Things to Do in Israel

About Israel

Three thousand years of history meet modern modernity in Israel, and the collision creates an energy you won't find anywhere else. Ancient olive trees shade busy cafés. Church bells and calls to prayer echo across golden stone cities. The Dead Sea sits in mystical silence while Tel Aviv's beaches pulse with nightlife—every corner holds stories that span millennia. Pilgrims and tech entrepreneurs walk the same paths. Orthodox families share streets with secular artists, and fresh hummus drifts through markets that have traded spices since biblical times. The Mediterranean sun lights up a land where sacred and secular exist side by side, where innovation springs from desert soil, and where every sunset over Jerusalem's ancient walls feels like both an ending and a beginning.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use Rav-Kav cards for buses and trains—day passes cost 37 shekels ($10.88) in major cities. Intercity buses with Egged connect all major destinations. Rent cars for ₪150-300 ($44.12-$88.24) daily but avoid driving on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening).

Money: Exchange US dollars at banks like Bank Hapoalim for rates around 3.4 shekels per dollar. ATMs accept international cards but charge 12-20 shekels ($3.53-$5.88) fees. Budget ₪200-400 ($58.82-$117.65) daily for meals and activities.

Cultural Respect: Learn basic Hebrew: 'shalom' (hello/peace) and 'toda' (thank you). Dress modestly at religious sites covering shoulders and knees. Respect Shabbat observance—many services stop Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Food: Try hummus and falafel throughout the country—prices vary from ₪25-40 ($7.35-$11.76) in Tel Aviv to ₪15-25 ($4.41-$7.35) in smaller cities. Sample shakshuka for breakfast costing ₪28-42 ($8.24-$12.35). Israeli wine costs ₪80-150 ($23.53-$44.12) per bottle at restaurants.

When to Visit

Israel's Mediterranean climate offers year-round appeal, but timing affects both experience and budget.Spring (March-May)brings perfect weather with temperatures of 68-77°F, minimal rainfall, and wildflowers blooming across the countryside. This peak season sees 20-30% higher prices.Summer (June-August)delivers intense heat reaching 85-95°F, ideal for Dead Sea visits and beach lovers, with moderate pricing but crowded attractions.Fall (September-November)offers excellent conditions similar to spring, with temperatures of 70-80°F and the Jewish High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in September/October) creating unique cultural experiences.Winter (December-February)brings cooler temperatures of 50-65°F and occasional rain, especially in January, but offers 25-35% lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Major festivals include Passover (March/April), affecting availability and prices, and Independence Day (April/May) with nationwide celebrations. Beach ensoiasts should visit May-October, while cultural travelers will appreciate the cooler months of October-April. Religious pilgrims find meaningful experiences during Christmas and Easter seasons, though expect premium pricing and advance booking requirements.