The 8 best places to visit in Israel

While it may be a place of profound religious significance – home to sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Israel contains world-class culture, vibrant cities and an inherent beauty that would leave anyone wanting more!

The majesty of its ancient sites – walls and pathways of Nazareth and Jerusalem imbued with ecclesiastical grandeur – contrast vividly with the bars and beaches of Tel Aviv and Haifa containing modern commercial centres and designer clothing stores.

Israel has a story to tell, and you can be its reader and its author as past and present converge in this land of fascinating and intoxicating contrasts. But where to start? We’ve compiled a collection of the keystone, must-see destinations to help you on your way!

8. Caesarea

A (somewhat) less frequented gem located between Haifa and Tel Aviv, Caesarea is a coastal town replete with Roman ruins originating from the ancient city of Caesarea Maritima. It was founded by Herod the Great in the first century BC, in honour of Caesar Augustus, who gave him the city.

Now protected as a national park, the ruins show off a spectacularly well-preserved amphitheatre, historic crusader fortress, thermal baths, aqueduct, royal palace and the Temple of Augustus… you can even take in a re-enactment of horse races at the hippodrome!

The new Caesarea is sleek and modernised, containing lots of nifty attractions for tourists – maybe you’re drawn to sunbathing on sandy beaches, playing golf, or imbibing the annual jazz festival!

7. Nazareth

Sometimes called the ‘cradle of Christianity’, Nazareth is most famous for its biblical connections. Being the birthplace of Jesus, it remains an evergreen pilgrimage destination for Christians, but the largest city in Galilee has a lot to offer regardless of your beliefs.

From religious attractions like St. Gabriel’s Church and the Mary of Nazareth International Center to the Old Flea Market containing picturesque streets and myriad eateries, this is a city you can spend all day exploring and immersing yourself in.

Nazareth is particularly well-known for its Christmas Market making it an incredibly popular destination around Christmas time!

6. Sea of Galilee

The lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second lowest lake in the world (the lowest being the Dead Sea), The Sea of Galilee is a popular destination for Christian pilgrims who want to see where Jesus walked on water.

Delighting visitors with historical sites, minarets, hot springs, and vast national parks, as well as dazzling beaches of every variety – this unique spot will leave little to be desired. The shoreline that wraps around the area also provides spectacular landscapes and countryside, meaning your eyes will never be left unstimulated.

Also known as Kinneret, the area is known for its hot water springs, of which it contains at least seventeen! It’s not uncommon for tourists to experience “mud treatment”, massages, hot tubs and thermos-mineral pools within the area.

5. Haifa

While primarily a port and industrial city, Haifa has carved out a reputation for being a great spot for tourists and wanderers alike given its array of natural and architectural wonders.

Located on the Mediterranean, this lively city’s most notable tourist attraction is the Baha’i World Center with its shrine of the Bab and exquisite gardens which descend down the hillside toward the sea in a series of green terraces.

With a collection of eclectic eateries and attractions such as the Science, Technology & Space Museum, the art galleries of Ein Hod, an amalgamation of parks and ancient sites as well as opportunities for windsurfing and kiteboarding, it would be a shame to miss out on this characterful city!

4. The Dead Sea

Located at the lowest point on Earth, it’s unlikely you’ll want to miss a chance to swim in the Dead Sea. The sea contains a salinity of 33% (making it over six times as salty as a normal ocean) which creates the ideal conditions for that perfect floating Instagram shot!

The water and mud contain so much sodium and other minerals that it’s impossible for plants and animals to live, hence the name. However, it’s known to be a treatment for various maladies, as well as illuminating your skin!

With industrial activities occurring along the coast, the sea’s water level is dropping by around a meter per year. If this continues, the Dead Sea could be dry in just a few decades, so plan a trip before it’s too late!

3. Bethlehem

The birthplace of Jesus itself is seldom unseen on any tour of Israel – this famous pilgrimage spot is home to the Church of the Nativity, built over the site where Jesus Christ is said to have been born.

Alongside the Church is the bazaar, a busy and bustling market, as well as Byzantine monasteries and sites related to events relayed in the New Testament.

Bethlehem is also home to a range of stunning natural views – be it Herodium Hill and its panoramic views of The Dead Sea and Mount of Olives to the north. As well as the Village of Artas, situated among verdant green valleys, which is home to the Hortus Conclusus Nunnery.

2. Tel Aviv

Rated the best city in Israel to visit by many, Tel Aviv is a social and cultural powerhouse offering some of the best sights and experiences to be had, with an especially vibrant nightlife.

Its Mediterranean beaches are spectacular and sought-after, including Gordon Beach, Frishman Beach, and Banana Beach, as well as its extended coastline which provides a range of water activities and access to its illustrious marine parks.

The city is home to the National Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra, houses outstanding museums such as Beth Hatefulsoth (which tells the story of Jewish persecution over the ages), boasts the Carmel Market with its endless varieties, contains prime locations for shopping such as Miraflores as well as so much more!

1. Jerusalem

A living and breathing titan of history; embalmed with religious and cultural significance, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and eminently holy to the three major religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Having survived assaults and sieges over the centuries from political and religious opponents, the city remains standing preserved with its battle scars, doubling as a mosaic of humanity’s trials and tribulations.

Its historic Old City is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Armenian and Muslim. Here you can walk in Jesus’ footsteps on the Via Dolorosa’, pray at the Western Wall, see the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (where Christians believe Jesus is buried), and tour the Tower of David, a medieval citadel.

Equally, you can take a walk up to Yad Vashem – a memorial dedicated to those who died in the Holocaust, peruse the labyrinthine alleyways in the old district packed with religious history, or behold the city’s most prominent structure in the form of Golden Dome Mosque that overlooks the Western Wall.

After venturing through the Old City, you could enter the modernised area, such as Ben Yehuda Street, and go bar hopping, sample the local fare and experience Jerusalem as lived-in by the locals.

Contact us on enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or visit our Israel destination page to plan your next authentic travel experience!