a must-see in Israel and Palestine.

So why see the occupation wall? Because of what it represents. Israel has its own ‘Upside Down’ and this is a strong introduction.

The wall is plastered with graffiti (including works by Banksy) from some true artistic marvels to thought-provoking ideas to vitriolic statements. Selfies and Instagram culture is a given, but if you slow down, wander the wall, and really take in what it offers, you’ll be left with impressions that will last your entire lifetime.

16. Stay with a Local Family

The above accommodation recommendation is just one example of all the many places to stay in Palestine. Airbnb has heaps of listings (cheaper than Israel too) and there are plenty of other accommodation options as well.

So what’s the recommendation for a thing to do in Palestine? Stay with a local or locals. Be it through Airbnb, a homestay, or being hosted through Couchsurfing (also super possible in Palestine), stay with a local and learn and listen.

You’ll be getting the grade-A Arabic hospitality treatment (pro tip: if you don’t want more food, don’t finish your plate ), and you’re going to learn a lot about Palestinian life in the process too.

17. Party in Palestine

That’s right! Palestine has got a crazy party scene too; maybe there’s just something in the water in the Holy Land?

Yup, there’s raves in Palestine among other shindigs, and it’s when all the kids smuggle in booze and let loose! (Remembering that this is a predominantly Islamic culture.)

So why not rock up and party with the Palestinians? I can guarantee you that you’ll be the most popular person at the party. As a starting point, head to Ramallah and scope out Radio on a Thursday night. Make some friends and the rest will happen like magic.

18. Visit Hebron

Hebron is one of the most contested points of interest in Israel (competing with Jerusalem for top-dog) and it shows. Nothing in my life could have prepared me for visiting Hebron.

I can’t stress this enough: Hebron is dark and it is heavy . Travelling to Hebron broke my heart – it’s still something I think about every day. For me, it’s a personal recommendation that backpackers that go to Israel make the effort to see Hebron. That said, I can’t fault anyone for opting to not go; it’s a choice.

Hebron is a step from the comfortable (albeit raw) security of Israel into the heavy reality of Palestine and then again into a beast of some wordless description. The air is oppressive, however, the people are good. You will come away from Israel with a whole new depth of understanding and, more importantly, something to say and teach others.

I can’t say it’s the best thing to do in Israel. I can say, however, that it is a must-do in Israel. Masks should be peeled back.

19. Shopping!

Whoa, holy tonal shift, Batman! Let’s go shopping!

Everything gets cheaper in Palestine. New shoes, spices, counterfeit watches, replacement headphones, tobacco, soap from the Dead Sea (is actually ridiculously cheaper weirdly): let’s say you want to buy toothpaste and shampoo but don’t want to spend something stupid on toothpaste and shampoo in Israel, just cross the border to Palestine!

As a bonus point, you’ll be spending money at a market or local shop most likely, which is always good. You ain’t in Israel anymore, however, so remember your haggling hat (within reason).

To summarise: when your toothbrush gets ratty or your shoelace snaps, travel to Palestine!

This is more what to do in Israel in a traditionally adventurous stream. These things are not so much about defying societal and media expectations and spitting in the face of xenophobic attitudes as they are about delicious yummy nature and not thinking about all that above stuff.

Expect a lot of walking, so they’re perhaps not the best things to do in Israel with toddlers.

20. Hike the Israel National Trail

You could just walk across the entire country. How’s that for a goddamn adventure! Jesus did it! (More or less.)

Israel isn’t exactly big so walking across it isn’t exactly hard . It is, however, super beautiful (plus, if you do it barefoot, you may find some sort of spiritual enlightenment).

The Israel National Trail is, as the name suggests, the trail or collection of trails that covers Israel from top-to-bottom (or vice-versa). You can hop on-and-off as you wish or just walk the whole damn thing!

Generally speaking, Israel has an abundance of hiking trails plus many farms and fields you can just cut through (again, socialist ideals). The most convenient way to keep up with all this is, as always, Maps.Me (I do really love Maps.Me).

21. Get Lost in the Negev

And we’re talking about things to do in southern Israel again because it’s just simply the best. I’ve already mentioned Mitzpe Ramon and Eilat but I really, truly can’t explain just how wonderfully serene the Negev Desert is.

You’re so far removed from the rest of Israel (at least, considering the size) and so far from all the heartbreak and chaos. It’s quiet, it’s significantly devoid of life, and it’s so damn pretty. At times, it looks like Mars.

So yeah, there are a couple of Israel’s major attractions in the south, the Red Canyon and Timna Park coming to mind, but there’s a whole damn desert too! Take a top-notch travel tent , just start walking, and be like the Bedouin.

That said, take water. Oh, and do be specific about where you walk; areas of the Negev Desert are a firing zone for the military on weekdays. Yay, adventure!

22. Get Lost in the Golan

Hummus and tahini, cigarettes and coffee, socks and sandals: some things were simply meant to be together. Ok, maybe not that last one.

The Golan is the opposing force of the Negev. Two star-crossed lovers divided by Israel’s crowded urban centre and those whole silly old occupation disputes. (Who even needs peace in the Middle East?) For what the Negev Desert brings in astounding sunsets and arid landscapes, the Golan Heights returns with expanding vistas and verdant green slopes.

The Golan is the other place to get away from the bustle in Israel and disappear into nature. There are still places to stay (check out The Golan Heights Hostel in Odem for a good traveller vibe), but places and people are way more dispersed. You’ll also find some illegal Israeli settlements but primarily, a lot more Arabic people, Druze in particular.

Getting lost in the Golan is the ‘off the beaten track’ adventurous thing to do in northern Israel (slash Syria) for the nature lovers. Oh, and it snows in winter!

23. Diving in Eilat

The last little piece about Eilat before I stop talking about Eilat. The good thing about being situated on the twinkling Red Sea is you get a lot of bangin’ water activities! Swimming with dolphins, beach chills, paddleboarding – most anything that doesn’t need swell.

Of course, that lack of swell thing also means super clear water which also means crazy pretty diving! Diving in Eilat is, naturally, pricey and, much like the skiing, it’s not a world-class destination. It is, however, easy and a good warm-up for newbies getting into the game. It’s also a good thing to do for anyone visiting Israel who just gets that nagging feeling to be a fish for a day.

Lastly, it’s also the Red Sea. C’mon; you’re literally scuba diving between Asia and Africa!

Now, here are my personal top things to do in Israel (except eating hummus; that’s always number one). These aren’t strictly the mostly touristy activities in Israel – not even remotely actually – but they are the things I did in Israel that brought on some feeling of respite. It was while doing these things that I felt the most sincere connection with Israel and the people.

24. Hitchhike

Hitchhiking is a treat in Israel. It’s Western country rules; it’s known – albeit not necessarily common – and people are more than happy to help. In fact, the people that picked me up were insanely kind to me and more than willing to help a dirtbag who just wanted to camp under the stars.

Outside of Israel’s centre, hitchhiking is easy and even in the centre, people picked me up in some really awkward spots. People I wouldn’t have expected too with some truly insightful conversations to follow; let people surprise.

Hitchhiking in Palestine is also doable though the rules change to more non-traditional hitching (think India again). It isn’t strictly safe (though we are talking hitching) but it isn’t dangerous. Just make it abundantly clear that you’re not a Jewish settler (hand tattoos help in this regard).

Overall, hitchhiking was a real gem for me and one of the best things to do in Israel. So go thumb it! (And by “thumb it” I mean point at the ground and smile seductively).

25. Camp on a Kibbutz

The tahini to hitchhiking’s hummus! These two go so well together. Pack a tent and a comfortable sleeping bag and when you’re out hitching, just ask to be dropped in a pretty place!

The kibbutzim and moshavim are usually surrounded by pretty fields accompanied by springs, or forests, or the aforementioned fruit trees. Whenever an Israeli recommends a place you should visit in Israel, you’ll often get handed a list of dope little kibbutzim or moshavim. So, what better way to see them than to just camp a night!

People nine times out of ten will be totally chill with this – just be respectful. For that whole “pick fruit thing”, I do mean in moderation and smartly but furthermore, always leave no trace . You’re a mother-haunting ghost!

Seriously, leave no trace .

26. Work on a Farm

Speaking of kibbutzim, and moshavim, what better place to get your hands dirty! Truth be told, the reputation for Israel’s kibbutz scene to take in hardworking budgeteering travellers has changed significantly. That said, there are definitely still places to volunteer and live for a time.

If you’re looking to volunteer in Israel, Workaway is the gold standard . There’s also Worldpackers for finding volunteering, but while they’re a very reputable organisation , their volunteering pickings are always slimmer.

I’d say this what to do in Israel when you’re looking to mitigate the costs of backpacking there and take a step away from the tourist trail. Volunteering on a farm in Israel is going to give you a much more earthy sense (excuse the pun) of a different way of life for many Israeli people. Perhaps, it’s not a thing to do in Israel when it rains though; drought-stricken desert or not, when it rains in Israel, it pours .

27. Order Pizza and Weed

Download yo’ ass Telegram , log yo’ ass in, and type in Telegrass. It’s like ordering a pizza except that after you’ve ordered your ganja like a goddamn pizza, you’re gonna order an actual pizza and that pizza is gonna be da bomb! I am salivating!

Prices get cheaper for both outside of Tel Aviv.

28. Respect Shabbat

Sleepy Saturday Shabbat; at first, Shabbat gave me the shits. Why is everything closed? Why is there no public transport? Why is this a thing when a massive chunk of the country isn’t even Jewish?

But then I learnt how stop worrying and love sleepy Shabbat. A walk around a city – Jerusalem or Tel Aviv in particular – gives an underlying sense of quiet awe. It’s like a ghost town.

If you’re with the right people, it’s wonderful to see how things just stop. Work stops, the mind stops, fires are lit after sundown, and people reflect – life is put on pause.

So for a thing to do in Israel on Shabbat, respect Shabbat. Soak up the vibe. I think in a world where we’re all moving too fast to some indeterminate goal, working weekends for penalty rates (if we’re lucky), and generally racing against ourselves, maybe this is a page we can take from Israel’s Torah.

Sometimes, it’s good to pause.

Books to Read in Israel

• Six days of War – Though it lasted for only six days, the 1967 Arab-Israeli war never really ended. Every crisis that has ripped through this region in the ensuing decades, from the Yom Kippur War of 1973 to the ongoing intifada, is a direct consequence of those six days of fighting. Michael B. Orena’s magnificent Six Days of War, an internationally acclaimed bestseller, is a comprehensive account of this epoch-making event.
• I Shall Not Hate – Heart-breaking, hopeful, and horrifying, I Shall Not Hate is a Palestinian doctor’s inspiring account of his extraordinary life, growing up in poverty but determined to treat his patients in Gaza and Israel regardless of their ethnic origin.
• Let There Be Water – Let There Be Water illustrates how Israel can serve as a model for the United States and countries everywhere by showing how to blunt the worst of the coming water calamities
• Khirbet Khizeh – A classic (if controversial) piece in Hebrew literature, this 1949 novella is penned by S. Yizhar, a soldier in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. It’s an easy read for it’s length but not so much for its gutwrenching recount of a soldier’s point-of-view on the brutality of that war.
• The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine – Authored by a New Historian Israeli,  this historical text is both a harowing account of the expulsion of the Palestinian people as well a challenge to the mainstream official account of the Nakba  (Palestine War) lasting from 1947-1949.

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Can you take a ‘day trip’ from Israel? Well, sure you can! There are two countries bordering Israel that have peace agreements and some pretty stunning natural attractions close to the border…

Jordan – Petra and Wadi Rum

Number one is Jordan – the land half as old as time itself. For more majestic desert landscapes and unbelievable starscapes, Bedouin culture, and truly ancient marvels, you’re travelling from Israel to Jordan. Both Petra and Wadi Rum are spectacular and a must-see for those backpacking in Israel or the Levant.

Jordan itself deserves time and exploration and not just a quick trip, so I’d highly recommend checking out our backpacking Jordan travel guide . That said, if you’re stretched for time or aren’t feeling equipped for that raw Middle-East experience, there are some brilliant tours in Israel that will zip you across the border and back again.

Egypt – Sinai

Man, Israelis love Sinai. I had so many Israelis tell me I should go to Sinai which seems kind of counterintuitive because they were actively recommending that I leave Israel. Of course, that’s because Sinai is magnificent; many Israelis go there just for a weekend off.

Same as above applies: slow travellers should read our backpacking Egypt travel guide (there is a lot of cool stuff to find in Sinai including alternative-living, believe it or nor). Otherwise, you can find some sweet tours that run from Israel to Sinai either quickly or as a multi-day adventure.

Don’t forget your travel insurance for Israel

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to do and see in Israel.

What are the most fun things to do in Israel?

The parties in Israel are world-famous and usually the most lively on a Thursday night! On the streets, the beach or in the clubs, there’s a party going on somewhere.

What are some cool things to do in Israel?

Chill your back out and feel weightless in the Dead Sea , it’s a must-do when you visit Isreal!

What are the best adventurous things to do in Israel?

Get an authentic insight into Israel on one of the Abraham Tours company trips. There are a few different tours to give you a different perspective on this fascinating place.

What are some romantic things to do in Israel?

Head to the hippy hangout of Mitzpe Ramon to smoke some weed together and watch the sunset over this stunning landscape! There are also some great hikes too!

That’s the whole list! Is it a complete list of things to do in Israel? Na, not by a long shot. It is, however, more than enough to get you started on your own adventure in the Holy Land.

To be honest, navigating the tourist trail in Israel was exhausting for me. The tourist spots in Israel feel almost cynical. That paired with other realities can create a lot of challenge (at least internally).

That’s why I wanted to write this list the way I did. I’ve given it a fair scope; some of Israel’s tourist attractions for sure but also it’s finer nuances away from the pretty biblical sites and Jerusalem. Things to do both in Israel and Palestine. And things you’ll only learn by slowing down in Israel and learning how to stop worrying and appreciate what there is to appreciate.

That’s how I feel about this list. It’s a love letter to what I did love about Israel. And it’s a love-letter to the things I saw in Israel that I’m grateful I saw.

So it’s about time you wrote your own love-letter! Go find your own things to do. Don’t worry, she’ll only break your heart.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

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33 Best Things To Do In Israel in 2024

No need to tell you where to find the Western Wall in Jerusalem and the beaches in Tel Aviv, but there are so many more cool things to do in Israel that not everyone has heard of yet. What about amazing national parks, zip lining, mountain tops with amazing views, spectacular roman amphitheaters, scuba diving, or even skiing. In this most complete Israel travel guide with all the best places to visit and the best things to do when visiting Israel.

Israel is a popular tourist destination thanks to its diverse landscape which varies from the coast, valley, mountain, desert, and everything in between. Each one of these diverse landscapes holds some of the most beautifully unique and well-preserved Israel tourist attractions. Tourists from different parts of the world travel to Israel in large numbers. In this list you will all the amazing things to do in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Eilat, in North Israel and some really cool unique things to do in Israel.

In 2017 I visited Israel for the first time and I returned in 2019, 2021 and recently in March 2023 was my last trip to Israel. Of all those experiences I wrote a big article with all my Israel travel tips: Everything You Need To Know When Visiting Israel in 2023 .

Make sure you stay connected on your trip to Israel. Prepaid sim cards and e-sim cards with data for Israel are pretty cheap. See here where to buy a sim card at Tel Aviv Airport Ben Gurion  or check out my complete guide for  buying a sim card for israel in 2023 .

My recommendations for the ultimate things to do in Israel are:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Negev Desert
• ATV Riding in Maktesh Ramon
• Boat trip on the Dead Sea
• Visit Gaza Border
• Masada National Park
• Food Tour in Tel Aviv/Jerusalem
• Visit Nazareth

1. Masada National Park

Masada is a Hebrew name meaning fortress. This rugged natural fortress is a symbol of bravery and self-sacrifice representing the exile of the Jews from the Holy Land. The fortress which was built as a palace complex constituting the most complete Roman-style works survives till today inside the Masada National Park.

The Masada National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a special place in the heart of Israelites; it holds outstanding universal value as well. The park is strategically positioned overlooking the great natural beauty of the Dead Sea. The Masada site was declared a National Park in 1966 and is now under the management of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in association with the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Visiting Masada Mountain is one of the top things to do in Israel especially for sunrise. An hour before sunrise the park opens and there are several trails that lead to the top. Find out everything you need to know about visiting Masada Israel in one of my latests Israel travel blogs.

2. Tel Aviv food tours

If you travel to Israel you will quickly find out about the delicious Israeli cuisine. Therefore a food tour in Tel Aviv is a must do when visiting Israel. For more about food tours in Tel Aviv (and also Jerusalem) have a look at my article about the best Tel Aviv food tours .

3. Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi is the largest oasis in Israel and is found in the Judean Desert not far away from the Dead Sea within the Dead Sea Valley. The name Ein Gedi is generally used to refer to Kibbutz Ein Gedi and the nearby nature reserve.

The Ein Gedi National Park has a 10-hectare botanic garden that is home to about 900 plant species. Inside the park, there are two rivers which flow throughout the year and two springs. Some of the names given to the landscape within the park are derived from the Biblical stories of king David.

Between November and April visiting Ein Gedi is one of the best things to do in Israel. Otherwise, it’ll be too cold in winter or too hot in summer. There are trails that tourists can follow past the waterfalls, springs, caves, and canyons and you will also see some kind of deer.

A visit to Ein Gedi is mostly combined with tours to the Masada Mountain and the Dead Sea. Here is an example of such an Israel tour.

4. Betzavta

What to do in Israel when you have seen all the touristy stuff, partied hard in Tel Aviv, done with all the fun things to do in Israel but still have a spare night? Betzavta is a new concept that brings locals and travelers together as you will get invited to a local home for a traditional Israeli dinner. More authentic than this it doesn’t get. Betzavta sets you up with a family around your location.

In my case a family cooked for all my friends. When I walked into the family's house I could not believe my eyes, this was like a 5* hotel buffet. We introduced ourselves briefly, before the dad opened the buffet with a short prayer and the feast started. The food was delicious, the conversations super interesting and best of all it was a lot of fun!

If you are looking for unique things to do in Israel this is definitely one of them as this is not something you will find in any Israel travel guide!

5. Sleep in a Bedouin Camp

Would you associate traveling to Israel with staying in a Bedouin Camp in the desert? It is a Middle East thing to do, so yes this is also one of the things to do in Israel. Meet a Bedouin family, drink tea and listen to their stories. Ask them all you ever wanted to know about life in the desert, as these people were the ancestors of the modern digital nomads. The Negev Desert is a popular Israel tourist attraction, but it's a playground for the Bedouins.

Is this unique activity in Israel something for you then I can recommend to check out the Kfarhanokdim website . They are located in the Negev Desert and their camp looks awesome.

6. Hot air balloon ride in the Negev Desert

When you think about fun things to do in Israel a hot air balloon ride does not pop up in your mind straight away, but damn this was the best start of my morning in a long time. It was kept a secret and only the night before it was announced: Guys tomorrow morning we have to get up and leave the Bedouin Camp at 3.00am! ‘No, you are kidding right?’ Nope but we are going to watch sunrise from out of a hot air balloon! :)

We were in the middle of the Negev Desert and we needed a jacket to keep us warm in the early morning, but you could feel the excitement among everyone as we were about to experience one of the most unique things to do in Israel. Up in the air we watched the sunrise in the distance and enjoyed the amazing views over the vast Negev Desert. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Israel then surprise your lover with a balloon ride and a breakfast for two on a unique location afterwards.

7. Experience the Gay parade in Tel Aviv

Ok I admit you will most probably find this in your guidebook as almost 30% of the people in Tel Aviv is gay and this yearly returning festival is the second biggest gay parade in the world. But did you know that even if you are straight this is one of the most fun things to do in Israel. With 200.000 happy people in the streets of Tel Aviv expressing their happiness there is no escaping, you will have to party along! I went out around midday and partied until sunset on the beach. Yes obviously there were ‘too many’ gay people, so this is the reaction of a straight guy finally seeing a girl!

But as you can see I had a blast!

8. Boat tour on the Dead Sea

This is definitely not an off the beaten path Israel destination, this is one of their most popular tourist spots so why did I add this to my list of unique things to do in Israel you must be thinking. Well let me tell you that there are only two boats on the Dead Sea and one boat that takes tourists out. This boat tour is by far the best way to see the coastline of the Dead Sea. This unique place on earth should be one of the reasons to visit Israel . Click on the link for a list of my 24 reasons to travel to Israel.

9. Buggy riding and zip lining in Makhtesh Ramon

Stop here if you are looking for fun things to do in Israel! This was one of my favorite activities I did on my first trip to Israel. Makhtesh Ramon looks like a massive crater hit by an unimaginable huge meteorite, but that is a myth. It has something to do with tectonic plates and stuff, but I will save you the details. Admiring the views over Makhtesh Ramon from the 'crater' rim is already one of the top things to do in Israel, but making your way down to the bottom and exploring the area in a buggy or ATV or Tomcat or whatever it is called is super fun.

Damn these things are powerful but this is exactly what you need in a rough landscape like this. Fasten your seat belts for one of the most adventurous things to do in Israel...

 Zip lining can also be arranged. In case you are in for a different adventure then may be you want to try to hiking through Maktesh Ramon .

10. Israel National Trail (INT)

For the extreme adventurers traveling to Israel there is the amazing 1000 kilometer long Israel National Trail. It goes across the entire country from north to south in a zigzag manner; starting at Tel Dan and ending at the Red sea. The trail goes over some of the most beautiful and history-packed scenery that Israel has to offer. Definitely one of the unique things to do in Israel.

The best time to hike this crazy path is either between February and April or between October and November. The trail gives both local and international tourists the chance to experience superb desert scenery in a relatively easy accessible way. The Israel National Trail is well marked which makes it very easy to follow without necessarily needing a map. But hey walking a 1,000 kilometer (621 miles) across the country is not really an Israel travel tip, just for those out there looking for crazy things to do in Israel. :)

11. Midburn Festival

If you ask me about one of my best experiences on my first trip to Israel I would say: the Midburn Festival! It is the second biggest Burning Man festival in the world and apart from dancing until sunrise, this festival is a fabulous experience for those who are looking for unique things to do in Israel. Welcome to CrazyLand, a temporary city in the middle of nowhere somewhere in the Negev Desert in South Israel that arises out of nothing and one week later will be gone leaving no trace or whatsoever.

Read my full experience in  The 10 Principles Of Burning Man As A Virgin  including all the photos. Something you have to see! If this fits into you agenda then you just found yourself one of the top things to do in Israel! Check here the Midburn Israel website . The Festival is being held in again in October 2023 but the dates are not yet confirmed.

12. Israel nightlife | Local markets become party places

Main cities all over the world have their local markets where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, antiques, and Artisan stores. Visiting markets like Mahane Yehuda Jerusalem or the Flea Market in Tel-Aviv will give you a colorful, tasteful and cultural experience by itself. But, for me, what makes this experience a unique thing to do in Israel is to go to those markets at night! Around sunset, they change their face, suddenly they become a nightlife center. In my blog with Israel tips I already told you the Israeli nightlife is booming and this is another example! Find restaurants, bars, great music, and local beautiful people. What a fun and unique atmosphere. Romantic Tel Aviv travel tip: if you are around the Flea Market with your other half, finish your evening with walking around Jaffa port, it's super romantic and quiet thing to do in Te Aviv.

13. Israel Museum Jerusalem

This museum is not only the largest cultural institution in Israel but is also one of the world’s top encyclopaedic museums and one of the best things to do in Jerusalem. It is located atop a hill in the Givat Ram neighborhood. Jerusalem was founded in 1965 and over the period the Israel Museum has been able to collect up to 500,000 items which are representative of the Holy Land. The holdings range from art to the most precious objects from biblical times.

The museum covers about 50,000 square meters and with about 800,00 tourists every year it is one of the top Israel tourist attractions. Some of the most valuable items on display here include the necklaces worn by Jewish brides in Yemen, a nail to attest the practice of crucifixion during the time of Jesus, and a mosaic Islamic prayer niche from 17th century Persia. Visiting the Israel Museum was one of the most valuable Israel travel tips I got from a local.

14. Yad Vashem - Holocaust Memorial Center

Yad Vashem is the official Holocaust memorial center dedicated to preserving the memories of all the victims who died. The monument honors the six million Jews who fought their Nazi oppressors as well as the Gentiles who helped the needy Jews.

The memorial site dedicated to the Holocaust and genocide was built in 1953. It’s also referred to as the Mount of Remembrance. There are museums here that cater to the public alongside a library, an educational center, a publishing house, and a research institute. Yad Vashem attracts about one million tourists making it the second-most-visited Israel tourist attraction.

Yad Vashem is one of the best things to do in Jerusalem as it is located just a stone throw away from the city.

15. Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

A stalactite is a formation that is mostly seen hanging from the ceiling of caves and hot springs. It’s usually made up of lava, sand, mud, or minerals. The Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve has two other names; it’s also known as Soreq Cave or the Avshalom Cave Nature Reserve. This amazingly spectacular cave is the largest and most beautiful stalactite-stalagmite cave in the country and unmistakably one of the coolest things to do in Israel. The gem that’s hidden deep within the earth is found inside a reserve which comprises of an extensive natural woodland area.

The cave is 91m long, 80m wide, and 15m high – it’ll take you about half an hour to cover the round route inside. However, a tour of the entire reserve should take you about 2 hours. Even though the cave isn’t all that big, it is densely packed with different types of stalactites. Some of the names given to the stalactite and stalagmite shapes include “elephant ears”, “macaroni field”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “sculptures garden”.

Visiting the Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve is regarded one of the best things to do in Jerusalem as it is only a 40 minute drive away from the city.

16. Bethlehem

Needless to say that Bethlehem also deserves a place in this ultimate Israel travel guide as it is one of the best things to do in Jerusalem. Just a stone throw away from the city this town is home to the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world. The town attracts multitudes of pilgrims from different parts of the world who come to see the Biblical birthplace of Jesus.

Bethlehem is also believed to be the birthplace of King David and the traditional site of Rachel’s Tomb.

There is also so much to see and do in Bethlehem even for the non-religious. The streets are almost always congested and busting with activity. There are numerous tourist attractions around the city such as the Israeli Separation Wall which divides Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The wall has been turned into a vast canvas with street art.

Bethlehem to me was of the most interesting things to do in Israel. Simply a place that couldn’t stop amaze me in many ways.

17. Mount Zion

Mount Zion is another of those amazing things to do in Jerusalem, located just outside the walls of the Old City. Although this name is specifically used to refer to the actual hill, it is also used to generally refer to the entire land of Israel.

On your tour of the mountain, you’ll see some very snap-happy pilgrims trying hard to capture moments and at the same time keep up with their guides. Some of the most prominent sites on Mount Zion are King David’s Tomb, the Chamber of the Holocaust, the Room of the Last supper, and the precursor of Yad Vashem.

For Pelgrimage there is an endless list of things to do in Israel, but even when you are not religious Mount Zion and the rest of Jerusalem is worth visiting.

18. Beit Guvrin Maresha National Park

The 1,250 acre Beit Guvrin Maresha National Park has many archeological sites that visitors can explore. These sites date back to some 2000 years back. The ruins of Maresha can be found within the park. The city of Maresha where the National Park can be found was a city in ancient Judah.

Both Beit Guvrin and Maresha were excavated in 1992 and 1989 respectively by an Israeli archeologist. Some of the artifacts found at the ruins include a Jewish cemetery, burial caves, a Byzantine church, a Roman-Byzantine 3,500-capacity amphitheater, mosaics, and public bathhouses.

Beit Guvrin Maresha National Park is also called the land of a thousand caves and can be found about 1 hour Southwest from Jerusalem. When you are an adventure traveler then this is one of the must see places in Israel.

No need to tell you that the amazing beaches in Tel aviv are on of the best places to visit in Israel as well as the Tel Aviv Nightlife. But there is more around the city and these are my recommendations for things to do in Tel Aviv.

19. Jaffa Flea Market

Jaffa is one of the world’s ancient ports from which the modern-day Tel Aviv grew. The port itself is already a top thing to do in Tel Aviv but the Jaffa Flea Market which is also known as Shuk Hapishpishim in Hebrew is a top Israel tourist attraction in Israel. Vendors in this market sell everything from handmade jewelry, old second-hand jeans, traditional Arabic pottery, Indian mildewed clothes, Persian tiles and Judaica. 

Stopping by this flea market that’s been operational for over a century is an incredible cultural experience. The market is a great place to find unique items at affordable prices. It’s open from Sunday through Friday and when visiting Tel Aviv this is a must.

20. Caesarea National Park

Caesarea is a small wealthy town on Israel’s Mediterranean coast about 50 km to the north of Tel Aviv. This archeological treasure also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Israel. The Caesarea National Park comprises a giant city and port. The city was created 2000 years ago by Herod in honor of Augustus Caesar. The ancient city was, in the 12th century, recreated as a massive Crusader fortress whose tower still stands tall.

There is a huge amphitheater right on the ocean that is often overlooked by tourists visiting Israel. In my opinion this place was one of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Israel.

21. Sea Of Galilee

If you travel to Israel and are looking for stunning scenery, you need to visit the Sea of Galilee, one the must see places in Israel. It actually isn’t really a sea but a damn large freshwater lake. The Sea of Galilee was known as Sea of Gennesaret; it is also referred to as Lake Galilee as well as Lake Tiberias. The Sea of Galilee is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide covering an area of 64 square miles.

The Jordan River is the main source of water for the Sea of Galilee although it’s still partly fed by underground springs. The Sea of Galilee is one of the best things to do in North Israel. This lake is Israel’s most important source of drinking water, but it also has a huge religious significance, and has beautiful surroundings comprising of beaches and mountains.

22. Mount Arbel National Park

Mount Arbel is a stunning and majestic mountain situated in the Lower Galilee prominently facing the Sea of Galilee. Located next to the Sea of Galilee makes Mount Arbel another amazing thing to do in North Israel. The mountain is inside the Mount Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve which is also home to an amazing cave fortress as well as ancient ruins of a synagogue.

Hiking up the Mount Arbel is another adventurous thing to do in Israel and it gives you amazing views of the surrounding areas. While at the top of the mountain, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Hermon, the Golan Heights, as well as other famous landmarks such as Safed and the Horns of Hattin.

23. Visit Nazareth

Of course the world famous town of Nazareth can’t be missed in this list of the best things to do in Israel. Nazareth is a city situated in the north of Israel and is also referred to as “the Arab capital of Israel”. Although a large part of the population comprises of Arabs, the city has several holy places and shrines which commemorate biblical events. For this reason, Nazareth is a major center of Christian Pilgrimage and has attracted hundreds of millions of pilgrims from across the globe and therefore one of the top places to visit in Israel.

In addition to being a religious center, the city also serves as a major cultural center. Over the years, the historic Old City has been renovated to restore and preserve its architectural beauty.

There are so many places here that are associated with the Annunciation, childhood, and the early ministry of Jesus Christ. These include the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel Gabriel, the Greek Catholic Synagogue Church, and the Franciscan Church of St. Joseph.

When visiting Israel Nazareth is one of the must see places in Israel!

24. Basilica Of The Annunciation

The Basilica of Annunciation is also commonly referred to as the Church of the Annunciation. This Latin Catholic Church was built over the area where the Catholic tradition believes that angel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary and announced that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus. This place is among the most sacred places for Christians and one of the must see places in Israel.

The huge 2-story basilica was completed in 1969 and is constructed using modern architecture. The structure which was designed by Giovanni Muzio, an Italian architect, is colorfully decorated. It has two interconnected churches: one on top of the other. The main entrance of the upper church is on the northern side. Over the door on the southern side, stands a statue of 14-year-old Virgin Mary welcoming all who come visiting.

25. Haifa Gardens

Haifa is the 3rd largest city in Israel after Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Today it is home to a mixed population comprising of Jews, Muslims, and Christian Arabs who co-exist peacefully. The best thing to do in Haifa is to visit the Haifa Garden, also referred to as the Bahai Garden. The Haifa Garden which is big and beautifully bestows a magnificent radiance in the city. The Haifa Gardens are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are not allowed to pick flowers at the Haifa Garden, so you know!

26. Tel Dan Nature Reserve

In Hebrew, the word Tel means hill or mound. The Tel Dan was officially declared a Nature Reserve in 1974. Inside the nature reserve, there is a river called the Dan River which is the largest of the three rivers that flow deliciously into the Jordan River. The word Jordan actually means “came out of the Dan.”

The Tel Dan Nature reserve is no doubt a little piece of heaven on earth. Although it is a pretty small Israel tourist attraction and off the beaten track it still is a great place to visit. Not far from the Lebanon and Syria border the Tel Dan Nature Reserve is one of the best things to do in North Israel.

It has very impressive archeological digs. Parts of the 5000-year-old ancient city of Tel Dan have been reconstructed following years of excavation.

27. Mount Tabor And Church Of Transfiguration

The current day Church of the Transfiguration, built in 1924, is part of the Franciscan Church and is located at the top of Mount Tabor in Galilee. The mountain is 575 meters high. It is believed that this is where the Transfiguration of Jesus happened. The church has three chapels and one small alter; the alters are also referred to as tabernacles and represent the three tents which Peter wanted to build for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

The Transfiguration refers to the occurrence in the Bible when Jesus appears as a radiant Being to speak to Moses and Elijah. It’s during this time that Jesus is referred to as the son of God. 

Representing the same purpose is a Greek Orthodox church that is also located on Mount Tabor. Needless to say that this one of the amazing places to visit in Israel when you are a history lover.

Mount Tabor And Church Of Transfiguration is located 30 minutes East from Nazareth and therefore regarded as one of the best things to do in North Israel.

28. Skiing in Israel on Mount Hermon

Believe it or not but you can also go skiing in Israel. Don’t expect the best snow conditions, but you can be really lucky. In 2019 they saw 3 times as much snowfall than average! There are 8 lifts and the total length of pistes is 45 kilometers. I’m not saying skiing is among the best things to do in Israel, but it is a cool day activity. Within three hours you can be from the middle of the desert or the beach on top of Mount Hermon on your skis. The ski areas are located in North Israel.

29. Visit the Gaza Border

All the way in the South of Israel you can find the Gaza Strip and I bet you have heard of it. It is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in the world, which is seemingly impossible. Of course since the conflict in lately escalated again it is not recommend to visit the Gaza border at the moment. It is best to go to this unique place on a tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv with a reputable company. Check out my  blog post about my experiences visiting the Gaza Border  for more info.

30. Timna Park

Timna Park is found in the heart of Timna Valley which is located in the Southern part of Israel in the Negev Desert. Besides offering a historical and geological experience, Timna Park has a picturesque landscape which is great for activities like camping, hiking, walking, and biking for all ages. The park covers about 15,000 acres in a beautifully majestic desert setting.

A big part of the valley has ancient remnants of copper mining and traces of ancient worship. The copper mine was the first of it’s kind in the world with smelting furnaces dating back to ancient imperial Egypt. The copper was used to make items such as household tools, weapons, and ornaments.

Timna Park is only about 30 kilometers North of Eilat and therefor one of the best things to do in Eilat or when visiting South Israel.

The southern part of Israel is mostly covered by the Negev desert, which makes this part of the country great for the adventure traveler.

31. Red Canyon

Not far away from Timna Park another amazing thing to do in Eilat can be found: Red Canyon. Hiking through the narrow canyons and unique rock formations is a fairly new and not so touristy Israel tourist attraction close to the Egypt border. The first thing that came up in my miny when visiting the Red Canyon was that is reminded me a lot about Antelope Canyon in Arizona, USA.

When on an Israel road trip drive down Highway 12 towards Eilat along the Egypt border and it will be on your right hand side. You can also take a bus here from either Be’er Sheva or Eilat.

32. Ein Avdat National Park

Ein Avdat is a spring and nature reserve that is found in a canyon in the Negev Desert. The spring water comes from the rock layers on which salt-tolerant plants grow. The lush vegetation attracts different animal species such as insects, birds, and frogs.

The Ein Avdat, being a water source in the middle of the desert, attracts both people and animals in pursuit of drinking water. Thanks to its beauty, the place has become a popular tourist attraction in Israel and a favorite hiking spot amongst people who enjoy the views created by the dramatically steep canyon. Birds such as eagles use the cliffs as nesting spots.

The Ein Avdat National Park is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the presence of a Byzantine Church which dates back to the 3rd century. Ein Avdat is among the best places to visit in Israel and the country’s most striking National Park according to many locals.

Ein Avdat is located about 1 hour south of Be’er Sheva in the South of Israel and therefore best to be visit on either a tour or when you are sightseeing Israel by car.

33. Scuba Dive In Eilat

Eilat is the southernmost and the only city in Israel that’s on the Red Sea and is a popular destination for a sunshine holiday. Visiting the beaches of the Red Sea is probably one of the best things to do in Eilat. Sprawled along a 7-kilometer coastline, Eilat has plenty of shops and resorts but scuba diving in Israel is worth giving it a try.

Eilat is filled with fun, sun, diving, kayaking, partying, dining, and desert-based activities. The main reason why this city is a favorite all-year-round escape for tourists is probably due to its climate-induced relaxed climate. But the Red Sea provide excellent scuba diving with relatively pristine coral reefs. Scuba diving equipment is available for hire on all the major beaches. About 250,000 dives happen here every year.

Israel travel blogs

In 2017 I traveled around Israel for 2 weeks, partied in Tel Aviv, went to Midburn festival , visited Jerusalem, swam in the Dead Sea, went off the beaten path in North Israel, explored the Negev Desert, crossed off some of the best things to do in Israel and partied again in Tel Aviv. Israel has always been a really surprising destination in many ways.

The country isn’t that big so moving around is quite easy; the roads are in excellent condition so you can move around safely and quickly. These last Israel travel tips will make your trip even better:

• avoid making any plans on the Sabbath as public transport services are not available then.
• make an effort to learn some Hebrew which is the official language here. Other commonly spoken languages here are Arabic and English.
• Change your money into the Israeli currency which is the Shekel. However, US dollars are accepted in some places.
• Try Israeli wine, it is not bad at all. 

All in all I wrote more than 10 Israel travel blogs . If you decide to travel to Israel then check out my complete list of Israel travel tips  in this link.

I have traveled thoroughly in the Middle East, see my  trip to Syria , my trip to Kurdistan, Iraq  or my trip to Iran . One by one I enjoyed them. The Middle East cuisine is delicious and I got to taste some of it through some of the best Tel Aviv food tours .

Israel is not a budget destination, but you can travel around without breaking the bank. If you still need some convincing I summed up 24 reasons to travel to Israel .

Got fueled by wanderlust by this article? Go check out my Instagram profile @traveltomtom where you will find my road to visit every country in the world . As of June 2023 I have been to more than 155 countries.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

I hope all the above tips for visiting Israel were helpful. May you have any recommendations then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me.

Enjoy your trip to Israel!

• hot air balloon

• Itineraries & Travel

Updated Aug 19 2023 08:09PM EDT

75 best things to do in Israel: The ultimate travel guide

• By Jazzie Morgan

In honor of Israel’s 75th birthday, here are 75 MUST-DOs in Israel, from north to south. This is your complete travel guide or bucket list of things to do in Israel.

Jump to: The North | The Center and Jerusalem | The South

1. Go skiing on Mount Hermon.

It may surprise you to know that Israel’s Mount Hermon has over 28 miles (45 kilometers) of ski trails! While there is lots to do on top of the Hermon any time of year, skiing is definitely a special experience. Make sure to check they are open before making the trip up to the mountain.

2. Visit Ghajar, a town on the Lebanese border for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

This Alawite-Arab village , now open after being closed to tourists for years, is well-known for its authentic Syrian and Lebanese food. There are many food trucks in the village, a beautiful park filled with flowers and an award-winning pastry shop.

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3. Take the longest cable car in Israel up the Manara Cliff. 

When most people think of cable cars and Israel, they think of Haifa or Masada, but the longest cable car in Israel is actually in Northern Israel up the Manara Cliff. In addition to the cable car, there is a climbing wall, a zip line and mountain sliding.

4. Have a delicious goat cheese lunch at Goats with the Wind. 

Take a step back into biblical times with an incredible goat cheese lunch in Yodfat at Goats with the Wind , a family-run cheese farm. Their set tasting menu includes tons of seasonal fresh salads, homemade cheeses and roasted vegetables.

5. Drink wine at Tel Shifon winery, located in the northernmost part of Israel.

Tel Shifon Winery is a beautiful kibbutz winery offering attractions from wine tastings to onsite villas and ATV tours. If you can make it for one of their nighttime chef pop-up meals under the stars, it is a truly special experience.

6. Take a geopolitical tour of the Lebanon Border.

Seeing the border firsthand and hearing stories from locals will help you understand the complex geopolitical situation between Israel and Lebanon. There are many different companies offering these tours and they can often be tailored to your specific interests.

7. Visit a Druze family for a home hospitality cooking workshop with Galileat.

Galileat offers authentic culinary excursions like workshops, home hospitality and more in the Galil. Their hosts go above and beyond to give you a glimpse into the Druze religion and community. They have hosts that are Christian, Druze, and Muslim. I recommend asking for Snir and Miaad!

8. Bird-watch in the Hula Valley. 

At the Hula Valley nature preserve, the lakes are stocked with fish to encourage migration, making it the ultimate bird-watching destination. Over 500 million birds (no less than 390 species) pass through the Hula Valley yearly on their way south.

9. Enjoy the view and pastries at Avtalion Coffee in Misgav.

This kosher culinary experience in the Galilee is one of the most talked-about bakeries in the north of Israel. While Avtalion Coffee is best known for their handmade pastries, they also have an impressive menu of decadent options like croissant sandwiches, blintzes, and shakshuka. The cafe has a stunning view of the region and is a must-visit if you’re in the area.

10. Visit the hot springs at Hamat Gader. 

The Spa Village at Hamat Gader is a little oasis that is great for a few hours of relaxation or a full-weekend stay. The water in the springs is around 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) year-round and they offer a range of accommodations from romantic suites to tents.

11. Stop for hummus in a gas station at Hummus Eliyahu, Yokneam. 

The original location of the famous Hummus Eliyahu hummus chain is located behind a gas station and you would probably never notice it if you didn’t know it was there. It is definitely some of the best hummus in Israel. Go early because they will sell out!

12. Spend time on Achziv and visit the micronation Akhzivland.

Achzivland is a micronation between Nahariya and the Lebanese border, near the ancient port city of Achziv. It is now a national park where you can camp at their beautiful waterfront campground, rent a beach bungalow, swim amongst the ruins of the ancient city and visit the museum.

13. Visit Merkaza, one of the largest grocery stores in the Middle East. 

More than just a supermarket, the two-story Merkaza in Nof HaGalil includes a gourmet food court and a home goods store. The store has seemingly endless aisles and is a great place to stop on a road trip up north to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat and buy local snacks/spices. It is especially cool to visit during Christmas time when it is covered in decorations.

14. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Arthur Cafe with a view of the Kinneret.

This coffee cart is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a coffee, pastries or even fresh-made pizza in the afternoons, while enjoying a stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. They offer a really wonderful relaxing atmosphere to take a break after a fun day in the water or after a long drive.

15. Stay in a tzimer (log cabin) in Mattat. 

Although there are dozens of log cabins for rent in the area, my personal favorite is Maayan Bereshit. We go at least once a year and it is the most relaxing weekend you can imagine. Located in Mattat is a winery run on the honor system — you can go 24/7, take wine and leave money for what you take. There is also a great second-hand shop open each Friday.

16. Visit the Bahai Gardens.

There are two locations of Bahai Gardens in Israel, in Haifa and Akko. These gardens are holy sites for those who follow the Bahai faith, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Touring the Bahai Garden is a must-do not only for the spectacular views but also to learn more about the Bahai religion.

17. Pick your own cherries at the Horse and Cherry Farm on Moshav Odem. 

Hidden on Moshav Odem is a cute farm called the Horse and Cherry Farm that offers cherry-picking during cherry season (May and June)! Plus, it’s located next to Odem Mountain Winery so you can cool off with a glass of chilled white wine afterward.

18. Hike from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kinneret. 

If you enjoy hiking and have 3-4 days to spare, you will definitely want to take the Yam l’Yam (Sea to Sea) hike. This classic hike is not only a favorite childhood experience for many Israelis — it is also a great way to connect to the land and experience Israel’s beautiful terrain firsthand.

19. Complete part or all of Shvil HaGolan, a hiking trail across the Golan. 

The Golan Trail stretches from Mount Hermon in the north to the Sea of Galilee at its south. It’s a hiking trail, but the majority of it is also accessible by bike or horse. In its entirety, the trail is 75 miles (120 km) and is divided into 15 segments.

20. Spend time swimming in the beautiful natural pools of Gan Hashlosha.

Gan Hashlosha is a national park in Israel with three stunning natural pools of water, making it the perfect place to picnic or camp out. Watch out for the fish that nibble on the bottom of your feet — they tickle. Note that the entrance fee is 33 NIS per adult and 24 NIS per child.

21. Visit the Kangaroo Park.

Located just outside Gan Hashlosha, Gan Garoo is home to dozens of kangaroos. The kangaroos are free-roaming and you can feed them during your visit. In the park, you will also see cassowaries, emus, flying foxes, parrots and some rare reptiles.

22. Go rafting or kayaking in the Jordan River. 

Jordan River Rafting offers tons of excursions in the Upper Galilee, but one that you cannot miss is rafting down the river itself. Trips range from 2-6 hours and there are different levels of difficulty. They also offer kayaking, jeep trips and guided hikes.

23. Visit the Pereh Mountain Hotel

Pereh Hotel blends luxury with history. Located in an old customs house that has been renovated to offer all the best amenities you would expect at a 5-star hotel, Pereh is truly a unique place. In addition to a stunning gym, pool and spa, they also have an on-site chef’s restaurant and a wine cellar. Spending a night at Pereh is like stepping into another time and place.

24. Tour the UNESCO world heritage sites in Akko. 

The walled port city of Akko is a special place filled with history and a must-see for those traveling in Israel. Make sure you climb the walls to see the port from above, visit the market and take time to explore the Crusader City .

25. Hike Mount Arbel at sunrise. 

From its beautiful observation points to biblical history, Mount Arbel is simply majestic. Carved into the mountain you will find caves where Jews hid during the Greek and Roman periods. You can also visit an ancient synagogue, which is a part of the Israel National Trail. There are a few hiking trails in the area, running from 30 minutes to three hours.

The Center and Jerusalem:

26. visit a coffee cart. i recommend blooms, mama coffee, or arthura .

There are well over 80 coffee carts across Israel! At the start of the pandemic, they began popping up in small communities across the country. Many of them are located in parks or near historic sites. They are a fun way to visit off-the-beaten-path places in Israel. Here is a map to find one near you!

27. Spend an afternoon in a natural spring like Ein Aviel.

Located in the Binyamina area, this natural spring is free, easy to get to and has water year-round! Enjoy a short stroll, spend time swimming in the spring and don’t forget to bring food for a picnic. If you look hard enough, you may also find the hidden cave with a waterfall in it.

28. Enjoy ice cream at Buza, a special shop that is jointly owned by an Israeli and an Arab. 

Buza ice cream is well-known across Israel for its really incredible texture and flavor. “Buza” means ice cream in Arabic and they make their ice cream by hand daily from fresh local ingredients. There are multiple locations in Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Akko.

29. Take a tour of Dialogue in the Dark, the Blind Museum in Holon. 

This is a one-of-a-kind experience of being led through a dark museum by a blind guide to better embrace how it feels to be visually impaired. The museum is located in the Children’s Museum of Holon , which is an easy bus ride from Tel Aviv.

30. Shop in the Jaffa Flea Market. 

Shop for unique vintage pieces from clothing to furniture at the Jaffa Flea Market . There are also amazing spots to eat nearby including the famous Mallabi shop HaMalabiah . Be sure to check out Shifra, a cute shop with lots of local goods like cheeses, oils and dips.

31. Eat lunch at Bottarga in Shuk HaCarmel, Tel Aviv

Bottarga is a home-cooking, female-run restaurant that has delicious options for everyone from meat to vegan and gluten-free. They opened recently and have been the talk of the town ever since. Check out what chef Adeena Sussman has to say about them!

32. Spend a day at Moshav Bat Shlomo

There is so much to do in Bat Shlomo, but most people drive right by without noticing it. I recommend visiting the “Truck BaMoshava” coffee cart, the award-winning winery and the cheese farm. I highly recommend taking a beautiful bike ride in the forest behind the village as well.

33. Relax on the beach at Hof Yanai, in the Hefer Valley.

Hof Bet Yanai is my favorite beach in Israel by far. There are stunning rock formations and it is often much quieter than other beaches in the center of Israel. There are lifeguards on duty, showers, a snack hut and shaded gazebos to make beach-going even more enjoyable.

34. Visit the Anu Museum

The newly-renovated Anu Museum of the Jewish People is known as one of Israel’s most unique and captivating museums. The museum celebrates multiculturalism and Jewish diversity, with exhibits on the Jewish people across generations. It is located inside Tel Aviv University and easily accessible by train.

35. Visit Asif, the Culinary Institute of Israel.

Asif is a unique combination of a library, cafe, market, garden and museum. Enjoy a delicious brunch, take a stroll through their ever-changing exhibit on Israel’s culinary history and peruse their library of cookbooks. If you’re lucky, you can catch a tour which includes a visit to their rooftop garden.

36. Take a hummus tour in the Old City of Jerusalem.

One of my favorite experiences in the Old City of Jerusalem was taking a hummus tour of the Muslim Quarter with tour guide Mo from The Holy Tourist . Mo grew up in the Old City and knows the area like the back of his hand, including all the best hummus places.

37. Enjoy coffee and a slice of cake at the Austrian Hospice in the Old City. 

Most people who visit the Austrian Hospice see the rooftop and its stunning panoramic view of the Old City but miss the adorable cafe just downstairs. Stop in for coffee and a slice of cake and sit outside on the terrace. From there, you can see the Old City from a new perspective.

38. Experience a traditional afternoon tea at KumKum in Jerusalem.

Kumkum is a one-of-a-kind tea house in Jerusalem. Owned by Elisheva, an immigrant to Israel from England, her shop offers a super-authentic English tea experience down to the tea cups. Elisheva is a trained pastry chef and makes delicious homemade scones (there are also gluten-free scones!). There is no better way to spend a few hours in the afternoon with friends than with a tea tower at KumKum.

39. Row-boat in Ramla’s Pool of Arches. 

A remnant from the time of the Abbasid caliphate, this building has survived over 1,200 years! Today, visitors can experience the reservoir by rowboat, making it a great activity for the whole family. Keep in mind that you have to climb a short steep set of stairs to access it. 

40. Enjoy a wine tasting at Vitkin Winery. 

Vitkin Winery is one of the most underrated wineries in Israel. On the weekends they offer a special tapas menu with great vegetarian options as well as vegan and gluten-free options.

41. See a concert at Zappa in Jerusalem.

Zappa is a cool restaurant and concert hall, offering shows by a wide variety of Israeli musicians. The small venue allows for a more intimate and relaxed ambiance than most concert halls. The venue opens a couple hours before the concert for dinner and the bartenders continue to serve drinks throughout. There are many locations in Israel, but my favorite is in Jerusalem.

42. Have hummus at Hummus Gingi on Kibbutz Einat. 

One of the best and most fun places to stop for hummus in Israel is Gingi. Hummus Gingi has been a staple on Kibbutz Einat for nearly 20 years. They slow-cook the chickpeas overnight for especially creamy hummus and the spicy lemon sauce they serve alongside it takes the flavor to the next level. 

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43. Grab coffee and a cheese platter from Cohen’s Deli in Jerusalem.

The perfect place for an afternoon date, Cohen’s Deli has a top-notch cheese selection, but even better is their salad that comes with it. It is addictive . It looks like a typical Israeli salad, but what sets it apart is the quality of ingredients — they use the best produce, flakey salt, raw tahini and nuts, which perfectly complement each other.

44. Enjoy the vegetarian tasting menu from Asaf Granit’s Tzemah. 

Many of the world’s top restaurants are renowned for their meat dishes, but Asaf Granit’s Tzemah is a 100% vegetarian restaurant serving up 5-star meals. They offer a tasting menu where you can try all the chefs’ picks and it is one of the best ways to celebrate special occasions from birthdays to anniversaries.

45. Enjoy a tour and tasting at Thinkers Distillery in Jerusalem.

Thinkers is a gin distillery located just a few steps away from Jerusalem’s famous Machne Yehudah Market. You can take a 45-minute tour for 95 NIS per person, which of course includes tasting the gin. They also have a longer deep-dive tour where you can sample cocktails from their mixologists.

46. Watch the sunset at the cliffs of Shefayim with a snack from Cafe v’Yam.

The cliffs located behind Hotel Shefayim are one of my favorite places in all of Israel, so much so that my fiance actually proposed to me there. They offer an absolutely breathtaking view of the sunset, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch Cafe v’Yam still open for pizza and beer.

47. Spend the day at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo.

Located in southern Jerusalem in a very pastoral area, the Biblical Zoo is one of Israel’s most popular places to visit. What sets the Biblical Zoo apart is that they have verses from the Torah next to the animals showing the connection between the animal and Jewish tradition.

48. Hike in the Forest of the Martyrs, which memorializes the six million killed in the Holocaust.

In this forest, which is located on the edge of the Jerusalem Forest, six million trees were planted to commemorate the memories of those who perished during the Holocaust. Yad Vashem , Israel’s Holocaust Museum, is also located nearby.

49. Walk from the Kraft Sports Center through Emek HaArazim to Ein Kerem, stopping in Motza for a bite at Alloro Cafe. 

This 6mile (10 km) hike is a beautiful way to explore the outskirts of Jerusalem. Most of the path is paved and only the end has a steep uphill incline. About one-third of the way along the route, you’ll pass through Motza where there is an incredible pastry shop that’s perfect for a pitstop.

50. Visit Hollander Distillery for a liquor tour and tasting. 

A hidden gem in the Jerusalem Hills, Hollander has a rich history that can only truly be understood through experiencing the distillery . You can sample their delicious liquors made from local fruit while enjoying the unbeatable view from their porch.

51. Eat ice cream at Yotvata. 

You’ll probably recognize the name Yotvata if you have ever had shoko b’sakit (chocolate milk in a bag). After Tnuva, Yotvata is the second-largest milk producer in Israel and their “pundak” (rest stop) makes the perfect pitstop on any drive to Eilat. Try their fresh ice cream with local dairy from the kibbutz.

52. Hike in Timna Park. 

In my opinion, Timna is the most beautiful national park in Israel and there are endless photo ops. They even have an “Instagram map” of the most photo-worthy sites in the park. You can easily spend more than a day here, so I recommend allotting a decent amount of time to your visit. You can even rent or room or bring a tent!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Timna park – Israel (@timnapark)

53. Visit the hidden lake, a gorgeous viewpoint just minutes from Eilat. 

Bring a pakal cafe (travel coffee stove) and stop for a coffee break while looking out at the gorgeous lake in the middle of the desert. This is the most beautiful spot to stop on your long drive down to Eilat.

54. Do a late-night astronomy tour in the Ramon Crater. 

With some of the clearest and darkest skies in Israel, Mitzpe Ramon or The Ramon Crater is one of the best places to go stargazing. The cost of a tour with Astronomy Israel is 175 NIS per adult and 85 NIS per child above the age of 6.

55. Stay at the luxury hotel Beresheet.

Beresheet is one of the most famous hotels in Israel and for good reason! Just be sure to lock your door at night or you may be woken up by an ibex staring you in the face. If you don’t want to shell out a few thousand shekels a night to sleep at the hotel, you can also go for breakfast!

56. Sleep in a cement pipe at Naot Farm.

You read that right — a cement pipe! Naot Farm is a family-run farm in the middle of the Negev with tiny little pipe rooms that you can rent for just over $100 a night. They also have a small natural pool, a cafe with homemade cheeses and local wine, and plenty of space to stroll and enjoy the quiet.

57. Visit the Dolphin Reef in Eilat.

Magical views, a private beach, dolphins, snorkeling, diving and a beach bar… what more could you ask for? The cost to enter Dolphin Reef is 69 NIS for adults and 48 NIS for kids under 15.

58. Spend a day on Hof Mosh.

Visiting Hof Mosh, the most famous beach in Israel, is a must-do at least once in a lifetime. The beach is well-equipped with restaurants, making it a great option if you’re looking to spend the entire day relaxing by the water.

59. Snorkel in the Red Sea. 

The Red Sea is known around the world as one of the best locations for both snorkeling and diving. Coral Reef Beach is a super popular and easily accessible spot for snorkeling, renowned for its rich corals and diverse sea life.

60. Eat ice cream at Glenderia Ice Cream Truck.

We’ve already covered coffee carts — now it’s time for an ice cream truck! Located near Sde Boker (the exact location varies but you can find it on their Facebook page), Glenderia has been serving ice cream to passersby since 2020.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by גלנדריה (@glenderia)

61. Shop at the second-hand store in Sde Boker.

Right outside of Ben-Gurion’s Hut is one of my favorite second-hand stores in Israel! It is quite small but always packed with unique finds, local art and great prices. To get to the store, follow directions to Ben-Gurion’s Hut and you won’t miss it.

62. Have a coffee with an ibex at Ben-Gurion’s Tomb overlooking Ein Avdat. 

Knaaniya Cafe is an excellent place to grab coffee, but be sure to order it to-go and take a short three-minute walk over to the edge of Ben-Gurion’s Tomb, where you can often find ibex hanging out. Sit and enjoy the stunning view of Ein Avdat while sipping your coffee.

63. Go swimming in Ein Akev. 

Located just below Midreshet Ben-Gurion, this gorgeous, hidden natural pool is one of the best places in Israel to spend an afternoon. Remember to bring snacks and a hat, as there is little shade and it gets very hot.

64. Hike to Gev Holon, Ein Gedi.

The hike to Gev Holon may be challenging, but it is more than worth it. While most people only make it to the small pools and waterfalls at the base of the mountain, this hike takes you to a lovely hidden pool with a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea down below.

@theisraelbites If you haven’t seen Gev Halon, you need to add this to your bucket list! #hike #israel #ולוג #טיול ♬ Zen Music – Meditation

65. Float in the Dead Sea. 

Of course, no trip to Israel is complete without taking a dip in the Dead Sea. But, if you’re looking for a different experience, check out the Dead Sea mushrooms, which are salt islands you can walk out onto for gorgeous photos.

66. Stop for brunch at Studio Coffee in Arad. 

Studio Coffee is American-owned and serves up amazing treats like homemade-flavored coffee syrups and keto desserts with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Try their great breads and homemade dips.

67. Glamp at the Dead Sea. 

Glamping has all the fun of camping but with a much higher comfort level! Located right on the Dead Sea, Badolina is a great place to glamp with an onsite cafe/bar and access to a local pool. With tents that accommodate up to 8 people, it’s a great place to go with friends, and the price can’t be beat.

68. Take a tour of Neot Semadar. 

Neot Semadar is a unique kibbutz located just north of Eilat. You might recognize the arts center and famous statue in the middle of the kibbutz. On the kibbutz you can enjoy a tour of the arts center and a visit to their winery.

69. Go for a wine tasting at Carmey Avdat, with the option to book a villa and stay overnight! 

This desert winery and estate is a small family-run establishment. They say that the farm is located on the remains of a 1500-year-old agricultural settlement on the path of the ancient Spice Route.

70. Experience home hospitality for lunch with Mevashlot Yerucham and learn about the local women of the area.

The Culinary Queens of Yerucham is part of a project to promote diversity, solidarity and a more pluralistic Israel. They offer home hospitality and workshops where you can learn about and enjoy recipes that have been passed down for generations.

71. Go ice skating in the Ice Mall in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat. 

Ice skating in Israel ? In Eilat of all places? Yes, it is real. When you’re overheated from a full day in the sun at the beach and can’t spend any more time shopping in the tax-free malls, ice skating is the perfect way to spend the evening. Be sure to check Groo (Israeli Groupon) for a deal on tickets.

72. Have delicious Indian food at Little India in Beersheva. 

Little India is one of the best Indian restaurants in Israel, and shockingly enough, it isn’t in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem — it’s in Beer Sheva! And it’s kosher. Try the paneer!

73. Take a cable car to the top of the Masada Fortress.

While some people enjoy the challenge (or torture, depending on your interpretation) of hiking the snake path up the mountain, I prefer the more relaxed experience of taking the quick cable car ride and spending more time enjoying the ruins of the fortress at the top.

74. Check out the graffiti at Gallery Minus 430 at Kalia Beach. 

Named for its elevation level, this unique art gallery in Kalia Beach features graffiti from local and international artists who joined the project to raise awareness about the many environmental issues threatening the Dead Sea.

75. Visit the Antelope Ranch in the Arava Valley. 

Africa meets Israel’s Negev Desert at this cool ranch ! Take a mini safari tour, where you will meet antelopes, elk, goats, exotic sheep and other animals, or visit the petting zoo. There are also cabins and a campground which come with access to a sulfur pool.

Originally Published Apr 24, 2023 05:25PM EDT

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10 Best Places to Visit in Israel

For a country the size of New Jersey, Israel is startlingly diverse. Almost anywhere you travel in this Middle Eastern country, you’re sure to come across historic religious sites mentioned in the Bible. You’ll also come across ancient Roman ruins as well as other archaeological ruins dating back thousands of years.

If old things aren’t your cup of tea, Israel has some great beaches, good outdoor opportunities, and a sophisticated cultural scene. An overview of the best places to visit in Israel :

10. Nazareth [SEE MAP]

Nazareth, the largest city in Galilee, is known as the Arab capital of the country because its residents are predominantly Arab citizens of Israel. Nazareth is a pilgrimage destination for Christians because the Bible says it was the home of Joseph and Mary and hence the childhood home of Jesus.

This ancient city is where the angel Gabriel appeared to tell Mary she would give birth to Jesus. Because of this, Nazareth is sometimes called the cradle of Christianity. Its Old City boasts the Church of the Annunciation, the largest Catholic church in the Middle East. Take time, too, to walk the picturesque streets and visit the colorful local market.

9. Caesarea [SEE MAP]

Caesarea is both ancient and new. It was founded by Herod the Great in honor of Caesar Augustus, who gave him the city. In 1952, it became the only city in Israel to be governed by a private corporation. Antiquities park is where you’ll find ruins from Herod’s extensive building campaign.

You’ll also find more ruins by walking through the old city or maybe you’ll want to take in a re-enactment of horse races in the hippodrome. The new Caesarea is modern and upscale. Maybe you’ll want to sunbathe on the sandy beaches, play golf or take in the annual jazz festival.

8. Ramon Crater [SEE MAP]

Ramon Crater is the largest of three erosion craters found in the Negev Desert. The geological landform is believed to have started forming millions of years ago when the ocean began receding. It was a few more million years before it became the crater it is today.

Ringed by mountains, the colorful crater is more than 450 meters (1,500 feet) deep and nearly 40 km (25 miles) long. The world’s largest erosion crater is accessible to the public; you can ogle the varying terrain as you hike, bike or drive through it. Campers may enjoy staying at a campsite run by Bedouins.

7. Haifa [SEE MAP]

Israel may be a Jewish state, but it is another religion that draws visitors to Haifa, the country’s third largest city. Located on the Mediterranean, this pretty city’s biggest tourist attraction is the Baha’i World Center with its shrine of the Bab and beautiful gardens.

Haifa is primarily a port and industrial city, but it offers a variety of things to do. The Israel Museum of Science, Technology and Space is its most visited museum. The arts are important, too, with Ein Hod, home to about 100 artists and craftsmen. Haifa has nice beaches and is a good place to surf and sail.

6. Sea of Galilee [SEE MAP]

The Sea of Galilee of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on earth, and the second lowest lake in the world – the lowest being the saltwater Dead Sea. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount was supposedly given on a hill overlooking the sea.

It’s a popular destination for Christian pilgrims who want to see where Jesus walked on water. The 65-km (40-mile) long Jesus Hiking Trail that visits places where Jesus worked his ministry is another draw. People also come from all over the world to be baptized at the spot the lake flows into the Jordan River.

5. Tel Aviv [SEE MAP]

Tel Aviv, Israel’s second largest city, is the country’s financial hub. But that doesn’t mean you should skip coming here because there’s lots see and do, especially if you’re into nightlife. Tel Aviv is known as a party city, as one that doesn’t sleep.

The city is home to the national opera and philharmonic orchestra. Several travel publication surveys rank the city among the best place to visit in Israel; it’s also famous for being LGBT friendly. Its Mediterranean beaches are some of the world’s best. The city has several outstanding museums, including Beth Hatefulsoth that tells the story of Jewish persecution over the ages.

4. Eilat [SEE MAP]

Eilat is an ancient city on the Red Sea that’s served as a port city since the days of King Solomon. Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city. Its sumptuous beaches and an arid climate contributes make it a major resort city. It has some of the best diving in the world, likely due to the beautiful coral reef located here.

If you dive, expect to see an astounding array of sea life. Other attractions include King City, a high-tech Bible-based family theme park; bird watching – Eilat is on the main migration route between Europe and Africa; and Timna Valley Park, home to Solomon’s Pillars and the world’s oldest copper mine.

3. Dead Sea [SEE MAP]

The Dead Sea got its name for a reason. It’s almost 10 times as salty as the ocean, making it a harsh environment for anything to grow in. And at 400 meters (1,400 feet) below sea level, it’s the lowest elevation on land.

For thousands of years; the salt and minerals from its water are used in cosmetics. Dead Sea water and mud have medically proven benefits, putting severe skin diseases and joint problems into long-term remission. All the luxury hotels along the coast have health spas, which are often booked solid for months ahead.

2. Masada [SEE MAP]

Situated on a high plateau in southern Israel overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada was the last Jewish holdout to fall to Rome at the end of the First Jewish–Roman War. Masada was first fortified by Herod the Great in the late first century BC. In 66 AD, Sicarii Jewish patriots captured the fortress from the Romans, who tried to take it back seven years later.

Rather than live under Roman rule, the 900 Sicarii opted for mass suicide. Today Masada is a symbol of ancient Israel and one of the best examples of Roman fortifications remaining. There’s a cable car for those who don’t fancy taking one of the various different paths that lead up the hill.

1. Jerusalem [SEE MAP]

Regarded as a holy city to the three major religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities. Located high in the Judean Mountains, Jerusalem was formerly inhabited by the Jebusite tribe until King David of the Israelites captured it 3,000 years ago and made it his capital city.

Over the centuries, the city has been besieged, attacked and captured numerous times by opposing religious and political powers. In spite of time and warfare, Jerusalem’s many historic sites remain well preserved, making it one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities of the world.

Its historic Old City is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Armenian and Muslim. Here you can walk in Jesus’ footsteps on the Via Dolorosa’, pray at the Western Wall, see the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christians believe Jesus is buried, and tour the Tower of David, a medieval citadel. Other important sites include the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque at the Temple Mount. Outside the Old City, popular attractions are the Garden Tomb, Hezekiah’s Tunnels, Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and the Biblical Zoo.

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August 7, 2019 at 11:33 pm

So excited to travel in Israel ? Hope i will enjoy it , and hopefully iit will be safe to stay there and people were super nice ❤️Good HEART

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tel Aviv

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 22, 2023

Rimmed by stretches of golden beach and renowned for its lively café culture and innovative dining scene, Tel Aviv is Israel's most cosmopolitan and youthful city.

Soaking up the sun and sand, shopping in arty boutiques, and enjoying some serious foodie action are Tel Aviv's top things to do, and what the city lacks in major tourist attractions, it makes up for with its laid-back atmosphere.

Nicknamed " The White City ," the town was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2003 in recognition of its fine examples of Bauhaus architecture (an early 20th-century Modernist style of building). There are also a number of art galleries and small, specialist museums for sightseeing off the beach.

For historic ambience, though, one of the best places to visit is Jaffa, just to the south. This well-preserved port town has a settlement history dating back thousands of years and today is home to excellent restaurants and cafés.

Plan your time here with our list of the top tourist attractions in Tel Aviv.

1. Tel Aviv Beaches

3. yemenite quarter, 4. dizengoff circle & surrounds, 5. tel aviv museum of art, 6. neve tzedek quarter, 7. bialik street, 8. namal: the old port area, 9. eretz israel museum, 10. anu (museum of the jewish people), 11. netanya, 13. yitzhak rabin center, 14. rothschild boulevard, tel aviv-yafo, israel - climate chart, history of tel aviv.

Tel Aviv is defined by its coastal position. The beaches attract tourists and locals alike. On weekends, Tel Aviv's strips of sand are crowded with sun-worshippers, posers, and people just chilling out.

The most popular sandy stretches are centrally located Gordon Beach , Frishman Beach , and Banana Beach , where you'll find excellent facilities such as freshwater showers, sun loungers, and sunshades for rent.

The Homat Hayam Promenade (also known as the Tayelet) is a paved boardwalk that runs along the beach from central Tel Aviv for two kilometers to Jaffa. This is prime evening promenading territory, as well as offering a scenic seafront walkway for those who want to stroll to Jaffa rather than take public transport.

The beachfront area is lined with plenty of cafés and restaurants, allowing an easy entire day at the beach.

A two-kilometer walk south along the coast from downtown Tel Aviv brings you to the ancient port town of Jaffa, with its preserved Ottoman-era architecture and a handful of historic monuments that point to Jaffa's long history as one of the Mediterranean's most important ports over the centuries.

Today, most visitors are here to simply stroll around the central Old Jaffa area, with its flea market, restaurants, cafés, and artisan boutiques. It's particularly lively in the evening, when the old town throngs with diners.

To get a glimpse of Jaffa's history, head down to the old port area, then visit St. Peter's Church and Jaffa's Great Mosque .

Jaffa's Abrasha Park is also home to an excavation area that has revealed a section of the Hyksos period walls (dating from between the 18th to the 16th centuries BCE).

Compared to the big-city hustle of Tel Aviv, Jaffa is a wonderfully tranquil place for a stroll that, despite serious gentrification, still retains its old-fashioned charm.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Jaffa

One of Tel Aviv's most atmospheric neighborhoods, the Yemenite Quarter (Kerem HaTemaniem) is full of meandering alleyways lined by old-style architecture that has withstood the area's gentrification.

It was first settled by Yemenite Jews in the early 20th century, and the original feel of the closely-packed streets is still very much alive.

The neighborhood backs onto Tel Aviv's famed Carmel Market — busy, colorful, full of fresh produce, and Tel Aviv's answer to Jerusalem's famous Mahane Yehuda Market.

There are excellent dining opportunities both within and around the market area, and this district is best known for its cheap and cheerful dining options, dishing up plenty of Middle Eastern flavors, as well as its buzzing café culture. If you're hungry in Tel Aviv and want a cheap meal, this is the place to head.

The hub of Tel Aviv is this central plaza, laid out on two levels with a raised area for pedestrians above the carriageway and topped by the peculiar modern-art Fire and Water Fountain designed by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam.

The plaza and the street running off it are named after Meir Dizengoff, Tel Aviv's first mayor after the city separated from Jaffa.

From the circle, Dizengoff Street runs southeast to Habima Square, Tel Aviv's cultural center and home to the Habima Theater built in 1935.

This is also where you'll find the excellent Helena Rubinstein Pavilion of Contemporary Art , which hosts a program of temporary art exhibits.

Just off Habima Square, on Berdyczewski Street, is one of Tel Aviv's best speciality museums. The Joseph Bau House Museum is set in the house where the famous Israeli artist and holocaust survivor lived and worked. Exhibits of his work, including animation films, paintings, and graphic art, are displayed throughout, and tours of the space are run by his daughters.

Address: Dizengoff Street, Central City

The city's major museum and a leading light in Israel's contemporary art scene, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art contains works by Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, Henry Moore, Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and the world's largest collection of work by Israeli artists.

A particular highlight is the collection of Alois Breyer early 20th century prints and architectural renderings of Ukrainian wooden synagogues, all of which were destroyed during World War II.

The ultra-modern building, with its sophisticated architecture, houses and highlights the artworks perfectly.

As well as the permanent collection, the museum hosts regular temporary exhibits and other events.

Address: 27 Shaul HaMelech Boulevard, Central City

Official site: www.tamuseum.org.il

The funky Neve Tzedek Quarter is the city's oldest neighborhood, with European-Jewish settlers first building houses here in the 1880s.

These lovely old buildings have been well preserved, and many now house arty boutiques, cafés, and some of the city's hippest restaurants .

Snuggled within the quarter on Rochkach Street, you'll find two of its major points of interest: the Rockach House , home to a small sculpture gallery, and the Nachum Gutman Art Museum , which displays the artwork of this Israeli painter.

In the district's southwest corner is the old Ottoman railway station called the HaTachana . This has been restored and reopened as a rather stylish complex of cafés, restaurants, and designer boutiques.

Little Bialik Street, just west of Meir Park in the central city, is home to some excellent examples of Tel Aviv's Bauhaus architecture.

At the northern end, Bialik Square is home to Tel Aviv's original Bauhaus-style town hall , now known as Beit Ha'ir. Various exhibits inside document the history of Tel Aviv.

Just south of the square is the distinctive Bialik House , which originally was the residence of poet Chaim Nachman Bialik and is now a tribute to his life and works.

Farther down the street is the house of artist Reuven Rubin. Again, this is now a museum dedicated to his work, full of paintings, as well as old photographs of Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv's old port area (known as Namal) is located just off HaYarkon Street. It has been slickly rejuvenated and is now a hip waterfront hangout strip full of shops and cafés.

The boardwalk here is a favorite for promenading youngsters, while families flock to the area on weekends. The area is home to small private art galleries and an excellent indoor market.

During the weekends there are often free live music concerts and other events and family-friendly entertainment . This is a great place to come if you have kids in tow, as there's usually plenty to keep them occupied.

Official site: www.namal.co.il

The Eretz Israel Museum (Land of Israel Museum) occupies a complex just north of Hayarkon Park.

The complex grounds include the Tell Qasile archaeological site and a planetarium , as well as various pavilion buildings with displays on ceramics, glass, the history of writing, science, ethnography, and folklore.

In the center of the complex is Tell Qasile where Israeli archaeologists have identified 12 settlement levels dating back to the 12th century BCE. Stratum XII and Stratum XI are attributed to the Philistines, while Stratum X dates from the 10th century when the kings of Israel had a port here.

Later strata show that the site was still occupied during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras and was only finally abandoned in favor of nearby Jaffa during the Islamic period.

Address: 2 Chaim Levanon Street, Tel Aviv

Now newly renewed and renamed, ANU (which used to also be known as Beit Hatefutsoth or the Diaspora Museum) illustrates the life and culture of the Jewish people across the world, throughout history.

The museum displays a wide variety of exhibits organized into themes that include synagogues and worship of Jewish communities throughout the world; Jewish humor; and prominent Jewish people throughout history, including famous musicians, writers, and actors.

Interactive displays and modern curation, film recordings, and models, document the world's Jewish population through the centuries.

There is also an excellent new children's section with interactive multimedia displays.

Complimentary guided tours are available three times per week but need to be booked beforehand.

Address: 2 Klausner Street, Tel Aviv

Official site: https://www.anumuseum.org.il/

This popular seaside resort, 32 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, sits on a beautiful golden-sand beach that stretches for more than 10 kilometers.

The shoreline is the major attraction. Tel Aviv locals flock here during sunny weekends to chill out with friends and family.

Downtown is crammed with cafés and restaurants and really buzzes with energy during summer evenings. It's a quieter alternative to Tel Aviv if you don't fancy the big-city rush, and there are plenty of accommodation options here.

The Jewish Legion Museum (four kilometers north of the town center) documents the achievements of Jewish military units in the British army during World War I.

Although now known mainly for being home to Ben-Gurion International Airport, Lod has a rich history.

Founded by the tribe of Benjamin after the Israelite occupation of the Promised Land, Lod was later destroyed by the Assyrians during the 8th century BCE.

From the 4th century onwards, it was settled by Greeks who renamed it Lydda. During the Byzantine era, Lydda/Lod became an important Christian center, and St. Paul is said to have healed a bedridden man here before traveling on to Caesarea.

It's also one of the towns mentioned on the famous 6th century Madaba Map of the Holy Land in Madaba, Jordan.

Today, you can visit Lod's Greek Orthodox Church of St. George , which was rebuilt in 1870 over the original Crusader-era chapel here.

Lod is 22 kilometers southeast of Tel Aviv.

Neighboring the Eretz Israel Museum, the Yitzhak Rabin Center (named after the former prime minister of Israel) includes a wealth of information about Israel itself, and about Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated by Jewish terrorists after making peace with Jordan in 1995.

The museum's highly detailed exhibits include a multitude of archived films and photographs.

They take visitors through Israeli history from the early 20th century while focusing on the biography of Rabin from his early years, through his life as a soldier, and then in the government and as leader of the country, right up to his assassination.

Address: 8 Haim Levanon Street, Tel Aviv

This central city street, which runs south from Habima Square, is home to some of Tel Aviv's finest Bauhaus architecture and is a great place for a stroll, particularly in the early evening.

Along the road are two museums where you can make stops between admiring the preserved buildings.

The Independence Hall (Beit Dizengoff) is the former residence of Tel Aviv's first mayor and is where David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the state of Israel on May 14th, 1948. Inside, a display of mementos from this event is exhibited.

Also along the road is the house once occupied by Haganah Commander Eliyahu Golomb, now home to the Haganah Museum , which documents the Haganah guerrilla force that actively attacked British Mandate rule. There are weaponry exhibits and information on the Haganah's activities inside.

Although Tel Aviv itself is a modern town, Jaffa , just to the south, has been occupied for centuries.

Excavations in recent years have brought to light a wall dating from the Hyksos period (18th-16th centuries BCE), and archaeologists have also found a stone door with an inscription in the name of Egypt's Pharaoh Ramses II dating from the 13th century BCE.

Around 1200 BCE, Philistines settled in Jaffa and on Tell Qasile (north of the river Yarqon). Later (approximately 1000 BCE), the town was captured by David, and it's thought that his son Solomon imported cedar wood from Lebanon for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem through the port of Jaffa or the harbor near Tell Qasile.

In later centuries, however, the population of Jaffa was predominantly Phoenician, and from the 3rd century BCE, predominantly Greek. During the 1st century BCE, the port of Jaffa lost its leading place to the newly founded town of Caesarea.

The Christian era in Jaffa began with the visit of the apostle Peter (Acts 9,36-43), and it became the see of a bishop during the 4th century CE. In 636 CE, it was conquered by the Arabs, and during the 7th and 8th centuries enjoyed a period of prosperity under the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphs.

The Crusaders destroyed the town in 1099 and then rebuilt the walls; thereafter the port was used by pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The Crusader occupation came to an end, however, with the capture of the town by the Mameluke Sultan Baibars in 1267. Thereafter, for many centuries, Jaffa lay desolate.

From 1520, Palestine was ruled by the Ottomans, who in 1650 gave permission to Franciscan friars to build a church and pilgrim hospice at Jaffa.

In 1807, Mahmud, whose severity earned him the name of Abu Nebut ("Father of the Cudgel"), became Pasha of Gaza and made Jaffa his capital. Many monuments in Jaffa date from this time, including the Seraglio (now a museum), the nearby Hammam, the Mahmudiye Mosque, and the Abu Nebut Fountain.

A new period of development under European auspices began in the mid 19th century.

The "capitulations" in agreement with the Ottoman government ensured great influence for the European powers in Palestine. The French built hospitals and enlarged monasteries and churches. The Russians built a church dedicated to St. Peter at the "Tomb of Tabitha" on the hill of Abu Kabir. Farther north, the Jewish settlements of Neve Tzedek and Neve Shalom were established.

In 1892, French engineers built a railway line between Jaffa and Jerusalem. In 1909, immigrants from Russia founded the purely Jewish suburb of Ahuzat Bayit, with the Herzl Grammar School (on a site now occupied by the Shalom Tower). This marked the beginning of the modern town, which was named Tel Aviv in 1910. Following the intercommunal conflict of the Jaffa Riots in 1921, Tel Aviv broke away from Jaffa and became an independent city.

During the British Mandate (1920-48), wide new streets were cut through Jaffa's maze of alleys to make it easier to control disorder. By 1924, the town had a population of 35,000.

The United Nations plan for the partition of Palestine (1947) proposed that Jaffa (population 100,000, including 30,000 Jews) should remain Palestinian, and Tel Aviv (population 230,000) become Jewish.

In 1948, as the British Mandate was dissolved, Jewish forces capturing Jaffa. Much of the Palestinian population of Jaffa fled during the onslaught. On May 14th, 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the state of Israel in the former house of the first mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff.

In 1949, the old town of Jaffa was amalgamated with Tel Aviv under the name of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

More on Israel

Main Israel Destinations and Tourist Attractions

Israel is a small but beautiful country filled with natural landscapes, wonderful beaches, and a fascinating history. With so many destinations, you may think planning a trip can be an overwhelming task. Don’t worry, though. We came up with this comprehensive travel guide to help you make the most of your visit to this wonderful country.

From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, from deserts to beaches, we list down the main places to visit in Israel.

This city is the heart of the Holy Land. It’s where Jesus Christ died and came back to life, and where the Prophet Muhammad rose to heaven to receive the word of God. A visit to Jerusalem, for many believers, is a pilgrimage to one of the most sacred sites around the world. When you’re checking out this major Israeli destination, check out the following attractions:

1. Wailing Wall

Also known as the Western Wall, this tourist spot is the surviving retaining wall of the first temple of Jerusalem. People wailed in this wall to grieve the temple’s loss in AD 70. Today, it’s the holiest site for the Jewish people and a place of pilgrimage.

2. Via Dolorosa

Many Christian visitors see Via Dolorosa, also known as the Way of Sorrow, as a highlight of their visit to Jerusalem. The walk follows the route of Jesus as he carries his cross towards Mount Calvary. If you visit on a Friday, you may join the procession led by Italian Franciscan monks.

3. Temple Mount

Lauded by Muslims, Christians, and Jews, Temple Mount (or Haram Al-Sharif) is one of the holiest sanctuaries on Earth. This is where Abraham, the father of the three monotheistic faiths, offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God. It’s also where the Prophet Muhammad rose to heaven during his early years of preaching Islam.

4. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Many Christian pilgrims view this Israeli tourist spot as the holiest site in Jerusalem, as they identify the site as the place of Jesus’ crucifixion. Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, chose the site as the main location of the church during her tour of the Holy Land . When you enter the church, you’ll find quarters owned by different Christian denominations as well as various holy relics.

5. Tower of David

King Herod erected this ancient citadel to protect the palace he built around 24 BC. When you enter the Tower of David, you’ll find a museum, which relays the story of Jerusalem. You can also enjoy a Sound and Light show during the evenings.

6. Mount Zion

This small hill situated south of the Zion Gate is home to Muslim and Jewish shrines. It is where you’ll find the tomb of King David. If you go up the stairs from the courtyard of the tomb, you’ll come across the Last Supper Room, which served as both a mosque and a church throughout its long history. Apart from the tomb, you can visit other historic One of these is the Church of the Dormition where the Blessed Virgin Mary passed away. Another is the Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus.

7. Mount of Olives

Religious pilgrim travelers will find this Israeli tourist attraction filled with churches. At the top of the mount, you’ll see the Church of the Ascension, which offers spectacular views across Jerusalem. Walking down the slope, you’ll find the Church of the Pater Noster, erected near the site where Jesus instructed his disciples. Walk further down and you’ll come across the Church of Dominus Flevit where Jesus wept for Jerusalem. Besides the churches, you’ll find other major attractions, such as the Tomb of the Virgin Mary and the Gardens of Gethsemane, where the temple guards of the Sanhedrin arrested Jesus Christ.

8. Israel Museum

Different sections of the museum feature sacred Jewish art, a collection of works by Israeli painters, and exhibits from the early days of settlement. The museum also has a Shrine of the Book building that displays the country’s portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

9. Monastery of the Cross

Legend says that the Prophet Lot lived on the site where the medieval monastery stood. Additionally, people believed that the trees planted by Lot had provided the wood for the cross carried by Jesus Christ.

10. Mount Herzl

You’ll find the remains of Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism, on this site. This tourist attraction also features the Herzl Museum with a reconstruction of Herzl’s library and study.

11. Latrun Monastery

French Trappist Monks built the monastery in 1927. UK authorities had a reinforced police post during the British Mandate period. This post stood on the armistice line between Israel and Jordan. Today, living quarters and a large church sit on the monastery grounds.

12. Hill of Remembrance

Also known as Yad Vashem, the hill is home to the Hall of Remembrance, the first Holocaust commemoration site. The hall’s main building lists the names of Nazi death camps as well as an “eternal flame” to honor the memory of the dead. Opening off the main hall is a photo exhibition, children’s memorial, the names of the Holocaust victims, and works of art made by inmates from the concentration camps.

This city is Israel’s most modern metropolis. Many tourists visit Tel Aviv to soak up the sun, shop in a cutesy boutique, and enjoy delicious food at the city’s renowned restaurant and café scene. If you’re heading to Tel Aviv, drop by these destinations:

13. Yemenite Quarter

This tourist spot is one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. It’s full of alleyways lined by old-style architecture that withstood the gentrification of the area. If you’d like to enjoy an affordable meal, head to Carmel Market, a place that’s colorful, busy, and full of fresh produce.

14. Tel Aviv Beaches

Banana Beach, Frishman Beach, and Gordon Beach are just some of the popular sandy stretches that draw both tourists and locals. You’ll find excellent facilities, such as sun loungers, freshwater showers, and sunshades for rent.

15. Yitzhak Rabin Center

Named after former minister Yitzhak Rabin, this tourist spot is home to the Israel Museum. Visiting this center and museum lets you learn more about the history of Israel. You’ll also discover the life of Rabin from his early years right up to his assassination by Jewish terrorists.

16. Beit Hatefutsoth

This museum illustrates the culture and life of the Jewish people across the globe throughout history. It displays a wide range of exhibits, including models and film recordings, to record the world’s Jewish population through the centuries. It also features a Bob Dylan exhibit as well as exhibits devoted to the Ethiopian Jewish community.

17. Eretz Israel Museum

This attraction houses the Tell Qasile archaeological site, a planetarium, and pavilions with displays on folklore, ethnography, science, history of writing, glass, and ceramics.

18. Tel Aviv Museum of Art

This art museum contains works by Jackson Pollock, Picasso, Henry Moore, Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and the world’s biggest collection of artwork by Israeli artists. Its sophisticated architecture perfectly showcases and highlights its artworks.

19. Bialik Street

This street has three historical houses that will pique the interest of individuals who love culture and history. First is the Beit Ha’ir, which displays the history of Tel Aviv. Second is the Bialik House, which highlights the life and works of poet Chaim Nachman Bialik. Last is the Rubin Museum, which used to be the house of artist Reuven Rubin. The museum houses paintings and old photos of Tel Aviv.

20. Dizengoff Circle

This tourist attraction features a Fire and Water Fountain, a peculiar modern art designed by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam. It’s also home to the Habima Theater, the cultural center of Tel Aviv, and the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion of Contemporary Art.

21. Rothschild Boulevard

If you’re looking for a great place to stroll in the early evening, visit this central city street. Along the road, you’ll come across the Independence Hall, the former residence of the first mayor of Tel Aviv. You’ll also find the Haganah Museum, which documents the activities of the Haganah guerrilla force.

22. Netanya

This seaside resort city has a golden sand beach that extends for more than 10 kilometers. Locals flock to this major attraction during sunny weekends to have a good time with friends and family. If you don’t like Tel Aviv’s big-city vibe and prefer a quieter alternative, Netanya is for you.

Considered as the undisputed holiday capital of Israel, Eilat offers visitors with a spectacular combination of a beautiful bay and a mountainous desert landscape. It’s also home to dozens of shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars. When you’re stopping by this city, here are some of the attractions you can check out:

23. Coral Beach Underwater Observatory

Science and aquarium lovers will love this tourist spot, as it includes 40 fish tanks, a shark pool, a stingray and sea turtle pool, a nature museum, and underwater observatories. There’s even a darkroom designed specifically for the flashlight fish, a bioluminescent animal that has glowing bacteria under their eyes.

24. Mount Zefahot Trail

This circular hiking trail is an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views over Eilat, the Sinai Peninsula, and the town of Aqaba. If you plan to hike this trail, it’s best to do so early in the morning to avoid the day’s scorching heat.

25. King’s City Theme Park

If your kids are getting bored of the sand and sun, visit this theme park with a unique Holy Land twist. The rides have a historical theme.

26. Ice Space

This wacky tourist attraction throws you from the desert into the freezing Arctic. As you check out the ice sculptures on display, you’ll find that the temperature inside is at a constant -7°C. This blissfully cold treat may be just what you need after exploring the desert.

27. Dolphin Reef

This tourist spot is the place to go if you feel like snorkeling with dolphins. You can interact with a group of bottlenose dolphins that live just offshore by signing up for a tour. Alternatively, you can watch the dolphins from dry land through one of the observation decks.

28. Red Canyon

Nature lovers and hikers who want a taste of adventure but have no time to explore the desert scenery further may visit the Red Canyon. It has a well-marked trail that leads to the canyon’s red-tinged rock.

29. Hai-Bar Nature Reserve

This expansive 10,000-acre park is home to various wildlife, including ostriches, hyenas, antelopes, and other creatures of the desert. The goal of this reserve is to populate the area with animals that lived here since ancient times.

This location is popular with pilgrim travelers, as Jesus Christ carried out much of his ministry work in this area. It’s also popular with tourists who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. When going to Galilee, don’t miss visiting these tourist sites.

30. Sea of Galilee

This turquoise and magical body of water is Israel’s greatest national treasure. It holds major religious significance as well as touristic value due to the beauty of its surroundings.

31. Nazareth

This place once served as the village of Jesus’ youth. Today, it’s a modern city and an important center for the Arab community of Israel. Some of the religious sites you’ll find are the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent, and St. Joseph’s Church.

32. Bar’am National Park

This park includes the remains of a 4th- to 5th-century synagogue and the ancient village of Bar’am. You can visit the graves said to be those of Mordechai and Queen Esther at the Bar’am Forest.

33. Safad (Tsfat)

This mountain city located northeast of the Sea of Galilee has been a center for Jewish mysticism and scholarship since the 15th century.

This region offers a lot of beautiful desert scenery and ancient ruins. It’s a prime tourist destination for people who appreciate natural beauty. The attractions you’ll see here include:

34. Sde Boker

The main attraction in this kibbutz is Ben-Gurion’s House. This attraction showcases an interesting collection of black-and-white photos and original documents and letters written by David Ben-Gurion, the primary national founder and first Prime Minister of Israel.

35. Makhtesh Ramon

This geological feature is a paradise for geologists, as it features rock formations and fossils dating as far back as 220 million years.

36. Mampsis

Ancient Mampsis, along with its remarkable ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A few of the structures you’ll come across here are the West Church, the East Church dedicated to Holy Martyrs, and the ruins of a British Mandate police post.

37. En Avdat

This area has a spring in the middle of a barren upland region. Ibexes, which are wild goats with thick-ridged horns, live in this area to drink water from the spring.

You’ll find the Church of St. Theodore in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is a three-aisled basilica dedicated to a fourth-century Greek martyr.

39. Museum of Bedouin Culture

This museum displays an intriguing ethnographic collection, which includes exhibits of silver jewelry, agricultural and domestic equipment, clothing and other textiles, and various everyday objects. Individuals interested in nomadic cultures should drop by this museum.

40. Be’er Sheva

Known as the city of the Patriarchs in the Old Testament, Be’er Sheva is one of the biggest cities in the country. Some of the main tourist attractions you should visit are Abraham’s Well, the Museum of Negev Art, and the Thursday Bedouin Market.

41. Nitzana

This Nabataean town has a church with a mosaic pavement. Check out the Nitzana National Park established along the spice route.

This location is home to the well-preserved ruins of a Byzantine city with paved streets, water cisterns, dwellings, and monastic church.

Haifa is a lively port city with steep cliffs that make the area beautiful. It has excellent art museums, holy shrines, beautiful gardens, and fantastic views that you’ll surely enjoy. If you’re planning to have an enjoyable time in Haifa, make sure to visit the following attractions:

42. Caesarea

This tourist spot is one of the country’s most fascinating ancient sites. Among the attraction’s highlights are the ancient aqueduct, Roman Theater, and the remains of the Crusader city.

43. Elijah’s Cave

Believers say that the Prophet Elijah hid in this cave after killing the Ba’al priests. Remember to dress modestly when visiting this place to give respect to pilgrims who hold the prophet in high regard.

44. Mount Carmel

This area is where you’ll find the Carmelite Monastery of St. Elijah. It’s also where Elijah established an altar during his conflict with the Ba’al priests.

45. Haifa Cable Car

This is an easy and fun way to get to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. Riding this transportation lets you enjoy the breathtaking panoramic vistas.

46. Baha’i Shrine and Gardens

The shrine serves as the landmark monument of Haifa. It contains the tomb of Mirza Al Mohammed, the founder of the Baha’i faith. Besides the shrine, you’ll see terraced gardens that show an outstanding example of garden landscaping.

47. University Museums

You’ll find several attractions that make sightseeing enjoyable. One museum is the Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum, which highlights Jewish history in the Holy Land pre-Diaspora. If you’re looking for great views, the Eshkol Tower offers excellent panoramic views across the city.

48. National Maritime Museum

The museum features a collection of charts, maps, and model ships that show the history of seafaring in the Mediterranean. People interested in maritime history will surely enjoy this visit.

49. Beit Shearim

This captivating archaeological site is famous for its impressive catacombs.

50. Ursula Malbin Sculpture Park

If you need to relax from all the sightseeing, this would be the perfect place. The public park has many beautiful bronze statues made by Ursula Malbin.

With so many tourist spots in Israel, you’ll never run out of things to do and attractions to enjoy. So, go ahead and book your next trip to enjoy the beauty that the country offers.

For a detailed information about traveling to Israel, read our page  A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Israel .

25 Famous landmarks in Israel

There are many things Israel is famous for , some quite amazing and others… not so great. In this post, we will set aside the political things and want to explore famous landmarks. Israel is a beautiful country with an incredible diversity of wonderful landscapes, including lakes, beaches, coral reefs, deserts, craters, and hills.

Israel is also known for its history, culture, religious background, and all the monuments and ruins that come with it. There are significant religious landmarks (Jewish, Christian, Muslim), but also Roman ruins, templar fortresses, defensive walls, and ancient cities…

The diversity of things to do and see when visiting Israel is astonishing for such a small country. For this reason, we invited a few other bloggers to pitch in their favorite landmarks in Israel and make this post as complete as possible.

Without further ado, let’s explore the 25 most famous Israeli Landmarks !

Page Contents

Famous landmarks in Jerusalem

#1 the dome of the rock in jerusalem.

By Stéphanie from Bey Of Travel

When traveling through  Israel , visiting The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem cannot be missed. It will take you less than an hour to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by train.

Jerusalem is known as the most religious city in the world. Christians, Jews, and Muslims live together in the old city. While wandering through the narrow, magical streets of the city, the golden dome of the Dome of the Rock will immediately catch your eye. 

The rock over which the shrine was built is sacred to Muslims and Jews. Although it is not a mosque, it is the first major Muslim monument for public worship. It was built in the late 7th century by Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. 

Verses from the Quran are inscribed on all the walls inside the building. Abraham wanted to sacrifice his son on this sacred ground, and Mohammed went to heaven. This landmark in Israel is definitely a must-see for those interested in religion and history. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and be deterred by the army standing at the heavily guarded building.

You can visit the Dome of the Rock on a Jerusalem guided tour like this one

#2 City Walls Of Jerusalem

By Karen Warren from WorldWideWriter 

The ancient walls surrounding the old city of Jerusalem are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the city and its role in three major world religions. The walls (or ramparts) are also important to Jerusalem’s history. What you see today was built by Ottoman rulers in the 16 th century, replacing earlier Jewish and Roman fortifications. The intention in each case was to keep out unwelcome intruders – wild animals as well as human attackers.

The Jerusalem Ramparts is a solid stone structure with eight gates and several watchtowers. Tourists can pass through seven gates, but the eighth is permanently bricked up. This is the Golden Gate, which has religious significance for each of Jerusalem’s religions.

The best way to explore the city walls is via the Jerusalem Ramparts Walk . This is in two sections (a small part of the wall is inaccessible and can only be viewed from the outside). 

Each part of the walk starts at the Jaffa Gate and takes you to the top of the walls. The Ramparts Walk gives you a different perspective on the old city and tends to be less crowded than the city itself.

You can visit the Walls on a Jerusalem guided tour like this one

#3 The Western Wall, Jerusalem

By Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel

The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is one of the most significant historic sites for the Jewish faith. It is one of the last remaining walls surrounding the Temple Mount and is the site of Jerusalem’s First and Second Temples.

King Herod built the Western Wall in 20 BC during the expansion of the Second Temple. The Romans destroyed this temple in 70 AD, but the wall survived.

Thousands of people pilgrimage to the Western Wall each year to pray. Some people also write their prayers on small pieces of paper and put them in the stone’s cracks.

While the Western Wall is a religious site, you do not need to be religious to appreciate its significance. It is free for all people to enter and open all year long. Please note: no photos are allowed during Shabbat, which is Saturdays. Also, when visiting, men and women should  dress modestly .

The Western Wall is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. Many hotels in Jerusalem are within walking distance from The Western Wall. It is also possible to take a day trip from Tel Aviv to the Western Wall. 

You can visit the Western Wall on a Jerusalem guided tour like this one

#4 Mahane Yehuda Market

By Ben Holbrook from Driftwood Journals

Mahane Yehuda Market, or “The Shuk” as it’s affectionately known, dates back to Ottoman times and is  Jerusalem ’s largest and most colorful market. Open every day (other than Saturdays) from 8 am, its warren of 250+ stalls positively throngs with locals stocking up on Israeli delicacies and uber-fresh produce. Feast your eyes on mounds of perfect pastries and freshly-baked bread, and scoop your way through overflowing bags of herbs, nuts, and tahini so tangy you won’t resist.

The proud stallholders readily offer samples, and your shekels will most certainly go a long way. Pick up some baklava to enjoy as you wander, or pull up a stool at one of the little market restaurants for a hearty breakfast or lunch. Azura serves a blend of Tunisian, Kurdish, Iraqi, and Sephardic dishes, and you’d be remiss not to try their famous kubbeh soup or weighty Magadra (meatballs).

Be sure to pop by after dark to see the aisles morph into makeshift restaurants that echo the sounds of happy diners and live music. In fact, you could easily spend an entire day and night here and still want more!

#5 Church of the Holy Sepulchre

By Derek and Mike from Robe Trotting

One of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the entire Holy Land is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Because reaching the church requires navigating turn after turn in a maze of ancient city streets, a knowledgeable tour guide or group best visits this incredible landmark of Israel.

The site is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and can be reached from Tel Aviv in just under an hour, depending on traffic. Many visitors book a Jerusalem tour from Tel Aviv or other cities in Israel, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is always a part of the experience. 

Part of the location’s importance is due to the two sites within. The first is near the entrance atop an ornate staircase. It ascends the ancient hill of Golgotha, on which Jesus Christ was crucified. For visitors following the cross stations or Via Dolorosa stations, this is the final station of the experience. 

The second area of significance is the tomb where Christ’s body was laid buried. For believers of Christian teachings, it’s the site from which Jesus Christ was resurrected. It attracts long lines of religious pilgrims and faith tourists.

You can visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on a guided tour like this

#6 City of David

The city of David is an archaeological site considered the original settlement of Bronze and Iron Age Jerusalem. The site is speculated to be the birthplace of Jerusalém, and it contains archaeological findings from the Solomon’s Temple period until the Ottoman period.

The archeological exploration of the City of David began in the 19th century and continues to this day. On the archaeological site, you can visit the Royal Acropolis – remnants of homes from the Biblical Period; Gihon Spring, and the two Pools of Siloam – ancient pools where the Gihon Spring flows into the city of David; Siloam Tunnel- an underground water system. The entrance tickets cost 65 NIS for adults.

The coolest part of the archeological site is the Siloam Tunnel, as you can walk through it, where water flows from the Gihon Spring into the Pool of Siloam, 533 meters later. The site is scorching hot, so we advise you to visit when the sun is low.

You can easily visit the city of David on a guided tour

#7 Mount of Olives

Mount of Olives is a mountain hill overlooking Jerusalem’s old city. Once covered with olive trees, these mountains have an important religious significance for Jews and Christians.

There are several biblical references to the Mount of Olives as it used to be the place where Jesus used to preach. It is also the site where it is believed Jesus ascended to heaven after being resurrected. On the other hand, the southern ridge of the Mount has been used as a cemetery for the Jews for over 3,000 years, being the oldest continually used cemetery in the world.

Along the mountain, there are several important churches, Augusta Victoria Hospital, Chapel of the Ascension, Church of the Pater Noster, Church of Dominus Flevit, Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene, Church of all Nations, Tomb of the Virgin Mary, plus other important monuments.

Even if you aren’t religious, a visit to the Mount of Olives is well worth it. From the peak of the mount, you have breathtaking views of Jerusalem’s old city.

The Mount of Olives is included in many Jerusalem tours

Humanmade and Historical Landmarks in Israel

#8 jaffa port, tel aviv.

Jaffa (or Yafo) is the oldest part of Tel Aviv, located in the southern part of the Tel Aviv-Yafo metropolis. Jaffa Port is said to be the oldest port in the world, with archeological evidence and documents pointing to being used for about 7000 years now, predating Jewish, Christians, Muslims, and even Egyptians. Biblically, It is also set to be the port where Jonah (from the Jonah and the Whale story) sailed away.

Jaffa Port was neglected for a long part of the 20th century, but it was renovated recently, becoming a small fishing harbor, a yacht harbor, and a major tourist destination. Today it is a great place to be, offering various things to do from bookstores to theaters and delicious food, including some amazing fresh fish and seafood restaurants.

Jaffa Port is very easy to reach from Tel Aviv’s wonderful beaches; you only need to walk south along the boardwalk till reaching the Port. The views are breathtaking, and we suggest going in the late afternoon to enjoy the lovely sunsets.

#9 Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv

By Rachel Shulman from East To West

Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) is possibly the largest and most well-known landmark in Tel Aviv , Israel. No visitor can come to Tel Aviv without visiting the Shuk. Shuk HaCarmel was created in the early 1920s and has evolved extensively while keeping its local natural roots (and awnings and booths). It is one of the most important historical landmarks in Tel Aviv’s city development.

This is the market where you can find everything from typical tourist souvenirs to locals in their everyday life shopping for their produce and organic goods, eating falafel, and drinking within. It by far has the lowest prices and best product since it comes straight from the farms. There are also a ton of home goods, clothing booths, and more stores. Anything you can think of can be found in the Shuk, which sees thousands of visitors daily.

The Shuk is very non-luxurious, and you see quintessential Israelis in their habitat here – negotiating, yelling at each other, and drinking together. The Shuk is located right in the center of Tel Aviv, making it highly accessible to all as well as free to enter. You can enter the Shuk at the Allenby, Sheinkin, and King George streets crossroads.

#10 The Walls of Akko

Located in northern Israel, only a few km north of Haifa, Akko (or Acre) is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited human settlements. The initial walls were built in the 10th century and were expanded, wrecked, fortified, attacked, and refortified several times by Muslims, Crusaders, Ottomans, and Mamluks. Today, the old town of Akko is encircled by its walls – a sea wall to the west, south, and southeast, and by ramparts.

The current walls and the dry moat on the north side were built mainly between 1750 and 1840 by Zahir al-Umar by Jazzar Pasha and survived Napoleon’s siege. The final walls are double, massive walls equipped with broad, powerful watchtowers. Furthermore, they had heavy cannons to enhance the city’s protection.

While traveling to Akre , it’s possible and advisable to walk along the city walls (both land and sea) to see their mighty defensive power. It guarantees wonderful views of the old town, the port, and the surroundings.

You can visit Akko on a day trip from Tel-Aviv or from Jerusalem . The tours to Akko usually also include other landmarks in northern Israel, like Caesarea, Haifa, and Rosh Hanikra.

#11 Hospitaller fortress of Akko

Akko has been a significant town for a long time, but its major glory days were during the Crusades when it was the most important pilgrim port, and it even became the capital of the Crusader kingdom after the loss of Jerusalem. During these times, the Hospitallers were military and monastic orders who cared for the sick and maintained the safety of the pilgrims to the holy sites.

Together with the walls, the hospitaller fortress is the most iconic landmark in Akko. It’s a huge building that served as the headquarters of the mighty hospitallers. Restored in recent years, this monumental fortress has three floors surrounding a central courtyard with 1200 m 2 . Besides the courtyard, some of the most impressive rooms include the Knights’ Hall and the Dining Hall, considered great examples of Gothic architecture of the medieval crusader period.

Visiting this fortress takes you back in time and is a pleasant way of learning about the Crusaders’ period. The old city of Acre has been a UNESCO heritage site since 2001, including the Hospitallers fortress and the city walls.

#12 The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa

By Adi Ben Ezer from Adiseesworld

The stunning Baha’i Gardens, located in Israel’s northern city of Haifa, is a  definite must-see ; whether you are visiting Haifa or just passing through the city on your way to the north of the country.

Circa 95 kilometers (or one and a quarter hours’ drive) north of Tel Aviv, they stretch from the Lower City to the summit of Mount Carmel, providing a beautiful panoramic view of the region.

This impressive UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its distinctive design, is the most sacred site to Baha’i people around the world. It is where the administrative affairs of the religion occur, with hundreds of thousands of people visiting it a year.

It includes magnificent carefully pruned symmetrical gardens and 19 terraces along the mountain slopes. In the gardens, you will also not be able to miss the (real) gold-domed Shrine of the Bab and the tomb of Siyyad Ali Muhammed.

The buildings are built in a Neoclassical style. They aim to provide all who visit them with a sense of peace and harmony – values the Baha’is hopes to promote worldwide. Work on the gardens began by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba in 1987. The garden terraces were officially opened to the public in 2001. 

You can visit Haifa on a day trip from Tel-Aviv or from Jerusalem . The tours to Haifa usually also include other landmarks on the Israeli coast, like Caesarea, Akko and Rosh Hanikra.

#13 Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth

The Basilica of Annunciation or the Church of Annunciation is the catholic church built in Nazareth, in northern Israel. It’s about 1h30 minutes from Tel Aviv and 45 minutes from Haifa. According to Catholic tradition, the church was built in the house where Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced that she would bear God’s Son, Jesus. Thus the name, Church of Annunciation.

There have been several churches built and destroyed on the same site. The Byzantines built the initial church, supposedly commissioned by Emperor Constantine I. The second church was built over the ruins of the Byzantine church during the Crusades. For centuries a small chapter was built, rebuilt, and expanded by Franciscans. Finally, in 1954 the old church was completely demolished to allow the construction of today’s basilica, designed by architect Giovanni Muzio.

This Basilica is massive and impressive, with churches. The lower church contains the Grotto of the Annunciation, believed to be Mary’s original childhood home, while the upper church is the parish church for Nazareth’s Catholic community. The cupola with a lantern symbolizes the light of the world. Around the upper church walls and on the exterior are colorful and beautiful Virgin Mary illustrations with diverse materials (mostly mosaics and ceramic tiles). Various countries presented these representations, and it’s fascinating to see the different ways Virgin Mary is perceived in each country.

#14 Caesarea

By Miriam from Miry Giramondo

Caesarea is a small town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is easily accessible from Tel Aviv and Haifa. Not far from the center, there is an important and extensive archaeological park very interesting to visit called  Caesarea Marittima National Park . This is one of Israel’s most important and impressive archaeological sites.

The history of Caesarea’s origins goes back to 2000 years ago when Herod the Great built a large port that could hold about 300 ships around, which soon developed into a lively town. The center remained administered by the Roman Empire first and then by the Byzantine Empire but was destroyed and abandoned in the 13th century.

Today inside the park, you can see the Roman ruins, the Hippodrome (where the spectators would come to see the gladiators), the Reef Palace, the Bath Complex, the mosaic floors, and the most beautiful work in front of the sea: the Herodian Amphitheatre. It was a 10,000-seat hippodrome where slaves and prisoners battled wild animals, and chariots careened around a U-shaped track, you could climb to the top and have a beautiful view. Beautiful beaches surround the ancient city ruins.

Within the park, there are several bars and restaurants. The entrance to the site costs 39 NIS and is open daily from 8-16.

You can visit the Sea of Galilee on a day trip from Tel-Aviv or from Jerusalem . The tours usually also include a visit to Nazareth.

By Bella from   Passport & Pixels

Situated high on a rocky mountaintop close to the Dead Sea, Masada is an incredible ancient stone fortress that towers 1,300 feet (400 meters) above the surrounding plain.

Meaning “strong foundation or support” in Hebrew, the ruins at Masada were once part of the ancient kingdom of Israel. The castle complex was built in 30 BCE by King Herod of Judea (of the Biblical killing babies fame). The Romans occupied the region in the first century AD and destroyed Jerusalem. In response, a group of Jewish rebels occupied Masada to defend themselves against the invaders. This led to the famous siege of Masada: in the year 72, a legion of 8,000 Romans attacked the castle, surrounding it and building a siege ramp so they could get inside. When the 960 defenders realized they were about to be overcome, almost all took their own lives rather than submit to Roman rule.   

Today Masada is a UNESCO world heritage site and is widely considered one of Israel’s greatest archaeological treasures. You can get to Masada by bus or car or on a guided tour from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. A popular way to see it is to go in time to see the sunrise over the Moab Mountains and the Dead Sea. Access to the top is either by cable car or walk up the Snake Path, a steep ascent that takes about 60-90 minutes and is best completed early in the morning before it gets too hot.

You can also visit Masada on a guided tour from Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv . It is typically visited on the same tour as Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea.

#16 The ancient Nabatean and Roman city of Shivta

Shivta by Corinne Vail of Reflections Enroute

One of Israel’s most surprisingly interesting sites is the ancient Nabatean and Roman city of Shivta. Located directly on the incense trade route between Yemen and China, it is one of the incense cities of the Negev that provided a much-needed stopover for the caravans. The most sought-after products were the spices of Frankincense and Myrrh. Harnessing the little water in the arid Negev Desert, Shivta became an oasis where merchants stopped, rested, ate, fed their animals, and prepared for the next leg of their journey. The city was built over 2,000 years ago and remains largely intact since it was never conquered or destroyed. 

Today the National Parks System is the caretaker of the city. There are plenty of buildings to visit as well as the deepwater cistern. Some things to see are the oil presses, noble’s houses, Byzantine churches, a mosque, and even the town pools. As you walk the streets, it’s easy to imagine the ancient people plying their wares. If you are not on tour, renting a car and driving is the best way to get to Shivta. It takes about two hours from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem on the Yitzhak Rabin Highway and Route 40.

#17 Nimrod’s Fortress

Ashley Jansen of  Jetset Jansen

Nimrod’s Fortress is where you’ll find the ruins of Israel’s largest medieval castle. It was named after Nimrod, who was a warrior from biblical times. The structure dated all the way back to the Middle Ages and was built on top of a hill overlooking the Golan Heights. This landmark is a little harder to reach, as it’s located in the very north of Israel, near the Lebanon border.

It was strategically built in the 13 th century to have a view of the road and the surrounding area. The castle was originally a smaller structure and was built quickly because of the potential threats of the crusader army. Eventually, it was renovated and expanded upon.

There are many points of interest to explore while here. The castle ruins consist of several towers, archways, and rooms. Near the Southwest Tower is where you’ll find a large reservoir. You can also explore the ‘Beautiful Tower,’ a round room with a stone ceiling. Nimrod’s Fortress is also where you can find the largest inscription found in Israel.

It’s a great place to explore and learn more about the history of the area. But perhaps the best part of the fortress is the forested hills and the valley’s view below. 

Natural Landmarks in Israel

#18 dead sea.

The Dead Sea is clearly one of the most famous natural landmarks in Israel and the world. The Dead Sea is a landlocked salt sea bordering Jordan to the east, the West Bank (north), and Israel to the west (South). The main tributary to the dead sea is the Jordan River, which comes from the north.

Besides the obvious beauty and historical and religious importance, the Dead Sea is famous for its high salinity levels and being below sea level. Unfortunately, the lake is receding as the surface area of the lake is about 600km 2 , while it was more than 1000km 2 in 1930.

The surface and shores of the dead sea are 430.5 meters below sea level, making it the lowest altitude globally on land. It is quite a feeling to start descending to the lake and see all the signs indicating you are 100, 200, 300, and 400 meters below sea level. Looking to the top of mountains, thinking those places are way below sea level.

Finally, the dead sea is also one of the world’s saltiest water bodies, with a salinity of 34% or almost ten times saltier than the ocean. This characteristic makes swimming almost impossible, as you cannot avoid floating. The images of people reading a newspaper or magazine while on the water are also hugely famous. These extreme salinity levels also make life barely impossible in the lake, which explains why there aren’t animals or plants in the lake. Thus, its name.

You can also visit the Dea Sea on a guided tour from Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv . It is typically visited on the same tour as Ein Gedi and Masada.

#19 Eilat coral reef

The Eilat coral reef is located in the red sea, at the southern tip of Israel. It is the only coral reef in Israel and the northernmost coral reef in the world. Despite being a tiny reef, with only about 1.2 kilometers and thus very fragile, it contains a diversity of habitats, together creating a complex and diverse ecosystem. The good news is that it’s been growing since the marine reserve was created in recent years.

The Gulf of Eilat’s reefs offers an opportunity to explore the wonderful and colorful world of sea corals, tropical fish, and other sea creatures. It’s very easy to go to the beach and snorkel or dive directly from there, which is why it has become such a popular destination lately. You don’t even need to have snorkeling equipment as they rent it.

At the southernmost point of the reserve, very close to the border with Egipt, you can find the Coral World Underwater Observatory, the largest public aquarium in the Middle East, which allows you to observe marine life without getting wet. It’s pretty cool!

A cool way of enjoying the coral reef in Eilat is doing a boat tour with a glass bottom boat.

#20 Red Canyon

The Red Canyon is one of Israel’s most beautiful natural landmarks. It is a gorge of red sandstone rock created by water that only exists after heavy rain. As rain in the desert is extremely rare, so the canyon is almost always assessable.

The canyon’s name comes from its color intensifying when the sunlight hits the reddish rock, irradiating an intense red color. Besides its vibrant colors, the best part of the canyon is walking inside the narrow canyon. There are two trails, the green trail, a short 2 km circular family-friendly trail, and the black trail, which is 9 km long and more challenging.

The green trail is enjoyable to do, and we recommend it. It has metal bars, ladders, and footholds on the rocks that help you climb or descend the canyon. It is quite magical. But it can easily be done, even with children.

The Red Canyon is close to Eilat, 20 km North of Eilat, near the border with Egypt – it is easy to reach from there.

The Red Canyon can also be visited from Eilat on a guided tour .

#21 Timna Park

By Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery

Timna Park can be found in Israel’s South, only 25 km North of Eilat, the country’s southernmost city. You can drive or take a local tour to get there from Eilat. Using a public bus to get closer is possible, but you’ll still need to walk for about an hour.

The park belongs to  Eilat’s top natural parks  and encloses a large valley with rich deposits of copper. It is, in fact, the first copper-mining site in the world – Egyptians mined copper here already in 5,000 BC. You can learn about the beginnings of copper processing in a fascinating video and observe the remnants of smelting furnaces on-site.

Timna Park looks like out of this world – you easily feel like you’ve landed on Mars. The reddish rock creates amazing formations. Don’t miss the famous mushroom rock and the majestic Solomon’s Pillars. It’s incredible what water and erosion can create.

Apart from simply walking around and admiring the otherworldly landscape, you can also visit a man-made oasis, where there are a few more things to do – e.g., go on a paddleboat on the small lake or create your own little artwork with colored sand in a small bottle (included in the ticket price).

While Timna Park is not a UNESCO site yet, it is currently on the organization’s Tentative List.

You can easily visit Timna on a day trip from beautiful Eilat .

#22 Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

By Or from My Path in the World

If there’s one natural landmark in Israel you definitely can’t miss, it’s the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Israel’s biggest oasis is a fantastic spot for hiking, wildlife watching, and admiring some of the country’s most scenic views. Since it’s located near the Dead Sea (not too far from Jerusalem), the most convenient way to get to the reserve is by car, and luckily, the parking is free.

Several hiking trails in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, including Wadi David and Wadi Arugot, can be adjusted to your preferred difficulty level and the distance you want to cover.

Though the reserve is open all year round, the best time to visit Ein Gedi is  spring . It’s when the weather is pleasant enough to hike, daylight hours are getting longer, all the streams and waterfalls are flowing, the unique rocky cliffs look particularly impressive, and there’s a good chance you’ll see some animals like rock hyrax and ibex (a species of a wild mountain goat).

You can also visit the Ein Gedi Antiquities National Park right next to the reserve, which houses an ancient synagogue from the 6th century with an impressive mosaic floor. The entrance fee to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, including the synagogue, is 28 NIS.

You can also visit Ein Gedi on a guided tour from Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv . It is typically visited on the same tour as Masada and the Dead Sea.

#23 Mount Arbel

By Claudia Tavani from My Adventures Across The World

Located in Galilee’s region, in Arbel National Park, Mount Arbel is one of the most famous mountains in Israel, known for the sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee you can get from the top. It’s a lesser-visited place, so you can be sure to have it to yourself when going. 

On the other hand, for incredible views of Mount Arbel, make sure to visit Moshav Arbel, a small village where you will find the ruins of one of the oldest synagogues in Israel. 

The fee to visit Arbel National Park is 22 Israeli Shekels – around USD 7.

You can get to Mount Arbel comfortably by car – there is lots of parking on the site. But if you are feeling intrepid, you may want to walk the entire length of the  Jesus Trail , a long-distance hike that can be covered in no less than four days and that follows the footsteps of Jesus across Galilee, going from Nazareth all the way to Tiberias and the villages around the Sea of Galilee. 

#24 The Sea of Galilee

By Daphna Bar from a tiny trip

The Sea of Galilee, the Kinneret in Hebrew, is a freshwater lake in northern Israel. The most famous village by the Sea of Galilee is Capernaum (Kfar Nahum). This is where Jesus went to live after leaving Nazareth and where he performed many of his miracles, including walking on water. 

At the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, where the water flows into the Jordan River, is where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Now called “Yardenit,” it is set up with ramps and stairs going into the water so you can easily enter the water yourself. The entrance is free of charge. 

Tiberias is the largest city near the Sea of Galilee, where you can visit natural hot springs and experience spa treatments. You can also rent bicycles or go hiking on the Kinneret Trail.  

Located roughly 210 meters below sea level, the Sea of Galilee area can get very hot in the summer. It is no surprise that many people enjoy bathing in the Kinneret. There are many access points to the shoreline, some regulated with water sports and boat rentals and others completely quiet and serene. Whenever you visit, though, the Sea of Galilee is definitely one of the best day trips in Israel!

#25 Ramon Crater

By Moshe Huberman from The Top Ten Traveler

The craters of south Israel are a unique landscape that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, making them one of the most interesting places to visit in Israel . While meteors or volcanic eruptions created other craters around the world, the craters of Israel were created by rivers carving the soft rock of the desert for millions of years.

There are three craters in the Negev desert; the largest is Ramon Crater (Machtesh in Hebrew). It is 40 km long, 2-10 km wide, 500 meters deep, and shaped like an elongated heart, going from east to west. The closest big city to Ramon Crater is Be’er Sheva (85 km to the north), while Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are about 2.5 hours away by car.

The entrance to the crater is through the visitor center in the nearby town of Mitzpe Ramon, on the northern edge of the crater. The views from here are astounding, and you can learn about the area’s history and how the crater was created. 

Inside the crater, there are several trails to explore, and you can also visit the site of the colored sand. If lucky, you might see endangered vultures flying above or spot other animals like Ibex, Gazelles, wolves, and foxes. There’s a camping site in place for those who want to spend the night under the desert sky. Alternatively, you can find other accommodation options in Mitzpe Ramon. 

The desert views and colors are magnificent, and when combined with a unique geological phenomenon, the experience is definitely one to remember!

Looking for even more info about traveling to Israel ? Have a look at these posts:

• 50 things you need to know before traveling to Israel;
• What is Israel famous for?
• Things to do in Akko;
• Best day trips from Tel Aviv;
• Jerusalem in Winter;

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• 10 Best Places To Visit In Israel In 2024 For An Extended Tour Of The Holy Land

23 Mar 2023

You commit sin, atone for it, and repeat! But in the land of Israel, you can choose to atone either by confessing for your mistakes or traveling across the country. For there are places to visit in Israel in the vastness of the glorious landscapes, archeological sites, and religious monuments that are a pilgrim’s (read traveler’s) fancy!

The hometown of Jesus is located amidst ancient mounds and beaches along the Mediterranean coast! The sacred abode of the Lord in the heart of the Middle East is blessed with exciting locales, ancient buildings with mounted domes, and devotees brimming around. These places will certainly feed your wanderlust and soothe your guilt-ridden soul on your holiday in Israel .

A tour of these 10 best places to visit in Israel would enchant the discerning traveler in you.

Holy And Historical Places To Visit In Israel

A popular pilgrimage for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, Israel has some of the most regarded religious places. These places are known for its archeological wonders too! Israeli cities date back to 4000 years and you can still find there the archaeological grandeur of Israel intact.

1. Jerusalem – For Christians, Jews, And Muslims 2. Bethlehem – The Beautiful Home Of Jesus 3. Nazareth – The Arab Capital Of Israel 4. Tel Aviv – The Best Of Israeli Nightlife 5. Acre – The Best Of Ancient Charm 6. Haifa – Time For Some Beach Activity 7. Jaffa – If It’s Ancient, It Will Be Beautiful 8. Dead Sea Region – The Healer, Organic & For Real 9. Sea Of Galilee – Lake Of Natural Remedies 10. Eilat – Water Wonder Everywhere

1. Jerusalem – For Christians, Jews, And Muslims

Image Source

Jerusalem is considered as the holiest land in the world and certainly one of the best places to visit in Israel. Frequented by the religious folks from all over the world, it is glorified by ancient buildings and majestic structures.

Take a walk up to Yad Vashem – a memorial dedicated to those who died in the Holocaust . Walk across Dolorosa – the place through which Jesus walked to crucifixion – and behold the city’s most prominent structure in the form of Golden Dome Mosque that overlooks the Western Wall . The city, having a history of more than 4000 years, is a mosaic of art, religion, and magnificence.

Popular tourist attractions in Jerusalem : The Western Wall, Mar Saba Monastery, Visit Yad Vashem, Temple Mount and Dome of Rocks, City of David and Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and St. George’s Monastery

Must Read: Why Summer In Israel Is The Best Time To Explore This Country

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2. Bethlehem – The Beautiful Home Of Jesus

The birthplace of Jesus is certainly one of the best places to visit in Israel. Located to the south of Jerusalem in the West Bank, Bethlehem is almost 1.5-hour drive from the city center of Jerusalem. Plenty of churches and religious places are the prime attractions of the holy city.

To catch the untarnished nature views, head to Herodium Hill – almost 10 km from Jerusalem. Come here to escape the crowd and marvel at the panoramic views of the Dead Sea in the east. Mount of Olives lies to the north of the Herodium. The Village of Artas, tucked in the lush green valley, is home to the Hortus Conclusus Nunnery. There’s a lot more to the place. Care to plan a visit soon?

Popular tourist attractions in Bethlehem: Shepherd’s Field, Church of the Nativity, St. Catherine’s Church, Manger Square, Old Bethlehem Museum, and Herodium Hill

3. Nazareth – The Arab Capital Of Israel

Mostly comprising of Arab Muslim population and Christians, Nazareth town has been known as the place where Jesus spent his adolescent days. Get a feel of ancient days while taking the archeological tour of Nazareth Village – also known as the village of Jesus. Counted among the top Israel places to visit, Nazareth aptly evokes the divine feeling.

Old flea market and quite a few eateries to explore make Nazareth truly a delight. This is a place where you must spend a couple of days if you are out exploring the best of Israel.

Popular tourist attractions in Nazareth: Church of Annunciation, Megiddo National Park, St. Joseph Church, St. Gabriel’s Church, Mt. of Precipice Lookout Point, and Holy Caves & Ancient Bath House of Nazareth

Did you know:

• Israel is the largest producer of milk
• Most spaceships spotted have been spotted here in the past
• With over 300 wineries Israel is also known as the 2nd biggest winery in the world

Suggested Read: Snorkeling In Israel: 6 Best Spots To Meet The Wonders Of The Sea

Happening & Cool Places To Visit In Israel

Israel is not just about the churches. Stroll around the gorgeous middle eastern country and have a taste of its vivacious nightlife, surreal beaches, rich antiquity, wonders of mother nature, and much more!

4. Tel Aviv – The Best Of Israeli Nightlife

Roam around & explore the Carmel market, take a trip to Sharona (the oldest modern village existing today), enjoy the scenic sunset, and dance the night out at throbbing discs of Tel Aviv! Besides, the coastal city has some of the most happening beaches in Israel , such as  Gordon Beach , Frishman Beach , and Banana Beach . With an extended coastline, Tel Aviv offers a lot of water activities and access to its rich marine parks.

There are plenty of ancient museums exhibiting the rich past of the place that is known to be the seat of Islam and Christianity. Places like Tayelet are known to offer piers and boardwalk beaches, where you can choose to take a long walk or go biking. For its rich history and diverse culture, a visit to Tel Aviv is a must.

Popular tourist attractions in Tel Aviv : Yarkon River and Park Hayarkon, Carmel Market for Flea & street market, Dizengoff Circle and Surrounds, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and Bialik Street

5. Acre – The Best Of Ancient Charm

The beautiful city of Acre, also known as Akko, is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Israel . It is a place where every wall has a tale to narrate. The incredible structures are, indeed, architectural wonders that belong to a rich history. Forts, domed mosques, and ancient monuments can be spotted in almost every nook and corner of the town.

Enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views and witness the beauty of the massive towers & minarets, for they are a treat to the eyes. The northeast corner of the city particular deserves your attention because of its ramparts. The magnificent spectacle of stunning nature around would leave you pleasantly surprised.

Popular tourist attractions in Acre: Burj el-Kummander, Weizmann Street, Wall Museum, Citadel, Crusader City, and Ahmed El-Jazzar Mosque, and Burg Kurajim(tower of the vine) towards the east of the old city wall

Suggested Read: 10 Places For Scuba Diving In Israel To Satiate Your Adventure-Lust

6. Haifa – Time For Some Beach Activity

With plenty of eateries and places to hang out, Haifa makes for a popular tourist attraction in Israel. The port city, owing to its strategic location, is a massive lure for tourists. Gardens, beaches, promenades, and monasteries adorn the city that has been outlined by a steep cliff and a perfect landscape.

Take a cable car ride up to Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, bask in the awesome views of the Mediterranean, plan a day out in sculptures garden, or visit the art galleries of Ein Hod Artists Village;  Haifa offers a visitor plenty of indulging chores. Go windsurfing and kiteboarding at BatGalim Beach .

Popular tourist attractions in Haifa : Marvel at the Baha’i Gardens, Mount Carmel, Tel Megiddo – ancient site, Carmel National Park, Elijah’s Cave, and Downtown Haifa

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7. Jaffa – If It’s Ancient, It Will Be Beautiful

An ancient port city to the south of Tel Aviv, Jaffa is one of the best places to visit in Israel. The city has been mentioned in the holy Bible to be named after Noah’s son Japhet. Take walk back in time as you stroll past the ancient buildings, art galleries, and cafés. Don’t forget to watch the majestic view of the Clock Tower  that dates back to the time of Ottoman Empire .

Romance and fervent charm ooze from the corners of Jaffa as you take a walking tour across Marzuk Street . For the best dining experience, head to the Yefet Street and Olei Zion Street . Attend a live-arts & theater show, grab a drink, or nibble through the neighborhood. Jaffa is sure to keep you on the toes!

Popular tourist attractions in Jaffa: Jaffa Port, Jaffa Slope Park, Clock Tower, HaPisgah Gardens, Great Mosque, Ilana Goor Museum, and music & entertainment shows at flea market area every Thursday night

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Israel: The Beginning Of A Lifelong Romance

8. Dead Sea Region – The Healer, Organic & For Real

Located almost 400 m below the sea level in the heart of Israel, Dead Sea is nature’s true wonder and one of the famous places to visit in Israel . It’s sweeping landscapes and secluded charm enthrall every traveler planning a trip to Israel. The water body has the salt content of higher density, which makes humans float in the super saline water effortlessly.

For nature lovers, there are places in and around the Dead Sea that make an ideal escape. Barren and jagged, the coastal areas of Dead Sea are well embellished with places such as Dead Sea Resthouse, Adventure City Fun Park, and Qumran Caves . These locations in the West Bank make this region one of the top places to visit in Israel.

Popular tourist attractions near the Dead Sea: Masada Mountains & fortress – archeological wonder, Mujib Nature Reserve, Kerak Castle, Dead Sea Museum, Lot’s Cave, Adventure City, and Cave of Prophet Lut

9. Sea Of Galilee – Lake Of Natural Remedies

Buzzing with historical sites, minarets, hot springs, and vast national parks, Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on earth. It showcases rustic charm and awesomeness and is one of the good places to visit in Israel . The lake fed by Jordan river is surrounded by exciting landscapes, beaches, and enchanting views, making this freshwater lake reserve a must-visit.

There’s a lot more to explore in Galilee. Kinneret area is known for its hot water springs. In total, there are 17 of ‘em! Treat yourself to massage, mud treatment, hot tub bath, and thermo-mineral pool in the lake area. Hamat Gader Hot Spring  is a secluded thermo-mineral spring cum hot waterfall that lies almost 5 miles away from Galilee and it’s a must-visit.

Popular tourist attractions in Sea of Galilee: Arbel, Mount Tabor, Arbel National Park, Tel Dan, Jordan River Village, Naharayim, and Korazim National Park

* Also visit Golan Heights and Sharona in the lower Galilee region

Suggested Read: 6 Most Popular Jordan Tours For A Trip To Middle East’s Most Easy Going Places

10. Eilat – Water Wonder Everywhere

The popular beach town in the South is another one of the hot tourist attractions in Israel. Marine life, extended beach, and rich wildlife make Eilat a hot favorite for tourists traveling to Israel. Try a range of watersports like snorkeling and scuba diving in the Red Sea . Also, there are cultural tours and wildlife & eco tours around the national park area that must not be missed when you are in Eilat.

Plan a visit to the world’s oldest copper mine, Eilat Bird Sanctuary , and Coral Beach Nature Reserve , also known as the Big 3 Park Tour . It covers the best of Eilat. Besides, you can also plan a hiking session in the Eilat mountains.

Petra , a popular archeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert, is at a distance of 135 km from Eilat. A day tour can easily take you to one of the new wonders of the world.

Popular tourist attractions in Eilat: Timna Park, Gulf of Aqaba, Dolphinarium, Dolphin Reef, Red Canyon, and Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Musical Fountain, Eilat Marina, and Underwater Marine Observatory

* Eilat is a tax-free zone, now you know where to go shopping in Israel the next time around

Further Read: Israel In January: Here’s Everything You Should Know Before You Plan A Holiday

Israel is the prized crown jewel of the Middle East and plan a trip to Israel and make the most of your holidays. And this one is even more important because Jesus is calling!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places To Visit In Israel

What can you see in Israel in 3 days?

When traveling to Israel for 3 days, travelers must visit Temple Mount, Camel Market, Hamalabiya, Tel Aviv, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western Wall, West bank, and Bethlehem.

What is the best time to visit Israel?

Israel is a year-round destination with a mostly warm climate. But the best time to visit Israel is in spring or autumn. The temperatures during these months may be high but they are not overbearing.

How expensive is Israel?

The cost of traveling to Israel depends on the traveler’s needs and preferences. Although, if we compare Israel to the rest of the Middle East, Israel costs more than that.

What kind of food do they eat in Israel?

Israeli cuisine comprises of both local dishes and the traditional dishes brought back by Jews. The dishes include falafel, hummus, Israeli salad, challah, hamin, gelfilte fish, and many more.

What is the most beautiful place in Israel?

Nazareth, Caesarea, Ramon Crater, Haifa, Sea of Galilee, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and the Dead Sea are some of the most beautiful places you can visit in Israel.

Can you drink the water in Israel?

The tap water in Israel is generally considered safe to drink, except at the Dead Sea. In fact, many luxury hotels in Israel have special taps on every floor where travelers can drink water and fill up their bottles.

What is the cheapest time of year to fly to Israel?

November is considered to be the cheapest month to fly to Israel when everything from hotel rates to flight prices are at their lowest in the year.

Do they speak English in Israel?

Yes, you’ll find that most Israelis can speak fluent English and you will mostly not face any problem in communicating.

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State of Israel Middle East Jerusalem 7,821,850 inhabitants 20,770 sq km 376.59 inhabitants/sq km new Israeli shekels (ILS) also see separate Gaza Strip and West Bank entries population evolution

Top tourist attractions in Israel

Here is a list of top tourist attractions in Israel . Only the topmost tourist destinations are presented here. To see other destinations, please check the images from Israel section.

Curious if any of these place from Israel made it our best tourist attractions in the world list? Read the aformentioned article in order to find out.

You can also view all tourist attractions in Israel and other countries on our tourist attractions map .

Western Wall

Tourist attraction

The Western Wall, Wailing Wall or Kotel is located in the Old City of Jerusalem at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount. It is a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Jewish Temple's courtyard, and is arguably the most sacred site recognized by the Jewish faith outside of the Temple Mount itself. Just over half the wall, including its 17 courses located below street level, dates from the end of the Second Temple period, commonly believed to have been constructed around 19 BCE by Herod the Great, but recent excavations indicate that the works were not finished during Herod's lifetime. The remaining layers were added from the 7th century onwards. The Western Wall refers not only to the exposed section facing a large plaza in the Jewish Quarter, but also to the sections concealed behind structures running along the whole length of the Temple Mount, such as the Little Western Wall–a 25 ft section in the Muslim Quarter. It has been a site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage for centuries; the earliest source mentioning Jewish attachment to the site dates back to the 4th century. From the mid-19th century onwards, attempts to purchase rights to the wall and its immediate area were made by various Jews, but none was successful. With the rise of the Zionist movement in the early 20th century, the wall became a source of friction between the Jewish community and the Muslim religious leadership, who were worried that the wall was being used to further Jewish nationalistic claims to the Temple Mount and Jerusalem. Outbreaks of violence at the foot of the wall became commonplace and an international commission was convened in 1930 to determine the rights and claims of Muslims and Jews in connection with the wall. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War the wall came under Jordanian control and Jews were barred from the site for 19 years until Israel captured the Old City in 1967 and three days later bulldozed the adjacent 770 year old Moroccan Quarter.

Jewish Museum

Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953 through the Yad Vashem Law passed by the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Yad Vashem is located on the western slope of Mount Herzl on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem, 804 meters above sea level and adjacent to the Jerusalem Forest. The memorial consists of a 180-dunam complex containing the Holocaust History Museum, memorial sites such as the Children's Memorial and the Hall of Remembrance, The Museum of Holocaust Art, sculptures, outdoor commemorative sites such as the Valley of the Communities, a synagogue, a research institute with archives, a library, a publishing house, and an educational center named The International School for Holocaust Studies. When Yad Vashem came into being a core goal of its founding visionaries was to recognize gentiles who, at personal risk, and without a financial or evangelistic motive, chose to save their Jewish brethren from the ongoing genocide during the Holocaust. Those recognized by the State of Israel as Righteous Among the Nations are honored in a section of Yad Vashem known as the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations.

Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee, also Kinneret, Lake of Gennesaret, or Lake Tiberias, is the largest freshwater lake in Israel, and it is approximately 53 km in circumference, about 21 km long, and 13 km wide. The lake has a total area of 166.7 km² at its fullest, and a maximum depth of approximately 43 m. At levels between 215 metres and 209 metres below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake overall. The lake is fed partly by underground springs although its main source is the Jordan River which flows through it from north to south.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Christianity Place of Worship

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also called the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, or the Church of the Resurrection by Eastern Christians, is a church within the Christian Quarter of the walled Old City of Jerusalem. It is a few steps away from the Muristan. The site is venerated as Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, and is said also to contain the place where Jesus was buried. The church has been a paramount – and for many Christians the most important – pilgrimage destination since at least the 4th century, as the purported site of the resurrection of Jesus. Today it also serves as the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, while control of the building is shared between several Christian churches and secular entities in complicated arrangements essentially unchanged for centuries. Today, the church is home to branches of Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy as well as to Roman Catholicism. Anglican and Protestant Christians have no permanent presence in the Church – and some have regarded the alternative Garden Tomb, elsewhere in Jerusalem, as the true place of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.

Israel Museum

The Israel Museum was founded in 1965 as Israel's national museum. It is situated on a hill in the Givat Ram neighborhood of Jerusalem, near the Bible Lands Museum, the Knesset, the Israeli Supreme Court, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Among the unique objects on display are a carved female figurine considered the oldest artwork in the world; the interior of a 1736 synagogue from Suriname; necklaces worn by Jewish brides in Yemen; a mosaic Islamic prayer niche from 17th-century Persia; and a nail attesting to the practice of crucifixion in Jesus’ time. An urn-shaped building on the grounds of the museum, the Shrine of the Book, houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and artifacts discovered at Masada.

Temple Mount

Islamic Place of Worship

The Temple Mount, known in Hebrew as Har haBáyit and in Arabic as the Haram al-Sharif, is one of the most important religious sites in the Old City of Jerusalem. It has been used as a religious site for thousands of years. At least four religions are known to have used the Temple Mount: Judaism, Christianity, Roman religion, and Islam. Biblical scholars have often identified it with two biblical mountains of uncertain location: Mount Moriah where the binding of Isaac took place, and Mount Zion where the original Jebusite fortress stood; however, both interpretations are disputed. Judaism regards the Temple Mount as the place where God chose the Divine Presence to rest; according to the rabbinic sages whose debates produced the Talmud, it was from here the world expanded into its present form and where God gathered the dust used to create the first man, Adam. The site is the location of Abraham's binding of Isaac, and of two Jewish Temples. According to the Bible the site should function as the center of all national life—a governmental, judicial and, of course, religious center. During the Second Temple Period it functioned also as an economical center. From that location the word of God will come out to all nations, and that is the site where all prayers are focused. According to Jewish tradition and scripture, the first temple was built by Solomon the son of David in 957 BCE and destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The second was constructed under the auspices of Zerubbabel in 516 BCE and destroyed by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. Jewish tradition maintains it is here the Third and final Temple will also be built. The location is the holiest site in Judaism and is the place Jews turn towards during prayer. Due to its extreme sanctity, many Jews will not walk on the Mount itself, to avoid unintentionally entering the area where the Holy of Holies stood, since according to Rabbinical law, some aspect of the Divine Presence is still present at the site. It was from the Holy of Holies that the High Priest communicated directly with God.

Dome of the Rock

Islamic Structure

The Dome of the Rock is a shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. The domed central plan structure was patterned after the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It was initially completed in 691 CE at the order of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik during the Second Fitna, becoming the first work of Islamic architecture. The site's significance stems from religious traditions regarding the rock, known as the Foundation Stone, at its heart, which bears great significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is considered “the most contested piece of real estate on earth.”

National park

Masada is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. Herod the Great built palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. The Siege of Masada by troops of the Roman Empire towards the end of the First Jewish–Roman War ended in the mass suicide of the 960 Jewish rebels and their families hiding there. Masada is located 20 kilometres east of Arad. Masada is Israel's most popular paid tourist attraction.

Caesarea Maritima

Caesarea Maritima is a national park on the Israeli coastline, near the town of Caesarea. The ancient Caesarea Maritima city and harbor was built by Herod the Great about 25–13 BCE. The city has been populated through the late Roman and Byzantine era. Its ruins lie on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, about halfway between the cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, on the site of Pyrgos Stratonos. The national park is a popular location for the summer period, having a developed promenade with restaurants and coffee shops. The access to the Caesarea Maritima national park is via the coastal road. Caesarea Maritima was named in honor of Augustus Caesar. The city was described in detail by the 1st-century Roman Jewish historian Josephus. The city became the seat of the Roman prefect soon after its foundation. Caesarea was the "administrative capital" beginning in 6 CE. This city is the location of the 1961 discovery of the Pilate Stone, the only archaeological item that mentions the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate, by whose order Jesus was crucified. The emperor Vespasian raised its status to that of a colonia. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, Caesarea was the provincial capital of the Judaea Province, before the change of name to Syria Palaestina in 134 CE, shortly before the Bar Kokhba revolt. In Byzantine times, Caesarea remained the capital, with brief interruption of Persian and Jewish conquest between 614 and 625. In the 630s, Arab Muslim armies had taken control of the region, keeping Caesarea as its administrative center. In the early 8th century, the Umayyad caliph Suleiman transferred the seat of government of the Jund Filastin from Caesarea to Ramla.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is an art museum in Tel Aviv, Israel. It was established in 1932 in a building that was the home of Tel Aviv's first mayor, Meir Dizengoff. The Helena Rubinstein Pavilion for Contemporary Art opened in 1959. The museum moved to its current location on King Saul Avenue in 1971. Another wing was added in 1999 and the Lola Beer Ebner Sculpture Garden was established. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of classical and contemporary art, especially Israeli art, a sculpture garden and a youth wing.

Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem, popularly known as the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, is a zoo located in the Malha neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel. It is famous for its collection of wildlife featured in the Hebrew Bible, as well as its success in breeding endangered species. According to Dun and Bradstreet, the Biblical Zoo was the most popular tourist attraction in Israel from 2005 to 2007, and logged a record 738,000 visitors in 2009. The zoo had about 55,000 members in 2009.

Eretz Israel Museum

The Eretz Israel Museum is a historical and archeological museum in the Ramat Aviv neighborhood of Tel Aviv, Israel. Eretz Israel Museum, established in 1953, has a large display of archaeological, anthropological and historical artifacts organized in a series of exhibition pavilions on its grounds. Each pavilion is dedicated to a different subject: glassware, ceramics, coins, copper and more. The museum also has a planetarium. The "Man and His Work" wing features live demonstrations of ancient methods of weaving, jewelry and pottery making, grain grinding and bread baking. Tel Quasile, an excavation in which 12 distinct layers of culture have been uncovered, is on the grounds of the museum.

Mount Herzl

Mount Herzl, also Har HaZikaron, is the site of Israel's national cemetery and other memorial and educational facilities, found on the west side of Jerusalem beside Jerusalem Forest. It is named for Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism. Herzl's tomb lies at the top of the hill. Yad Vashem, which commemorates the Holocaust, lies to the west of Mt. Herzl. Israel's war dead are also buried there. Mount Herzl is 834 meters above the sea. Every plot section in Mount Herzl has a broad plaza for memorial services. Most state memorial ceremonies for those killed at war are conducted in the National Military and Police cemetery.

Tower of David

The Tower of David is an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Built to strengthen a strategically weak point in the Old City's defenses, the citadel that stands today has ancient foundations and was constructed during the 2nd century BC and subsequently destroyed and rebuilt by, in succession, the Christian, Muslim, Mamluk, and Ottoman conquerors of Jerusalem. It contains important archaeological finds dating back 2,700 years, and is a popular venue for benefit events, craft shows, concerts, and sound-and-light performances. The name "Tower of David" is due to Byzantine Christians who believed the site to be the palace of King David. They borrowed the name "Tower of David" from the Song of Songs, attributed to Solomon, King David's son, who wrote: "Thy neck is like the Tower of David built with turrets, whereon there hang a thousand shields, all the armor of the mighty men."

Port of Haifa

The Port of Haifa is the largest of Israel's three major international seaports, which include the Port of Ashdod, and the Port of Eilat. It has a natural deep water harbor which operates all year long, and serves both passenger and merchant ships. It is one of the largest ports in the eastern Mediterranean in terms of freight volume and handles about 24 million tons of cargo each year. The port employs over 1,000 people, with the number rising to 5,000 when cruise ships dock in Haifa. The Port of Haifa lies to the north of Haifa's downtown quarter on the Mediterranean, and stretches to some 3 kilometers along the city's central shore with activities ranging from military, industrial and commercial next to a nowadays-smaller passenger cruising facility.

Israel National Trail

The Israel National Trail, is a hiking path that was inaugurated in 1995. The trail crosses the entire country of Israel. Its northern end is at Dan, near the Lebanese border in the far north of the country, and it extends to Eilat at the southernmost tip of Israel on the Red Sea, a length of 580-620 miles. The trail is marked with three stripes, and takes an average of 45-60 days to complete. It does not enter the Golan Heights or the West Bank. The Israel National Trail has been listed in National Geographic's 20 most "epic trails." It is described as a trail that "delves into the grand scale of biblical landscapes as well as the everyday lives of the modern Israeli."

Gan HaShlosha National Park

Gan HaShlosha National Park, also known by its Arabic name Sahne, is a national park in Israel. Located near Beit She'an, it has naturally warm water where visitors can swim all year. The spring water that emerges in the western part of the park maintains a constant, year-round temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. Amal Stream, which crosses the park, has been widened into pools. An old water-powered mill operates at the site and an adjacent madafeh, or Arab hospitality room, has been restored. A model of Tel Amal, one of the Tower and Stockade settlements set up by Jewish pioneers on the night of 10 December 1936 after the British banned Jewish settlement, is located in the park. The Museum of Regional and Mediterranean Archaeology is located on the grounds of the park. It houses a display of rare Greek tools, artifacts from excavations in the Beit She’an Valley and an exhibit about the Etruscans. "The Garden of Eden," a film about Gan HaShlosha, premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival in July 2012 and won Israeli filmmaker Ran Tal an award for best director of a documentary. The film will be screened at the DocAviv Galilee festival in Ma'alot-Tarshiha in November 2012.

Ramat Gan Safari

The Ramat Gan Safari, officially known as the Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan, is a safari park and zoo in Ramat Gan, Israel. It opened to the general public in 1974 as an African animal park. In 1981, a zoo was established in the middle of the park to replace the former Tel Aviv Zoo, which had closed down. Ramat Gan Safari covers an area of 100 hectares, and has 1,600 animals of different species: 68 species of mammals, about 130 species of birds, and about 25 species of reptiles. It has the largest collection of species in the Middle East, many of which roam freely in the park. Among others, Ramat Gan Safari has African and Asian elephants, hippos, gorillas, orangutan, and lions. Ramat Gan Safari participates in several breeding programs and research projects. The Ramat Gan Safari has sent animals to the Kalkilya Zoo and maintains close ties with the veterinarians in the Palestinian Authority.

Rockefeller Museum

The Rockefeller Museum, formerly the Palestine Archaeological Museum, is an archaeological museum located in East Jerusalem that houses a large collection of artifacts unearthed in the excavations conducted in Mandate Palestine, in the 1920s and 1930s. The museum is under the management of the Israel Museum and houses the head office of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Tomb of the Virgin Mary

Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary, also Tomb of the Virgin Mary, refers to a Christian tomb in the Kidron Valley – at the foot of Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem – believed by Eastern Christians to be the burial place of Mary, the mother of Jesus .

Bible Lands Museum

The Bible Lands Museum is a museum in Jerusalem, Israel, that explores the culture of the peoples mentioned in the Bible, among them the ancient Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines, Arameans, Hittites, Elamites, Phoenicians and Persians. The aim of the museum is to put these peoples into historical context. The museum is located on Museum Row in Givat Ram, between the Israel Museum, The National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, and the Bloomfield Museum of Science.

Shrine of the Book

The Shrine of the Book, a wing of the Israel Museum in the Givat Ram neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel, houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947–56 in 11 caves in and around the Wadi Qumran.

Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space

The Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space is a science and technology museum in the city of Haifa, Israel. The museum, established in 1984, is housed in a historic building that was designed as the first home of the Technion — Israel Institute of Technology, until it relocated to its current campus. The architect was Alexander Baerwald, a German Jewish immigrant, who began working on the building in 1912. On a visit to the Technion in 1923, Albert Einstein planted one of the palm trees in the courtyard, which can still be seen today. The museum has approximately 200,000 visitors annually.

Tomb of Absalom

Tomb of Absalom, also called Absalom's Pillar, is an ancient monumental rock-cut tomb with a conical roof located in the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem. Although traditionally ascribed to Absalom, the rebellious son of King David of Israel, recent scholarship has attributed it to the 1st century CE.

Shrine of the Báb

The Shrine of the Báb is a structure in Haifa, Israel where the remains of the Báb, founder of the Bábí Faith and forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh in the Bahá'í Faith, have been buried; it is considered to be the second holiest place on Earth for Bahá'ís, after the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh in Acre. Its precise location on Mount Carmel was designated by Bahá'u'lláh himself to his eldest son, `Abdu'l-Bahá, in 1891. `Abdu'l-Bahá planned the structure, which was designed and completed several years later by his grandson, Shoghi Effendi. Crowning the design, as anticipated by `Abdu'l-Bahá, is a dome, which is set on an 18-windowed drum. That, in turn, is mounted on an octagon, a feature suggested by Shoghi Effendi. An arcade surrounds the stone edifice. A restoration project of the exterior and interior of the shrine started in 2008 and was completed in April 2011.

Haifa Museum of Art

The Haifa Museum of Art, established in 1951, is located in a historic building built in the 1930s in Wadi Nisnas, Downtown Haifa. The museum focuses on Israeli and international contemporary art, and its collection includes 7,000 items, mostly of contemporary Israeli art. Other institutions under the auspices of the Haifa Museums iunclude the Mané Catz Museum dedicated to paintings from the School of Paris and Jewish artifacts; and the City Museum of Haifan History, located in the Germany Colony. Also under the Museum's aegis are the Museum of Prehistory, the Israeli National Maritime Museum and the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art. The Museum of Ancient Art, housed in the university of Haifa, which specializes in archeological finds discovered in Israel and the Mediterranean basin, was inaugurated in 1984.

Monastery of the Cross

The Monastery of the Cross is an Orthodox monastery near the Nayot neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel. It is located in the Valley of the Cross, below the Israel Museum and the Knesset.

Palmach Museum

The Palmach Museum is a museum located in Ramat Aviv, Israel dedicated to the Palmach, the strike-force of the pre-state underground Haganah defense organization, which was later integrated into the Israel Defense Forces.

Ticho House

Ticho House is a historical home in Jerusalem, Israel, now a museum. It was one of the first homes built outside the Old City walls at the end of the nineteenth century.

Museum of Underground Prisoners

Museum of Underground Prisoners is a museum in Jerusalem, Israel, commemorating the activity of the Jewish underground—Haganah, Irgun and Lehi—during the period leading up the establishment of the State of Israel.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall, originally the Dizengoff House is the site of the signing of Israel's Declaration of Independence. It is located on the historic Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, Israel. From 1932 to 1971 housing the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, it is currently a museum dedicated to the signing of the Israeli Declaration of Independence and the history of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. .

L. A. Mayer Institute for Islamic Art

The L.A. Mayer Institute for Islamic Art is a museum in Jerusalem, Israel, established in 1974. It is located in Katamon, down the road from the Jerusalem Theater. The museum houses Islamic pottery, textiles, jewelry, ceremonial objects and other Islamic cultural artifacts. It is not to be confused with the Islamic Museum, Jerusalem.

Islamic Museum, Jerusalem

The Islamic Museum is a museum on the Temple Mount in the Old City section of Jerusalem. On display are exhibits from ten periods of Islamic history encompassing several Muslim regions. The museum is located adjacent to al-Aqsa Mosque. It is not to be confused with the L. A. Mayer Institute for Islamic Art, also a museum in Jerusalem.

Burnt House

The Burnt House is an excavated house from the Second Temple period situated six metres below current street level in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Southern Wall

The Southern Wall is a wall at the southern end of the Temple Mount and the former southern side of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It was built during King Herod's expansion of the Temple Mount platform southward on to the Ophel.

Janco Dada Museum

The Janco Dada Museum is located in Ein Hod, Israel. It is a museum that exhibits the work of Marcel Janco as well as art from the Dada movement and contemporary art too. The museum was established in 1983, by a group of Marcel Janco's friends, with the purpose of conserving the works and ideas of the sole Dadaist living in Israel. Marcel Janco thought of Ein Hod as the right place for a museum. He conceived the idea of establishing the artists' village, and invited in the first group of founders in 1953.

Tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai

Tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai is situated in Meron.

Siebenberg House

Siebenberg House is a museum below a house on 5 Beit HaShoeva Alley in the Old City of Jerusalem Theo and Miriam Siebenberg bought the house in 1970 and Theo was convinced that it was built over significant archaeological remains. But archaeologists were skeptical, so he conducted and financed the excavations himself. The excavations carried out underneath the Siebenberg home in the course of 18 years have revealed remains of ancient dwellings, rooms cut from rock, Mikvah's aqueducts, a huge cistern and burial vaults, reaching back 3,000 years to the days of King Solomon and the first temple period, as well as of the Second Temple, and Byzantine periods. It also shows rare artifacts, including pottery, glass, mosaics, coins, jars and weapons.

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Israel Bucket List: Top Tourist Attractions in Israel

Your Israel bucket list should include all the best and most visited Israel tourist attractions . The country may be small, but there is a lot to cover. With a history going back thousands of years, there are must-see archaeological sites and ancient structures. The Promised Land is home to a wealth of religious sites that should also be on your Israel bucket list. Discover Israel’s natural wonders, the vibrant urban culture, and its endless beaches. It is a travel destination with something for everyone. Start planning your trip today by adding these top attractions to your Israel bucket list.

Explore Israel’s Historical and Archaeological Sites

Jaffa Port. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

• Jerusalem Old City   - This is without a doubt the highlight of any Israel bucket list. Within the walled city are unforgettable sacred sites one can enjoy with or without a guided tour . The Old City is the number one must-see attraction in Israel.
• Western Wall   - A visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem is an unforgettable experience and a must-do for every  Jerusalem tour. This remarkable ancient wall is the most sacred Jewish site in the world.
• Western Wall Tunnels   - The Western Wall continues beneath the Old City of Jerusalem. Join a  tour  and discover the hidden section of this 2,000-year-old wall.
• City of David   - On the City of David Jerusalem Tour you’ll explore the excavated city built by King David and see unbelievable ancient water channels.
• Caesarea - Here King Herod built an impressive port city with a hippodrome, palaces, temples, and an amphitheater you can still see on a Ceasarea tour , that today hosts performances by major artists.
• Acre Old City   - This remarkable Old City has an awe-inspiring underground Crusader city. Visitors say that Acre is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Israel.
• Tower of David - Today the ancient citadel houses the Tower of David Museum which traces the history of Jerusalem through archaeological artifacts.

Discover Breathtaking Nature Reserves and National Parks in Israel

There are over 400 nature reserves and over 80 national parks in Israel. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be enchanted by the diverse landscapes, from lush green farmlands and forests in the north to barren deserts in the south. Follow the many hike trails through spectacular scenery and tour unique natural wonders.

Masada. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

• Masada   - You can explore the dramatic 2,000-year-old fortress built on Masada’s plateau summit on one of the guided Masada tours . The view from the summit across the Dead Sea is spectacular.
• Ein Gedi - Nestled among the cliffs of the Judean Desert is the Ein Gedi oasis. Here there are picturesque waterfalls and natural springs flow through thick vegetation. 
• Beit Guvrin - This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site holds hidden caves, ancient Roman quarries, burial tombs, and the remains of the Biblical city of Maresha.
• Tel Megiddo   - The archaeological mound of Megiddo is the traditional site of Armageddon. Don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible archaeological site.
• Mamshit   - At Mamshit National Park you can see the remains of an awe-inspiring Nabatean city that used to be a stop along the ancient Incense Route.
• Timna Park - Discover the wonders of Timna Park in southern Arava. The park has archaeological remains and rock formations that have to be seen to be believed. 
• Banias  - This nature reserve in northern Israel has jaw-dropping scenery. The heavenly surroundings include Israel’s largest waterfall, streams, and woodlands one can see on Galilee and Golan Heights tour .

Ready for the Best Beach Resort in the Middle East?

The Dead Sea resort. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

• Tel Aviv Beaches stretch for 14 kms along Israel’s Mediterranean coast. A wide promenade runs parallel to the sand, and there are plenty of beachfront amenities. Alma Beach is where you can hang out with hipsters. Gordon Beach has volleyball courts and a saltwater swimming pool. Frishman Beach is a favorite with families. Bograshov Beach is often crowded with people enjoying beach activities and Hilton Beach is popular with the LGBT community.
• Dead Sea Beaches are a completely unique experience; there is nothing like it in the world. The Dead Sea Relaxation tour gives you time on one of the Dead Sea’s best beaches. The Dead Sea should be on every tourist’s Israel bucket list. Kalia Beach has facilities and a beach bar. Biankini Beach is famed for its traditional Moroccan restaurant. Neve Midbar Beach is a quiet beach frequented by a young crowd. Ein Gedi Public Beach has a campground and Ein Bokek Beach stretches out in front of the top Dead Sea hotels. 
• Eilat Beaches are definitely the place to go for fun in the sun. Eilat offers water sports, top resort hotels, and an incredible waterfront. Bar Beach is popular for snorkeling and diving. Nine Beach is a trendy beach with a lounge bar and music. Kishuski Beach is best if you want to do water sports. Dekel Beach is great for the whole family. Mosh Beach is the “in” place for tourists yearning for the beaches of Goa. Dolphin Reef Beach is a full-service beach with a restaurant on the sand, and an enclosure where you can see dolphins coming and going from the open sea. You can even swim with the dolphins.

The Land of Milk and Honey plus Falafel, Hummus and Wine

No one will blame you for putting on a few pounds when you visit Israel. The country’s local cuisine is a melting pot of flavors. Indulge in mouthwatering street food, and splurge on fine dining in Israel’s top chef restaurants. Discover the delights of Israeli cuisine on a Carmel Market Food Tour  or visit Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda Market . Israel’s food scene includes kosher and non-kosher eateries. Satisfy your taste-buds with must-try Israeli foods like:

A plate of hummus, a traditional Middle Eastern spread

• Sabich - “Sabich” is a traditional Iraqi Jewish pita sandwich stuffed with fried aubergine (eggplant), hard-boiled egg, potato, herbs, spices, salad, and tahini or hummus. 
• Malabi - a dreamy, creamy milk-based pudding with roots in Persia. The basic ingredients are rice, sugar, rice flour, and milk.
• Knafeh - a classic dessert from the Arab kitchen. Sweet pastry is soaked in syrup, layered with cheese, and flavored with rose water. A legend tells that the dish was prescribed by doctors, to satisfy the hunger of caliphs during Ramadan. 
• Hummus - a popular Israeli street food made from chickpeas. Try the best Tel Aviv hummus on an Israel Street Food Tour .
• Falafel - a classic Israeli street food of deep-fried chickpea balls. It is just one of the many vegan foods in Israel. Israel has even been called the most vegan-friendly country in the world.
• Wineries - Israel has hundreds of wineries ranging from large enterprises to small boutique family companies. Spoil yourself with a wine tour or include wine tasting in a private Golan Heights Tour. Some top Israeli wineries include the Golan Heights Winery, the Tishbi Winery in the quaint town of Zichron Yaakov , and the Carmel Winery founded in 1882.

Israel's Top Museum’s and Cultural Venues

Israel’s multi-cultural society means diverse theater, music, and dance. There are many museums packed with treasures that include works by world-famous artists and celebrated local talents. Learn about the country’s history and culture and see exhibits from foreign cultures in Israel’s diverse museums.

• Dance - See performances by the world-renowned Batsheva Dance Company at the Suzanne Dellal Center and attend the Israel Ballet. Mayumana combines dance, music, and acrobatics.
• Art Museums - The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is the country’s largest art museum, with an impressive collection. The Jerusalem Israel Museum is Israel’s most important museum. 
• Cultural Museums - Yad Vashem is the country’s Holocaust museum and memorial in Jerusalem. You can visit this museum on a Jerusalem Old and New Tour. The Haifa Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art promotes Japanese culture. 
• Performance  - Habima Theater is the country’s national theatre. Gesher Theater was founded by Russian immigrants. The Cameri Theater is housed in the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center.
• Music  - Classical concerts can be seen at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium and the Felicja Blumenthal Center. The Israeli Chamber Orchestra performs at the Enav Cultural Center. 

Add Some Exciting Experiences to Your Israel Bucket List

 Bahai Gardens in Haifa. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Here are some fun attractions and activities available in Israel: 

• The Baha’i Gardens are breathtaking landscaped gardens that roll down the slope of Mount Carmel in Haifa. The colorful gardens are home to the Shrine of the Bab.
• Rosh HaNikra cave system is close to the Lebanese border. The stunning white limestone sea caves can be reached by cable car. 
• Mitzpe Ramon is a settlement in the Negev Desert, near the massive Ramon Crater. Mitzpe Ramon is a popular place for stargazing, thanks to the clear desert skies.
• Shvil Israel is the National Trail that crosses the entire country from north to south. Hiking enthusiasts will love this picturesque trail that passes through a variety of landscapes.

What’s on Your Israel Bucket List?

Get your Israel bucket list ready and start planning your trip to the Holy Land. Whether you’re passionate about history, a nature lover, looking for a trendy urban experience, or if you just want some fun in the sun, Israel has something for everyone. Israel tourist attractions will tick all the boxes for the perfect getaway. Go ahead, treat yourself to an adventure in Israel.

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Good Friday

The British Museum names Nicholas Cullinan its new director as it tries to get over a rocky patch

FILE - Visitors walk outside the British Museum in Bloomsbury, London, Friday, June 26, 2015. The British Museum is suing a former curator alleged to have stolen almost 2,000 artifacts from its collections and offered them for sale online. Peter Higgs was fired in July 2023 after more than 1,800 items were discovered to be missing. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland, File)

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LONDON (AP) — The British Museum on Thursday appointed National Portrait Gallery chief Nicholas Cullinan as its new director, as the 265-year-old institution grapples with the apparent theft of hundreds of artifacts and growing international scrutiny of its collection.

Previous director Hartwig Fischer resigned in August after the museum disclosed that more than 1,800 items were missing in an apparent case of insider theft. Many of the items had been offered for sale online .

Mark Jones, former head of the Victoria and Albert Museum, has served as interim director since then. Cullinan will replace him in the summer.

Cullinan has been director of the National Portrait Gallery since 2015, overseeing a major refurbishment of the building beside London’s Trafalgar Square. He has previously worked at Tate Modern in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

His appointment was approved by the British Museum’s trustees and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak .

Cullinan said it was an honor to become director of “one of the greatest museums in the world.”

He said he looked forward to leading the institution through “the most significant transformations, both architectural and intellectual, happening in any museum globally, to continue making the British Museum the most engaged and collaborative it can be.”

The museum fired a longstanding curator, Paul Higgs, over the missing items, and is suing him at the High Court. Lawyers for the museum say Higgs “abused his position of trust” to steal ancient gems, gold jewelry and other pieces from storerooms over the course of a decade.

Higgs, who worked in the museum’s Greece and Rome department for more than two decades, denies the allegations and intends to dispute the museum’s legal claim.

Police are also investigating, but no one has been charged.

The 18th-century museum in central London’s Bloomsbury district is one of Britain’s biggest tourist attractions, visited by 6 million people a year. They come to see a collection that ranges from Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek statues to Viking hoards, scrolls bearing 12th-century Chinese poetry and masks created by the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

The museum faces growing pressure over items taken from other countries during the period of the British Empire -– especially the Parthenon Marbles , 2,500-year-old sculptures that were taken from Athens in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin.

Greece has campaigned for decades for the marbles to be returned. The British Museum is banned by law from giving the sculptures back to Greece, but its leaders have held talks with Greek officials about a compromise , such as a long-term loan.

Those efforts suffered a setback in November, when a diplomatic spat erupted over the marbles, and Prime Minister Sunak abruptly canceled a planned meeting with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis .

British Museum Chairman George Osborne said that with Cullinan’s appointment, the institution was entering “a new chapter in the long story of the British Museum with confidence, and back on the front foot.”

Australian territory imposes two-week youth curfew in Alice Springs after violence

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Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Jamie Freed

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Thomson Reuters

Alasdair leads the team covering breaking news in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Before moving to Sydney, he covered general news in New Delhi, where he reported from the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic in India and the insurgency in Kashmir, as well as extended periods in Pakistan and, most recently, in Sri Lanka covering its ongoing economic crisis. His reporting on Islamic State suicide bombings in Sri Lanka in 2019 was highly commended as the Society of Publishers in Asia awards. He previously worked as a financial reporter in London, with a particular interest in hedge funds and accounting frauds. Signal app phone number: +61439529540

Chinese investigators arrived in Pakistan on Friday to join a probe into the killing of five Chinese nationals in a suicide attack, Pakistan's interior ministry said, seeking to stem assaults threatening Islamabad's drive to modernise the economy.

Ukraine says Russian drone, missile attacks damage power facilities

Massive Russian missile and drone attacks hit thermal and hydro power plants in central and western Ukraine overnight, officials said on Friday, in the latest barrage targeting the country's already damaged power infrastructure.

Cuban Roman Catholics held public processions across the Communist-run country on Friday to mark Good Friday, but there was at least one exception in Havana where 150 of the faithful were relegated to the church parking lot.