The 10 Best Things to Do in Israel
City: Israel
Israel, Israel
Capital and largest city: Jerusalem (limited recognition) 31°47′N 35°13′E / 31.783°N 35.217°E / 31.783; 35.217
Official languages: Hebrew Arabic
Ethnic groups (2017): 74.7% Jewish 20.8% Arab 4.5% other
Religion (2016): 74.7% Jewish 17.7% Muslim 2.0% Christian 1.6% Druze 4.0% other
Demonym: Israeli
Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
• President: Reuven Rivlin
• Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
• Knesset Speaker: Yuli-Yoel Edelstein
• Chief Justice: Esther Hayut
Legislature: Knesset
• Declared: 14 May 1948
• Admission to UNO: 11 May 1949
• Total: 20,770–22,072 km (8,019–8,522 sq mi) (150th)
• Water (%): 2.1
• 2018 estimate: 8,838,180 (97th)
• 2008 census: 7,412,200
• Density: 400/km (1,036.0/sq mi) (33rd)
GDP (PPP): 2018 estimate
• Total: $332.541 billion (54th)
• Per capita: $37,486 (35th)
GDP (nominal): 2018 estimate
Gini (2013): 42.8 medium · 47th
HDI (2015): 0.899 very high · 19th
Currency: New shekel (₪‎) (ILS)
Time zone: IST (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST): IDT (UTC+3)
Date format: יי-חח-שששש‎ (AM) dd-mm-yyyy (CE)
Drives on the: right
Calling code: +972
ISO 3166 code: IL
Internet TLD: .il
Top Attractions in Israel
1. Old City of Jerusalem
2. Ramon Crater
3. Magdala
4. Bet She'an National Park
5. Ayalon Institute Museum
6. Masada National Park
7. International Center Mary of Nazareth
8. Ramat HaNadiv
9. Nimrod's Lookout
10. Nalagaat Center
August 17, 2017 Christa Meece
Israel from Middle East region, is best know for Historic Walking Areas. Discover best things to do in Israel with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Jerusalem, Israel +972 3-516-6699
Characterized by narrow, winding streets and alleyways, this ancient part of the city is filled with shrines and attractions holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims including the Western Wall, Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Reviewed By Denny S - Frankfort, Illinois
As cities go, Jerusalem is not that big (about 850,000). The old city, that surrounded by 16th century walls, has only about 40,000 residents, but because of the ancient narrow streets, it is always very crowded. This is a place you want to simply walk, observe, and look in the shops. The variety of people from around the world, and the inhabitants of the four city quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian), basically live shoulder-to-shoulder, and get along, the way humanity should be. The history and religiosity of the city can be daunting, but fascinating on so many levels. How much time should you devote to Jerusalem - as much as you possibly can, but certainly no less than 4 days. Although you will be tempted to return to places you discovered and really liked, try not to spend too much time repeating, as there is so much to see and do, it would be a shame not to maximize your visit.
Mitspe Ramon, Mitspe Ramon 8060000, Israel
5 based on 836 reviews
Reviewed By RAH47 - Scarsdale, New York
Took a private 2-hour jeepride booked through Bereisheet Hôtel . The sheer beauty and majesty as the Makhtesh was awesome. The history and geologic insights into the formation of the Makhtesh was fascinating, and the rugged ride was thrilling.
Tzomet Migdal | N/n, Migdal 14950, Israel +972 4-620-9900
A unique Holy Land site known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, located at the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The archaeological site features a complete first century town from the times of Jesus. It is one of Israel´s most recent archaeological discoveries with the best preserved Synagogue in the Galilee. Complementary tours of the site are available upon request. The site also features "Duc in Altum" a place for worship and prayer. Magdala is known as a crossroads of Jewish and Christian History, and will soon also feature a guesthouse in opening mid-2018.
Reviewed By Stephanie T
Celine (our guide) was incredibly knowledgeable and seemed very excited about the information she was presenting, which added to the sheer beauty of the location. The way she was able to weave the history of the location into a contextual story helped make the experience holy and informative at the same time. I would love to be able to visit again in the future and see what else they have uncovered!
Beit She'an, Israel +972 4-658-7189
Reviewed By Sharon M - Abingdon, Maryland
This national park encompasses 400 acres. Excavations here date back to the 1920s. There is still much to be uncovered here. These ruins date back to the 16th century BC. There is much of interest here: a huge theatre, enormous bathhouses, a Roman temple, public lavatories, etc. Our tour guide explained how the city was laid out on a grid much like NYC. Some of these streets are still quite evident. This park is a bit out of the way so it most likely won't be overrun with crowds at any given time. We had the park to ourselves the day we visited.
Rehov David Pikes 1 | Kibbutz Hill, Science Park, Rehovot 76320, Israel +972 8-940-6552
Ayalon Institute's fascinating story is about a top secret operation which occurred between the end of the Second World War and Israel's independence (1945-1948). On Kibbutzim Hill, north of the city of Rehovot, under the vigilant eyes of the British who ruled the area, a clandestine bullet factory was built underground. The plant was code named " The Ayalon Institute" by members of the Haganah. The building and operation of the "Institute" was a co-operative effort by members of "Hatzofim Aleph" (a pioneer group) and people from the local Jewish clandestine military, who moved to Kibbutzim Hill.. Two shafts leading to the underground plant were disguised under a laundry room and a bakery. After the establishment of the State of Israel, the bullet making machines were moved to a centralized factory. Members of Hatzofim Aleph left Kibbutzim Hill and founded Kibbutz Ma'agan Micha'el in 1949.
Reviewed By d s - Lake Worth, Florida
Got a GETT taxi from Tel Aviv (116.00nis) to go to Ayalon Institute. We had missed this site when we were last in Israel in July. Everyone said it was a highlight of Tel Aviv and so worth the time to get there. You must nook a tour in advance esp if you need it in English. My hotel called for me a got me on a tour. I arrived 7 mins late and was walked over to where the group was watching an introduction movie. Our guide Sagi was wonderful at explaining everything.
It was truly amazing what these very brave and very smart young people did to assist in the war effort. I am so glad I was able to get out to this historical kibbutz and learn their history as well as my own.
There is a metal circular stairway which is very narrow so please be aware of you can not climb up or down stairs. This is underground so there are no windows if you think you might get claustrophobic. If your tour group is full the space will be tight.
Make sure to have a reservation. It was 24nis for an adult
Some 18 km south of Ein Gedi or 12 km from Ein Bokek to the cable car on the east side., Masada 8698000, Israel +972 8-658-4207
31°18'44.2n 35°21'53.0e
Reviewed By Mayank A - Tinsukia, India
Masada is an ancient fortress situation on top of an isolated rock plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. It's been a palace, a monastery and the final stand site of a Roman revolt. For its cultural, architecture and historical events it's been included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
We had gone up on using the cable car, it was a short ride up and on hindsight, I realized an early morning climbing the fortress would have been more exciting, it's not much of a climb and could be covered in 30 – 60 minutes depending on your fitness level. I didn't enjoy the sight as much as I expected, maybe it was the limited time on a group tour or maybe the sun at its peak dampen the experience. The site has a lot of history but I have seen grander ruins elsewhere.
Maybe if I had watched the miniseries (there are two of them) based on the events on the site I would have liked it more
15A Casa Nova Street | Pob 50199, Nazareth 16161, Israel +972 4-646-1266
Let Mary be your guide to Jesus through the Scriptures. - A one-hour multimedia show in 11 languages, (HE,FR,AR,EN,IT,ES,PL,RU,PT,DE,JP) - Three 30' movies to deepen the mystery of Mary (16 languages)- Chapel- Gardens roof with a breathtaking view of old Nazareth- Archeological site : ruins of a house from Jesus'time- Cafeteria Opening hours : Monday - Saturday: 9:30-12:00 AM and 2:30-5:00 PM.Private booking available at any time.Fees : donation 50 NIS
Reviewed By IAdivers - IA
Most amazing place. Excellent educational opportunity and very informative. First class lunch prepared onsite by the kindest and most sincere French nuns. Would certainly be among the first places to visit upon a return journey to the Holy Land. Visit and feel blessed.
Ganei Zichron, Zichron Yaakov, Israel +972 4-629-8111
Reviewed By Yitzchak M - Ramat Gan, Israel
For those of us who seek adventure, outdoor thrills, "extreme" sport, and superb views, then hiking the Israel Trail from Moshav Beit Hananya up to the Observatory on the top of Ramat Ha'Nadiv – on top of those CLIFFS that can be seen when driving past Zichron Yaakov on any of the nearby major highways - is one of the best hikes/adventures and views in all of Israel. And don't worry, there is no actual cliff climbing or metal hand holds. The Israel Trail snakes up a steep and a little bit rocky but easily hiked grassy passage between the cliffs. Along the top of the cliffs you will experience some of the most awesome views Israel has to offer. Recently, I even took some of my young grandchildren on this hike - not the whole way to the Observatory but to the first clump of trees on top of the cliffs where there is a wonderful commanding view of the Mediterranean Sea, the Carmel coastline and the Sharon Plain all the way down to Netanya in the south. For those who continue on to the Observatory, you will be able to see some phenomenal views all the way up the coastline to Haifa! Go do it and judge for yourself!
P.o.b 1114, Rosh Pina 1200000, Israel +972 50-532-5732
Reviewed By larabe6 - Sydney, Australia
You really get a sense of what it must have been like to live in this fortress with much of it maintained (or restored). Definitely worth visiting and allow at least 3-4 hours to explore properly. Take water- even in December it was surprisingly warm.
Retsif Haaliya Hashniya | Jaffa Port, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Israel +972 3-633-0808
The Nalaga'at ("please touch" in Hebrew) nonprofit center is a stage for arts and culture that promotes an equal dialogue and leads to social change, with the belief in the human spirit and its ability to touch and to make a difference. The center is home for: - Nalaga'at Theater - home to the only deaf-blind theater groups in the world. - Blackout Restaurant - where blind and visually impaired waiters accompany the guests to a meal in total darkness. - Kapish Event Center - where deaf and hearing impaired waiters invite the guests to communicate in sign language. - Workshop Center - glimpses to the world of deaf and blind people through once in a lifetime experiences.
Reviewed By illinois travelere
To balance the many excellent reviews of the dinner and/or play experience posted here, I'd like to add that Na L'gaat ("Please Touch") also offers workshops. This was our first activity after our group of 30 arrived in Israel. We drove straight to Na L'gaat...MoreHello, We are glad to hear that your group had a positive and meaningful experience in our workshop center. It was our pleasure to have you as our guests. Thank you, Jonathan
Historic Walking Areas Old City of Jerusalem Geologic Formations Ramon Crater Ancient Ruins Historic Sites Magdala Parks National Parks Bet She'an National Park Specialty Museums Ayalon Institute Museum Masada National Park Lookouts Ancient Ruins International Center Mary of Nazareth Scenic Walking Areas Lookouts Ramat HaNadiv
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