Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Israel

Accommodation

$20-50 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared facilities, basic amenities

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Falafel stands, hummus shops, local markets, self-catering, street food

Transportation

$8-20 per day

Public buses, shared sherut taxis, walking, occasional intercity buses

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public beaches, hiking trails, occasional museum entries

Eat at local hummus and falafel joints instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public buses and sherut shared taxis instead of private taxis (save 70-85% on transport costs)

Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance for 25-40% discounts, especially during high season

Shop at local markets and supermarkets for snacks and breakfast items (50-70% savings vs hotel/tourist shops)

Take advantage of free activities like hiking trails, public beaches, and neighborhood walking tours

Travel during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for 20-35% lower accommodation rates

Consider staying in neighborhoods outside city centers for 30-50% cheaper accommodation with good public transport access

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using excellent public transportation system (3-4x more expensive daily)

Eating only in tourist areas and hotel restaurants (typically 100-200% markup over local establishments)

Not researching free activities and attractions, overspending on paid experiences when many cultural sites offer free or low-cost options

Booking last-minute accommodation during Jewish holidays and peak season (can cost 200-400% more than advance booking)

Converting money at airports or tourist areas instead of using ATMs or official exchange points (5-15% worse rates)