Israel Travel Guide: Take a sojourn to the land of history and architecture

Explore Israel's historical locations, enticing heritage, and energetic metropolises!

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PHOTOS TAKEN IN ISRAEL

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ISRAEL UNESCO SITES VISITED

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ISRAEL NATIONAL PARKS VISITED

Israel Travel Guide

With swathes of deserts, golden sandy beaches, and numerous other alluring destinations, Israel is a country in the Middle East that has a lot to offer every traveler. There are several topographic features that you can explore, such as the mountainous deserts, fertile green valleys, religious locations, and vibrant and historical locations. Through this Israel travel guide, we will explore the best time to visit and the things you can do while you backpack in Israel. You can also find out more about safety, visa, and other essential requirements you need to know while traveling to Israel.

Israel has about 80 national parks and 400 natural reserves. There are 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Israel and one in East Jerusalem, however, Israel left UNESCO in 2019.

When you visit Israel, you can explore the energetic metropolis and the ancient city of Nazareth in Jerusalem. In Haifa, you can have an excellent time in the Mediterranean ports. The stillness and the cobalt blueness of the Dead Sea is yet another attraction of Israel.

Interesting Facts Israel

Flag of Israel

Israel's National Animal

Hoopoe (Bird)

National Dish Israel

Falafel, Hummus, and Israeli Salad

Currency in Israel

Israeli New Shekel

Israel Time Zone
Israeli Standard Time (GMT+2)

Masada Sunrise Israel

Tel Aviv Things to do: Explore Old Jaffa

Explore Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv

Israel Things to do: Float in the Dead Sea

Salty Dead Sea Israel

Path to Peace, Netiv HaAsara

Best time to visit Israel

The best time to visit Israel is between April and May, which is during the spring season. At this time, the temperature is around 26 degrees Celcius. Another time suited to visit Israel is between September and October, which is the autumn season. During the summer season (between June and August), the temperature can touch up to 32 degrees Celcius. However, it is the best time to travel to Israel for beach lovers. You can go sunbathing in the blue sky. It is also a great time to travel to warmer regions like Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea. During the winter season, the temperature falls to 10 degrees Celsius.

Things to know before you travel to Israel

Safety in Israel for travelers

Though there are several volatile places in Israel, Israel is a safe place for travelers. Violent crimes against travelers do not occur. However, in some regions, petty crimes do take place. There won't be any issues in the main tourist areas like Tel Aviv, Galilee, Haifa, and the Dead Sea. You have to be careful while traveling to East Jerusalem and the West Banks. When you visit the Old City of Jerusalem, it is better to avoid the place after Friday prayers. It is because there are chances of demonstrations and riots. You have to keep track of the news while you are visiting Israel. You have to take the necessary precautions while you travel to the border regions of Syria and Lebanon.

Do I need a Visa for traveling to Israel?

Visa requirements for Israel

Israel allows travelers from 100 jurisdictions to visit Israel without a visa for three months. Some of these places include Canada, Netherlands, Australia, the Bahamas, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and the US. Those who are traveling from Egypt can visit Israel for 14 days without a visa. If you belong to a country without a visa exemption, you have to apply for a visa. Check the Israel visa requirements through the official website of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, if you are traveling without a visa, you need to have a passport that is valid for six months from the day of your departure.

Responsible Travel and Tourism in Israel

Responsible Travel in Israel

Israel gives much priority to sustainable travel. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel is a project that organizes eco-friendly programs for travelers in Israel. They conduct tours and hikes. They also promote organic farming and recycling. Apart from that, Kibbutz Lotan in Arava Valley has sustainable desert communities. There are numerous natural parks and national parks that highlight eco-friendly tourism in Israel. Mount Gilboa is yet another place that focuses on sustainability in Israel.

What vaccinations do I need for Israel Travel?

Vaccinations & anti-Malaria tablets for Israel

Israel has an advanced health care system. The CDC and WHO recommend vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Anthrax, Chickenpox, and Pneumonia while traveling to Israel. It is essential to get a vaccine for Typhoid while in the West Bank and Gaza. Though Israel is malaria-free, there are chances of imported cases. Travel insurance for Israel can help in covering any medical emergencies while you are in the country.

Spoken languages in Israel

Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. However, English is a common language spoken in Israel. Israel is also a multilingual country where they speak Spanish, Yiddish, Russian, and French. English newspapers are also freely available in Israel. Most signboards are in English. You can use Google translator and Google lens for translating anything in Hebrew or Arabic. It will be helpful to know some Hebrew words like Shalom for Hello, Toda for Thank You.

Things to do while you are backpacking in Israel

Israel Travel: Masada Sunrise Experience

View sunrise from the ancient fortress of Masada

The ancient fortress of Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on a plateau close to the Dead Sea, Masada offers a spectacular experience to every visitor, especially during sunrise. Built-in 30 BCE, Masada is one of the archaeological sites in Israel. It provides a breathtaking view of the Moah Mountains and the Dead Sea. The best time to visit the ancient fortress of Masada is during sunrise. You can get there either by foot or cable car. You can enjoy opera festivals along with light and sound shows while at the ancient fortress of Masada.

Visit Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a Judean forest with numerous wildlife. It is an excellent location for hiking, with around nine different hiking trails.

This Nature Reserve is an hour's drive from Jerusalem and is also close to Masada. It is a botanical garden with a varied landscape that attracts several thousand every year.

You can also spot the largest herds of Ipex in Israel in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. There are other animals like wolves, bats, and foxes as well.

Explore Tel Aviv - The White City on the Sea– by Bike

Tel Aviv is a youthful metropolis with numerous clubs, art centers, beaches, and more. Famously known as "The White City," there are several museums and historical sites in Tel Aviv. Old Jaffa is an ancient port city and is the hub of Jewish and Arabic culture. Tel Aviv is a land with a shimmer of coastal strips, and the Beach Promenade is a luxurious Mediterranean seashore. You can go for water sporting and segway tours while on the Beach Promenade. Apart from beaches, Rothschild Boulevard is an iconic street in Tel Aviv worth exploring. It is one of the first streets in Tel Aviv and has numerous commercial sites as well. Tel Aviv offers a wide variety of food items that can entice our taste buds. Hummus and Malabi are two food items worth trying while you are traveling to Tel Aviv.

Israel Things to do: Judean Desert Jeep Tour

Take a Jeep Tour in the Judean Desert

Exploring the Judean Desert while taking a jeep tour can take your travel experience to the next level. The trip starts from Jerusalem in the morning and would drive you through Judean Island. There is a stop at Mount Azazel. You can get a view of Bedouin tents and flocks on the way. You could visit Mar Saba Monastery, which is the oldest inhabited monastery, found 1500 years ago. Nabi Musa is yet another place worth visiting during the tour.

Visit the Gaza Border

Would you like to learn more about the Gaza-Israel conflict and people’s daily life in the shade of the wall? You can visit the Gaza strip on an organized 'Gaza Border Reality Tour'. When taking part in this tour, the Gaza-Israel conflict becomes a reality that is hard to put into words, but it’s an unforgettable interesting, impressive, and emotional experience that you'll never forget.

Taste the Israeli Cuisine

Israeli cuisine has a lot to offer with its diasporic food items. Hummus, Falafel, Tahini, and Kanafeh are some of the must-tries in Israel. You can also take a Hummus cooking class while you are visiting Israel. Kanafeh is a popular dessert in Israel. Apart from that, several other local dishes are worth trying while you are traveling to Israel.

While you are backpacking in Israel, you can always visit our Israel travel guide for any references!