Top Things to Do in Israel

Best Destinations in Israel

1. Jerusalem

It is a city of great antiquity, known as the Holy City for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The charm of Jerusalem lies in its mysterious and sacred religious characteristics. The perfect-preserved historical monuments attract millions of believers in the world to pilgrimage. For the non-believers, the fascinating nature of Jerusalem is the unique stone architecture. At dusk, when the city is filled with golden sunshine, bright and beautiful, the holiness of the city is wholly manifested.

2. Tel Aviv

Bauhaus, the architectural style derived from Germany, was fully adopted in the architecture of Tel Aviv. Due to the simple but unique style, Tel Aviv was given the name "white city" and was listed as a world cultural heritage.

The city has a strong artistic atmosphere and full of modern cultural elements, with many large or small museums. A variety of exotic artworks in shops appeals to travelers. They may see artistic graffiti and go to bars, parties, music performances at night.

3. Haifa

Haifa has the largest harbor in the country and the world cultural heritage Baha''í Gardens. It is a city surrounded by natural scenic spots, where modern neighborhoods and old towns, churches and mosques coexist in a harmonious way.

4. Tiberias

It is one of the most vibrant and attractive cities in Israel, with splendid natural beauty and various ancient and modern sites. Travelers can see the fascinating panorama of Galilee Sea from any directions. Mountains, sea and sky embraced each other. Ruins of basalt left by Crusaders and Ottoman Era can be seen everywhere on the lakeside, forming a strong visual contrast with imposing hotels at the mountain foot.

Top Attractions in Israel

1. Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem

It is a winding road in the old town of Jerusalem. Jesus carried the cross to the execution ground along the road; meanwhile he went through 14 sufferings, so there are 14 stops on the road. The current route is established in the 18th century.

For Christians, this is the most devout pilgrimage trip. Every Friday afternoon there will be a Via Dolorosa parade. Thousands of people pray at all the 14 stops one after one, chanting the related chapters in Bible in Latin, Greek and English.

Opening hours: 9:00-13:00 & 14:00-18:00
Ticket: free

2. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem

It is the last stop of Via Dolorosa parade, where Jesus Christ was crucified as described in the New Testament. It is said that the tomb of Jesus is also there, namely the stone coffin at the entrance. Since the fourth century, the church has become an important site for Christian pilgrims.

Opening hours: 04: 30-21:00
Ticket: free

3. Wailing Wall, Jerusalem

It is the most important holy land of Judaism. For thousands of years, the Jews have been coming to this wall, praying and crying when they return to the country to appease their pains of exile. Here travelers can see many moving scenes.

Tips: Males must wear a small paper cap (available at the entrance for free) and females have to walk backwards and face the wall when leaving.

4. Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Established in 1965, it is the national museum of Israel. There are a large number of archaeological studies, Jewish antiques, ethnography documents, art crafts, rare manuscripts and ancient glass wares and sculptures from Africa, North and South America, Oceania and the Far East.

5. Bahá'í Gardens, Haifa

It is the second holy land of Bahá'í. Built in front of Mount Carmel, the Persian-style garden is featured by symmetry. The central axis of the garden is a ladder paved with white marble; trees, pools, flowerpots, sculptures and other landscapes are symmetrically distributed on both sides. In 2008, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage.

Opening hours: 9:00-19:00, closed on Wednesday
Ticket: free

6. Golan Heights, Tiberias

Located in the north of Israel, it is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Israel. In addition to the nature reserves, there are archaeological sites. It is also an important source of water in Israel. Some people call it Texas in Israel because of its vastness. The beauty of the Golan Heights makes visitors indulge in pleasures.

7. The Dead Sea

Located on the border of Israel and Jordan, it is the lowest lake in the world with a depth of 422 meters (1385 feet). The shore of the Dead Sea is the lowest exposed land on the Earth, named "the navel of the world". From afar, it looks like a two-tail fish. In the sunshine, the sea looks like an old bronze mirror. The traffic network is not developed here. Travelers can book a local day trip for the Dead Sea from Jerusalem or take a taxi to get there. Public transport is not available to the shore of the Dead Sea.

8. Masada

Masada is one of the symbols of the ancient Jewish State. As the Jewish sanctuary, it is one of the world heritages. Today, the Jewish Adult Ceremony and the Pledging Ceremony of new soldiers are held here every year.
Opening hours: 5:00-17:00 from April to September; 5:00-16: 00 from October to March

Top Things to Do in Israel

1. Light Show at Tower of David, Jerusalem

It shows important historical events in the 4000-year history of Jerusalem and Israel in 45 minutes, with beams of light projected to the ancient walls. The show puts on every other hour from 20: 00 to 22: 00 and is likely to be cancelled in case of rain and other special circumstances. Photographing is forbidden.
Tickets: NIS 55

2. Floating on the Dead Sea

Because of the affluence of salt, even those who cannot swim can lie on the seawater and bath in sunshine leisurely. Muscles quickly relax and consciousness becomes empty. Travelers can forget all the troubles and get an excellent rest

Featured Foods

1. Cactus Fruit: Sweet and juicy, can be eaten directly or made into candies and jelly
2. Falafel: fried doughnuts or balls with ground vegetables inside
3. Israeli Schnitzel: fried chicken or turkey breast
4. Khachapuri: boat-shaped bread stuffed with butter, cheese, and omelet sunny-side up

5. Bourekas: similar to dumplings, filled with salty cheese, mashed potatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and sometimes pizza stuffing.

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