Israel travel guide
Israel Tourism | Israel Guide
You're Going to Love Israel
Historical and full of natural beauties, Israel is one of the top destinations in the Middle East.
Well-known religious locations, like Jerusalem and Nazareth, are must-see destinations as well as the quiet waters of the Dead Sea.
What to do in Israel
1. Enjoy the Beaches
Whether to swim, surf, or just relax, Israel is known for some of the best beaches in the world. Top destinations for beach-goers include Tel Aviv, Eilat, and, of course, the Dead Sea.
2. Visit the Old City in Jerusalem
The narrow streets and quarters of the Old City in Jerusalem have witnessed thousands of years of history. No trip to Israel is complete without a few hours at one of the world's most famous historical sites.
3. Take a Trip to the Church of Nativity
It's almost impossible to travel to Israel and not include Bethlehem in your itinerary. Visit the Church of Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus that is well-known and worshipped by Christians.
4. Tour the Museums in Tel Aviv
In Tel Aviv find some of the best museums in Israel, including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History.
5. Indulge in Some Delicious Local Hummus
Foodie or not, you can't leave Israel without touring some local hummus places and discovering for yourself which one does it best.
When to visit Israel
During Jewish holidays (Passover, Sukkot, and Rosh Hashanah), prices increase and accommodation is harder to find. However, if you're interested in experiencing Israel and its local culture, this is the best time to visit.
From September to November and March to June, weather is milder and better to enjoy the outdoors.
How to Get to Israel
Entry Requirements
Nationals from most countries are issued a visa on arrival when entering Israel. Clearing customs might take some time, considering the border authorities are thorough with their inquiries on travelers' purpose of visit.
Plane
Most international flights to Israel will land at Ben Gurion Airport, 11 mi from the center of Tel Aviv. The more recent Ramon International Airport handles mostly seasonal international flights.
Security proceedings for flights to Israel are more thorough than for other destinations. It's advised that passengers check in as early as possible when departing to and from Israel.
Car
You can enter Israel by car from Jordan or Egypt, but keep in mind that all borders have high-security measures and crossing will be a long and thorough process.
Usually Israel issues visas on arrival at land borders, but always check the latest information in advance. Some borders charge fees for crossing.
Bus
There are regular bus connections from Amman (Jordan) to Nazareth, Tel Aviv, and Haifa in Israel. As with other land border crossings, always check the latest information regarding security measures.
Popular airlines serving Israel
Where to stay in Israel
Israel is well-equipped with a variety of accommodation types from budget-friendly hostels to international chain hotels, especially in popular tourist destinations.
Where to stay in popular areas of Israel
Most booked hotels in Israel
How to Get Around Israel
Public Transportation
Most cities are connected by a network of intercity trains and buses. Within cities, getting around by metered taxi or shared minivans ("monit sherut") is also a frequent option.
Trains
Trains are operated by Israel Railways and are a comfortable and reliable way to get around. There are two to three trains per hour during peak travel times and about one every hour during off-peak times.
Trains don't run on the Sabbath, from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.
Bus
Most towns and cities are connected by bus, but making sense of the routes can be a challenge. When in doubt, ask a local or the bus driver for help. There could be more than one bus company working the same route.
As with trains, buses also don't run on the Sabbath.
Car
You can drive using your local driver's license since car rental companies in Israel don't require an International Driving Permit.
Plane
There are daily domestic flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Eilat. Look for flight deals to decide if it's worth it to take a bus instead.
The Cost of Living in Israel
ATMs are widely available, and most businesses accept credit cards, so you don't have to worry about carrying cash. Even so, it's advisable to keep some on you for small transactions. A one-way bus ticket can cost approximately 50 ILS (14 USD). Expect to pay approximately 70-100 ILS (19-28 USD) for groceries every three days.