trip ideas for israel

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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.

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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.

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

Ziggy Samuels

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• 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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Jazzie Morgan

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Israel , Middle East , Travel

The perfect israel itinerary – guide & interactive israel map.

If you’re visiting for only a few days, this Israel itinerary will allow you to see as much as possible in the time you have.

What to do in israel in 5 days – israel itinerary for travelers in a hurry.

From the lowest point on Earth in the middle of a vast desert to the lush peaks of the Carmel Mountains, from one of the most ancient cities in the world to a glittering seaside cosmopolitan hub… Israel takes it all and crams it into a tiny strip of land. I’ll tell you all of the best things to do in Israel during your time in this incredible country.

You can’t drive more than four hours in any direction from the airport without leaving the country, yet Israel offers enough to keep visitors’ itineraries jam-packed – whether you’re staying for five days or five weeks.

This five day Israel itinerary is enough to whet your appetite and leave you wanting more. To get a deeper sense of the country and explore more, I encourage you to consider a 10 day trip to Israel – this itinerary has all the details you need to plan your entire trip, and you can even use it as the foundation for a shorter trip by just picking the days you’re most excited about.

Israel Itinerary Map

Day 1: Exploring Tel Aviv – An Israel Must See

Shalom, and welcome to Israel! You’ll start your short visit to Israel in the bustling modern city of Tel Aviv, perched on miles of a gorgeous Mediterranean coastline. It’s a must on your any Israel Itinerary. Tel Aviv is a fascinatingly diverse city of neighborhoods and today you’ll get to explore a few of them.

If you want to know what to do in Israel to relax, Tel Aviv is a great choice. Start off recovering from your flight with a relaxing stroll south along the beachside promenade, the tayelet . You’ll take it all the way to Old Jaffa, which has origins as a port city dating back to the days of Jonah in the Bible!

Start off by wandering up to the lovely Gan HaPisga, one of the most incredible places to see in Tel Aviv, where you’ll enjoy the lovely flowers and great coastal views. Next spend some time exploring the narrow, winding alleys filled with art galleries and studios. You’ll finally make your way down to the port itself, which has recently been revitalized into industrial-style galleries and is one of Tel Aviv’s new hot spots.

For lunch in Jaffa you have two excellent options:

The Old Man and the Sea : If you want a hearty traditional dining experience, head to The Old Man and the Sea. Your meal will start with a course of salatim , small dishes of various types of salad that are typical of Israeli cuisine. Thanks to its location in the Jaffa Port, The Old Man and the Sea is known for excellent, fresh fish entrees – you can’t go wrong with those!

Abu Hassan: If you’re looking for a meal on a budget or you want a different kind of traditional experience, head to nearby Abu Hassan. There’s very little disagreement: Abu Hassan serves up the best hummus in Israel . My personal recommendation is to order the masabacha , a mix of hummus, tehina and whole chickpeas. It’s served warm with a basket of fluffy pita. You may not think of a bowl of hummus as an entire meal, but that’s how it’s treated by Tel Avivians in the know.

The afternoon is a great opportunity to head back north and see some of Tel Aviv’s oldest – and most unique – neighborhoods. To see some fantastic spots with the context of expert explanation, grab this self-guided audio tour . It covers the Levinsky Market – one of the most authentic markets you’ll see when you visit Israel – and the diverse Florentine, where you’ll see fantastic Tel Aviv street art. The fee you pay for the tour includes samples at some of the market’s best shops, so you’ll have plenty of delicious sustenance for your exploration!

Walk just a few more blocks to the lovely, refined neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. This was the first Jewish neighborhood outside of Jaffa, and now it’s home to cafes, art galleries, book stores and more.

When it’s time for sunset, be sure to head back to the coast and find a lovely perch to enjoy it. Mediterranean sunsets can’t be beaten!

For dinner, you’ll head back toward Jaffa but this time to the Flea Market district. At night it comes alive as a vibrant scene for restaurants and bars. Your destination is Onza, one of the city’s best restaurants. It offers a contemporary twist on traditional Turkish cuisine and is one of my personal favorites.

Highlights in Tel Aviv:

• Tayelet- Beach Promenade
• Gan HaPisga
• The Old Man and the Sea
• Levinsky Market
• Neve Tzedek
• Flea Market district

Day 2: Day trip in Coastal Israel

One of the prettiest areas of Israel is its lush northern coastline. The coast is one of the best places to visit in Israel. Today on your Israel itinerary you’ll spend the entire day exploring it! There are two ways you can manage the logistics, each with pros and cons. If you want the flexibility to move at your own pace or you’re traveling with a family, it might be worth renting a car (in downtown Tel Aviv, not at the airport). If you’re visiting solo or you’d rather have everything planned for you, you can hop on a guided day trip to take you up and down the coast.

Regardless of how you opt to handle the logistics, you’ll see beautiful, interesting places. On a longer itinerary, you’d probably want to spend the night in the north to see everything, but with just one day you may need to prioritize just a few of these spots to visit. Here are some of the best places to visit in Israel along the Carmel coast, from south to north:

Caesarea National Park

This ancient Roman settlement was established as a port for the newly-expanded empire around 25 BCE and used as such for over 1500 years. The city is still remarkably well-preserved and includes residential buildings, a commercial area, an amphitheater and a chariot racing arena. The site is very large, so plan to spend about two hours exploring. There are several on-site restaurants to grab a lovely lunch with a view.

Ba’hai Gardens

This is known as one of the most amazing things to see in Israel. The diverse coastal city of Haifa is home to the Ba’hai World Center and its famous gardens. If you have just a few minutes, stop at the top of the garden to sneak a peek from the top level (this is what the day trip options do). With more time, you can take a guided tour all the way down through the garden – just be sure to check the English time slots in advance as they’re limited. If you plan to enter the garden, be sure to wear modest clothing that covers you knees and shoulders.

The ancient city of Akko is a fascinating look at Israel’s layers of history. You can explore the old Ottoman city, the Crusader fort, underground tunnels and more. The traditional market is a fun place to wander and sample delicious traditional food.

Rosh Hanikra

We love the limestone cliffs and grottoes of Rosh Hanikra, right on the border with Lebanon. The world’s steepest cable car takes you from the top to the bottom, where you can wind through the caverns and explore the fascinating nooks and crannies. There’s also an interesting historical movie shown in one of the caves that explains the history of the railway that once ran right next to the grottoes and in to Lebanon.

For dinner nearby, try Michael Local Bistro – famous for its Israeli take on the farm-to-table movement.

At the end of the day, head back to Tel Aviv for the night. If you’ve rented a car, you can either keep it to do more self-guided exploration for days 4 and 5 or return it if you plan to use public transportation and/or guided tours for those days.

Day 3: Jerusalem’s Holy Sites and the Shuk

On day 3 of your Israel itinerary, you’ll visit the famous Holy Sites of Jerusalem. No matter your religious affiliation, visiting Jerusalem’s holy sites is one of the best things to do in Israel and an absolute must. Religion and history are all intertwined and it’s fascinating learning about both in this country, both of which are at the heart of many ancient and modern religions today.

One of the great things about traveling in Israel is just how close much of the country is. This morning you’ll leave early to go from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which should take about an hour.

If you’ve already returned your rental car you can take either the bus or the newly-completed fast train. If you choose public transportation, you may need to take either a local bus or a taxi to your hotel to drop your bags depending on where you’re staying.

You’ll want to be done dropping your bags in time to arrive at Jaffa Gate for your 11 am tour of Jerusalem’s holy sites in the Old City. This excellent free tour lasts around 2 hours (but could go a bit longer) and visit all four quarters to give a brief introduction to the main sites of the Old City.

When your tour is done, grab lunch at Tala Hummus in the Old City (you’ll even get a discount from your tour guide). Even though it’s a restaurant frequented by tour groups, it’s quite good and hits the spot in a convenient location!

Due to the limited time available on the tour, you won’t go inside the Old City’s various holy sites. After lunch, you can opt to return to the Western Wall or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre if those are of special interest to you. If you choose to go to the Western Wall, you can even take a tour underneath to see various levels of excavation of the original Temple walls!

After you’ve had your fill of the Old City you’ll walk along the modern Jaffa Street to Jerusalem’s famous Machne Yehuda market (also called “the shuk ”). If you’re feeling tired or the heat is extreme, you can also hop aboard the light rail that runs through the middle of the street and stops right outside the market entrance.

Wander the market, take in the sights and smells, ask for samples. It’s an experience you can’t miss! Be sure to stop my favorite bakery, Marzipan, for some of their world-renowned ruggalah . It’s absolutely incredible, so make sure you buy a few extra to send my way.

After you’ve filled up at the market, you can enjoy more strolling time along Jaffa Street and its many off-shoots until it’s time for dinner. You’ll head back to the shuk , which transforms after dark into one of Jerusalem’s evening hot spots! Enjoy dinner at Machneyuda, often regarded as one of the country’s best and most creative restaurants – just be sure to make a reservation in advance (sometimes a month or more).

If you still have energy, head back to the Old City for one of the stunning “sound and light” shows put on by the Tower of David. They project images directly on to the city walls taking you on an amazing journey through history.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Dead Sea

Swimming in the Dead Sea is one of those can’t-miss once-in-a-lifetime experiences on any Israel itinerary, so we’ve gotta make it happen even with a short time in Israel! The good news is that you can be at the most beautiful part of the Dead Sea in just under two hours from Jerusalem.

The better news is that there are some absolutely fantastic places to visit along the way to make a complete day trip. You can either spend this day exploring on your own if you have a rental car or take a guided tour like this one .

I recommend eating breakfast before you leave Jerusalem and bringing a picnic lunch with you, as food options are slim (and generally not great).

Masada is one of the best outdoor attractions in Israel . Visit the mountain-top fortress where 1st-century Jews took refuge from Roman rule. If you arrive early enough in the day (in the summer, often before 8 AM) and you’re in very good shape, you can hike up the “snake path”. It takes 1-1.5 hours as you ascend 1300 feet.

The snake path is the only way to see the sunrise at Masada, which is very popular but requires you to leave from Jerusalem extremely early – potentially around 4 am in summer. Most people choose to ascend and descend via cable car, which you can do at any time of day.

Earth’s lowest point is the Dead Sea, the shrinking extremely salty sea in the middle of the desert. It’s called “Dead” because it’s so salty that nothing can survive. I recommend visiting the southern section near Ein Bokek. It doesn’t have the mud you’ll find in the northern section, but the water is prettier, the floating is better and the beach access is free.

The final stop of the day is one of the best places in Israel, Ein Gedi. This oasis in the desert provides some great easy hiking and lovely freshwater springs perfect for a swim after a hot day of exploring.

After your day in the desert, head back to Jerusalem for dinner and the evening. If it happens to be a Tuesday, this is a great time to head to The Israel Museum while it’s open later (more info on The Israel Museum for day 5 below). Otherwise head to the Jerusalem First Station ( HaTachana ), the old train station that has been converted into a wonderful public space that includes plenty of restaurants, boutiques, arcade games, fun events, and more.

Day 5: Discover Israel your way

On the final day of your Israel itinerary, choose your activities based on your own interests.

If Jewish and Israeli history is your main interest, this is a good day to split between The Israel Museum and Yad Vashem. The Israel Museum has a world-class collection that includes the Dead Sea Scrolls, thousands of years of archeological sites from the region, unique synagogue interiors from around the world and much more. There are also several restaurants on-site where you can grab a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon pay respects to victims of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. There are numerous memorials on the site and you’ll want to take your time to go through them and also process what you’re seeing.

Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land should spend the final day visiting two important sites: Bethlehem and the Mount of Olives. A visit to Bethlehem , located in the West Bank, will take you to the Church of the Nativity, the Franciscan Grotto of Lady Mary and the Shepherd’s fields.

The walking tour will return you to Jerusalem, where you can grab a quick lunch. You’ll continue your spiritual journey in the afternoon with a guided visit to the Mount of Olives. The tour will include churches, the Mosque of Ascension, Mary’s Tomb, the Jewish cemetery, and iconic views of the Old City.

If you are interested in diving deeper into the Israeli-Arab conflict, sign up for the excellent Hebron dual-narrative tour offered by Abraham Tours. The tour includes both an Israeli guide and an Arab guide, each explaining their side’s view of the conflict as you explore the sites of Hebron that are holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Combining a Trip to Jordan and Israel

Many visitors coming to Israel choose to combine their trip and do a Jordan and Israel combination trip. Crossing from Israel to Jordan on land is fairly easy for most tourists. It might take some time, so be patient. There are three land border crossings between Jordan and Israel:

You may want to consider getting your Israel Passport Entry Stamp on a separate paper instead of on your passport. Having an Israel stamp won’t restrict your entrance to Jordan, it’s quite common, but it may impact your ability to enter other Muslim countries in the future, so it’s better safe than sorry, unless you know you won’t be visiting them.

Jordan Guide

If you decide to combine your Israel itinerary with a trip to Jordan, be sure to check out my Jordan Itinerary . It’s one of my favorite places in the middle east.

Want to Make your Trip Planning Easier?

If you want to make your trip to Israel and/or Jordan memorable, but want to skip the stress of planning, these guides are the perfect open-and-go solution. They provide day-by-day itineraries, interactive maps, tour and accommodation recommendations, and more insider tips!

I hope this Israel itinerary has given you a taste of what you’ll find in Israel! For even more details to plan your entire trip or to extend your visit longer, check out this detailed itinerary and more helpful resources like where to stay in Israel , what to pack and more !

This itinerary was written by Melissa from The Family Voyage , who is my Israel Expert!

Israel Itinerary FAQ

If you’re traveling to Israel, around seven days is usually enough, though it depends on your preference and interests. You could easily spend a week in Jerusalem alone or take a more leisurely approach and spend a couple of days in each of the main cities.

Yup, if you want a jam-packed adventure to Israel, might as well consider going on tours so you can cover more ground. With 7 days in Israel, you’ll be able to explore the country’s key cities and attractions, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Dead Sea.

Yes, depending on the itinerary you follow, it is possible to cover the main attractions within Israel in a 5-day period. However, if you want to experience as much of the country as possible, it’s best to give yourself a week or two.

It’s best to go here from April to October when the weather is mostly sunny and dry. December to March can be colder and wetter but, depending on your preference, this might still be a great time to visit as the country isn’t as crowded and you can experience Israel’s winter charm.

Wanderlust Crew

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The 11 Best Things to See and Do in Israel

Home to incredible historical and religious sites, the mineral-rich Dead Sea (which is also the lowest point on Earth), a lively nightlife, and a world-class food scene, Israel has a lot to offer visiting travelers.

Though a small country that doesn’t take too long to drive around , there’s just SO much on offer that you could still easily spend weeks here and not run out of amazing sights to see, activities to do, and delicious food to eat.

To help you get started planning your trip, here’s a list of what I consider to be some of the best things to see and do in Israel:  

1. Tel Aviv

While the city has a lot to offer (including 13 beaches), one of the major draws is the food. The culinary scene is full of inventive eateries using fresh, organic ingredients and mixing traditional Israeli cuisine with tastes from around the world, reflecting the many ethnicities that make up the country’s population. There’s even a huge number of vegan options too (Israel is an incredible destination for vegetarian and vegan travelers). You can also stroll the stalls at the Carmel Market and the Levinsky Market for tasty local street food.

Tel Aviv also has a nightlife that would rival New York or London . For a night out, you can find rooftop bars, wine bars, and craft beer breweries all over town. In particular, check out venues lining Rothschild Boulevard. Also, there’s a strong music scene with tons of live concerts happening around town (in all genres) as well as a world-class philharmonic orchestra. There’s lots of great theatre here too!

During the day, visit any of dozens of museums, including the popular Yitzhak Rabin Center, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, or the Museum of the Jewish People. Tel Aviv also has many informative and insightful walking tour companies to help you learn more about the city’s past, its people, its street art, and its architecture (Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus structures, “the White City,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site). New Europe is the best free walking tour in town (just be sure to tip).

And don’t miss the ancient port of Jaffa (home to a large flea market, an artists quarter, fine restaurants, a mixed population of Arabs and Jews, and great views of Tel Aviv).  

2. The Dead Sea

Unfortunately, it also means that if you have any cuts on your body, you will feel them keenly! Additionally, industrial exploitation has shrunk the shoreline and caused sinkholes in some areas, so beware of that and pay attention to any signage.

The salt and other minerals (like magnesium and bromide) have historically been thought of as healing, which is why there are tons of health retreats lining the shore. While many beaches are only accessible through a resort, there are also several public ones along the coast, including Neve Midbar in the north and Ein Bokek in the south.  

3. Jerusalem

The walled Old City, not to mention nearby Mount Zion and the City of David (the original site of Jerusalem), include so many famous and significant sites that you could easily spend several days touring them.

For Jews, the Western Wall (formerly called the Wailing Wall) is considered the holiest place for prayer. It is divided into men’s and women’s sections, and there are tunnels on one side that can be explored.

The Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount (just above the Western Wall) are among the holiest sites for Muslims, behind only Mecca and Medina.

For Christians, the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City mark the path of Jesus’s final walk to his execution and the site of his crucifixion.

In the western, newer section of Jerusalem, be sure to visit Yad Vashem, the deeply emotional official memorial for the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. There’s also the Israel Museum, which is home to the Dead Sea Scrolls and other treasures of Israel’s past.

For an insightful overview of the city, take a walking tour or food tour. There’s the Machane Yehuda market tour , and Abraham Tours (which also runs an amazing hostel) organizes daily walking tours highlighting Jerusalem’s past from different (and often competing) perspectives.  

4. Biblical Sites

Galilee is home to a number of Christian sites, including Nazareth, where you’ll find the largest church in the Middle East; and the Jesus Trail or the Gospel Trail, hikes from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee — which is also home to numerous sites of Christian interest, such as Capernaum, Tabgha (where Jesus fed people loaves and fishes), Cana, and the Mount of Beatitudes (the supposed location of the Sermon on the Mount).

Known as the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem is a must-visit destination. Be sure to visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the most important Christian sites (ostensibly where Jesus was born) and also one of the world’s oldest operating churches (it opened in 333 CE).

Near Jericho, you’ll find Qasr el Yahud on the Jordan River, said to be the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, and the Monastery of St George, a cliff-hanging complex carved into a sheer rock wall in the Judean Desert.  

5. The Negev Desert

The Negev Desert covers the southern half of Israel and spans over 13,000 square kilometers, taking up 55% of the entire country. It’s a starkly beautiful place. For the best views, visit the Florence and George Wise Observatory near Mitzpe Ramon. Also, don’t miss Timna Park in the far south (near Eilat), which has incredible geological formations: huge sandstone pillars and sand of many colors. There’s also an annual hot air balloon festival held there each autumn.

The Negev is full of all kinds of adventure activities, too, from sandboarding in the dunes in the north to rappelling off the cliffs of the Ramon Crater. If you don’t have a car, you’ll find no shortage of tour companies to take you around.  

6. Masada National Park and Fortress

There’s a cable car up to the fortress, but an alternative is to hike up the Snake Path, a 60-90-minute hike offering views of the arid landscape, the Dead Sea, and Jordan. Just be aware that it can be really hot in summer (it’s a desert after all), and sometimes authorities close the path if the weather is too hot. (Bring lots of water.) It’s better (and cooler) to ascend before dawn and see the sunrise over Jordan from the trail or the summit.

Open daily from 8am until 3pm-5pm. Admission to the park is $9 USD. You can reach the park in about 90 minutes from Jerusalem by car.  

7. Dive Israel’s Reefs and Wrecks

\\ Israel borders the Mediterranean Sea and has a short coastline on the Red Sea — both of which offer world-class snorkeling and scuba diving. Some of the best spots on the Red Sea, where you can see incredible coral and sea life, include Coral Reef Beach, Migdalor Beach, and Princess Beach.

For scuba divers, the water deepens very quickly off Eilat, so you can do deep-water diving without needing to use a boat to get further from the shore. (Those who don’t wish to go in the water can visit the Underwater Observatory Marine Park.)

On the Mediterranean coast, divers can explore shipwrecks and ancient Roman ruins at the Underwater Archaeological Park at Caesarea.  

8. Israel’s Lesser-Known Archaeological Sites

In fact, there are more than 300 excavations active in Israel, which means that there are new discoveries being made all the time. Here are some of the best lesser-known sites:

• Megiddo – Located southeast of Haifa, this was once a fortified city, with its origins going back to around 3000 BCE. The Hebrew name “Har Megiddo” (Mount Megiddo) became in Greek “Armageddon,” as this is the supposed site of the end-times battle. Today, the ruins host an excellent and informative museum that sheds light on the area and its sprawling history.
• Templars’ Tunnel in Akko – This secret tunnel was built by the medieval Templars at their fortress in Akko (Acre) in the 13th century. It stretches 150m and was only discovered in 1994. The site is accessible to the public, which means you can actually explore the tunnel yourself.
• Beit She’an – This Biblical site dates back to the 6th century BCE and is home to beautiful and well-preserved Roman ruins, including bathhouses, a theater, column-lined streets, and much more. It was the Roman capital of northern Israel and is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
• Beit Guvrin-Maresha – Located in Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park (near Kiryat Gat), this Roman ruin was known as Eleutheropolis during the Roman and Byzantine eras. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a Jewish cemetery, an amphitheater, and a Byzantine church. You can also find the ruins of public baths and burial caves here as well.
• Herodium National Park – Located just outside of Jerusalem, this fortress built into a hill rivals the more popular Masada yet sees a fraction of the visitors. Here you’ll find palatial ruins, underground tunnels, secret caves, lookout points offering beautiful views, and the famous tomb of Herod the Great.

As for the more well-known Caesarea National Park, it’s located just 30 minutes by car south of Haifa. As one of the country’s biggest archaeological sites, it’s home to Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader cities. It’s famous for its Roman aqueduct, hippodrome, and amphitheater (a great place to see a concert), plus there is a public beach and shopping nearby.  

9. Learn About Gaza (and the West Bank)

While you can’t easily visit Gaza, it’s just 71 km (44 miles) from Tel Aviv, and there are several border tours you can take to learn more about the ongoing conflict. Abraham Tours runs “dual-narrative” tours of Gaza that offer insight into the complex history of the conflict (they also run tours about the West Bank).

Additionally, Green Olive Tours, a joint Israeli-Palestinian company, offers tons of insightful single and multiday tours around Gaza and the West Bank as well.

And these are some reputable NGOs that work in Gaza that you can reach out to:

• Palestinian Circus School
• Medical Aid for Palestinians
• The Freedom Theatre

You could easily spend a few days just seeing the highlights. Don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Baha’i Gardens in the city center, a beautiful terraced garden that is home to the golden-domed Baha’i Shrine of the Báb. For an amazing view, take the cable car up Mount Carmel to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. The ride is just five minutes and costs 35 ILS ($10 USD) (round-trip). You’ll be rewarded with a picture-perfect view of Haifa and the Mediterranean.

You can also base yourself in Haifa while taking day trips to Nazareth, Megiddo, or other destinations in Galilee or along the coast.  

11. Visit a Kibbutz

A kibbutz is a collective community typically centered around a particular job or workplace. They started back in 1910 and were originally centered around collective agriculture. The concept spread rapidly, and today there are still nearly 300 across the country. Many are open to visits from tourists who are looking for a more unique travel experience. Here are some of the most popular kibbutzim if you’re looking to learn more:

• Kibbutz Ein Gev – Located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, this is one of the biggest kibbutzim in the country. It’s home to a beachside resort open to visitors, as well as several agricultural operations (including dairy farming and a banana plantation). Over 600 people live in the kibbutz, and you can take a short train tour through it to learn more or book a stay at its holiday resort. The tours last 30 minutes and cost 16 ILS (under $5 USD).
• Kibbutz Degania Alef – Established in 1910, this was Israel’s first kibbutz. It is home to over 500 people, who all work in the community’s factories, farms, or service industries. There are also two small museums in the community that shed light on its history and development, as well as some historical buildings you can visit to learn more (you’ll need to book your museum visits in advance).
• Kibbutz Ein Gedi – Located on the Dead Sea, this kibbutz is famous for its botanical garden, which spans almost 25 acres and is home to over 900 species of plants. Founded in 1953, the kibbutz is home to just over 600 people and is focused on agriculture and tourism. Free tours are available daily in English and Hebrew.

Whether you are interested in religious history, are curious about archaeology, or just want to spend time outdoors hiking, diving, and snorkeling, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Israel . It’s truly a world-class destination for laid-back vacationers, foodies, and intrepid backpackers looking to get off the beaten trail.

No matter what you’re looking for, Israel won’t disappoint.

Book Your Trip to Israel: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Florentine Backpackers Hostel (Tel Aviv)
• Abraham Hostel (Jerusalem)
• Haifa Hostel (Haifa)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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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.

Your Trip to Israel: The Complete Guide

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One Week in Israel: The Ultimate Itinerary

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The Best Time to Visit Israel

The Top 25 Things to Do in Jerusalem

How Jerusalem Became the First Accessible UNESCO World Heritage City

Weather in Israel: Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature

Guide to Planning a Trip to Israel

Complete Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea

Top 10 National Parks in Israel

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

The Coolest Underwater Museums in the World

Ben Gurion Airport: The Complete Guide

The Best Food to Try In Israel

Israel itinerary 7-14 days

If you’re starting to plan your Israel itinerary, then you’re in the right place!

In this post you will find a basic Israel itinerary with some extra links to more detailed itineraries, Christian sites, Jewish sites and tips for travel with or without a car (or, following my personal recommendation, partly with, partly without a car).

The itinerary I present here enables you to gain a good understanding of what Israel has to offer in one very full (perhaps even too full) itinerary.

Sale! Get all my Jerusalem tours for two devices  for $39 only!

Israel Itinerary Day 1 – Jerusalem: The Old City & Mount of Olives

If I had up to 72 hours to spend in Israel, I would stay in  Jerusalem . Although the distances between places in Israel are small, moving from one hotel to the other always takes up considerable time and is more of a hassle than one expects. It’s always better to be relaxed than to rush things, and this is even more true while on vacation.

I would start my first day at the top of the Mount of Olives. From here you have the best morning view of the Old City. The main sites are the Chapel of the Ascension at the top of the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom. From here it is a 10-minute walk to the Old City. The most important places to see are the Via Dolorosa, Temple Mount, the  Western Wall  and the  Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Unlike the Mount of Olives, the Old City is close to the New City, where you will probably sleep, so you can visit the Old City multiple times.

Additional Christian heritage sites:  Where to start? The Old City of Jerusalem is the square kilometer with the most Christian institutions in the world: Christ Church, Ecco Homo, St. James Cathedral and many more.

Additional Jewish heritage sites:  Burnt House, Hurva Synagogue, Western Wall tunnels, Sephardic Synagogues, Zedekiah’s Cave.

You can read about the most important sites on the Mount of Olives and in the Old City in my Jerusalem booklet.   The booklets  are only sold outside Israel, so order now and come prepared! Or download as a PDF or EPUB (e-book).

Israel Itinerary Day 2 – Jerusalem: The New City

Around the Old City there are some very important sites that can also be visited on the first day, depending where your interest lies. The City of David – the ancient city of Jerusalem (yes, the ancient city is outside of the Old City) and Mount Zion, where you will find the Room of the Last Supper, the Tomb of King David and the Church of the Dormition.

North of Damascus Gate is the Garden Tomb. Some Protestant denominations see this site, rather than the  Church of the Holy Sepulchre , as the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. Although most archeologists consider this to be a burial site that dates back to before the time of Jesus, it is nonetheless a quiet spot suitable for prayer and reflection.

The Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim is an interesting area to walk around. Here you can observe how Jews lived in Eastern Europe and how some of their traditions have been maintained. The Mahane Yehuda Market (often referred to as “The Shuk”) is a good place to grab something to eat.

If you plan on visiting just one museum in Israel, make sure it is the Israel Museum. It is by far the most important museum in Israel and, unlike other well-known museums around the world, the archeological artifacts on display here originate only from the Land of Israel, so the exhibits are connected to all the other sites that you will visit on your trip.

The Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Memorial is a key site for those who want to learn about the Holocaust and how Israeli society has dealt with and continues to deal with the loss of one third of the Jewish people.

Sits for families:   Biblical Zoo ,  Science Museum Events in Jerusalem:    Event Calendar

Best Accommodation Options  – Cheap:  Post Hostel  Luxury:  King David Related links:   Best Accommodation ,  72 Hours in Jerusalem

If you have time, stay another day in Jerusalem.

Israel Itinerary Day 3 – Tel Aviv

The beach will probably be your first stop once you’ve settled into your hotel. In Tel Aviv you are never too far away from the beach and, although there is a lot of history, Tel Aviv is not Jerusalem and there are no real ‘must-see’ sites.

Most of the tours in Tel Aviv start at Old Jaffa (which is today a part of Tel Aviv). Jaffa was an ancient port city with a long history. The sites here are close to one another – the Visitors Center, St. Peter’s Church, the galleries in the alleyways, and the flea market.

From here it is a short walk to Neve Tzedek and Rothschild Boulevard, where you have the Independence Hall. Carmel Market is also not too far away.

Additional Jewish heritage sites:  The Museum of the Jewish People.

Recommended Museums:  The Rabin Center (the only museum in Israel that deals with the timeline charting the history of the State of Israel), Tel Aviv Art Museum.

Related links:  48 Hours in Tel Aviv ,  Best Hotels & Hostels in Tel Aviv

If you have time, stay another day in Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Judaean Desert are in the center of Israel. From here, you can head north to the Galilee or south to the Negev Desert. During the summer, I would suggest spending more time in the north, and in the winter, more time in the south. If you have limited time, travel from Jerusalem to the Judaean Desert – Masada and the Dead Sea (see Day 9).

Israel Itinerary Day 4 – The Northern Coast

The northern coast has sites that are mainly connected to overseas empires: the Romans in Caesarea, the British in Haifa and the Crusaders in Akko.

If you have a car, consider stopping off at Caesarea National Park, where you will find the ruins of the port city that King Herod built. Without a car it is too much of a hassle to get there. As you continue north you can stop for a swim in the sea at HaBonim Beach. On weekends it gets full but on weekdays (in Israel that means Sunday to Thursday) it is beautiful. You can take your time here and sleep in Dor or  Zichron Ya’acov .

If you are traveling without a car, take the train to  Haifa . The main sites are the German Colony and the Baha’i Gardens. In downtown Haifa you will also find some great places to eat. Haifa is a half-day destination for first timers. You can either spend the night there or continue to Akko. Akko, unlike Haifa, is a small city, but it has everything you need.

Akko has the most impressive ruins from the time of the Crusaders, which is one of the most interesting periods in the long history of the Land of Israel.

Israel Itinerary Days 5 & 6 – The Galilee and the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret)

Another good option is to take the train from Tel Aviv strait to Akko, sleep there for a night or two and then go back to Haifa, since from Haifa there are many more bus lines to places in the Galilee, such as  Nazareth , Tiberias, Tzfat, Kiryat Shmona and the Golan Heights.

Nazareth is where Christianity began, and it is also the largest Arabic city in Israel. I would advise against traveling there by car, as the traffic is terrible. Tiberias is on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (or Kinneret, as we say in Hebrew) but despite its potential, it isn’t a particularly nice city.

The good thing about Tiberias (and Kiryat Shmona) is that from there you can rent a car from any of the well-known car rental companies and bring the car back to the airport. The Golan Heights, Judaean Desert and Negev Desert are much more accessible with a car and there is very little traffic.

Check out my new post about  special accommodation in the Galilee

You can check out prices of car rentals in  Tiberias here

Additional Christian heritage sites:  Around the Sea of Galilee you’ll discover many sites connected to the ministry of Jesus: Tabgha, Capernaum, and the Mount of Beatitudes, where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered.

Additional Jewish heritage sites:  Safed has been the “City of Kabbalah” – Jewish mysticism – since the 16th century.

Additional Zionist heritage sites:  Some of the first Zionist settlements are in the Galilee – Kinneret (village), Rosh Pina, Degania and Tel Hai.

Hikes:  Explore the Mount Meron and Amud Wadi National Parks. And if you are looking for a challenge, there is a three-to-four day walking route from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee called the Jesus Trail. For a  Road trip around the Sea of Galilee check out this site .

Archeological sites:  Megiddo and Zippori (Sepphoris).

Israel Itinerary Days 7 & 8 – The Golan Heights

If you like nature and open spaces, then stay at least two days in the Golan Heights.

In the northern part of the Galilee/Golan are the Banias and Dan National Parks, which are full of water year round, making them perfect for hot summer days.

In the middle of the Golan Heights is Katzrin, the main city, which is also accessible by bus. Close to Katzrin is Yehudia Nature Reserve, which offers further beautiful walking trails.

Several outdoor activities:  Wineries, fruit picking, jeep tours and more.

Israel Itinerary Day 9 – The Judaean Desert

From the Golan Heights, drive down Road 90 (through the West Bank) to the Judaean Desert. Masada and the Dead Sea are sights not to be missed. Other interesting sites are Qaser El Yahud, Ein Gedi National Park, and Qumran, the site that was inhabited by a small but very interesting sect 2,000 years ago, and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

Related links:  48 Hours in the Judean Deset ,  Best accommodation in Masada & Dead Sea

In my  Judaean Desert booklet  I have added a trek that goes around Masada (for experienced hikers only) and affords an amazing view of Masada that only a few people get to see.   The booklets  are only sold outside Israel, so order now and come prepared! Or download as a PDF or EPUB (e-book).

Israel Itinerary Days 10 & 11 – Negev & Eilat

The Negev Desert takes up half of Israel. The biggest city is Beer Sheva, in the northern part of the desert, but you can definitely skip it.

If you’re coming from the Judaean Desert (Road 90), you will reach the Arava, a part of the Negev that runs from the Dead Sea to Eilat. On the way to Eilat are some interesting villages and kibbutzim like Tzukim, Ketura and Lotan. The best-known nature park is Timna but, especially if you come in winter, just take your time and enjoy the desert.

I wouldn’t visit Eilat on Jewish holidays or during the summer vacation (July and August), as Eilat gets expensive and full of tourists, but during the winter it’s great. Eilat is a good place to snorkel and enjoy other water activities. It can also act as a base from which to head to Petra in Jordan or Sinai in Egypt for a day or two. In Eilat, you can lie on the beach in January and enjoy the warm sun.

Check out my new post about  special accommodation in the Negev

Israel Itinerary Day 12 & 13 – Mitzpe Ramon and Sede Boker

On the way back to the center you can stop off at Mitzpe Ramon. The town lies next to the Ramon Crater. If you’re only coming to Israel for a short period of time and want to get a taste of the desert, you can skip the Arava and stay at Mizpe Ramon. It’s a small town but perfect for travelers, with or without a car. Hiking, cycling, jeep tours and hotels and hostels of all kinds. Half an hour north is the area of Sde Boker, where there is also plenty to see and do.

In some touristy places, like the Mount of Olives or the Dead Sea, you can pay to have your photo taken on a camel, but if you want to experience the real deal, you can take a few days out of your itinerary to go on a real Bedouin camel ride from Mitzpe Ramon.

Israel Itinerary Day 14 – Back to Ben Gurion Airport

If your flight is in the morning, it’s better to return the car in Tel Aviv, sleep there and take the train to the airport. But if your flight is in the afternoon, you can drive straight from Sde Boker – Mitzpe Ramon to the airport. It is about a two-hour drive.

This is a basic itinerary. If you have specific interests you might also want to check out the different itineraries laid out on the official  Ministry of Tourism website .

12 Responses

Unless you badly desire to snorkel / scuba dive at the Red sea, the long drive to Eilat is not really worth it in my opinion. Instead, I would devote a day exploring archaeologial sites in the low hill country site (the “Shefelah”): the battle site of David vs. Goliath; The Bar-kokhba caves; the underground reservoir at Biblical Beth-Shemesh; and the “1948 Secret bullet factory” near Rehovoth. Enjoy touring Israel!

Hi – love your website. My brother and I ( in our 60’s ) healthy lol. We want to spend 3 weeks in Israel. What we’re trying to do is, with your recommendation of course, is to stay in 3 cities, each a week, and stay at one Hostel in each city.

We will not have a car, expect to do a lot of walking and taxis. And probably go in Oct or Nov or December.

So can you please give me your recommendation for which 3 cities, which 3 hostels. I saw some on Expedia.com that stated as low as $30 per night? Is that true ? I think it was called The Post.

Thank you in advance. I’m reading and viewing every single thing on your website.

Best Regards Gary

Thanks! My next videos will be about hiking in Israel, day tours and how to plan your trip, so you will find them very helpful I think. The Post is a great hostel in Jerusalem. If you come in winter stay also in the desrt. Mitzpe Ramon is a great option.

How much do you charge to tour two people in Jerusalem?

Hey I work with Shin Tours. I also guide Israelis in Europe so most of the time I am not available but the team is great and the guides are great – https://calendly.com/11213/oren

Thank you for your website and videos. They are awesome! I have question on the sample itinerary Day 5 & 6. For us, we are planning to have a car the whole time we will be in Israel. We plan to go to the north with the car. You suggested that we don’t rent a car in Nazareth. So how do we visit Nazareth then? Should we park it somewhere outside of the city and do a walking tour? I’m a bit confused sorry. Thanks, Shikha

Thanks! If you have a car then go with a car, it is not that bad. If you sleep there maybe you cane call your hotel and ask where you can park.

Excellent website that helps a lot if one wants to visit Israel without going with a tour group. Thank you for the information.

Are there entry fees payable at the Christian sites like the Garden Tomb, Mount of Beatitudes, City of David, etc? Also, does one have to make bookings?

Thanks! There are no entry fees to Churches, there is to the City of David. You don’t need to make bookings, but at the city of David they offer tours, check their internet site. Enjoy Israel!

Genuinely found it very odd that you completely omitted any mention of Muslim/Islamic heritage sites.

what are the contact details of Ety (not sure the spelling) the tour guide in your video? Or is he part of Shin Tours? We will be spending 6 days in Israel in June and will love to have a tour guide, or have him Ety if possible 🙂

hey, this is Itay’s email – [email protected]

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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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12 Days in Israel: Best 4 Itineraries for First-Timers

Twelve days is an ideal length of time to spend in Israel, as you can fully explore the major highlights at a relaxed pace. To make the most of your time and have a worthwhile trip, we suggest you consider a trip that also includes neighboring countries, such as Jordan and Egypt, to have a diverse experience in each country.

In this article, we've described four handpicked 12-day itineraries to help you get some ideas.

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• 1. Itinerary for First-Timers
• 2. Itinerary for Couples
• 3. Itinerary for a Big Trip
• 4. Itinerary for Families
• 5. Cost of a 12-Day Trip to Israel

1. A 12-Day Israel Itinerary Covering the Major Highlights

This itinerary would allow you to fully explore the major highlights in Israel at a slow pace: experience the holy atmosphere in Jerusalem, discover the historical sites portrayed in the Bible, float effortlessly on the Dead Sea, and enjoy the amazing views of the Negev Desert.

Here is the suggested itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Tel Aviv (the old city of Jaffa and sandy beaches)
• Days 4–5: Haifa (the Baha'i Gardens and Acre)
• Days 6–7: the Sea of Galilee (the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of the Multiplication)
• Days 8–9: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
• Days 10–11: the Dead Sea (Masada and the Negev Desert)
• Day 12: departure

Kick off your trip in Tel Aviv, the vibrant seaside capital of Israel with a combination of history and modernity. Meander around the old city of Jaffa to experience the quiet and history-filled atmosphere, and relax while sunbathing on a beach. Head to Haifa to view the charming Baha'i Gardens where you can see the Mediterranean, and take a day trip to the thousand-year-old city of Acre to visit the well-preserved Crusader castle.

Next, explore the historical sites portrayed in the Bible at the Sea of Galilee. You'll have the opportunity to visit the hometown of Jesus — Nazareth — and where he preached, as well as the sites of Jesus' miracles, around the Sea of Galilee.

Continue your trip in the sacred city of Jerusalem , immersing yourself in the prayers of devotion at the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while also taking a leisurely stroll on the Temple Mount to admire the iconic Dome of the Rock.

Finally, experience the unique sensation of floating without difficulty on the Dead Sea while holding a newspaper to take a classic photo with your family/partner. Take a light hiking trip to the steep natural fortress of Masada, and take a day tour to the Negev Desert to admire the ruins of a Byzantine city.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements and our travel consultant will customize a tour for you.

2. A 12-Day Israel and Jordan Itinerary for Couples: Suitable for Anniversaries and Annual Getaways

With this itinerary, you could spend a romantic time with your partner in the popular combo of Israel and Jordan: enjoy seeing candles illuminate the entire floor in Petra and stay in a luxury camping tent to appreciate the starry nights from the tent's private terrace.

Here is the well-organized itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–5: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
• Days 6–7: Petra (the rose-red sandstone city)
• Days 8–9: Wadi Rum (enjoy a well-equipped camping tent under the starry night sky)
• Days 10–11: the Dead Sea
• Day 12: depart from Amman

Start your journey in the holy land of Jerusalem in Israel. Uncover the rich culture and witness the faithful in prayer at the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Contact us if you want to explore more of the sites mentioned in the Bible. Our specialist travel consultants would customize the trip based on your preferences.

Next, make your way to Petra in Jordan to visit the awe-inspiring rose-red sandstone city carved into the cliffs. One unique way to see this incredible architecture is to attend the Petra By Night show during which the entire Treasury frontage is illuminated by lots of candles, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Continue your trip to Wadi Rum to embark on an exciting desert safari, taking a jeep to explore the special landscape and epic red canyons of Wadi Rum, which resemble the surface of the moon. Stay in a luxury well-equipped camping tent to enjoy the starry night with your partner from the comfort of your tent's private terrace.

End your trip at the Dead Sea to enjoy the unique experience of effortlessly floating on the water. The Dead Sea is located in both Israel and Jordan. We recommend that you go to the Jordanian part of the Dead Sea as the same level of hotels and services are cheaper there than in Israel.

If you have other requirements, contact us and we can make it happen.

3. 12-Day Israel and Egypt Itinerary for a Big Trip

This itinerary would be nice for a big trip, such as a bucket list trip, birthday, or annual vacation. You would get first-hand insights into both Israel and Egypt: experience the charming history-filled Jerusalem in Israel, witness the pyramid complex, which has one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and take a memorable Nile cruise to appreciate the scenery along the river.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Mount of Olives)
• Days 5–7: Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, camel riding, and the Egyptian Museum)
• Days 8–11: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the Philae temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and riding in a hot-air balloon)
• Day 12: depart from Cairo

Your wonderful journey starts in the spiritual city of Jerusalem in Israel. Explore the secrets of the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to get a deeper understanding of their historical significance. Take a day trip to the unique Dead Sea to experience floating effortlessly. Hold a newspaper to capture a classic photo.

Fly to Cairo to immerse yourself in the mysterious treasures of ancient Egypt. Take a camel ride to discover the spectacular Giza pyramids, and appreciate the well-preserved and exquisite collections, such as mummies, at the Egyptian Museum.

No trip is complete without a Nile cruise. Enjoy a stunning view along the waterway from a small dahabiya houseboat (for just 10–12 people) that we've selected for you. We would also arrange a private guide for you to visit the historical sites when you go ashore instead of taking a crowded and inflexible group excursion.

A hot-air balloon ride in Luxor is the best value for money of its kind and offers you a great view of Luxor.

You can contact us to tailor-make a tour for you if the above itinerary does not meet your requirement.

4. A 12-Day Israel, Jordan, and Egypt Itinerary for Families with Teenagers

Twelve days are sufficient to explore these three countries, and this itinerary doesn't require frequent hotel changes. You can enjoy some family-friendly activities with your kids, such as floating on the Dead Sea, having an adventurous desert safari, taking a camel ride, and enjoying a Nile cruise.

• Days 1–3: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Tower of David Museum)
• Day 4: the Dead Sea
• Days 5–6: Petra (a rose-red sandstone city and a desert safari)
• Days 7–8: Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, camel riding, and the Egyptian Museum)
• Days 9–11: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon)

Begin your trip in iconic Jerusalem, ancient capital of Israel. To add more fun for your kids while discovering this history-filled city, we could arrange some kid-friendly activities to relive the history of Jerusalem in an engaging way. For example, exploring the Western Wall tunnels and watching the sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum.

Head to the Dead Sea in Jordan to experience some novel family time floating effortlessly on the water. On day 5, you can visit the extraordinary rose-red sandstone city carved into the cliffs. If you have more time, you could have an adventurous desert safari in Wadi Rum to explore the landscape, which is similar to the surface of the moon.

Continue your trip to Cairo to see the incredible pyramids and exquisite treasures from ancient Egypt. Take a camel ride to enjoy the view of the great Giza pyramids and appreciate an Egyptian dancing show with a rhythmic beat and lively music.

Take a relaxing Nile cruise to conclude your trip and visit the highlights along the river from Aswan to Luxor. We would arrange for your family to take our carefully-selected houseboat (just for 10–12 people), and also arrange a private guide for you to visit the highlights when you go ashore instead of taking a group excursion.

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

How Much Is a 12-Day Trip to Israel?

A private trip to Israel costs about US$500 per day per person , including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, transportation, tickets for attractions, a private guide, and a private car.

Therefore, the total cost for 12 days in Israel is about US$6,000 per person based on a group of 2–4 people.

If you want to have a cross-border trip to Egypt and Jordan, the private tour cost in Egypt is from US$150-250 per day per person, while the cost in Jordan starts at about US$200-300.

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50 MUST-READ Tips For Your Trip To Israel in 2023

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Israel is an amazing country – and one that brings with it a lot of unknowns for first-time visitors. I’ve visited eight times and learned a thing or two along the way. There are so many things to know before going to Israel!

We hope these tips for traveling to Israel will demystify the experience a little and leave you open to be amazed, surprised and excited by what you find. A trip to Israel is truly a dream come true for many people so our goal is to make your experience unforgettable.

Want to skip all the planning and access my detailed Israel itinerary complete with daily schedules, awesome activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Before you start planning your trip to Israel…

There are a few things to know before traveling to Israel that could make your plans a non-starter, so read these closely!

Check to ensure your passport/citizenship allows going to Israel . If you’re planning travel to Israel from the US and you carry a US passport, you’ll be allowed to enter the country on a three-month tourist visa that’s granted upon arrival. Most countries don’t require a visa in advance, but be sure to check your country’s requirements if you aren’t from North America. Use this official link for information and to apply for a visa for Israel if you need one.

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from the date you plan to leave Israel. You may be denied entry if you’re planning a May visit and your passport expires in August, for example. That would be the worst way to start a trip to Israel!

There are no specific COVID entry requirements for Israel as of early 2023. You can check this website for additional details and updates. As of this writing, restrictions only apply if you actually test positive for COVID. There is no vaccination requirement to enter Israel.

Book a photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in the photos since I’m always behind the camera. We use Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking with this link or using code FAMILYVOYAGE.

Is Israel safe to visit?

It’s safe. Don’t believe the hype you see in the news, Israel is generally a safe country to visit . Just use street smarts and tune into the news. Stay on the tourist path and you should be fine to travel in Israel. The US State Department advises that travel within Israel itself is fine, albeit with a dose of extra caution in Jerusalem’s Old City. As with any place you’re visiting at home or abroad, it’s important to keep up on what’s happening in the news. Ynetnews is the English version of the the country’s top newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth. This isn’t to say that  “Is it safe to travel to Israel?” is universally answered with a  “yes” but barring a major outbreak of hostility you’ll be fine.

Soldiers are a part of daily life. From age 18 through 20 or 21 most Israelis serve in the army. You will see soldiers throughout your time in Israel. Don’t be nervous, they are young adults who happen to be wearing a uniform. The guns you see out in the street are there because soldiers are required to keep tabs on them (or have them behind multiple locks) at all times. Apart from these requirements, there isn’t much of a “gun culture” and there are stiff restrictions on private gun ownership in Israel.

There is more to the country than the geopolitical situation.  This is perhaps the most important of our Israel travel tips. While the geopolitical situation is very real and cannot be ignored, it is not the identity of Israel. Israel is home to an innovative tech sector, world-renowned agriculture and incredible diversity. Explore Israel with open eyes and don’t be afraid to connect with the people. If you view your trip to Israel only through the lens of conflict, you’ll miss out on so much more!

The water is just as safe to drink as in any other developed country. Unless posted otherwise, the water throughout Israel is safe to drink. If you are traveling to more remote areas double-check with your accommodation or the National Park service.

Airport security can be intense… or it can be nothing. I think most travelers have heard about that friend of a friend’s second cousin who was detained for four hours at the Tel Aviv airport. Yes, it happens . But it’s far from the norm. In the US, everyone is forced to take off their shoes, unpack their bags and may be subjected to random pat-downs (it once happened to me when bringing coffee back from Hawaii on a domestic flight).

The approach in Israel is different. Rather than applying broad security measures to everyone, they apply deep security measures to those who arouse suspicion. Guards are trained to read microscopic changes in facial expressions as people answer (seemingly) random questions. Certain passport stamps will definitely increase the likelihood of additional screening and questioning.

It’s not better or worse, it’s just different. It’s never been a lengthy process for us, and sometimes faster than in the US where it seems like there’s a new and arbitrary rule every week. On the other hand, I know a guy who did get detained for hours due to a wide range of passport stamps he had accumulated from “unfriendly” countries through business travel. It didn’t help that he became aggressive when questioned about the stamps (as he told me).

Israel doesn’t stamp passports anymore . And they haven’t for quite a few years! There are enough other countries who don’t like seeing Israeli stamps that they don’t do it. Instead they give you a little blue card that fits perfectly in your passport and shows your grainy photo, date of entry, passport number etc. Try not to lose it since that’s your only proof that you’re legally in the country, but we’ve never been asked for it. You may need to use it for VAT refund or to avoid VAT at hotels. You do not need to present it to exit, but upon leaving you’ll be given a matching pink card.

Important note if you plan to travel elsewhere in the region: Israel doesn’t stamp passports anymore. But if you use an overland crossing into Jordan (let’s say for a day trip to Petra ), Jordan will stamp your passport. It’ll be pretty obvious which country is on the other side of that border! It’s not clear to what extent that Jordanian passport stamp could cause you problems in the future, so if you’re concerned then it might be worth flying from Israel to Jordan (unless your passport is nearing expiration).

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Israel

Practical details for your trip to Israel

Israel has its own time zone, IST. It’s 2 hours ahead of UTC from late October to late March and 3 hours ahead of UTC the rest of the year. The winter is referred to as Israel Standard Time while the summer is referred to as either Israel Summer Time or Israel Daylight Time.

Israel’s currency is the shekel, which is divided into agorot. The exchange rate for the last few years has been pretty stable around 3-4 shekels (sometimes abbreviated ILS, sometimes NIS for “new Israeli shekels”) per $1 US. There are 100 agorot per shekel. Prepare for your pockets to be heavy – Israel uses coins all the way through 10 shekels!

Israel uses a standard European plug adapter. When you visit Israel you can either bring a bunch of these or switch over to this consolidated solution for charging all of your devices wherever you go. I just bought one and it’s working out great!

Israel is a fairly expensive country. Whether you’re visiting Israel for the first time or the fifteenth time, be prepared to pay prices similar to the US for food and accommodations, while some durable goods may be much more expensive (particularly if they’re imported). Israel has been struggling with inflation along with the rest of the world, and the cost of living for Israelis is a huge struggle in the cities.

What to bring to Israel

What to pack is one of the most common things to know before visiting Israel that I’m asked about!

Don’t forget your swimsuit. Israel has some phenomenal beaches and benefits from the warm Mediterranean waters. Make time to go to the beach and relax if you’re visiting April to October. During other times of the year, you might still want to go float in the Dead Sea.

Dress modestly (in some places). At religious sites (including the Western Wall and the Temple Mount) and when walking through extremely religious neighborhoods, try to dress modestly out of respect for those communities – and so that you don’t get harassed. Yes, there are reports of women being spat on (or worse) for visiting an ultra-orthodox  neighborhood without fully covering themselves – ankle to wrist to collarbone .

There are plenty of microclimates to confuse your packing list. When packing for Israel, take note of what time of year you’re traveling. During the summer the country is hot everywhere during the day, but the desert and the north can experience cool temperatures at night even during the summer. During winter the whole country can be pretty chilly – we’ve seen snow on the palm trees in Jerusalem. While Tel Aviv is known for being humid, Jerusalem is higher and drier.

Pack your bags! Check out our season-by-season guide for what to bring to Israel.

Get your currency from the airport ATM instead of bringing it. Banks in the US don’t exactly specialize in shekels and agorot . You can use credit cards nearly everywhere when you visit Israel, but for a little cash just use the ATM in the baggage claim at the airport when you begin your trip to Israel.

Food in Israel

The food is so good. Israel is a nation of immigrants and you can sample some of the best, most diverse cuisine in the world. You’ll find options covering every budget from fine dining to street food. Just come prepared to eat, and to eat well.

Did somebody say wine? Israel produces some outstanding wine, and you can go tasting at wineries around the Judean Hills, in the Golan or even in the desert on your Israel trip.

Israeli breakfast is a thing . If you’re a breakfast person, then you’re gonna love Israel. Delicious fresh vegetables, cheeses, eggs and bread are served up in homes, hotels, kibbutz dining halls and restaurants throughout the country – at least on weekends. So good. Make sure you try shakshuka at least once! This egg and tomato dish is one of my favorites.

You may have to pick between sabich and falafel. There’s a great debate over which is the best Israeli street food. Sabich is a traditional Iraqi breakfast sandwich with cut up hard boiled egg, potato and roasted eggplant in a pita; modern versions now add salads and are served at lunchtime. Falafel balls are deep fried chickpeas served in pita with salads. Both make for a excellent, fast, cheap lunches.

Druze food is amazing. The northern part of Israel is home to many Druze people . The Druze religion is unique unto itself although it is a derivative of Islam. They are incredible people and their restaurants have some of the best food in all of Israel. If you’re far north, check out Al Sultan in Ma’asade (and potentially laugh as your phone alternates between thinking it’s in Israel, Syria and Lebanon).

There’s a strong cafe culture. Throughout Israel cafes are abundant and wonderful. If you like good coffee or a cup of tea make sure to stop for a break. Whether in Aroma, Caffit or one of the many independents in hipster neighborhoods, you’ll find Israelis sipping at all hours.

Limonana just might be the world’s most refreshing drink for a hot day. At most restaurants you can cool off with a glass or carafe of this deliciously refreshing drink made from lemonade and fresh mint.

Kosher food is ubiquitous. The majority of food you will purchase at grocery stores is classified as kosher – meaning that it is certified by religious authorities to conform to Jewish dietary laws. The most prominent rules are that milk and meat cannot be consumed in the same meal (or from the same dishes, even at different meals) and certain foods like pork and shellfish are off limits.

But not all restaurants are kosher. Kosher restaurants exist throughout Israel and are closed from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. Don’t expect to eat cheeseburgers or pork chops at these restaurants, as both types of food are forbidden under Jewish dietary laws. These restaurants have a certificate that says all food prepared at the restaurant are prepared following kosher laws. Buuuuut… there are non-kosher restaurants throughout Israel as well. In fact, you’ll find some of flagrantly non-kosher restaurants in Tel Aviv ranging from high-brow foodie establishments to run-of-the-mill places that might be trying to thumb their noses at the country’s often-overbearing religious authorities.

Israel will give your sweet tooth a run for its money. Thanks to the melting pot that is Israel, you can try sweets from all over the world. My personal favorites? Kanafe – an Arab pastry made with noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup and layered with cheese. Rugelach – a rolled cake-like cookie made with chocolate and cinnamon. Halva – a sesame-based Arab dessert made with tahini paste, you can find it at any major outdoor market.

You should tip in restaurants . Tipping isn’t as generous as in the US, but 10-15% is a typical amount to tip in restaurants in Israel. Cash tips are preferred when you visit Israel.

Want to learn more about food in Israel? Check out these 20 foods you can’t miss!

Israeli culture

Israelis are friendly ish . Most people you will when you visit Israel meet are going to be friendly and willing to help you if you have a question or are lost, so don’t be afraid to ask. At the same time, Israelis are known for being direct to the point of blunt. One of our most important travel tips for Israel? Don’t be offended, and remember that it’s ok to be assertive (like when you’re in line to get on the bus). You’ll fit right in!

Most Israelis speak English extremely well. Don’t worry if Hebrew or Arabic isn’t quite up to snuff. Nearly all Israelis speak English (well) and they’d rather practice their English with you than listen to you try to remember everything you’d forgotten since fourth grade Hebrew school. You’ll have no problem traveling in Israel even with English as your only language.

Most Israelis aren’t religious (at least, not in the stereotypical way). Yes, 75% of Israelis are Jewish. But two-thirds of them self-report that they aren’t religious! What does that mean from a practical perspective? Throughout the country you’ll see that most Israelis are dressed in typical 21st century clothing and will drive on any day of the week. But you’ll also find that Friday night is often reserved for family (or friends) dinner at someone’s home. Nearly all Israeli Jews attend a Passover seder , fast on Yom Kippur, don’t eat pork… and never go to synagogue .

Some businesses are closed for Shabbat. Don’t plan on any major outings to shops or restaurants during the Jewish sabbath (Friday evening through Saturday evening), especially in Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv you will find more places open on Shabbat – and most of the city at the beach during the warmer months. Fortunately there are still plenty of cultural institutions and outdoor activities available all weekend!

There are so many Jewish holidays. Because Israel is a Jewish state, many attractions close during Jewish holidays. Check the calendar to plan your visit outside these periods (unless you are going specifically to celebrate the holiday). Accommodations will book up faster during these periods – see the point above about most Israelis being secular – and are also much more expensive. Passover and Sukkot are wonderful times to travel to Israel ( hello, shoulder season ), but those are also weeks when secular Israelis take their kids on excursions around the country. Wondering when’s the best time to visit Israel?  Find out here.

Getting around Israel travel tips

It’s easy to fly to Israel. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport is accessible from all major cities throughout North America and Europe. Flight prices vary depending on the season, but you can check here for the best flight deals on travel to Israel.

Driving in Israel is pretty easy these days. The roads are top quality and well maintained. Leading GPS app Waze was designed in Israel and will help you breeze through even the most confusing city roads. Most rental cars are European models with all of the modern conveniences. If you’ll have kids with you, make sure to read all about how to travel with car seats .

You don’t need an International Driving Permit. As long as you aren’t staying longer than a year, an International Driving Permit isn’t required in Israel. (Nor is an International Drivers License, which isn’t a real thing – just an internet scam.)

Don’t feel like renting a car? That’s ok too. Israel is well-connected on the ground bus and train systems (though not on Shabbat, Friday night to Saturday night). There are also plenty of taxis, Ubers and ride share vans ( sherutim ) to go around. Note that taxi drivers do not expect a tip, though “rounding up” is nice.

Electric bikes and scooters are everywhere . Especially in the metropolis of Tel Aviv, you will see tons of people whizzing around on electric scooters and bikes. Feel free to rent your own and give it a go! If that’s too speedy for you, pick up a free bike to explore the city for a few hours!

Don’t be surprised if your rental car ends up pricier than you thought. You just booked your car and you are bragging to all of your friends that you’re only paying $9 a day. You show up to Tel Aviv airport and find that your rental company charges a required insurance daily fee of $20+ a day. This happens to every tourist. Check with your rental company in advance to see how much they charge for mandatory insurance to avoid unwanted heart palpitations (but sorry, you won’t be able to avoid the fees!). Check rental car prices here.

It’s really not that big of a country. You can drive from the Red Sea to the Lebanon border in just over six hours when you visit Israel. The country’s relatively small size means you can see more and do more in less time when you’re traveling to Israel.

Are you thinking about renting a car in Israel? Read these 10 important tips first!

There are so many things to do in Israel

It’s an everything destination. Beach days, mountain hikes, world-class cities and incredible scenery… Israel has it all .

Jerusalem is a complicated city and it’s worth exploring. You’ll want to devote a full day to the ancient city, which is made up of four quarters: the Jewish quarter, Christian quarter, Muslim quarter and Armenian quarter. Even if you aren’t booking Israel tour packages, you’ll want to book a guided tour to provide context for the history, culture, and geopolitical situation. Be sure to allow some time exploring the modern city as well when you visit Jerusalem!

The north is couples-travel heaven. Whether you’re into waterfall hikes, wine tasting or just cozying up in your secluded cabin, you won’t regret a few peaceful days of together time. Check out these awesome tzimmers  and romantic inns perfect for love-birds – we enjoyed a few during our kid-free trips to Israel!

You won’t want to miss the National Parks. With over 60 destinations ranging from famous sites of antiquity to a stalactite cave, Israel’s national parks will give you an amazing perspective on the country’s unique environment and history. Purchase a Green Pass when you’re there to visit several parks at a discount!

You can snorkel through a protected marine reserve. If you make it all the way to the southern tip of Israel, the city of Eilat has some stellar snorkeling at Coral Beach – it’s even included on that discounted Green Pass.

There’s a lot more to Jerusalem than the religious sites. While the Old City is worth a visit, the rest of the Jerusalem area also offers outstanding hiking, museums, outdoor markets and fun communal spaces. Allow time to explore Jerusalem beyond the Old City.

Matkot is something of a past-time in Israel. Before you hit the beach, purchase a matkot set. What is it? Think of it like paddle ball on the beach. You’ll hear the distinctive ping ping allllll weekend along the coast. Try it! You’ll fit right in… though you’ll have to practice for years to make it to the level of the expert 20-somethings who’ve been playing for their whole lives.

Israel is home to the world’s largest erosion crater. At the very northern tip of Israel’s Negev desert you’ll find Makhtesh Ramon, a massive crater formed by multiple erosion processes over hundreds of millions of years. It’s also home to wonderful walking paths, fascinating wildlife and a can’t-miss visitors center.

There are four distinct environments – and you should try to see them all. Throughout Israel you can experience deserts, beaches, mountains and urban environments – many of them in a single day if you’re really ambitious. Part of Israel’s appeal as a travel destination is that you have so much to explore in such a compact country.

You can float on water. Looking to relax and detox your skin? Head to the Dead Sea, straddling the Israel-Jordan border east of Jerusalem, and you’ll feel weightless as you float across the salty water. The Dead Sea mud is famous for its skin-friendly minerals and sold at a premium all over the world. Looking to indulge a little? Book a spa treatment while you’re there! Find out more about visiting the Dead Sea and other great day trips from Jerusalem .

Want to get up close with Roman ruins? Yes, the Romans did conquer the Holy Land and they left behind some incredible ruins well worth exploring. The ancient sea port  of Caesarea makes a great stop along the coast and is an easy day trip from Tel Aviv.  Check out these other great day trips from Tel Aviv!

Walk a street from Biblical times. Thanks to a rich tradition of archeological excavation, Israel has uncovered fascinating glimpses into ancient history. Sign up for a Kotel tunnel tour and wind down a narrow passageway into a different era.

The Holy Land is holy for Christians too. – Ever wanted to see the room where the last supper took place? The street where Jesus carried the cross? Or perhaps Jesus’ tomb? All of these locations are in Jerusalem and can be visited in one (very busy) day.

You’ll find one of the most recognizable mosques in the world. The Dome of the Rock is the most visible site across the Jerusalem skyline with its Golden Dome. Built on the grounds of where the Second Temple once stood, this site is one of the most important sites in the world for Muslims. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the building, though all are welcome to visit the complex at certain restricted times. Check the tourism site to see when visitors are allowed.

The kibbutz system has changed a lot but you can still get a taste of it. When Israel was emerging as a soon-to-be nation it created an economy built on socialist communities called Kibbutzim. The kibbutz movement grew over time to include everything from agriculture to industry and members’ daily life revolves around collectivism – including things as personal as raising children communally. Today, as Israel has moved towards a free market economy, kibbutzim are a shadow of their previous incarnations. You can still get a taste of kibbutz life by staying at one or even volunteering at one.

If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill, try rafting down the Jordan River. The river that separates Israel from its neighbor is a fun place to try out some rapids. Check out these great options.

Israel is part of the great bird migratory pattern. If you love seeing a diverse set of birds then you should head to northern Israel and visit the Hula Nature Reserve. Twice every year the marshes and lakes at Hula are teeming with birds of all kinds. Try to spot a water buffalo or a capybara too!

Markets are for tourists and locals alike. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv both have major open air markets called ‘the shuk ’. Here you can sample fresh produce, sweets, bargain for a shirt or backgammon board, or sip a refreshing fresh juice – shoulder-to-shoulder with locals (especially on Friday when everyone is shopping for Shabbat dinner). Visiting a shuk is a must if you are traveling to Israel. The famous shuk in Jerusalem is Mahane Yehuda, and it’s been transformed over the past years to include a vibrant night scene with pop up restaurants and pubs.

FAQs for your trip to Israel

Yes, most of Israel is safe to visit. That said, there are sometime security situations that arise so it’s always prudent to keep an eye on the news – as with anywhere you travel.

My favorite times of year to visit Israel are Spring and Fall, but here’s a detailed breakdown of the best time of year to visit Israel .

If you’ve never been to Israel before, I recommend a 10 day trip to Israel to see the country’s highlights.

Plan your travel to Israel

I hope these traveling to Israel tips have helped you feel prepared for the journey of a lifetime!

Money-saving travel resources: – Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner – Book your discounted rental car on RentalCars.com – Compare travel insurance options – 4 simple hacks to save more money on booking.com Check out these helpful articles to plan your upcoming trip to Israel: – The perfect 10 day Israel itinerary – 3 days in Jerusalem itinerary – 2 days in Tel Aviv itinerary – Where to stay in Israel – 50 things to know before you visit Israel – What to pack for Israel in each season – When is the best time of year to go to Israel? – 10+ must-read tips for renting a car in Israel – 20 foods you have to try in Israel – 25+ best books about Israel – Where to stay in Jerusalem – What to do in Jerusalem on Shabbat – Israel with kids: the complete guide – Visiting Jerusalem with kids – Visiting Tel Aviv with kids – Best day trips from Tel Aviv – Best day trips from Jerusalem – Your Israel itinerary for (more or less) 10 days – Visiting the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Israel

Prefer to carry a paper guide book or map? Check out these great options:

If you plan on driving, a paper map will be one of the most important things to take on vacation to Israel!

Pin this article to come back to it later!

What to read next

22 thoughts on “50 must-read tips for your trip to israel in 2023”.

These are great tips for traveling to Israel! I visited for the first time earlier this year, and I would totally go back again! I’m bummed I missed out on trying the shakshuka!

So glad you had a good time! What was your favorite experience?

I have never considered Israel as a travel destination. Interesting to read about it, thank you. Kx

I hope you have the opportunity to go one day! It’s a incredible country with so many unique aspects, and it’s easy to travel too 🙂

This was so thorough guide to Israel! I visited Israel for the first time this year, only Eilat and Jerusalem, but I definitely want to go there again and explore many other places. It is such a unique and diverse country. I also felt very safe there. Thank you for sharing this!

It’s amazing how safe it feels once you’re on the ground! I had no problem walking alone in our neighborhoods in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, which I would never feel comfortable doing in our ritzy neighborhood in Los Angeles.

The getting around section is good. Helpful to know about GPS, Waze, electric bikes and scooters. Been concerned about renting a car in isreal. What time of year is best for the Hula Nature Preserve?

I think Israel would be a great family destination; lots of nature and culture which is what I like! I love the sound of the food too – it seems to be quite vegetarian friendly. Pinned for later! #fearlessfamtrav

I was vegetarian for 8 years and still often prefer vegetarian food to meat. Israel is HEAVEN for vegetarians! Check out all the awesome food options: https://www.thefamilyvoyage.com/traditional-food-in-israel/

Thanks so much for blowing some of the myths about travelling to Israel out of the water. /would love to visit! #fearlesstravelfam

What an awesome article Melissa. I really hadn’t thought of visiting Israel but you have convinced me! The food especially for vegetarians looks so good! #fearlessfam

Such a great article and motivation to plan a trip! Israel is on our list of countries to visit, we haven’t been yet unfortunately. Everyone we know who has visited says it is one of their favorite destinations!

It’s SUCH an awesome place to visit! I hope you have the opportunity one day 🙂

Desperate to get to Israel! If only for the food! Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav

I love shakshouka – my favourite breakfast! #fearlessfamtrav

I’m going to Israel in February with a tour group and until reading your article I really didn’t know what to expect! You helped to relieve my “fear of the unknown” and now I’m just excited to go! Now to read the packing recommendations… 😊 Thank you!

Israel is a stunning country. Glad you made it to Israel. From the Golan heights to the Dead Sea, the entire country is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this tour guide.

Limonana sounds amazing! thanks for your tips x

Love lsrael been there two times. Going in a group is good but there is other ways they have prayer houses, advent house and hostels all very cost effective go on your on or own group. There is busses that take you everywhere do your own thing.

Absolutely! There are many different options for an amazing trip 🙂

Superb article Melissa. After reading your article I was inspired to travel to Israel. The vegetarian food in particular looks delicious!

Hi Michael,

I’m so glad you enjoyed! There’s tons of amazing food in Israel, so I hope you get there soon.

Safe travels,

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A Few Day Trips Around Israel: Where to Go and What to See!

If you’re travelling to Israel you’ll likely fly into Tel Aviv and then make a beeline straight for Jerusalem. I can see why; Jerusalem is a city with so much history that you could easily spend several days wandering inside the ancient city walls alone. (Even with two visits to the city under my belt, I still feel like I have so much left to see there!) However, as fascinating as Jerusalem may be, there are also lots of other destinations worth making the time for. In no particular order, here are a few of my personal favourite day trips around Israel:

Day Trips Around Israel:

While Masada passed through many hands, the ancient fortification was made famous by Herod the Great who built himself a palace overlooking the Dead Sea atop the plateau. Aside from the pools, courtyards and bathhouses for his personal enjoyment, he also built storerooms, army barracks and walls to protect himself.

Furthermore, Masada has a bit of a dark history because it was the setting of “The Siege of Masada”, a Jewish rebellion against the Roman Empire which ended with 960 Jews taking their own lives rather than succumbing to the Romans.

Today, there are a few different ways to experience Masada. If you don’t mind the early wake-up call, there is the option of hiking the Snake Path just before dawn in order to reach the summit by sunrise . The sun will begin its ascent over the Dead Sea and the Moab Mountains in Jordan, illuminating the valley below. This climb takes about an hour to complete.

If you’d prefer something a little less challenging, then there is the option of taking the cable car up to the top once the ticketing booth opens. Since it was still quite hot when I visited in October, this was my preferred method.

You’ll also want to bring plenty of water and wear a hat or a scarf to cover up from the sun as there is hardly any shade where to seek a reprieve atop the plateau.

No visit to Israel is complete without going for a dip in the Dead Sea . Located at 423 meters below sea level, it gives you the right to say that you’ve been to the lowest place on Earth , plus floating in the ultra salty waters is a pretty strange sensation.

A visit to the Dead Sea offers plenty of health benefits as the salt water and black mud treat a myriad of skin ailments. Just remember, whatever you do, you do not want to get any water on your lips or in your eyes!

I enjoyed my visit to the Dead Sea so much that I managed to make it there a whopping 3 times! Twice while I was in Israel and then one more time while I was in Jordan.

Before Tel Aviv was even on the map, Jaffa was already a bustling little port city with plenty of tales to tell. Ever heard of Jonah and the Whale? This is the same Jaffa port he left when he was trying to run away from the mission God had assigned him. But prophets and whales aside, this is a very charming city to wander on foot . The buildings in this area have been restored and the combination of bright blue skies, bright blue seas, and bright blue window shutters make it a rather pleasant place to spend the afternoon.

Jaffa is also home to a flea market and bazaar where you can shop for antique furniture, artwork, musical instruments, hookah pipes, hand-woven carpets, and even belly dancing outfits. The seaside boardwalk which runs from Jaffa to Tel Aviv also makes for a very nice stroll.

Banias Nature Reserve

The Banias Nature Reserve is a place that you want to visit with plenty of time to spare so that you can hike the trails in the area . There are 4 different trails to choose from: three which are 45 minutes in length, and one which is 90 minutes in length. While you can take a shortcut straight down to the waterfalls, I recommend doing the full hike since there’s plenty of shade along the way and it really isn’t that demanding a trail.

Nearby, you’ll also find the remnants of the Temple of Pan , a complex which was dedicated to the God of the Forest and the Shepherds . I found it a really interesting place to visit because when you reach the end of the trail, you come face to face with a wall of rock filled with hand-carved niches.

This area, as well as the nearby cave, used to be a place of worship for the Greeks who passed through here as a result of the conquests of Alexander the Great. Except for the odd column, the temples that once stood here are now long gone, but you can still get a sense of why nature lured the Greeks to worship here.

The seaport city of Haifa located at the footsteps of Mount Carmel has the distinction of being the main headquarters to the Baha’i faith . The Baha’i is a monotheistic religion which accepts teaching from a range of faiths, including certain messages taught by Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, and others.

The Baha’i faith teaches: (1) unity of religion – that all major religions have the same spiritual source and come from the same God, (2) unity of humanity –  that all humans have been created equal, and (3) the celebration of diversity of race and culture.

The massive Baha’i Gardens in the centre of the city are the most dominant feature in the skyline, and while you can visit the gardens on your own, it’s worth joining one of the free tours so that you have access to parts of the garden that are normally off limits to those visiting without a guide . You’ll also have the opportunity to see the interior of the main temple, which is surprisingly simple considering the extravagance which has gone into the gardens.

Located halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, Caesarea is an ancient Roman city which was built on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The port city was built up by Herod the Great and named Caesarea as a way to honour his emperor, Augustus Caesar. Considering this was once a thriving city, the grounds are quite extensive, and you’ll need a minimum of an hour to walk the entire length.

Inside the archaeological site, you’ll be able to see the theatre which had a capacity for 4000 spectators, the remains of the luxurious bathhouse complex, the Hippodrome where chariot races would have taken place, and the turquoise harbour which is popular with kayakers .

Rosh Hanikra

A visit to Rosh Hanikra will bring you to the border with Lebanon, but it’s what’s under the rocks that will capture your attention. Rosh Hanikra is home to a network of grottos that were carved into the rock by crashing waves. The grottoes are accessed by riding the steepest cable car in the world (which thankfully is a short 2-minute journey!), and once you reach the bottom of the chalky white cliff, you can wander through a maze-like path where the water glows azure.

Also, if you make it all the way out here, you can’t miss the hyrax! These strange looking creatures, which I can best describe as a giant hamster, live along the rocky shores and can scale the rock wall better than mountain goats. Not only that, but they are extremely curious and will come and stand at your feet if they think there is any chance you may have some food on you.

Nazareth is the city that surprised me the most out of all the places I visited in Israel. While I didn’t find the modern parts particularly interesting, setting foot in the Old City was a completely different experience . This was a place where time slowed down, the crowds dispersed, and you could feel a certain calm in the air. The highlight of my time in the Old City of Nazareth was staying at a restored 200-year-old Arab mansion and exploring the little winding streets of this city.

For any trekkers out there, Nazareth is also the starting point for the Jesus Trail , a 65-kilometre journey that takes you through the rugged regions of the Galilee all the way out to Capernaum.

Of course, this is but a mere sampling of everything there is to see and do in Israel . You can also camp in the Negev Desert, hike through the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, visit the city of Tiberias on the shores of Galilee, spend a day winery hopping through the Judean Hills, dip your feet on the banks of the Jordan River which act as a border with Jordan, and so much more!

While in Israel, I did most of my sightseeing with  Abraham Tours . Getting around Israel can be downright difficult, not to mention pricey, however, Abraham Tours offered action-packed tours that I felt had a good balance of biblical and historical sites, time outdoors in the nature reserves, visits to local wineries and breweries, as well as a few quirky attractions along the way. The days were long and demanding, but if you’re on a constrained schedule and want to make sure you see as much as possible, then it’s a good way to go.

What other day trips around Israel would you recommend?

11 Comments

Wonderful tips on what to do/see and experience in Israel. Love the dead sea post.

Israel sounds absolutely fascinating! Thanks for this great round up, I’m going to read up on all your other posts now!

I am actually going to Israel this summer with a volunteer group! We have one week to do independent travels so thank you for this post! I think I might use my time to explore some of the places you mentioned.

That sounds fun, Kayla! One week is plenty of time to cover a few different spots around the country. Since you’re visiting during the summer, you’ll want to make time to go for a dip in the Dead Sea. 😉

That sounds like an awesome plan for Israel. We spent there 2 days and will never forget swimming in the Dead Sea!

I had to google image a hydrax … strange looking hamster creatures indeed! I’d love to see them scaling the mountains like goats though haha

Great list of ideas . this will surely helpful information when i’m going to israel. becuase this january i’m going to israel as official tour. thanks for this valuable information..

Climbing Masada to watch the sunrise was one of my favorite parts of visiting Israel. I’d suggest doing that in the morning and then going for a dip in the Dead Sea in the afternoon. 🙂 My group had some connections and was able to fly in a 4-seater plane above Masada. It was absolutely amazing!

Definitely went to Israel and some of the places you mention are exactly that: Wonderful. For those who like more political traveling or want to dable into other parts of the region I recommend Palestine. You can see Bethlehem, party in Ramallah, and learn tons in Hebron.

Here is my blog where I have blogged about these places and totally recommend them: journalingandwandering.wordpress.com

Great post and travel ideas in Israel. Awesome landscapes! I will really have this on my travel list. Your amazing traveller Audrey!

Thank you for this, I will be going with my 2-year-old daughter, we are going for a week. We are looking forward to it; I am a student, so all your tips will be very helpful. Thank you

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From Tel Aviv’s Beaches to the World’s Holiest Sites, Here’s How to Take a Virtual Tour of Israel (Video)

See the best of the Holy Land from the comfort of your couch.

While it may not be safe to hop on a plane just yet that doesn’t mean you can’t still explore the world.

Virtual offerings are becoming all the rage as we safely wait out the spread of the coronavirus at home. That includes virtual museum tours , online hikes in some of the coolest parks in the United States, art lessons , and even workouts . And now, new destinations are getting in on the action, including the entirety of Israel. Here are a few of the digital offerings from Israel so you can explore the nation at home for now, and perhaps be inspired to see it in real life later.

One day in Jerusalem :

Sygic Travel VR created a 360-degree virtual tour of Jerusalem’s Old City. “Holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, Jerusalem is one of the world's foremost pilgrimage destinations,” the tour company explained. “You may feel moved, energized, or swept into the maelstrom of contemporary issues — but the city will not leave you unaffected.” Watch here .

The Israel Museum :

The museum is offering a virtual tour of many exhibits, as well as virtual children’s activities, to keep everyone entertained. Its children’s offerings include printable coloring sheets of some of the museum’s famous masterpieces so kids can take the tour offline too. Watch and download here .

Tel Aviv Museum of Art :

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art wants to keep fans fully entertained while social distancing. To help, the museum now hosts a number of virtual tours and released video footage of some of its coolest exhibits. It also has online voice guides, live broadcast tours of the museum, and more. View here .

Israel Virtual Experience:

For an all-around tour experience, Virtually Israel created an entire suite of 360-degree videos to “cater to a variety of interests.” That includes virtual tours of some of Tel Aviv’s best beaches, as well as a bird’s eye view of the city on a hot air balloon ride. There are also tours of the Dead Sea, the Tower of David in Jerusalem, Independence hall, and more. Check out its YouTube page here for all the tours .

Israeli hotspots:

3D Israel is bringing its A-game when it comes to online tours. “Our mission is to give you a tour of Israel using our ultra high definition panoramas of Israeli hotels, cities, attractions, holy places, and to help you understand Israel and plan your vacation,” it explained. View everything from Haifa in the north to Eilat in the south. View here .

You can also head to YouTube for a handful of other virtual adventures including a trip through the Western Wall tunnels , the Via Dolorosa , the Sea of Galilee , and even Tel Aviv Pride .

20 Things To Know Before You Travel To Israel in 2024

The first time I visited Israel I was surprised in many ways. There were so many things I did not expect that I decided to start writing them all down. I love going to a country without any expectations, because those who have expectations can only get disappointed! Right? I found many reasons to visit Israel , but also some things I didn't like and that is how came up with this list of things to know before you travel to Israel.

June 2017 was my first time visiting Israel and I had such a blast that I decided to travel to Israel a couple times in the last years. All my travel tips in this blog are based on my own experiences traveling in Israel.

Stay connected on your trip to Israel and fix yourself a local sim card. Click on the link to read my complete guide for buying a sim card for Israel in 2024 . A prepaid sim card is one of the few things that is cheap in Israel! :)

Buying a sim card for Israel online is the best way to stay connected but you can also buy a local prepaid sim card at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport. Much more expensive but I will show you where to go in my blog about buying a sim card at Tel Aviv Airport in 2024 .

When you decide to travel to Israel and are looking for tours around the country I can recommend you to use Abraham Tours . I have had an amazing time and got many lifetime experiences through them. They also have cool group trips and can organize some of the cool activities that I listed in my article with  33 Best Things to do in Israel .

1. Is it safe to travel to Israel

Yes! It is safe to travel to Israel in 2023. Over the last years there have not been reported any major terrorism attacks although the Israel - Palestine conflict escalated again in 2021 thing have been quiet lately. Security is really tight at the airport but when partying in Tel Aviv or floating in the Dead Sea you won't notice anything strange. I have never felt unsafe on any of my trips to Israel.

But this Israel travel blog is not about all these kind of things I want to keep it travel related and tell you about my experiences traveling in Israel and this is my list of things you need to know when visiting Israel in 2023.

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2. Country of hummus

You might not expect a dip to be healthy but hummus is actually pretty healthy and originates from Israel. With every meal you will get a plate of hummus either as a starter or as a main dish. It is pretty normal for Israeli’s to have a Hummus lunch, just some bread and a bowl of hummus. There is even a popular Instagram account called Hot Dudes And Hummus, check it out if you are into it before your trip to Israel so you know what to expect. Click here for a cool food tour through Tel Aviv .

Looking for things to do in Israel ? Click on the link for the best Israel activities, including 8 not so standard activities like: ATV riding and a hot air balloon.

3. Sharing food is common

A trip to Israel is not complete if you didn’t try 281 dishes in 1 week! I am a big fan of 9 small plates on the table and dipping your bread or vegetable in all of them. A good thing to know before you travel to Israel because ordering a main dish for yourself is weird! :) Israelis love to share food and expect them to order a lot of different things and just try everything. Ordering a main dish just for yourself will frown eyebrows.

4. Food is suppose to be kosher

Food has rules in Israel as far as that counts for religious people. You will often find restaurants stating that they offer ‘kosher’ food, which basically means they stick to the rules of the religion, It is something like Halal food for Muslims. Main rule is: don’t mix dairy with meat. In reality most young Israeli’s don’t care at all, but it is good to know when you are planning a trip to Israel.

5. Betzavta - dine at a local home

Betzavta means together and as food is an important part of the Israeli culture I think this is one of the most unique things to do in Israel. Do you want to learn up close and personal about the Israeli culture than book a family dinner at someone's home. Go to the Betzavta website book your dinner and they match you with someone nearby that is going to cook you an amazing family dinner in their house. Experience the Israeli hospitality to the its fullest.

6. Fight for your right in Israel

Living in Israel is unlike in any other country and some expats explained me that they really had to get used to some Israeli habits when they moved here. From your 18th almost everyone in Israel has to join the army for at least 2 years, boys and girls. I saw kids walking around with a big gun in their hand who looked half my age, but on the contrary also cute girls flirting with me in their uniform.

The military service is compulsory but it will definitely form you as a person. Israeli’s have a getting things done mentality and can be super direct! Get used to it, this hands-on mentality is how they have been raised.

7. Safety issues in Israel

Israel will always be a country with issues and yes there are always people that will have their opinions about the conflicts going on here. But I did not go to Israel to discuss this or to find out more about it. I was there to see the beauty, the crazy and the holy! But of course I can understand that safety issues are important visiting Israel tips.

But just because Israel is a place of conflict that does not mean it isn’t safe. I have walked around on the streets at night and during the day and went to remote areas in the South and visit the Dead Sea, but didn’t stumble upon anything that made me feel unsafe.

Security is so tight that it actually annoyed me like crazy sometimes. Expect long lines at the airport security. I waited 40 minutes to go through security, got questioned 20 minutes before entering Israel and 10 minutes when I left. Why? I assume it contributes to make Israel a safe place, which it definitely is nowadays. Safety issues? No worries…

8. Israel is damn expensive

This beer was $12!

This is may be one of the most important things to know before you travel to Israel. Wow Israel you really surprised me on my first visit with your price levels! I did not expect anything like this at all. I just came from Sydney and was used to pay $10 for a beer, but a beer in Tel Aviv can also easily be $10. Damn it! Groceries are not cheap either.

Apparently the salaries are not outrageous like in Australia so respect for those who are living in Israel and have to deal with it. Street food is like $6 - $10, mid range hotel room $130, car rental $70 per day, meal at the beach $35. Damn I wish you were cheaper Israel!

9. Tel Aviv is ugly

When I walked around my first time in Tel Aviv I was not really impressed by its beauty. From my friends balcony I could overlook the city and that didn’t really help either. Don’t expect a stunning historical city with beautiful squares like in Europe, during the day just go to the beach is my best travel tip for Tel Aviv.

The best Israel travel tip is to see the this city at night. Tel Aviv’s beauty comes out at night and wow the stories are true! Damn what an epic nightlife Tel Aviv has! Unlimited bars, clubs and restaurants and the cool thing is that it is bustling everywhere. Inside the bars and outside on the patio. There are so many people hanging around in the streets. Don’t get disappointed walking around Tel Aviv by day, wait till the sun goes down! ;)

Have a look at this boutique hotel in Tel Aviv. It has a rooftop for guests only with the most amazing views. Read my complete review of Fabric Tel Aviv in the link. Looking for even more luxury then try out the Renoma Hotel

10. Smoking in bars/restaurants is still a thing

It felt like I was stepping back in time when I entered a bar for the first time back in 2017. Even in Thailand there are places where there is a strict law against smoking in bars, but everywhere I went in Israel people were smoking cigarettes. For the die-hard smokers this will be paradise, but for me it was hell! My clothes smelled so awful and my hair even worse. Every time I went out I had to take a shower when I came home in the middle of the night! Well, there was no escaping I had to get used to it…

Update: in 2023 things have slowly changed for the better. Laws are much stricter now and there are many bars with a no smoking policy. Must say though still many people smoke in Israel and sitting on the terrace outdoor there is a big chance the table next to you is smoking cigarettes. Still can't get used to it: disgusting!

11. Carry a travel adapter

12. No Uber, but Gett Taxi

A very common thing in the streets of Israel: an electric bike!

There is no Uber in Israel. Instead you have to download Gett Taxi as that is the taxi app for Israel, cheaper than a normal taxi and the standard way of getting around in Tel Aviv. For long distance trips there are very comfortable busses, trains are comfortable but train stations are not centrally located.

13. Bedouin culture still exists

The South of Israel is covered in sand, this is the playground of the Negev Desert. There is hardly any life possible and obviously there are not that many places of interest but there are some oasis’ and since I had never been to any of them it was cool to stay overnight at one of these places.

The Bedouin culture is still alive here and drinking tea and eating there the local food is a great experience.

Want to experience this on your trip to Israel, the click here to find out more about Desert tours .

14. Second biggest Burning Man Festival: MidBurn

The desert can be fierce with temperatures touching more than 40 degrees during the day and getting as low as 10 degrees at night, but somehow this environment once a year lures about 15,000 people to the middle of nowhere. Israel is home to the second biggest Burning Man festival after the original one in Nevada, USA.

I was lucky enough to get tickets (with a foreign passport it is easier) for this sold-out festival and to go wild in the desert for 5 days straight. Put this festival in your agenda when you are planning to to visit Israel. What an unbelievable experience, one of the most amazing festivals I have ever been to.

For the complete Israel festival Calendar for 2023  have a look in the link.

Midburn Israel is like CrazyLand, everything imaginable is possible! People come to Burning Man to explore what is beyond their borders and comfort zone in terms of sexuality, drugs, meeting people, giving, taking, caring. I am not a virgin anymore, I became a Burner now!

100% I will be back and experience MidBurn again some day… Read here more about how I experienced the 10 principles of Burning Man at the MidBurn festival in Israel, including a cool video of 3-minutes about my festival experience.

15. Liberal drugs policy

The country is very liberal towards drugs. I don’t know if that is one of the best Israel travel tips, but nowadays drugs is a very much accepted thing in society, although no one ever talks about it. Except me! :)

Drugs are officially forbidden by law of course and I am not encouraging you to use drugs in Israel, but that said... everything is possible. If you have read my article 30 adventures from 5 years around the world  you would know that I am normally not a fan of using drugs in a foreign country, but… I stumbled upon a local in Jerusalem smoking a joint in the streets with the police only meters away and a complete army peloton approaching us. I asked him if I could film him for my Snapchat and he said: no problem!

Smoking a joint is even accepted inside a bar. Although I know the MidBurn Festival is not really a benchmark but I was able to lay my hands on anything imaginable. Although I had the opportunity I still have never tried LSD (Acid), but Israel will be the country where I tried GHB for the first time in my life. As I said MidBurn was epic! ;)

Don't tell people because of what Traveltomtom said about drugs was one of the reasons to visit Israel ! I did not even name it in the list of 24 reasons, it was just an observation. Click on the link for way better reasons to travel to Israel.

16. Themed beaches

Tel Aviv is a beach destination and that means the city center is only footsteps away from the ocean. But before you walk to the beach make sure to ask someone where to go. This is one of those things to know before you travel to Israel or things can get awkward. LOL! A lot of beaches are specifically catered for a group of people whether religious, gay, families and even a beach where dogs are running around freely. Totally in line with the crazy contrasts in this country the gay beach is next to the religious beach.

17. Israel is gay friendly

You might not expect it from such a religious country, but Israel is on its way to become the gay capital of the world. About 30% of the people living in Tel Aviv are gay. That said there is only one gay bar in Tel Aviv. According to locals there is no need for more as there are so many gay people around, every bar is gay bar!

If you are looking for more gay-information then sign up for a gay tour through Tel Aviv .

An LGTB traveler? Then this definitely is a recommended and fun thing to do when planning a trip to Israel. If you are gay then this is your Mecca! ;)

18. Second biggest Gay Pride in the world

With all those gay people living in Tel Aviv it is no wonder that the city hosts the second biggest Gay Pride in the world. A massive parade will roam the city streets of Tel Aviv in the early morning and end up on the beach with a crazy party. Around 200.000 people witness the parade and party all day long.

I was lucky to be part of it, although totally straight I loved it to bits and pieces, what an epic party! When possible try to squeeze this into your itinerary.

There is also a Pride Week Package  (including accommodation and parties) available with Abraham Tours. Check it out if you are interested.

19. Jerusalem is the craziest (holiest) city in the world

Keeping up with the contrasts lets talk about Jerusalem! This city is a place you have never seen before. Why oh why did those religious people all chose Jerusalem to be holy?

The Western Wall is the most holy place in the world for Jews, only a stone throw away from Jezus’ tomb where hordes Christians flock and the third most holy place for Muslims is just across the street. Damn it can you make it even more complicated?

Walking around here as a non-religious tourist you will definitely feel the Holy Spirit from whichever religion. After a day strolling through the spectacular old city I ended up in a gay bar, can there be any more contrasts?

One of the best Israel travel tips: Tel Aviv plays, Jerusalem prays.

In need of a great guide in Jerusalem? Abraham Tours hosts many cool tours in Jerusalem. One of them is the  Jerusalem Pub Crawl , a must do when visiting Jerusalem and looking for a cool crowd to explore the fabulous nightlife.

There are also Jerusalem day-tours from Tel Aviv, 3 and 4 day tours including Jerusalem and Dead Sea and many more.

Check out some more tour inspiration and Israel travel ideas below! Click on the 'next page' button to see more tours. 100ILS = $27   

20. Lowest point on earth is in Israel

We all know about the highest point on earth, but not that many people realize that the Dead Sea on the border of Israel and Jordan is the lowest point on earth; a crazy landscape to discover and for sure worth the drive downhill. Enjoy the spectacular views from up top or jump in the only boat that drives on the Dead Sea apart from a research vessel.

How to arrange this boat ride on the Dead Sea? Click below to get connected with Abraham Hostels as they are the unique seller of this tour.

There are a dozen different Dead Sea tours, see below. 100ILS = $27  

Planning a trip to Israel in 2024

On my first trip to Israel I was lucky enough to be chosen by Vibe Israel to join their yearly returning travel blogging trip and they planned most of my trip to Israel. I wish though I had known a couple things before I traveled to Israel and therefore I hope this list was helpful to you.

I sincerely hope you will consider this country to be your next travel destination and that my blogs about this controversial country convinced you that it is an amazing place to travel and to experience its great contrasts.

I feel privileged that because of my travels I am able to take away misconceptions and in that light I also took a trip to Syria and a trip to Iraqi Kurdistan !

In the next link you will find 33 things to do in Israel , not just the standard stuff but some epic adventures like zip lining, rappeling, ATV trips, a hot air balloon ride and more. In my 24 reasons to visit Israel I summed up a whole list of why you should visit this country if you are still not convinced.

If this blog about traveling to Israel was helpful would you like to help me a little? Please pin it on Pinterest, tweet it on Twitter or share it in a Facebook Group or somewhere on the internet. It would mean the world to me! Thanks a million...

May you still have questions about traveling to Israel please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Enjoy your trip to Israel!

• vibe israel

Israel's favorite comfort food, shakshuka, is a hot taste trend rich in tradition, global influences

Shakshuka performs a rare dual feat of flavor . 

The savory tomato stew, typically made with aromatic herbs and eggs, is steeped in Israeli tradition. Yet it boasts global culinary currency as a hot food trend from the Middle East to Middle America. 

Shakshuka recipes are passed down through generations and often served on holidays , such as Passover, which begins on Monday, April 22, at dusk. 

PASSOVER HOLD THE KEY TO COMPREHENDING TODAY'S ‘VICIOUS’ ANTISEMITISM, SAYS RABBI AND SPIRITUAL LEADER

Yet it's also served by celebrated chefs or found on buzzy internet lists for trend-setting "in the know" foodies.

"Shakshuka is at the heart of Israeli culture," chef Avi Shemtov, the Israeli-American chef-owner of Simcha in Sharon, Massachusetts , told Fox News Digital. 

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"It’s a dish that every home makes a little differently and everyone desperately wants to show off and share."

More importantly, said Shemtov, "just like any food from the Jewish culture , it shows our global journey and where we’ve come from."

"Shakshuka was born in Ottoman North Africa in the mid-16th century," author Joan Nathan wrote in the 2017 book, "King Solomon's Table: A Culinary Exploration of Jewish Cooking from Around The World."

SPINACH VS. KALE: WHICH IS ‘BETTER’ FOR YOU? NUTRITIONISTS SETTLE THE GREAT DEBATE

"Its name comes from an Arabic and Hebrew word meaning ‘all mixed up.’"

Shakshuka, in other words, is of Arab and Islamic origin, which makes it quite typical of food in Israel. 

Though the world's only Jewish state, Israel boasts one of the world's most diverse populations . 

More than 20% of Israel's 9.4 million residents are Arab. 

About 72% are Jewish, but more than half of them are Sephardic: non-European Jews of Turkish, Persian, Arab and African descent, according to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. 

As a result, its food is among the most diverse in the world, too.

The foundation of the shakshuka is even more far-flung than North Africa or the Arab world. It comes all the way from the Western Hemisphere.

Tomatoes are native to the New World. They arrived in the Old World – Africa, Asia, Europe – only after Columbus’s voyages first landed in the Americas in 1492.

Shakshuka today is enjoying a moment of stardom in both Old and New Worlds.

Dr. Shakshuka, a restaurant in Tel Aviv, said Shemtov, is "probably the most famous" shakshuka eatery on the planet and enjoys worldwide critical acclaim. 

"People have flocked to this restaurant for authentic Tripolitan food," TimeOut.com enthused in 2020, noting that Dr. Shakshuka's namesake dish is offered "in many different renditions; try it with mushrooms, or shawarma, or a selection of other amazing add-ins."

PASSOVER BRISKET: HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR'S RECIPE HOLDS 'SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE' AMID JEWISH HOLIDAY  

Café Nadi serves the "BEST" shakshuka in Jerusalem, proclaims The Israel Bites.

"Their Green Shakshuka is my favorite shakshuka of all time," the site reports. 

"It is just perfectly cooked greens with poached eggs, feta, and pine nuts on top. The feta melts while you are eating it."

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A travel writer for The Jerusalem Post reported last year that the Farmhouse at Bat Shlomo, a rural luxury resort in Israel , serves "one of the best shakshuka I have ever tasted."

The wine-centric villa was founded in 1889 by Baron Edmond Rothschild.

World-class shakshuka is found here in the United States, too. 

Shemtov said his favorites – in addition to his own restaurant Simcha – are served at Balaboosta in New York City , MishMish Cafe in Montclair, New Jersey, and Saba in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

"Shakshuka is the perfect food," said Shemtov. "It’s communal, it’s easily accessible, and it’s adaptable. You can make it with whatever you want, and eat it at any time of day. Just make sure you’re sharing it with someone."

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .

Original article source: Israel's favorite comfort food, shakshuka, is a hot taste trend rich in tradition, global influences

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Morning Briefing: Asia Pacific Edition

Thursday briefing: israel seems poised to invade rafah.

Also, details of the U.S. aid package to Ukraine and Taylor Swift’s new album.

By Amelia Nierenberg

Israel seems poised to invade Rafah

Israel’s allies have pressed the country not to invade Rafah, the city in southern Gaza where a million displaced Palestinians are living. But this week, Israel appeared to hint that an assault there was all but inevitable .

On Monday, an Israeli military official said that if an invasion were to begin, civilians would be relocated to a safe zone along the coast. Israel has also bombed Rafah, leading some civilians to fear that a ground assault would follow.

Israel says that a push into Rafah is necessary to eliminate the militants sheltering in a network of tunnels beneath the city, to capture or kill Hamas leaders presumed to be there and to ensure the release of the remaining hostages kidnapped during the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks.

But the invasion would be devastating for civilians. The designated humanitarian zone identified as a possible place for them to go is already overflowing with displaced people.

UNRWA: Germany said it would restore its funding for the U.N. agency for Palestinians after a report undermined Israel’s claims that terrorists were in the organization’s ranks. Germany is the agency’s second largest donor after the U.S.

Hostages: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli American who lost part of his arm in the Oct. 7 attacks, appeared in a Hamas video . He criticized Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and said he had been held hostage for about 200 days.

U.S. weapons are coming to Ukraine

President Biden signed a foreign aid package yesterday that included nearly $61 billion in assistance for Ukraine. He said the weapons shipments would begin “within hours.”

The aid includes munitions that could help Ukraine hit deep into territory held by Russia.

Last week, the U.S. secretly shipped a new long-range missile system to Ukraine, known as ATACMS. Ukraine used the weapons to attack a Russian military airfield in Crimea and Russian troops in the port city of Berdiansk on the Sea of Azov, according to a senior U.S. official. Additional longer-range missiles were included in the new aid package.

The Pentagon said it would rush a first batch of weapons, including Stinger surface-to-air missiles and other air defense munitions, 155-millimeter shells, Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, cluster munitions and battlefield vehicles.

NATO: About 90,000 troops from countries in the alliance have been training in Europe this spring. The show of force is meant to send a sharp message to Russia not to go past Ukraine.

Kharkiv: Since March, Russia has been bombarding Ukraine’s second-largest city with one of the deadliest weapons in its arsenal : powerful guided bombs known as glide bombs.

Myanmar’s junta regained ground

The military junta has recaptured the town of Myawaddy , a key trading center on the Thai border, weeks after rebels had captured it. The seizure of the town had been the rebels’ most significant victory since the 2021 military coup.

Recent context: In the past few months, resistance forces have seized dozens of towns and military outposts in Myanmar’s border regions. Myawaddy was an especially big prize.

MORE TOP NEWS

Diplomacy: Antony Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, arrived in Shanghai on the first leg of a three-day trip to China as tensions threaten to derail U.S.-China relations.

U.S.: House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the National Guard should be called to college campuses to quell pro-Palestinian protests.

Britain: Loose army horses galloped through London, injuring pedestrians before they were eventually recovered.

India: An Australian journalist said she had been denied a visa renewal for weeks because of her reporting on Sikh separatists. Indian officials disputed her account.

Australia: A court extended an injunction ordering the social media platform X to remove violent videos , setting up a clash with Elon Musk, the company’s owner.

Supreme Court: The justices seemed sharply divided on an Idaho case about emergency abortion access .

Trade: Seven top U.S. solar manufacturers filed trade complaints, requesting that the Biden administration impose tariffs on solar products from Southeast Asia.

Boeing: The company reported a $355 million loss for the first three months of the year, as it deals with a quality crisis.

Automobile: China’s glut of unused car factories is prompting manufacturers to cut prices to move their electric cars. For gas vehicles, the surplus is even worse .

MORNING READ

Mark Zuckerberg was once known for wearing a gray T-shirt every day. He has recently had a makeover, donning shearling coats and silver chains. His new look has somehow transformed him into a kinder, gentler face of technology at a time when it has been cast in a darker, more suspicious light.

Our chief fashion critic, Vanessa Friedman, wrote about Zuckerberg’s new look .

CONVERSATION STARTERS

A lost Klimt: “Portrait of Fräulein Lieser,” an enigmatic, long-lost painting from 1917, sold for 35 million euros at auction.

Forever scaffolding: New York’s protective barriers can stand over sidewalks for years . It’s often cheaper to keep them up than fix old facades.

No, officer, he wasn’t drinking: A man was acquitted of drunken driving after doctors confirmed he had a rare condition in which his body brews beer .

ARTS AND IDEAS

Dissecting taylor swift’s new album.

“The Tortured Poets Department,” is a 31-song excavation of Taylor Swift’s recent relationships. Despite the hype, it has proved to be less universally loved than some of her previous work.

Our music writers discussed the album, which is seemingly tailor-made for her most obsessive fans, and how her narrative continues to change .

“I’ve trained myself to view Taylor Swift’s work through the eyes of her fans,” my colleague Ben Sisario said. “That’s crucial for understanding Swift, whose connection with her listeners is at the root of her success, and it’s also become part of the art itself. The question is not just what is Swift saying, but what is she telling her fans, and how will they respond to it?”

RECOMMENDATIONS

Bake: Piloncillo is a secret ingredient for well-balanced cookies.

Read: “ The Paris Novel ,” by Ruth Reichl, is a rich ode to the city’s food scene.

Consider: Nasal sprays can lead to dependence.

Exercise: These earbuds probably won’t fall out during your workout.

Play Spelling Bee , the Mini Crossword , Wordle and Sudoku . Find all our games here .

That’s it for today. See you tomorrow. — Amelia

Email us at [email protected] .

Amelia Nierenberg writes the Asia Pacific Morning Briefing , a global newsletter. More about Amelia Nierenberg

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We in the Israel-politics ‘sandwich generation’ need our Jewish institutions to change how they define antisemitism

( JTA ) — I am the only Jewish elected official in Rochester, the third-biggest city in New York State. I am 38 years old, which when it comes to Israel can feel like the political “sandwich generation” — old enough to know that Israel was once seen as vulnerable, and young enough to understand that many cannot remember an Israel before Benjamin Netanyahu. The generational differences can feel massive at times, including at this moment when communities like Rochester are struggling to define and explain antisemitism.

Rochester has a Jewish community of roughly 20,000, with strong, well-resourced institutions. Antisemitism lurks here like it does in many American cities. When an incident occurs, like swastika graffiti appearing in a Jewish cemetery, the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester typically takes the lead to publicly call out antisemitism and mobilize the community. The federation carved out a niche as the leading Jewish institution in the fight against antisemitism, even starting a Center to End Hate that strives to “unite the community in overcoming hate through education, dialogue and positive action.” 

But in recent years — and more acutely in recent weeks — the federation has not kept up with the changing political landscape affecting discussions and definitions of antisemitism.

In 2019, the Monroe County Republican Party sent out advertisements in support of their candidate for district attorney that included familiar antisemitic dog whistles. The ads depicted George Soros as the “globalist” pulling the strings of the Democratic nominee because he wanted to “buy this election to install a far-left puppet.”

I shared my anger and concern about this advertisement with the federation and Center to End Hate leadership. They promised to have private conversations with the GOP leadership, although if they did they never reported back to me. I co-wrote an oped about the subject with a local rabbi and attorney and asked the federation if they wanted to join. They declined. The GOP never apologized, and the federation never publicly uttered a word about this antisemitism. 

Last month the Rochester City Council, like so many other cities across the country, considered a symbolic ceasefire resolution . I was reluctant to welcome international politics into City Hall. When it became clear that a majority of the council wanted to pass a resolution, I decided to get involved in crafting the language to help ensure it did not include antisemitic language I had seen in other resolutions. 

I vetted resolution language with Jewish lay and religious leadership, academics and Israelis. I sought to avoid some of the specific language that has proven so divisive in the discourse about Israel, like apartheid and genocide, and focus narrowly on the goal of a ceasefire. I discussed the language with the federation multiple times to get feedback. I did not expect the federation to be supportive, but I was surprised to learn that they found the idea of a resolution antisemitic regardless of the language.  

The federation chose to rally against the idea of a resolution. Leadership sent talking points directly from the Jewish Federations of North America to members of the Jewish community here. These talking points, written far away from Rochester, stated: “the proposed resolutions City Council is being asked to consider are antisemitic at their core. The resolutions demonize, delegitimize and apply a double standard to Israel – the ‘three Ds of antisemitism.’ If these resolutions are adopted, City Council will be empowering terrorist sympathizers and Jew haters.” 

I found the “three D’s” — a formulation popularized by former dissident Natan Sharansky — to be an odd choice for a definition because it has rarely been cited in the last few months of very public, national discourse about antisemitism. But even by those standards the proposed resolution was not antisemitic. To many supporters of a ceasefire, it is not a double standard to ask Congress to stop shipping weapons to Israel while Gaza is facing imminent famine and a chronic shortage of medical supplies. I trust that my colleagues would demand the same of any country that was supplied with billions of dollars of armaments from the United States while civilians experienced dire humanitarian crises like famine.

Council members received hundreds of comments echoing the federation’s talking points and accusing the entire City Council of antisemitism for even considering the resolution. We also received hundreds of comments in favor of a ceasefire resolution, with many commenters citing their Jewish identity and values as reasons for support. (Ultimately, the council approved two non-binding resolutions, including one written and co-sponsored by me.)

We held a public meeting with so many speakers that it lasted over five hours. The meeting affirmed the challenges of being a leader in the sandwich generation. I watched as different generations spoke past each other with anger and sadness in their voice. It reminded me of Peter Beinart’s essay in the New York Times about the “great rupture in American Jewish life,” when he wrote, “ For many American Jews, it is painful to watch their children’s or grandchildren’s generation question Zionism … It is tempting to attribute all of this to antisemitism, even if that requires defining many young American Jews as antisemites themselves.”

The division in Rochester’s Jewish community is happening as we speak. It’s painful to experience. It must be confusing for our non-Jewish neighbors, who are left wondering what is or is not antisemitism. And the well-organized institution that once served as a leading voice has squandered credibility to arbitrate antisemitism.

I share these stories about the federation’s challenges because I suspect they are symptomatic of problems that other Jewish communities are facing today. If Jewish communities cannot properly diagnose antisemitism, then we cannot propose real solutions. And if leading Jewish institutions like federations cannot effectively identify antisemitism, how can we expect policymakers, community members, and activist groups to help us combat it?

This question is central to how we relate to the world around us, and how we understand each other within our own community. We in the sandwich generation have work to do.

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David Ignatius, the foreign affairs columnist for The Washington Post, explores space warfare, geopolitics and espionage in his new spy novel, “Phantom Orbit.” On Tuesday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. ET, Ignatius joins The Post’s national security reporter Shane Harris to discuss his timely book, his recent interview with Ukrainian President Zelensky and insights about the Israel-Gaza war .

David Ignatius

Author, “Phantom Orbit”