15 Things to Do in Israel, No Matter Your Religion
Israel is undeniably fascinating. This country offers thousands of years of history, a unique blend of cultures, and significant religious sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Explore attractions, shopping opportunities, delicious foods, and historic landmarks with this list of 15 things to do in Israel.
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1. Shop the shuks (or souks).
Spices, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and candies create a mosaic of color at shuks (or souks) in Israel. The savory aroma of grilled meats and fried falafels will entice you to grab a seat at a food stall at these marketplaces.
You can purchase Judaica, such as menorahs and mezuzahs, at the covered Jewish Market, Mahane Yehuda, in Jerusalem. Brightly colored textiles and hand-carved wooden handicrafts, like chess sets, can be found at Arab Markets.
2. Put a note in the Western Wall.
The feeling at the Western Wall is one of peace and love. Christians, Jews, and people of all faiths come together in one place to pray. No matter your faith, you can write a message or prayer to place in the Western Wall (also called the Wailing Wall).
Following Jewish Orthodox tradition, men and women pray separately here, with a section solely for male visitors.
3. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is known as the location of the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. This is the most significant Christian site in all of Jerusalem. Thousands of pilgrims visit the church every year to pay homage to their savior. To kiss or touch the stone on which Jesus was nailed to the cross, Christians wait at the Altar of the Crucifixion (shown above).
The church is shared by three sects of Christianity: Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox. Each faith has its own chapels with symbols, traditions, artwork, and ceremonies. Coptic, Syriac, and Ethiopian Christians also use some areas of the church.
4.Take a photo of Dome on the Rock.
Dome on the Rock, a Muslim shrine on Temple Mount, stands on the rock where Abraham would have sacrificed his son, according to Jewish, Christian, and Islamic writings.
Muslims believe the rock is the place from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. It once was the location of the first Jewish temple, Solomon’s Temple. Later, the temple was turned into a Christian church by the Crusaders.
Today, the site’s mosques and museum entrance are limited to Muslims. But anyone can, and should, snap a photo of the gleaming gold dome.
5. Dig into the gorgeous fresh salads.
When my in-laws visited Israel years ago, they returned raving about Israel’s delicious food, particularly the country’s salads. I could not understand all of the fuss about salads…until I tasted them myself.
The flavor combinations and striking colors will turn any meat eater into a vegetable enthusiast. Israeli restaurants offer plenty of fresh salads, with varieties far beyond the typical greens in the U.S. Expect enticing flavor combinations like cubed butternut squash with currants, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
6. Float in the Dead Sea.
The high salt content in the Dead Sea prohibits most life from surviving in this land-locked lake. Bordered by Jordan on the east and Israel on the west, visitors to both countries float in the salty, buoyant water.
Bring a buddy and lean back in the water for your bucket list photo op. Then, go rinse off right away. The highly salinated water will sting your skin if you swim for too long.
7. Eat a falafel.
Falafel lovers rejoice, for Israel is home to some of the world’s tastiest offerings. This Middle Eastern sandwich consists of balls of chickpea flour and spices that are deep-fried and tucked into pitas with vegetables and tahini or tzatziki sauce. I have never found a falafel this tasty stateside!
8. Tour Masada.
Never heard of Masada? Neither had I! That’s because the story of this ancient mountaintop fortress was not included in the bible.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Masada was built under the rule of King Herod in Roman style in the years just preceding the birth of Jesus.
The view of the Negev Desert from the top of Masada is astounding. It looks just like the landscape I had pictured when learning bible stories as a child.
This fortress became the refuge of the last survivors of the Jewish revolt when the kingdom of Israel was overtaken by the Roman Empire in 73 A.D. Rather than being taken as slaves, the Jewish resistance took their own lives. Thus, Masada remains a symbol of the human struggle for independence.
I could not capture the vastness of this site and the surrounding Negev Desert with one photo, so I have posted below a very brief video that I took during my visit, which shows the 360-degree view from the top of Masada.
9. Explore Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv was the first city built in modern Israel, founded in 1909. Tel Aviv means “Old New,” and that’s an apt name.
Renowned for its nightlife, thriving dining scene, and modern vibe, Tel Aviv is also home to one of the oldest civilizations, Jaffa. Once an important port town, Jaffa is 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest still inhabited areas in the world. Jaffa was the launching point of the biblical story about Jonah and the whale.
10. Get a spa treatment.
Live like the locals and indulge in a spa treatment while in Israel. According to my tour guide, Israelis tend to live in the moment, which is why they have a penchant for spas.
Get a Dead Sea mud treatment and float in an indoor pool filled with water from the Dead Sea at Synergy Spa at the Ein Gedi Hotel. The water must be somewhat diluted because it was less harsh on the skin than the natural body of water.
For spa treatments served alongside organic, farm-fresh food grown on-site, visit Mitzpe Hayamim, a spa hotel in Rosh Pinna.
For a more traditional, luxury experience, choose the Ritz-Carlton Herzilya Spa, located along a picturesque marina in the affluent area of Herzliya Pituach.
11. Sip fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice.
A pomegranate, not an apple, tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They taste so good, it’s no wonder!
Pomegranates as large as a baby’s head abound in Israel. For a thirst-quenching and tart drink, stop by a juice stand in one of the shuks or along the streets of Tel Aviv for a freshly squeezed glass of pomegranate juice.
12. Ride a camel.
My tour group made an impromptu stop on our way to Jerusalem from the Dead Sea at a gas station where Arab bedouins were selling camel rides. The purpose was for a quick pic atop a dromedary’s back, but more extensive camel rides are also available in Israel. Riders of all ages can choose from Nagev Camel Ranch (tours from 1-4 hours in duration) and Camel Ranch Eilat (1.5-hour treks).
13. Drink mint tea.
Mint tea in Israel is typically made with fresh mint leaves. It’s a pretty and refreshing pick-me-up. This beverage is an Arabic tradition, so consider ordering your cuppa in the Arab Souk in Jerusalem.
14. Experience nightlife in Israel.
When picturing Israel, bible stories may come to life in your mind’s eye. But today, there is thriving nightlife in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and beyond. Take a break from historical and religious sightseeing to visit a local pub or disco.
My compadres and I asked locals for a recommendation of where to get a drink in Jerusalem, and we were directed to a fabulous find, Gatsby Cocktail Room. This is a hidden “speakeasy” of sorts with a menu of old-fashioned cocktails and a swanky vibe.
Don’t drink alcohol? Choose a shisha bar instead, where you can smoke tobacco from a hookah pipe in flavors like strawberry, mint, or lemon.
15. Enjoy the sea.
A beach vacation might not spring to mind when planning your visit to Israel. But don’t forget this small Middle Eastern country borders the ocean. With nearly 20 beaches along the Mediterranean Sea, you are sure to find one that suits your needs.
Gordon Beach in Tel Aviv is popular with tourists due to its proximity to hotels and resorts. For shopping and restaurants along the water, visit the lively Herzliya Marina in the upscale neighborhood of Herzlia Pituach. Meanwhile, Nordau Beach caters to the deeply religious with different days for male and female beachgoers.
Israel also borders the Gulf of Aqaba, a gulf of the Red Sea. The pink and red coral that line the shores give the Red Sea its name. Snorkeling and scuba diving popular activities here.
Whether visiting for religious reasons or pleasure, you are sure to have fun and learn so much during your visit to Isreal about this intriguing area of the world, its history, and its influence on our society.
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Which of these 15 things to do in Israel appeals most to you? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: Thank you to Go Israel for hosting my visit. All opinions are mine, as always.
Great article! The falafel pic is making me hungry and now I’m craving pomegranate juice.
Mmm…falafel and pomegranate juice sounds like a great combo! Thank you for your comment, Shannon!
Wow what an interesting place to visit. I would love to float in the Dead Sea and the food looks amazing!
I was definitely surprised by how delicious all of the food was in Israel! And the Dead Sea was a fun bucket list item, too!
Those salads look so scrumptious! And fresh pomegranate juice sounds yummy! I had never heard of Masada either. What a neat bit of history! This post definitely adds to the desire I already had to visit Israel!
Beth – Masada was the biggest surprise for me on my trip to Israel. And those salads…yum!
Gorgeous photography! Thanks for sharing this perspective.
Thank you for your comment, Susan!
Israel such an interesting country with a huge history and an uncertain future
You had me at fresh salads. I’m intrigued by Israel on so many levels, but now I’m especially curious about their cuisine. Could this possibly be the one country you travel to where you can totally indulge, but don’t come home five pounds heavier?
Jody – Oh believe me, there were plenty of “naughty” things to eat in Israel, too! Every restaurant we visited served rich mushroom risotto (not sure why!), fresh pastas, steaks and other filling foods. Those salads are what I still crave, though!
My trip to Israel two summers ago was the most enlightening experience of my life. I went all over Israel for 3 weeks and learned more about myself in that time frame than ever before. The history of Jerusalem, the beaches and nightlife in Tel Aviv, and the amazing food all over this small country is and always will be unforgettable. I will definitely be going back to Israel very very soon.
Sounds like you had a truly incredible time in Israel, Jesse. I’m not surprised!
Your very good article though incorrectly
states that Tel Aviv is Israel’s capital.
I just visited and you should know the capital
is Jerusalem.
Eric – You are correct. I have changed the text to reflect this. It is confusing because Tel Aviv is home to the U.S. embassy and many other countries’ embassies.