key places to visit in israel

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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

Negev Desert

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

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

 Wendy Altschuler

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

The Most Sacred Places in Jerusalem

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Israel

Your Trip to Israel: The Complete Guide

One Week in Israel: The Ultimate Itinerary

The 19 Best Things to Do in Israel

The Best Time to Visit Israel

The Top 25 Things to Do in Jerusalem

How Jerusalem Became the First Accessible UNESCO World Heritage City

Weather in Israel: Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature

Guide to Planning a Trip to Israel

Complete Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea

Top 10 National Parks in Israel

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

The Coolest Underwater Museums in the World

Ben Gurion Airport: The Complete Guide

The Best Food to Try In Israel

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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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Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Israel

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

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

10. Nazareth [SEE MAP]

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

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

9. Caesarea [SEE MAP]

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

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

8. Ramon Crater [SEE MAP]

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

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

7. Haifa [SEE MAP]

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

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

6. Sea of Galilee [SEE MAP]

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

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

5. Tel Aviv [SEE MAP]

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

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

4. Eilat [SEE MAP]

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

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

3. Dead Sea [SEE MAP]

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

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

2. Masada [SEE MAP]

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

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

1. Jerusalem [SEE MAP]

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

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

Its historic Old City is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Armenian and Muslim. Here you can walk in Jesus’ footsteps on the Via Dolorosa’, pray at the Western Wall, see the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christians believe Jesus is buried, and tour the Tower of David, a medieval citadel. Other important sites include the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque at the Temple Mount. Outside the Old City, popular attractions are the Garden Tomb, Hezekiah’s Tunnels, Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and the Biblical Zoo.

Map of Israel

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August 7, 2019 at 11:33 pm

So excited to travel in Israel ? Hope i will enjoy it , and hopefully iit will be safe to stay there and people were super nice ❤️Good HEART

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More destinations you need to see

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Israel

From the wave-lapped beaches of Tel Aviv to the craggy peaks of Masada and the mirror-like expanse of the salty Dead Sea, Israel packs a lot of impressive scenery into its compact landscape. Take a few days to enjoy the cosmopolitan delights of the thriving cities, then strike out into the sun-baked wilds to fill your Instagram grid. Here’s our pick of the most beautiful places to see when you visit Israel.

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Paraglide around Mount Tabor

Even if you’re not familiar with its religious significance, Mount Tabor is sure to impress. With a distinctive curve, rising above the pancake-flat Jezreel Valley, it is easy to spot from miles away. It’s actually only about 600m (1,968ft) high – although it looks taller in this landscape – and its accessibility makes it a natural spot for hiking through lush pine forest. This is also the most popular spot for paragliding in Israel – ideal if you’re a thrill-seeker.

A 20-minute drive from the popular Red Sea resort of Eliat, the Red Canyon feels like another planet – Mars, to be precise – as you zig-zag your way along a path carved through swirling rock. When the sun hits, it illuminates red, white and even yellow. With multiple routes, it caters for all kinds of walkers. Ty the easy green trail if you’ve got kids in tow, or the black for a more challenging descent.

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Admire the beauty of Timna Park

Parched and photogenic, rugged Timna Park is an essential stop-off point in the impressive Negev Desert. It’s not just good looks either, the attraction also lies in the rich regional history. Here you’ll find the first copper mine in the world and remains of smelting furnaces dating back to ancient Egyptian times. The artful sandstone columns known as Solomon’s Pillars – basically frozen-in-time drips of volcanic magma emerging from the cliffs – are arguably the most impressive natural highlight. Camp overnight and enjoy amazing stargazing.

Hear the tale of David and Goliath in the Valley of Elah

The site of the battle between David and Goliath, this triangle-shaped valley – lush with green fields – provides a surprisingly gentle hike. Many visitors choose to come with a guide so they can hear the tale while touring the landscape but you can just as easily enjoy a spring visit on your own when the valley is filled with purple blooming lupines.

Explore religion on Mount Zion

Outside the old walls of Jerusalem, Mount Zion is a holy site for Jewish, Christian and Muslim worshippers. It is also a great place to learn more about the history of Israel. Packed with beautiful old buildings and famous spots including King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper, it’s a must-visit for history buffs as well as religious pilgrims. It’s especially atmospheric late in the afternoon, when some of the surrounding structures turn golden in the honeyed light. Pack your camera.

Stroll along the ancient port in Acre

Various cultures have inhabited Acre – or Akko – throughout its history, including the Crusaders and the Ottomans, each leaving their mark on the region. With fascinating architecture, cultural ruins and sights around every corner, this city in the north west is essential viewing on any Israel trip, and considered as one of the top Israel attractions. Take a romantic evening walk alongside the 2,000-year-old port, relax into a meal at one of the lovely local restaurants – keep an eye open for the irresistible crunchy-syrupy pudding kanafeh on menus – or have a leisurely stroll through the city markets.

Discover the religious significance of Nazareth

An hour or so’s drive from Tel Aviv in the Lower Galilee region of northern Israel, Nazareth is the biggest Arab city in the land. It is also a major spiritual destination for tourists and Christian pilgrims from around the world, who come here to see the Basilica of the Annunciation built where Joseph and Mary had their home. In addition to its religious value as the childhood home of Jesus, Nazareth is a city brimming with culture, history, old Ottoman architecture and fascinating archaeology. Prepare for a heady rush of Middle Eastern charm.

Go wild with watersports on the Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee (or, as Israelis call it, the Kinneret) is the largest freshwater lake in the country and a major national supply source. Its history goes way back. According to the New Testament, many of Jesus’s miracles occurred here, including his walk on the water. Today, visitors to the Sea of Galilee can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the beautiful environs, have fun building rafts, or enjoy motorboat trips, water-skiing, banana-boat rides and kayaking.

Take a spring stroll through the Golan Heights

Northern Israel is home to the Golan Heights, controversially captured from Syria in 1967. It is a beautiful, mountainous place with breathtaking landscapes, glorious nature reserves and intriguing historical attractions for the whole family. If hiking is your thing, there are paths of varying levels of difficulty, depending on the time of year. Things are especially impressive during spring, when irises, crocuses and tulips bloom abundantly and the fields are green. In winter, Hermon Mountain is a playground for skiers and snowboarders.

Embark on a free tour of Haifa

After Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Haifa is the third-largest city in Israel, with a kaleidoscope of neighbourhoods and blend of cultures that makes it a lively place for visitors. There’s a vibrant port and lively beach, which attracts surfers and offers water sports and tuition. If you want to be at one with nature, pay a visit to the most celebrated attraction in Haifa, the Bahai Gardens, on the flanks of Mount Carmel. Join a free daily tour at noon and admire the fountains, terraces and manicured flowerbeds of this precious place for followers of the Bahai faith, and learn more about the Israel culture history.

Join a celebration in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a dream city beside the Mediterranean, where vibrant nightlife and local markets meet mouth-watering food and photogenic architecture – visit the bauhaus-style buildings of the White City if you want some seriously sexy Instagram images. Society here is diverse and people are very open-minded, so you’ll find your place here whoever you are. As the entertainment centre of Israel, Tel Aviv offers a full calendar of events throughout the year. These include the Gay Pride Parade, Purim Street Party and Tel Aviv Fashion Week.

Uncover the ancient world in Jerusalem

Home to important spiritual sites for three major religions – Islam, Christianity and Judaism – Jerusalem is one of the holiest cities in the world, and you can now explore it with local expert guides on Culture Trip’s specially curated small-group Israel trip . Come for a few days and you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled back centuries. In the Old City, surrounded by a grand wall, you can learn a lot about the religious history of Jerusalem by visiting places such as the Al Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall (aka the Wailing Wall). This part of town is divided into four quarters: Muslim, Armenian, Christian and Jewish. If you can, visit one of the museums outside the Old City, such as Yad Vashem, a Holocaust remembrance centre.

Take a hot-air ballon tour of the Ramon Crater

Head to Mitzpe Ramon, a town in the Negev desert midway between Jerusalem and Eilat, and you’ll be able to visit the Ramon Crater ( Makhtesh Ramon in Hebrew). It’s not technically a crater – that would have involved a meteorite – but rather a makteshim (erosion cirque), formed during millions of years of erosion. Discovered as recently as 1945, it is quite a beast: 40km (25mi) long and 10km (6mi) at its widest point. You can tour by Jeep, Segway, or even helicopter, but a hot-air balloon flight will give you the most spectacular views from on high.

Slather on mud in the Dead Sea

The lowest point on earth, at more than 430m (1,412ft) below sea level, the Dead Sea is not only fun to float in, it’s also healthy, historic and surrounded by breathtaking beauty. This endorheic lake, which has no outflow, is one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth, creating the perfect buoyancy for floating. Dead Sea mud is also great for your skin, so slather it on. Two sights not to be missed while you’re in the Dead Sea area are Masada, with its archaeological merit and amazing views, and Ein Gedi, a twinkling oasis in the desert.

Go diving in Eilat

After you’ve explored Israel, taking in history, nature and culture, Eilat is all about relaxing in its many beautiful hotels and resorts. In the very south of Israel, it offers many activities: go diving among the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea, swim with dolphins or laze by the pool. Beware, summer temperatures can be more than 40C (104F); in winter it’s a more tolerable 19C (66.2F).

Ellie Hurley contributed additional reporting to this article.

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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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33 Best Things To Do In Israel in 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Masada National Park

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

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

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

2. Tel Aviv food tours

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

3. Ein Gedi

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

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

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

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

4. Betzavta

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

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

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

5. Sleep in a Bedouin Camp

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

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

6. Hot air balloon ride in the Negev Desert

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

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

7. Experience the Gay parade in Tel Aviv

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

But as you can see I had a blast!

8. Boat tour on the Dead Sea

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

9. Buggy riding and zip lining in Makhtesh Ramon

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

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

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

10. Israel National Trail (INT)

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

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

11. Midburn Festival

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

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

12. Israel nightlife | Local markets become party places

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

13. Israel Museum Jerusalem

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

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

14. Yad Vashem - Holocaust Memorial Center

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

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

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

15. Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

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

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

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

16. Bethlehem

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

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

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

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

17. Mount Zion

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

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

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

18. Beit Guvrin Maresha National Park

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

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

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

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

19. Jaffa Flea Market

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

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

20. Caesarea National Park

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

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

21. Sea Of Galilee

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

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

22. Mount Arbel National Park

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

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

23. Visit Nazareth

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

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

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

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

24. Basilica Of The Annunciation

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

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

25. Haifa Gardens

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

26. Tel Dan Nature Reserve

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

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

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

27. Mount Tabor And Church Of Transfiguration

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

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

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

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

28. Skiing in Israel on Mount Hermon

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

29. Visit the Gaza Border

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

30. Timna Park

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

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

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

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

31. Red Canyon

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

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

32. Ein Avdat National Park

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

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

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

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

33. Scuba Dive In Eilat

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

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

Israel travel blogs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your trip to Israel!

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A complete area guide of places to visit in Israel from north to south

From restaurants to landmarks and everything in-between, our guide to Israel’s most popular areas does not miss a beat

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Sure, you’ve scaled the Baha’i Gardens before, but have you REALLY visited Haifa ? You've hit up the Golan Heights ' iconic winery, but have you toured the rest of the North ’s Israeli wine list ? You’ve even tackled the wealth of Jerusalem ’s landmarks in  Jewish history , but have you heard about its lesser-known hidden gems? Probably not...which is why we’ve scavenged the country from north to south for the most complete list of places to visit in Israel out there. Rent a car and plan your accommodations ahead of time. Let’s get this tourist party started!

The best places to visit in Israel from north to south

1.  Golan Heights

• Attractions

The Golan Heights is one of the most popular destination spots in Israel – and for good reason. Take a break from the non-stop pace of Tel Aviv and enjoy tranquil parks, gardens, museums, galleries, vineyards and so much more as you explore the many sites scattered throughout the Golan Heights. Wine lover? Make it an overnight stay because the area’s vineyards are some of the best in Israel.

2.  Sea of Galilee

Tel Aviv and Jerusalem may get most of the glory, but the Sea of Galilee (aka “the Kinneret”) should not be overlooked. Offering a unique mix of Jewish holy sites and dazzling beaches – both sandy and rocky – this unique spot is both breathtakingly beautiful and historically rich. We know it can be hard to tear yourself away from the markets in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv coastline, but with places like the Tiberias Promenade and Bora Bora Beach, you won't need extra convincing. Here’s a look at all of the beaches and sites that make the Sea of Galilee such a worthy destination.

3.  Akko

Nestled on Israel's northern coast, Akko is an up-and-coming port city rich with Jewish history, sights and fantastic food. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Israeli treasure is a unique cross between east and west, modern and ancient Israel, beauty and ruins. Its rich history is palpable in its alleyways, underground passages and picturesque architecture, whose character reflects the legacy left behind by the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders and Arabs. But what has transformed this hidden gem from a pit stop to a destination is its recent emergence as a culinary force in the north, with some of the best hummus on the eastern Mediterranean (some say it’s better than the Jaffa street food offerings) and some of the best seafood restaurants in Israel.

4.  Haifa

Welcome to the city of coexistence – with beautiful views of the country's coastline, a growing art scene and some of the best hummus in the Middle East

5.  Nazareth

Israel has many ancient landmarks that bear significance to many different religions. While there are some stunning churches in and around Jerusalem, the ancient town of Nazareth boasts a heavy hand of captivating Christian sites. From religious attractions like St. Gabriel's Church and the International Center Mary of Nazareth to the intricate weave of stalls in the Old Market, Nazareth promises an enlightening day of activities. Nazareth is especially known for its Christmas Market and an incredibly popular destination around Christmas time. Come visit the city of religion and faith, of spirituality and holiness, but also a city enrobed in contemporary culture and Middle Eastern magic.

6.  Netanya

Netanya, the capital of the surrounding Sharon plain, is a town not too far from Herzliya filled with fun things to do and sites to see. Not only do they have some of the most luxurious beaches in Israel, the area is filled with family-fun activities like movie theatres, arcades, bowling alleys, and malls – not to mention, some of the best frozen yogurt in the country. And don't forget to visit the Museum of Yemenite Jewish Heritage for a unique history lesson. So come for the beaches, stay for the bites at our mentioned Netanya restaurants, then spend the night at the city’s most hospitable hotels.

7.  Herzliya

On the surface, Herzliya is all manicured beaches, taken captive year-round by well-heeled locals who have tasted the good life. Adorned with luxury shopping malls, the Herzliya Marina is often misunderstood as being culturally and historically shallow. But digging deeper, not only does the port city boast a prime sailing and maritime community from its lively marina, which houses over 800 yachts and boats, it is also home to historic, ancient ruins and a stellar contemporary art museum. For even more exceptional sites spanning the country, see our top things to do in Israel, or for art connoisseurs seeking even more modern art outside of Herzliya, check out our top Israeli art galleries. 

8.  Tel Aviv

Welcome to the city that never stops: Tel Aviv. From amazing street food to never-ending nightlife and the best live music and beaches around, the White City is the place to be if you're looking for a good party, and even better food

9.  Jaffa

With so much hustle and bustle going on in its White City neighbor, sometimes people forget the beautiful gem of Israeli culture that exists on the southern port. From attractions that backtrack through years of ancient Israeli history to the most hopping bars and clubs for dancing in Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s older sister knows where it’s at. The sheer range of attractions in Old Jaffa is startling, from mosques and churches to ancient clock towers, wishing bridges, sculptures, yoga classes, museums, Israeli art galleries, trendy restaurants and the list of things to do in this new-old city is never ending. Throw in an impressive spread of authentic Jaffa street food establishments and a precious flea market and you’ve got enough things to do in Israel for a lifetime. 

10.  Bat Yam

With the recent focus shifted towards Bat Yam, and the fate of the city’s independence hanging in the balance, we figured it was a good time to highlight Bat Yam’s best features. Just a half hour or so away from the White City, Bat Yam hosts one of the more impressive malls in Israel, not to mention some stellar contributions to Israeli culture like its performing arts center. Throw in one of the grandest museums in Israel – the three-building complex MoBY – and beautiful Israeli beaches, some must-visit restaurants and an exquisite Israeli wine shop and you’ve got a perfect weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv.

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10 Must-See Historic Sites in Israel

You've just begun to explore Israel's rich culture and history when you visit these famous places.

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Photo By: Dana Friedlander/Israel Ministry of Tourism

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Photo By: Noam Chen/Israel Ministry of Tourism

Jaffa , the world's oldest port city, is a short drive from Tel Aviv. The Bible says Jonah sailed from Joppa, as it was formerly known, before he was thrown into the sea and swallowed by a whale. Stroll through the old center of town to haggle for everything from antiques to secondhand clothes, or Persian tiles to Hamsa keychains (the Hamsa symbol, which looks like an open hand, is said to ward off evil). Stop for creamy hummus in a Mid-Eastern cafe, or snap pictures of the blue Mediterranean Sea behind the sand-colored buildings. Don't miss the Monastery of St. Peter, an 1812 mosque and the house of Simon the Tanner, where the apostle Peter may have once stayed.

King Herod's palace once stood atop Masada, a flat-topped mesa in the Judean Desert. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of Jewish courage, commemorating almost a thousand Jewish men, women and children who made a last stand against Roman invaders in 73 C.E. For centuries, Masada lay undisturbed, until archeologists began uncovering its ruins in 1828. Get the whole story about this historic site from the Visitors' Center before you hike or ride a cable car to the top. Then explore the remains of colorful mosaic floors, storerooms, a heated bathhouse and much more.

Baha'i Shrine and Gardens

The city of Haifa, home of the Baha'i Shrine and Gardens, lies in northern Israel. With its golden dome and fabulous, flowering terraces, the shrine is sacred to the Baha'i faith. It's also a World Heritage Site and the final resting place for the prophet Baha'u'llah, known as the Bab. While you're in Haifa, visit the beautiful Carmelite Monastery, built in the early 1880s, and Elijah's Cave, a synagogue where tradition says the Hebrew prophet once prayed. You'll need a head covering to go in; loaners are usually available at the entrance.

Sea of Galilee

Pilgrims come from all over the world to the Sea of Galilee, which is actually a freshwater lake near Israel's borders with Syria and Jordan. It's here that the Bible says Jesus preached and walked on water. In nearby Tiberias, visit the 19th-century Church of St. Peter, built by Crusaders, and a Greek Orthodox Monastery that dates to 1862. Tiberias has become a popular resort area with hotels, restaurants and shops, and offers water sports like kayaking and water skiing.

Basilica of the Annunciation

Built in Nazareth in 1969, the Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the most magnificent modern churches in the Middle East. Some Christians believe it rests on the site where the angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive God's son. Archeologists have excavated two earlier structures under the present-day church: a Byzantine church from the 4th or 5th century, and one from the era of the Crusades.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher is probably the most sacred one in Christendom, but it's not the first on its site. An earlier church existed there around 330 A.D. When you visit today, you'll find a complex dating back to the 12th century that serves six faiths: Greek Orthodox, Coptic, Roman Catholic, Syrian, Ethiopian and Armenian Orthodox. This multi-storied structure can be confusing to navigate, as it's dimly lit, crowded and maze-like, and the lines to see Christ's Tomb are often long. Allow plenty of time to visit.

Mount of Olives

In Biblical times, olive trees grew on the Mount of Olives, a hill east of Jerusalem. According to the New Testament, Jesus visited the area many times, and this holy place is also where Jews, Christians and Muslims have buried their dead for thousands of years. There's much to see here: the Tomb of Mary, the Mosque of the Ascension, several churches, the Tombs of the Prophets, and the garden and grotto of Gethsemane. Go early in the day, when the light is good, for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Yad Vashem is known as the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Here, a collection of artifacts, a research center, outdoor memorials and sculptures and an art and history museum commemorate the lives of over six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Visitors must dress appropriately; shorts and short skirts are not permitted, and groups of six or more should schedule their visits in advance . The Hall of Names is pictured here.

Western Wall

The Western Wall, also called the Wailing Wall or Ha-Kotel , in Hebrew, draws believers of all faiths who come to pray and tuck notes into the cracks between its ancient stones. Two thousand years ago, the wall, built by Herod the Great, encircled the Temple Mount. Today, only a portion remains, and it's divided into sections for men and women. Be sure to book a tour through the Western Wall tunnels when you visit. Archeologists are still making important finds.

Dome of the Rock

The roof of Jerusalem's famous Dome of the Rock is covered in gold leaf that shines in the sun. Built somewhere between 688 and 691 A.D., it's the oldest Islamic monument still in existence. This beautiful example of Classical and Byzantine architecture houses a rock revered by Muslims and Jews. In the Islamic faith, the rock is believed to be the place from which the prophet Muhammad ascended. To Jewish believers, it's where the Holy of Holies stood in Herod's Temple, and where God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, his son.

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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.

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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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The Most Beautiful and Best Places To Visit in Israel

Israel is a destination like no other. Apart from being a small but powerful country, it’s packed with tourist attractions to keep any traveler busy. Among the best places to visit in Israel, you will find exciting cities with a thriving nightlife, religious sites important for the three major monotheistic religions, desert landscapes, diving sites, and even great local wine.

The Best Places To Visit in Israel

Despite its small territory, there are a lot of amazing and cool attractions in Israel for every type of traveler. Here I will show you some of the must-see places in Israel that you should include in your trip. I’m sure that among the Israel tourist spots below, you will find at least a handful of places that ticks your fancy.

Tel Aviv – The Most Vibrant City in Israel

by Tal Bright of Bright Nomad

It’s no wonder that Tel Aviv is one of the best places to visit in Israel. The city has a lot going for it. It’s a super vibrant city with good weather all year round that’s very easy to fall in love with. Being the largest city, it is one of those must-see places in Israel.

It’s a relatively small city in size, but it feels like a much bigger city because there’s so much going on.

Tel Aviv is famous for its fantastic nightlife: you can go out any night of the week and there’s always a good range of things to do, from parties to concerts to just hanging out in bars, and everything is open late.

It is even more famous for its beaches that are perfect for an active holiday if you like water sports, but also for lying in the sun, relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze.

In the past decade or so, Tel Aviv has transformed itself into a foodie paradise with a rich restaurant and coffee culture.

If it’s your first time in Tel Aviv , you’ll notice that English is spoken by just about everyone, making it an even more welcoming place for tourists.

Some of the places not to be missed when you visit Tel Aviv are the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, an impressive building with a beautiful art collection; HaYarkon Park, the largest green space in the city; and Tel Aviv’s unique food markets, especially the Lewinsky Spice Market and the Carmel Market in the city center.

See Also: The Best Places To Visit in Georgia

Eilat – One of The Must-See Places in Israel

By Sanne Wesselman of Spend Life Traveling

Eilat  is the southernmost town in Israel, isolated from the rest of the country by the Negev desert.

Eilat feels different from the rest of Israel, far removed from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It’s a coastal resort on the Red Sea, located between the borders of Egypt and Jordan, with beautiful views of the Gulf of Aqaba .

Eilat boasts beautiful beaches, lively bars, restaurants, shops, great water sports, and an impressive coral reef.

But, Eilat being on the edge of the desert means you also have easy access to desert activities such as jeep tours and camel safaris. And, you can even take a trip to Petra from here.

There are two distinct beach areas in Eilat, which are both worth visiting. The 2-kilometer (1.2 miles) North Beach area is lively and full of hotels. The Tayelet promenade runs along the beachfront and hosts numerous stalls, street artists, restaurants, and shops. The promenade has great views of the bay, and especially in the evening, you’ll find it full of strolling tourists.

The southern beach is much more unspoiled, has beautiful coral reefs, and is protected by the Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve , to make sure these reefs remain in good shape. If you’re into scuba diving this is a great place for diving, but otherwise snorkeling above the reef is absolutely beautiful as well!

Eilat is popular with both Israelis as an easy holiday getaway, and with European sun-seekers especially during the winter months.

By Rasika of Bae Area and Beyond

Located in southern Israel, Timna Park is a desert park with a rich history and many attractions to do in the park. This 15,000-acre park is attractive with its deep cliffs around the horseshoe-shaped Timna Valley and its historic mineshafts.

The biggest attraction here is Mount Timna, the world’s first copper mine. In the park, you’ll see copper mining remains as this place is copious with copper ore and has been an important mining site since around 5000 BC.

So what makes Timna Park special? Apart from its gorgeous landscape, the park conducts various tours from daytime to nighttime. Through these tours, you’ll learn the archeology and geology of Timna Park. During the day, check out the 12 Tribes tour or the Sunset Walk tour and during the night, book the Lantern tour or the Star tour to admire its beauty at night.

Timna Park is a great place for kids with tons of hiking trails of different intensity levels spread out throughout the park. Visit the visitor center to learn more about the trails.

You can also rent bicycles to ride around the park. If you’re a pro rock climber, try out one of the 85 rock climbing routes. Plus there is Lake Timna at the center of this desert park where you can go pedal boating on boats shaped as white swans or pink flamingos.

See Als0: The Great Synagogue of Tbilisi

Caesarea National Park

By Or of My Path in the World

A mix of nature and history, the coastal Caesarea National Park is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Israel.

The park is basically one huge archeological site, located off the coast of the Mediterranean, right between Tel Aviv and Haifa. It is where you can see the remains of an ancient thriving port city built by Herod the Great, the Roman king who ruled Judea more than 2000 years ago.

There are quite a few visit-worthy spots in the park, so be sure to get a map at the entrance. From the Roman Theater (which today hosts music concerts) and the Hippodrome to the Reef Palace and beautiful mosaics, you’ll find plenty of points of interest that will fill up your itinerary.

If you love to dive, it’s worth knowing that the park is also home to the only underwater museum in the world, where you can see even more of the remains of the ancient city.

The park is open every day and costs 39 NIS (about 12 USD) to visit, but you need to reserve your spot as daily visits are limited. Near the entrance, you’ll also find a few shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Even if you don’t plan to go to other places in the north of the country, it’s worth making a detour to see Caesarea, which is one of the most important places to visit in Israel.

Jerusalem – Top Places To Visit in Israel

by Alanna from Periodic Adventures

Jerusalem is one of the most ancient cities in the Middle East and the world with a history dating back over 5,000 years. That alone already makes it one of the top places to visit in Israel. Located in the middle of the country, Jerusalem was first occupied by nomadic shepherds and was slowly built into a major city that has significant religious ties to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Throughout its history, Jerusalem has been raided, destroyed, captured, and attacked many times, but now it stands as a highly populated city that sees many visitors each year.

When visiting Jerusalem, be sure to visit Old Jerusalem, which has historical buildings, mosaics, trees, and descriptive signs to help you learn about the city.

Nearby is the Western Wall where, if desired, you can write and place a prayer into the wall. Note that appropriate attire is required and the Wall is separated into men’s and women’s sections.

Beyond the Western Wall is the Dome of the Rock, an Islamic shrine with beautiful blue mosaics and a gold paneled roof that is one of the top landmarks and best places to visit in Jerusalem.

Visit Yad Vashem, the incredibly well-curated Holocaust Remembrance Center and Museum. The exhibits and architecture are striking and the memorials are a somber, yet beautiful tribute to all who were killed, as well as their future generations that were robbed from existence.

Lastly, don’t miss Mahane Yehuda Market where you can shop for local foods, tea, spices, and try one of the many restaurants. The best spot is Marzipan Bakery where you have to try the rugelach, one of  Israel’s best foods ! So delicious!

Mount of Olives

By Sarah Wilson of Life Part 2 and Beyond

The Mount of Olives is a small mountain located close to the old city of Jerusalem. It was named after the olive groves that once grew here. For over 3000 years, the mount has been used as a Jewish cemetery and bears more than 150,000 gravesites.

The Mount of Olives is also a popular pilgrimage site for Christians. The site is mentioned in the Old and New Testaments as the spot where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion and ascended to Heaven. But you don’t need to follow religion to enjoy the walk from the top of the mount to Old Jerusalem.

The view from the top overlooking the old city and Temple Mount is spectacular. And as you make your way down the hill, there are many fascinating sites to visit – from the Chapel of the Ascension where there’s a stone imprinted with Jesus’ footprints to the stunning Russian Orthodox Church – the Church of St Mary Magdalene.

See plaques of the Lord’s Prayer written in more than 170 different languages at the Church of the Pater Noster. Enter the private garden next door, where beneath the ground lie the tombs of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah in a dark cave.

Follow the crowds as you walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have gone with his disciples to pray. Admire the mosaics at the Church of all Nations before descending to visit the tomb of the Virgin Mary. It’s a fascinating walk steeped in history. Allow at least two hours to complete and see for yourself why it is one of the most popular places to visit in Jerusalem.

By Cecily of Groovy Mashed Potatoes

In the outskirts of Jerusalem, you will find Ein Karem, an ancient village famed for its holy sites such as Mary’s Spring, the Church of the Visitation, and the Church of St. John the Baptist. In fact, it’s known as the birthplace of St. John himself.

You don’t want to miss adding this hidden gem to your  Israel itinerary . The hillside village is known as one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Jerusalem, although it’s often overlooked by tourists.

After visiting Jerusalem’s busy city center, make your way to the scenic neighborhood for a peaceful nature escape. Stay at the luxurious Alegra Boutique Hotel, a design-led hotel in an 1850s Arabesque building that is nestled in the hills. Enjoy a massage at their intimate spa and unwind at the pool and sauna.

There are many unique things to do in Ein Karem other than visiting its prominent holy sites. The charming village is also known for its music, art, and culinary scene. Walk through the tiny streets to discover art galleries, eateries, and shops. For music, check out the Eden-Tamir Music Centre for live concerts.

To get to Ein Karem from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station, it’s about a 20-minute taxi or 30-minute transit. For transit, take Bus 39 to the Yaffe Nof Light Rail Station and then Bus 28 to En Kerem/KaMa’ayan.

James Ian from  Travel Collecting

Masada, which literally means “fortress” in Hebrew, is a UNESCO World Heritage Center fortress perched atop a 400-meter high mesa in the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea.  Today, it is mostly ruins, but one of the most interesting – and popular – places in Israel to visit.

Its history is fascinating.  King Herod The Great built a fortress with two palaces there in 31CE, with a wall surrounding the entire plateau.

Masada is perhaps most famous, however, for a legendary siege by the Romans in 73CE.  They built an enormous ramp from the desert floor to the top of the plateau and ten used a battering ramp to breach the fortress walls.  When they entered, they discovered that the entire place was ablaze and all 960 Jewish residents had committed mass suicide to avoid capture.  Although this account has been called into question by modern historians, it makes a great story.

Masada is open daily.  It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Jerusalem or a 2-hour drive from Tel Aviv.  On arrival, there are three ways to get to the top of the plateau.  The easiest is to take a cable car.  However, if you prefer to hike, you can take the easier assault ramp or the winding snake path.

Once there, places to visit include the northern and western palaces, the bathhouse, synagogue, and Byzantine church.  Don’t miss the interesting on-site museum. In peak season (March-October), there is a sound and light show on Tuesday and Thursday that is worth seeing.

Zichron Yaakov, One of The Beautiful Places in Israel

By Dave from Silverbackpacker

The historic small town of Zikhron Ya’akov (meaning In Memory of Jacob), lies midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. It was founded in December 1882 by Baron Edmond James de Rothschild and named after his father. Jewish pioneers from Moldova were the first inhabitants of “Zichron” as it is now affectionately known.

As one of the most beautiful places in Israel, the town attracts many tourists to its picturesque setting and historical center. The main street (Derek Hayayin) was restored in the 1990s to reflect its original French-influenced architecture and is full of cafes, boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Zichron is a good place to visit for all the family. Some interesting landmarks to explore are the Ohel Ya’akov Synagogue opened in 1886 and has conducted daily prayer services continuously to this day.

The first winery in Israel, Carmel-Mizrahi Winery, was established there in 1885 and still produces wine today. There are daily tours where you can enjoy some wine tasting too.

Ganei HaNadiv (Ramat HaNadiv) whose gardens have an abundance of stunning vegetation, rest areas, and picnic areas. Suitable for a trip with children. There are spectacular views of mountains in the east and on the west views to the sea. The gardens are a memorial site to Baron Edmund de Rothschild and his wife, whose remains were brought to Israel in 1954.

Tut Neyar, a paper mill making handmade paper. You can even participate in one of the galleries’ paper-making workshops.

Beit Aharonson or NILI Museum was the base for a First World War spy ring. The museum is well worth a visit.

Zichron Yaacov still retains the same charm it had 140 years ago despite an increased population. The best time to visit is during weekdays as weekends do tend to become busy with a large influx of visitors to the town.

By Victoria Heinz of Guide Your Travel

Haifa is a port city in the north of Israel, about 62 miles (100 kilometers) from Tel-Aviv. Considered one of the best cities to visit in Israel, it is known for its perfectly landscaped Hanging Gardens of Baha’i and the Shrine of the Bab with its golden dome in its center.

At the foot of the Hanging Gardens is the German Colony with many stores, pubs, and restaurants in 19th-century buildings. The cable car in Haifa is the best way to go up the steep hill to the Carmelite monastery Stella Maris and admire the panoramic view of the city at the same time.

The monastery, built in 1836, cannot be visited, but a viewing platform highlights photographers at the top of the hill. In Haifa, there are two main beaches that invite you to whine. Bat Galim Beach is especially popular with windsurfers or kiteboarders. Also, for not-so-experienced water sports fans, courses and equipment are offered.

At Hof HaCarmel beach, you will find many families spending a relaxing day with their children. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent at both beaches for a small fee. You should also not miss exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site Beit Shearim. Most of the excavated ruins date back to the 2nd century BC. It is located about 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) outside Haifa but is easily accessible by car or cab.

Akko, One of The Most Beautiful Places in Israel

By Mal from Raw Mal Roams

Akko is a picturesque coastal city situated 90 minutes drive north of Tel Aviv and is one of the most beautiful places in Israel. The city of Akko is famous for its rich heritage and interesting history dating back all the way to the Early Bronze Age with significant influences from the Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders, and the British.

History enthusiasts will be delighted to explore Akko’s old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the city walls, take in some fantastic views over the Mediterranean Sea, and watch the local fishermen going about their daily life. Don’t forget to see the famous spot where the local kids jump into the sea.

You can also take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. Follow the underground secret templar tunnel built during the Crusades. It connects the fortress and leads to the beach.

A visit to Akko would not be complete without exploring the Old Bazar that is teaming with life, colors, and scents of different foods. Try some local food, including the yummy hummus with warm pitta bread at the famous Hummus Said and various homemade treats! And to end the day well, gorge on fresh seafood in one of the local restaurants.

Nimrod Castle

By Jonny of Guide To Castles

Nimrod Castle is one of the oldest fortresses in Israel and is scenically located by Mount Hermon with views onto the spectacular Golan Heights.

It was a very strategically placed castle of the Crusades time period, although it was not a Crusaders castle, as it guarded an important route from the west to Damascus. In fact, it is the largest castle in Israel from medieval times.

Today it’s in a ruined state as after being abandoned during the 16th-century it fell into disrepair. However, some reconstruction work has been done and when visiting you can see those areas as well as other excavated places.

The history and architecture of the castle make it worth a visit but the location also makes it a great place for a walk and to enjoy the surrounding nature. Banias forest is just below the castle and has rivers and waterfalls to explore.

You can drive nearby to the castle and then walk up from the main road. Plan at least a half-day trip to enjoy the castle and the forest. This is one of the more remote and beautiful parts of Israel to visit. Bring a picnic and drinks to enjoy by the castle or in the forest area when there.

The Dead Sea

By Haley of Haley Blackall Travels

Running north to south between the Jordan and Israel border is the Dead Sea. This lake is the lower point on earth and is surrounded by the expansive Negev Desert. It’s one of the most popular and best places to visit in Israel, receiving millions of tourists every year.

Named after the Hebrew word Yam Ha-Melakh, meaning the Sea of Salt, the Dead Sea boasts high salt levels, known to have many healing and medicinal properties. Due to the salty waters, fish and marine life cannot survive, resulting in its name, the Dead Sea.

Originally a long bay of the Mediterranean Sea, the Dead Sea was formed by lifts in the tectonic plates to the west about 3 million years ago, separating the lake from the Mediterranean.

Due to its popularity with locals and foreigners alike, the Dead Sea is visited year-round for a very special experience. Applying a body mask with the mineral mud of the lake is considered healing. Because of salt content is so high, visitors can also float very easily in its waters.

Beaches, such as Ein Gedi Beach line the coastline with resorts and hotels on offer for relaxing stays. If adventure is more to your liking, climb the hill or take the cable car to the ancient fortress and UNESCO world heritage site, Masada. Here you will find epic views of the Dead Sea at sunrise.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

by Shelley of  Travel To Merida

For anyone planning to visit Jerusalem, Masada or the Dead Sea, don’t pass up the chance to stop at the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve in the city of Ein Gedi, Israel. This is one of the most visited and most beautiful natural places in all of Israel.

Ein Gedi, which means “spirit of the kid,” is a picturesque desert oasis, complete with waterfalls, hiking trails, botanical gardens, and more. It is very popular with locals, especially on weekends, and definitely one of the best kept secrets for visitors.

Among the best things to do in Ein Gedi, you won’t want to miss the Dry Fall Window, which offers a nice view to the Dead Sea from the inside of a slot canyon. The David Waterfall is another nice spot to relax, though the water is often quite cold to swim in, but you can get in if you’d like.

The Ein Gedi Kibbutz keeps up with the botanical gardens, so they are always worth visiting to see the beautiful desert flowers and plants. The hiking trails are divided into the Upper Section and Lower Section, and if you head to the upper part, you’ll probably see some of the Nubian Ibex herd that call Ein Gedi home.

After visiting the park, you can head to the Ein Gedi Spa and Hot Springs and Ein Gedi Beach. Both are located not far from the nature reserve, as well as the Qumran Caves  in  Qumran National Park.

Pedro has travelled to almost 120 countries and has made his nest in London. He has also lived in Spain, Australia, the US, Georgia and Turkey. A former hotel management professional, he loves exploring local cultures, is now learning his 8th language and has a soft spot for the Middle East and the CIS countries.

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9 of the best places to visit in Israel

Few countries embody the passage of history as much as Israel does. A melting pot of cultures and religions, Israel is an ancient country that has seen numerous rulers and empires rise and fall over the centuries. Today, Israel is a fascinating destination that is at once a vibrant, cosmopolitan country — and one steeped in rich, intricate history.

Our friends at Scott Dunn have helped put together a list of the top 10 best places to visit in Israel for us to share with our community. So without further ado, let’s jump straight into it.

READ MORE : Find out which city in Israel makes our list of the the hottest places on Earth

The best time to visit Israel is from September to November, during this time, the blistering summer heat tapers off, mellowing to a pleasant autumnal warmth during the daytime.

For first-time travellers to Israel

The jaffa in tel aviv.

Given how captivating and complex Israel is, it can be a daunting destination to plan a trip to for first-time travellers. But there remain several perennial highlights to experience. Begin in the ancient port city of Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s oldest region, where you’ll make your base at The Jaffa, a former 19th-century monastery that has been transformed into a slick, upscale retreat.

A private guided tour will enlighten you on the key landmarks originating from various empires and eras — including those from ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Ottoman Empire — scattered about the city. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Israel.

The Dead Sea is one of the best places to visit in Israel

Journey further south towards the famed Dead Sea, where you can swim past incredible salt crystal formations — and where you can indulge in a gourmet lunch prepared for you on the shore.

The Tower of David, and the Dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem

The tawny-coloured streets of Jerusalem and its convivial atmosphere belie its expansive history. After immersing yourself in some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks — such as the Dome of the Rock and the Wailing Wall — continue your exploration by visiting the lesser-travelled area of Mount Zion.

Located just outside the Old City walls, it houses three major sites: The Tomb of King David — a fascinating combination of Byzantine and late Roman-era Synagogue architecture — the Room of the Last Supper, and the Church of the Dormition.

The famed Shuk, the city’s largest market

Of course, no journey to Israel is complete without indulging in its cuisine, including its much-vaunted coffee culture. Travellers should also explore Jerusalem’s largest open-air market: The Mahane Yehuda market — or the ‘Shuk’, as the locals affectionately call it — is widely regarded as the heart of the city.

Near the historic market lies Machneyuda, one of Jerusalem’s hottest restaurants among locals and food critics alike. This upscale restaurant boasts modern Middle Eastern cuisine in a wonderfully bustling atmosphere. It is also notoriously difficult to secure a booking here, and is also closed on Shabbat, making a meal here even more prized.

For those who love experiences, it is one of the best places to visit in Israel.

For travellers who love history

Reflect on the passage of time in the ancient city of beit she’an.

For history buffs, Israel is a destination like no other. One of Israel’s oldest cities, Beit She’an, is often overlooked by tourists but has played an important role in history due to its strategic location between the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley. The city holds some of the Middle East’s most well-preserved ruins: Here, you can relive some of ancient Rome’s most glorious structures.

Take a walk through the historic walled port city of Acre

Other must-visits include Acre, a harbour city that holds claim to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth. Most famously, Acre was the last city held by the Crusaders in the 13th century: Retrace their footsteps in the impressive underground Crusader City, an interconnecting network of passages, tunnels and chambers.

For the adventurers

Beit guvrin-maresha national park.

Beyond its metropolitan cities and ancient sites, Israel is also home to a wealth of natural wonders that are as breathtaking as they are surreal.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park has a labyrinthine system of caves and underground passageways that lead to Sidonian burial caves and Roman amphitheatres. Be warned, some caves need to be crawled through, making this an experience recommended only for the truly adventurous.

The Negev desert

Outside Jerusalem lies the ethereal Negev Desert. Covering over half of Israel’s total land area, the Negev is a region bursting with hidden secrets and stunning landscapes. You must see the world’s largest erosion cirque, the Ramon Crater, which offers amazing views and is a sight to behold.

Explore the desert’s largest wadi, Zin Valley

It would be a shame not to jeep safari across the desert’s largest wadi, Zin Valley, a vast expanse of dry river beds and towering canyons carved by the miraculous waters of the Ein Avdat spring: Appearing like a mirage in the bone-dry desert, the Ein Avdat is a marvel to behold, giving life to an abundance of flora and fauna in the area.

To underscore the mythical beauty of the desert, continue on to Israel’s famed desert wineries, which goes well with the local Negev goat cheese.

Come nightfall, a professional astronomer will host an intimate stargazing experience on the desert dunes themselves. Be regaled by tales of mythological heroes and legends as you absorb the wonders of the sprawling night sky with a telescope, warmed by the heat of a bonfire.

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10 Must-See Places in Israel

I have to begin by saying that I don’t like these kinds of ‘Must See’ lists.

Because there is no must-see.

It’s your vacation; you can do whatever you want.

You can come in winter and stay a whole week under the warm desert sun or just stick to  Jerusalem  and dive into the never-ending history of the city.

But for those of you who are starting to plan your trip to Israel and want to know what Israel’s main sites are, this post will let you get a quick idea of what Israel has to offer. Let’s begin.

Must see #1 The Old City of Jerusalem

Without a doubt, this is the most important site in Israel. If you were to write a list of the ten most important places on earth, the Old City of Jerusalem would be on that list. The Old City of Jerusalem is tiny – just one square kilometer.

In this square kilometer you will find the  Wailing Wall , the  Church of the Holy Sepulchre  – the place where Jesus was crucified and buried, the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. On top of that, there are at least fifty churches, chapels, and monasteries within these walls. There is no other place in the world that contains so many holy sites. But beyond the city’s sacred sites, there are also a lot of historical and cultural things to see.

Must see #2 Masada

Masada  is located in the Judaean Desert. It’s one of my favorite places in Israel. And not only mine. Masada is Israel’s most visited pay-to-enter site, and with good reason.  The views are beautiful, the Dead Sea is nearby, and the story of the people who lived in Masada is connected to one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Land of Israel – the Roman era 2,000 years ago. During that time the Jews slowly lost their independence, Christianity was born, the Jews rebelled, the Temple was destroyed and then came the battle of Masada, which was the last chapter of this drama.

Must see #3 The Dead Sea

You can read about Jerusalem or Masada on the internet, but floating in the  Dead Sea  is an experience that you won’t find anywhere else. I just love it. I think I’m the only tour guide who goes in to the Dead Sea every time he’s there.

One major advantage of the Dead Sea is that, being the lowest place in the world, it has an extra 400 meters’ worth of air to filter radiation, making it the least dangerous place you can sunbathe.

Must see #4 Tel Aviv

The first thing you notice about  Tel Aviv  is that it’s not Jerusalem. Nowhere else will you find two cities that are so geographically close – only 60 kilometers (37 miles) apart – yet so different from one another.

But Tel Aviv isn’t just the antithesis of Jerusalem. Tel Aviv represents the modern, liberal, western-world-oriented side of Israel. And there is a lot to do and see – the beaches, old Jaffa, Neve Tzedek, Sharona, and much more.

Must see #5 Haifa

The two main attractions in Haifa are of course the beautiful Bahia Gardens and the German colony, which are definitely worth seeing, but I added Haifa because many independent travelers say that they want to see real local life beyond the more touristy places.

I think that Haifa is a good place to experience that. Jerusalem is very religious, Tel Aviv is full of hipsters, and Haifa is just a normal Israeli city, but normal in the good, slightly boring way.

Must see #6 Nazareth

Most of the tourists who visit Nazareth do so because it has Christian significance, and they visit the Church of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of Jesus. But I recommend staying a night there.

Nazareth is the biggest Arab city in Israel and a good place to experience a side of Israel that you won’t see in the big cities where Jews form the majority.

Must see #7 The markets

Israel is much more than just holy sites and lots of history. The people make Israel what it is. The thing is, if you go to all the historical and religious sites, you won’t come across any locals. In general, Israelis don’t spend their free time in Masada or in the churches… the place to find Israelis, and enjoy good food, is the markets.

Something good has been happening to the markets in the last couple of years. Markets like Machne Yehuda in Jerusalem or Suck HaCarmel in Tel Aviv used to be nothing more than places where Israelis bought fruit and vegetables, but now they also have good places to eat and at night there are bars and a really good atmosphere.

Must see #8 The Negev

the desert. The Negev covers half of Israel. There are a lot of amazing places to see – Sde boker, mitzpe Ramon – right on the cliff of the creator, Timna, the Eilat mointains, and many other places that I’ll write about on my site in the months to come.

Another reason I like to recommend the desert is that travelers tend to only think about the sight they want to visit and not the place they’re coming from. If you’re coming to Israel from Europe or the U.S and you are coming in winter – between October and March, you are probably coming from countries with very low temperatures. The desert is nice and warm. Around 20-25°C, or 70°F.  And so if you  are  coming in winter, be sure to stay in the desert for a while.

Must see #9 The Israel Museum

Because we have to have one museum on the list and this is by far the most important museum in Israel.

There is so much to see – the shrine of the Books, which holds the oldest Bible books and scrolls in the world, a great archeological part, a lot of Israeli and Jewish art, masterpieces from all over the world and a section that is dedicated to youth. I highly recommend joining the free tours that the museum offers, because it’s very easy to get lost in all there is to see.

Guided tours in the museum

Must see #10

The last place on my list is a place you’ll visit without even intending to, a place that you will go through whether you like it or not. You will even visit it not once, but twice, and I’m talking about Ben Gurion Airport.

It is on my list for two reasons – the first is that you can learn and experience a lot not only from visiting museums and holy sites, but also from the most trivial things, and you can certainly learn a lot about the Israelis from visiting the airport (if you want to find out more about it,  click here ). And the second thing is that the most extraordinary experiences, the ones travelers tend to remember, are not the sites themselves.

As a tour guide who talks to thousands of travelers, I can honestly say that I almost never hear travelers saying that the Wailing Wall or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was the highlight of their tour. It is almost always stories that involve other people, or experiences travelers had on the road, or something that happened in a restaurant or a hotel or just on the street, and not the sights they visited. And so here we come full circle.

There is no must-see. It is important to plan your trip, and my videos and website are all about helping you do that, but you shouldn’t just follow a checklist. So my number 10 is the airport, where you will start your Israeli experience.

Order my 3 booklets  – Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Masada – from me directly for 19€ right now and get the PDF and EPUB version for free! Or buy the PDF or EPUB for 9.90€.  Check out all of my merch . The booklets are also available on  Amazon .

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The 10 Best Historic Sites in Israel

An country with a diverse religious, cultural, and political history, israel is home to a number of striking sites which are essential for any visitor wanting to understand the rich history of the area. here's our pick of 10 which you shouldn't miss..

Lucy Davidson

15 sep 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

The land that is now modern Israel has been the meeting place of religions, empires, and cultures since time immemorial. Indeed, it’s hard to find a destination with a richer history.

From the ancient city of Jerusalem and the old ports of Jaffa and Acre through to the country’s excellent modern museums, there are so many incredible tourist attractions in Israel that it’s hard to know where to start. If you’re seeking inspiration our selection of the top ten sights in Israel will set you on your way. We’ve included some of the most famous attractions in the country as well as a few fantastic places you may not know.

What are the best Historic Sites in Israel?

1. Caesarea

Caesarea or “Keysarya” was an Ancient Roman city which is now a large archaeological site in Israel. It was King Herod the Great who named the city Caesarea – after Augustus Caesar – and who endowed it with the majority of its great public buildings, infrastructure and monuments from 22 BC.

Today, Caesarea offers so much to see, including a large amphitheatre overlooking the ocean and an extensive labyrinth of ruins. Some of the most imposing remains at Caesarea are its Crusader fortifications.

2. Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem in Jerusalem is a museum and a memorial of the Holocaust, in which over six million Jews, and at least five million from other ethnic groups, were murdered in an act of genocide perpetrated by the Nazis. Beginning with the persecution of the Jews in Germany in 1933, the Nazis began a campaign in which Jews and other social and ethnic groups were taken into forced labour and extermination camps, suffering torture, intolerable conditions and mass executions.

Through exhibits including photographs, victims’ accounts, art installations, and information panels, Yad Vashem offers a moving – and harrowing – account of the events of the Holocaust.

The fortress of Masada, which rises majestically above the Dead Sea, was originally built in 150BC. The original structure was renovated by Herod the Great in 43BC in order to improve its capacity to withstand drawn-out sieges. In 66AD, Masada was the site of the last stand of the Jewish Zealots against the Romans after they had fled Jerusalem. Today the site clearly marks out the passage of the siege. Visitors can see the archeological remains of the fortress and those of the surrounding Roman camps.

The site, which has a breathtaking view of the area, is regularly walked in the early hours of the morning in order for visitors to witness the rising of the sun. Visitors can view a wealth of ruins at Masada, a sound and light show telling the story of the siege as well as visiting the new Masada Museum.

4. Rabin Square

Rabin Square (Kikar Rabin) is a large public plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel. Formerly called Israel Kings’ Square, it was renamed Rabin Square after Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated there in 1995. The assassination of Prime Minister Rabin took place on 4 November of that year during a peace rally just after he had given a speech. This speech is now engraved at the top of the stairs at Rabin Square in Hebrew, English, and Arabic.

Today Rabin Square has a memorial to Yitzhak Rabin and still bears much of the pro-peace graffiti which was created following his death. Centrally located in Tel Aviv, Rabin Square still serves as a popular spot for demonstrations, peace rallies, exhibitions and public gatherings; however, on most days it looks like a typical city plaza. It is also neighboured by City Hall as well as several main streets.

Avdat or “Ovdat” is an archaeological site in Israel which houses the pretty remains of an ancient Nabatean city later inhabited by the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Arabs. It initially formed part of the trading route known as the Incense Route which ran from the Mediterranean to south Arabia and which peaked from the 3rd to the 2nd centuries BC. The main commodities along this route were frankincense, myrrh, and spices.

In addition to well-preserved fortifications, the ruins at Avdat include a caravanserai, homes, a Roman military camp, fourth century churches, a street, and a bathhouse. Many of the ruins are Roman, but the Nabatean influence can still be seen, including the ruin of a temple. Today, Avdat is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as one of four Desert Cities of the Incense Route.

6. The Western Wall

The Western Wall is the sole remaining part of a wall of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. This temple, which stood from 516 BC, was the holiest of Jewish sites and was destroyed by the Romans led by Titus in 70 AD, with the Western Wall being one of very few surviving remnants.

Today, the Western Wall is the holiest of Jewish sites, always surrounded by worshippers, many of whom place prayers in its crevices. While the lower half of what can now be seen dates to the time of Herod, the upper parts of the Wall were added in the seventh century AD. In addition to the external part of the Western Wall, visitors can also enter the Western Wall Tunnels, which show the extended parts of the structure.

Arsuf, also known as Apollonia, contains the remains of an ancient settlement on the Israeli coast that has stood for over 1,000 years. Arsuf is best known for the remains of a once-mighty Crusader castle which was once home to the Knights Hospitaller, but the site also contains remnants from the many other civilisations that have occupied the area.

Today, Arsuf has been excavated and is now Apollonia National Park. Visitors can see the remains of the Crusader fortress, including evidence from the final battle. The clifftop setting and impressive defensive moat bring to life the scale and drama of the once-mighty castle. Also on show are the remains of a Roman villa, which highlights the diverse nature of the settlement at Arsuf.

8. Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock is one of the world’s most famous holy sites. Not only is its iconic golden dome an integral part of the Jerusalem landscape, but the Dome of the Rock and its location are of great significance to Muslims and Jews. The building of the Dome of Rock is considered the oldest existing Islamic structure, having been completed in 691 during the Umayyad Dynasty. The site chosen for its construction is believed by Muslims to have been that of the Prophet Muhammad’s ascent to heaven.  Despite being open for prayers, the Dome of the Rock is not a mosque but rather a shrine.

The name “Dome of the Rock” alludes to a further reason for its religious significance and is derived from what lays within its walls .The dome houses what Jews believe is the Foundation Stone, the site where Abraham (Ibrahim) was to sacrifice his son Isaac. The stone has a piercing which leads into a cave which also houses two shrines. Moreover the rock has two imprints, one of which is said to belong to the Prophet and the other to the angel Gabriel. In the 16th century Suleiman the Magnificent amongst his various architectural renovations added to the blue and green marble the texts and patterns which are on the walls of the Dome of the Rock today. The interior of the dome, which is only accessible to Muslims, is said to be equally lavish.

9. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is holiest site in Christianity due the fact that it encompasses what are thought to be the last five stations travelled through by Christ, ending in his crucifixion. Built in 325/6AD by Roman Emperor Constantine I (the first such emperor to convert to Christianity), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located on what many Christians believe to be Golgotha/The Hill of Cavalry, where Christ is said to have been crucified and later resurrected. It derives its name – Sepulchre, meaning the tomb- from the belief that it is the site of Jesus’ burial.

The sepulchre, the burial place of Jesus, is at the core of the church whilst the other four stations are clustered in The Hill of Cavalry. The décor of this section of the church is noticeably more opulent is believed to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. At present the building itself is controlled by six Christian churches – the division of the site can be traced from the 11th century, and was solidified by the Ottomans in 1767. Since 1981, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls.

10. Beit She’an

The ancient city of Beit She’an in the northern Jordan Valley is an immensely impressive archaeological site with remains dating back mostly to the Roman and Byzantine period. The site itself has an extensive history dating back to around the fifth millennium BC and was a significant settlement by the Bronze Age period. During the Late Bronze Age, when the Egyptians ruled the area, Beit She’an served as the administrative centre of the region.

The city continued to function after the 7th century Arab conquest, despite seeing a decline in its prominence and size. However, it was not war or man-made destruction which signalled the end of Beit She’an, rather a major earthquake which struck the region in 749 AD and devastated the city. There were subsequent periods of occupation after this event – including a period of Crusader rule which saw the construction of a Crusader castle – but the ancient city itself fell into ruin.

Dedicated to bringing you captivating stories, bucket list destinations, and off the beaten track experiences from near and far. 

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Inspiration

Middle east, latin america, north america, 10 beautiful places to visit in israel, destination guides.

Photos in collaboration with Quin Schrock

I’ve always wanted to travel to the Middle East. And not just because the region is brimming with foreign mystique. But because it’s part of who I am. Only a couple of generations ago, my mom’s grandfather and young bride packed up all their belongings and moved from Lebanon to a small town in California. They arrived with a baby in tow, promptly opened a clothing store, and proceeded to assimilate as fast as possible.

English was the only language allowed in the house, and by the time my grandmother was born (5 kids later), a few favorite recipes were the only things still tethering them to the distant land they had left behind. I understand why they felt compelled to leave their past on the other side of the world. Nonetheless, I always felt an inexplicable sense of loss for something I never had. A desire to return to a place I’d never actually been.

I understand that Israel is not Lebanon. And I’m not trying to equate the two. I know that to do so would be to ignore a long, complicated, and often contentious history. I simply wanted to give some context to my first trip to the Middle East. It was a long time coming, and having gotten a taste, I sincerely hope that I can return to explore more of the region someday.

Now for some logistics, answers to common questions I received about the trip, and of course, some super beautiful places to visit in Israel. Happy Travels!

Navigating one of a few small ladders in the Red Canyon.

Is israel safe.

If you live in the United States, then any mention of travel to the Middle East (regardless of the specific country), is generally met with at least some level of concern. However, after some research, and my own personal experience, I feel confident saying that travel to Israel should be considered relatively safe.

Does that mean that nothing bad could happen? Absolutely not. Bad things happen everywhere. And yes, there is a remote threat of terrorism in Israel – just as there is throughout the western world. Keep in mind that Israel has one of the most sophisticated military intelligence services in the world. There is relatively prominent military and police presence almost everywhere you go. And security at the airports and many major tourist destinations (like the Old City in Jerusalem) were some of the most stringent I’ve ever encountered. In fact, I was interrogated twice! I realize that might all sound intimidating, but it was actually very comforting. In general, I felt safer traveling around Israel than almost anywhere else in the world that I’ve been.

At the time of writing, the U.S. Department of State travel advisory ranked Israel as a “2,” recommending visitors use increased caution due to terrorism. A “2” is actually a relatively low danger ranking. To put things in perspective, other countries generally warn their citizens to use caution when planning travel to the United States due to similar concerns.

Floating in the Dead Sea in Ein Bokek, Israel.

Should you rent a car in israel.

The best way to travel in Israel depends a little on what you are interested in doing while you are there. If you are planning on staying primarily in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, then you might be able to get away with public transportation, rideshare options, and just walking. We spent two days in Jerusalem, and we found that it was relatively easy to walk anywhere we wanted. Moreover, the traffic was so horrendous most of the time, that we were often walking faster than traffic was moving. BUT…. if you want to cover a lot of ground, and visit more than just the major sites, then the best way to travel around Israel is definitely by renting a car.

Driving around Israel was simple, and honestly didn’t feel any different than driving around the United States. We relied on Google Maps to get us around, and for the most part that worked relatively well (but make sure to download offline maps). Parking was pretty easy everywhere we went outside the cities, and I wouldn’t trade the flexibility of having our own car for anything. If you are interested in photography, then you know that being able to show up to locations at sunrise, stay as long as you need, and leave after sunset is essential. And if you’re on guided tours, that simply won’t be an option.

Do You Need An International Drivers Permit?

If your primary driver’s license is from an English speaking country, then you’re good to go; that’s the only document you will need to rent a car in Israel. But if you’re from a non-English speaking country, you’ll need to secure an International Drivers Permit before your arrival in Israel. Make sure to also bring your driver’s license from home. You will need both!

What’s The Deal With Car Rental Insurance in Israel?

One expense that a lot of people don’t anticipate when traveling to Israel is car insurance. Israel requires that anyone renting a car in the country carry three, yes THREE, different types of coverage: theft protection (T.P.), collision damage waiver (CDW), and 3rd party liability (3PLC).

Luckily, some travel-oriented credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card that I carry will cover T.P. and CDW insurance. However, not all credit cards offer rental car coverage in Israel, so make sure to contact your credit provider before you leave for your trip. While you’re at it, have them send you a letter of coverage. You will need to present the letter when you pick up your car.

While some credit cards cover CDW and T.P. in Israel, you’ll still be required to purchase 3PLC. There’s no getting around that! 3PLC covers tire blowout, vandalism, tire, and rim damage that are not caused by theft or vehicle collision. Expect to pay around $15-20USD a day for 3PLC.

How To Get Gas In Israel

Okay, so you would think this would be a relatively low cognition, intuitive activity, but we had a hell of a time filling up our gas. Gas stations were easy to find. But it’s surprisingly hard to pump gas when you don’t read Hebrew. Many of the pumps require that you enter either a passport number or even your social security number before filling up. In the end, we had to ask for assistance every time we needed gas – and while people weren’t overly friendly about it, they did help. As it turns out, you can actually put any sequence of random numbers in, and that will do the trick. So don’t worry about sharing any sensitive information!

Can You Travel To Other Countries in Your Rental Car?

Taking your rental car into any bordering country is a hard NO. That also includes the West Bank. There are many political and safety reasons for this rule. Needless to say, they are far too complicated to tackle in this travel blog.  But from a liability standpoint, your car insurance will be voided the minute you leave Israel, so just don’t do it.

Just outside The Last Supper Room. Found this spot thanks to our friends at Walk My World .

What to wear in israel.

I’ve never felt like I needed to research what type of clothes to pack for a trip before. But considering this was my first trip to the Middle East I thought it might be a little different, and that maybe I should pack more conservative clothing than I usually would. I was planning on being in a lot of photographs, so I wanted to strike a good balance between fashionable and culturally sensitive. As I researched what to pack, site after site insisted that women’s fusion in Israel was the same as in any western country – suggesting that I didn’t need to worry about it. And for the most part, that was entirely true.

EXCEPT IN JERUSALEM.

As we traveled around Israel, I saw women wearing everything from cut-off jean shorts, to tank-tops, and itty bitty bikinis. But as soon as we crossed into Jerusalem, I wished that I had packed at least one much more conservative outfit. Of course, we did accidentally enter the city by driving straight through an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in the middle of Shabbat. . . sooo that was a somewhat awkward introduction. In the end I had a long sleeve shirt and a long skirt, so I made it work.

Now I know, that there are pretty strict attire rules (especially for women) that you should follow if you are planning on visiting the Old City of Jerusalem. As a general rule, women should wear dresses or skirts (NOT PANTS), that cover the collar bones, knees, and elbows. But having been there, I would say that even outside the Old City, I felt much more comfortable erring on the side of modesty.

Okay, now that we have gotten through all the logistics, let’s get to the good stuff! Given how relatively small the country is, I was shocked by the diversity of landscapes. We explored slot canyons similar to the ones found in the American Southwest, drove by vineyards that resembled those in Northern California, and wandered through cities with unrivaled historical clout.

1. The Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea. Couldn’t leave without getting the classic news paper photo!

You know when you go somewhere, and it’s almost uncanny how much it resembles somewhere else that you’ve been? Well, the Dead Sea is not that place!

First off, fun little fact – The Dead Sea is not actually a sea. It’s a lake! It’s also the lowest place on earth (well at least dry earth) with its banks up to 400m below sea level at points and is famous for its extremely saline water and mineral-rich mud, both of which make it a popular health and wellness resort destination.

I’d like to preface this next part by saying that I totally think The Dead Sea is one of the most beautiful places in Israel and deserves its spot on your bucket list. But I also feel a responsibility to manage expectations here, because

The Dead Sea was not precisely what I envisioned it would be.

First, the landscape is STARK. Second, the beaches are nothing to write home about. Third, because The Dead Sea is so salty, there are a lot of things about it that are actually pretty uncomfortable (painful). Getting the water in your eyes, or any cuts will STING. In fact, just being in the water for an extended period will start to sting. Luckily none of that matters as long as you move slowly, wear water shoes, and keep your head above water at all times!

Logistics : Our main reason for visiting the Dead Sea in Israel was to photograph the Dead Sea Tree. For that reason, we chose Ein Bokek as our base. There’s not much to Ein Bokek, just a bunch of high-rise hotels, a McDonalds, and a mall. Nonetheless, it had everything we needed (including the Dead Sea Tree)! You can enter the Dead Sea from pretty much any point in town (it all pretty much looks the same), to take the quintessential floating in the Dead Sea photos.

You can also take a tour for a more relaxing way to enjoy the Dead Sea .

2. The Dead Sea Tree

Unique salt formations in the Dead Sea. This one is famous for the tree that lives on the small salt island.

As I mentioned, one of our primary reasons for heading to the Dead Sea was to scout and hopefully photograph the Dead Sea Tree. Surprisingly it really wasn’t that hard to find, and Quin actually spotted it from the highway as we drove into town.

So does the Dead Sea Tree prove that the Dead Sea can actually sustain life after all? Not exactly. As some of you might have guessed, the tree is not the miracle of life it might at first appear to be. It was actually planted out on the salt island by a local, who aptly named the installation ‘Dead Tree in the Sea of Life.’ Apparently, he still paddles out daily to care for it. And that my friends, is the mystery behind the Dead Sea Tree.

UPDATE: I recently heard that some kids cut down the Dead Sea Tree, so there may or may not be a tree out there now. Either way, the salt formaiton is super cool and it’s a fun place to swim out to. 

Logistics : The Dead Sea Tree is located about 100 yards (total guess) off the shore, from the public beach located just to the right of Herods Dead Sea Hotel in Ein Bokek. Last time I checked, it was actually labeled on Google Maps as “Dead Tree Salt Island.” The easiest way to get to the Dead Sea Tree is to park at the Segregated Beach, then walk out as far as possible on the pier/boardwalk. Once you reach the end of the pier, it’s time to swim! While floating in the dead sea is easy peasy, swimming is more deceptively tricky.

The most efficient way to cover ground was to lay on my back and make big careful strokes with my arms

(because again, splashing is a big no-no).

I would say it took between 15-20 minutes to get to the island. There are showers on the beach, which is nice after spending that much time in the water!

To keep our camera gear safe in the water, we used the same waterproof backpack that used while Photographing Lake Tahoe . Except we wore the pack on our fronts. We also took a clean, dry shirt out to the island with us for our hands and eyes (just in case). For more information about the photography gear we use to capture images during our travels check out my photography gear guide .

3. Red Canyon, Eilat

Hiking through Red Canyon in the Eilat Mountains, Israel.

No, it’s not a slot canyon in Utah! But it’s just as pretty. The Red Canyon in the Eilat Mountains is one of Israel’s most popular and easily accessible hiking areas. There are a few different trails through the area, all color-coded by difficulty and length. It was scorching hot when we were there, so we opted to take the most direct (“Green”) trail, and we didn’t feel like we missed much. All of the trails eventually take you through the slot canyon – which is the highlight of the area, and was our primary objective.

Logistics : The Red Canyon is an easy 20-minute drive from the center of Eilat. There is a large parking area, with information about the trail, as well as a park employing who will provide you with a map, and answer any questions you have. The desert is HOT, so make sure to pack plenty of water with you, and get there early in the day if possible. Also, pay attention to the weather forecast, flash floods are a real danger in this area.

4. Wadi Arugot, Ein Gedi (Hidden Falls)

Wadi Arugot in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel.

Wadi Arugot in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve was my favorite hike in Israel. It was suggested to us as an excellent alternative to the much more popular (and crowded) Wadi David hike. And I’m sure glad we took the advice because the pools, streams, and waterfalls at Wadi Arugot were gorgeous.

The Wadi Arugot trail winds its way through a beautiful canyon that terminates at a lovely upper oasis. There is a blue (lower) trail and a red (upper) trail through the Canyon (although they only actually diverge at a couple spots). The blue trail is slightly longer and will take you to the Hidden Waterfall, and through a few streams, and pools before merging again with the red trail. The water obstacles are particularly appealing on hot days (which I’m pretty sure is every day). Whether you choose the blue or the red trail, make sure to continue past the waterfall to the Upper Pool. It’s the cherry on top of this fantastic area.

Logistics : Ein Gedi is a national park, so you will find facilities, maps, park rangers, and a fee station at the Wadi Arugot trailhead. Wadi Arugot has it’s own parking lot, about five minutes past the main Ein Gedi parking at Wadi David. If you park at Wadi David, you will have to walk an additional 20 minutes.

I would describe this trail as easy, although the oppressive heat does add an element of difficulty. Due to our schedule, we ended up doing the hike in the middle of the day, but ideally, you would get there early. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water!

You can also book a tour that includes a stop here if you feel more comfortable this way .

5. Old City Jerusalem

Photo taken on one of the allies off Lion’s Gate Street in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. But perhaps more importantly, it’s one of the most spiritually significant locations for three of the world’s largest faith groups – Muslim, Christian, and Jewish. So it’s pretty fair to say that there is nowhere else like it.

There are a ton of great blog posts dedicated just to information about Jerusalem and the Old City, so I won’t try and reproduce that here. In those blogs, you’ll learn about all the important religious and historical sites to visit, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Western Wall, and the Dome of Rock. But for me, the best part about the Old City was just allowing myself to wander aimlessly through the tangle of streets, markets, and cultures. And the thing is, by spending the day walking around, I ended up seeing all those significant landmarks without even really trying.

Logistics : The Old City is divided into four quarters – Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. Each has its own gated entrance, and in many cases, security, but it’s not difficult to get from one to the other. While it’s very possible to explore the Old City of Jerusalem on your own (that’s what we did), it is the one location where I really wish we would have hired a guide . Not because I was worried about getting lost (I rather liked getting lost), but because I would have loved to learn more about all the various historical sites. I have no doubt that a guide would have made this infinitely interesting city even more rewarding.

6. Mount of Olives Viewpoint, Jerusalem

Mount of Olives Viewpoint up above the Old City of Jerusalem.

Mount of Olives Viewpoint is probably one of the most famous views of Jerusalem if not all of Israel and it’s not hard to understand why. It looks out over a large cemetery in the foreground and then to the Old City of Jerusalem, with the iconic gold Dome of Rock dominating the scene. It’s a western facing view, so I’d highly suggest visiting just before sunset for the dreamiest lighting. Although I’m sure it’s beautiful at sunrise as well.

Logistics: The Mount of Olives viewpoint is across the street from the Seven Arches Hotel. You can drive and park right beside it, walk, or take a taxi. We did all three LOL. First, we tried to drive, but traffic was so bad that we didn’t even make it out of the parking lot at our hotel. Then, we tried walking. And we almost made it! But the sun was dipping fast, so we flagged down a taxi, and the driver swiftly deposited us in front of the Seven Arches Hotel. Mount of Olives is not a secret! But it’s an elevated viewpoint, so having other people there really doesn’t impact the view at all.

Book a tour that includes this stop here .

7. Rash Hanikra Caves

Rash Hanikra, Israel.

I’m not sure where to start with Rash Hanikra. Yes, the white cliffs, caves, and grottos were interesting geological features, and the turquoise Mediterranean water along the coast is beautiful. Plus, it was fascinating to see the border with Lebanon only a few meters away (maybe that’s just me). But, HOLY CROWDS! In general, many of the destinations in Israel were far more crowded than I expected, but Rash Hanikra was next level. We are talking about Disney Land next level. Complete with two hour-long lines, a ride in a cable car, screaming kids everywhere, and even some costumed characters wandering around. Not exactly what we were expecting to find when we set out to visit this natural phenomenon.

To be fair, we were there on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Maybe it’s different if you go early, on a weekday, in the rain. If you try it out, let me know!

Logistics : Rosh Hanikra is located at the farthest point north on Israel’s Mediterranean Coastline, right on the border with Lebanon ( tours do include this stop ). There is ample parking, although you might have to walk quite a ways to the main attraction. Once you park, you’ll wait to ride a bus up to the top of the cable car. Then you will have to wait in another line to buy tickets for the cable car (which is apparently the steepest in the world). Tickets were about $13US per adult. After that, you will have to decide if you want to wait in an even longer line to take the cable car down into the caves, or just take the bus back to where you came from and walk into the caves. Once you actually get into the caves, it’s all pretty self-explanatory!

8. Achziv Beach

Israel is home to a number of beautiful beaches.

The best part about visiting Rash Hanikra Caves was stumbling on Achiziv Beach afterward. Just south of Rash Hanikra, you will find the Achziv National Park. This coastal park stretches south for miles along the Mediterranean, and the Achziv Beach is considered one of the best in Israel outside of Tel Aviv. On Achziv Beach, you’ll find a surprising number of amenities, including lifeguards, a café, yurts, and restrooms with showers. It is also possible to stay in the nearby national park campground.

9. Banias Waterfall, The Golan Heights

Banias Waterfall in Israel.

Although the loop trail to Banias Waterfall is short, it’s surprisingly diverse. It starts out on a dry, hot path, it quickly drops down into a cool, lush forest, and eventually takes you to a deck overlooking the picturesque Banias Waterfall. The waterfall and resulting stream shimmer with stunning blue water that ultimately winds its way to the Jordan River.

Logistics : Parking at the trailhead is easy, but you will be required to pay an entrance fee for the Banias Nature Reserve (around $8US). Tours are also available .

10. Still On My Isreal Travel Bucket List

Okay, so the tenth location is actually a few destinations that I didn’t get the chance to visit, and really wish I had. When I was in Israel, I received so many recommendations from people in comments and DMs on Instagram, that I felt compelled to share some of the more popular ones here. These beautiful locations in Israel were suggested over and over again. After a quick google image search, it wasn’t hard to see why!

Snake Path, Masada – Everyone suggested doing this one for sunrise. Unfortunately, that means before the cable car that takes people to this lookout during the day opens. But you know what they say, “nothing worth having comes easy.” Plus, who doesn’t love a 4am wake up call!

Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Eilat – The Red Sea is renowned for its diversity of marine life and world-class snorkeling/diving opportunities. And The Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Eilat is perhaps the easiest way to experience the underwater world in Israel.

Tel Aviv – Admittedly, I’m not much of a city person. But pretty much everyone told me Tel Aviv is an absolute can’t miss! Apparently, it is the perfect combination of beach town, foodie heaven, and history. So I left Israel feeling seriously bummed that I didn’t spend a few days eating my way through the streets. Next time for sure!

It’s clear that there are a few things I would do differently, and a lot of things still left to see in Israel, so I hope life takes me back to that area of the world someday. Here’s to hoping!

Salt islands located just off the shore in Ein Bokek, Israel.

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Firstly, it’s absolutely amazing to hear a bit of your backstory about your family history.

Secondly, I like how you address the safety of Israel first! As that seems to be the thing that condemns most travelers to avoid the country, I don’t know what it’s like in the states but in London and Europe people seem to just wash over Israel as a destination

Moving on to the actual blog itself, once again Jess… you smashed it! So informative! Not just about the travel but also about the counties intelligence as well! You spoke about the sights, the travel, how to get around, what to wear, the fashion and even how to get gas. Fashion I know is a big part of Jerusalem as I know it’s hard for women and also I heard tattoos must be covered?

Your pictures are flawless and you look absolutely beautiful in your outfit in the photo of you outside The Last Supper Room, it looks very cultural! Was that created by you? I also absolutely adore the photo of the Rash Caves.

Very informative and cultural spent blog that does justice to Israel and puts some hope on the countries reputation that people think of it.

Very well done Jess, very proud

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post TJ! I think most people probably just scan through to see the photos (And I don’t blame them!). I’m not sure about the the tattoo part, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that is true. I don’t recall seeing any tattoos now that you mention it. Also, I’m sure the regulations change depending on which holy site you are trying to visit, and which religion it is affiliated with. I know you were sending this from the airport, so I hope you have a safe trip wherever you are headed!

Can I ask how much did you pay for Comprehensive Insurance per day? Thank you for such a detail blog!

Keep traveling!

We actually did not purchase the Comprehensive Insurance, so I’m not sure how much it would cost. Keep in mind that the Comprehensive Insurance is just the Third Party Coverage plus coverage for damages to the vehicle in case of fire, explosion, vandalism, collision, and theft. (I decided to remove that paragraph because I think it actually just made things more complicated!).

My credit card covered the CDW and TP liability, and then we ended up paying around $15USD for the Third Party Coverage per day for an economy car. Hope that helps!

Thank you very much for taking your time answering my questions. One more questions and I won’t bother you anymore, is it ok to travel to Bethlehem with a rental car based on your knowledge? Thank you

It’s my understanding that all major Israeli car rental companies do not insure their cars for travel into the West Bank/Palestinian controlled territories. Therefore driving a rental car into Bethlehem is not possible. I think that the best/easiest/safest way to visit Bethlehem would be to take one of the many tours, hop on a tourist shuttle, or arrange for a private vehicle.

With the rental car, you couldn’t go to Nazareth?

Hi Laura. Insurance coverage is not valid outside the borders of the State of Israel, Tabah and territories of the Palestinian Authority. Nazareth is not located in any of those areas, so you should be fine driving there. But please note that I did not visit Nazareth, so I don’t have any experience with it.

Not a problem, it’s within Israel borders, located in the north part of the country, about 45 minndrive from Haifa and about 1:45 hour drive from Tel Aviv

Hi Jess, I can see the salt islands shot is a drone one. Could you let me know if you guys have come across any difficulties in getting the drone in and out of Israel and also in using it over there. Thanks, Rudolf Ivanka

Hi Rudolf. We did not have any difficulties with the drone at the airport or otherwise. However, like most places there are no fly zones, regulations, and permit requirements depending on what you are doing. So I would definitely recommend doing a google search for up to date information before flying your drone.

I mostly want to know about your black suit in the Dead Sea photos Just saw it on Instagram and I LOVE it!

Thanks so much Elisabeth! It’s the Vitamin A Cosmo Bodysuit. I got it about a year ago, so I’m not sure if they still cary it. . . but you never know. 🙂

Very cool, nicely composed, thanks for the insight(s)!!

Thanks so much for checking it out Gary. Have a great day!

Hi Jess, did you have any problem with the drone ? I read we should contact an aeroclub to ask permission, and probably pay for an insurance. Is it true ? Thanks in advance 🙂

Hi Julie. We did not have any trouble with the drone, but I would recommend reaching out to the Aeroclub to get the latest regulations. Better safe than sorry!

Karl here. just saying hi. Good job on such a well put together website. Have a stellar weekend. Das all. k bai

Aww thanks so much for stopping by Karl! Glad you liked the site. 🙂

Hi Jess! Thank you for such a nice post! How many days would you recommend for Istael?

Hi Su! It really depends on what you would like to do while you are there, but I would recommend about a week. It’s a relatively small country, so you can cover a lot of ground in a relatively short period of time.

Jess, You’re my fav part of IG when I login. Upon Googling images of Finland, I see this site of yours. I absolutely love your photos and adventures. Thank you for sharing ❣️… just WOW

Thank you soooo much Sara! You seriously just made my day. If you are planning a trip to Finland, I hope you have a wonderful time. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 🙂

OMG, My country Palestine, where I’m not allowed to go . Thank you for this to see my beautiful country in your post

This is the best post about travelling in Israel! Very helpful

Thank you so much Irina! That makes me so happy to hear. 🙂

Hello, it’s with pleasure that I read your article in full 🙂 You are one of few with no bias when writing about Israel and I thank you for it. I know Israel very well since I lived there between 1966-1970 and have returned every year because my oldest sister made it her home. I pinned your article on my Israel Board on Pinterest. I’ll come back later to check the rest. Thank you again, Liliane

Thank you so much for the kind comment Liliane. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this post. Israel is such a beautiful country with a lot to offer anyone interested in history or outdoor adventure travel. It must have been so interesting to live there in the 60s!

The Stalagmite Stalagtite Cave, the tram overlooking the Bahai Temple, tubing down the Jordan River, the Sfat artist colony, the Sea of Galilee, museums, the Ramparts Walk of the Old City, the mini Grand Canyon, the Flour Cave, the Jaffa Artists Colony, and the many manufacturers great wineries that permeate Israel. Many are world class. The winery in Rishon Letzion is historic and was established by the Rothschilds in the 1880s. Just a few suggestions. There always is something new to see there and never enough time.

Thanks so much for these additional recommendations, Mark! I do hope that I can return someday to experience them for myself. I had such a wonderful trip my first time around.

These are really adorable! Thank you so much for sharing these – it’s always nice to hear about enjoyable road trips as well as practical advice!

Glad you enjoyed the suggestions. Such a beautiful area of the world!

Hi there, very interesting blog and amazing pictures. I am also interested in traveling to Israel and I wanted to ask how the drone regulationa are there. Because of the high security you described I was surprised that you were able to enter with the drone and take shots at the dead sea. Did you encounter any problems regarding the drone? Did you need to get a permit to fly over the dead sea? Thanks in advance for your feedback

Hi. We did not have any issues with the drone, but we were required to apply for permission. I believe that it has gotten more strict since our trip, so I would definitely look into the official rules and regulations – they’re always changing.

I find myself ensnared in the labyrinthine corridors of your captivating prose, where each sentence unfurls like a delicate arabesque, weaving together erudition, eloquence, and philosophical musings to create a symphony of intellectual delight.

Going on the Jesus boat on the Sea of Galilee was an amazing experience for me located near the kibbutz Nof Ginosar. The gift shop there was also very nice. Beautiful views of the Golan Heights. Netanyahu north of Tel Aviv has very beautiful beaches I like them more than Tel Aviv. Also exploring the shuk called Machena Yehuda in Jerusalem is a must filled with many vendors of all kinds and great little restaurants, but avoid Thursdays as it’s the most crowded day as many people are shopping getting ready for Shabbat so beware. Hope these ideas are of some help for you. Also eating the St. Peter’s fish by the Sea of Galilee so delicious!

I like how you address the safety of Israel first

Your words have a way of encouraging us to embrace our uniqueness and authenticity.

I am unequivocally beholden to the meticulous exegesis and perspicacious elucidation that adorns your blog, unraveling the enigmatic tendrils of knowledge and infusing the intellectual milieu with a sense of enlightenment.

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Hi, I’m Jess, an outdoor enthusiast based in Seattle. I grew up exploring the Pacific Northwest, and early on was infected with the travel bug. I tried to suppress my wanderlust in pursuit of a traditional career path, but after a short stint as a lawyer, I left the confines of my office to get back in touch with my roots. Now, I wander the world taking photos, making memories, and sharing my love for travel with others!

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10 Must-See Jewish Sites to Visit in Israel

As the ultimate destination for Jewish culture and history, Israel offers an abundance of important sites. You could spend months in Israel and still feel like you need more time! This list of 10 essential Jewish sites will help whittle it down for those who have only a week or two to spend in Israel.

• The Western Wall: Perhaps the most sacred place in Judaism, Jerusalem’s Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, attracts thousands of visitors each year. Travelers follow King Solomon’s example and pray at the wall in an effort to strengthen their connection with God.
• The Western Wall Tunnels: Excavation beneath the Western Wall revealed structures from the Herodian, Umayyah, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Hasmonean periods. Today’s visitors to Jerusalem may explore the tunnels to see the various remaining underground structures, including the Western Stone, which is the largest Western Wall stone.
• The Tower of David: Located near the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City walls is a citadel known as the Tower of David, representing 2,000 years of history revealed through multiple archaeological excavations. At night, the site takes on a modern twist, enticing visitors with an incredible sound and light show projected onto the citadel walls.
• The Jewish Quarter: Located in the southeast section of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Jewish Quarter is where visitors can find sites like the Western Wall and Temple Mount. It’s also home to several noteworthy synagogues, including the Hurva Synagogue and the Four Sephardic Synagogues.
• The City of David: Known as the birthplace of Jerusalem, the City of David is where King David established his kingdom. Today, it serves as an archaeological park that gives visitors the opportunity to learn about Jerusalem’s history and visit the underground tunnel known as Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
• Yad Vashem: Perhaps the most emotionally powerful museum in Israel, this Holocaust memorial commemorates the victims of the Holocaust and educates visitors about the Nazis’ rise to power and the devastating destruction left in their wake. Displays of the ghettos, concentration camps, and the renowned Hall of Names are just a few of the exhibits at Yad Vashem that memorialize those who suffered through this dark time in history.
• Israel Museum: The Israel Museum is famous for its Holy Land model and the Shrine of the Book. Beyond these well-known sections of the museum is a remarkable collection of fine art, an assortment of biblical and archaeological artifacts, about 30 new exhibits each year, as well as beautiful sprawling gardens.
• Masada: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Israel’s most famous sites, Masada was built in 30 BCE by Herod the Great. The mountain fortress is best known for the bravery and sacrifice shown by the Jewish zealots who defended the fortress against the Romans in 73 BCE. In spite of their valiant defense efforts, the zealots were overtaken; rather than surrender, they chose to commit suicide and become martyrs instead.
• Safed: Located in Israel’s Northern District, the city of Safed has served as the center of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, for many years. Safed has also played a major role in Israel’s art scene, and its Artist’s Quarter is home to many of Israel’s most well-known artists.  
• Independence Hall: Tel Aviv’s Independence Hall is the location of the signing of Israel’s Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948. Originally known as the Dizengoff House, the building serves as a museum dedicated to the signing of the Declaration of Independence as well as to Tel Aviv-Jaffa’s history.

Whether you’re visiting Israel for the first time or have toured the country many times before, make sure to check out these top attractions for an unforgettable Holy Land experience.

Noam Matas is the General Manager of  America Israel Travel , which offers customized and all-inclusive tour packages to Israel. Noam enjoys writing about Israel based on his personal experience and his knowledge of the tourism industry.

• Experiencing Israel
• Israel Travel

Israel-Gaza latest: IDF dismisses two senior officers for 'serious failures' over aid worker killings; 'game-changing' moment for aid routes

The IDF has shared its findings from an investigation into strikes that killed seven aid workers, including three Britons. Meanwhile, Israel has agreed to open a crossing into northern Gaza and receive aid at an Israeli port after a "tense" call between Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Friday 5 April 2024 12:44, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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Aid worker killings

• IDF releases findings of investigation into strikes that killed seven
• Two senior IDF officers sacked for 'serious failings'
• IDF apologies are 'cold comfort', charity says
• Alistair Bunkall: Findings a damning slur on Israeli military
• Israel to open new routes for humanitarian aid into Gaza
• Mark Stone: Most significant move on aid since war began
• Biden tells Netanyahu immediate ceasefire is 'essential' and US support 'dependent' on steps to address civilian harm
• Podcast: Should the UK stop selling arms to Israel?
• Live reporting by Sharon Marris and Brad Young

Fidaa al-Araj, Oxfam's food security coordinator in Gaza, said aid workers in the enclave are still determined to continue their work, despite the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers in an Israeli strike earlier this week.

She said: "This is not the first incident where aid workers have been killed, even though it might be the first incident that triggered that much reaction, sadly, because they're international workers."

Ms al-Araj said that, although the seven deaths were tragic, 169 Palestinian aid workers had already been targeted and killed in the conflict, adding: "I haven't seen much reaction around the world for that."

The deaths have tested the resolve of other aid workers on the ground, she said, adding: "We know that we're targeted one way or another, we know we might leave home or the places we're taking shelter in to work and we might not get back.

"But we are determined to go on with what we're doing because I believe in what we're doing - even though it's  just a drop in the ocean, sometimes it's life-saving.

"It's not easy to see that, despite our best efforts, nothing is seemingly changing... nothing is improving. This is the difficulty that we're facing."

World Central Kitchen has responded to the IDF's investigation into Israeli strikes that killed seven of the charity's workers.

Chief executive Erin Gore said Israel's apologies for the deaths "represent cold comfort".

Ms Gore said: "It's cold comfort for the victims' families and WCK’s global family."

The charity acknowledged the IDF had taken responsibility and was taking disciplinary action against those involved, saying these were "important steps forward".

"However it is also clear from their preliminary investigation that the IDF has deployed deadly force without regard to its own protocols, chain of command and rules of engagement.

"The IDF has acknowledged that our teams followed all proper communications procedures.

"The IDF’s own video fails to show any cause to fire on our personnel convoy, which carried no weapons and posed no threat."

WCK said that, without systemic change, "there will be more military failures, more apologies and more grieving families".

The charity called for an independent commission to investigate the killings, insisting the IDF was not capable of "credibly investigating its own failure in Gaza".

By Alistair Bunkall , Middle East correspondent

This wasn't an accident. It was no mistaken misfire.

The IDF cell tracking the vehicles fired lethal precision-guided missiles into each car, one after the other.

Through blurred nighttime surveillance footage, they saw what they thought was a man carrying a gun and assumed he was a Hamas fighter.

They then assumed everyone else travelling in the vehicles were also Hamas. There was no evidence for this. 

They kept firing because they saw passengers still alive. 

The basic failure to pass details of the aid convoy down the chain of command is a damning slur on a military that thinks of itself as being one of the best in the world.

The decision to launch air strikes with the intent of killing people, based on unsound evidence, raises deeply troubling questions of ethics in combat. 

It's a sad irony that one of the only reasons World Central Kitchen were operating at night was because of their previously good working relationship with the Israeli military. 

Had six of the seven killed not been foreign aid workers, whose deaths caused an international outcry, then this investigation would not have happened and the Israeli military would not have been forced to explain its actions.

How many Palestinian civilians therefore have been killed in similar, uninvestigated cases of mistaken identity, we will probably never know.

The IDF has released findings after a 72-hour investigation into three Israeli strikes on an aid convoy that killed seven workers, including three Britons.

Journalists, including our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall, were briefed late last night on the key details at the Israeli defence ministry.

In summary, the IDF said, the first strike was a case of mistaken identity, and the second and third were "grave" mistakes.

The investigation has concluded that there was not enough evidence to make the convoy a legitimate target.

It was the decision to launch the second and third strikes that broke "operational procedure".

It was, in the words of the general overseeing the inquiry, "a grave mistake".

The soldiers involved have been suspended but criminal proceedings have not been opened - this will be a decision for the military advocate general.

"It's a tragedy, it's a mistake, actually it's not a mistake, it is a serious event that we are responsible for," IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari admitted.

'Misjudgement and misclassification'

On Monday night, a small team working for World Central Kitchen oversaw the unloading of the latest aid ship to arrive in Gaza from Cyprus - it was carrying 300 tonnes of food, one of the biggest shipments to date.

This was day one of what was to be a four-day operation, closely coordinated with the Israeli military and civilian authorities. 

"It's a complexity because it's a four-day mission where pickups are staying in a war zone, and trucks, and they're mixed together and we have still warriors fighting," the IDF said at the briefing.

A drone operator and those overseeing the military operation mistook the volunteers for being Hamas gunmen. 

"[The soldiers'] belief that the attacked vehicles were carrying Hamas gunmen was based on operational misjudgement and misclassification of the situation," the IDF said.

Details of coordination between WCK and the IDF were passed by COGAT - the Israeli government body overseeing aid into Gaza - to Southern Command, who were operating armed-drone surveillance flights overhead.

It's at this point in the chain-of-command that details of the aid convoy "stopped somewhere. We don't know where," the IDF said.

As a result, the military cell and drone pilot were not read into their task.

Timeline of events, according to the IDF

At 10pm , eight aid lorries drove south down the coast road in Gaza from the pier constructed by World Central Kitchen to a warehouse being used by the charity.

Three vehicles joined the convoy 20 minutes later.

At 10.28pm , the drone operator saw an armed person on the roof of one of the vehicles.

COGAT were notified by the IDF, but could not reach World Central Kitchen via phone.

At  10.46pm , a second gunman joined the first, at which point the IDF cell assumed them to be Hamas - but the drone operator was ordered not to strike.

Some time between  10.28pm and 10.47pm , the convoy arrived at a warehouse.

At 10.55pm , three vehicles - which we now know were carrying the seven aid workers - left the warehouse, driving south. The drone operator believed they saw an armed person getting into the car, which was a "misclassification".

Another vehicle left the warehouse, turning north - which was not part of the agreed plan, the IDF said.

The drone operator believed Hamas fighters were in the vehicles and that the aid workers had stayed at the warehouse.

As they watched the vehicles drive away from the warehouse, an IDF colonel and major signed off the order to strike. 

The first missile hit at 11:09pm,  hitting an armoured car. Two passengers ran out and towards the second car.

At 11:11pm , a second missile is launched, hitting the second vehicle. Some of the passengers were still alive, and ran towards the third vehicle.

At 11:13 , a third and final strike hits the last car.

The IDF has dismissed two senior military officers after the killing of seven aid workers, including three Britons, in Gaza.

The military will formally reprimand three commanders, including one who runs the Southern Command.

"The strikes on the three vehicles were carried out in serious violation of the commands and IDF standard operating procedures," the IDF said in a statement on its investigation into the strikes.

It described the attack as "a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making".

"We express our deep sorrow for the loss and send our condolences to the families and the WCK organisation."

The officers facing dismissal or reprimand are as follows.

Dismissed: The brigade fire support commander with the rank of major and the brigade chief of staff with the rank of colonel.

Formal reprimand: The brigade commander, the 162nd Division commander, and the commander of the Southern Command.

"The IDF will learn the lessons of the incident and will incorporate them into the IDF's ongoing operations," it said.

Earlier, we reported on the UN Human Rights Council adopting a resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

The resolution stressed the "need to ensure accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in order to end impunity".

It also expressed "grave concern at reports of serious human rights violations and grave breaches of international humanitarian law, including of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory".

The non-binding measure took aim at Israeli actions such as impeding access to water and limiting aid shipments. It also called on countries to stop selling or shipping weapons to Israel.

Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, said the council had "long abandoned the Israeli people and long defended Hamas".

Twenty-eight countries approved the resolution, 13 abstained and six opposed it.

Among those opposed was the US, which said the resolution did not contain condemnation of Hamas for the 7 October attacks.

But the US did say Israel had not done enough to minimise the harm to civilians.

Michèle Taylor, US permanent representative to the council, said her country had "repeatedly urged Israel to de-conflict military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties and to ensure humanitarian actors can carry out their essential mission in safety".

"That has not happened and, in just six months, more humanitarians have been killed in this conflict than in any war of the modern era."

Israel's promise to open new routes for aid into Gaza is "a positive step forward after yet another tragic week", according to CARE International UK's head of advocacy and policy, Dorothy Sang.

She said allowing aid through the Ashdod Port and the Erez land crossing, as well as increased deliveries from neighbouring Jordan at the Kerem Shalom crossing, is "by far the most efficient means" of getting aid into the strip.

"Given the scale of humanitarian needs and of infrastructure destruction, we need sustained - not temporary - access, with fast-tracked screening and no delays.

“Aid workers and civilians must be protected in conflict, and humanitarian aid must not be restricted," she added.

"These are indisputable foundations of international humanitarian law - which the UK is beholden to."

Ms Sang also called for the UK government to suspend arms export licences to Israel and to support an immediate ceasefire.

Military analyst  Sean Bell   has just been in the studio looking at what led to Israel's announcement of new aid routes into Gaza.

He described the relationship between Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US president Joe Biden as "clearly heavily strained".

But, despite this, it seems Mr Biden was one of the main influences on Mr Netanyahu's decision.

What influence does the US really have at a time when the West is questioning the legality of supplying Israel with weapons?

The US is by far the biggest supplier of weapons to Israel but, Bell reminds us, "if you supply weapons to a nation and they violate international law, then you become culpable as well".

That is making Western countries increasingly nervous.

So why doesn't the US just stop providing weapons to Israel?

Bell says the US has been a "security guarantor for Israel over many, many decades"

"It would be political suicide for Biden to actually threaten to withdraw that military support, particularly in an election year, but Biden doesn't want to get the US on the wrong side of international law either."

That leaves Mr Biden with the challenge of persuading and pressuring Mr Netanyahu to conduct his war differently.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

Twenty-eight countries voted in favour, 13 abstained and six voted against the resolution. 

US secretary of state Antony Blinken is speaking in Brussels and says he welcomes the Israeli decision to open routes for humanitarian aid into Gaza.

He acknowledges Israel faces "a unique challenge of dealing with an enemy that embeds itself within the civilian population, that hides behind them, underneath them in tunnels and mosques and schools, apartment buildings".

But he adds that Israel also has an obligation "to maximise protection for civilians, to make that a priority".

"That, too, is the critical test."

Mr Blinken says Washington will be "closely looking" at metrics such as the number of trucks making their way into Gaza and the changes in the famine risk. 

"What we're looking to see in the days and weeks ahead is prioritisation, surging humanitarian assistance, sustaining it, getting it to the people who need it, making sure that those who are providing it are safe and secure, and maximising every effort to protect civilians - those who are caught in the crossfire of Hamas's making.

"We just can't have so many people caught in that crossfire, killed, injured, going forward."

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In Hezbollah’s Sights, a Stretch of Northern Israel Becomes a No-Go Zone

For the few Israelis remaining in the evacuated zone along the northern border with Lebanon, the simmering conflict there has become intensely personal.

A building in Kiryat Shmona, a city near Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, was damaged in an attack by Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. Credit...

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By Isabel Kershner

Photographs by Sergey Ponomarev

To report this article, Isabel Kershner and the photographer Sergey Ponomarev spent several days visiting the mostly evacuated towns and communities in the northern reaches of Israel, along the volatile border with Lebanon.

• Published March 24, 2024 Updated March 28, 2024

More than 60,000 Israelis who live far from Gaza but close to the front line of another spiraling conflict have in recent months been ordered from their homes along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon — the first mass evacuation of the area in Israeli history.

In one Israeli border town, antitank missiles fired from Lebanon have damaged scores of homes. In another village, holdouts who refuse to evacuate said they avoided turning lights on at night to keep from becoming visible targets. And in a sign of the proximity of the fighters across the border and how personal the simmering hostilities have become, a farmer said he had received a text message claiming to be from Hezbollah and threatening him with death.

The evacuations and an effort in Lebanon to move thousands of civilians away from the border are the result of an intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia and political organization.

The skirmish along Israel’s northern border is being fought in parallel with the more intense war in Gaza, which Israel launched after Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack. Now also in its sixth month, the battle with Hezbollah has implications both for the prospects of a wider regional conflict and for the thousands of civilians who live along the frontier.

Israel has responded forcefully to Hezbollah’s attacks: Above the hills and valleys of Israel’s border with Lebanon, Israeli warplanes rumble overhead. In the recent fighting, at least eight civilians in Israel and at least 51 in Lebanon have been killed, according to the Israeli and Lebanese authorities, as have combatants on both sides.

A recent two-day trip through the Galilee Panhandle — a finger of Israeli territory that juts into Lebanon — and west toward the Mediterranean coast revealed a mostly abandoned landscape stalked by fear and overtaken by nature. This stretch of Israel has become a virtual no-go zone, even to families who have lived in the area for generations. Military checkpoints block access to communities within a mile or so of the frontier, and daily life is frozen in a state of anxious suspension.

Residents of the region are split over whether the government was right to order an evacuation. Some say it showed weakness and effectively handed Hezbollah a victory. Others say it has saved countless lives.

Chaim Amedi, 82, a resident of Kfar Yuval, a now mostly deserted village barely a mile from Lebanon, has refused to abandon the town his parents founded in the 1950s and evacuate to a hotel. “You don’t leave a home,” he said, adding that “hotels are for vacations.”

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite group that is better armed and organized than its Hamas allies in Gaza, began firing across the border after Oct. 7. The attacks have been big enough to demonstrate the group’s solidarity with Hamas, but measured enough so far to prevent provoking an all-out conflict with Israel.

Some days, Hezbollah has fired up to 100 short-range rockets. Israel, in turn, has struck targets up to 60 miles inside Lebanon.

‘No End in Sight’: Evacuated Israeli City Braces for Possible War With Hezbollah

As tensions escalated on israel’s northern border with lebanon after oct. 7, israel evacuated tens of thousands of residents from the region, including from kiryat shmona, a town with 24,000 people. months later, evacuees remain in limbo, and the mayor insists they cannot return until hezbollah militants are pushed back..

On the Lebanon-Israel border, an almost daily exchange of missile fire that started on October 7 threatens to trigger a larger war. And communities on both sides are caught in the crossfire. Avichai Stern, the mayor of Israel’s northernmost city, Kiryat Shmona, heads to the scene of a recent Hezbollah rocket attack to assess the damage. His city is located just a mile from the Lebanon border, making it an easy target. But buildings here are mostly vacant now. In the days after October 7, Israel’s military evacuated 125,000 residents from border areas over fears of another major attack. It is the largest internal displacement in the country’s history. Now more than three months after the Hamas attack, the government is facing increasing pressure to push Hezbollah forces back from the border and to get more than 20,000 evacuees from Kiryat Shmona home. There are others, like the city’s former mayor, who decided to stay and say they’ve lived with the threat of Hezbollah for years. He argues the government should not have made residents leave in the first place. Israel’s defense system intercepts some rockets, but here many get through. Mayor Stern shuttles between his city and state-funded hotels to the South, reminding residents and evacuees that Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force is still a threat. Speaking to soldiers in Kiryat Shmona on January 9, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will hit Lebanon with the same intensity as it hit Gaza if Hezbollah doesn’t pull back. In recent days, Israel’s military said it’s deployed along the entire northern border and is poised at high readiness to defend and attack. Despite pleas from his residents, Mayor Stern says there is no end in sight for his city’s evacuation.

In Kiryat Shmona, normally an Israeli city of about 24,000, about 1,500 inhabitants remain. Many residents, now scattered among 220 hotels across Israel, did not even wait for the government’s order on Oct. 20 to evacuate.

The town’s banks and malls are closed. The start-up companies at the city’s burgeoning food-technology hub have left. Only one eatery is open — a modest shawarma and falafel joint catering mainly to soldiers.

Toby Abutbul, 22, the son of the owner, showed reporters video footage of what he said were two anti-tank missiles landing in front of him last month as he drove on the city’s main road. An air-raid siren sounded only after the missiles struck. A nearby woman and her teenage son were severely wounded, according to the local authorities .

Israel’s Iron Dome system can intercept many types of rockets, which fly in high arcs and are difficult to aim, but nowadays, Hezbollah also fires rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles. Israel has no immediate answer for such weapons, which allow for more precise line-of-sight targeting, fly low to the ground and hit targets in seconds and without warning.

Hezbollah’s use of those weapons means there is no time to run to a shelter, said Ariel Frish, the deputy security manager for Kiryat Shmona. If anything happens, the instructions are to hit the ground wherever you are.

Itay and Niv Tamir, a couple in their 30s, returned home in late January with their sons, ages 1 and 4, to the border community of Kibbutz HaGoshrim.

They risked returning, they said, in part because their house is not in the direct line of sight from Lebanon. Nevertheless, the boys sleep in a bombproof safe room.

“We try not to let the fear control us,” Ms. Tamir said. But, she added, the family rarely ventures far outdoors given that much of the kibbutz is within view of villages in Lebanon.

An anti-tank missile in December crashed through an auditorium in Kibbutz Sasa, according to the military and local officials . Hezbollah has also employed exploding drones, with which they have struck an army base, according to the group and the military .

Israeli government and military officials say they are considering military action to push Hezbollah back from the border unless a diplomatic effort can achieve the same result first. In the meantime, the death toll on both sides is rising.

This month, the Israeli military said that its air and ground forces had struck more than 4,500 Hezbollah targets in both Lebanon and neighboring Syria since Oct. 7, and that they had killed more than 300 Hezbollah operatives. Hezbollah’s official website and spokesman said that “more than 200” of its fighters had been killed to date.

Fourteen Israeli soldiers have been killed in the north so far, according to the Israeli authorities.

For decades, Israel’s northern towns and villages were targets for militants based in Lebanon. Armed Palestinian groups infiltrated the border in the 1970s and 1980s, entering homes, hijacking buses and taking schoolchildren hostage. The city of Kiryat Shmona, in the Galilee Panhandle, was plagued by Katyusha rocket fire and was long a symbol of Israeli resilience.

Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982 and left in 2000. During Israel’s long occupation, Lebanese villagers crossed the border daily to work on Israeli farms and in the towns of the Galilee.

Even during the worst battles of the past, including a devastating, monthlong war with Hezbollah in 2006 , Israel never formally evacuated the border towns.

Since that war ended, residents say they have seen fighters who appear to be from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces monitoring them through the border fence, violating a United Nations-backed cease-fire that ended the war and was meant to establish a demilitarized zone.

“They studied each community, studied us personally, our routines, our places of employment, waiting for an opportunity,” said Eitan Davidi, 53, a farmer from Margaliot, a small village abutting the border. “They know when I come, when I go. They know my kids.”

In January, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military’s spokesman, said at a news conference that Radwan fighters were operating along the border.

Mr. Davidi, who produces chicken eggs and owns fruit orchards, said the war became particularly personal after he gave interviews to the Israeli news media in which he said Lebanese border villages harboring Hezbollah fighters should be razed — “Not on their heads,” he said, clarifying that he was referring only to the buildings.

First, he said, he received a threatening WhatsApp message reminding him in Hebrew that his chicken coops had already been hit twice. “We won’t miss the target a third time,” the message read. It was signed Hezbollah. The New York Times, which viewed the message, could not independently confirm its origin.

Next came a social media post from a correspondent for Al Manar, Hezbollah’s television channel, calling Mr. Davidi the “mule” of Margaliot. The post included images of gunmen on the Lebanese side of the border with Mr. Davidi’s village, his chicken coops and home visible in the background.

Missiles and rockets have since incinerated most of his coops. One exploded in his backyard. An anti-tank missile fired into Margaliot on March 4 killed a farm laborer from India and injured seven more foreign workers, according to the Israeli military.

Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have also blamed Israel for targeting civilians across the border. Last month, after a family was killed in an Israeli strike, Najib Mikati, Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, accused Israel of “killing and targeting of innocent children, women, and older adults.” After the same attack, Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, vowed Israel would “pay the price of spilling their blood.”

A sixth-generation farmer from Metula, Tal Levit, 45, who now serves in the military reserves as a member of the town’s emergency response team, said his home had also been struck by Hezbollah.

Speaking at a rest stop south of Metula, he said he had seen people on the Lebanese side of the fence monitoring the town. “Some were half in uniform, or were dressed as shepherds,” he said. “They were photographing, preparing.”

In the summer months, he said, the leaves of a pecan tree obscure his house from prying eyes, but the winter left it exposed. Generally, Mr. Levit has been careful not to go home wearing his military uniform. But one day last month, he entered his house to do laundry and have a cup of coffee. An hour after he left, a missile penetrated the roof and exploded inside, he said.

On the approach to Kfar Yuval, a faded road sign reads, “Border Ahead.” A mother and her son, who was a member of the village’s armed response team, were killed in January when an anti-tank rocket struck their home on the edge of the village, according to the Israeli military.

Along the village pathways, orange trees are heavy with unpicked fruit. The top half of a children’s plastic slide emerges from the green sea of an overgrown lawn. Most of the houses are shuttered.

The silence one recent afternoon was broken by a long series of booms.

It was hard to tell who was firing on whom.

Isabel Kershner , a Times correspondent in Jerusalem, has been reporting on Israeli and Palestinian affairs since 1990. More about Isabel Kershner

Sergey Ponomarev is a freelance photographer for The Times. Follow him at on Instagram: @sergeyponomarev . More about Sergey Ponomarev

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South Korea's Yoon Joins Early Voting Ahead of Parliamentary Elections

South Korea's Yoon Joins Early Voting Ahead of Parliamentary Elections

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol casts his early vote for 22nd parliamentary election, in Busan, South Korea, April 5, 2024. Yonhap via REUTERS

By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol cast his ballot as two days of early voting for next week's parliamentary elections kicked off on Friday, in which his ruling party seeks to retake a majority in the opposition-controlled assembly.

More than 3.5 million people, or about 8% of eligible voters, had cast their ballots at some 3,500 polling stations nationwide as of 1 p.m., according to the National Election Commission. It marked the highest turnout for parliamentary elections at this point since the early voting system was adopted in 2013.

Yoon cast his ballot alongside several aides at a station in the southern port city of Busan, where he was expected to attend a business event. He has encouraged people to go to the polls for the April 10 elections, saying it is not only citizens' right but also responsibility.

Stakes are high for Yoon as his People Power Party (PPP) is aiming to win a majority in the single-chamber, 300-seat assembly, though polls show the elections too close to call.

A failure could undercut Yoon's key initiatives to boost the economy, fiscal health and birthrates, as well as to bolster trilateral security cooperation with the United States and Japan.

Photos You Should See

With a 167 seat majority, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) had passed dozens of contentious bills, including a nursing law vetoed by Yoon and his party.

The democrats had long been deemed to have an edge in early voting. But the conservative PPP chief, Han Dong-hoon, was keen to drum up support from younger voters, highlighting corruption scandals engulfing opposition leaders which had disillusioned many people and eventually helped Yoon win the 2022 presidential election.

"Through the highest-ever turnout in early voting history, let us show those who ignore the law and the people the great power of good citizens who have lived and obeyed the law," Han said after casting his own vote in a Seoul college town. "Our party doesn't have criminals to protect."

The democrats and other opposition parties have described the elections as "judgment day" to hold Yoon's administration accountable for what they called a "prosecutor dictatorship." Both Yoon and Han previously served as senior prosecutors.

In a joint survey released on Thursday by four major pollsters, 39% of respondents said they would vote for the PPP and 37% the DP.

In another poll published on Thursday by Ipsos, 43% said they planned to vote for the DP, and 39% the PPP.

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Tags: South Korea , North Korea , United States , Asia , Japan

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