- Gazing from the overlook at the ancient Mount of Olives toward the skyline of Jerusalem, with the golden Dome of the Rock shining brilliantly in the sun.
- Standing at the Western Wall in Jerusalem as Orthodox Jews pray fervently – men on one side, women on another.
- Making a pilgrimage to Biblical sites such as the Sea of Galilee, the city of Nazareth, and the Jordan River.
- Taking in the panoramic views and poignant history at the top of Masada, where a thousand Jews held out for three years against a Roman assault.
- Floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, the world’s saltiest body of water.
- Visiting a kibbutz (collective village) complete with dinner, evening performance and perhaps an overnight stay.
- Strolling along the Mediterranean in the modern city of Tel Aviv and coming upon the ancient city of Jaffa.
- Bargaining for souvenirs in the crowded souks of Jerusalem’s Arab quarter.
- Making a pilgrimage to Bethlehem, home to the Church of the Nativity, reputed site of Jesus’ birth.
- Overlooking four countries -- Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt – from your hotel room in the Red Sea resort town of Eilat.
Best Things to Do in Israel
Icons & Hidden Gem Travel ExperiencesWork with a local expert planner
Play
Play
Top Israel Experiences
Unlock Community Benefits
Travel better together
- Save favorite trips and itineraries
- Get insider insights
- Receive personalized recommendations
- ... and much more
Things to do in Israel - Expert's guide
1. Jerusalem
At the center of three major world religions is Jerusalem. This holy land is one of, if not the, top pilgrimage destinations in Israel, visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. There are many wonderful sides to Jerusalem you can explore, from ancient historical sites to bustling markets.
The golden “Dome of the Rock” is an instantly recognizable site in Jerusalem, and a top tourist attraction. Mount Zion as well is included in most Israel tour itineraries that visit Jerusalem.
2. Wailing Wall
This ancient site is among the holiest of pilgrimage destinations for those of Jewish faith. Also called the Western Wall or the Kotel, the wall is some 2,000 years old and has been consistently visited throughout the centuries. Even those who don’t practice can partake in writing down a wish and inserting it into the ancient cracks in the wall.
3. Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is actually not a sea at all but a freshwater lake in the northern region of Israel. Also going by the names Kinneret, “Lake of Gennesaret”, and “Sea of Tiberias”, the lake is popular for swimming and the surrounding region is great for hiking.
In ancient times the lake was home to several settlements As with most top sites in Israel, there is religious significance at the Sea of Galilee as well. It was here that supposedly Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
4. Eliat
This port town on the southernmost coastal point of Israel is well known for marine life, particularly coral reefs. On of these reefs is named Dolphin Reef, and you guessed it - swimming among the dolphins here is one of highlights of a trip to Eliat.
The Coral Beach Nature Reserve and underwater observatory is also a huge draw for visitors. Scuba divers flock to Eliat for the chance to dive in the Red Sea, which is frequently called one of the best scuba diving areas in the world.
Eliat is also right on the border with Jordan, and a popular starting point for day or two day tours to see the ancient city of Petra.
5. Ein Gedi
If you’ve had enough of deserts and stone ruins, then head out to this beautiful reserve for a respite in nature. Literally meaning “spring of the kid” this is the second largest oasis in Israel.
Boasting a wealth of outdoor activities you can partake in, from strolling through Botanical Gardens to multiple hikes and waterfalls, Ein Gedi is one of the most popular natural areas in Israel.
6. Tel Aviv
One of the most common words used to describe the bustling metropolis that is Tel Aviv is “hip”. If Jerusalem is a window to the ancient past in Israel, then Tel Aviv is the window to modern Israeli culture. The city is lively, with a storied nightlife, youth culture, and social scene. This is where you want to come for a taste of local life in Israel.
7. Jaffa
Jaffa is an ancient port city on the Mediterranean, the oldest section of Tel Aviv. It’s a great place to relax and take slow meandering strolls through the charming streets. One very popular attraction in Jaffa is the flea market. You’re sure to enjoy browsing through and maybe uncovering some treasures to bring home. Or perhaps you’ll simply wile away a sunny afternoon at one of the many cafes along the water.
8. The Dead Sea
While you’re visiting Israel, there’s simply no way you can pass up a dip, or rather a “float” in the Dead Sea. Famous for having such hypersaline water that you can float incredibly easily, the Dead Sea is a regular fixture on Israel tour itineraries.
Because of the high salt content, there are a few top tips to make sure your visit is as enjoyable as possible: firstly, don’t shave. The salt will definitely sting a bit if you have super smooth skin. Additionally, be sure to tightly cover any open cuts or sensitive skin areas with a bandage.
Secondly, take advantage of the mud and slather it on! It’s like a spa treatment and your skin will feel amazing after your dip - plus it doubles as sun protection (though you should definitely also use sunblock).
9. Masada
Near the Dead Sea, this mountain fortress is a great way to take in panoramic views of the Dead Sea region while also enjoying a walk among ancient ruins at the summit. This was once the location of King Herod’s palace as well as a last outpost of Zealots, fighting off Roman armies.
If you are looking for an active kind of day, you can hike to the top along the “Snake Path”, taking in amazing views along the way. Or if you’d rather take it easy, there is a cable car you can take.
Top Israel Tours
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
A
Alan
Feb 2025
Jordan Discovery
Explore leader was superb. Great archeological and cultural knowledge...
G
Gwyneth
Feb 2025
Jordan Discovery
Excellent location of hotels with breakfasts included. Fill on range of activities
R
Rafaela
Jan 2025
Jordan Discovery
We returned a few weeks ago from a fabulous trip to Jordan, guided by the amazing Saleh. The trip itself was incredible, one of the best trips we've ever done (and I...
T
Trusted Customer
Jan 2025
Jordan Discovery
This was a great trip and thoroughly recommend. I would like to disagree with the previous comment about the transport as I've done many Explore trips and the bus wa...
Practicalities & Logistics
Useful Links
Visa Information
| Visa Needed? | Link
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for United States citizens
UK | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for United Kingdom citizens
CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for Canadian citizens
AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for Australian citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for New Zealand citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Israel for Indian citizens
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for United States citizens
UK | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for United Kingdom citizens
CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for Canadian citizens
AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for Australian citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Israel for New Zealand citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Israel for Indian citizens
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!