Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Israel

A photograph of Israel
Photograph · Dani Lavi 0007 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Israel occupies the Southern Levant, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt, with the Mediterranean along its western coast, the Red Sea at its southern tip and Earth's lowest point, near the Dead Sea, to the east. Two cities carry most of what a visitor comes for and they are nothing alike. Jerusalem is the government seat and proclaimed capital, holding the sites the three Abrahamic religions hold in common; Tel Aviv is the largest urban area and the economic centre, a twentieth-century city on a beach. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict persists, and it governs where a visitor can go and when as firmly as any opening time does.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Hebrew; Arabic has special status
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+972
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Israeli new shekel (ILS)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
100 police · 101 ambulance · 102 fire
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and H · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor statement was recorded for this content pack

Planning a visit

  1. January: no seasonality data recorded
  2. February: no seasonality data recorded
  3. March: no seasonality data recorded
  4. April: no seasonality data recorded
  5. May: no seasonality data recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: no seasonality data recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Rockefeller Museum Rockefeller Museum
    02 1 hr 30 min

    Rockefeller Museum

    מוזיאון רוקפלר

    The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum is an archaeological museum in Jerusalem. It houses a significant collection of artifacts recovered from excavations conducted in the region during the British Mandate period and earlier.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  2. Mount Herzl
    03 1 hr 30 min

    Mount Herzl

    הר הרצל

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  3. Bauhaus Museum
    04 1 hr 30 min

    Bauhaus Museum

    Bauhaus Tel-Aviv

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Tel Aviv
  4. ANU – Museum of the Jewish People ANU – Museum of the Jewish People
    05 1 hr 30 min

    ANU – Museum of the Jewish People

    אנו - מוזיאון העם היהודי

    ANU – Museum of the Jewish People is a museum in Tel Aviv-Yafo dedicated to the narrative and culture of Jewish communities worldwide. Formerly known as Beit HaTfutsot, it underwent significant rebranding and renovation.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Tel Aviv
  5. The Museum for Islamic Art
    07 1 hr 30 min

    The Museum for Islamic Art

    מוזיאון לאומנות האיסלאם

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  6. Zedekiah's Cave
    08 1 hr 30 min

    Zedekiah's Cave

    מערת צדקיהו

    • High
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  7. Burnt House
    09 1 hr 30 min

    Burnt House

    מוזיאון הבית השרוף

    • High
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  8. Herodian Quarter Herodian Quarter
    10 1 hr 30 min

    Herodian Quarter

    הרובע ההרודיאני

    The Herodian Quarter is an archaeological site in Jerusalem's Old City revealing remains of wealthy residential structures from the late Second Temple period. Excavations uncovered substantial dwellings with mosaic floors, ritual baths, and domestic furnishings suggesting affluent inhabitants.

    • High
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  9. Islamic Museum
    11 1 hr 30 min

    Islamic Museum

    מוזיאון לאומנות האיסלם

    • High
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  10. Heichal HaTarbut
    12 1 hour

    Heichal HaTarbut

    היכל התרבות

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  11. Jerusalem Theater
    13 1 hour

    Jerusalem Theater

    תיאטרון ירושלים

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  12. Habima Theatre
    14 1 hour

    Habima Theatre

    הבימה

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  13. Holyland Model of Jerusalem
    20 1 hour

    Holyland Model of Jerusalem

    דגם ירושלים בימי בית שני

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  14. Cameri Theater Cameri Theater
    21 1 hour

    Cameri Theater

    הקאמרי

    The Cameri Theatre is a prominent repertory theatre located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. Established in 1944, it has grown to become one of the country's leading theatrical institutions.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  15. Palmach Museum
    23 1 hr 30 min

    Palmach Museum

    מוזיאון הפלמ"ח

    • High
    • Museum
    • Tel Aviv
  16. Palestinian National Theatre
    25 1 hour

    Palestinian National Theatre

    المسرح الوطني الفلسطيني / الحكواتي

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  17. Beit Lessin Theater Beit Lessin Theater
    30 1 hour

    Beit Lessin Theater

    בית ליסין

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  18. The Arab-Hebrew Theater
    31 1 hour

    The Arab-Hebrew Theater

    התיאטרון הערבי-עברי ביפו

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  19. Agnon House
    32 1 hr 30 min

    Agnon House

    בית עגנון

    • High
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  20. Frumin House
    33 1 hr 30 min

    Frumin House

    בית פרומין

    • High
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  21. Gesher Theatre
    34 1 hour

    Gesher Theatre

    תאטרון גשר

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  22. Metzudat Ze'ev
    36 1 hr 30 min

    Metzudat Ze'ev

    בית ז'בוטינסקי

    • High
    • Museum
    • Tel Aviv
  23. Museum on the Seam
    37 1 hr 30 min

    Museum on the Seam

    מוזיאון על התפר

    • High
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  24. Hasimta Theatre
    38 1 hour

    Hasimta Theatre

    תיאטרון הסמטה

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  25. Monument to the Holocaust
    39 1 hour

    Monument to the Holocaust

    אנדרטה לשואה ולתקומה

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  26. Nalaga'at
    42 1 hour

    Nalaga'at

    נא לגעת

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  27. Tribute to Jerusalem
    43 1 hour

    Tribute to Jerusalem

    מחווה לירושלים

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  28. Givatayim Theater
    49 1 hour

    Givatayim Theater

    תיאטרון גבעתיים

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  29. Jerusalem Music Centre
    50 1 hour

    Jerusalem Music Centre

    מרכז למוסיקה משכנות שאננים

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  30. Beit Russell
    51 1 hour

    Beit Russell

    בית ראסל

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  31. Beyond the Limit
    52 1 hour

    Beyond the Limit

    מעבר לתחום

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  32. Hangar 11
    53 1 hour

    Hangar 11

    האנגר 11

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  33. Happenings
    54 1 hour

    Happenings

    Happening

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  34. Hasifriya Theatre
    56 1 hour

    Hasifriya Theatre

    תאטרון רמת גן

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  35. Judah Arising Judah Arising
    57 1 hour

    Judah Arising

    יהודה המתעורר

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  36. Maalot
    58 1 hour

    Maalot

    מעלות

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  37. Monument Burning Bush
    59 1 hour

    Monument Burning Bush

    הסנה הבוער

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  38. Nahum Gutman Fountain
    60 1 hour

    Nahum Gutman Fountain

    פסיפס תולדות תל אביב

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  39. Olam "Naḥmani"
    61 1 hour

    Olam "Naḥmani"

    אולם נחמני

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  40. PhotoHouse
    62 1 hour

    PhotoHouse

    The Photo House

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  41. Serpentine
    63 1 hour

    Serpentine

    עקלתון

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  42. Statue of Faith
    64 1 hour

    Statue of Faith

    פסל שער האמונה

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  43. Suspense
    65 1 hour

    Suspense

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  44. The Hebrew Worker
    66 1 hour

    The Hebrew Worker

    פסל הפועל העברי

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  45. Train Theater
    67 1 hour

    Train Theater

    תיאטרון הקרון

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  46. Tzavta
    68 1 hour

    Tzavta

    צוותא

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  47. Uprise
    69 1 hour

    Uprise

    התרוממות

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  48. Aeropassivics 3
    70 1 hour

    Aeropassivics 3

    אווירופסיביקה 3

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  49. Ohel
    73 1 hour

    Ohel

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  50. 2000 & beyond
    74 1 hour

    2000 & beyond

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  51. Abu gamal
    75 1 hour

    Abu gamal

    ابو جمال

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  52. Amphi HaShalom
    80 1 hour

    Amphi HaShalom

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  53. Amphi HaShalom
    81 1 hour

    Amphi HaShalom

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  54. Angel
    82 1 hour

    Angel

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  55. Aquarius
    83 1 hour

    Aquarius

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  56. Asa and Yehoshafat
    85 1 hour

    Asa and Yehoshafat

    פסל אסא ויהושפט

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  57. Barbur Gallery
    87 1 hr 30 min

    Barbur Gallery

    גלריית ברבור

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  58. Beita
    88 1 hour

    Beita

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  59. Beit Aharon Kahana
    89 1 hour

    Beit Aharon Kahana

    בית אהרון כהנא

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  60. Beit Alpha mosaic copy
    90 1 hour

    Beit Alpha mosaic copy

    העתק פסיפס בית אלפא

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  61. Beit Avi Hai
    91 1 hour

    Beit Avi Hai

    בית אבי חי

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  62. Beit Shmuel
    93 1 hour

    Beit Shmuel

    מרכז שמשון-בית שמואל

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  63. Bell of peace
    94 1 hour

    Bell of peace

    פעמון השלום היפני

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Jerusalem
  64. Biblical Garden
    97 1 hr 30 min

    Biblical Garden

    הגן התנכי

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Jerusalem
  65. Big Suspense
    98 1 hour

    Big Suspense

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  66. Bike Rider
    99 1 hour

    Bike Rider

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv
  67. Boat
    100 1 hour

    Boat

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tel Aviv

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Israel be?

Seven to ten days can divide time between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with one carefully chosen extension to Haifa, the Galilee, Dead Sea or Negev. Religious calendars and changing security conditions can alter access, so keep the route flexible rather than booking every transfer tightly.

What entry documents are needed for Israel?

Use Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority for the current entry rule, including whether electronic travel authorisation is required. Eligibility depends on nationality and travel circumstances; recheck immediately before departure because border procedures may change faster than ordinary guide content.

What is the best way to travel around Israel?

Ben Gurion Airport links into the intercity rail and bus networks, and major cities have their own local transit products. Many public services reduce substantially from Friday evening to Saturday evening, so build a separate plan for that period and confirm current operations.

When is a practical time to visit Israel?

Spring and autumn can balance coastal heat with walking in Jerusalem, but holidays may sharply affect hours, transport and demand. Desert excursions need separate heat planning, and any official security restriction takes priority over the seasonal itinerary.

What money and payment basics apply in Israel?

The Israeli new shekel is the working currency. Cards are widely accepted in cities, while markets and small operators may make cash useful; inspect the ILS amount and any service convention before payment instead of applying habits from another destination.

What practical safety details should I save for Israel?

Emergency services use 100 for police, 101 for ambulance and 102 for fire; electricity is Type C and H at 230 V. Tap-water guidance is Not recorded in this dataset, and current civil-defence instructions should be checked through official channels.