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Detail of the Israeli national flag highlighting the Star of David, emphasizing its cultural significance.

Things to Do in Israel

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When to visit

MODERATEJan12°8d rain
MODERATEFeb14°7d rain
MODERATEMar17°5d rain
MODERATEApr21°2d rainBEST
BUSYMay25°1d rainBEST
BUSYJun29°0d rain
VERY BUSYJul31°0d rain
VERY BUSYAug31°0d rain
BUSYSep28°0d rain
MODERATEOct24°1d rainBEST
MODERATENov19°3d rainBEST
MODERATEDec14°7d rain

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Plan language: English

Most popular attractions in Israel

Western Wall

1. Western Wall

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Jerusalem

4.8 (11,452)
Tourist AttractionPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience a profound connection to history and faith. Watch the glowing ancient stones hold countless prayers beneath Jerusalem's sky.

Quick facts: The wall is a surviving remnant of a massive ancient limestone structure and is considered the holiest site where Jews can pray. Visitors from all over the world insert written prayers into the cracks of the wall, creating a unique global connection.

Highlights: The wall holds a spiritual magnetism that captivates thousands daily, with people touched by the age-old tradition of placing notes between the stones. At night, the soft golden illumination reveals the texture of the ancient stones, creating an atmosphere of quiet reverence few places can match.

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Masada

2. Masada

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Masada

4.7 (25,998)
National ParkTourist AttractionHistorical LandmarkHiking AreaPark

Experience epic ancient history combined with stunning desert views. Climb the mountain and stand where history defied an empire.

Quick facts: A fortress perched dramatically on a 400-meter plateau, it served as King Herod's desert palace and a last refuge during a Jewish revolt against Rome. The site's ancient Roman-style bathhouse still amazes visitors today with its sophisticated engineering.

Highlights: The breathtaking sunrise view over the Dead Sea from the top is unforgettable, casting warm hues on the rugged cliffs. Discover the astonishing story of nearly 1,000 Jewish rebels who made a heroic last stand here against the Roman army in 73-74 CE.

Dead Sea

3. Dead Sea

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Dead Sea Region

4.4 (9,853)
LakeNatural FeatureEstablishment

Float like never before in the world's saltiest body of water. Experience natural buoyancy and soothing mineral mud in a surreal landscape.

Quick facts: The water here is nearly ten times saltier than the ocean, so you literally float without trying. It's also the lowest point on Earth, sitting over 400 meters below sea level.

Highlights: Floating effortlessly feels like a magic trick since the salt concentration is around 34%. The mineral-rich mud is known for its healing properties and feels like a natural spa treatment on your skin.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Israel, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Yad Vashem

4. Yad Vashem

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Jerusalem

4.8 (15,561)
MuseumTourist AttractionCultural CenterHistorical LandmarkCultural Landmark

Explore a profound memorial honoring millions lost to the Holocaust. Experience a hauntingly beautiful space filled with personal stories and symbols of remembrance.

Quick facts: Over 2.7 million names of Holocaust victims are engraved on thousands of Pages of Testimony here. The site also features a Hall of Names with a rotating display of these commemorations. A massive Menorah sculpture, visible from afar, stands as a landmark of remembrance.

Highlights: A deeply moving Corner of the Children memorializes 1.5 million child victims with 1.2 million symbolic glass spheres floating in a dark cavern. Visitors experience a powerful silence interrupted only by recorded children’s voices, creating a poignant, immersive tribute.

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Tower of David

5. Tower of David

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Jerusalem

4.6 (8,247)
History MuseumTourist AttractionMuseumPoint of InterestEstablishment

Step inside towering fortifications alive with history and stunning city views. Walk ancient tunnels and watch dramatic light shows under starry skies.

Quick facts: A fascinating stronghold guarding a city's ancient entrance offers panoramic views blending millennia of history with modern life. Archaeological layers reveal diverse empires that once clashed for control under the watchful stone walls.

Highlights: The citadel hosts a captivating light and sound show that vividly re-enacts Jerusalem's turbulent past through dramatic projections on ancient stones. Exploring hidden subterranean tunnels unearthed during excavations reveals secrets few visitors notice.

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6. Old City of Jerusalem

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Jerusalem

A spectacular journey through intersecting cultures and ancient stories. Experience vibrant markets, sacred sites, and timeless history like nowhere else.

Quick facts: Four distinct quarters teem with life, culture, and faith: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian. Layers of history stack up beneath your feet, with ancient walls enclosing stories from thousands of years ago to the present day.

Highlights: Walking through the narrow, winding alleys, you can touch ancient stones worn smooth by millennia of footsteps. The vibrant soundscape blends prayers, market calls, and the clinking of merchants’ wares creating a sensory mosaic unique in the world.

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Tel Aviv Beach Promenade

7. Tel Aviv Beach Promenade

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Tel Aviv

4.5 (918)
BeachNatural FeatureEstablishment

Experience endless coastal charm and vibrant street life. Walk, eat, and relax where the city meets the sea in a lively celebration of sun, sand, and culture.

Quick facts: Stretching over 14 kilometers, this lively seaside walkway links the city's main beaches in a single sweep. Waves crashing and beachfront cafes make it a buzzing spot for both locals and tourists almost any time of day.

Highlights: Every evening, the promenade lights up with local musicians and performers, creating an open-air stage that feels like a festival. The vivid murals along the path echo the city's vibrant spirit, each telling stories of local culture and life beside the sea.

Sea of Galilee

8. Sea of Galilee

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Galilee

4.6 (2,948)
LakeNatural FeatureEstablishment

Experience serene waters and rich history in one stunning spot. Sail, swim, or explore the vibrant shores where tales come alive.

Quick facts: A vast freshwater lake sits below sea level, offering the lowest freshwater body on earth and an important water source in the region. Around 21 kilometers long, it is famous for its biblical connections and lush surrounding landscapes.

Highlights: Glide across peaceful waters that mirror the sky, while ancient boat remains below whisper tales of millennia-old fishing communities. At dusk, watch as vibrant sunsets paint the lake in fiery hues, creating an unforgettable magical atmosphere.

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Knafeh

Knafeh

Knafeh is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese, often topped with crushed pistachios.

Rugelach

Rugelach

Rugelach is a crescent-shaped pastry filled with nuts, raisins, and cinnamon, brought to Israel by Eastern European Jews and now a popular treat.

Halva

Halva

Halva is a dense, sweet confection made from tahini and sugar, commonly enjoyed in Israel with variations in flavor and texture.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Shakshuka

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a traditional Israeli breakfast dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, often enjoyed with bread for dipping.

Falafel

Falafel

Falafel consists of deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and herbs, widely considered a national street food in Israel.

Sabich

Sabich

Sabich is a popular Israeli sandwich stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, salad, tahini, and amba, reflecting Iraqi Jewish culinary influences.

Traditional Beverages

Arak

Arak

Arak is a traditional anise-flavored alcoholic drink, often enjoyed diluted with water and ice, popular in Israeli social and festive settings.

Mint Lemonade

Mint Lemonade

Mint lemonade is a refreshing and widely loved drink in Israel, made fresh from lemons and fresh mint leaves, perfect for hot days.

Turkish Coffee

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is richly brewed and served unfiltered, holding cultural significance in Israel among various communities.

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Most popular day trips

Jerusalem

67 km 1h by car

Historic and religious city with rich cultural heritage.

Dead Sea

55 km 1h by car

Famous salt lake with unique buoyant waters and spa resorts.

Haifa

90 km 1h 30min by train

Port city known for the Bahai Gardens and Mediterranean views.

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Getting there

Train stations

Tel Aviv Savidor Central

to Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva

Use the train or shuttle from Ben Gurion Airport for easy access to Tel Aviv city center.

Click to get eSim for Israel

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Visa & entry

Non-Schengen
Max stay: 90 days
Visa-free access

EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea

Visa required

Most African countries, India, China, Russia

Check specific visa requirements early; Israel grants 90 days visa-free stay for many nationalities.

Useful information for Israel

Shopping locationsCarmel Market, Dizengoff Center, Mamilla Mall
Nightlife locationsTel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa
Popular casual restaurantsfalafel stands, shawarma places, local bakeries
Popular fancy restaurantsrestaurant Magdalena, Machneyuda, Uri Buri
Popular coffee shopsCafelix, Ceremony, Benedict Tel Aviv
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaYes
Best taxi appGett, Yango
Taxi price / km$1.3
Tourists / year4500000
Population9738000
Mobile internet speed60 Mbps
Unemployment percentage4 %
Poverty percentage22 %
Average income / month$2700
Average cost of living / month$1500
Hotel price / night from$80
Beer price from$5
Coffee price from$3
Street food price from$4
Restaurant meal price from$12
Local currencyILS
Power plug typesC, H
ReligionsJudaism, Islam, Christianity
Spoken languagesHebrew, Arabic, English
EthnicitiesJewish, Arab
Political orientationcenter-right
Population density400 /km²
Geographical area22072 km²
Possible natural disastersearthquake, flood
Dangerous animalssnakes, scorpions
Locations for a nice walkOld City of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv Promenade, Bahai Gardens
Public transportationsbuses, light rail, shared taxis
AirlinesEl Al, Arkia, Israir
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies
Architecture typemodern, historic, mediterranean
Average beer consumption per person / year90 l
Average wine consumption per person / year20 l
Tipping culture10-15% in restaurants, not obligatory but appreciated
Coworking / day$30
Airbnb / month$1200
1BR rent / month$900
Gym / month$60
Daily budget (backpacker)$40
Daily budget (mid-range)$70

Overview for Israel

English proficiencyAverage
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersAverage
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationGood
HealthcareGood
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyAverage
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeGood
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneGood
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessGood

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