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 — this month
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded
  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. Mount Scopus
    02 20 min

    Mount Scopus

    جبل المشارف

    • Must see
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  2. Gibeah
    03 20 min

    Gibeah

    גבעה

    • Must see
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  3. Gihon Spring
    04 1 hour

    Gihon Spring

    בית המעיין (מעיין הגיחון)

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  4. Garden Tomb
    05 1 hour

    Garden Tomb

    بستان قبر السيد المسيح

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  5. London Square London Square
    06 1 hour

    London Square

    גן לונדון

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  6. Masaryk Square
    07 1 hour

    Masaryk Square

    ככר מסריק

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  7. Dubnow Park Dubnow Park
    11 1 hour

    Dubnow Park

    גינת דובנוב

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  8. Ein Lavan
    12 1 hour

    Ein Lavan

    עין לבן

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  9. Liberty Bell Park
    14 1 hour

    Liberty Bell Park

    גן פעמון הדרור

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  10. Har Etan
    15 20 min

    Har Etan

    הר איתן

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  11. Har Haruach
    16 20 min

    Har Haruach

    הר הרוח

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  12. Har Ora
    17 20 min

    Har Ora

    הר אורה

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  13. Har Tayyasim
    18 20 min

    Har Tayyasim

    הר טייסים

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  14. Edith Wolfson Park
    19 1 hour

    Edith Wolfson Park

    פארק אדית וולפסון

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  15. Gan Ha'atzmaut
    20 1 hour

    Gan Ha'atzmaut

    גן העצמאות

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  16. Givat Oranim
    21 1 hour

    Givat Oranim

    סן סימון

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  17. Meir Park
    23 1 hour

    Meir Park

    גן מאיר

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  18. Teddy Park
    24 1 hour

    Teddy Park

    פארק טדי

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  19. Givat ha-Radar
    25 20 min

    Givat ha-Radar

    גבעת הרדאר

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  20. Har Aminadav
    26 20 min

    Har Aminadav

    הר עמינדב

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  21. Har Rafid
    27 20 min

    Har Rafid

    הר רפיד

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  22. Mount Achirm
    28 20 min

    Mount Achirm

    הר אחירם

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  23. Refaim Mt.
    29 20 min

    Refaim Mt.

    הר רפאים

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  24. Ein Handek
    30 1 hour

    Ein Handek

    עין חנדק

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  25. the Golem
    33 1 hour

    the Golem

    גן רבינוביץ'

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  26. The Track Park The Track Park
    34 1 hour

    The Track Park

    פארק המסילה

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  27. Har Shalmon
    36 20 min

    Har Shalmon

    הר שלמון

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  28. Mitzpe Naftoah
    37 20 min

    Mitzpe Naftoah

    מצפה נפתוח

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Jerusalem
  29. Abattoir Hill
    38 1 hour

    Abattoir Hill

    כיכר היל

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  30. Ein Koby
    39 1 hour

    Ein Koby

    עין קובי

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  31. Ein Limon
    40 1 hour

    Ein Limon

    עין לימור

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  32. Einot Telem
    41 1 hour

    Einot Telem

    עינות תלם

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  33. Gan HaHagana
    42 1 hour

    Gan HaHagana

    פארק החורשות

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  34. Gan Koveshim
    44 1 hour

    Gan Koveshim

    גן הכובשים

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  35. Ginnat Hasharon
    45 1 hour

    Ginnat Hasharon

    גינת השרון

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  36. Menahem Begin Park
    46 1 hour

    Menahem Begin Park

    פארק מנחם בגין

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  37. Park Soutine
    48 1 hour

    Park Soutine

    גן סוטין

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  38. Shaul Garden
    49 1 hour

    Shaul Garden

    גן שאול

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  39. Kozlovsky Hill
    51 20 min

    Kozlovsky Hill

    גבעת קוזלובסקי

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Tel Aviv
  40. Abba Cave
    52 1 hour

    Abba Cave

    מערת אבה

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  41. Abu Nabut Park
    53 1 hour

    Abu Nabut Park

    גן אבו נבוט

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  42. Banana Beach
    54 1 hour

    Banana Beach

    חוף אביב

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  43. Bloomfield Garden
    55 1 hour

    Bloomfield Garden

    גן בלומפילד

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  44. Daniel garden
    56 1 hour

    Daniel garden

    גן דניאל

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  45. Ein Bamba
    57 1 hour

    Ein Bamba

    עין סיף

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  46. Ein Hinya
    58 1 hour

    Ein Hinya

    עין חניה

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  47. Ein Itamar
    59 1 hour

    Ein Itamar

    עין איתמר

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  48. Ein Sapir Ein Sapir
    60 1 hour

    Ein Sapir

    עין ספיר

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  49. Gan Avraham
    61 1 hour

    Gan Avraham

    גן אברהם

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  50. Gan Habanim
    62 1 hour

    Gan Habanim

    גן הבנים

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  51. Gan HaGat
    63 1 hour

    Gan HaGat

    גן הגת

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  52. Gan Hashoshanim
    64 1 hour

    Gan Hashoshanim

    גן השושנים

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  53. Groningen garden
    66 1 hour

    Groningen garden

    גן כרונינגן

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  54. HaShoter Square
    67 1 hour

    HaShoter Square

    כיכר השוטר

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  55. Jaffa Slope
    68 1 hour

    Jaffa Slope

    מדרון יפו

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  56. Jerusalem Beach
    69 1 hour

    Jerusalem Beach

    חוף ירושלים

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  57. Kaktusim Garden
    70 1 hour

    Kaktusim Garden

    גן הקקטוסים

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  58. Lifta
    72 1 hour

    Lifta

    עין נפתוח (ליפתא)

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  59. Nature gardens
    73 1 hour

    Nature gardens

    גני הטבע

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  60. Pruned Garden Pruned Garden
    74 1 hour

    Pruned Garden

    הגן הגזום

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  61. Sheinkin Garden
    76 1 hour

    Sheinkin Garden

    גינת שינקין

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  62. Ya'akov Garden
    78 1 hour

    Ya'akov Garden

    גן יעקב

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  63. Frishman Beach
    80 1 hour

    Frishman Beach

    חוף פרישמן

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  64. Air Force Garden
    81 1 hour

    Air Force Garden

    גן חיל האויר

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  65. ‘Ayn al Hadaf
    84 1 hour

    ‘Ayn al Hadaf

    عين الهدفة Al-Hadafeh water spring

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  66. ‘Ayn al Quşayr
    85 1 hour

    ‘Ayn al Quşayr

    עין אל קוסייר

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  67. Bugrashov Beach
    86 1 hour

    Bugrashov Beach

    חוף בוגרשוב

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  68. Ein Aminadav
    87 1 hour

    Ein Aminadav

    עינות עמינדב

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  69. Ein Kfira
    88 1 hour

    Ein Kfira

    עין כפירה

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  70. Ein Nekofa
    89 1 hour

    Ein Nekofa

    עין נקופה

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  71. Ein Yoel
    90 1 hour

    Ein Yoel

    עין יואל

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Jerusalem
  72. Gan Davidov
    91 1 hour

    Gan Davidov

    דוידוף

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  73. Gan Dror
    92 1 hour

    Gan Dror

    גן דרור

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  74. Gan Korazin
    94 1 hour

    Gan Korazin

    גן כורזין

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  75. Gan Yakir
    95 1 hour

    Gan Yakir

    גן יקיר

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  76. Gan Yeladi Tehran
    96 1 hour

    Gan Yeladi Tehran

    גן ילדי טהרן

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  77. Gan Yeledi Gannim
    97 1 hour

    Gan Yeledi Gannim

    גן ילדי הגנים

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  78. Ginnat HaBonim
    98 1 hour

    Ginnat HaBonim

    הר הבנים

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  79. Ginnat Szold
    99 1 hour

    Ginnat Szold

    גינת רות

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Tel Aviv
  80. Ginnat Toulouse
    100 1 hour

    Ginnat Toulouse

    גינת טולוז

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • 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.