2025 Israel Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

- Nathalie is a friend I met at the language school. She is a passionate Colombian girl living in Israel. We went to class together every day in Ireland, played together, talked about each other's life backgrounds, and formed a deep friendship. After she left Ireland, we kept in touch and she always invited me to Israel, which led to this trip to the Middle East💙 On the day of departure, I found out that my Jordan trip was booked on the wrong date, which meant that I had to arrive at the bus departure point to Jordan before 6:30am after the plane landed in Tel Aviv at 5:30am. The plane was delayed and the customs asked a lot of questions. I was extremely anxious throughout the journey. Fortunately, Nathalie came to pick me up as soon as I left the airport and helped me contact the bus and asked them to wait for me, so I was able to take the Jordan trip smoothly. 🇯🇴🏜️ After returning to Israel, Nathalie, her boyfriend Kevin and my new friend Bryan took me to experience the most local lifestyle. Their excellent cooking skills never let me go hungry. They drove me to see many beautiful scenery and explained the local culture and religion to me along the way, which opened my eyes to this strange country. We played in the water and sunbathed at the beach during the day and drank and danced at home at night. They even played Jay Chou's mojito and taught me to dance salsa! This week was like a dream, it was the trip of my dreams💫 Looking back on how we met and the significance of this journey, I am filled with gratitude. I feel really lucky to have such a good friend, and it also gave me the courage to go to places I never thought I could reach alone. Nathalie always reminds me that you only live once, so do whatever you want! I think that in the days ahead I will be able to face anything more confidently and with more strength. Although I don’t know when we will meet again, these memories are worth cherishing for a lifetime. #Israel #Tel Aviv #israel #telaviv #traveldiaries #travelmemories

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary refers to the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary by her parents St. Anne and St. Joachim. The Catholic Church celebrates Mary’s birthday on September 8th, nine months after the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8th. The Feast, like the Assumption of Mary, originated in Jerusalem. It began in the fifth century as the Feast of the “Basilica Sanctae Mariae ubi nata est”, now called the Basilica of St. Anne. In the seventh century, the feast was celebrated at Rome as the Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The scene was frequently depicted in art, as part of cycles of the Life of the Virgin Mary. These late medieval depictions are often valuable records of domestic interiors from their period, and were often in a wealthy household. Apostolic tradition places Mary’s birthplace either in the Church of Saint Anne in Jerusalem, or in Tzippori, Israel where St. Anne once lived. We as Catholics, celebrate the birth of Mary, as this is truly the “Birth of Salvation”. We know that Mary went on to give birth to Jesus, our Savior. Many faithful throughout the world hold a birthday party for Mary, and celebrate to commemorate that beautiful event. Here is a prayer that can be said on this Feast Day. Prayer Impart to your servants, we pray, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace that the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin may bring deeper peace to those for whom the birth of her Son was the dawning of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Sodom and Gomorrah, notoriously sinful cities in the biblical book of Genesis, destroyed by “sulfur and fire” because of their wickedness (Genesis 19:24). Sodom and Gomorrah along with the cities of Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (Bela) constituted the five “cities of the plain,” and they are referenced throughout both the Old and New Testament and the Qurʾān. Sodom and Gomorrah are possibly located under or adjacent to the shallow waters south of Al-Lisān, a former peninsula in the central part of the Dead Sea in Israel that now fully separates the sea’s northern and southern basins. They presumably were devastated about 1900 BCE by an earthquake in the Dead Sea area of the East African Rift System, an extensive geologic rift extending southward from the Jordan River valley in Israel to the Zambezi River system in eastern Africa. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area was once fertile, in the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000–c. 1550 BCE), with fresh water flowing into the Dead Sea in sufficient amounts to sustain agriculture. Because of the fertile land, Lot selected the area of the cities of the Valley of Siddim (the Salt Sea, or Dead Sea) to graze his flocks. When the catastrophic destruction occurred, the petroleum and gases existing in the area probably contributed to the imagery of “brimstone and fire” that accompanied the geological upheaval that destroyed the cities. Har Sedom (Arabic: Jabal Usdum), or Mount Sodom, at the southwestern end of the sea, reflects Sodom’s name. The present-day industrial site of Sedom, Israel, on the Dead Sea shore, is located near the presumed site of Sodom and Gomorrah.

| Mysterious and vast, yet breathtaking, the Negev Desert is one of the representatives of the desert landscape. The Six Senses Hotel in Israel is located on a cliff, overlooking the vast desert landscape. The sunset gradually merges with the sand dunes at the end of the desert, forming an extremely romantic landscape. The Six Senses Hotel in Israel is built of stones, wooden pillars, and thatched roofs, standing peacefully in the vast expanse of desert and sky. The architecture draws inspiration from the essence of the Nabataean nomadic culture, echoing the rugged desert landscape and perfectly restoring the passion and romance of living in the desert. The hotel suites and villas enjoy unparalleled desert views and are equipped with private pools, with butlers always on hand to arrange everything for you. You can drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, which takes about 3 and a half hours. Alternatively, you can take a 50-minute flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat and then a 45-minute drive.

For such a small country, Israel has a lot packed into it. From the blue Mediterranean Sea all the way to the wide expanses of the Negev Desert, the possibilities in Israel are endless. There’s something for everyone there, whether you’re interested in museums, natural springs, or vibrant neighborhoods filled with shopping and art. If you don’t know where to start planning, we’ve picked out our favorite locations in the country. From an ancient port city built by Herod to the best view of the Old City in Jerusalem, these stops can’t be missed. They’re some of the best places to go in Israel. Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Why not start here? Here are some of my favorite places in the country, from cities to museums to national parks. Happy exploring! Ride beneath the stars by jeep and search for wildlife on a nighttime safari in the Negev Desert An animal behavioral expert takes you on a jeep tour as you search for desert foxes, wolves, hyenas, porcupines, owls, bats, ibex, and rare Arabian leopards. Learn how to track animals with footprints and other hints, drink tea, and get to know Israel from a new perspective. You can even choose to have a meal cooked over coals on a bonfire. The Negev desert is full of interesting adventures. Whether you want to go sandboarding or ATVing, it’s sure to fulfill your adrenaline needs. Row a boat inside a 1,200 year old underground reservoir at The Pool of Arches Slip into a rowboat, pass huge stone pillars, and glide under the high ceiling of elegant arches. This reservoir from 789 was originally built as a water supply for the residents of Ramla. There’s also an exhibit on the history of the building and the reservoir at the exit to the cavern. Take the world’s steepest cable car and explore the Rosh Hanikra Grottoes Explore blue water inside natural caves. For thousands of years, waves hit against the soft chalk cliffs of the Mediterranean sea, creating the caverns that now dot the landscape. This amazing site was once only available to divers, but is now accessible to anyone by cable car. It’s a must for an adventurous Israel tour. Explore the underground world beneath Jerusalem in Zedekiah’s Cave If you like history, Jerusalem is the best city to explore in Israel. What if you could also see it from below? Take a trip back in time as you walk around the limestome rock quarry underneath the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. Legend says the stones from the quarry were used by King Solomon to build the First Temple. The cave is also said to be the final resting place of Zorah, a rebel against Moses who was swallowed up by the earth. Biblical King Zedekiah allegedly fled a besieged Jerusalem for Jericho through the same cave. He was captured, tortured, and spent the rest of his life blind and imprisoned. The drops of water trickling through the cave's ceiling are known as “Zedekiah’s tears.” See the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world at The Israel Museum There’s plenty to learn in Israel, but one of the best places to go for a deeper understanding of the country’s history is this museum in Jerusalem. The Israel Museum is the largest cultural institution in the country and might just be the best museum to go to for an overview of the country. Founded in 1956, it’s one of the world’s leading art and archaeology museums and houses everything from fine arts to Jewish historical artifacts. If you love archaeology, it features the most extensive collection of biblical and holy land archaeology in the world. With nearly 500,000 objects on a 20-acre campus, you could easily spend a whole day here. Some of the highlights of the museum include The Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, along with other rare early medieval biblical manuscripts. For the art lovers in your group, there are works by famous artists like Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, and Auguste Rodin. Explore a giant crater at Mitzpe Ramon Mitzpe Ramon is one of the most unique experiences in Israel. Located in the Negev desert, it’s a town that sits on the northern cliffs of the Ramon Crater. It’s a great place for hiking or biking, along with exploring wildlife. You can even take a jeep tour of the crater or repel from the edge. With its strange colors and otherworldly feel, The Ramon Crater is about the closest most of us will ever get to seeing Mars. There’s also a recently opened Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center if you’re interested in learning about the geological story of the crater, the largest landform of its type in the world. Get a great view of the Old City of Jerusalem from the Austrian Hospice If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the Old City but want a better view of the area, this is the place to go. The Austrian Hospice is a 19th century guesthouse that used to cater to German and Austrian visitors to the city. The Dome of the Rock, the Armenian Church of Our Lady of the Spasm, the Mount of Olives, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are all visible from the roof of the hospice. The rest of the building is worth a visit, too. There’s a Viennese-style cafe where you can sit in burgundy upholstered chairs and admire the chandelier. An unlikely experience in Jerusalem, enjoy an apfelstrudel and an iced coffee with a heaping of whipped cream before you reenter the holy city. Read about the Jewish story at Anu Museum of the Jewish People ANU Museum of the Jewish People is a celebration of Jewish faith, culture, and purpose, and highlights the contributions of world Jewry to humanity. It was just reopened to the public in 2021, and tells the story of the Jewish people from biblical times to the present. Children can learn about trailblazers of the Jewish People in the Heroes exhibit, and the family can also explore the Hallelujah! exhibit about synagogues all over the world. Visit the 11th wonder of the world at Kibbutz Ein Gedi A kibbutz is a typically agricultural-based collective settlement unique to Israel. The first was built in 1910, and there are currently 270 in the country. While there are plenty of interesting kibbutzim to explore in Israel, Kibbutz Ein Gedi is one of the best options. This kibbutz is located at the edge of the Judean Desert on the west coast of the Dead Sea. There’s a 100-dunham botanical garden inside with over 900 plant species including tropical trees, biblical flora, and many desert plants. Home to 500 people, It’s the only populated botanical garden in the world and is recognized by the National Geographical Society as “the 11th wonder of the world.” Visit a harbor from the 1st century BCE at Caesarea National Park If you’re into beautiful beaches, ancient harbor ruins, and archaeology, this park halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa is for you. It was named the best tourist spot in the Middle East by Travel & Leisure in 2020, and has lived up to its title ever since. Dating back to King Herod, It was built in the 1st century BCE and includes a well-preserved Roman theater, mosaics, columns, and sea views. Throughout the summer, the restored amphitheater hosts modern day concerts, and the Old City within is a great place to find cute boutiques and delicious restaurants. With so many great options in Israel, it can seem overwhelming to choose what to do. An Israel travel agency is a great place to start to narrow down your search and start planning the trip of a lifetime. Written By Iris Hami is President of Gil Travel Group, the largest travel management firm sending people to Israel. She has over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, and uses that knowledge to craft unique Jewish journeys around the world. Her company has won multiple awards, including one from State of Israel Bonds for Extraordinary Achievements Promoting the State of Israel. They send over 40,000 travelers to Israel and other international locations each year and their clients include well-known Jewish organizations such as Birthright, Maccabi USA, Israel Bonds and many more.

#IsraelJordan is popular because it is a minority #petra's majesty is set off by exaggeration #transformer shooting point #Desert areas are exposed to the sun and have large temperature differences between morning and evening. #Learn how to take photos #Travel tips #High-altitude viewing

#triplocal In Gush Etzion, Israel. This burnt out car sat for a week before it was moved. Could be said it had value as modern art. #triplocal

the dead sea in israel -400meter under the sea line !! wonderful place good weather nice place for healfy stuff and good vacation :) dont forget this place you will never forget yam hamelam

The beautiful Lake Galilee is Israel's largest freshwater lake. Many of Jesus' missionary sacs are here, so it has the reputation of Jesus' second hometown. Nowadays, it is a leisure and holiday destination for Israelis. The clear lake water is rich in fish, and it attracts many waterfowls. It is a rare sight in the Middle East where water resources are scarce.

#aprilblooms Dor Beach – Where the Sea Meets Serenity Tucked along Israel’s northern coast, Dor Beach is a hidden gem of clear blue waters, tiny islands, and golden sands. Whether you’re swimming, kayaking, or just soaking up the sun, it’s the perfect spot to relax and feel connected to nature. Stay for the sunset — it’s pure magic. #DorBeach #IsraelBeaches #HiddenGemsIL #CoastalEscape #MediterraneanVibes #NatureAndSea #WanderIsrael #BeachDays

Tel Aviv isn’t a city. She’s a situationship. Gorgeous, intense, slightly toxic — and you know you’ll go back anyway. I touched down and instantly started sweating… not sure if it was the actual heat or the hot population density. Like seriously, who told them all to be this tan, this confident, and this good at eye contact? • Breakfast: shakshuka and someone’s son. • Afternoon: sweating through linen, flirting in broken English, falling in love over iced coffee. • Night: tequila, techno, and texting my bestie “I’m never leaving.” The beach? Immaculate. The energy? Horny. The people? Look like they do Pilates and politics. And Jaffa? Feels like the backdrop of a historical drama where I have forbidden lovers and a mysterious past life as a spice trader. By 2 a.m., I was barefoot, on a rooftop, listening to deep house and reconsidering every life decision I’ve ever made — in the best way. Tel Aviv isn’t just hot. She’s humid, holy, and high-key unhinged. #AprilBlooms #TelAvivTales #ShukFlirtations #HotCityHotMess

Have you avoided Israel because of your preconceived notion that the Middle East is dangerous? But when you actually go there, you'll find it to be an exciting world where futuristic cities and ancient times coexist! In Tel Aviv, you can enjoy the beach while looking at the offices of high-tech companies, and in Jerusalem, you can walk through a city where the world's religions intersect while experiencing more than 3,000 years of history. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Israel that will definitely shock you and make you say, "Wow, there's no other country like this!" 1. Tel Aviv: "The Silicon Valley of the Middle East x Beach Resort" Tel Aviv, the largest city in Israel, is a cutting-edge city that is even called the "Silicon Valley of the Middle East." But at the same time, it's also a city where you can relax just like a beach resort. ✅ High tech meets fashion → Full of futuristic cafes and bars✅ The Mediterranean beaches are amazing → Some people are IT entrepreneurs in the morning and surfers in the day✅ The night party scene is crazy → Clubs, bars, and street festivals all night long You'll definitely be shocked and ask yourself, "What? Is this really the Middle East?" 👉 Travel advice: Prices in Tel Aviv are as high as Tokyo. If you want to save money, use hostels and food markets! ② Jerusalem: "A miraculous city where human history and religion are condensed" Jerusalem is the "holy land of the world's three major religions": Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Just walking around the city makes you feel like you've wandered into a history textbook. ✅ Judaism's holy site, the Western Wall → A place where people have been praying for thousands of years✅ Christianity's holy site, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre → The place where Jesus Christ was crucified✅ Islam's holy site, the Dome of the Rock → The golden dome is truly a spectacular sight Isn't it amazing that these three religions coexist in the same place? 👉 Travel advice: In Jerusalem, be careful because shops and traffic are stopped for Shabbat (the Sabbath) from Friday evening to Saturday night! ③ Israeli cuisine: "Miraculous gourmet food that is healthy yet delicious" Israeli cuisine is the strongest combination of "healthy x delicious". You might think that "the Middle East is all about meat," but healthy gourmet food with plenty of vegetables is the mainstream. ✔️ Hummus (chickpea paste) → Creamy and great when spread on bread! ✔️ Shakshuka (eggs stewed in tomatoes) → A classic Israeli dish perfect for breakfast✔️ Falafel (chickpea croquettes) → Crispy and full of spices, it's delicious! The best thing is that even health-conscious people and vegetarians won't have any trouble finding something to eat. 👉 Travel advice: Many restaurants in Israel are kosher (Jewish dietary laws), so be careful about the types of alcohol and meat dishes they serve! ④ Dead Sea: "Float on the miraculous lake that never sinks" The Dead Sea, located between Israel and Jordan, is the lake with the highest salt concentration in the world. In other words... it never sinks! ✅ Reading a book while floating on the lake → A scene straight out of a comic book becomes reality✅ Mud pack full of minerals → Get your skin smooth at the world's oldest spa✅ A different world 400m below sea level → Feels like you're at the end of the earth If you underestimate it and think, "It's just a salty lake, right?", you'll find it more fun than you can imagine and get addicted. 👉 Travel advice: Be careful, as it hurts a lot if water gets into a small wound or into your mouth! Don't forget to shower. ⑤ The energy of Israelis: "Everyone lives life to the fullest" When you go to Israel, you'll get the "power to live". Because Israelis are... ✅ Super friendly → Even when meeting for the first time, they're like, "You're my friend too!"✅ Love to debate → Everyone talks about life seriously, so the conversation is interesting✅ Geniuses who enjoy life → Work and play to the fullest! You'll feel that "The people in this country are so energetic...!" When you go to Israel, you'll feel like "I want to enjoy life more". 👉 Travel advice: Israelis are very assertive, so don't be shy! Israel is a country that breaks stereotypes. "Is Israel dangerous?" "Is the Middle East always full of war?" It was a country that completely blew away such preconceived notions. ✔️ Enjoy beach x high tech x party in Tel Aviv✔️ Walk through the center of human history in Jerusalem✔️ Israeli food is healthy and delicious✔️ Experience miraculous floating in the Dead Sea✔️ Israeli people have amazing energy After visiting Israel, your values ​​about travel may change. Now, Israel is the next destination! #Traveling abroad #Israel #Solo travel

#CanadaFlightEvent Bethlehem, visited during a trip to Israel. I drove from Jerusalem and it was a cleaner and quieter travel destination than I thought. There were many souvenir shops for pilgrims everywhere, and from the church, you could see the city at a glance. I was tired because there were a lot of solicitations.

#CanadaFlightEvent The Red Canyon, which I visited during my trip to Israel, was one of the places that was good for trekking and had beautiful natural scenery. It was created by natural erosion and has red sandstone, so it is called the Red Canyon. It is located in a good place to stop by on the way to Eilat or on the way back after a trip to Eilat, and it is recommended for rental car travel rather than public transportation.

#CanadaFlightEvent The Church of the Nativity of Baby Jesus, which I visited during my trip to Bethlehem. It is said to be a place where pilgrims from all over the world visit. It is located within walking distance from the Bethlehem Tourist Information Center, and anyone can tour the church for free without a separate admission fee. Although transportation is not good, it is a place worth visiting at least once.

#January Travel Grant Event This is a city in the Negev region of Israel, and it is a historic site where the remains of a city where people from the Byzantine era lived remain. It was an important base city for camel traders transporting spices from the desert and wilderness, and you can see the life of the Nabatean people. It is a place designated as a national park and is also visited by many locals.

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

#JapanAirlineEvent A place that takes about an hour by car from Tel Aviv when traveling to Israel! Rosh Hanik is a place with a beautiful seascape. You can take a cable car down to the cave, but the ride time is short compared to the admission fee, so it's a shame, but the sea is so beautiful.

#JapanFlightEvent Rosh Hanikra, located in the northernmost part of Israel, about an hour away from Tel Aviv. It is famous for the caves naturally formed over a long period of time, and the blue Mediterranean sea is so beautiful. I recommend going there when you want to see the beautiful sea and go for a drive!

#JapanFlightEvent Capernaum, located in the northern part of Israel, has a historic site as well as a church chapel. Since it is a place where you have to pay an entrance fee, the operating hours are important. Since it is located on the Sea of ​​Galilee, it is good to take a walk around the lake while looking around the historic site, and it is also good to see the chapel with a quiet atmosphere.

#JapanAirlineEvent It took about 2 hours by car from Tel Aviv, Israel to get to Capernaum, located in the northern part of Galilee. It is a historic site with an entrance, and the view of the Sea of ​​Galilee from here is so beautiful, as it is located along the lake. A great place to visit at least once when traveling to Israel!

#JapanAirfareEvent The Sea of ​​Galilee in the northern part of Israel. It is marked as a sea in the Bible, but it is said to be fresh water. It is a very large lake with a circumference of about 53km, and you can take a cruise on the lake, and there are pretty churches and cafes around it, so it is a good place to take a drive.

#JapanFlightEvent A historic tourist destination in the northern part of Israel, Gaishara Philippi. It is a different place from Gaishara and Philippi. It is said that there was a temple for the god of abundance, Pan, and a temple for the Roman emperor Augustus at that time. It is difficult to visit on the same day because it is far from Tel Aviv.

#JapanAirlineEvent GaesharaPhilippi in the northern Galilee region of Israel. It is a different place from Gaeshara, and it is said that at that time there was a temple for the god of abundance, Pan, and a temple for the Roman emperor Augustus. It was a place where you could see the power of the world with your own eyes, and it is a place where you can enter with a national park pass.

#JapanFlightEvent Tel Dan National Park in the Galilee region in northern Israel. It is a popular trekking course and there are many Roman ruins left here and there, so there is a lot to see. It is a place that takes about 2 hours by car from Tel Aviv, so it is recommended for travelers staying for more than one night.

#JapanFlightEvent Banias Falls, located in the northern part of Israel's Galilee, is a great place for trekking. It is a place where water from Mount Hermon, covered with snow all year round, flows down a 3.5km valley and falls, and the walking trail is well-maintained. A travel destination where you can also see historic sites.

#JapanFlightEvent The northern region I visited during my trip to Israel. Unlike the city center, the north had a different landscape. It was an area surrounded by low mountains, and it was a mountainous terrain that you can't see in Korea. The roads were easy to drive because there weren't many cars, and the traffic lights were well-organized.

#JapanAirfareEvent Tour of Gaishara National Park. You can also see the circular stadium, a ruin from the Roman era. It is a Mediterranean coastal city where Herod the Great built an artificial harbor and presented it to the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus, and it is within a day trip from Tel Aviv.

#JapanAirfareEvent Israel's Caesarea National Park. It is a Mediterranean coastal city where Herod the Great built an artificial harbor and presented it to the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outdoor historic city along the Mediterranean Sea. There are many things to see, and it would be better if there were a guide's commentary.