Things to Do in Israel

During the sixteenth century the Ottoman Turkish sultan Suleiman rebuilt the Old City walls of Jerusalem and included six different gates into the Old City. Jaffa Gate (Bab al-Khalil) is one of the originals, named after its orientation, pointing toward the harbor of Jaffa in Tel Aviv.

This gate on the western wall comprises the original dog-legged pedestrian tunnel leading into the Old City, as well as a car-friendly passage constructed in 1898 to allow German Kaiser Wilhelm II to ride into the city.

As the main entrance into the Old City, the gate makes a perfect starting point for modern-day explorations. Just inside the gate sits a lively souk which leads into the Christian and Jewish quarters.

According to the Christian faith, Nazareth was home to Mary and Joseph before the birth of Christ. Located in northern Israel, this once-sleepy village is now a bustling metropolis full of Ottoman-era mansions and Roman ruins. Lofty churches, mosques, and temples pepper the city, along with both Christian and Muslim holy sites. 

 

Nazareth is an important Holy Land site on par with Bethlehem, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Here you can find some of the most beautiful churches in the Middle East, such as the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church of St. Gabriel, and St. Joseph’s Church. The White Mosque is also a must-see, along with the Peace Mosque and Ela-Nabi Sa'in Mosque. For a taste of Nazareth’s diverse culture, visit the Diwan El Lajun, a multicultural performing arts center. 

Nazareth is a popular day trip destination from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Most tours last at least a day, and some multi-day excursions visit Nazareth along with other important Holy Land sites such as Jericho, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee. Private tours are also available for a personalized experience. 

 

Nazareth is located in northern Israel, near the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. By road, the city is roughly two hours from Jerusalem and 90 minutes from Tel Aviv. It’s possible to travel by bus from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, although be aware that public transportation does not run during Shabbat or on Jewish holidays.

You can visit Nazareth year-round, although Israel’s weather is most pleasant during spring and autumn. Most restaurants and stores close on Sundays. 

 

The Basilica of the Annunciation is a modern church built upon Crusade-era ruins, the remains of which are still visible on the lower level. The site’s mix of architectural styles and stunning works of art make it one of the most unique churches in Israel. Mary’s Well is another important spot, known for its beautifully restored Roman arches.

The Kidron Valley is known for its stunning views, as well as its historic and religious significance. It’s a destination for travelers seeking a Biblical touchstone, thanks to its starring role in the story of David in the Books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, in Orthodox, Jewish, Protestant and Catholic traditions. 

The valley is also home to hundreds of ancient tombs located near the village of Silwan. It is widely recognized as the main burial ground in the city during historic times. The most significant tombs in the Kidron Valley include the Pillar of Absalom, the Tomb of Benei Hezir and the Tomb of Zechariah. Travelers who explore these tombs on a visit to the valley will gain a deeper understanding of Jerusalem’s culture, history and religious traditions while taking in some truly incredible views.

Having a predominantly Haredi and Hasidic population, the Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea She’arim is a world of its own within Jerusalem. The insulated neighborhood is one of the oldest Jewish areas in the city and accordingly, life revolves around the many strict religious rules and traditions. Men can be seen wearing the traditional black frock coats with white shirts and stiff black hats to cover their heads. Women usually dress in black, long skirts and blouses and cover their heads with a headscarf or a wig. Additionally, the households in Mea She’arim reject most technology, including computers, televisions and radios as well as newspapers and magazines. Instead, important messages and news are glued onto walls or one of the numerous billboards that can be seen everywhere. Next to the messages, there are also the so called “modesty posters”, big notices with bold print that urge visitors to wear at least knee length clothing as well as tops with sleeves. Since the inhabitants of Mea She’arim also don’t want to become a major tourist attraction, photography is forbidden within the neighborhood and visitors are generally encouraged to blend in. 

The residents of Mea She’arim might be suspicious of strangers, but if you make the effort to follow the rules and blend in, you will find the people to be nothing but honest, helpful and friendly. Those looking for bargains and reasonable prices will discover a great selection of interesting goods in the shopping district and it is worthwhile to purchase typical Jewish necessities and clothes, visit one of the bookstores and follow the mouthwatering smells into one of the many bakeries. The bakeries could even be called the main attractions of the neighborhood, so make sure not to miss out on the Sufganiyah, delicious round jelly doughnuts topped with powdered sugar.

Tel Aviv’s Museum of the Jewish People (Beit Hatfutsot) tells the ongoing 4,000-year story of the Jewish people from the past into the future. The permanent collection includes exhibits on trailblazers and heroes of Jewish history, Israel’s War of Independence and the past and present of synagogues.

At the heart of it all is the Core Exhibition — a story through the eras of Jewish life and history through a collection of dioramas, murals, models, film and multi-media displays on topics like family life, community, martyrdom, faith, culture and the interaction between the Jewish people and their host environments throughout the world.

As of 2016 the museum is undergoing a comprehensive renovation, which will culminate in a new 66,000-square-foot permanent exhibit in 2019 — this reinvented space will place greater emphasis on narrative, identity and participation.

Surrounded by ancient stone city walls, it is easy to get lost in the winding alleyways of Old Jerusalem — lost in another time, another place, another world. That is what is so special about the place: outside of being of utmost sacred significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims, the Old City maintains its historic feel and tangible spirituality. The Western Wall, Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are all located within its walls. The Via Dolorosa, where Jesus is said to have walked to his crucifixion, can still be traced here. There is both a sense of chaos — with bustling souks and busy streets — as there is a deep sense of calm and peace. 

Built by King David in 1004 B.C., the Old City of Jerusalem has one of the most fascinating histories in the world. Its walls were constructed in the 16th century by the Ottomans. The city is divided into four main quarters, each with its own distinct feel: the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters. Pilgrims of many world religions can be found on its streets, as well as present day residents who call Jerusalem home.

Founded in 1965, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem ranks as the largest cultural institution in Israel and one of the world’s top archaeology and art museums. The extensive collection of nearly half a million objects, which contains works spanning from prehistory to today, is divided into Fine Arts, Archaeology, Jewish Art and Life collections and includes the world’s most extensive collection of biblical and Holy Land archaeological pieces.

Within the galleries and exhibits of the recently upgraded 20-acre museum campus, visitors will find find the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept, as well as the Billy Rose Art Garden, considered among the best outdoor sculpture gardens of the twentieth century. Sculptures by masters like Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore are scattered throughout.

At the base of the Mount of Olives lies the site believed by Eastern Christians to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. Her tomb there, embedded in rock, commemorates Mary’s Assumption and ascension into heaven. Following a dark, winding staircase down to the burial site, the walls are decorated with historic art depicting Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the crypt itself, hanging lamps and burning candles and incense create a low lit, peaceful atmosphere.

Tradition states that her body was received on the third day following her death, leaving her tomb empty. Traditions following her death here are said to taken place since the 2nd and 3rd centuries. The church that sits above is believed to have been built around the time of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, making it one of the oldest near-complete religious buildings in Jerusalem.

It is still possible to visit the supposed site of the Last Supper, known to some as the “Cenacle” (Latin for ‘dining room’) and also the “Upper Room.” The Last Supper is the Passover meal Jesus and his disciples shared the night before his death. The New Testament of the Bible writes that the Apostles gathered in the upper room here to pray after Jesus’s ascension into heaven. 

The room then became a gathering spot for first-century Judeo-Christians. Some consider it “the first ever Christian church.” The room became known as the Church of the Apostles after it was spared in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The stone structure that now stands was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, though parts of the original wall can still be seen. The great hall is divided into three naves by large Romanesque pillars, imbued with a true sense of Biblical history.

Bursting at the seams with produce, nuts, seeds, spices, wines, meats and cheeses, baked goods, fish, housewares and clothing, Mahane Yehuda Market, informally called The Shuk, teems with locals and tourists who come for a bargain or simply to take in the frenetic atmosphere.

The history of the market dates back to the Ottoman Period, when locals began selling produce there in the early 20th century. It soon expanded into an organized market thanks to its convenient, centralized location. The local government attempted to add much-needed infrastructure — proper sewage, running water and garbage disposal to start — to the market during the British Mandate period, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that conditions began to improve.

Hungry travelers will find plenty of street food stands in and around the Mahane Yehuda Market, including some of Jerusalem’s best burekas. The market also offers a Shuk Bites card, which includes a self-guided tour map of the market and vouchers for a variety of market products.

The Palmach was founded on May 15, 1941 as an elite unit of the underground army of the Jewish community. At the innovative Palmach Museum, visitors are transported back in time, where they follow the story of a group of young Palmach recruits who fought and eventually died fighting for the establishment of the state of Israel.

Each tour begins in a memorial hall dedicated to fallen Palmach members. Rather than the artifacts and informational placards common to most museums, the Palmach Museum uses audio visual effects and three-dimensional decor to recount various experiences in the personal stories of Palmach fighters.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada, an ancient fortress built by King Herod the Great, dates back to 37 BC. It’s location on a cliff overlooking the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea is a spectacular spot from which to watch the sunrise.

 

Ride the cable car up to Masada or hike the Roman Ramp or the Snake Path. At the top, explore remnants of Roman encampments, synagogues, homes, and ruins of Herod’s Palace complex, with its ancient bathhouses and well-preserved mosaics. Most impressive are the views, which span the vast Judean Desert and the Dead Sea.

Full-day tours to Masada run from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat, or Herzliya, and typically combine a visit to the mountaintop fortress with a soak in the Dead Sea and a hike through the nearby Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.

 

 

To reach Masada, take bus 486 from Jerusalem or Ein Gedi, or bus 421 from Tel Aviv. Or, travel on either Road 90, which runs along the coast of the Dead Sea, or Road 3199 from Arad by taxi or private vehicle. There’s a parking lot near the Masada Visitor Center at the bottom of the cliff, from where you can set out by cable car or the Snake Path.

 

Sunrise is the best time to watch stunning views from the mountaintop, and an early start is recommended to avoid the midday heat, especially during the summer months (June–August). On Tuesday and Thursday evenings between March and August, the open-air theater on the western side of Masada holds a sound and light show, which tells the story of the ancient fortress.

 

In AD 68, Jews took over the fortress of Masada to seek refuge from the Romans. They held out for several years, until the Romans used a ramp to reach the fortress. Once defeat was inevitable, around 960 Jews chose mass suicide over captivity. Today, the Israeli people look at the fortress as a symbol of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of adversity.

Just east of the Old City, separating Jerusalem from the Judean Desert, sits the Mount of Olives, one of the city’s most famous scriptural sites. The famous mountain is referenced in both the Old and New Testaments, first as the escape route David used during his son’s rebellion, and again by the prophets. The New Testament recounts Jesus addressing his pupils from the Mount of Olives.

Apart from its religious importance, the Mount of Olives is historically significant as well. On the lower slopes of the mountain, you’ll find the Jewish cemetery, believed to be the oldest cemetery in the world still in use and burial place of many prominent Jewish figures, including Zechariah and philosopher Nahmanides. The foot of the mountain is also home to the Gardens of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations and the Russian Orthodox Church of Maria Magdalene.

At the top of the mountain, the Mount of Olives Observation Point offers panoramic views of the domes and towers of the Old City below. If possible, head to the top first thing in the morning, so you’ll have the sun at your back for photos, before exploring the rest of the area.

In the Gospel of John, chapter 5, Jesus is said to have miraculously healed a paralyzed man at the Bethesda Pool. This pool was discovered and excavated during the nineteenth century when the Church of St. Anne, located on the same grounds, was being restored. This public bath was likely used during the first century BC and first century AD.

The Romanesque church was built in 1140 by Crusaders at the site where Hannah, mother of Mary, was born. It’s considered one of the best specimens of medieval architecture in Israel and is famous for its astounding acoustics. Stick around for a few minutes and you’ll often hear hymns being sung.

Ancient ruins uncovered by archaeologists from Hebrew University are in a handful of museums and parks in the Jewish Quarter, including a 2,200-year-old image of a Temple menorah and portions of the Israelite Tower. A stunning pool built by the Romans was discovered in 2010. Travelers will find this homage to another lifetime filled with terracotta roof tiles, mosaic floors and regal steps. 

In addition to archaeological ruins, visitors can tour several of the other historic and religious sites that are scattered across the Jewish Quarter. The famous Western Wall, several synagogues, a handful of Yeshivas and an abandoned mosque offer insight into the culture and traditions of this diverse city. The eclectic stalls and contagious energy of Cado market and Hurva Square offer travelers a taste of local life, too.

Haifa, Israel’s third largest city, is also one of the most underrated. Where Jerusalem gets the lion’s share of attention as a religiously significant destination, Haifa flies under the radar with multiple faiths living in relative harmony -- most notably the headquarters of the Baha’i faith. As the country’s largest and busiest commercial port, Haifa can dock three ships at once.

Haifa Port is conveniently located right in Haifa’s city center, making for an easy walk from your ship to pretty much all the top attractions. Wear your walking shoes though, as Haifa is very hilly. If you’d rather not walk, taxis wait outside the terminal when ships are docked, or you can hail them around town. The closest international airport is Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv -- a 75-minute train ride from Haifa.

From the passenger terminal, walk through the historic German Colony to the base of the Baha’i Gardens and World Center on the northern slope of Mount Carmel. Spend some time walking through the beautifully manicured gardens before hopping on the Carmelit funicular for a trip up the mountain.

Haifa serves as the gateway to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee, both home to numerous religiously significant sites, like the supposed locations of Jesus’s childhood and baptism and the Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the region and the sight where Gabriel was believed to have visited the Virgin Mary.

History buffs and religious scholars alike should consider a visit to Akko, just 30 minutes away by train. This ancient crusader city is dominated by narrow alleys, underground passages and busy souks.

For a more relaxing day in Haifa, choose one of the city’s eight beaches for a day in the sun. Zamir and Dado beaches both have boardwalks with restaurants, shops and facilities within a quick taxi ride of the port.