Israel
Must-see attractions and places to visit in Israel blend sacred sites, ancient history, and diverse landscapes. Jerusalem is home to the Old City, the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while Tel Aviv offers Mediterranean beaches and nightlife, and the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi provide unique natural experiences.
General information
Israel is a small country at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean that holds outsized significance, as the historic heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In a few hours you can move from the ancient holy sites of Jerusalem to the beaches and buzzing nightlife of modern Tel Aviv, float in the salty Dead Sea, or explore desert canyons and Roman ruins. It is a place of deep history, strong contrasts and famously good food and hospitality. Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages, with English widely spoken. Please note the region is affected by conflict and tensions; anyone considering a visit should check their government's current travel advisory first.
Transport and how to get there
The main gateway is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv, from which a fast train reaches central Tel Aviv in minutes and Jerusalem in around half an hour. The country is compact, with good trains and buses linking the main cities, though public transport largely pauses for the Sabbath (Shabbat) from Friday evening to Saturday evening, when shared taxis (sherut) still run. A car helps for the desert and the north. As conditions can change, always check current safety advice before travelling.
Prices
Israel is a relatively expensive country, with Tel Aviv among the pricier cities in the region. Expect roughly 400-800 ILS per night for a mid-range hotel (about 100-200 EUR), with hostels from around 120 ILS. A casual meal runs about 60-120 ILS, a coffee 12-18 ILS and a local beer 28-38 ILS. Public transport is reasonable with a Rav-Kav card, and many sites cost 30-60 ILS. The currency is the Israeli new shekel (ILS); prices are approximate and vary by season.
Main attractions
Jerusalem's walled Old City is unmissable, home to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the golden Dome of the Rock, layered with millennia of history. Cosmopolitan Tel Aviv offers Mediterranean beaches, the ancient port of Jaffa, and the world's largest collection of Bauhaus architecture. Float in the mineral-rich Dead Sea beneath the cliff-top fortress of Masada, visit Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee in the green north, and explore the craters and canyons of the Negev desert or the Roman ruins and Bahai Gardens on the coast.