by: Jason Young, Carla dela Cruz
Home to many religious and historical sites, breathtaking beaches, lush forests, a world-class food scene, Israel tops the list for being one of the most popular tourist destinations. This small yet diverse country gets visitors from all over the world annually and it is not without reason.
This Israel travel guide is divided by sections. Check the table of content below if you’re looking for a specific information
Things to Do in Israel
Are you eager to explore the very best of Israel? Here is a list of things you must do in Israel.
Experience Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a bustling, cosmopolitan coastal city that is known for its outstanding views and delicious food.
This modern city has a lot to offer, but the food is one of the main attractions. The culinary industry is brimming with imaginative eateries that combine traditional Israeli cuisine with flavors from throughout the world. There are also a plethora of vegan options.
What’s more, the city also offers a vibrant nightlife to rival that of New York or London. There are numerous attractions in Tel Aviv including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Hike to Mountain Fort of Masada
The last stronghold for members of a Jewish insurrection against the Roman empire was a mountainside fortification in the Israeli desert. Their demise was cruel – they took their own lives rather than surrender after a long siege.
However, visiting the Mountain Fort of Masada is anything but bitter. Early in the morning, go for a trek or ride the tram to see this amazing historical place
Enjoy Israel’s Beaches
Israel’s beaches, which stretch along the Mediterranean coast, are among the most beautiful in the world. There are enough possibilities to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you desire a pleasant moment of silence and serenity or a chance to splash and swim. Here are some great ideas of beaches to visit in Israel.
Choose a beach that suits your taste from among the numerous beaches in Tel Aviv. You can head north to the Caesarea Aqueduct Beach or head south to the Eilat Beaches. Also, you can visit the Dead Sea where you can spend time with your friends and family on the salty waters. Besides, this sea is believed to have healing powers and its mud can reinvigorate the skin.
Witness History at Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history dating back over 5,000 years. Also known as “the Holy City”, Jerusalem is revered by three of the world’s major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It’s a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination with a fascinating past.
There are so many historic and noteworthy landmarks in the walled Old City, not to mention neighboring Mount Zion and the City of David that you can take several days viewing.
Take a walking tour or a cuisine tour to get a good overview of the city. You can also take a walk to the Mahane Yehuda, which is a central market in the city. You can take advantage of the different alleyways to enjoy the best local delicacies that Israel has to offer.
Check Out Religious Sites
The Western Wall, which was previously known as the Wailing Wall, is the holiest site for Jews to pray. It is divided into parts for men and women, and one side has tunnels that can be explored.
Behind Mecca and Medina, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount are among Muslims’ holiest locations.
The Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City are considered by Christians to be the path of Jesus’ final walk to his execution and the location of his crucifixion.
Admire The Bahá’i Gardens
The Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa and Akko are among the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. Visitors are left with an indelible impression of the garden’s unique design, which combines geometrical shapes and fine details with caring maintenance of natural and historic landscape aspects.
Haifa’s Hanging Gardens are a thing of beauty. The grounds are a temple to the Bahá’ god Bah for devotees of the little-known Bahá’ faith. Come for the view or to learn about the faith; either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Visit the Church of Nativity
Be sure to pay a visit to the Church of the Nativity, which is located in Bethlehem. The church, which houses the grotto where Jesus was born, is still revered and adored by Christians all over the world.
The Church of Nativity is a unique destination for all travelers, regardless of their faith. What’s more, there are other nearby attractions that are worth visiting.
Get a SUP Lesson
Because of Israel’s relatively quiet shoreline, it’s a fantastic area to try out a new watersport. Stand Up Paddleboarding(SUP) is becoming increasingly popular. Going surfing or the rising sport of SUP is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Israel.
If you want to get a SUP lesson, you can head to one of Tel Aviv’s main beaches like Mikhmoret Beach. Here, you can book a lesson or rent a paddleboard if you are already experienced in the sport.
Explore Various Biblical Sites
Israel, as the heart of three main religions, has a plethora of noteworthy shrines and pilgrimage sites. A considerable number of tourists participate in biblical tours to see renowned destinations like Galilee, Bethlehem, and Jericho.
Galilee is home to several Christian sites, including Nazareth, which has the largest church in the Middle East. You can explore the Jesus Trail or Gospel Trail, which runs from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee. The Gospel Trail passes through Capernaum, Cana, Tabgha (where Jesus fed people with loaves and fishes), and the Mount of Beatitudes.
Near Jericho, you’ll find Qasr el Yahud; a cliff-hanging complex cut into a steep rock wall in the Judean Desert. You will also find the Monastery of St George in the Judean Desert. Here, you can see a cliff-hanging complex that is carved into a rock wall. This is where Jesus is said to have been baptized by John the Baptist.
Interact with Israel’s Nature and Wildlife
While Israel’s cities provide a plethora of things to do, it’s always lovely to get out into the great outdoors! Across its storied beaches, Israel offers a varied choice of alternatives.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Ein Gedi’s natural beauty and wonder make it a must-see on our bucket list. It’s an excellent place to go for a day trek because it has several paths to choose from.
Safari Park Ramat Gan
This is another fantastic place for family enjoyment, but it is suitable for people of all ages. This park is home to the largest collection of animals in the Middle East. It’s also a terrific place to unwind and enjoy a picnic.
Timna Park
Traveling through this attraction in Israel’s south is a genuinely stunning and unique experience. We have many Timna tour choices available, making exploring the park much easier and allowing you to get the most out of your visit.
Rosh Hanikra
Rosh Hanikra is a good example of what you get from Israel’s nature. Located near the Lebanon border in the north, this remarkable geological structure offers breathtaking views of the grottoes’ beauties. Make a day of it and go on a tour across Israel’s northern area. You can be sure to have a great day interacting with nature in Rosh Hanikra.
Paddle the Yarkon River
Tel Aviv’s equivalent of Central Park is Yarkon Park. On a nice day, you will find the park bustling with runners, bikers, picnickers, and sports enthusiasts.
For a relaxing trip along the Yarkon River, rent a rowing boat. Paddling the Yarkon River can feel fascinating. If all of that sounds like too much effort, golf buggies can be rented in the park.
Learn about the West Bank and Gaza
Gaza, which is located on the southwest coast, has a lengthy history. The territory has been ruled by the British, Egyptians, and Israelis in recent history and is now ruled by Hamas.
Relations between Palestine and Israel are a touchy subject, especially for residents of these countries. However, comprehending the conflict pitting Israel against Palestine is critical to understanding the region and its history.
Gaza is just about 70 kilometers from Tel Aviv, and there are several border tours available to learn more about the continuing struggle between these two countries.
Dive in the Reefs of Eilat
Israel is also a great place for those that enjoy snorkeling and diving. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Israel features a coastline on the Red Sea that provides great views of marine life and coral reefs. Scuba divers can also explore ancient Roman ruins and shipwrecks on the Mediterranean coast at the Underwater Archaeological Park.
How to Get Around Israel
It is fun and simple to get around in Israel not only thanks to its great nature, food and convivial local communities but also thanks to top-notch travel infrastructure that meets the demands of the most jaded jet-setters.
By Plane
The fastest way to go from Israel’s cultural kernel around Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv to its marvelous seaside resorts is by plane.
Ben Guiron, Israel’s main airport, located 20 km (12 miles) from Tel-Aviv and 45 km (28 miles) from Jerusalem, features connection flights to a number of cities in Israel, including in the South.
From here you can fly to Eilat on the scenic Red Sea Riviera, served by Ramon International Airport, and profit from pristine beaches lapped by limpid waters and one-of-its-kind climate, warm throughout the year.
A flight ticket from Ben Guiron to Ramon International costs about $37. Check Kiwi to book your Israel domestic flight as other popular sites might not have them.
By Train
Arguably, the best way to travel along the Israeli Mediterranean coast is by train. It allows you to travel in comfort along the scenic Mediterranean coastline and avoid traffic clogged roads, around Tel-Aviv and other major cities.
From Tel-Aviv, Israel’s main transport hub you can board a train to Haifa, known for its still emerging but kinetic nightlife, and the non-pareil seaside bliss, among other Israeli seaside towns; or head inland, to Jerusalem, Israel’s most sacred place, and the state’s capital that can be visited on a cutting edge fast-railway line.
Keep in mind that you will have to pass a straightforward baggage control – often with luggage X-ray & metal detector portal – when entering each station. You’ll then have to go through automatic ticket gates to get onto the platform, with extra-wide available for those who carry bags.
Also, remember that to ride a train you should use the Rav-Kav, an Israeli travel card, which you can purchase at any train station.
By Bus
Even though traffic can be an issue in and around large cities in Israel like Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem, it is hassle-free and easy to ride a bus in Israel. For this you must purchase a Rav-Kav travel pass, purchasable at tourist information centers, the airport, and even aboard a bus.
Keep in mind that the bus is also great to visit the city of Bethlehem, a sacred Christian site located on the territory of the Palestinian Autonomy.
About the Rav-Kav Card
You will need the Rav-Kav card if you plan to travel by train or by bus. You can choose various options when you buy but if you want to use it for inter-city travel, take the “stored value” contract. This will allow you to load an amount of money and get discounted value in your card (for example you pay 50 NIS for 62.50 NIS value). Stored value also allows you to use same card for more than 1 person.
For example, a train trip from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem costs 21.50 NIS ($6.74), from Tel Aviv to Haifa 27 NIS ($8.47). Check more on the fare here.
A single bus ride cost 6 NIS ($1.90) within a city. You can also pick a bus for intercity travels. For example Tel Aviv to Eliat costs 68.50 NIS ($21.65) and Tel Aviv-Jerusalem costs 15.50 NIS ($4.90).
If you want to use the card for transport within a city, there is daily pass or weekly pass option but you will have to choose by region, more region coverage means more expensive tariff. For example, two regions daily pass in Tel Aviv costs 26 NIS ($8.16).
Visit ravkavonline.co.il for more information about the Rav-Kav.
By Ferry
While the easiest way to get to Israel is by air, and travelling around Israel is best done by land, whether on a train, bus or in a car, taking a ferry to Israel is also an option.
Even though the dearth of vessels and ongoing conflicts in the region make it one of the trickiest modes of transport to get around in Israel, you still may well chance upon a car-only ferry going to Haifa from Athens (Greece) or Limassol (Cyprus). For that, you must use the most-up-to-date information to make your sea trip to Israel.
Rent a Car
Israel features a number of car-renting services including the world’s two most famous car-rentals, Avis and Hertz. You can rent a car with Avis or Hertz counter at the Ben Guiron airport, or at other places in Israel. Another alternative is to book your rental car beforehand and just pick it up once you landed. Use discovercars.om for this as they list all available cars from different companies so you can get the best possible offer.
You can pick up your car in a city and drop it off at another city, making it one of the most convenient ways to travel in Israel as a family or solo to explore its off-the-beaten-track locales.
What is more, Israel boasts a number of camping sites, making for a perfect family getaway in the wild. Whereas some of them cater to families and feature more facilities, others are almost free, offering basic facilities like running water and parking and are great for hikers. For example Ein Gedi Beach by the Dead Sea is one of the region’s best places to park your car and pitch your tent.
For rental cost, a 4 seats mini car costs about $115/day, a 5 seats SUV costs about $160/day, and a 7 seats van costs about $200/day. Gas price is around 6.37 NIS/liter ($7.6/gallon).
Taxi and Uber
Taxi is widely available across cities in Israel. Just like anywhere around the world, make sure your driver has the taxi meter on when you enter, it should start at 13 NIS ($4). None of the ride sharing business are available in Israel, you can use Uber app only to hail licensed taxis.
Traveling in and to Tel-Aviv
Purchase a Rav Card pass to take public transport in and around Tel-Aviv, and start exploring this beautiful city. Note that you don’t have to move around Tel-Aviv using public transportation only, you can also rent a bike and cycle your way around Tel-Aviv.
Use Moovit app to find the most efficient bus routes for you while on your trip to Tel-Aviv.
Traveling in and to Jerusalem
When travelling in Jerusalem, you can not only go by an Egged bus, using the above mentioned Rav Card but also profit from the cutting-edge light rail system. You can use the light-rail infrastructure to get from the main bus station to the central market or the gates of the old city.
Keep in mind that you can buy a Rav Card at kiosks scattered around the town. Also, don’t forget that walking is one of the ways to explore Jerusalem.
Traveling in and to Haifa
Haifa traveling infrastructure features light rail, buses, and underground rail, making it one of the best cities to visit in Israel. Head here for a pleasant weekend by the sea.
Traveling to Nazarreth
For you to visit the holy city of Nazareth you should take a bus. You can board a bus to Nazareth from Tel-Aviv or Jerusalem, or a number of other places in Israel. Head here for a unique excursion into the Biblical past & present on a visit to the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Going to Bethlehem
To visit another Christian site in the Holy Land go from Jerusalem to Bethlehm by bus. Located on the Left Bank of the Palestine Autonomy, it can be visited on a tour or solo, and is one of the best places to visit in the valley of the Jordan River.
Where to Stay in Israel
When it comes to choosing where to stay you need to decide 2 things: accommodation type and which city to stay.
Choosing Your Accommodation
Hostel
If you’re on a budget and willing to share room with others in a dorm, staying in a hostel would be a good idea. However keep in mind that hostel only available on larger cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, they might not be available in smaller towns. A bed in a dorm room will cost you $25-50/night. Check on HostelWorld to see your options.
Rent an Entire Apartment/Place
Renting an entire apartment is a good choice if you’re traveling with a partner or in a group. Cost can be divided and you’ll end up paying cheaper per person this way. A 2 guests accommodation costs about $70-100/night while a 4 guests apartment will cost around $110-150. AirBnB would be a good place to look for a place to rent.
Hotel
If you expect standardized cleanliness and professional services, booking a hotel room would be your best choice. A recommended hotel room would cost about $130-180/night (depend on the city). Check Booking.com for best reviewed selections of hotel rooms along with suites and studio apartment which are very popular accommodation choice in Israel.
Which Cities to Stay
Jerusalem
Staying in Jerusalem is quite an obvious choice as it hosts many of the attractions Israel has to offer, including City Of David and Mount Zion nearby.
- Hostel: Abraham Hostel, Cinema Hostel
- Hotel: Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem, YMCA Three Arches Hotel
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the home of Israel culinary experience and also might be the last city in your itinerary before you board that flight home. It has vibrant nightlife, interesting museums, beautiful beaches, and other attractions that would occupy you for several days at least.
- Hostel: Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv, Roger’s House Tel Aviv
- Hotel: Dizengoff Avenue Boutique Hotel, Arbel Suites Hotel
Eilat
If you’re into snorkeling and diving, consider to spend the night in the resort city Eilat. Enjoy your day at Mosh’s beach, explore the Timna Park, or go dive the Red Sea for beautiful coral reef views.
- Hostel: Arava Hostel, Abraham Hostel Eilat
- Hotel: Almogim Suites Eilat, Astral Maris Hotel
Haifa
Haifa hosts great variety of attractions such as the ever popular Baha’i Gardens, mountain cable car ride, and multiple museums to visit. Also it only take 30 mins to Galilee (Nazareth, Bethlehem) if you rent a car, otherwise you can reach it in 50 minutes train ride.
- Hostel: Al Yakhour Hostel, Haifa Hostel
- Hotel: Bat Galim Boutique Hotel, Golden Crown Haifa
Where to Eat in Israel
Israeli cuisines have been evolving for hundred of years with influences from Arab and Jewish cuisine, make them unique compared to other Mediterranean foods. Of course, being international destinations for tons of travelers every year, there are a plethora of delicious choices available as well. Here’s the best places for great culinary experience in Israel:
- Tel Aviv: Falafel Frishman, OCD Restaurant, Onza
- Jerusalem: Blue Hall Music, Happy Fish Restaurant, The Eucalyptus
- Haifa: HaZkenim Falafel, El’Kheir, Raffaello
- Eilat: Rak Dagim, Pastory Eilat, Fish Market
Typical fast food/street food costs $6-15, prepare to spend around $15-40 for a decent sit in restaurant. A fine dining establishment will cost you between $40-100.
Best Time to Visit Israel
If you are travelling to Israel you’d for sure like to know when to visit. The thing is, there is no clear answer to this question since each season offers something unique. Nevertheless, we will try to at least making a recommendation. Read on to find out what makes each season truly special.
Spring (March – May) – Best Time
What is the weather like in Israel in Spring?
One of the best times to visit Israel is Spring. Whereas some parts of Israel can still feel a bit chilly in March, especially at night, April-May are great months to visit the whole of Israel for sightseeing. During the daytime temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), even though nights can still be much cooler, but still without making your teeth chatter.
What is there to do in Israel in Spring?
Spring is arguably the best time to go hiking in Israel, for example along its national trekking path, Shvil Yisrael Trail, stretching from Israel’s southern borders up to its northern fringes. Other things to do in Israel in Spring include hunting for books at Jerusalem International Book Fair, or watching documentaries at Tel Aviv International Document Film Festival.
Keep in mind that due to the coronavirus pandemic, some events like techno parties and raves, like Doof usually held over Passover, may well be cancelled in 2022, but for sure they will stage a dramatic return once the situation goes back to normal.
Key events:
- Paying a visit to Jerusalem International Book Fair ( May)
- Profiting from Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival (May)
- Going to the Carmel Market in Tel-Aviv
Activities:
- Hiking Shvil Yisrael Trail, Israel’s national south-to-north trail (March-April)
- Having a picnic on a beach or in a park like a local (April-May)
- Going snorkeling or scuba-diving in Eilat
- Climbing to the mountain fortress, Massada
Summer (June – August)
What is the weather like in Israel in Summer?
Even though temperatures in Israel in Summer can be quite high, with August being the year’s warmest month, the areas on the Mediterranean offer great beaches where you can not only get respite from the (could be) stifling heat but also swim and party on the beach. Or you can choose to go on a summer hike, much more pleasant if by the sea.
What is there to do in Israel in Summer?
Israel’s culture capital, Tel-Aviv is one of the world’s most LGBTQ-friendly cities and is home to the Tel Aviv Parade, taking place in June. Other things to do in Israel in Summer include attending Jerusalem Beer Festival or Jerusalem Light Festival.
Note that you can also delight in authentic folk music from all over the world. For this, head to Kfar Blum on June to attend Jacob’s Ladder Folk Music Festival.
Key events
- Jacob’s Ladder Folk Music Festival (June)
- Jerusalem Light Festival (June)
- Jerusalem Beer Festival (July)
- Tel-Aviv Parade (June)
Autumn (September – November) – Best Time
What is the weather like in Israel in Autumn?
Temperatures in September and October are really great for outdoor sports and hiking. The climate of Israel is so diverse that whereas Eilat in the South can still be sweltering hot, the regions of the North will offer you the mild warmth of a beautiful summer-like day. November is also rather warm no matter where you are, though nights start growing substantially more chilly at some places.
What is there to do in Israel in Autumn?
August-September are two months most beloved by wine aficionados & foodies in Israel. It is at that time that the grapes are harvested and apples are picked. Whether a wine or an apple lover, keep in mind that you can volunteer for the harvesting season, for example at the many of Israel’s kibbutzim.
Keep in mind that it is not just collecting harvests, but other health-conducive activities like hiking that can be done in Autumn in Israel. For example, you can go hiking on the Makhtesh Ramon, the world’s largest “erosion cirque” located in Negev Desert or walk around more pleasant, seaside locales like Palmachim National Beach Park, along The Bat Yam Promenade or in Hof HaSharon Reserve, located not far from one of Israel’s best kibbutz, Shefayim kibbutz.
What is more, it is in Autumn that one of Israel’s most significant religious events, Yom Kippur takes place, along with one of the best festivals for history buffs, Old City Knights Festival, held in November, and International Shakespeare Festival, great for theatre lovers .
Key events
- Harvesting of grapes and apples (September)
- Yom Kippur (October)
- Hiking in local nature reserves and sand formations (September-October)
- Old City Knights Festival (Thursdays through November)
- International Shakespeare Festival (October – November)
- The 20th annual Galilee Olive Festival (late October throughout November)
- Fresh Paint contemporary art fair ( November)
Winter (December – February)
What is the weather like in Israel in Winter?
Winters in Israel can be unpredictable. Even though the Holy Land boasts a lot of sunshine even in winter, the rather temperate climate can still be quite mercurial and it can rain or even snow. Even though it often feels rather warm in Tel-Aviv, and even warmer in Eilat, Mount Hermon and Jerusalem can be really chilly at night.
What is there to do in Winter in Israel?
Israel is a unique place to go for Christmas holiday since it was here that Jesus was born. Go to his birthplace in Bethlehem or head for a Christmas Parade in Jerusalem’s Old Town.
Keep in mind that even though we associate travelling in Israel with sun and sea, in winter, if there is enough snowfall, it can also serve as a great skiing, sledding and tubing locale, with Mount Hermon offering some prime skiing opportunities.
Don’t forget that if you’re not in the mood for low temperatures and zippy skiing pistes, you can always go to Eilat, a great place for watersports, where the water never gets below 21°C (70°F).
Key events and activities
- Red Sea Jazz Festival (Eilat, 10 Nov-12 Nov)
- Hanukkah(December)
- Bird-Watching in the Galilee (Galilee Bird Sanctuary, end of November-Beginning of October)
- Hamshushalayim (Jerusalem, every weekend of December; some museums, galleries and theatres open free of charge on each Thursday)
- New Year’s Eve Parties (Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv)
- Christmas events (Jerusalem and Bethlehem)
- Skiing at Mount Hermon (when there is snowfall)
Israel Trip Cost
Your debit and credit card are widely accepted everywhere but nonetheless you will still need cash for smaller purchases, so don’t forget to have some Shekel ready. You can replenish more cash via ATM if needed but remember that locating ATM might not be easy once you’re out of the big cities.
Flight to Israel
If you don’t live in nearby countries, most likely you’ll arrive in a plane at Ben Gurion Airport then go to Jerusalem. The typical Israel trip itinerary usually will end at Tel Aviv, in which you’ll board your flight back via the same airport. If you have decided your itinerary along with all the dates, check for best deals at Skyscanner.com or Momondo.
Transportation
You can utilize most public transports in Israel (bus and train) easily using prepaid Rav-Kav card. Some of the common spending:
- Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on train: 21.50 NIS ($6.74)
- Tel Aviv to Haifa on train: 27 NIS ($8.47)
- Single bus ride within a city: 6 NIS ($1.90)
- Tel Aviv to Eilat bus ride: 68.50 NIS ($21.65) in 4 hours ride. Alternatively you can book a 1 hour flight for $37.
Find out more about loading your Rav-Kav card here. Choose “stored value” fore more flexible use, “train” to buy ticket for a specific train ride, and pass for unlimited rides during a specific period within specific regions.
Check more details about train fare here.
If you decide to rent a car, below are the approximate cost:
- 4 seats mini car: $115/day
- 5 seats SUV: $160/day
- 7 seats van: $200/day
- Gas: 6.37 NIS/liter ($7.6/gallon)
- Parking cost: 5.7 NIS/hour ($1.78)
Check Discovercars to select your vehicle beforehand or go for available options at on-site car rentals in the airport or cities.
Accommodation
Depend on what kind of accommodation you choose, the cost would vary. Remember that different cities will have slightly different prices too.
- A bed in a hostel’s dorm room: $25-50/night. See your options at Hostelworlds.
- Rent an entire apartment: $70-100/night for 2 people, $110-150 for 4 people. Check Airbnb to compare places.
- A recommended mid-price hotel room: $130-180/night. Compare available options at Booking.
Food
Food prices might vary from city to city and sometimes some restaurants in smaller resort towns might charge more than restaurants in big cities like Jerusalem. Below are the average prices in Tel Aviv:
- Fast food/street food: $6-15
- Decent sit in restaurant: $15-40
- Fine dining: $40-100
This standard isn’t set in stone and some establishment provides very wide range of prices for their dishes. If you’re not sure, check the menu first before you sit.
Entertainment and Attraction
You can visit many religious places for free, below are some that you might want to spend on for the experience.
- Ein Gedi Nature Reserve ticket: $7.5
- Ramat Gan Safari park ticket: $18
- Jerusalem Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $50
- From Tel Aviv: Masada and Dead Sea 1 day Tour: $106
- From Tel Aviv: Caesarea, Haifa & Akko day trip: $110
- From Tel Aviv: Best of the West Bank Full-Day Tour: $120
- Rent a rowboat at Yarkon Park: $22
- Scuba diving at Eilat: $72
- Tour to Gaza border: $200
Check the complete selections of tours, trips, and adventures activities here.
Covid Update
The coronavirus situation is fluid and can change at any given moment. At the time this article was made (30 January), Israel allows foreigners to enter if they meet vaccination/recovery indications criteria and fill an entry form. Read the press release here.
How to Stay Safe
Current State of Conflict
Israel is in state of conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon to the north and with Hamas in Gaza on their southwest. From time to time during occasional attacks rockets would be fired at Israel from those directions. However most of these rockets are usually neutralized by their Iron Dome defense system. Unless you’re taking a Gaza tour, it’s very unlikely for you to be in the area where these rockets hit.
Crime Rate
Conflict area aside, the majority of the cities where people live (and where you’ll be going as a tourist) are safe with very low crime rate, even lower than most European cities. For comparison, Tel Aviv’s safety index is 74.40 while London’s safety index is 52.47.
Picpockets are common in crowded tourist areas so always keep your belonging in sight and stay aware of your surrounding.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Israel is still a country in conflict with occasional terror attacks happen here and there. The last major terror incident happened way back in 2016 but we recommend to at least take medical coverage with medical evacuation just to be on the safe side.
Safety aside, travel insurance can help you in many other areas such as covering lost documents, lost items, lost luggage, delayed/cancelled flight, and so on. Sure none of us expect bad things to happen but when it does happen, it’s better to be prepared.
In Short
In general, avoid traveling around borders with Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Gaza strip and you should be good.
Conclusion
Although Israel is a small country, it has so much to offer visiting travelers, from religious sites, historical sites, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. So, no matter the purpose of your trip, there is no shortage of things to do in Israel.
