Top 11 Places to Visit in Israel
Israel, called the hometown of Jews scattered across the world, is a small country but full of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Its population is made up of Jews, who are the majority, followed by Muslims, Christians, and other ethnic groups. Immigrants from all over the world bring their unique cultures and traditions to the open land, creating a spiritual and vibrant scene. A wide variety of natural landscapes, meanwhile, are bestowed upon Israel. The small land has the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, and other Mediterranean scenery. Here's a list of the top 11 attractions to visit during your trip to Israel.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem, meaning "the peaceful city," is located in the eastern Mediterranean. It has an area of only 126 square kilometers but serves as a shrine for people who embrace monotheistic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem holds such great religious significance that the city, throughout history, has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Even so, it is attracting growing numbers of believers and non-believers to make a pilgrimage. Jerusalem, especially its old district, is packed with religious sites. Among them, the Wailing Wall, Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher stand out. The Wailing Wall has become a place of pilgrimage. Whether you practice religious beliefs or not, you couldn't help but want to place a prayer on the wall. It is one of the things to do in Jerusalem. Temple Mount, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, should not be missed. The two structures are sacred places of worship for Muslims and have become popular photography locations. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, however, is a place of pilgrimage for Christians. The church tends to be overlooked, but once you find it, its splendid decoration will impress you a lot. In a word, Jerusalem is your first unmissable place when going around Israel.
Jerusalem City, Israel
Tel Aviv (White City)
Located in the east of the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is the second-largest city in Israel. It has great potential to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. You will get a totally different impression of Tel Aviv from Jerusalem. The 100-year-old city is full of modern architectural style, for which it is acclaimed as the "Famous White City." Tel Aviv has approximately 2500 Bauhaus and international-style buildings. The building featuring white exterior walls is one of the most attractive parts for modernist seekers. The city will offer you an inspired experience that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean. You can go around Yarqon Park to go kayaking on the Yarqon River and then go shopping in shopping centers. In addition to these, Tel Aviv abounds in cultural activities. The city is home to many famed opera houses and museums. It's a good opportunity for you and your children to appreciate Israeli performances and know the history of the city and its country.
Tel Aviv, Israel
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, a weird part of the Great Rift Valley, is the world's lowest point on earth, towering 430 meters below sea level, and it is one of the world's most unique natural lakes. The lake and surrounding soil contain so much salt that no fish, plants, or birds can survive in extremely hostile waters. However, the Dead Sea has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel. The west bank of the Dead Sea in the Judaean Hills belongs to Israel. The attraction is an ideal destination for tired travelers who spend lots of time on off-road driving and bicycle rallies. The lake has a beautiful coastline and clear green water. The Dead Tree standing at the heart of the lake is one of the most attractive things to explore. You can reach it by boat. You will not get sunk; you will float in the water, bathe in the sun, and watch your favorite magazine. The Lake of Israel is highly suitable for photography. Just float on the water and enjoy your time.
Dead Sea, Israel
Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Galilee, Kinneret Lake by Jews ("harp"), is Israel's largest freshwater lake in the northern part of the country. Fed by the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee nourishes the people of the region. Surrounded by low green hills, the lake is a desirable place for nature lovers, with unique views throughout the day and the seasons. The Lake Galilee area is known as the "second home" of Jesus, the place where he worked and where many religious stories have been passed down, making it one of the holiest places for Christians. 1986 saw the discovery of a shipwreck in the lake more than 2000 years ago, making Lake Galilee a tourist hotspot again. If you are interested in the shipwreck, you can visit the Yigal Allon Museum, located on the shore of the lake, which has pictures and physical remains detailing the recovery of the shipwreck in 1986. You can take a wooden boat tour of the lake. Don't forget to bring bread to feed the seagulls. It will be very funny. Afterward, you can head to the lakeside restaurant and enjoy the local specialty of grilled fish. If it's still early, you can choose to visit Kibbutz, an agricultural commune and small collective society where no one has to pay for anything. Here, you can work together with the locals and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Caesarea
Located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, between Tel Aviv and Haifa, the ancient city has been conquered and rebuilt by major Middle Eastern empires for more than 2,000 years, and its historical sites have been one of the main attractions for tourists from home and abroad. An Israeli diver discovered approximately 2,000 coins with a history of more than 1,000 years in 2015. The amazing discovery is attracting an increasing number of tourists to explore the old city. Caesarea is a stunning fusion of ancient ruins, archeology, and a picturesque harbor. It was once one of the most historically significant ports built during the Roman Empire two thousand years ago. If you travel around the city, you will surprisingly find that the ancient port is still in use. Caesarea is proud of a wide variety of ancient ruins, including a giant hippodrome, a Roman theater, and a huge fortress. The Roman theater is now used for concerts, and there are many cafes lined along the harbor and beach. It is a new experience for you to drink some coffee surrounded by such historical sites.
Jaffa (Old City)
Located in southern Tel Aviv, Jaffa is one of the world's oldest port cities and can date back to 5000 BC. In 2003, Jaffa was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At first glance, the peaceful honey color of the houses will leave a strong impression on you. Jaffa is the old world, totally different from Tel Aviv and Haifa. The old city is highly suitable for aimless wandering. You may come across small art galleries or linger over craft shops and restaurants. The flea market is attracting many tourists who want to buy something special and cheap as souvenirs and gifts. The night of Jaffa is quiet but illuminated by warm purple lights. If you're meticulous enough, you will excitedly discover many funny black designs, like fish, scorpions, or arrows, on the streets and wooden rails of the bridges. Jaffa not only provides visitors with a breathtaking landscape, but it is also a tranquil magnet for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Haifa
Haifa is the largest port city in north Israel and the country's third-largest city after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Although most attractions in Israel are relevant to Judaism and Christianity, Haifa is a draw for Baha'is, who created Baha'i Gardens, the Baha'i holy place, and the highlights of Haifa. Just situated on the hillside, the garden is full of many types of architectural styles. It is a must-see attraction for many tourists while visiting Haifa. Except for the magnificent gardens, the colorful streets of Haifa are worthy of your visit. The Israel Museum of Science, Technology, and Space is an unmissable location where you can learn something interesting. What's more, Haifa has a pleasant climate for sun seekers to take a sunbath on the beaches. If you're an adventurous traveler, the city is also an ultimate destination for surfing and sailing.
Haifa, Israel
Nazareth
Nazareth, considered one of the shrines to Jesus Christ for Christians, has become an increasingly famous tourist attraction in Israel. Located in north Israel, the city is at the heart of Galilee, surrounded by wonderful mountains. Nazareth had been overlooked by Christians for its remote location. But now it is a Christian pilgrimage shrine because it was a place where Joseph and the Virgin Mary resided and where Jesus grew up in his childhood. This endows Nazareth with a special significance for Christians. The Church of the Annunciation, the remarkable architectural landmark in the city built in 1966, features a pleasingly white appearance and serves as an essential venue to go to church. Apart from religious reason, the beautiful layout of the streets and local markets in Nazareth also hold mass appeal for non-religious tourists.
Nazareth, Israel
Ramon Crater
If you're exploring the Negev Desert, you can't miss its three erosion craters, of which the Ramon Crater is the best-known. It is the largest crater in the Negev Desert, measuring more than 450 meters deep and nearly 40 kilometers long. The extensive deserts and mountainous terrain form a fantastic but picture-perfect landscape for coming explorers to explore. You might think that a meteorite impact created such a massive crater. Instead, this geological landform is considered to have been created by the recession of the ocean and weathering for millions of years. Ramon Crater will show different beautiful colors under the sunlight, and the white clouds floating in the blue sky are changing from hour to hour. You can explore the crater by hiking or biking. In the crater, you can make camp a dreamy place to spend a dreamy night when the sky is full of shining stars.
Masada
Before you get relaxed in the Dead Sea, Masada is an excellent place to release yourself. Situated on the highlands of southern Israel, Masada has one of the most significant giant fortresses on its mountaintop. The fortification was built by Herod the Great around 1100 years ago. It has historical significance for Jews and has become a symbol of Israel. You can climb to the mountaintop along various routes or take a cable car to the fortification if you care about your strength. The ruins of the fortress are in harmony with their bleak surroundings, so you can't help but feel its complicated history. The mountaintop offers tourists a perfect vantage point to overlook the rugged scenery of the Dead Sea region. If you want to come into contact with ancient sites, come to Masada!
Bethlehem
Bethlehem, in Hebrew "Bet Leem," which means "House of Bread," is a town in the West Bank in the Judaean Hills, 8 km south of Jerusalem. After Jerusalem, Bethlehem is the second-holiest place for Christians worldwide. The agricultural and trading town is renowned for its religious and historical significance as the site of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospels, Jesus was born in a manger at the center of the town. For this reason, millions of Christians across the globe come to Bethlehem to go on a pilgrimage every year. The Church of the Nativity, built in the heart of the town, is a sacred and inviolable site, and under its nave, a cave where Jesus was born is venerated by many followers. Even if you're not religious, there's plenty to do. The town is also home to a Byzantine complex, which is time-honored. You can go around the countryside to relax.
Church in Bethlehem, Israel
You will have a special feeling while traveling to each of the above-mentioned attractions. Israel is worthy of your meticulously planned sightseeing. Every holy, religious, and spiritual site attracts religious adherents. If you're drawn to Israel, you can travel with us. We'll create a tailor-made itinerary according to your needs. If you have any questions, please contact us. We're ready to share more information with you.
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