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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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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.

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How Jerusalem Became the First Accessible UNESCO World Heritage City

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Complete Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea

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

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Home » Middle East » Israel » Places to Visit

16 Best Places to Visit in Israel (ATTRACTION GUIDE • 2024)

Let’s be upfront: perhaps no country on earth divides public opinion quite like Israel does.

It’s not a big country, but there are a lot of beautiful things to see in Israel. It’s an old land, older than even the biblical texts would have us believe. There are also ancient sites around Israel that perhaps carry more weight than we can ever comprehend.

That’s what the last couple of months here have felt like; an attempt to comprehend the incomprehensible. There are a lot of beautiful places in Israel filled with majesty, and there is also a lot that hurts the heart. It’s impossible to travel Israel without being confronted by these and it’s taken me nearly two months of learning about the country and experiencing that spectrum to come to a conclusion…

That there is much beauty in Israel.

That’s why I’ve written this guide to Israel’s top places to visit: my top places to visit. It covers a bit of everything from Israel’s religious places and historical sites, to its stunning natural landscapes, to its mind-bending otherworld. This list, I feel, gives Israel – and Palestine – a fair coverage.

I understand that discussing Israel is a political minefield and that you’re sticking your toes in with the sharks and I respect that. But I also respect honesty and integrity and I’m gonna do my best to keep my digits intact! So without further digression, let’s have a look at my choice of the best places to visit in Israel – the must-see sights and sites of the Holy Land!

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

The best places to visit in israel: highlights of the holy land, faq on the best places to visit in israel, summing up the best places to visit in israel.

Mitzpe Ramon

The gorgeous landscapes of southern Israel, hiking galore, and one helluva hippy hotspot makes this one of the best places to visit in Israel for backpackers!

• Sunset from the cliff over Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) is yum.
• Check out the many, many hiking trails.
• Forget the hostel – camp out under the stars!

Ready to embark on a little pilgrimage? That’s great, but before you do, be sure to check out where to stay in Israel and book yourself an epic stay in accommodation worthy of your choosing. Then, continue on down to things to see and things to do in Israel from the river to the sea. Starting with the classic choice…

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#1 – Tel Aviv – Expected top of the places to visit in Israel list.

• Sexy architecture and art.
• Believe it or not, it can be cheap.
• Extremely secular.

Listen, I’m not in love with Tel Aviv. I did, however, find a 6 shekel falafel, a bouldering gym, stellar Airbnb’s to stay in and dope exercise parks… oh, and the dumpster diving is on-point too ! One way or another, ‘The White City’ has Israel’s main international airport and everybody visits Tel Aviv regardless; it’s the best place to go in Israel (or more appropriately, the only place) that offers this vibe.

• Why it’s awesome: The vibe I’m referring to is that modern, “liberal”, hipster-chic, “Why everything gotta cost money!” feels. I kinda thought it felt like San Francisco but then a guy from San Fran said it felt more like a European millennial-bourgey city. I can’t comment there so I’m just gonna say it’s comparable to Melbourne except the people aren’t quite as friendly. But people love all those places? Exactly! What Tel Aviv offers, it brings in spades.
• What to do there: Tel Aviv is the best place to visit in Israel for nightlife – no arguments there. Pubs, dive bars, speakeasies, live music, jam nights, clubs, techno, house, good genres of electronic music (psytrance), Hebrew poetry slams: it’s all there! There’s sick street art, buskers, and espressos at every turn. The beaches are excellent (and the sunsets are even better) but you’ll want to head north or south from the main hub to escape the crowds. Jaffa is the old town (which Tel Aviv has built around) and here things get more historical and Arabic in vibes.

Ultimately, there are some of Israel’s tourist attractions in Tel Aviv but I’d say that, for most backpackers, Tel Aviv is the tourist attraction. People come here to live the Tel Avivian life and I’d also say that it’s a must-visit place in Israel to gather the full-scope of the complexity of the country. Tel Aviv is also very safe (for the region).

#2 – Neve Sha’anan – A place of interest in Israel for seeking complexity.

• A cheaper area in Tel Aviv.
• Another side of the city.
• An important place to visit in Israel.

Still very much a part of Tel Aviv, Neve Sha’anan is another world. Seen as the ‘underbelly of Tel Aviv’, it’s become the home for Israel’s many refugees, impoverished, and unwashed. Here you’ll find many of Tel Aviv’s low-class brothels, streetwalkers, and homeless muttering to themselves as they trawl for scraps. It’s not a dangerous place in Israel, however; violent crime statistics are very low in the country.

• Why it’s awesome: It may not be everyone’s vibe but I love it! Things are cheaper, the scope of cuisine is spectacular, and it’s a delicious peek below Tel Aviv’s mask of acceptance. Rough or not, this is multiculturalism in Israel at its finest and also it’s a fantastic opportunity to see the dichotomy of the country.
• What to do there: Eating is a great start! Authentic Sudanese, Eritrean, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, and more – a nice alternative to when the cheap falafel and hummus gets old (spoiler: it never does). A walk around the neighbourhood on Friday night (the start of Shabbat) when the rest of the city begins to hibernate offers some of the most chaotic vibrancy. It really felt like stepping back into Asia.

I ended up uncovering the area because of my work reviewing Abraham Tours . It’s definitely a tour I recommend and you can book through them or, even better, contact Rikki (she was the guide) to book directly: +972-52-217-6188 . Whatever you choose to do, get Rikki: the girl knows her stuff – crazy insightful!

#3 – Jerusalem – A famous place in Israel of biblical proportions!

• The City of (the Abrahamic) God.
• It’s Jerusalem.
• Spectacular architecture.

I don’t really like Jerusalem either – sorry! It still stands as the most famous place in Israel to visit though – no contest. If Neve Sha’anan is another world, Jerusalem is another planet. Taking the one-hour drive from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is enough to get culture shock.

• Why it’s awesome: Dude, it’s Jerusalem! The city has had so many kingdoms within it, battles fought for it, and people who have died because of it (steadfastly avoiding the obvious Jesus joke). I don’t usually link Wikipedia but this shit be bonkers! Whether you’re looking for biblical sites in Israel, holy places to visit, or just history… well… it’s Jerusalem! If your looking for the best hostels to stay in , Jerusalem has got a fair few of those too.
• What to do there: It’s the (disputed) capital of Israel and a big city; the vibe may be different to Tel Aviv but it still has all the offerings. Nightlife, markets, secrets, hustle and bustle – just with more funny hats! The Old City of Jerusalem is definitely one of Israel’s must-sees.

Outside of that, I’d recommend just strolling Jerusalem’s neighbourhoods and absorbing the feeling. Stepping from the new city to the old, the Jewish to the Muslim Quarter, or from a secular area to an Ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood all offer they’re own level of inundation of the senses. Just be wary that you don’t contract Jerusalem Syndrome – Jerusalem is crazy and I haven’t met someone who disagrees yet.

I’m not gonna spend all post plugging Abraham Tours, but the ‘Meet the Ultra Orthodox Tour’ in Jerusalem was another of their’s that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s for sure worth the consideration if you got the spare shekels.

#4 – The Dead Sea – Time for a fun place to visit in Israel!

• Quintessential photo-ops!
• Become a mud monster.
• The water tastes like a fish’s taint.

It’s a stone’s throw from Jerusalem (and Tel Aviv – Israel is small) and it’s the Dead Sea. You know, the sea so salty you can’t sink in it! You can still drown if you’re a dumbhead though.

• Why it’s awesome: C’mon, it’s the Dead Sea; this was a childhood dream of mine since I was six! If you want to talk about unique places in Israel and must-see things, this is it (unless you’ve been to Jordan – shh ).
• What to do there: As my friend reminded my perpetually-moving mind when we were there: “Just lie back, close your eyes, and feel the water take your weight.” Unless you have any open cuts on your body. Then you’re in for a world of pain!

We went to Kalia Beach which, sadly, costs ($17) . It’s pretty much a day at the beach for Israelis – complete with the ‘lowest bar in the world’ – except with a bonus total exfoliation and searing agony of the eyeballs (AVOID) .

If you want to find a free place to camp and dirtbag by the Dead Sea, they definitely exist, particularly in the south. People sleep out, build huts, and do them; I just never caught the name of one or followed it up. That’s your adventure!

Ein Gedi is also near the Dead Sea and is another crazy beautiful place to visit in Israel for some nature goodness.

#5 – Nazareth – A popular place in Israel to praise Jesus.

• Quiet (except at Christmas – ugh).
• Warm vibes.

Nazareth is definitely a religious place to visit in Israel for the lovers of Jesus but I’m skirting that because it’s got nothing to do with why I love it. I came here after roughly two weeks in Tel Aviv and suddenly it felt like I could breathe again. Suddenly, I was in a place where the streets were quieter and the people weren’t inexplicably rude for no reason. Nazareth is chill.

• Why it’s awesome: Nazareth is known as the “Arab Capital of Israel” and that changes the vibes rather significantly. The food also changes but only marginally. The old city (as usual) is mega-pretty and it just so happens that my favourite hostel in Israel is there too.
• What to do there: You’ll find a lot of Israel’s religious sites here pertaining to that Jesus feller (’Jesus of Nazareth’ – makes sense); Nazareth is the starting point of the Jesus Trail too. It’s not just Christian jazz though – there’s a large Muslim population as well which means gorgeous mosques and echoing prayers at sundown.

For the Messiah-chasers, it’s a top tourist destination in Israel. However, for those who aren’t seeking biblical places to visit, it’s just a chill refuge from the admittedly challenging nature of backpacking in Israel . The city is full of cats and friendly folk, there are mountains around Nazareth to wander up, and you can practice some Arabic!

Check out Abu Ashraf – the knaffeh is supreme – and Abu Salem too. The drinks are a tad expensive but the decor is intoxicating and people-watching old Arabic men shredding the shesh-besh (backgammon) board never gets old.

#6 – Bethlehem – Starting off the places to visit in Palestine list.

• Jesus again.
• A gentle introduction to Palestine.
• Phenomenal street art.

Since we covered Nazareth, we’re visiting the West Bank with the next few entries and Bethlehem is a good start. It’s still very much a top religious tourist attraction in Israel. I’d also say it’s one of the best starting places to visit in in Israel and Palestine if you’re ready to start the journey down the rabbit hole.

• Why it’s awesome: The birthplace of Jesus is a good start! Past that, there are a few more of Israel’s sacred ancient sites and then there’s the wall. The barrier wall between the West Bank and Israel (that also annexes Rachel’s Tomb). The wall goes by many names depending on your stance on the on the conflict and it’s all thin-ice-politics but regardless, the wall is definitely a must-see thing in Israel both for the awesome art and what it represents.
• What to do there: There’s a whole host of the must-see biblical sites in Israel. The aforementioned Rachel’s Tomb , The Church of the Nativity (built over Jesus’s alleged birthplace), The Milk Grotto (ew)… That’s just a small selection too. The occupation wall is something else. It’s covered in graffiti from the humorous to the downright sobering and even includes some work from Banksy – it’s the real reason I recommend visiting Bethlehem. The art is spectacular, and the selfie-ops are tempting, but when you’re trailing the wall just try to remember what you’re actually looking at under the street art.

Read the stories posted on the wall and take a moment to feel the gravitas of Palestine.

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#7 – Other Biblical Sites in Israel – Rounding off the holy places to visit in Israel.

Before we head deeper into the West Bank, let’s round off the religious places to visit in Israel. To be fair, most of these are more places to visit in Palestine.

It’s not my jam but neither is orange marmalade and my mum loves both orange marmalade and Jesus and she’s the best! Let’s take a look at the remaining must-see biblical sites in Israel for all the lovers of orange marmalade:

• Jericho: Of the ‘we made your walls fall down and then genocided the entire city’ fame. Historically speaking, that probably didn’t happen, but the ruins here are old and well predate any biblical events (except, arguably, Genesis 1:1). They’re not super impressive but good for the archaeology/history buffs.
• The Mount of Temptation: Presumed to be Mount Quarantania , this was where Jesus was tempted during a 40-day fast by Satan rocking up with a few delicately-rolled doobs and some Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream (biblical accuracy not guaranteed). Mount Quarantania is right above Jericho and the monastery constructed underneath is actually a super pretty place to visit in Israel.
• Mount Tabor: Close to Nazareth and the supposed location of the Transfiguration of Jesus. It’s also just a cool looking mountain!
• Jordan River: And the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ. For the record, I had a dunk, but it doesn’t count as baptism if you do it to yourself.

#8 – The West Bank – Palestine – All important places to visit in Israel.

• The people are kind.
• The coffee and cigarettes are cheaper!
• Street food is back.

Ok, ready to do this? Let’s go deeper.

Although there are some of Israel’s popular places scattered around the West Bank (namely, the aforementioned biblical sites), travelling to the West Bank for Palestine itself is not high on the standard itinerary for Israel. Although some may worry that it’s a dangerous place in Israel, my experience was that it’s not.

If visiting the West Bank is not for you, then that’s your choice and totally ok. BUT, you can’t really say you explored the secrets of Israel unless you explored all of it. There are more than just Israelis living in Israel.

• Why it’s awesome: Look, there is definitely beauty in Palestine of the ‘appeal to tourists’ variety but that’s not necessarily why travel there. I actually found it heartbreaking. For those that aren’t used to travelling in developing countries, I imagine these feelings may only be compounded. This is why I say that both Tel Aviv and the Palestinian cities and villages are both must-see places in Israel. The act of travelling only 70 km changes everything.
• What to do there: Meet the people. The Palestinian places are safe in Israel and most people are not hostile in the slightest with tourists (yes, even Americans). You can potentially expect some India-esque moments to get some shekels off you so keep your smart traveller hat on . They’re welcoming and warm and just really excited to talk, both about Palestine and the world at large that they’ll never be permitted to see.

If you want to get out in the villages, then I that applaud that. Otherwise, for the city life, Nablus is a tad more chill than Ramallah but they’re both going to give you a good understanding… plus the food is the best!

Also, the Palestinian kids really know how to throw down for a good night! Check Radio in Ramallah on Thursdays. That’ll get you started, at least.

#9 – Hebron – An extremely important thing to see in Israel.

• You gotta see it to believe it.
• It’s a place you must see in Israel.
• Conveniently, super cheap!

I counted this separately from the other places to visit in the West Bank because it deserves it’s own entry. I met a traveller in Israel who enjoys seeking out alternative and darker places . I forewarned him that Hebron is heavy. Three days later I got a message:

Dude, this is fucking heavy…

• Why it’s awesome: Short of Gaza, this is the best place to visit in Israel to see the conflict at its most real. The city is divided into two sections one of which is H1 – the Palestinian side of the city. H1 sits behind walls, barbed-wire, and assault rifles brandished by the Israeli military. Inside is living standards much, much closer to a city in India than Tel Aviv. It’s not “awesome”; It’s heavy and it hurts and, ultimately, I feel it’s a must-see place in Israel. The only way to make up your own mind is to go there and I’m grateful I did. Broke Backpacker Senior Editor, Freeborn Aiden , also rates at is as the MUST SEE place in Israel if you want to even begin to understand the complexities.
• What to do there: The main tourist attraction in Hebron is the Tomb of the Patriarchs , the supposed burial site of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their respective wives. The tomb itself is split in half – a synagogue and a mosque. Outside of that, I’d say, again, walk around H1 and meet the people. It won’t take long before you’re sitting and drinking coffee with a local.

This is the last Abraham Tour I’m mentioning. I did the Hebron Dual Narrative Tour and, although rushed (Hebron deserves more exploration), it’s still an extremely insightful tour that aptly displays the dualistic nature of the situation. It’s a recommendation.

Lastly, for these Palestinian areas, I think it’s well worth finding accommodation with a local. That could mean a homestay, an Airbnb in a shared space, or even Couchsurfing is super possible! One way or another, I think you’ll get way more from the experience doing that than from staying in a hotel.

#10 –  Mitzpe Ramon – Back to the most beautiful places to visit in Israel!

• Sunset majesty.
• Hippies unite!
• Ganja – that is all.

Ok, that’s it. Don’t worry; the rest of the list is only the pretty shit! Topping that off is Mitzpe Ramon, one of the best places to travel to in Israel for sunsets and smoke!

• Why it’s awesome: Mitzpe Ramon is a town located on a ridge overlooking Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) . I’ll talk about the sheer stunning awesomeness of the Negev Desert and south Israel in a moment but suffice to say the outlook from the ridge is stunning! Mitzpe Ramon has also become an epicentre for all things hippy in Israel. There’s a lively little community built around music, art, and creative expression and, of course, find a hippy, find joints. To be fair, you’ll find joints everywhere in Israel.
• What to do there: Smoke joints…? Oh, other than that? Hiking, for sure! Israel is actually super dope for hiking and Mitzpe Ramon is no different . You have a whole host of trails at your disposal and they’re all blisteringly gorgeous! Just remember to take water… and a joint… maybe two.

#11 – Eilat and Southern Israel – My personal top place to visit in Israel (minus Eilat).

• That desert, man.
• The Red Sea!
• Cross to Sinai in Egypt.

Ok, so I’m mostly going to skip over Eilat. The Red Sea is there which is rad but, otherwise, it’s a resort town: it feels like Vegas and it’s yukky and I don’t like it. Diving in Eilat is also a thing. So why talk about Eilat? Because everything around it is spectacular!

• Why it’s awesome: The Negev Desert , the Red Sea , Sinai (in Egypt)… For me, southern Israel was the only part I found that was truly felt uniquely beautiful (including Mitzpe Ramon – yum) and it’s the most beautiful place in Israel for me. The Negev Desert legit looks like Mars at times and the Red Sea is crazy pretty! Sunrise, sunset… it’s all good!
• What to do there: Consider Eilat just your base for the nature. You’ll find parties there at night obviously, but it’s way too flashy for my taste. You’ve got some pretty dope hiking in the area though; Timna Park and the Red Canyon are both excellent or you can just disappear into the desert… on weekends. The rest of the time it’s a firing zone for the military sooo maybe a no go. It’s also the Red Sea which means all things aquatic: there’s diving in Eilat, snorkelling, paddleboarding, sailing… Pretty much anything that doesn’t require waves!

You can also cross to the Sinai region in Egypt which is equally common for Israeli tourists. It’s super beautiful but it’s technically not a ‘place to visit in Israel’ so read our Backpacking Egypt Travel Guide for more info.

#12 – Kibbutzim or Moshavim – Both historical places in Israel and an escape.

• The sounds of birds and cows.
• Fruit from the trees.
• Cheap living.

There’s a whole interesting history here with kibbutzim and the founding of the state of Israel, communities built on socialist ideals, and also just how things change over time. Long story short though, they started as agricultural communities built around communal living and work. The system has changed and restructured a lot in recent years, however.

Moshavim are similar but different. Still all about the agriculture and community but just a bit less about the socialist ideals!

• Why it’s awesome: Firstly, the vibe just chills out a whole helluva a lot more once you reach a kibbutz or moshav, especially outside the urban centre of Israel. They’re agricultural communities which means nature, fresh food and veg, sometimes hippies and smoke, and an escape from the chaos! The shared-lifestyles of these communities is really cool to observe. Israel has it’s own twist on the whole ‘lack of privacy’ thing in Asia (yes, Israel is still Asia) and aspects of it I really enjoy.
• What to do there: Farm work, mainly. Kibbutzim have a long-standing history of taking in travellers in exchange for work (the OG Workaway) and although the game has changed pretty substantially, you’ll still find farms seeking volunteers. Alternatively, just rock up and camp in the fields for a night. They’re always super pretty and no one will really care as long as you don’t step on any of their crops. Again, it’s that ‘lack of privacy’ thing.

Any suggestions for best places to go in Israel for the kibbutz/moshav life? I spent some time in Kfar Yehezkel and the family vibes are high; here’s their Workaway page and our review of Workaway with a sweet, sexy bonus deal inside.  I also camped out at Ramot Menashe , Dafna is supposed to be dope, and Samar down near Eilat is full of alternative vibes.

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#13 Haifa and Acre – Maybe not the best but still cool places to visit in Israel.

• Cities but more chill.
• Beaches but more chill.
• A bit more harmony.

I lumped these two of Israel’s famous places together because they’re so close to each other. It’s perfectly reasonable to stay at one and day trip to the other. It’s like half-an-hour on the train.

Two seaport cities of mixed ethnic and religious distribution, there’s relative harmony here. They’re cities but they’re more chill cities. I think it’s the mountains nearby; mountain folk are always good.

• Why it’s awesome: You get the beach, you get less crowds than in the centre, and you get mountains too! It’s literally the best of everything. Although nothing like Tel Aviv, Haifa has grown as hub for younger Israelis and you’ll find some cool stuff happening in the city. Hadar neighbourhood is a good start. Acre has a long history of being in a pretty strategic location so you’ll find some cool old-world goodness there.
• What to do there: A good daytrip from Haifa is the Mount Carmel National Park or you’ve also got the considerably impressive Bahai Gardens that overlook the city and port. (I didn’t even know that the Bahai were a thing until I got to Haifa – super interesting!) Acre stands as one of Israel’s more historical places to visit with landmarks that date back to middle-ages and that whole Crusades shebang. There’s the almost entirely Arabic old city which also means markets which ALSO means cheap coffee, tobacco, pita, and za’atar… Breakfast is served!
• If it strikes your fancy, there are lots of volunteering options in Haifa with Worldpackers, a reputable organisation where you can lend a helping hand in exchange for accomodation. Check out our Worldpackers review to see if an immersive work exchange in Haifa fits your bill.

#14 – Golan Heights – For views and other must-see sights in Israel.

• Lotsa nature!
• Different vibes again.

You want some nature? The Golan is full of it! Heading this far up north is much like heading all the way south: you’re well outside the urban areas of Israel now.

The Golan Heights is the region occupied by Israel during the Six-Day-War in 1967 and up this way you’ll meet many Syrian-Druze people many of which still hold no Israeli citizenship. Some are by choice, some are because of political tensions, it doesn’t matter – the whole situation is messy. The point is, it’s pretty!

• What it’s awesome: The Golan is a super beautiful place in Israel and a destination worth travelling too. Mountains and bits of greenery or, hell, you’ll even get snow at the right time in the right places! There are villages around for sure, and Israeli settlements too (not unpacking that dynamite-laced Pandora’s Box, thank you), but everything is much more spread out. This one is for the nature.
• What to do there: Odem is a good base. The Golan Heights Hostel is there which draws in a good vibe of traveller (you know the one I mean). For solo backpackers travelling in Israel especially, I’d say it’s second only to Me’ever. If you’re there in winter, and got the cash to flash, Mount Hermon is the best place to go in Israel for skiing! And also the only! And I use the word ‘best’ very loosely because it’s Israel and not exactly famed for skiing. Or, if you’re interested in the Syrian-Druze people and life, head to Madjal Shams below the majesty of Mount Hermon. Believe it or not, there’s a dope little arts scene!

#15 – Sea of Galilee – The top attraction of Israel’s Galilee region.

• Last of Israel’s three big bodies of water.
• This one is freshwater.
• And full of fish.

Yep, the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) which is actually a freshwater lake (the Dead Sea is also a lake but shh ). There’s a number of  Israel’s other holy places to visit around the sea-lake given that this was kinda Jesus’s stomping ground.

• Why it’s awesome: Just a big ol’ pretty lake! There’s not much to say really. Swimming, kayaking, chasing the Jesus Trail, and everything else is here! There are mountains around, nature, kibbutzim, and all kinds of goodies.
• What to do there: Israel’s main tourist attraction on the sea of Galilee is Tiberias , which, naturally because this is Israel, has a number of holy sites. Alternatively, you could just do what I suggest which is skip the sacred-city stuff (sacred-old-city burnout is synonymous to temple burnout in Asia). Instead, just explore around the perimeter of the lake and you’ll find kibbutzim and other nice little pockets of prettiness to explore; HaOn is another good place to visit around Israel’s lying scumbag “sea”.

#16 – Hiking in Israel – Not a place to visit in Israel, strictly speaking.

Yep, so, this isn’t so much a place to travel to in Israel as a thing to do but it’s also one of my favourite things about the country (except, perhaps, for the abundance of cheap hummus and tahini). Israel is an extremely walkable country at the best of times (given how small it is) and the presence of a large variety of hiking trails only makes that better.

The Israel National Trail is the cross-country trek for those wanting the feather in their hat. Alternatively, just tackle stretches of it at your leisure.

There’s no shortage of other trails around, like the Jesus Trail I mentioned or even just loading up Maps.Me is gonna present you with a wealth of options. Hell, if you see something on the horizon worth walking to and all that lays between you is the fields of a kibbutz or moshav, just go for it. Yay for socialist ideals!

You don’t have to walk the whole damn country, but there’s really no better way to get out and experience some of Israel’s best places to see. You may also discover some of Israel’s hiding secrets. Maybe, you’ll even find the Messiah.

Dun dun dunnnnn.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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Get insured before hitting up all the best places to visit in 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.

There are missiles, and terrorists, and enemies at our borders – won’t somebody think of the children!

Na, look, honestly, travelling in Israel has not felt anymore unsafe than most other places I’ve been in the world. Of course, Iran just swore vengeance upon Israel and I’m still here for another 5 days so lucky I got insurance!

Remember, when you are traveling, shit can happen, and that’s when you need insurance!

Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Israel

What is the prettiest place in Israel?

In my opinion, Mitzpe Ramon is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Israel.

What should you not miss in Israel?

No trip to Israel would be complete without visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

What is the most visited place in Israel?

Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is the most visited place to visit in Irsrael.

Is Israel a safe place to visit?

Israel is on the whole a safe place to visit but tourists should never let their gaurd down. You can read more about safety in Israel in our guide to safety in Tel Aviv .

I think we did it: an honest and fair list of the top places to visit in Israel that has a bit of everything. Nothing too contentious was said (I think) and, best of all, you now have yourself a neat little guide to Israel’s must-visit places!

It’s not always an easy country to travel – at least, it wasn’t for me. Things are jarring, many things are heartbreaking, and at times, it feels more illogical and chaotic than India. Just with nicer roads and better public transport.

Still, I can’t say I’m not grateful for visiting Israel and backpacking around it. Some of Israel’s places to visit will give you those wonderful sunset vibes. Some will be an excellent photo-op. Many will leave you with a lot to digest. Either way, you will learn and grow.

I said before and I’ll say it again. There are many beautiful things in Israel. There are a lot of good people in Israel. And there is a lot worth making the effort for.

Just make sure you see all of Israel. See all the things to see in Israel and write your own story through your own experience. And let there be hummus.

Ziggy Samuels

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Written by Jess Lee Updated May 13, 2023

Home to some of the world's most famous religious tourist attractions , Israel and the Palestinian Territories is often thought of purely as a pilgrimage destination. After all, this is where some of the main events for those of the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths is said to have happened.

But for travelers not seeking out religious sightseeing within the churches, synagogues, and mosques, there are plenty of other things to do.

The Dead Sea is a bizarre natural wonder where you can't sink. The Galilee region's natural beauty ticks all the boxes for those who want to hike in nature. And the Negev Desert's raw and rocky landscapes are ripe for adventure and one of the best places to visit if you're seeking some dusty action and outdoor things to do.

Sure, the religious sites here will always be the main draw card for a visit, but scratch below the surface, and you'll find there's so much more.

To help plan your itinerary, check out our list of the top tourist attractions in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

1. Jerusalem Old City

3. churches of nazareth, 5. the dead sea, 6. bethlehem, 7. timna park, 8. sea of galilee, 10. mar saba monastery, 11. beit shean, 12. jericho, 14. makhtesh ramon, map of tourist attractions in israel and the palestinian territories.

Aching with the weight of history, Jerusalem has one of the world's most recognizable skylines, with the golden helmet of the Dome of the Rock glinting above the caramel-colored stone of the old city.

This ancient walled city holds deep religious significance for all those of the monotheistic faiths, and the labyrinthine alleyways inside are packed with religious sites and mind-boggling history.

Dodge the crowds of pilgrims and take a walk along the walls that still wrap around the old city. Explore the city's fabulous museums, and immerse yourself in the mazy lanes that kings, Crusaders, and conquerors have all fought over.

Jerusalem's many highlights enchant and confound in equal measures.

Jerusalem is all history. Tel Aviv is about modern dining and café culture. And Haifa just does its own thing.

Haifa's main attraction is the Baha'i Gardens , which tumble down the hillside towards the sea in a series of immaculate green terraces. They're a must-do for all travelers to this lovely city, but Haifa's big attraction for many visitors is that it's the perfect base to explore the north .

Akko, Mount Carmel and Caesarea are right on the doorstep, and even Nazareth and Megiddo could be easily done as a day trip from here.

Hands down the most easygoing city in the country, Haifa should be part of everyone's itinerary.

Forever linked to the story of Jesus in the Bible, Nazareth is one of the main pilgrimage destinations in the country.

The holy sites here are some of the most important in the world for those of the Christian faith. This is where the Annunciation took place, and where Jesus Christ was brought up, and the center of town is home to important churches that celebrate this history.

One of the most important tourist attractions in Nazareth is the Basilica of the Annunciation , but there are plenty of smaller sights in town to explore.

Away from the biblical connections, Nazareth's busy bazaar area, amid the twisty old city lanes, is a highlight in itself, always bustling with commerce.

A picturesque vision of honey-colored stone, Jaffa is a chilled-out little harbor town with an illustrious past as a major port.

Made for aimless wandering and home to an excellent flea market , Jaffa provides an old-world-style respite from the modern thrum of Tel Aviv next door.

The muddle of lanes leading down to the sea, where once the great ships of the ancient Mediterranean empires docked, are now a haven for café-hopping and a lazy afternoon of sightseeing in Jaffa .

Jaffa has been thoroughly gentrified in recent years, with small art galleries, craft shops, and restaurants moving in. On weekends, it's a busy center for outdoor dining and shopping.

The lowest point on earth and one of the world's most wacky natural wonders, the Dead Sea is the mineral-rich and overly salty sea where no one can sink.

Locked in by the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, this bizarre body of water (where natural buoyancy occurs due to the rate of evaporation causing the high salt content) has been wowing travelers for centuries.

A handful of "beach resort" areas along the Dead Sea shoreline provide facilities, with cafés, bathrooms, and the all important freshwater showers to wash the saltwater off you afterwards, for those who want to take a dip.

Take a float — you can't really sink — and you'll be won over by the weirdness of this experience, as generations of visitors have before you.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Dead Sea Region

A major Christian pilgrimage center, Bethlehem is home to the Church of the Nativity , built over the site where Jesus Christ is said to have been born. It's one of the top sights in Bethlehem .

The stately church complex with its far-reaching historical significance, and the busy market vibe of the bazaar make this the number one highlight of the West Bank.

Although many travelers only come here as a day trip from Jerusalem, the town is an excellent place to base yourself for excursions into the surrounding countryside, with its Byzantine monasteries and sites related to events relayed in the New Testament.

Raw and rugged desert scenery at its best, Timna Park, near the Red Sea resort of Eilat, is one of the most beautiful corners of the Negev.

The landscapes here have a visceral quality, which enchants all who visit, with towering cliffs and surreally-shaped boulders set between vast tracts of multi-hued sand.

Timna's copper mining history (which stretches back to the ancient Egyptians) is also worth exploring; the area is full of ancient mine shafts and rock inscriptions that desert adventurers can seek out.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Eilat

The shoreline that wraps around the Sea of Galilee offers interesting attractions , gorgeous countryside, and bags of history.

Whether you're here to visit the churches of Tabgha, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount and carried out much of his preaching, or you just want to soak in the hot pools near Tiberias and do some hiking, this beautiful region is a major highlight of any trip.

Don't miss taking a swim in the sea itself and soaking up the views across the lake on a hillside hike.

The mountaintop fortress of Masada, overlooking the rugged scenery of the Dead Sea region, is home to incredible vistas and some fascinating history.

This is where King Herod's once mighty palace stood and where the Zealots took their last stand against the Roman Legions.

If you're up for a hike, the winding Snake Path is the perfect way of reaching the top, with excellent panoramas all the way. It's one of the top things to do in Masada .

Otherwise, take the cable car and see the views without the sweat.

Mar Saba Monastery is an architectural marvel of the Byzantine age, precariously snuggled into the cliff face as if it had sprouted organically out of the sheer rock.

The monastery is dedicated to Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, a Greek Orthodox monk from Cappadocia who founded this monastery.

Although female travelers are not allowed to actually enter the monastery (except for the Women's Tower near the entrance), the view is enough of a reason to visit, with the metal domes glinting in the sun between the rock face.

An easy day trip option from Bethlehem or Jerusalem, Mar Saba Monastery is one of the Holy Land's great historic sites .

In a country full of ruins, Beit Shean stands out from the crowd for its excellent preservation.

Here, you can get a real feel for the life of a Roman and Byzantine town , with its colonnaded streets, well-restored theater, and extensive bathhouse remains.

Stroll the once mighty streets, explore the extensive ruins, and sit in the theater where the Roman city's cultural life was played out.

It's a fabulous slice of the ancient world that any history lover should see.

One of the most important historical sites in the West Bank , Jericho lays claim to being the world's oldest continuously inhabited city and has a history that can be traced back 10,000 years.

The archaeological site of Ancient Jericho (Tel Jericho) is right in town and after exploring this layered settlement mound, you can hop on the cable car from the site to the Monastery of Qurantal on the Mount of Temptation where, according to the New Testament, Jesus resisted the devil.

This is also a prime base in the Palestinian Territories, not just for exploring the attractions in Jericho , but for venturing further afield. In particular Hisham's Palace, with its famed Tree of Life mosaic, and the monasteries inside the canyon of Wadi Qelt.

Wrapped up in Crusader history, Akko (Acre to the Crusaders) has a mellow harbor full of colorful, bobbing fishing boats; a vibrant bazaar crammed with spice, produce, and interesting artisan products; and a truckload of history to boot.

The city walls, old khans (caravanserais), and fort remnants speak of another age, when this town was the center of the empire.

One of the most enjoyable towns to explore (who doesn't like a secret tunnel?), Akko is a great mix of historic sites and modern life.

This deep erosion cirque, (a crater-shaped steephead valley created by erosion), with the town of Mitzpe Ramon on its rim, is one of the Negev's major highlights .

From lookout points along the rim, the canyon walls plummet downwards for 300 meters, with dramatic vistas across the rock formations of the valley.

For the more active, Makhtesh Ramon is a national park, and various trails have been created leading down into the depths of the valley, making Makhtesh Ramon one of the best destinations for day hiking in the country.

There are other makhtesh in the Negev, but this one is the deepest and largest, measuring roughly eight kilometers wide and 40 meters long.

More on Israel

• 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.

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. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jazzie | Gluten Free | עגלות קפה | ללא גלוטן | Jerusalem (@theisraelbites)

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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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Israel

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Israel. There are 223 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 15 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Israel.

223 Fully Guided tour packages in Israel with 932 reviews

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Jewish Israel Tour Package, 5 Days

Customer service, tour guide, bus driver, hotel everything perfect. Love this tour.

Heritage of the Holy Land

Great trip. Wife is more, shall I say, more religious than I am, but, we were both totally inspired by this tour..

Jewish Israel Tour Package, 7 Days

Very knowledgeable and pleasant guides. Made the days interest and showed a lot of care. Great ambassadors of the company.

• Coach / Bus

Heritage & Holy Land - 8 days

The tour, Heritage and Holy Places was terrific!.We packed an enormous amount into the 8 days, and saw Christian, Jewish, Roman and Byzantine places of great interest. Also the borders of Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Our tour guide gave us history, commentary and much insight into the history and current situation in Israel, as well as the Abrahamic religions. The hotels were very comfortable and our other travellers became a close group who were lots of fun. My only problem was the weather - I would not recommend travelling in Israel in high summer when the temperature can reach 45C. Thank you for facilitating our tour. Trenna Bridge

Discover Israel

Informative and interesting historical and biblical sites. Accommodations and food were very good and guides and drivers were friendly. Only real glitch was pairing English speaking and Spanish speaking tourists together. Lead tour guide had to repeat everything in both languages. Both sets of tourists were frustrated as it slowed things down. Queue line control at the church of the holy sepulcher was lousy, allowing people to cut lines; and at one point the line didn’t move at all from 3:00 until 4:15. By 5:00, they rushed everyone through — if they maintained flow speed throughout the day instead of just at the end and had more queue line discipline, people could get through faster and suffer less frustration. Jordan river— site near Jericho had putrid looking water; should use a site closer to the Sea of Galilee where the water is cleaner. Dead Sea was disappointing— staff would not allow people to swim or float — only wading.

The Story of the Israeli State - 10 Days

My husband and I had never been to Israel and booked this tour as a “bucket-list” event. Our tour guide, Efraim Native, was the best - he was a history professor, knew philosophy, religion, politics, economics, abd engineering - answering every question we had. He was friendly, helpful and made excellent food recommendations. Our tour covered Tel Aviv (our new favorite city), Haifa, the Golan (do not miss the Hula Nature Preserve), and Jerusalem (Old and New). We added the Masada/Dead Sea tour at the end. Finally, we chose the 5-Star hotel option and stayed in true luxurious accommodations). We will use Tour Radar and Click Tours again!

Past to the Future - The Story of the Israeli State - 11 days

Excellent tour so knowledgable will definitely book again

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Galilee, Golan, Caesarea and Nazareth 4 days

We had a fantastic tour to Galilee, Golan, Caesarea, and Nazareth, the guide Tomer was extraordinarily knowledgeable and answer any questions we had. We highly recommend him for your visit to Israel. The communication and the booking process with the booking-tours company were smooth, and all pickup was on time.

Highlights of Israel 5 star - 8 days

Jewish Israel Luxury Tour 10 days

We just came back from Israel I would say that we are all happy and satisfied with Booking Tours company. They gave us a very memorable trip and our tour guide Adi is very good explaining to us the history of all the places we have been. The company is very organized from booking our hotels and are easy to deal and communicate. My contact person is Vera Veinberg who is very good communicating with us, and she makes sure that everything will work fine. I would recommend Booking-tours, and we would use them again for a future trip to Israel.

Tailor-Made Private Israel Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Best Israel Tour with Daily Departure & Private Trip

6 Day Classic Israel Tour Package

7 Day Jewish Heritage Israel Tour Package

Highlights of the Holy Land Best Experience - 8 Days

Enjoyed it a lot. I will come again to Israel in the next 2 years again.

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Ami, Dima and all guides were excellent! And overall very well organized and thanks to Oksana for prompt response!

Mark was great tour leader!

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How to Visit to Israel Like a Pro: 20 Essential Travel Tips

Last Modified: April 8, 2024 //  by  Anda //   32 Comments

Israel is a very controversial country, guaranteed to raise tensions and emotions, regardless of your political views or religious convictions. War and political turmoil have been the norm here for thousands of years, so traveling to Israel can be a little intimidating. But if you know what to expect, you’ll have a great experience when visiting Israel. In this post I will give you some travel tips that will help you better understand Israel and make the most of your visit here.

Table of Contents

1. Getting acquainted with Israel’s history really helps

2. food is really good, 3. everything in israel is expensive, 4. prices are negotiable, 5. renting a car vs. using public transportation, 6. tipping is not mandatory, but is expected, 7. english is spoken almost everywhere, 8. israel is really small, 9. everything closes down on shabbath, 10. religious holidays are very strictly observed, 11. jerusalem is dead on weekends, 12. there is an obvious military presence, 13. getting in and out of israel is a lengthy process, 14. what’s the best time to travel to israel, 15. what to pack for israel, 16. is it safe to travel to israel, 17. what plugs to pack for israel, 18. is wifi widely available in israel.

• 19. Are drones allowed in Israel?

20. What time zone is Israel on?

Essential travel tips for israel.

If this is your first time in Israel you probably have many questions on your mind. So did I when I started planning our trip. And although I tried to inform myself the best that I could, there were still a few things that caught me by surprise when I arrived. Therefore I decided to put together a list of tips and useful information for traveling to Israel.

Planning to visit Jordan while you are in Israel? Read these useful travel tips for traveling to Jordan .

This guide will cover some of the most common questions asked before traveling to Israel. Like what to expect, when is the best time to go, or what costs are involved. So here is what every visitor should know before going to Israel.

One of the biggest travel mistakes people make when visiting other countries is not getting themselves acquainted with the local history. Of all the travel tips that I’m about to give you, this is perhaps the most important one: learn a little about Israel’s history!

The archeological sights in Israel are not particularly impressive, unless of course you know what you are looking at. Unlike the pyramids of Egypt that will impress regardless of how much you know about them, in Israel you’ll encounter places infused with religious and historical meaning that will make no sense to you unless you know their history.

Israel’s history goes back to ancient times and much of what we know about it comes from the Hebrew Bible. According to it, Israel’s origin starts with Abraham, who is considered the father of both Judaism (through his son Isaac) and Islam (through his son, Ishmael).

Although the Land of Israel was occupied by many nations over the centuries, the Jewish people have always been a physical, cultural, and religious presence here.

Food in Israel is extremely diverse and generally very good. A well known favorite is falafel – small fried balls of mashed chickpeas, usually served with pita bread and humus.

There are many other Middle Eastern and Arabic dishes whose names I can’t even pronounce, but they are good. Kosher refers to the food that complies with the standards of the Jewish law (for instance, pork and shellfish are not kosher).

Do try all the food in Israel! The worse that can happen is that you won’t like it. For those less adventurous, there is also regular Western style food available. Alcohol is available at many hotels and restaurants, but is rather expensive.

Street food is safe to eat in Israel, but I would stat away from fresh fruit and produce that I didn’t wash and prepare myself. Exercise caution even with cooked food. If it doesn’t look or smell right, don’t assume that’s how it’s supposed to be. Just don’t eat it.

Israel is an expensive country to visit. Almost everything here costs a lot: hotels, food, entrance fees, clothes, electronics, etc. Basically you pay more for the same commodity than you would pay in other parts of the world. Besides that, they have a huge sale tax of 17% that is applied to most goods and services. A trip to Israel will cost you a lot, so be prepared for that.

One thing I noticed is that speaking English will make prices go a little higher that they actually are.

You can exchange money almost everywhere in Israel. The exchange rate for the US Dollar is currently around 3.5 – 3.7 Israeli Shekel, but of course this will vary according to the time of your travel.

Bartering I one of the most important tips for people who travel to Israel. Learning to bargain will save you not only money, but also a lot of frustration. Exactly like in Istanbul , where you don’t walk into the Grand Bazaar and pay the first price you are asked to pay, in Israel almost everything is negotiable.

Israeli people expect to get a discount on all major purchases, so the listed price is calculated accordingly. Except for cars, almost everything else is open to negotiation. That’s counterintuitive if you are coming from the USA, where you can only negotiate the car or the real estate prices.

If you are not an expert driver with nerves of steel, don’t drive in Israel. Although roads are in good condition, getting in and out of any city is a nightmare! Leave alone driving in places like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Haifa! Road signs are bad and traffic if always heavy.

Using planning public transportation on the other hand works really well. Bus schedules are set up very conveniently and the train system is simple and easy to use. It’s hard to get lost.

You’ll most like have to use Taxis in some situations, so be prepared to negotiate the price before you hop on the cab.

Hitchhiking is definitely not recommended in Israel, especially in the current political situation.

Tipping in Israel is discretionary but expected, similar to most of the Western world. Unlike in the USA, where you are expected to tip between 15% – 20%, in Israel the tip is between 10 -15%. The minimum is at least 10%, the average is 12% and maximum is 15% (for exceptional service).

Waiters and bartenders get a relatively low salary, so the majority of their earnings coming from tips. Tips are usually left in cash not on card, so it is useful to carry some small change with you.

Tipping the taxi drivers, hotel personnel and other people in the travel industry is not usually expected. However, they will not mind a tip if you decide to be generous.

Unlike in Morocco , where English is rarely spoken, in Israel is widely spoken. The country’s official language is Hebrew, but you’ll also hear Arabic, English, Russian and some other languages.

Although English doesn’t have an official status, most Israelis can speak it fairly well as it’s a required second language in schools. As such, you’ll be able to communicate in English almost anywhere you go. However, learning a few Hebrew words will put you ahead of the game in Israel.

• Shalom  – is used as a salutation, but it actually means peace
• Bevakasha  – please
• Slicha  – sorry/excuse me
• Boker Tov – good morning
• Erev Tov – good evening
• Mazel Tove – congratulations/good luck
• Toda/Toda Raba  – thank you/thank you very much
• Lehitra’ot – good bye/see you later

It’s surprising to discover how small Israel really is. The total area of the State of Israel is 22,145 square kilometers (8,630 square miles), just slightly bigger than the state of New Jersey. Getting from one end of the country to the other doesn’t take long, which means it’s very easy to take day trips. You can use either Jerusalem or Tel Aviv as a base for exploring the important sights in Israel.

If you are not completely ignorant about the Jewish religion, you’ve probably heard about Shabbath before. Sabbath (or Shabbath ) is Judaism’s most distinctive practice – a 25-hour celebration that starts at sundown on Friday and ends after sundown on Saturday.

In Israel Shabbat is more than just a day off from labor. It’s a unique and special time of physical respite meant to be spent with family and loved ones or for worship, if you are a religious person.

Wherever you go when you travel in Israel, make sure you get there before 4 o’clock on Friday. On Shabbat all public services are closed (except for emergency ones). There are no train and no busses working.

Traveling in Israel during any of the Jewish holidays can be a very frustrating experience for a tourist. Especially for those of us living in America, who became so accustomed to 24 hour open stores!

In Israel religious holidays are very strictly observed. Most places close down, including restaurants, cafés and public transportation. On Yom Kippur (the Hebrew Day of Atonement) everything closes down. Even Ben Gurion International Airport! No one drives on that day, and the roads are completely empty. So be prepared to do nothing on this day if you are in Israel.

If you are not religious and you are a tourist for which every single day counts, don’t stay (or travel to) Jerusalem on weekends. From Friday night to Saturday night everything closes down in Jerusalem, so there is not much you can do here.

Instead, plan to go to a more secular place like Tel Aviv or to Haifa, where everything stays open on weekends.

You are going to be seeing a lot of armed soldiers while visiting Israel, so don’t be alarmed. The presence of barbed wire and armed soldiers is nothing new in this country that has been in political turmoil for so long.

Despite the many frictions in the region, Israel is a pretty safe country to visit and the weapons you see are there for defensive purposes.

Not all the soldiers you’ll come across are on active duty however. Some are young people doing their military service. Army service is mandatory in Israel. Both girls and boys are drafted at 18 and serve a minimum of two years.

Border control is way lengthier and more thorough in Israel than in any other countries we visited so far. You’ll need to get an Israeli passport stamp , so the best advice I can give you is to arm yourself with patience when traveling to Israel.

When entering Israel you have to answer a series of routine questions (why are you there, how long will you stay, etc. etc. If you don’t look suspicious the process will be very smooth. But if you have passport stamps from certain Muslim countries (such as Iran, Lebanon, or Pakistan), you’ll have to go through a special interrogation process that will take quite a while.

Israel no longer stamps your passport on arrival, which is good news if you plan to visit other countries in the Middle East for which an Israeli visa may be a problem. Instead, you’ll get your visa on a piece of paper which you need to keep this safe, as you’ll need it for your departure.

You may expect an even lengthier process as you are leaving Israel, so plan to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. At the Security Check they will ask you to open your bag of electronics and they will check each and every one of them.

Practical Travel Tips for Israel

Deciding when to go to Israel depends in large part to what you are interested in doing while you are there. While there is no wright or wrong time to go, there are however a couple of things that you need to consider when planning your trip: climate and Jewish holidays .

There are basically two seasons in Israel: summer (April to late October) and winter (November to March). Summers are hot and humid in Israel, bur rain free. Winter starts when it gets from cool to cold and it begins raining). Generally it doesn’t snow in Israel, except for the mountain areas in the Golan Heights.

Another important tip to consider when you travel to Israel are the Jewish holidays. In Israel there are two calendars: the Gregorian calendar and the Jewish calendar, but most religious holidays are based on the Jewish calendar.

Even though it’s interesting to be in Israel during some of these holidays, you’ll have to remember everything closes down during that time: public transportation, banks, stores, etc. Also, hotel prices will be much higher.

When traveling to Israel it’s important to be conscious of what you wear. While places like Tel Aviv, Jaffa, or Haifa are more open-minded and fashion-forward, in cities like Jerusalem modest clothing is recommended. Don’t bring tank tops, shorts or anything above the knees.

With very few exceptions, just about everything you would pack for Europe you can pack for Israel as well. As a general rule however, think convenience before fashion. Here are a few tips on what to pack when you travel to Israel:

• A scarf and a long-sleeve top, if you are a woman and plan on visiting the religious sites. Some sites may provide a cover up, but it’s better to have your own.
• Light-weight clothing is the best for summer months. We traveled here in mid October and the temperatures were above 30ºC and very humid.
• A light jacket and some sweaters for colder months.
• Comfortable shoes are a must in Israel, especially in Jerusalem.
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion. You won’t be able to get by without them in this torrid sun.
• Wet wipes, small roll of toilet paper, hand sanitizer. Carry some in your pockets at all times. Many times the public toilets will not have toilet paper or soap.
• A small umbrella. Rain may come totally unexpected in Israel, but it usually stops just as sudden as it started.

Israel is overall a pretty safe country. However, considering its fast changing security situation, it’s important to exercise a some caution when traveling to certain areas, like East Jerusalem, or the West Bank cities of Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah.

If you want to visit the West Bank, I would advice hiring a cab from the Muslim quarter in Jerusalem, or booking an organized tour. Many cab drivers in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem will offer to take you to the West Bank, but I’m not sure how safe that is. If you are not in an organized group, you may have issues at the border.

One thing to be mindful in Israel is that authorities are always on high alert. So don’t leave your purse, camera, or anything else unattended. People will assume it’s a bomb and the bomb squad will come and search your purse and interrogate you.

The standard voltage in Israel is 220 volts and 50 Hz. The primary socket is type H (plugs with three pins in a triangular shape), so you’ll need a Power Adaptor Type H . In many hotels you will probably also find the C type sockets (two pins, like in Europe).

If you are coming from the U.S. you’ll need both a plug adaptor AND a voltage converter. Coming from Europe or other countries that have 220-230 voltage systems, you’ll only need a plug converter . Most modern devices such as mobile phones and laptops have a built-in converter, but it’s safer if you bring a voltage converter as well.

WiFi is widely available throughout Israel and is usually offered free of charge in most hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. Some small hotels may charge for Internet though.

19. Are drones allowed in Israel ?

Technically, yes. However, there are very many restrictions and you’ll need a permit for using it. Also, like everywhere else in the world, you won’t be able to use your drone in places that are of interest.

If you want to bring your drone to Israel, my advice is to register with the Aero Club of Israel and get a permit. They will provide you with a map of the places where you can fly, and also give you with up to date information about their rules and regulations.

Israel is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime (GMT). Daylight Saving time starts on the Friday before the 02 April. The move back to standard time can take place in late September/early October according to the Jewish calendar (between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.)

NOTE : As of June 30, 2023, NO Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination is required for tourists entering Israel.

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Sreenandhana

April 2, 2024 at 2:00 am

This is the page that impressed me the most that I have visited, the beautiful description and the page is made in a way that is useful to benefit others without being stingy.

April 2, 2024 at 1:59 am

Time spent on this page is never wasted. Very nice presentation, very nice pictures. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

Santhosh Raghavan

November 2, 2023 at 7:54 am

Dear friend Superb guide you covered almost everything a traveler should look into. I’ve been thinking lately that I would love to visit I am glad to read your blog about your travel experience very interesting thanks. Your personal experiences and vivid descriptions truly bring the city to life, making me feel like I’m right there with you on this incredible journey. Your blog is a wonderful source of inspiration for fellow adventurers looking to explore the magic of. Keep sharing your stories and insights – they’re a delight to read!

November 4, 2023 at 2:15 pm

Thank you for your kind words.

July 16, 2023 at 7:39 pm

You should really educate yourself. Lebanon is NOT a Muslim country per se. There are probably more Muslims in Israel! Further, there are 18 officially recognized religions in Lebanon, Judaism being one of them. Please alter your article to reflect correct information. kind regards Joe.

July 17, 2023 at 8:48 am

What else would you call a country where the great majority of the population is Muslim, Joe? According to the U.S. Department of State, 67.6 percent of Lebanon’s population is Muslim (31.9 percent Sunni, 31 percent Shia, and small percentages of Alawites and Ismailis). Also, Lebanon estimates that only 32.4 percent of the country’s population is Christian. It seems to me that I’m not the one who needs to be educated here, lol!

Michael Guide

April 12, 2023 at 4:49 am

I appreciate you providing this important travel advice for going to Israel. Israel is a contentious nation that has the potential to cause unrest and arouses strong feelings, but I concur that knowing its background is essential to getting the most out of your trip there. Israel is a nation with a long political history and a rich cultural and religious heritage.

I like how you stressed the significance of researching Israel’s history before traveling there. It’s an excellent approach to understanding the significance of the numerous historical and religious places you’ll see while traveling. Keep in mind that Israel is a nation that is ever-evolving and that its history is still being written.

Anyone organizing a first-time trip to Israel will find your guide to be a valuable resource. I appreciate that you addressed often-asked issues like what to anticipate when to go, and the associated expenditures. Before travelling, it’s always beneficial to have a thorough understanding of these concepts.

Overall, I believe that your guide is an excellent place for anyone thinking about visiting Israel to start. It offers useful information that will enable tourists to more fully comprehend and value the rich history and culture of the nation. I appreciate you sharing these helpful travel suggestions!

April 12, 2023 at 9:44 am

Thank you for your thorough review of my article, Michael. I hope to revisit Israel sometime next fall.

April 11, 2023 at 3:17 am

Superb, very useful information. Keep sharing

March 24, 2023 at 10:19 am

Beautiful write and I am fascinated by your blog as much as anyone else. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and ideas here with others. I want to come here again. Thanks kindly visit my Kerala tourism blog, please

July 24, 2022 at 12:30 pm

Ana Hernandez Well , it’s a petty you didn’t enjoy of such an exiting country. Israel semmed to me the extraordinary convergence between history and modernity. Vibrant. and modern Tel Aviv vs traditional fascinating Jerusalem, beautifull beaches beside amazing desserts. Good bargains in “zoco” vs most famous fashion brands and jewelry. Tasty. and delicious food from almost alll around the world. I’m really sorry you didn´t get all that . Hope next time you will be able to discover the real country.

July 24, 2022 at 2:57 pm

I have to confess that your comment left me wondering whether you read one post but commented on another. I can’t figure out what part of this guide made you think that I didn’t enjoy visiting Israel. I absolutely loved this country and tried to give some tips to those who didn’t see it yet. You seem quite confused about what you read.

Patrick Morgan

February 17, 2022 at 8:02 am

Do you have an Amazon link to the power adaptor and voltage regulator?

February 17, 2022 at 11:21 am

I sure do, Patrick. Here it is: Power Adaptor Type H .

Pranita Purohit

September 16, 2020 at 10:05 am

Like me, there are many who want to travel to Israel, but fear due to the political conditions and tussle with the neighboring states. However, after reading your post, the notion that all have about this country will be put to rest forever. You have presented a useful guide in the form of this post. Thank you very much.

September 16, 2020 at 11:33 am

I’m glad to hear that. Hopefully you’ll be able to visit Israel sometimes soon.

August 24, 2020 at 11:40 pm

This is the right guide for those who want to visit Israel. You certainly put a new spin on a subject that has been written about for decades. Great stuff, just excellent!

August 25, 2020 at 2:45 pm

Thanks, Melanie.

July 29, 2020 at 8:06 am

Thank you so much for your the tips.! We are going at the end of the summer, found a good flight deal! I know it will be hot, but I am from the Caribbean so that’s not a problem! can not wait to visit beautiful Israel and experience the culture. Your insights are super helpful to thank you! Have a question! What about at the airport at entering the country is no issue with the drone that I have to register? Do u know anything about it? Thanks

July 29, 2020 at 8:50 am

Hi John, The end of the summer will be hot indeed, but you’ll have a blast in Israel anyway. In regards to the drone, you won’t be able to use it much. My husband is a drone enthusiast too and did a lot of research for that before we traveled to the Middle East. He even registered with aeroclub.org.il, but still didn’t help much. Like everywhere else in the world, the places where it would be interesting to use it, you can’t. He used it secretly a couple of times (once in Acra and once in Tel Aviv) while I was keeping watch, but it’s stressful to use it like this. At any rate, my advice would be to check their website and register anyway. They will provide you with a map of the places where you can use it.

November 6, 2019 at 10:50 am

This is a comprehensive post , I wished I had before visiting Jerusalem. I found the prices to be really expensive , much to my surprise. I was also nervous when seeing so many armed guards around. It is still worth a visit and I would recommend anyone going to read this post!

November 5, 2019 at 8:46 am

Totally agree with you that these are really good to know. My parents are planning to go to Israel and I just shared this post with them.

Thank you for the heads up regarding the prices. I will ask them to adjust their budget accordingly. 🙂

Vanessa Ball

November 5, 2019 at 5:15 am

I’d love to visit Israel and had no idea that it was this small or that things were expensive to buy. The food looks super tasty, I love Arabic dishes. It’s handy to know about the religious holidays and weekends when planning your trip too. This is a really useful article to read before going to Israel.

November 5, 2019 at 3:28 am

I traveled to Israel when I was 15 years old as part of a school trip. We spent 2 months in the country and experienced many facets of it. Many people asked me if I felt safe and I personally never felt safer. Like you mentioned the entire population goes to the army they are all trained and the military is always around. This provided me with a sense of security. Love the tips to learn about history so you understand what you are looking at. And to use public transport – it is very organized and easy to use. The food as you mentioned is great although pricy and I personally loved everything I ate. Wonderful post. Israel is a beautiful country and despite the turbulent history and current political climate it is a great place to visit.

Anda Galffy

November 5, 2019 at 8:24 am

It must have been a great experience for you as a teenager to see how other people live. Thanks for your comment.

Blair villanueva

November 4, 2019 at 9:17 pm

I truly enjoyed readinv your Israel travel guide. As a Philippine passport holder, we got privilege for free travel visa access. It would be great to visit Israel for faith tourism.

E. J Requina

November 4, 2019 at 7:37 pm

Well you pretty much covered everything about Israel. Israel is part of my top places to visit and getting a deep dive of the country helps a lot. Its a bummer when you mentioned that the place is dead on weekends but hey im pretty sure there a lot of things to do the rest of the week.

Linda (LD Holland)

November 3, 2019 at 3:47 pm

We visited Israel for a few days with a cruise ship. So we were probably prepared for some things. But not others. I was certainly surprised to find that it was the religious centre for so many different religions. It was a bit disconcerting to find so many marketing messages on religious souvenirs. We ate in markets when we were out during the day. Even if I am a very bad haggler. We found armed guards in Israel, Jordon and Egypt. So I guess we sort of got used to them. This was a very helpful post. We would like to return on our own to Israel. So I will keep this post for reference.

November 4, 2019 at 12:54 pm

Thank you, Linda.

Laura Axtman

November 3, 2019 at 3:19 pm

What an amazing adventure. I hope to one day be able to travel to Isreal. Your description of the city helped me to understand the current climate and how to navigate the area with the history of war as a consistent reminder. Your photos are great and made me want to visit the region even more.

November 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm

I loved reading all your tips for traveling to Israel. It is at the very top of my bucket list right now, and I’ve heard such wonderful things about traveling there recently. As a Christian, there is so much Religious history that I want to experience. I appreciate the tips you’ve included on tipping, transportation, and electric plugs. Those are things I always research in detail before leaving on a trip!

November 4, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Hope you’ll manage to visit Israel someday, Leah.

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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 .

35 Amazing Tourist Attractions in Israel To Visit

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

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

Where is the old city, getting to jerusalem old city, the christian quarter, the jewish quarter, the muslim quarter, the armenian quarter, what is the mount of olives, getting to the mount of olives, things to see at the mount of olives, other things to see at the mount of olives, where to stay in jerusalem old city, a brief background on jerusalem’s old city, the kotel (western wall), the kotel tunnels, the dome of the rock, church of the holy sepulchre, tower of david museum, the terra sancta museum, old city market (souq), the temple institute, getting to haifa, museums in haifa, nature in haifa, other things to see and do in haifa, where to eat in haifa, where to stay in haifa, how to get to masada, things to do in masada, summer opening times, winter opening times, fridays and holiday-eve opening times, entrance with cable car (two ways), entrance with cable car (one way), entrance to eastern side/snake path, where to stay when visiting masada, getting to bethlehem, things to see in bethlehem, biblical sites, other places to see in bethlehem, where to eat and drink in bethlehem, where to stay in bethlehem, getting to eilat, israel, eilat beach, eilat, israel weather, where to stay in eilat, israel, why should you visit mitzpe ramon, getting to mitzpe ramon, weather in mitzpe ramon, where to stay in mitzpe ramon, what is the ramon crater, what to do at the ramon crater, where is mount tabor, how to get to mount tabor, things to do at mount tabor, kfar tavor and nearby, where is the sea of galilee, other names of the sea of galilee, getting to the sea of galilee, beaches at the sea of galilee, things to do at the sea of galilee, where to stay at the sea of galilee, tourist attractions in israel- to conclude.

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.

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Blinken to Meet With Arab Officials in Saudi Arabia About Israel-Gaza War

The U.S. secretary of state plans to raise the issues of hostages held by Hamas, a potential cease-fire, humanitarian aid and a long-term political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to speak with top Arab officials and try to figure out possible solutions for the thorniest issues of the Israel-Gaza war, including humanitarian aid, reconstruction and hostages, the State Department said on Saturday.

One of Mr. Blinken’s priorities on Monday and Tuesday will be discussing “ongoing efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza that secures the release of hostages,” a department spokesman, Matthew Miller, said in a statement. He added that Mr. Blinken would underscore his belief that it is Hamas that stands in the way of a cease-fire for the Palestinian people, since the group is not budging on the hostage negotiations.

Saudi Arabia is hosting a three-day meeting of the World Economic Forum, and top Arab officials, including Mr. Blinken’s diplomatic counterparts, are attending. They include senior ministers from Qatar and Egypt, which have been the two Arab mediators in multiple rounds of talks over a potential hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The forum’s website says Mr. Blinken will be in a half-hour public “conversation” starting at 12:45 p.m. on Monday, the final day of the conference.

American officials are pushing for Hamas to release about 40 of the 100 or more hostages it is holding in exchange for the liberation of many more Palestinian prisoners and a six-week cease-fire. U.S. officials say that would be the first step in securing a permanent cease-fire, and Israel supports the proposal. However, Hamas has insisted on a commitment to a permanent cease-fire, and many Arab officials, including in Saudi Arabia, have been calling for the same; those officials say that such a cease-fire should take place immediately.

Mr. Blinken and other top aides of President Biden have also been trying to push for a long-term political solution to the conflict. In their best-case scenario, they envision Saudi Arabia and perhaps a few other Arab nations agreeing to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. In exchange, Saudi Arabia would receive advanced weapons and security guarantees, including a mutual defense treaty , from the United States, and a commitment for U.S. cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom .

For its part, Israel would have to commit to a concrete pathway to the founding of a Palestinian nation, with specific deadlines, U.S. and Saudi officials say.

Before the war started last October, U.S. and Saudi officials were in intense discussions to reach an agreement on the terms of such a proposal. For those negotiators, a big question at the time was what Israel would agree to. Since the war began, the Americans and Saudis have publicly insisted that Israel must agree to the existence of a Palestinian state.

But Israeli leaders and ordinary citizens have become even more resistant to that idea since the Oct. 7 attacks, in which Hamas and allied gunmen killed more than 1,200 people and took about 240 people as hostages. About 100 of the hostages were released last November in a prisoner swap during a weeklong cease-fire. The Israeli military has launched attacks to eradicate Hamas from Gaza, where the health ministry says more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Mr. Miller also said on Saturday that Mr. Blinken planned to discuss “continued progress on climate change mitigation and the global energy transition” at one of the World Economic Forum events. The secretary also expected to attend a meeting of ministers from nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional organization, to talk about security coordination.

An Israeli official told The New York Times on Friday that Mr. Blinken planned to visit Israel while in the region.

If Mr. Blinken does go there, the topics he is likely to discuss would no doubt be the same ones on his agenda for Riyadh, including increasing humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, a potential political solution in the form of a multicountry megadeal and the impasse over a hostage/cease-fire agreement. He would also probably discuss Israel’s plans for a major offensive in the Rafah area of Gaza, which Mr. Biden opposes.

The details of Mr. Blinken’s scheduled trips to the Middle East often change at the last minute . As of Saturday night, the State Department has not announced any stops beyond Riyadh.

Edward Wong is a diplomatic correspondent who has reported for The Times for more than 24 years from New York, Baghdad, Beijing and Washington. He was on a team of Pulitzer Prize finalists for Iraq War coverage. More about Edward Wong

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Rebuilding all the homes destroyed by Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip could take until the next century  if the pace of reconstruction were to match what it was after wars there in 2014 and 2021, according to a United Nations report.

A Hamas leader said that the group would soon send a delegation to Cairo to “complete ongoing discussions”  on a cease-fire deal for the war in the Gaza Strip, raising hopes of progress in the stalled efforts for a truce.

Israeli officials weigh sharing power with the Arab states in a postwar Gaza, which will likely displease both Israel’s right-wing faction and many Arab states. But it does signal that Israel is thinking about the future , and it could inform future talks.

No Palestinian Flags at Eurovision: The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest, a glitzy singing contest, said that attendees would be allowed to wave  only the flags of participating nations — including Israel’s.

Nonviolent Resistance in the West Bank: Issa Amro, a Palestinian activist who has been arrested and beaten for simple acts of defiance, is aiming to emulate Gandhi  at a time when violence is inescapable.

Campus Protests in the U.S.: On quads and lawns from coast to coast, U.S. colleges are grappling with a groundswell of student activism  over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Administrators are having to make controversial decisions .

Cracking Down on Protests: Grief and rage over the Gaza war and Israel have led to demonstrations across the Arab world. Arrests suggest governments fear the outrage could boomerang .

Blinken to travel to Saudi Arabia amid renewed push for a hostage deal

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia this week for meetings with regional partners, including Palestinian, Egyptian and Qatari leaders, to discuss efforts for securing the release of Israeli hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza, the State Department said in a statement . After participating in meetings of the World Economic Forum and Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, he will continue on to Jordan and Israel later in the week.

The foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France are also expected at the WEF meeting, alongside the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, WEF President Borge Brende said at a news conference . “There is some new momentum now in the talks around the hostages and also for a possible way out of the impasse that we are faced in Gaza,” he said.

Blinken traveled to the country in March to discuss a U.S. plan to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but leaders in Riyadh have said any such deal would require a pathway to a Palestinian state — a scenario rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On this visit, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, “pushing for this temporary cease-fire” would be “right at the top of the list for Secretary Blinken.” Kirby told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday that Blinken will “also be talking to the Israelis about their intentions and their thinking on Rafah military operations and where they are in the planning stages for that.” U.S. officials have repeatedly voiced opposition to a major military operation in Rafah, in southern Gaza, which Israel says is home to Hamas ’s last intact battalions but is also a refuge for more than a million displaced civilians.

Egyptian officials, who visited Israel on Friday for talks on a proposed cease-fire deal, are optimistic about the prospects of a truce being reached, according to a former Egyptian official with knowledge of the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject. The former official said Israeli cabinet members accepted “for the first time” the idea of a long-lasting halt to the fighting and expressed willingness to hold off on attacking Rafah if a deal can be reached. The proposal is now with Hamas, he said.

On Sunday, President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ “ironclad commitment to Israel’s security” in a call with Netanyahu. In a statement, Biden demanded that Hamas release its remaining hostages to “secure a ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza.” The two leaders also discussed “increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week.”

In Israel, concern is increasing about the possibility of arrest warrants being issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, Israeli media reported.

Netanyahu appeared to address the reports Friday, writing on social media that “Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense.” Israel and the United States do not accept the jurisdiction of the ICC, but member states would be obliged to carry out arrests of anyone in their jurisdiction who faced a warrant. On Sunday, Foreign Minister Israel Katz instructed all Israeli embassies worldwide “to prepare immediately for a wave of severe antisemitism,” should the ICC issue warrants for senior Israeli officials.

Here’s what else to know

Blinken’s visit comes amid a renewed push for a deal with Hamas , which released videos of three hostages last week, including two Israeli Americans. The latest video, released Saturday, shows U.S.-born Keith Siegel, 64, and Omri Miran, 47, who were taken hostage on Oct. 7. The footage has added to pressure on Israel to negotiate a deal for their release.

Aid group World Central Kitchen said Sunday it would resume its operations in Gaza, following the deaths of seven staff members this month by an Israeli military strike. The D.C.-based nonprofit led by celebrity chef José Andrés said in a statement that a Palestinian team would begin delivering food Monday, including in the north of the enclave, where the hunger crisis is most acute. The group said it had 276 trucks with the equivalent of almost 8 million meals ready to enter through the Rafah crossing and will also send trucks into Gaza from Jordan.

Pro-Palestinian protests unfolded outside the White House correspondents’ dinner on Saturday night , with demonstrators posing as slain Gazan journalists outside the Washington Hilton. They laid out press vests to honor media workers who have been killed in the enclave and unfurled a Palestinian flag out of a window at the venue.

France’s foreign minister arrived in Lebanon on Sunday, in a bid to “pursue the objective of peace and stability in the region,” Stéphane Séjourné tweeted . Séjourné praised the United Nations’ peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon as he inspected troops. Reuters has reported that France is trying to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have escalated their tit-for-tat border attacks in recent weeks.

At least 34,454 people have been killed and 77,575 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority of the dead are women and children. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack, including more than 300 soldiers, and says 261 soldiers have been killed since the launch of its military operation in Gaza.

Claire Parker, Lior Soroka, Hannah Allam and Steve Hendrix contributed to this report.

Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza war has gone on for six months, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region .

The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival . (See photos and videos of how the deadly assault unfolded ). Israel declared war on Hamas in response, launching a ground invasion that fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel’s creation in 1948 .

Gaza crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars , killing tens of thousands and plunging at least half of the population into “ famine-like conditions. ” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave .

U.S. involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some U.S. politicians , including President Biden, the United States supports Israel with weapons , funds aid packages , and has vetoed or abstained from the United Nations’ cease-fire resolutions.

History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 . Read more on the history of the Gaza Strip .

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• Hamas touts ‘positive spirit’ in cease-fire talks, will travel to Cairo May 2, 2024 Hamas touts ‘positive spirit’ in cease-fire talks, will travel to Cairo May 2, 2024

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