Israel is a country of immense beauty and offers thousands of years of history to anyone who's interested in it.

It's a country that stirs up emotions, but otherwise, it's a paradise for travelers and history lovers.

In a span of a few hours, you can visit the cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, explore traditional Jerusalem, see modern Haifa, or travel to the Crusader city of Acre.

Later, hike in the Golan Heights, explore the Sea of Galilee, drive across the Negev Desert, snorkel in the Red Sea, or float in the Dead Sea.

And also, don't forget to visit the controversial West Bank territory.

Simply put, there is so much to see and do in Israel that you'll enjoy every second there.

Plan a Trip to Israel

There are plenty of things to know before visiting Israel, as it's one of the most diverse countries we've ever been to.

Before you start planning the trip, you need to figure out what is the best way to get around Israel.

We believe that Israel is best explored on a road trip. Driving in Israel is very easy as the roads are in good condition, and road signs are in English.

It's always better to have your trip stress-free, and our 2-week Israel itinerary will help you plan your vacation better.

Knowing when is the best time to visit Israel will allow you to avoid any unpleasant surprises, such as extreme heat during the summer.

It's generally safe to travel around Israel. Still, you should know a few things about staying safe in Israel.

Visiting Israel on a Budget can come with many challenges, as this is an expensive country. Still, there are always ways to save money while there.

Israel has dozens of national parks and nature reserves, and Israel Pass will help you save money on entrance fees.

Most international visitors arrive in Israel by air. Luckily getting from Ben-Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem is easy regardless of the mode of transportation.

Top Things to See and Do in Israel

Jerusalem

For starters, make sure to read our in-depth guide on essential things you need to know about Jerusalem before you go. It will help you plan your trip and decide where to stay, how to get around, what to see and do while there, and much more.

Visiting the iconic Dome of the Rock and Temple Mountain is an incredible experience, but there are a few important things to know about this area before you go.

Also known as the Weeping Wall, Western Wall is one of the remaining structures of the Second Temple and one of the symbols and holiest places of Judaism.

Not only the Mount of Olives offers stunning views of Jerusalem, but it also has a huge Jewish cemetery with thousands and thousands of graves and several other attractions.

Before his crucifixion, Jesus had to walk Via Dolorosa while carrying a heavy wooden cross. Walking this route is an intense experience not only for Christian pilgrims.

The last stop of Via Dolorosa is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which also contains Christ's Tomb. We don't have to emphasize that this is one of the most important Christian structures in the world.

The entire Old City is encircled by massive medieval walls, and you can easily explore the city from above on Ramparts Walk.

If you're looking for a memorable day trip from Jerusalem, look no further than the West Bank Tour, including Jericho, Bethlehem, or Bethlehem!

Mediterranean Coast

Tel Aviv is not like any other place in Israel. It has sandy beaches, a cosmopolitan character, rich nightlife, and diverse cuisine. There are so many things to see and do in Tel Aviv that you will need at least a few days for this amazing city.

Built in the 1st century BCE and located on the azure shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Caesarea National Park is a must-visit place in Israel.

Despite the fact that Haifa might not be the most popular city among international visitors, it's definitely a fascinating place to visit.

For many travelers, the main reason to visit Haifa is Bahai Gardens, a UNESCO site that can be found on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

Only a short drive from Haifa, Beit Shearim National Park is a Jewish necropolis and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for rock-cut tombs.

One of the most important cities during the Crusades, today's historical center of Akko is a truly captivating place to visit and burial cave systems that you can explore on foot.

Also known as the Hospitaller Fortress, Knights' Halls in Akko is hands down the best place in Israel to learn more about Crusaders and the religious wars between Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land.

Located in the northwesternmost point of Israel at the borders Lebanese borders, Rosh HaNikra Grottoes combine white-chalk cliffs, sea caves, and a historic cable car.

Dead Sea

The lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea, is a fascinating and unique place to visit. And there are not many travelers who wouldn't have this area featuring a hypersaline lake located below sea level on their itinerary.

As hinted above, there are plenty of interesting things to know about the Dead Sea apart from the elevation and salinity.

Due to the lake's salinity, swimming in the Dead Sea is not like any other swimming experience in any other water body. No splashing and jumping into the water this time.

One of the most visited places in Israel, the fortress of Masada tells a story of a Roman siege and Jewish resistance. This UNESCO site is not only about history but also features one of the best views in Israel.

The resort town of Ein Bokek is a gateway to the Dead Sea on the Israeli side. While the accommodation in Ein Bokek is on the expensive side, its beaches are free and offer one of the safest swimming experiences.

When driving along the barren and arid area of the Dead Sea, you probably wouldn't guess to find a place such as Ein Gedi Nature Reserve here. Expect the year-round stream hidden in a groove, waterfalls, and ibexes.

As we love hiking, we believe the moderately-difficult Snake Path Trail is the best way to reach Masada Fortress. Start early to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water with you.

Galilee

Located on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias is one of the most polarizing cities in Israel. Even though its concrete architecture might not be exactly attractive, it's hard to overlook the fact that Tiberias is a perfect gateway to the Galilee Region.

If you've come to Israel to search for Biblical places, the Sea of Galilee must be on your travel itinerary. Fed by the Jordan River and also known as Tiberias Lake or Lake Kinneret, this important water body witnessed some of the best-known miracles from Jesus.

Sitting on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was the first home of adult Jesus. There he lived, taught, prayed, and performed his miracles.

Located halfway between Haifa and Tiberias, Nazareth is a bustling city and a place where Jesus spent his childhood. Due to its large Muslim and Christian communities, Nazareth is also a popular place to visit on Shabbat.

If you love mosaics and Roman ruins, there is not a better place to visit in Israel than Tzipori National Park. This lovely site is only a few kilometers from Nazareth, and it truly has the best mosaics in Israel.

If you're still not tired of Roman ruins in Israel, the Beit Shean National Park should be on your list as well. Not only does it have some unique structures, but the history of this place also dates back to 5000 BCE. 

An iconic Biblical place, Mount Tabor, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Israel. While you can easily drive to the top of the hill, hiking one of the designated trails is also an option.

One of the smallest national parks we visited in Israel, Beit Alfa Synagogue, tells the story of Jewish history while featuring charming mosaics.

Negev Desert

Often overlooked by international visitors, the Negev Desert is a place that caught us by surprise. Despite its looks, there are plenty of things to do in the Negev Desert.

Located in Negev Highlands and created by erosion Makhtesh Ramon is one of the most extraordinary places not only in Israel but on Earth.

One of the best-preserved stops on the ancient Incense Route, Avdat National Park is full of Nabatean, Roman, and Byzantine history.

Negev Desert is full of surprises. And Ein Avdat National Park, a stunning canyon in Tzin Valley with a year-round freshwater spring, is one of them. 

If you want to learn about the man after whom the main international airport and many other places in Israel were named, you should visit Ben-Gurion's Tomb and the nearby Sde Boker kibbutz.

After you cross the entire Negev Desert, you will arrive in Eilat, Israel's most popular resort town. And while the city itself is far from pretty, its beaches, mountains, and coral reefs are worth exploring.

The Red Sea is known for excellent snorkeling opportunities, and Coral Beach Nature Reserve near Eilat is a perfect place for this activity, even for beginners.

Even though lying on a beach in Eilat is fun, we fully recommend you to visit Timna Park, known for stunning rock formations, epic scenery, and thousand years of history.

Alternatively, you can visit Red Canyon from Eilat and save on the entrance fee. We don't have to emphasize that the scenery of the Eilat Mountains is absolutely breathtaking.

Northern Israel

One of the four holy cities in Israel, Safed is one of the most captivating places to visit in the Northern District.

One of the main reasons why to travel so far up north is the Nimrod Fortress, built by the Ayyubid sultan for protection against Crusaders.

Hermon Stream is a lovely nature reserve with Banias Falls, the most beautiful waterfall in Israel. Moreover, it's a nice place for hiking and you can also e more Roman ruins here.

If you're looking for a place to relax on your vacation, Rosh Pinna might not be the most obvious option at first. Still, this charming village is one of the most popular places to unwind while in Israel.

One of the most inconspicuous national parks in Israel, Tel Hazor, is full of surprises. Due to its significant historical meaning, this former capital city of the Canaanite Kingdom has been listed as a UNESCO site.

Do you want more info? Check out all our articles on Israel.