Mid-Range Travel Guide: Israel

Accommodation

$80-180 per night

Private rooms in boutique hotels, mid-range hotels, B&Bs with private bathrooms

Food & Dining

$35-75 per day

Local restaurants, casual dining, mix of street food and sit-down meals, occasional nice dinners

Transportation

$20-50 per day

Mix of public transport and taxis, occasional car rental days, rideshares

Activities

$30-80 per day

Paid attractions, guided tours, archaeological sites, cultural experiences

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)