A Guide to Israel: What to Do and Where to Stay

Israel has it all. Tel Aviv’s sun-bleached beaches, bars and clubs offer guaranteed good times day and night.

Stay in some of the best hotels in town, just moments from the beaches and buzzy design districts and artisanal enclaves. Beyond Tel Aviv, you might take in the historic sites of the capital Jerusalem, Herzliya’s elegant, restaurant-filled marina, or opt for a taste of the great outdoors, from wine tours to desert bike rides, canyon climbs to dolphin dives, even during the winter months when the sun still shines in the south. For a winter sun hotspot, you can’t beat Eilat, which is particularly great for families, as well as the countless options for explorers from cycling trips to getting a real taste of authentic ‘kibbutz’ life.

The best places to visit in Israel

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a beach-lover's paradise (Photo: GettyImages)

When it comes to buzzing coastal cities, Tel Aviv sets a gold standard. And there’s no better beachfront location in the whole of Israel than the exceptionally placed Sheraton Tel Aviv, set right in the heart of the action. The hotel’s tranquil rooms boast panoramic views from their balconies, while the rooftop pool, state-of-the-art spa and fully equipped fitness centre will send your Instagram followers wild. Renaissance Tel Aviv Hotel is also set right on the sand, and just a short walk from the bustling shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that scatter Tel Aviv’s sun-dappled streets. The indoor pool here provides a serene respite for those travelling in winter, while the Marina Terrace is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a coffee.

One of the best things to do is simply to take a stroll around nearby Neve Tzedek, an artsy area in the southwest of Tel Aviv that’s strewn with galleries and gelato stands. Tel Aviv beaches are bursting at weekends (Friday and Saturday) so going mid-week can work well. Baruch Beach offers a more exclusive experience or head to Banana Beach for a real party. There are beaches to suit families with children and teens. Tel Aviv is also home to one of the largest Pride parades in the world, with a breadth of LGBT+ venues.

Jaffa

Jaffa is a beautiful ancient port city (Photo: GettyImages)

An extraordinary ancient port city known for its thriving, harmonious atmosphere, Jaffa is so special that it stands as its own entity within Tel Aviv. Picturesque ruins provide a fairytale setting to Jaffa’s artisanal eateries and boutique shops, and there’s a truly progressive cultural scene to dive into, too – don’t miss a trip to The Arab Hebrew theatre, for instance, or The Nalaga'at centre. Set within a restored 19th-century complex that once housed Jaffa’s French Hospital, right by the historic port, The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv boasts jaw-dropping architecture and thoughtful interior design flourishes. When in Jaffa, allow yourself time to be charmed by the rich variety of local attractions, from the Shuk Hapishpeshim flea market and Museum of Antiquities to the HaTachana art and design district, set in the Old Jaffa Railway Station complex. It’s one of the most interesting things to do in town.

Herzliya

Affluent, tranquil Herzliya is situated around an elegant marina, and is a good option for those wanting to sit back, take in the views and do some unhurried people-watching. The rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya offer some of the most gloriously spacious accommodation in Israel, perfect for family trips, and all overlook either the marina or the sea. Kosher cuisine is the star at Herbert Samuel restaurant while afternoon tea gets a local twist at Blends Lounge. Publica Isrotel, Autograph Collection, on the other hand, offers a more urban experience, and is home to a local social club that includes sports and fitness classes, live music, and an art gallery. As well as the charming marina, don’t miss the Herzliya museum of contemporary art, the Apollonia national park and the Sidna Ali Mosque.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is full of historical sites (Photo: GettyImages)

There are so many historical sites to see in Jerusalem that you can’t get to them all in one day. The list of places to visit in the capital is long and rich but certainly don’t miss seeing Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock, as well as the Western Wall. Other interesting places to visit include Mahane Yehuda Market, also known as The Shuk, which is great for getting those holiday keepsakes.

What to eat and drink in Israel

Hummus

Sampling hummus is a must when in Israel (Photo: GettyImages)

The ‘Who invented hummus?’ question is still unresolved, but regardless of which way you tend in the debate, Tel Aviv institution Abu Hassan’s spicy masabacha (a variant of standard hummus, where the chickpeas are largely left whole) is a unanimous Jaffa favourite.

Shawarma

You can’t walk far in Tel Aviv or Jaffa without stumbling across a shawarma joint, another of Israel’s national street foods. There are loads of great places to eat it but definitely try the covert Shawarma Bino, found nestled within Jaffa’s famous flea market. Choose unctuous shredded lamb loaded with crispy salad, lashings of hummus, and dollops of chilli and tomato sauce.

Knafeh and burek

Knafeh are deliciously crispy filo pastries (Photo: GettyImages)

Jaffa’s Yaffa Knafeh is a small and historical street-corner bakery. The piping hot knafeh (crispy shredded filo pastries) attract locals and tourists alike with their sweet sugary goodness. Also in Jaffa, famed Bulgarian bakery Leon prepares sweet and savoury burek (more stuffed doughy parcels), a hybrid street food that blends Arabic and Ashkenazi heritage.

Local fare with flare

The Jaffa Restaurant is led by renowned Israeli chef Roi Antebi, famed for its grilled fish and pasta, set within an enchanting courtyard. Also don’t miss the local flavourings with a twist at M25, Sheine and Santa Katarina in Tel Aviv, plus Onza and Puaa in Jaffa for some of the most authentic dishes to try in town. One of the best fish restaurants in Israel is Jaffa’s Margaret Tayar: order stuffed sardines and fresh fish patties to enjoy on the picturesque terrace.

Hidden gems in Israel

The UNESCO-listed Baha’i Gardens in Haifa are unmissable (Photo: GettyImages)

Wondering where to go next? Eilat is a favourite Red Sea holiday destination for those looking for winter sun. Boasting year-round balmy temperatures, take an exciting snorkelling trip off Coral Beach or dive with the dolphins at Dolphin Reef.

The UNESCO-listed Baha’i Gardens in Haifa, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, surround the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel, are unmissable. Time your visit at sunset for an experience you won’t forget.

Israel has a budding wine scene with more than 300 wineries between the Judean Hills, Samson, Galilee and the Negev desert.

The alluring landscapes of the vast deserts, canyons, nature reserves and rugged mountains attract thrill-seekers from all over the world, who are looking for an active trip, packed with hiking, cycling and camping.

One of the really unique things to do in Israel is to gain an insight into the workings of a real kibbutz or moshav, which are traditionally agricultural-based collectives. Visit kibbutz Ein Harod, which was founded in 1921 and was the first large kibbutz in Israel, for a truly memorable experience.

Go deeper

Israel epitomises laid-back living, so don’t expect anything or anyone to run strictly on time. Take the “yalla, yalla” (which means “let’s go!”) as a friendly response to most questions, whether you’re touring Jerusalem or “mooching” (strolling) around a flea market. Check ahead for any specified clothing requirements such as modest head and shoulder coverings at religious sites, as well as sabbath opening times as many places may be closed on Saturdays. If you want the authentic experience of local travel opt for a sherut, which is like a shared taxi. It’s one of the most fun things you can do in the country.

Published: July 26, 2022

Last Updated: February 23, 2023

Article Tags:  Israel , Tel Aviv