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TEL AVIV BLOG: A DETAILED LOCAL’S GUIDE TO VISITING TEL AVIV ITINERARY

ByRachel Shulman | On July 26,24 | 6 Comments

I lived in Tel Aviv in both 2015 and early 2019, and as of October 2019, now live here full-time (still current as of 2024!) and it is, without a doubt, my favorite city in the entire world. Tel Aviv has anything you want in a vacation or living environment; beaches, history, nightlife, food scene and walking distance to everything. The zest for life that Tel Avivians, and Israelis in general (more on that in my Israel Travel Blog here) have is nothing like I have ever seen. I could talk about Tel Aviv all day everyday, but I tried to keep this Tel Aviv blog somewhat condensed. Generally when people visit Israel they only spend 2 or 3 days visiting Tel Aviv but I would argue you need AT LEAST 5 days in a Tel Aviv itinerary to immerse yourself in the bustling city. Keep reading for the ideal Tel Aviv itinerary.

Disclosure: This Tel Aviv travel blog may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Tel Aviv Blog: Tel Aviv Travel Tips

For all of my Israel travel tips head to my Israel travel blog here (and there are a lot of tips).
The main airport in Tel Aviv (and in the whole country of Israel) is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Train and Taxi are your two options to get to the city.
- A taxi is my go-to to get to Tel Aviv from the airport. The airport is about a 25 minute ride to the city of Tel Aviv and should be around ~150-170 shekels normally, and around ~190-200 shekels on Shabbat/middle of the night. It is easier to get one directly from the taxi line as soon as you exit the airport and turn left to the authorized taxi lines. Do NOT go with anyone who comes up to you and says they are a taxi. You have to download the Gett Taxi app (more details later) to get the taxi and then you can pay by card in the app or with cash.
- You can also take the train which is a direct train to any of Tel Aviv’s 3 train stations, however the stations are on the border of Tel Aviv meaning you will have to then take a taxi or bus to your accommodation. The train is a cheaper alternative from the airport for sure, but keep in mind on the location of where your accommodation is.
- If you are just visiting Tel Aviv I do not suggest renting a car in Israel as parking is hard to come by in Tel Aviv and you do NOT need a car by any means for any Tel Aviv activity. However, if you are exploring the country of Israel (which I suggest, duh) then read my Israel car rental guide on my country guide here.
Download Gett app. Gett was made in Israel and is the primary way to get around Tel Aviv and Israel in general. They do not use Uber or Lyft in Israel so Gett makes it super easy. Gett just uses taxis in Tel Aviv but it makes it easier because you can pay by credit card. Speaking of which…
Cabs in Tel Aviv will either give you a set price to your destination within the city or you can choose meter when you get in. I always would choose meter (if I don’t use Gett) because they will rip you off. ESPECIALLY if you are speaking in English and they know you don’t live there. Always do meter. Also most cabs do not accept credit cards, it’s cash only, which is why I like having Gett!
Download Bird or Lime: Scooters are huge in Tel Aviv and one of our main way of transportations. There are bike lanes on almost every street now and the scooters come with helmets.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Tel Aviv Packing Tips: Tel Aviv is HOT and HUMID in the summer and mild in the winter. It can always be beach weather, even in winter. Sunscreen is an absolute must during any visit to Israel. My favorite face sunscreen ever is this Sunbum stick (buy here). I think I own 5 of them and they last forever. They’re the best for travel since its solid too! For more of my fave packing items I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here or my favorite travel gear here or the best travel items you need under $20!

TEL AVIV ITINERARY: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TEL AVIV ISRAEL

Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market)

A MUST! The famous Shuk HaCarmel (open-air market) in Tel Aviv is by far one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv and the number one spot not to miss on a Tel Aviv Itinerary. Come to the Tel Aviv Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) any day of the week to shop for anything you could ever think of (clothes, home goods, antiques, candy, falafel, hummus, fruits) and the freshest produce and food. I urge you to try the food in the Shuk, specifically: strawberries (in winter), falafel and halva. Some of the best restaurants are also on the OUTSKIRTS of the Shuk so make sure to weave in and out of the alleys, too, not just the main road! This is also where you will find all of your tourist gifts you could ever want to buy to bring home (IDF sweatshirts, evil eye and hamsa bracelets, keychains and more). I also HIGHLY suggest taking a food tour when visiting the Shuk to really immerse yourself in the history of the Shuk and each of the food stalls. Delicious Israel runs the best food tours I highly recommend (have done it twice!), you can read my review on the tour lower in this guide!

A true local Tel Aviv experience is going to the Shuk on Friday morning right before Shabbat when it is bustling and beyond crowded. Also spending all day here on Fridays is the thing to do – have a drink at one of the many spots on the alleys of the Shuk and people watch until sundown.

TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: Negotiating the price of what you’re buying is a 100% must at the Tel Aviv Carmel Market! They will always come down.
TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: If you are a looking to buy produce and food, the farther down in the Shuk you go towards the end, the cheaper the price.
TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: If you are walking on the outskirts of the Shuk and see the floor is RED, that means you are in the meat section!

Walk (or scooter) the Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet)

Walk the whole length of the Tel Aviv Boardwalk (better known as the Tayelet, which technically translates to Promenade). The Tel Aviv Tayelet stretches all the way from the port of Tel Aviv (the Namal) in the North of Tel Aviv all the way down to Jaffa in the South along the Mediterranean Sea. The Tayelet is such a gorgeous place to run, bike, scooter or walk and, for obvious reasons, has the best sunset views. This is one of my top things to do in Tel Aviv every single day. I could walk along the Tayelet forever. Scooters (or Korkinet in Hebrew) have also become wildly popular thanks to Lime, Bird and Wind definitely rent one and ride up and down (in the bike lanes!!).

Jaffa (Yafo)

Jaffa (Yafo) is the southern tip and oldest area of Tel Aviv. It is an absolute must-visit to add into your Tel Aviv itinerary travel time as the history is tremendous and shows a different side of Tel Aviv. You need to spend a good part of a full day visiting Jaffa and all that it has to offer especially since it is also up and coming (there are THREE new luxury hotels that have opened in the past year (18/19). While visiting Yafo, you should do the following:

Walk around the Jaffa Port.
Get lost in the Jaffa cobblestone alleys up and down from the Port to the top while stopping in cute boutique stores.
Shop at the Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPushPashim) (my favorite name ever). Here you will find everything from antiques, jewelry, furniture and more.
See: the Zodiac Fountain, the Gate Of Faith and the Jaffa Clocktower.
Eat at a Middle Eastern restaurant with lots of small plates (see below for my recommendations).
Head to Abu Hassan for the voted best hummus in Tel Aviv (but get there as early as possible because they close as soon as they run out (usually near 2pm) since they make it daily!).
Walk to the top of the hill from the bottom and turn around to see the stunning views of the Tel Aviv skyline.
Walk across the Wishing Bridge and find your astrological sign, hold it and ask for a wish and it will come true!
Favorite Jaffa Restaurants to stop at for lunch include Puaa and Beit Kandinof!

Related Post: One Day In Dubai Itinerary

Shuk Levinsky (Levinsky Market)

Levinsky Market is another one of the best things to do during your Tel Aviv travels that, in all honesty, most people do not get to on their first visit to Tel Aviv but should. A lot of people focus on the beaches and the Carmel Market BUT Levinsky Market should be on EVERYONE’s Tel Aviv itinerary! Levinsky Market Tel Aviv is one of the oldest markets in the country and is located in Florentin (more on Florentin later) and is totally different than the Carmel Market. Shuk Levinsky is a market dedicated to Israeli spices, nuts and fruits as well as popular Turkish and Greek foods (there are two different sides of the street for each of these). It is one of the much more popular local things to do in Tel Aviv (why I love it) and open-air. You won’t find tourist souvenirs here. I also HIGHLY suggest doing a Food Tour in Levinsky Market (more on that in Food Tour section below).

Some of my favorite spots and foods you must try in Levinsky Market are: Levinsky 41 (Cafe Levinsky) for a Gazoz Drink (flavored fresh soda water with an Israeli twist), Yom Tov Deli for olives and vegetables (get the hibiscus flower wrapped goat cheese it is insane), Halva Magic for Halva, duh, Burekas Penso for amazing Burekas and Saluf & Sons for Yemenite Kubaneh.

Rabin Square

[As of 2023 Rabin Square is under construction for the new metro line so you may have to walk a bit farther and in between streets to find the memorial] Rabin Square (Kikar Rabin) is probably the most famous square in Tel Aviv and is largely historical. It is a big square in Tel Aviv on one of the main streets, Ibn Gabirol. Most importantly, you must check out the Rabin Memorial Monument at the edge of the square which has an exact replication of how Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination was carried out in 1995. It is incredibly somber and powerful to see the exact movements of this terrorist act and how it occurred. Rabin Square is also extremely lively at nighttime as there are tons of shows and events for various holidays and also peaceful protests are held here often whenever there is something to protest about in Israel (which is often)!

Rothschild Boulevard

Rothschild Boulevard is Tel Aviv’s oldest street and by far the prettiest street in Tel Aviv. It is lined with trees in the middle and has walking/biking paths. It is such a gorgeous and historical street to walk around. If you walk to the end of it (South) you’ll get to Florentin and the Neve Tzedek neighborhoods and on the other side (North) all the way at Kikar Habima (Habima Square), near Dizengoff Center. At the top of it (South) there is a tourist booth where you can take a DIY walking tour pamphlet to read while walking down Rothschild and it will tell you some important facts as you’re walking! There’s a metal strip down the street how its Independence Road. Rothschild is also a hub for Tel Aviv’s famous nightlife with a ton of bars and clubs lining the street on the South end.

Independence Hall

Tel Aviv Independence Hall is one of the only historical museum-type spots most people visit on Israel tours. It is a must-go just for the history lesson of Israel becoming a country and its independence. It is on Rothschild Boulevard and you really only need less than an hour here.

Related Post: Israel Country Travel Guide

Tel Aviv Port (Namal)

Namal translates to port and this is in the Old North of Tel Aviv. It is the main port of Tel Aviv (and Israel) and you can walk around it. There are a lot of nice restaurants, bars and clubs on the Namal as well with great outdoor seating. There are also a ton of stores to shop at. Definitely suggest walking around the Namal for part of a day. There are always people walking, running or biking around here and the Namal at night is beyond lively.

Tel Aviv Beaches & Sunsets

Obviously the main Tel Aviv point of interest to tourists are the beaches! The beaches of Tel Aviv are some of the best in the world and stretches a vast NINE miles and you can find different types of beaches (13 of them!) for all interests. Tel Aviv sits right on the Mediterranean Sea and this long coast also gives way to some of the best sunsets since it faces West. One of my favorite things to do is sit at the Tel Aviv beach restaurants (like LaLaLand, Calypso, Hilton Beach) and order watermelon and feta and a bottle of rosé. Watermelon is Israel’s summer fruit and you will see everyone eating it on the beach! My personal favorite Tel Aviv beach is Gordon Beach which is right by the Sheraton Hotel and has LaLaLand restaurant right on it. It also has lots of umbrellas, chairs, right in the center of the city and great food.

Some of the best Tel Aviv beaches to people watch are Gordon Beach (LaLaLand restaurant is one of the better beach restaurants), Frischman Beach (a lot of French people head here), the Dog Beach (aptly named), Hilton Bay Beach (the new up and coming trendier beach) and Banana Beach. You can’t go wrong anywhere. You can just walk on to any beach wherever you are staying closest to as well! You don’t need passes as they’re not private.
You can buy a lounge chair for 16 shekels (~$5), a regular chair for 6 shekels (~$2) and an umbrella for 18 shekels (~$6). You have to buy them at the machines attached to each beach restaurant building. The beaches in Tel Aviv are amazing and I urge you to camp out there for more than one day of your trip to relax. And watch the Tel Aviv sunsets. They never ever get old.

Shopping in Tel Aviv

There is SO much good shopping in Tel Aviv. Head to Sheinkin Street for the most trendy street with the best boutique shopping in Tel Aviv. Head to Dizengoff Street, one of the main streets in the city that is lined with stores and a million restaurants and bars. Make sure to walk on Dizengoff Square right in the center, it was just recently reopened after being refurbished in 2019! Head to Neve Tzedek for the most upscale and expensive shopping in Tel Aviv. One of my FAVORITE spots to shop & one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is to go to Nachlat Binyamin Street (next to the Carmel Market) on Tuesdays and Fridays. There is an outdoor market on these days with stands set up by local artists and designers selling their goods. It is the BEST local Tel Aviv shopping and I have bought so many gifts and home decor and pieces here. A must.

Sarona Market

Sarona Market is somewhat new (<5 years) and is in Central Tel Aviv. It’s basically a food complex and is a bunch of great food/snack places, drinks and shops to check out and just walk around during the day. It reminds me of Chelsea Market in NYC. The Market is an indoor complex with a bunch of spots to choose from and then surrounding the indoor market there is a HUGE outdoor space with more shops and restaurants. It’s a really popular lunch spot since it’s near a lot of Tel Aviv offices. There are about 90 stalls inside so take your time choosing what to eat!

Florentin and Neve Tzedek Neighborhoods

Florentin is a hipster neighborhood in Tel Aviv mostly known for their street art/graffiti (and also Levinsky Market, above). If you are a street art person definitely walk around Florentin Tel Aviv and get lost looking at the amazing Tel Aviv street art! Neve Tzedek is the most chic and trendiest (and most expensive) neighborhood of Tel Aviv. It’s home to some of the most posh stores and restaurants as well. The cobblestone streets of Neve Tzedek make it my favorite though. The main street to walk along in Neve Tzedek is Shabazi Street. You also must stop at Anita’s and have their famous gelato here.

HaTachana

The HaTachana (translates to train station) is an area near Neve Tzedek that used to be an old train station! They repurposed it to be a really cute complex to walk around with a bunch of stores, bars and restaurants! It’s pretty cool how they built this area on top of old tracks and some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in Tel Aviv are in the HaTachana.

HaYarkon Park

HaYarkon Park is in the North of Tel Aviv. My favorite part of the park is that it’s not a tourist destination at all; you’ll almost solely find Tel Aviv locals here. You can find people kayaking on the Yarkon River, walking around the parks and playing sports throughout. The botanical gardens and large concert venues here also make for a great setting for any activity. The park was one of my favorite places to go during my spare time and is a true Tel Aviv local spot.

Related Post: Day Trips From Tel Aviv

Where To Eat In Tel Aviv

One of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is EAT! I am so beyond obsessed with the Tel Aviv food I plan my trips and itineraries around where I am eating in Tel Aviv! I have FINALLLLY finished my MASSIVE beyond massive Food Guide to Tel Aviv. After 10+ visits and living here three times, I know my Tel Aviv food. In the guide, I go in depth into all the cuisines, where to eat for any type of meal you may be craving and more. You can literally find ANYTHING you want to eat in Tel Aviv and this Tel Aviv food guide has it all. I listed a few of the best below in case you are skimming quickly but I highly recommend you read the full guide so you find your perfect spots for your Tel Aviv itinerary.

Visit my massive FULL FOOD IN TEL AVIV GUIDE here!

Best breakfast/brunches: Café Xoho, Bucke Cafe and Yom Tov Cafe
Best street food lunch: HaKosem, Jasmino, Shlomo v Doron, Hummus Abu Hassan, HaShomer 1
Best dinner spots: HaBasta, North Abraxas, Abie, Old Man & The Sea, Ha’Achim, Port Sa’id and La Shuk
Best sweets: Anita Gelato, Tamara and Arte Cafe

Again, visit my massive FULL FOOD IN TEL AVIV GUIDE here!

BONUS: Tel Aviv Food Tour

If you know me at all you know I try to do food tour’s in every city I visit in order to really immerse myself in their cuisine and culture. If you also couldn’t tell from the above, I am beyond obsessed with Israeli food and specifically the Tel Aviv food scene. So when I found Delicious Israel Food Tours during my time living there in 2019, I could NOT pass up the opportunity on taking this tour. I can honestly, whole-heartedly say this was the ABSOLUTE BEST food tour I have EVER taken. This is THE way to eat Tel Aviv. And I am saying that as someone who has taken similar food tours in other countries AND have already tried (what I thought was) the best of the best in Tel Aviv.

Delicious Israel offers a ton of different Israel food tour options around the country, I personally chose the Market Hop tour which is a four hour tour that goes to both the Carmel Market and Levinsky Market. I chose this one so that I could get a taste of each of my favorite markets, instead of focusing on one since they are both so insanely different. The tour was amazing. I thought four hours was going to be too long. NOPE. It felt like 5 seconds. My guide Lainie was amazing and you could tell how much she cared about the Israeli food, the spots she brought us to (which each had a unique story and personality) and the history behind it. If you are in Tel Aviv and love food (duh) BOOK A TOUR WITH DELICIOUS ISRAEL now. This is the most important part of the Tel Aviv travel guide. I am confident their other tours are just as good as the Market Hop. I cannot wait to go back and literally try every single one of their tours until I do them all! I will go more into detail on every single stop we took on my massive food guide as well, but run, do not walk, to booking this Tel Aviv food tour. It DOES sell out daily. I emailed to book in February and didn’t get a free date until April – hurry !! This has to be on your Tel Aviv itinerary no questions.

Book the Delicious Israel Market Hop or any of their other food tours here!

levinsky market delicious israel tel aviv

*Thanks to Inbal for inviting me on the Delicious Israel Market Hop food tour! While I did receive this tour as a gift, my review and experience is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Related Post: Food Tour in Porto Portugal Guide

Nightlife & Bars In Tel Aviv

Cocktail Bars In Tel Aviv

Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar: The place to go when you fancy cocktails. It’s a SUPER small bar. MAKE A RESERVATION (I’m not kidding). It’s the #1 rated bar in the Middle East and Africa, you literally can’t walk in without a reservation. Coolest cocktails.
Other cocktail bars in Tel Aviv I love: Dizengoff 223, Bellboy, Spicehaus, Concierge, Honolulu, Por do Sol (go for sunset!!).

Fun Bars In Tel Aviv

Sputnik: Super cool bar on Rothschild. Has a hipster vibe and has a bunch of different rooms including an outside spot. Really good drinks and chill bar.
Teder: One of my favorite spots that I frequent weekly. Good vibes outdoor courtyard bar that is fun any night of the week. Many Saturdays there are live music shows as well. Within the complex there is also a restaurant upstairs called Romano, a record bar on the ground floor, and a few other bars within. There is also pizza in the bar. The best pizza in Tel Aviv. Get it.
Drama: 3 floors with different vibes. The second floor has a huge outdoor (covered) area to sit and chat. Super popular, go early if you are going on a weekend night.
Speakeasy: Rooftop bar on Rothschild.

Bar Clubs In Tel Aviv

Kuli Alma: One of the most popular bars in Tel Aviv. It has a hipster vibe but it is so cool. The top floor is all outdoor tables and chill, then the bottom there is a bar area and then in the back room is a club area. They play all hiphop/rap music. Go later on in the night.
Jimmy Who: Fun bar/club on Rothschild, better for people in their young 20s.
Abraxas: Attached to the Abraxas restaurant is a bar that gets really wild on the weekends. However, Israeli night is on Wednesday nights and it is my absolute favorite. If you are looking for a local night I highly recommend going on Wednesdays, otherwise, come any other night of the week and it is a vibe! Probably my favorite bar in Tel Aviv.
Mondo 2000: Rooftop bar/club in Florentin. There is usually a wait to get in.
Secret Garden: My personal favorite club (usually Saturday late afternoon/evening). Super cool Tulum type vibes.
Shalvata: The “it” young club in Tel Aviv for the summers since it’s outside on the port. Only open in the summer. Skews a bit younger.
Other going out/rowdy clubs in Tel Aviv I love: Goat, Emesh, & Kanta.

Sunset Bars in Tel Aviv

Loullie: Chic club right on the tayelet where you can sit at a table and watch the sunset and often has fun DJs on Saturdays. Need to save a table.
Migdalor: Newest sunset spot in the city and a bit far as it’s past the port all the way in the North but has one of my favorite views of the sunset and all of Tel Aviv and is a massive spot with an amazing vibe. Can just walk in – all ages! (often there are kids here!)
Por de Sol: Amazing small bar on the top of the steps at Ben Gurion/Tayelet (Kikar Atarim)
Contento: Another cute bar right on the Tayelet
Any of the restaurants on the beach!

*Tip: A lot of the bars and clubs in Tel Aviv you have to be over 24 years old to get into. This is because Israelis go into the army after high school and THEN college, meaning they are out of college at 24 and the bars do not want college kids there, even though they’re of age (drinking age is 18). Just be mindful of this that you may get rejected, but we rarely had issues at every bar.

imperial cocktail bar tel aviv — Imperial Cocktail Bar

Tel Aviv Hotels & Where To Stay In Tel Aviv

I’ve lived in Tel Aviv, I’ve visited with friends, I’ve been on group trips and I’ve visited with my family, so it’s safe to say I have stayed in many different areas at different budgets. I personally suggest staying at a hotel when you visit Tel Aviv right on the Mediterranean Sea but you still can’t go wrong wherever you choose since Tel Aviv is such a small walking city.

BEACH HOTELS in Tel Aviv are the absolute best. I suggest somewhere near the center of the city (Allenby Street). You will find plenty of ranges of different hotels on Tel Aviv beach. You will find a ton of big chain hotels here (Sheraton Tel Aviv, Hilton Tel Aviv), the David Intercontinental Tel Aviv (which has the best hotel brunch I’ve ever had and is one of the nicer hotels in Tel Aviv). I personally recommend the Royal Beach Hotel (where I had my parents stay when they visited) or the new David Kempinski just opened (Spring 2022) and is the new, nicest hotel in Tel Aviv. It is truly like no other place here, but definitely comes the price. Highly recommend.
BOUTIQUE CASUAL: There are a ton of new boutique hotels that have opened near the beach (personally I like boutique better), I recommend Mendeli Street Hotel (amazing brunch), Brown Beach House or Fabric Hotel I have been in all and they’re both great and in amazing locations!
LUXE BOUTIQUE HOTELS: If you are coming during the winter and don’t need to be close to the beach, there are a TON of luxe boutique hotels near Rothschild and the Tel Aviv Center for a range of budgets. I recommend The Norman (one of the most luxurious and best hotels in Tel Aviv), Hotel Montefiore, The Vera Hotel, The Rothschild Hotel or Poli House!
JAFFA HOTELS: Lastly, there have been luxury hotels popping up all over Jaffa as it becomes the new hot spot in Tel Aviv so if you want to stay in a different area DEFINITELY check out The Setai Tel Aviv(most luxurious hotel in Tel Aviv) or The Jaffa Tel Aviv.
Book the hotels by clicking their names above!

Search and book all Tel Aviv hotels by clicking here! Read reviews on Tel Aviv hotels on TripAdvisor here.

For a cheap hotel in Tel Aviv or hostel in Tel Aviv, I HIGHLY recommend Abraham Hostel. This is THE hostel to stay at – it hosts a ton of bar crawls, events, and is by far the highest rated hostel group in the country and is an amazing place to meet people! Definitely, definitely book Abraham for a fun time and clean hostel in Tel Aviv!

Book Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv here!!

AIRBNB Tel Aviv: There are also so many amazing, modern apartments in Tel Aviv. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it in Israel – Israeli hosts are amazing. Airbnb Tel Aviv has tons of options, too! Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

More Things To Do In Tel Aviv: Weekend & Day Trips From Tel Aviv

Another one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is to take day trips or weekend trips around Israel, it is a benefit of being a small country and Tel Aviv is situated in the center of Israel so a perfect home base. Travel guides for each of these locations coming soon! For now, check out my Israel travel blog here on what to pack, safety and what to expect when visiting Israel!

Jerusalem
- My extensive Jerusalem guide coming soon – but Jerusalem is an absolute MUST when visiting Tel Aviv.
Day Trips From Tel Aviv: Haifa, Akko, Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov
The West Bank
Masada, Ein Gedi & the Dead Sea
The North of Israel (Golan Heights, The Galilee, & Tzfat)
The South of Israel (Mizpe Ramon, Sde Boker, Ein Avedat, Sderot, Gaza Border & Salad Trail) AND/OR Eilat, Petra and Sinai

Loved this local Tel Aviv blog and Tel Aviv itinerary travel guide? Pin for later or share with friends!

Did I miss one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv Israel that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit. Don’t forget to read my Tel Aviv Food Guide and then see my general Israel travel blog here to know what to expect when visiting Israel! Hope you liked this extensive local Tel Aviv blog!

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About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

Israel

WHAT TO DO IN EILAT, THE NEGEV DESERT, MIZPE RAMON & MORE IN THE SOUTH OF ISRAEL

ByRachel Shulman | On December 20,23 | 2 Comments

As I wrote about extensively in my Israel Country Guide, I’ve visited Israel 7+ times before moving here, including two times living there for an extended period of time and now currently live here permanently as an expat since October 2019, so it’s fair to say I’m very knowledgeable on Israel. Whenever people ask me where to include when traveling around Israel, I ALWAYS say the South of Israel. The Middle East region is KNOWN for its desert so why should you miss out on the Israeli desert areas and only see the cities?! The unique terrain is such a contrast just a few short hours out of bustling Tel Aviv or Jerusalem and should not be missed. This guide will share everything you need to know on what to do in Eilat, the Negev Desert, Mitzpe Ramon and more in the South of Israel.

Disclosure: This South Israel, Negev Desert and Eilat travel guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Should I Visit the South of Israel On My Israel Trip And For How Long?

YES! If you are traveling to Israel on a long holiday with a few days in each area, I highly recommend not skipping Israel’s desert region. I highly encourage both – they are both amazing and totally different! It is such a special and distinct area of Israel – fun facts about the Negev Desert: Israel is comprised of 55% desert, and that’s mostly the Negev! If you like adventure, I suggest AT LEAST TWO NIGHTS, THREE DAYS visiting the Negev Desert. If you are doing that as a stop on the way more South to Eilat (and Jordan/Sinai) you need to add THREE NIGHTS IN EILAT. The Gaza Border/West Negev area can be added on stops as well, but they can also be day trips from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem! The Negev Desert must be a part of your Israel holiday trip!

Must-Know Southern Israel Travel Tips

For all of my Israel travel tips and what to expect when visiting Israel including renting a car, visas, safety in Israel and more, head to my detailed Israel Country Guide .
Names!?: Negev, South Israel, Mitzpe Ramon, Makhtesh Ramon… lots of names regarding the Israel’s Southern region! All of these will be used throughout the article:
- South of Israel here is referred to as the entire area SOUTH of Jerusalem within Israel above and including Eilat (the Southern tip city on the Red Sea).
- The Negev Desert is the massive desert region within Southern Israel. The Negev makes up 55% of Israel’s entire land! It’s main city is Be’er Sheva which you likely will not visit except to stop in for gas or a bathroom break on your road trip.
- ***Mitzpe Ramon (or Mizpe Ramon) is a tiny city in the Negev that is home to the WORLD’S largest crater: Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater). It is in the center of the Negev, which is where the hotel I recommend below is.***
- This guide will also have tips on what to do in the Western area of the Negev Desert (near the Gaza Border) as well as Eilat region.
Renting A Car In Israel: I write extensively how to rent a car in Israel and why you should in this article: Israel Travel Guide. I highly suggest renting from Eldan. Getting around Israel is easiest by car, not public transport!
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

When To Visit The Negev Desert/Packing for the Israel’s South: Visiting the Negev is great in ANY season. I have been in the dead of summer and the dead of winter. In the summer it is EXTRA HOT and humid and dry. Bring lots and lots and lots of water. A Swell bottle to keep cold water is a MUST especially for hiking the Ramon Crater (buy one here)! In the winter it is pretty mild around but may be windy and at night it gets pretty cold- so bring layers! For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!

How To Get To South Israel & The Negev Desert

DRIVE ON YOUR OWN! Have I mentioned this enough?! Driving in Israel and driving to the Negev is the easiest and quite frankly the only way to get to the Negev Desert. Getting around Israel is by far easiest by car. Yes you can take public transportation but it will involve transferring at least 2x whether you are coming from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. You also can hire a car service but it’s insanely expensive. If you do have a tour guide for your entire trip to Israel then it will be easy to get here but for cost efficiency and overall ease, rent a car! Ben Gurion Airport, Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon are all only a 2.5 hour drive so it’s really not bad! The drive is also BEAUTIFUL. As you drive out of the massive cities you see how the terrain changes so drastically, you pass through lots of greenery and then through Be’er Sheva (a big city) and then brown sand and desert views. It’s really a peaceful drive on one main highway that goes from North to South Israel (Road 40). Make sure to read my tips for driving in Israel and traveling around Israel and how to rent a car in Israel with Eldan before going!

Where To Stay In The Negev: Beresheet Hotel Israel

When planning an overnight trip to the Negev you want to base yourself at a hotel in Mitzpe Ramon. Mitzpe Ramon is a small city in the middle of the desert and a 2.5 hour drive from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. All of these hotels and hostels in Mitzpe Ramon offer a ton of different excursions where you can book all the different activities of what to do in the Negev. Mizpe Ramon is the most popular spot to stay because it is the town that overlooks Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) with stunning views and excursions at your fingertips.

There are a ton of hostels (search here for Mitzpe Ramon hostels) and smaller Ramon Crater hotels to stay at. However, Israel’s Beresheet Hotel looking over the crater steals the show. You have likely seen pictures of this hotel with its beautiful turquoise blue infinity pool. This is THE HOTEL in Israel. If there is one place to splurge on your full Israel trip, it is at this hotel. Beresheet Hotel exemplifies luxury, nature and perfection altogether. The hotel was built into the edge of the crater so the views could not be any better, the hotel blends right in with the terrain and there are ibex roaming around the property. There are different levels of rooms with different budgets to fit every size group and cost. No matter what room you choose they all maintain the luxury of the hotel. We stayed in the ‘cheapest’ and it was still phenomenal. The main infinity pool AS WELL as their indoor pool for those few colder days are the heart of the hotel. They even built the indoor pool overlooking the crater so it didn’t lose the allure of the infinity.

Besides the room and keep of the hotel, there are a number of other factors that make Beresheet the top hotel in Israel.

THE FOOD. They have one main dining room that is kosher (meat) and then a restaurant in the lobby bar next door. We ate at the dining room and had steak and it was delicious and worth the price of the meal which includes a massive appetizer buffet (which literally was enough food to be dinner), one main course and a dessert. The brunch buffet, which is included in the hotel room price, was probably one of the best hotel brunches I have had. Ever.
THE SPA. I had one of the best massages ever at the Beresheet Hotel. If you have time to relax, I highly recommend one.
An every season hotel. We went in February (one of the coldest months in Israel) and the weather was not in our favor. It was pretty cold and windy and raining half the time. It was still amazing and SO worth it. While we wish we could have gone in the outdoor pool at Beresheet Hotel – that’s what the indoor one is for!

Overall, if you couldn’t tell, I HIGHLY recommend Beresheet Hotel Israel (book here). You can’t go wrong here. It’s by far the best hotel in Mitzpe Ramon and likely the best hotel in Israel itself. Whether it’s one night (we only did one) or three, you will not want to leave. It’s also the perfect stop on the way to Eilat. They have everything you could need in a luxury hotel in the desert you won’t even want to leave to go on your excursions (but trust me, they’re worth it).

Book Israel’s Beresheet Hotel here (and trust me, it sells out, fast)! Alternatively, search here for cheaper hotels and hostels in Mitzpe Ramon by clicking here.

Related Post: Israel Country Travel Guide

WHAT TO DO IN MITZPE RAMON & THE NEGEV DESERT

Sde Boker & Ben Gurion Grave

Once you make your way into the Negev Desert Israel from the cities towards Mizpe Ramon, your first stop is right on Route 40 – Sde Boker and Ben Gurion’s Grave.

You know the name Ben Gurion because of Tel Aviv’s main airport. David Ben Gurion was the first prime minister of Israel so he is a very important figure in Israeli history. Sde Boker is a Kibbutz within the Negev and where Ben Gurion retired. The house has turned into a museum so you can learn about Ben Gurion and his legacy in Israel and walk around the premises. A few meters away is the Ben Gurion Memorial and Ben Gurion’s tomb, which is the main attraction here and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel. Honestly what steals the show here is the view from the Memorial overlooking the Zin Valley (more on that later). I highly recommend visiting Ben Gurion’s Grave (it’s free!) as a stop on your Israel road trip South.

Sandboarding in the Negev Desert

One of the cooler activities I have done in my lifetime. I first heard that you could sandboard in the Negev in 2020 and it felt like the perfect COVID activity day trip from Tel Aviv and it was! It’s RIGHT next to Sde Boker, legit a 5-minute drive so it is the PERFECT activity to do on your South Israel trip. It is also geared toward kids (even though we were 3 29-year-olds that went) so it is PERFECT for the entire family. I highly, highly recommend this sandboarding activity and booking this excursion. It’s so much fun, inclusive, and such a unique travel experience. The sand is SO soft here (I fell plenty) – this is the only place in all of Israel’s desert that it is soft enough to sandboard. It also takes place around sunset due to the weather, so you get to see an amazing sunset over the sand dunes. You can book the Sandboarding trip here.

Book the Sandboarding trip here! Read re v iews on TripAdvisor here – you’ll see why this activity is so amazing.

Kornmehl Farm

When you or your kids are starving after a 2 hour drive from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon, or as a break on the drive to Eilat, Kornmehl Farm is your spot for lunch. This might be one of the best meals I have ever had in Israel and I do not say that lightly. This is a small goat farm on the side of the highway with a tiny outdoor restaurant with amazing views overlooking the Negev. Every dish on the menu at Kornmehl Farm has goat cheese in it and they are all AMAZING. By far, the goat cheese Knaffeh is an absolute must. But the salads, pizzas, sandwiches and more desserts are all amazing too. Highly recommend stopping here on the way to or from your Negev Israel travel trip or on the way to visiting Eilat!

After Sde Boker, it is only about another 20 minute drive until you are in the town of Mitzpe Ramon. Check into your hotel and get ready for the excursions! You definitely should pre-book excursions from your hotel or book a separate tour before arriving no matter what hotel you are staying at as they fill up especially in the summer months! The below are my favorite and most recommended Negev desert tours and adventures in Israel to take.

Jeep Tour In Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon)

One of (if not THE) most popular things to do in Mitzpe Ramon is take a Jeep Tour in Ramon Crater. Mitzpe Ramon jeep tours are the BEST (and most efficient) way to go deep into the crater and learn about how the crater was formed, see the different layers of the crater, some wildlife if you’re lucky and really feel how vast the crater is. I HIGHLY recommend booking a Jeep Tour with Adam Sela. His tours are by far the most well-known in the area and have the best tour guides. I did their “Ramon Machtesh in a Nutshell” which was perfect for my 2 day Negev trip but am confident that their other longer tours are amazing. Next time I am definitely doing their Tzin Valley tour since it’s one of my favorite areas in Israel (more on that below). Adam Sela tours are totally private and you get a jeep fully to yourself and your guide. You can really tell how passionate these guides are about their land, which is my favorite part. Even during my Mitzpe Ramon tour, which was one of only seven days it rains in the area (my luck), it was still amazing and our tour guide made the best of it. They also have rappelling trips in the Ramon Crater which is a super popular activity for the adventurous ones! Highly recommend booking Mitzpe Ramon tours of the Negev desert areas with Adam Sela here.

Book a Mitzpe Ramon Jeep Tour here!

*Thanks to Adam for helping set up my private Ramon Crater jeep tour and customizing it to my desire and the weather in order to make this blog post possible! While I did receive this tour as a gift, my review and experience is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Related Post: Tel Aviv Insider Travel Guide

Ride A Camel / Experience Bedouin Culture

One of the most popular photos you see of people traveling around Israel is riding camels in the desert! This is a must-do one time experience in Israel and the Negev Desert is the spot to do it. All of the hotels offer this experience! Many of the Negev camel tours combine with visiting a group of Bedouin people and lunch. Bedouins are the indigenous people to the desert and make all their food and live in tents in the desert. They are BEYOND friendly and just truly want you to experience their culture within Israel (they are also in many other desert locations around the world) and enjoy their special cuisine and camels. I have now done a Bedouin experience four different times in Israel (three of which in the Negev Desert, once in the North). The most recent was only a ten minute drive from Beresheet and we sat in their tent while listening to their stories while they gave us tea and a meal (the food was SO good, especially the cheese). After lunch they took us on a private camel ride along the edge of the Ramon Crater and the views were INSANE. The day was so windy and cold walking around on the camels but the views were totally worth it. I highly recommend visiting a Bedouin community in Israel and riding camels in the Israel desert. You can book this camel Negev desert tour with your hotel!

Hike Mitzpe Ramon

Another option to seeing Mizpe Ramon besides a Jeep Tour is to hike Mizpe Ramon! There are SO many different hike trails you can take ranging from an easy hour to half a day to a full day! Ask your hotel for hike paths and you’ll be on your way. I have done a few different Mitzpe Ramon hikes over the years (around the perimeter as well as within) and they are all different and breathtaking. The Makhtesh is MASSIVE! Of course you can also book a guided Mizpe Ramon hike through your hotel or book a hike inside Mitzpe Ramon here!

Zin Valley & Ein Avdat National Park

The Zin Valley is another area of the Negev Desert that is an absolute MUST-VISIT on your trip in Israel’s desert. Ein Avdat National Park is within the Zin Valley and is one of the most serene and beautiful places….especially after hiking to get there! The Zin Valley is the view you are overlooking from Ben Gurion’s grave as mentioned above and is by far the best view overlooking the valley. The best way to explore the Zin Valley and Ein Avdat is the same as Mizpe Ramon – hike or take a jeep tour! I personally did the Ein Avdat hike and I think it was my most memorable hike I have EVER taken in Israel (and I have taken 20+!). The area is so quiet and peaceful and when you finally make it to Ein Avdat (the Avdat Spring) you are blown away with the springs as well as the panoramas you get of the valley! If you want to hike yourself, there is an entrance into the valley from Ben Gurion’s grave or one a few more miles down. Otherwise I recommend booking a tour guide from your hotel to explore! Do not miss the Zin Valley and Ein Avdat in the Negev tours in South of Israel on your next Israel trip!

Stargaze Mitzpe Ramon

Being in the middle of a desert surrounded by barely any cities and urban areas means little to no light pollution at night which means CLEAR SKIES! The Negev Desert is the best place to stargaze in Israel due to its perfectly clear skies every night. You can book a full stargazing tour here or through the Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center…or you can just step outside of your hotel and look up! It’s truly breathtaking. Don’t forget a sweatshirt – it’s cold in the desert at night!

Book a Negev Stargazing tour in advance here!

Naot Farm

True story, I am obsessed with goat cheese. I eat it straight out of the packaging with nothing else. So when I learned how many goat farms there are in the Negev and in Israel itself and you can hang with the goats AND taste goat cheese, I was in. I have been to a few different goat farms (like Kornmehl above, but that is more of a restaurant and see the goats) but Naot Farm I think was my favorite for the goats! It’s a great farm where you can hear the story of the owners of the farm, play with the goats, and of course taste the cheese in the tasting room!

Click on any of the destination stop names above to learn more!

Don’t forget to book Beresheet Hotel here, book your Mitzpe Ramon Jeep Tour here, book Stargazing tour here, and book Sandboarding Tour here.

WHERE TO VISIT IN THE WEST NEGEV (all are day trips from Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, too!)

Like I said, the Negev and South Israel is the biggest area of Israel! There are so many other places to explore around South Israel that I would recommend if you spend way more time down in South Israel and are making your way to Eilat. The West Negev is closer to Tel Aviv if you drive along the coast and these could easily be day trips as well!

Sderot & The Path To Peace Project (Gaza Border)

Sderot Israel is a city on the northwestern side of the Negev Desert (ie. near the coast ie. on the border of Gaza) there are also a ton of different kibbutzim and areas to visit that are worth your time on a visit to the South of Israel and are totally contrasting the desert areas and other cities of life in Israel. Sderot is a beautiful city with around 25k locals and is mostly well-known because it is the closest Israeli city to Gaza (1 KM). When in Sderot, you have FIFTEEN seconds to find a shelter when a rocket siren goes off. That’s it. I recommend visiting Sderot as a tourist because it shows the TRUE LIFE of what living on the Gaza Border is like. You can tour a school playground that consists of shelters, the Sderot Media Museum which explains life on the border and shows rocket remains areas that have been hit, and more.

The Path To Peace project is a joint mosaic along the Gaza Border in the Moshav of Netiv HaAsara. It’s FOR SURE worth a visit to see the mosaic on the border in order to help understand the reality of life.

There are a ton of Gaza Border day tours from Tel Aviv that focus on the conflict that visit both Sderot and the Path To Peace project that leave from Tel Aviv. HIGHLY recommend taking one if you are not visiting on your own from the Negev. These tours are so important to see the reality of conflict life on the Gaza Border on both sides.

Book this Gaza Border Conflict tour from Tel Aviv here!

The Salad Trail

The Salad Trail is another must-visit tour in South Israel for everyone who likes food! The Salad Trail is a tour on a beautiful farm located on a Kibbutz in the North West area of the Negev and is by far the best way to learn all of the AMAZING produce that comes from Israel! You can take a 3 hour tour of the farm to learn (and taste!!) the different foods (like 15 types of tomatoes!?) that come from the land of Israel. It’s also beautiful! You must book a tour in advance. This is also a great activity when visiting Israel with kids! You also could do this as a day trip from Tel Aviv it’s only a 1.5 hour drive!

Related Post: Tel Aviv Food Guide

The Israel Air Force Museum

Another must in the Western Negev area where you can learn everything you could ever imagine about the Israel Air Force is at the Hatzerim Base where they have the main Israel Air Force Museum and you can tour the airbase and their aircraft!

WHAT TO DO IN EILAT REGION

Another 1.5-2 hour south drive of Mitzpe Ramon is the Eilat region. You need at least another minimum 3 days to visit Eilat, which is located on the Red Sea in the most Southern tip of Israel. Eilat is known for its diving in the Red Sea, proximity to Timna Park (a massive National Park in the Arava Desert in Israel and is known for its geological attractions) and its proximity to both Jordan and Egypt! Eilat is a beautiful (mostly tourist) town with tons of big hotels right on the beach.

Hidden Lake Eilat

On your drive down to Eilat, you MUST MUST MUST stop at the Hidden Lake Eilat. This is right on the outskirts of Timna Park and a 5-minute drive from the Eilat entrance and right on the highway. It’s an abandoned hidden lake (hence the name) and is SO vast and stunning and totally outdoes the pictures of it. I was blown away. It’s a must (free entrance, drive right up to it).

Eilat!

Eilat is known as the beach town in the South which has likely the best weather in Israel year-round. It sits on the tip bottom of Israel and is surrounded by Jordan and Egypt, both of which are literally right next door (if there were no borders, driving would take less than 30 minutes to get to each country!). On a good day, you can also see the mountains of Saudi Arabia. The sunrises in Eilat are simply stunning as they come over the Jordanian mountains. Eilat is mostly known for its coral reef – the only one in all of Israel, so a ton of people visit Eilat to dive! There is so much to do in Eilat Israel, even as simply as walking along the boardwalk. You can also fly to Eilat from Tel Aviv in 30 minutes if you don’t want to road trip! Either way if you have extra time and want to see a totally different Middle Eastern region I suggest visiting Eilat Israel!

Things To Do In Eilat

Coral Beach Nature Reserve Eilat: The only Coral Reef in all of Israel! This is THE spot to snorkeling (can rent there or buy on-site) free-range or can take a tour, and this is also the place to take diving classes! I highly recommend doing this – the only place to do it in the country. Book an Introductory Guided Diving tour here! Book a guided Snorkeling tour here!
Dolphin Reef Eilat: This is definitely a highlight of the things to do in Eilat Israel. If you’re going with kids (or not) and want to swim with dolphins – the Eilat Dolphin Reef is the place to go! They work with their dolphins a lot and no harm is done to swimming with the dolphins. You also do NOT have to book a tour/excursion – you can come here and pay just the entrance fee and see the dolphins from the beach!
Underwater Observatory: If you love sea life but don’t want to go in the water, you can’t miss the Eilat Underwater Observatory. Great kids activity too.
Timna Park: A massive National Park surrounded by yellow sandstone mountains with so many different hikes and viewpoints that are good for all ages. Timna Park is a vast part of Israel in the Arava Desert (another big Israeli desert region) and you can’t miss it when driving – it’s only a ten minute drive from the center of Eilat! You can either take your car and do hikes/drive around yourself and tour it, or book a guided tour! Book a Timna Park guided tour here.
Red Canyon Hike: One of the COOLEST hikes in Israel and an absolute must-do. Looks just like the hike in Utah with the red canyons. It’s stunning. You can go and do the hike on your own (totally able for kids and not difficult at all) or can do a guided tour. Book a guided Red Canyon tour here.

Where To Eat In Eilat Restaurants

Visit Petra, Jordan or Sinai, Egypt from Eilat

Eilat is also the perfect base to visit either Petra, Jordan (book a day tour from Eilat to Petra here) or Sinai, Egypt (I suggest staying over in Sinai in a nice hotel that are like $50 per night! or can book a day tour to Sinai here) since the borders are right on Eilat! HIGHLY recommend both and you MUST book a tour in advance for both locations. You can read more about what to expect in Jordan here.

Book a diving tour in Eilat here, a full day trip to Petra here or book a full day trip to Sinai here!

Click on any of the destination stop names above to learn more!

Where To Stay in Eilat

A lot of big name hotels have been popping up in Eilat too recently, like the Shangri-La. I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the center or if you are going to Eilat with a big group to get an Airbnb – my last trip there we were 16 people and we stayed at one of the most amazing Airbnbs with amazing views and sunrises – and a 2 minute drive to the boardwalk.

Eilat Hotels

Royal Shangri-La Eilat: New in Eilat and a huge luxury hotel chain across Asia. Book the Shangri-La Eilat here.
King Solomon Eilat: More mid-range hotel right on the boardwalk. Book the King Solomon Eilat here.
Royal Beach Eilat: Another luxury level hotel right in the center of Eilat. Can’t go wrong with one of the Isrotel chain resorts like Royal Beach. Book the Royal Beach Eilat here.
Dan Eilat: Another big luxury Israeli chain hotel highly recommended in all major cities in Israel. Book the Dan Eilat here.
Queen of Sheba Eilat: one of the older, fanciest luxury hotels in Eilat. Highly recommended and has the best views. Book Queen of Sheba here.

Airbnb Eilat

As mentioned, I HIGHLY recommend getting an Airbnb massive villa when visiting Eilat with a big group. It is the best way, the most cost-efficient and there are amazing villas right in the center. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

Related Post: North Day Trips From Tel Aviv

Loved this South of Israel travel guide? Pin for later or share with friends!

south israel travel guide what to do in eilat

Did I miss one of the things to do Eilat, Mitzpe Ramon, the Negev Desert, or South Israel? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! See my general Israel Travel Guide to know what to expect when visiting Israel, my North Israel Day Trips From Tel Aviv, or my Tel Aviv travel guide here!

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About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 35+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

United Arab Emirates

ONE DAY IN DUBAI LAYOVER GUIDE: FULL ITINERARY TO SEE ALL OF DUBAI IN A DAY

ByRachel Shulman | On April 20,19 | 9 Comments

Dubai has always been a mysterious city I had been dying to visit. Something about the United Arab Emirates always seemed unknown and untouchable to me. As I had an Israeli visa in my passport I never thought visiting the United Arab Emirates was possible. BUT I was able to get one day in Dubai when I ran out of pages in my passport (perks of obsessive traveling) and a trip to Thailand planned with the cheapest flight option from NYC being with Emirates through Dubai I knew this was my shot (especially because I was moving back to Israel shortly after my trip).

With a clean, brand new passport I strategized my flight home from Thailand to get a FOURTEEN hour layover in Dubai so I could see Dubai in one day. Of course this is not enough time to see everything, however a one day layover in Dubai is the perfect time to see all the absolute MUST-DOs for a first visit. I got a strong feel for the growth of this massive city (which was literally all desert 16 years ago) and had enough time to see all of the main sites, even when my layover was during the late afternoon into evening.

Disclosure: This Dubai stopover guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

I used a private tour guide to execute my efficient plan to see everything in the city, Saqlain, through WithLocals. Saqlain is beyond helpful and I am still unsure how I got so lucky finding the perfect private tour guide to help me see so much of a massive city in a short time. He TOTALLY customized the Dubai one day tour to what I wanted and added pieces of his knowledge to enhance it. We had the best Dubai itinerary. If you are visiting Dubai whether on a layover or week-long trip, you need to book Saqlain. Booking a tour with Saqlain means total freedom to what you want to do and see, getting a private car AND a driver.

You can book a tour with Saqlain by clicking here. You can click any of his tours and contact him and he will customize for you!

Must-Know Dubai Itinerary Travel Tips

For all of my United Arab Emirates travel tips and what to expect when visiting the UAE head to my United Arab Emirates travel guide here (including Dubai Airport guide, how to dress in Dubai, UAE visas, Emirates stopover guide, UAE safety and more!).
Dubai Stopover Time: If you have less than a 5 hour layover in Dubai, you should stay in the airport, there is plenty to do (more in my UAE guide). Anything more than 5 hours GO ON A DUBAI ONE DAY TOUR!
Uber In Dubai: Uber is insanely popular in Dubai AND you usually get a very nice car! They have even have special cars you can get JUST for women only (I just got a regular one and it was so nice and clean and the driver spoke perfect English).
Dubai Private Guide: I highly suggest hiring a private guide when visiting Dubai to make your own Dubai tour. There is so much to see and so many things to know about this conservative country that it is the best way to see the area and feel safe at the same time.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: When visiting Dubai (even with a layover), I highly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know what may happen to your flights, a death/personal emergency in your family, or an accident happening while traveling (think: getting mugged, falling while hiking and spraining your ankle, literally any accident than can happen ANYWHERE!). World Nomads makes it super easy and I never leave for a trip without getting their insurance. Most importantly it’s extremely affordable: get your World Nomads travel insurance before your trip here!

DUBAI PACKING TIPS: It is HOT in Dubai and you will be outside all day. The humidity in Dubai is no joke. I love this Sunbum sunscreen stick here that is easy to pack in a small purse and re-apply without needing a mirror. Dubai also has a really strict dress code (read about it on my UAE travel guide) so make sure you are covered correctly. A maxi dress is my go-to for warm locations like this. For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!

Emirates Stopover Program + Dubai Layover + Guide

The reason Dubai has become such a hot spot lately for long layovers is due to the amazing Emirates stopover program! Basically, if you have a layover for >8 hours when there is no option for a shorter one, Emirates Airlines will give you a free hotel room, transportation to and from the hotel AND breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Now this is insane – ESPECIALLY if you have a less than a day like I did. I spent almost no money besides the one day tour guide while I was in Dubai because of this amazing deal – and Dubai is SUPER expensive.

IMPORTANT TIP: After your book your flight, you MUST go on the Emirates website and click that you want the Emirates Stopover Program voucher (or contact your travel agent)!!! If you do not do this you CANNOT do it when you arrive in Dubai, you must do it beforehand!

I landed in Dubai at 1230PM, went through customs and then went straight to the Emirates stopover desk by following signs. I gave them my ticket and they handed me a voucher. After I got my bags, I went to the Emirates Hotel waiting area for my free shuttle to the hotel. The hotel is perfectly acceptable (not dodgy at all) and a mere 5 minutes from the airport. I was at the hotel by 130PM. I quickly showered (I had just gotten off a 7 hour flight and had a 14 hour flight later that night…necessary). Then I went down to eat lunch at their included huge buffet. Then I started my day of touring (detailed Dubai itinerary below). At the end of the tour, I went back to the hotel, had my free dinner (the buffet is huge) and then took the shuttle back to the airport. ALL.FOR.FREE. HIGHLY recommend this if you can make a Dubai layover work, not to mention Emirates is an AMAZING airline.

FULL ONE DAY IN DUBAI ITINERARY

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 1: Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa needs no introduction and is the number one spot to visit in Dubai and for good reason. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building IN THE WORLD. It is a must-see from far away, up close, and all the way from the top. YOU MUST BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE! It fully books up, seriously. I went on their website a few days before visiting and it was already sold out for the regular tickets! You also have to pick your time window in advance, too.

Ticket options: There is an option between a regular (At The Top) ticket or VIP (Sky Ticket) — regular is more than enough. VIP is only a few floors higher and once you are THAT high a few extra feet don’t matter. You are so high up that you can basically see the curve of the Earth it is so insane! I went in the late afternoon during the beginning of sunset and it was just stunning.
Book your Burj Khalifa tickets here as soon as you know when your Dubai layover is to see if they have your preferred time still available, or, If they are sold out already, I booked this package that included a ticket to the top and a coffee and snack from the shop at the bottom of the Burj Khalifa (book here).
TIP: You enter the Burj Khalifa through the Dubai Mall. The Dubai Mall is MASSIVE. Plan time in advance just to find the entrance (you WILL walk in circles a few times just looking for it!).
TIP: You also could pay more for fast-track to skip the line, I didn’t, but I waited about 45 minutes in line at the bottom just to get in! It’s total chaos but worth it. Get there before your scheduled time.
ANOTHER option to book is to eat at the fancy restaurant in the Burj Khalifa on the 122nd floor, At.mosphere. If you get a reservation here, ask for a window seat (very hard to get). There are multiple food options, the cheapest is 250 AED a la carte per person. Considering an At The Top ticket alone is 216 AED during peak hours, if you go here with a meal you would save a lot of money! You can book a reservation at At.mosphere here.

Buy your tickets on the Burj Khalifa website here or if your timing option isn’t available, book your ticket here or do the one I did with coffee/pastry combo here.

Related Post: United Arab Emirates Travel Guide

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 2: Dubai Fountain Show

Dubai is known for its famous fountain show which completely puts the Las Vegas fountain show to shame! The fountain show happens right outside the Dubai Mall every single evening starting at 6PM until 11PM on the half hour. It goes off just for 3 minutes choreographed to a single song and changes each round so feel free to hang around the area to see more than one! I went for the first one right as the sun set and it was amazing! I just followed signs for the Fountains from inside the Dubai Mall and found the viewing area!

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 3: Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is the biggest mall in the world and is a must-see (notice all the trends of Dubai having the tallest and biggest and best of everything!?) I got lost a million times walking around the Dubai Mall and you literally could get anything you could possibly need there! They are also known for their massive aquarium that sits RIGHT in the middle of the mall! You can see the aquarium across three floors walking by – there’s no need to actually purchase tickets to the inside of the aquarium (unless you are traveling with kids in Dubai, then it is a great activity). The mall gets even more crowded as it gets later in the night (like post-midnight is the most popular time to go as it’s an escape from the Dubai heat!). You must see this amazing mall during your one day layover in Dubai.

After I did the Burj Khalifa, Fountain Show and Dubai Mall on my own, Saqlain and his driver picked me up at the mall and we were on our way to see all of Dubai on my Dubai itinerary.

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 4: Dubai Marina

The first stop Suqlain took me to was the Dubai Marina which is a huge marina where you can find people hanging out at all hours of the day as well as MASSIVE yachts and boats that people take out and own. We went at night and it was beautiful with lots of lights.

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 5: The Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis The Palm

Next, we drove to the Palm Jumeirah and entered this manmade INSANE island archipelago. You have undoubtedly seen pictures of this tree-shaped island. You enter through the main center tunnel (the stem) and once you enter there are 14 different branches (7 on each side) all of which are huge condos where individuals can rent or own. The piece of land making up the outer shell of the whole archipelago is filled with massive 5 star hotels and insane views of downtown Dubai (think Kempinski, Waldorf, etc.).

Lastly, at the top and farthest point of The Palm Jumeirah archipelago is the MASSIVE Atlantis The Palm Hotel which is a replica of the one in the Bahamas but of course nicer and better, and they are making another one that is even BIGGER right next to it! The Palm Jumeirah is a must-see even if you do not go inside anywhere (as I did). We just drove around each of the areas and stopped on the boardwalk area to see the downtown Dubai views as well as stopped in front of the Atlantis The Palm for pictures. This is a must when seeing Dubai in one day.

PRO TIP: Want to see this insane Palm shape from above?? The best way to see the shape of these islands is either skydiving in Dubai (book here), having a unique experience doing DINNER in the SKY (book here) or you can get a side view from the top of the Burj Khalifa!

Related Post: Jordan Travel Guide

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 6: Burj Al Arab (from the outside)

The Burj Al Arab is the only 7 star hotel in the world (at least it calls itself that, there really is no such thing) but it is the highest status. You actually cannot step inside without a hotel, restaurant or spa reservation. Not even the lobby! It is well-known as well for its architecture resembling a boat and the hotel next door, The Jumeirah, resembling a wave. I highly recommend driving up next to the hotel for pictures up close, especially when it lights up at nighttime. The Burj Al Arab is iconic to Dubai and cannot be missed. If you can afford it, the Talise Spa is absolutely incredible and instagram-worthy, and gets you access to the hotel, so if you can splurge to relax, do it!

After the first few stops on our Dubai itinerary, we were done with “New Dubai” and it was time to head to “Old Dubai” aka how you likely picture the Middle East. The contrast between the two is insane and you must visit both during your Dubai layover tour.

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 7: Zabeel Palace

We made a quick pit stop on the way from New Dubai to Old Dubai at Zabeel Palace, the residence of the royal family of Dubai. Even at nighttime you can see how insanely beautiful the building and architecture is. And seeing the Burj Khalifa light up the sky from far away wasn’t a bad view either.

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 8: Dubai Creek Abra Ride to the Dubai Souks

Once we arrived in Old Dubai, the best (and most fun) way to get to the Souks, which is across the Dubai Creek, is on an Abra! An Abra is a typical boat that locals use to get to and from each side of the river. The ride only takes about 10 minutes and you literally just hop on for a small fee (I think ~$1, but it was included in my tour). This definitely felt the most local and cultural thing I did in Dubai.

DUBAI ITINERARY STOP 9: Old Dubai Souks

Our last and final stop (and i’ll admit by this time the jetlag was hitting me hard but I was powering through because I love a good market) was to the famous and hundreds of years old Souks of Old Dubai. You can find a specific market for almost anything you want but the most famous to visit are the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume Souk and Textile Souk. We walked through all of these and you could literally feel the energy and history here…and we went at 10PM and it was still beyond lively! I could have stayed in the gold souk forever marveling at the massive gold pieces.

This was now the end of my tour with Saqlain. He drove me all the way back to my airport hotel and we parted ways and I had *included* dinner at the hotel and then took the *included* shuttle to the airport to get to my flight! If you have a long layover in Dubai, one day in Dubai or a week in Dubai, seriously USE Saqlain as your tour guide! He will not disappoint, will cater to EVERYTHING you want, and make your time in Dubai more knowledgable and enjoyable and the best Dubai itinerary you could want.

Book tours with Saqlain on the WithLocals website by clicking here.

Things To Do With More Than One Day In Dubai

If I had more time during my stay or layover in Dubai, there are a few places I would have loved to hit. I highly suggest visiting these places in Dubai and adding them to your itinerary if you have more time than a one day layover in Dubai! Click their names to learn more.

*Thanks to Saqlain for helping set up my private Dubai tour and customizing it to my desire in order to make this blog post possible! While I did receive this tour with a discount, my review and experience is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Related Post: Tel Aviv Local Travel Guide

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About The Author

Israel

NORTH ISRAEL DAY TRIPS FROM TEL AVIV

ByRachel Shulman | On March 13,18 | 6 Comments

As I mentioned in my Tel Aviv travel guide, Southern Israel guide and my Israel travel blog, I have visited Israel various times and lived there for a while back in 2015 and then moved here permanently as an expat in October 2019. So it’s safe to say I know my way around Israel. Northern Israel has so much to offer but many people focus on the Galilee and Golan Heights (which are amazing!) and not just a quick weekend or day trip from Tel Aviv. Haifa and Akko (Acre) are only an HOUR train ride and drive from the city and makes the perfect short trip from Tel Aviv OR as perfect spots to stop at on your way North into the Golan Heights (my Golan Heights guide coming soon!). Keep reading to find out my favorite North Israel day trips from Tel Aviv to Haifa and Akko as well as about Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov! If you’re driving, you will also want to stop at Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov which are both amazing areas in Israel to see too and are beyond close to Tel Aviv (more info on each area at the bottom of this guide!).

Disclosure: This “North Day Trips From Tel Aviv” guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or check out my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!

TRAVEL INSURANCE: When visiting the North of Israel, I highly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know what may happen to your flights, a death/personal emergency in your family, or an accident happening while traveling (think: getting mugged, falling while hiking and spraining your ankle, literally any accident than can happen ANYWHERE!). World Nomads makes it super easy and I never leave for a trip without getting their insurance. Most importantly it’s extremely affordable: get your World Nomads travel insurance before your trip here!

NORTH DAY TRIPS FROM TEL AVIV: HOW TO GET TO HAIFA AND AKKO

The easiest way to get to these North Israel cities if you are touring around the whole country would be to drive from Tel Aviv. It is only about an hour drive on a main highway! The best part about driving to Haifa from Tel Aviv is that you can stop at Israel points of interest on the way such as Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov (more on those at the bottom of this article). Alternatively, you can take a direct train from Tel Aviv to Haifa, which also takes an hour. The train is beyond easy and I have taken it various times and this is one of the top reasons why seeing Haifa is a must on my list when visiting Israel! After you make it to Haifa, it’s just a quick 30 minute train or drive to the port city of Akko! There are even ferry options available between both Israel port cities now too! So Haifa and Akko are both super accessible from the center of Israel and are some of my favorite weekend and day trips for experiencing another Israeli perspective of the country.

HAIFA

Haifa is one of my favorite cities in Israel. It is a gorgeous Israeli port city (the biggest port in Israel) with the most amazing panoramic views. The city is built on the Carmel Mountains so the views from the top are incredible. Haifa has something for everyone; beaches, hiking, markets, food, UNESCO sites and street art. Don’t miss this small, amazing port city in Israel when visiting.

THINGS TO DO IN HAIFA ISRAEL

Bahai Gardens

The Bahai Gardens are the top reason people go to Haifa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And they are incredible, no words can do it justice. I will let my pictures below speak for them (and all the perspectives I have of the gardens). Make sure to leave plenty of time for stopping here. You are going to spend a lot of time taking pictures of the incredible views looking downwards and outwards while at the top, and then while you actually walk through the gardens, and then when you get to the bottom and look up! They really are incredible. Each time I go back (I have been five times) they are even more amazing!

Haifa Port & Beaches

After you get to the bottom of the Bahai Gardens, you should keep walking straight through the German Colony for a good meal (more on that below) and then on to the Haifa port and beaches if you want some relaxation time! Haifa is the biggest port city in Israel and you’ll often see cruise ships docked here (you can spot them from the top of the Bahai Gardens). I would check out the port area and walk to the public beaches to relax in that Mediterranean heat! Two of the top Haifa beaches are Bat Galim and Dado Beach.

Walk around Masada Street for Street Art

Masada Street is one of the most popular streets in Haifa and is well-known for its graffiti-filled street art! If you are into street art I highly recommend taking the time to walk along this street and stare at the walls!

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Elijah’s Cave

Elijah’s Cave is situated in the base of Carmel Mountain and is an interesting historical site where the Prophet Elijah is said to have lived and taught. The cave holds values for all religions and the is set in a beautiful chapel.

Merkaz HaCarmel (Carmel Center)

Popular, bustling area on the slopes of the Carmel Mountain with tons of restaurants and bars at the top of the city. Also the views from here overlooking the city and Mediterranean Sea are the absolute best. This is a must!

German Colony

Located directly at the base of the Bahai Gardens, the German Colony is the trendiest area of Haifa and consists of a main street, Ben Gurion Avenue, which is lined with trees, restaurants, bars and shopping. Tourists and locals alike come here after visiting the Bahai Gardens or to enjoy their nightlife and food experiences! The German Colony is not to be missed when visiting Haifa.

Click on any of the titles above to learn more information about each spot!

HAIFA RESTAURANTS & BARS

Fattoush: Really solid restaurant with amazing salads and a twist on regular Middle Eastern food in the German Colony. The best part is the garden terrace in the restaurant! Also a great nightlife spot.
Cafe Louise: Best spot for breakfast and brunch in Haifa.
Aroma: An Israeli staple. You can never go wrong with breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a coffee at Aroma.
Libira: A microbrewery that is a must for beer lovers, located in the Haifa port area.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAIFA

If you are staying over in Haifa, there are many hotels (both chain and boutiques) and hostels in Haifa! Haifa is a big city and you will find any level of hotels you are looking for. Search all Haifa hotels here!

AIRBNB Haifa: There are also so many amazing, modern apartments in Haifa. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it in Israel – Israeli hosts are amazing. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay! I stayed in an Airbnb when I visited and I loved the apartment and host.

AKKO (ACRE)

Akko is a lesser-known small port city in North Israel known for its crusader style old walls surrounding its old city. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a holy city for the Baha’i faith. Akko is not one of the main stops tourists make when visiting Israel but I disagree with this and think it should be on EVERYONE’s Israel itinerary – especially if you are visiting Haifa!

THINGS TO DO IN AKKO ISRAEL

Get lost in the Old City

One of my favorite things to do pretty much in any city! The Old City of Akko is surrounded by walls so I suggest getting lost within the walls and wandering through the alleys imagining what ancient crusader life was like. The Old City has not been modernized so you feel like you were taken back in time while in Acre’s Old City. You also can walk on top of the walls of the Old City which I highly recommend for the amazing views. Be sure to stop at the many observation points with your camera ready!

Kingdom Of The Knights

Probably the most popular thing to do in Akko is the Kingdom of the Knights. This is right next to the visitor center in the Old City and is a self-guided (with audio device) tour that consists of a bunch of streets and alleys that give a multimedia experience (think: moving visuals and sounds) that display how the streets used to be back in the crusader time period. One of the best rooms to see during the tour is the dining hall with how vast and largely untouched it still is. Another one of the best areas in this part of the underground city is the Medieval market area next to the Crusader’s Fortress where you can watch real artisans create medieval crafts and arts that you can buy! It is very cool and unlike anything I have ever experienced. The Kingdom of the Nights tour is a unique experience where you learn the history in a fun way and is a must-do when visiting Akko.

Boat Ride from the Marina

Akko has a big marina and fisherman’s harbor within the Old City. I suggest taking a short boat tour (they’re super cheap) around the Marina which will give you a different perspective and picturesque views of the stunning Old City walls and the city of Akko. If you just walk to the marina there will be tons of people there asking you to come on their boat for a 30 minute trip – do it!

The Templars’ Tunnel

This tunnel system runs under the Old City and was only discovered in the 1990s! It is fun to walk through as you can hear the sea above you. You enter the tunnels within the Old City and end up by the stunning Mediterranean Sea.

Old City Market/Bazaar

The Old City market reminds me of Shuk HaPishpeshim in Jaffa, Tel Aviv and you can find all the local products you imagine while walking around in the bustling market. Be sure not to go here on Shabbat when everything is closed.

Click on the titles above to learn more about them!

WHERE TO EAT IN AKKO

Hummus Said: Known to be the BEST HUMMUS IN ALL OF ISRAEL. Yeah, I said it. Akko is not only famous for its port city but also for its hummus. Hummus Said is located within the Old City Market. Hummus Said is said to be the best in the entire COUNTRY! I can attest this, I have been to Hummus Said twice and both times blew my mind how amazing it is – even better than Hummus Abu Hassan in Tel Aviv! This is a must-go, and be prepared to wait! Be sure to get there early – they close up after their daily fresh batch is finished (around 3PM).

WHERE TO STAY IN AKKO

While Akko is quite small, there are still some good hotels and locations to stay in. Generally Akko is done as a day trip with no overnight needed, but if you do stay over, you have hotel and hostel options! I suggest staying in or as close to in as possible the Old City Walls that you can. Search Akko hotels and hostels here.

AIRBNB Akko: There are also so many amazing apartments in Akko with super nice hosts if you are staying overnight! They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it in Israel – Israeli hosts are amazing. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

OTHER ISRAEL AREAS TO SEE FROM TEL AVIV ON THE WAY NORTH

CAESAREA

Caesarea is a ruins town situated right in the middle of Tel Aviv and Haifa on the coast. It’s known for its famous national park which includes tons of ancient ruins, an amphitheater and old port. The ancient Roman ruins here make up an archaeological park with remains of some big statues and monuments as well as mosaics. Caesarea is unlike anywhere else I have ever seen (and I have been to a lot of ruins) and should not be missed while traveling in North Israel along the coast. You only need about 2 hours here to walk around or you can spend an afternoon here on the beach at Caesarea National Park!

ZICHRON YAAKOV

Zichron Yaakov is one of the more modern settlements in Israel and is situated on top of Mount Carmel, providing stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. The town is extremely small with a small pedestrian only shopping street with tons of cafes and restaurants. Zichron Yaakov is the perfect pit stop for lunch to walk around this cute little town and grab a bite either on the way North or on the way back to Tel Aviv. I have been a few times and love how quaint and cute it is. Zichron Yaakov is also famous for its wineries, its original one being the Carmel Winery as well as Tishbi and Binyamina wineries. I definitely suggest checking one of these out, I went to Tishbi and loved the winery and tasting room. The lunch at Tishbi is amazing! Another stop you should make if you go to Zichron Yaakov is to Ramat HaNadiv, a garden/park right outside the town. It is actually a memorial garden for Baron Edmond de Rothschild. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous with amazing views and it is nice to just walk around her for a bit. Do not miss Zichron Yaakov if you are driving in Israel!

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Did I miss something awesome that you loved in Haifa, Akko, Caesarea or Zichron Yaakov in this North Day Trips From Tel Aviv guide? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! Head here for my Tel Aviv guide, my Tel Aviv food guide here, my South Israel itinerary guide here or see my general Israel travel blog here!

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