10 Best Places to Visit in Israel

Jerusalem is a centuries-old holy city that honors Jewish, Christian, and Muslim history. All stationed within the rolling hills of the Judean Mountains, its neighborhoods’ archeological ruins and distinct architecture tell religious tales.

The Old City is arguably one of the most significant parts of greater Jerusalem, inviting visitors to explore four distinct districts - the Jewish, Christian, Armenian, and Muslim quarters. During your vacation, you can walk along the processional routes taken by Jesus, stand in awe of the towering Western Wall, and view the remarkable architecture of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

As one of the best places in Israel to begin your pilgrimage, your tours of Jerusalem will showcase Israel’s religious history, regional cuisine, and magnificent culture.

Highlights: Old City • Western Wall • Al-Aqsa Mosque • Church of the Holy Sepulchre • Pilgrimage tours

Recommend Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Israel’s bustling, cosmopolitan city, Tel Aviv, is a dream place to visit in the Mediterranean. It has a lively atmosphere that sweeps the city streets and sun-kissed beaches. Tel Aviv is one of Israel's best places to visit as it highlights a beautiful blend of history and modernity.

There, you can visit the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center to hear incredible performances from the Israel National Opera in its headquarters, spend time at the dazzling harbors or on breathtaking beaches, cycle along the promenade, or cruise across the sea during sunset.

Tel Aviv’s museums share the city’s history and artistic talent, and its neighborhoods are home to charming cafés and brilliant Bauhaus architecture. You can explore colorful markets for tasty treats or fine dine at glamorous fusion restaurants, uncovering what makes Tel Aviv tick.

Highlights: Tel Aviv beaches • Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center • City cycling tour • Mediterranean dining • Sarona Market

Recommend Length of Stay: 3-4 days

Israel is spiritually diverse and this is best represented in the city of Haifa, where the Baháʼí Faith is revered and celebrated. Travelers flock to this phenomenal place to learn more about the religion and discover the unique spiritual centers that honor the faith.

You can begin by visiting the Baha'i World Centre and touring the landscaped Baháʼí Terraces, commonly known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa. The colorful gardens that cascade the slopes of Mount Carmel are breathtaking, introducing you to the kaleidoscope of culture that echoes through the coastal city from the surrounding hills.

Haifa is home to marvelous museums that share insight into local history, charming villages like Ein Hod chronicle the region’s artistic culture, and the beaches are spectacular, contributing to why Haifa makes our list of the best places to visit in Israel.

Highlights: Baha'i World Centre and Baháʼí Terraces • Mount Carmel • Ein Hod • Haifa beaches • Haifa Museum of Art

Recommend Length of Stay: 2-3 days

The Dead Sea remains one of the most attractive places in Israel to travelers as it offers a unique experience. You should make time to visit the arid lands surrounding the sea and spend an afternoon effortlessly floating on the salty water.

Besides swimming in the glistening salt lake, you can coat your body in the nutrient-rich mud that is bottled, distributed, and sold around the world for its supposed healing properties.

The scenery that surrounds the Dead Sea is also noteworthy as the Jordan Rift Valley’s golden mountains are a beautiful backdrop for every photo.

Highlights: Floating on the Dead Sea • Jordan Rift Valley • Kalia beach • Amman beach • Ein Gedi beach

Recommend Length of Stay: 1-2 days

A stone’s throw from Tel Aviv, Jaffa is a must-see in Israel, with biblical history, empirical architecture, and cultural charm.

Romance exudes around every corner and you can wander the cobblestone walkways to gorgeous restaurants or endearing boutiques that capture the spirit of the port city. You can watch flamboyant performances at local theaters, peruse markets near the historic port, and admire the astonishing architecture of the Mahmoudiya Mosque.

Jaffa is also the perfect place to unwind as time slows down and city scenes transport you to a simpler era in Israel’s immense history.

Highlights: Jaffa markets • Mahmoudiya Mosque • St. Peter's Monastery • HaPisgah Gardens • Jaffa Port

Recommend Length of Stay: 1-2 days

The marvelous remains of the Masada fortress stand on a desert summit towering above the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. This place is a treasure trove of Israeli history and a spellbinding archeological site to snapshot on tours from the Dead Sea and Jerusalem.

Recognized by UNESCO, the rugged fortress that seamlessly blends into the desert scenery is a dramatic site originally built under the rule of King Herod the Great. The former palace-turned-refugee camp for Jewish people during the First Jewish-Roman War is a symbol of the country’s resilient history and the ingenuity of ancient architectural fortifications.

You can walk up the various dusty trails that lead to the summit of the mountain or take the cable car to the very top to discover Masada’s beauty and surrounding scenery.

Highlights: Judean Desert • Masada Museum • Paths to the Summit • Northern Palace • Masada Synagogue

Recommend Length of Stay: 1-2 days

Akko, sometimes referred to as Acre, is an extremely popular place to visit in Israel. Its architecture reflects Israel’s past, spiritual sites shed light on regional culture, and the Mediterranean coast welcomes travelers dreaming of days sunbathing on beautiful beaches.

In Akko, you can explore the remnants of Israel’s Crusader history, browse vibrant Arabian street markets in search of delicious snacks and colorful textiles, and tuck into gourmet dishes at restaurants with views of the sea.

Various cultures have imprinted the neighborhoods of Akko, from Byzantine to Ottoman, with their art and architecture dominating the charming streets. You can stroll through manicured gardens, explore the fascinating Templars’ Tunnel, and get lost in the Old City.

Highlights: Old City • Arabian street markets • Templars’ Tunnel • Al-Jazzar Mosque • Knights' Halls

Recommend Length of Stay: 2-3 days

As one of the oldest cities in Israel, must-see Beit Shean unravels the history and mysteries shrouding its ruins and archeological sites in the Galilee region.

Historically, various cultural empires have ruled over the areas surrounding Beit Shean, culminating in a fascinating blend of architectural and artistic styles. The bronze age Canaanite Temples pre-date Egyptian occupation, while Roman, Crusader, Mamluk, and British influences contended in the following years. Today, Beit Shean showcases the marvelous mix, along with Israel’s impressions of the area.

You can visit the archeological remains to piece together the area’s remarkable history at the Roman Theater, Tell el-Husn, Seraglio, and beyond.

Highlights: Canaanite Temples • Roman Theater • Tell el-Husn • Seraglio • Gan HaShlosha National Park

Recommend Length of Stay: 1-2 days

The historic city of Nazareth in the Galilee region is commonly referred to as the Arabian capital of Israel. As a pilgrimage site for Christians, Nazareth is also home to a selection of spaces coveted by the faith.

You can explore all aspects of Nazareth’s cultural diversity as you visit biblical sites and heritage landmarks. The Church of the Annunciation is a marvelous spiritual site with colorful murals and beautiful furnishings veiling the walls and walkways of its interior.

You can discover ancient bathhouses in and amongst the bustle of the city’s busy neighborhoods. You can also enjoy a day trip to the remains of Crusader constructions at Zippori for an immersive exploration of the time period.

Highlights: Church of the Annunciation • St. Joseph's Church • Nazareth Village • Mary’s Well • Centre International Marie de Nazareth

Recommend Length of Stay: 2-3 days

The ancient city of Eilat on the Red Sea is a vibrant and energetic place that attracts history buffs, cultural explorers, and holidaymakers hoping to spend some downtime on beautiful beaches.

The sparkling seas offer some of the best snorkeling in Israel, revealing the magical underwater scenes and marine life that flocks to the shallow waters off the coast. You can visit the Dolphin Reef to swim with the animals, embrace a magical day trip to the phenomenal complex of Petra, hike through the red canyons of Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve, and try out thrilling watersports on the beaches.

Highlights: Dolphin Reef • Petra • Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve • Eilat beaches • Red Sea

Recommend Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Remarkable desert scenery, bustling cultural neighborhoods, and postcard-perfect seascapes can absorb you on vacations to the best places in Israel.

From the vibrant promenades on Tel Aviv’s coast to the beautiful blend of Arabian culture and Crusader heritage in Akko, you can explore Israel’s magnificent places on our customizable Israel Tours.

Discover the Top 9 Things to Do in Israel to begin planning your dream trip.