last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Israel
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Israel
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Israel has 9 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list (plus the Old City of Jerusalem, inscribed at Jordan's request):
Acre (2001)
The Crusaders' old Saint-Jean d'Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its old city, a witness to the various civilizations that intersected there, and the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, a Bahá'í holy place.
The Crusaders' old Saint-Jean d'Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its old city, a witness to the various civilizations that intersected there, and the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, a Bahá'í holy place.
Beit She'arim (2015)
The archaeological site of an ancient city and necropolis near Nazareth. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The archaeological site of an ancient city and necropolis near Nazareth. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beth Guvrin-Maresha (2014)
This is the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Eleutheropolis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses various ruins and man-made caves from that era.
This is the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Eleutheropolis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses various ruins and man-made caves from that era.
Masada Fortress (2001)
This is a stunning site perched above the Dead Sea, featuring ancient palaces and fortifications. The complex, which also holds significant historical value, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This is a stunning site perched above the Dead Sea, featuring ancient palaces and fortifications. The complex, which also holds significant historical value, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Caves of Nahal Me'arot (2012)
This archaeological site, a testament to the Neanderthal era, is located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This archaeological site, a testament to the Neanderthal era, is located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bahá'í Holy Places (2008)
Two of the most sacred sites in the Bahá'í Faith are UNESCO-listed: the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh in Acre and, above all, the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa.
Two of the most sacred sites in the Bahá'í Faith are UNESCO-listed: the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh in Acre and, above all, the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa.
Incense Route of the Nabataean Cities in the Negev Desert (2005)
This tourist itinerary through the heart of the Negev lets you discover the beautiful ruins of four Nabataean cities (Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit, Shivta). The entire route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This tourist itinerary through the heart of the Negev lets you discover the beautiful ruins of four Nabataean cities (Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit, Shivta). The entire route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Biblical Tels (2005)
Under this label are grouped three small archaeological sites ("tels") listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Megiddo and Hazor, located in Galilee, plus Beer Sheva in the south of the country.
Under this label are grouped three small archaeological sites ("tels") listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Megiddo and Hazor, located in Galilee, plus Beer Sheva in the south of the country.
White City of Tel Aviv (2003)
This is the part of the city built in the 1930s–1950s based on the principles of "modern organic urbanism." It is for this reason that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This is the part of the city built in the 1930s–1950s based on the principles of "modern organic urbanism." It is for this reason that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The North
Achziv
In the municipality of Nahariya, near Acre, this small national park contains the ruins of an ancient city and a popular beach where sea turtles come to lay their eggs in July and August.
In the municipality of Nahariya, near Acre, this small national park contains the ruins of an ancient city and a popular beach where sea turtles come to lay their eggs in July and August.
Acre
The Crusaders' old Saint-Jean d'Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its old city, a witness to the various civilizations that intersected there, and the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, a Bahá'í holy place.
The Crusaders' old Saint-Jean d'Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its old city, a witness to the various civilizations that intersected there, and the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, a Bahá'í holy place.
Beit She'an
This very ancient city in Galilee is home to the impressive ruins of a Romano-Byzantine city. Several kibbutzim in the nearby valley.
This very ancient city in Galilee is home to the impressive ruins of a Romano-Byzantine city. Several kibbutzim in the nearby valley.
Beit She'arim
The archaeological site of an ancient city and necropolis near Nazareth. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The archaeological site of an ancient city and necropolis near Nazareth. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bethlehem of Galilee
This Galilean village, built in the early 20th century by German Protestant settlers, has preserved several houses and buildings in the Germanic style. Other villages of this kind exist in Israel, such as Wilhelma or Sarona.
This Galilean village, built in the early 20th century by German Protestant settlers, has preserved several houses and buildings in the Germanic style. Other villages of this kind exist in Israel, such as Wilhelma or Sarona.
Montfort Castle
The remains of a Crusader-era fortress built on a rocky spur, offering a rather picturesque setting.
The remains of a Crusader-era fortress built on a rocky spur, offering a rather picturesque setting.
Jesus Trail
This is a 60-kilometre hiking and pilgrimage route following in the footsteps of Christ. It starts in Nazareth and ends in Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
This is a 60-kilometre hiking and pilgrimage route following in the footsteps of Christ. It starts in Nazareth and ends in Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Belvoir Fortress
The ruins of a Crusader castle, located south of Lake Tiberias. The site also features archaeological remains of ancient Jewish and Arab villages.
The ruins of a Crusader castle, located south of Lake Tiberias. The site also features archaeological remains of ancient Jewish and Arab villages.
Geva
A kibbutz founded nearly a century ago by Russian and Polish migrants, welcoming volunteers interested in the communal experience.
A kibbutz founded nearly a century ago by Russian and Polish migrants, welcoming volunteers interested in the communal experience.
Golan Heights
This plateau between the Sea of Galilee and Syria is a persistent source of conflict between Israel and its neighbors. Nevertheless, a tourism sector has developed here, offering hiking opportunities (with plenty of waterfalls), skiing (Mount Hermon), visits to ancient sites (the Temple of Banias, Kursi Monastery, Nimrod Fortress, the village of Umm el Kanatir...), the hot springs of Hamat Gader, and some of the country’s most renowned vineyards.
This plateau between the Sea of Galilee and Syria is a persistent source of conflict between Israel and its neighbors. Nevertheless, a tourism sector has developed here, offering hiking opportunities (with plenty of waterfalls), skiing (Mount Hermon), visits to ancient sites (the Temple of Banias, Kursi Monastery, Nimrod Fortress, the village of Umm el Kanatir...), the hot springs of Hamat Gader, and some of the country’s most renowned vineyards.
Haifa
This northern industrial (and cruise) port is Israel’s third-largest city. Touristically, it is best known for its beaches, cultural scene, Mount Carmel, and the UNESCO-listed Bahá'í Gardens’ Shrine of the Báb, a holy site.
This northern industrial (and cruise) port is Israel’s third-largest city. Touristically, it is best known for its beaches, cultural scene, Mount Carmel, and the UNESCO-listed Bahá'í Gardens’ Shrine of the Báb, a holy site.
Nazareth
This is the city of Jesus and the main Arab locality in Israel. Beyond the old city, several religious sites are worth discovering, including the Basilica of the Annunciation. Also worth seeing in the surrounding area is a traditional Galilean village and several archaeological remains (Sepphoris, Beit She’arim...). It’s also from Nazareth that the Pilgrimage Route begins, leading all the way to Bethlehem.
This is the city of Jesus and the main Arab locality in Israel. Beyond the old city, several religious sites are worth discovering, including the Basilica of the Annunciation. Also worth seeing in the surrounding area is a traditional Galilean village and several archaeological remains (Sepphoris, Beit She’arim...). It’s also from Nazareth that the Pilgrimage Route begins, leading all the way to Bethlehem.
Rosh Pina
It’s the oldest Jewish settlement in the north of the country, not far from Lake Tiberias. Several late-19th-century buildings tell the story of its beginnings.
It’s the oldest Jewish settlement in the north of the country, not far from Lake Tiberias. Several late-19th-century buildings tell the story of its beginnings.
Safed
The highest city in Israel has several old synagogues and an ancient center dominated by a Templar fortress dating from the Crusades.
The highest city in Israel has several old synagogues and an ancient center dominated by a Templar fortress dating from the Crusades.
Sepphoris
Also sometimes called Zippori, this is a small archaeological site (Roman villa) near Nazareth, known for its mosaics.
Also sometimes called Zippori, this is a small archaeological site (Roman villa) near Nazareth, known for its mosaics.
Biblical Tels
Under this label are grouped three small archaeological sites ("tels") listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Megiddo and Hazor, located in Galilee, plus Beer Sheva in the south of the country.
Under this label are grouped three small archaeological sites ("tels") listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Megiddo and Hazor, located in Galilee, plus Beer Sheva in the south of the country.
Tiberias
On the shore of the lake of the same name, it is both a historic city (religious buildings, museum, Roman ruins, and more) and a tourist destination ("seaside" resort).
On the shore of the lake of the same name, it is both a historic city (religious buildings, museum, Roman ruins, and more) and a tourist destination ("seaside" resort).
Natural Heritage
Caves of Nahal Me'arot
This archaeological site, a testament to the Neanderthal era, is located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This archaeological site, a testament to the Neanderthal era, is located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sea of Galilee
Also known as the Sea of Galilee, this large lake fed by the Jordan River lies 200 m below sea level. It is surrounded by several Jewish and Christian religious sites linked to the life of Jesus, as well as recreational opportunities with its beaches and the resort of Tiberias.
Also known as the Sea of Galilee, this large lake fed by the Jordan River lies 200 m below sea level. It is surrounded by several Jewish and Christian religious sites linked to the life of Jesus, as well as recreational opportunities with its beaches and the resort of Tiberias.
Mount Carmel
This small coastal mountain, designated a national park, boasts lush vegetation and numerous caves, including the archaeologically significant Nahal Me'arot. You can hike here and explore small Druze villages.
This small coastal mountain, designated a national park, boasts lush vegetation and numerous caves, including the archaeologically significant Nahal Me'arot. You can hike here and explore small Druze villages.
Mount Meron
It is the highest point in Israel (excluding the Golan). It is both a natural area where you can hike and a heavily frequented Jewish pilgrimage site (in Meron).
It is the highest point in Israel (excluding the Golan). It is both a natural area where you can hike and a heavily frequented Jewish pilgrimage site (in Meron).
Rosh Hanikra
Beautiful white cliffs and sea caves located at the Lebanese border. The site is a designated nature park.
Beautiful white cliffs and sea caves located at the Lebanese border. The site is a designated nature park.
Hula Valley
In the far north of Israel, bordering Lebanon, an area partly made up of small lakes and marshes popular with migratory birds.
In the far north of Israel, bordering Lebanon, an area partly made up of small lakes and marshes popular with migratory birds.
The Center
Ashdod
A major industrial (and cruise) port between Tel Aviv and Gaza. A few beaches, dunes, and birds in the surrounding area.
A major industrial (and cruise) port between Tel Aviv and Gaza. A few beaches, dunes, and birds in the surrounding area.
Beth Guvrin-Maresha
This is the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Eleutheropolis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses various ruins and man-made caves from that era.
This is the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Eleutheropolis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses various ruins and man-made caves from that era.
Caesarea
Located on the coast between Tel Aviv and Haifa, the site features impressive remains of an ancient city along with monuments from the Roman and medieval periods. Several beaches nearby.
Located on the coast between Tel Aviv and Haifa, the site features impressive remains of an ancient city along with monuments from the Roman and medieval periods. Several beaches nearby.
Jerusalem
The city is the capital of Israel (though not internationally recognized as such), but also the claimed capital of the Palestinian state for its eastern part. A city of history, cultures, and religions (Jewish, Christian, and Muslim), Jerusalem is a must-visit for its museums and, above all, its Old City with its UNESCO-listed walls (at Jordan's request).
The city is the capital of Israel (though not internationally recognized as such), but also the claimed capital of the Palestinian state for its eastern part. A city of history, cultures, and religions (Jewish, Christian, and Muslim), Jerusalem is a must-visit for its museums and, above all, its Old City with its UNESCO-listed walls (at Jordan's request).
Modi'in
A (large) new city halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. You can visit a monkey reserve and a park featuring hundreds of replicas of significant buildings in the country.
A (large) new city halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. You can visit a monkey reserve and a park featuring hundreds of replicas of significant buildings in the country.
Tel Aviv
Israel’s second-largest city is young and dynamic, with a strong economy. It’s also the country’s main air gateway. Beyond its lively, pleasant vibe, visitors come for its UNESCO-listed "White City" 1930s architecture, the ancient port of Jaffa, and its beaches.
Israel’s second-largest city is young and dynamic, with a strong economy. It’s also the country’s main air gateway. Beyond its lively, pleasant vibe, visitors come for its UNESCO-listed "White City" 1930s architecture, the ancient port of Jaffa, and its beaches.
Also...
- Israeli settlements *: These Israeli settlements/occupied zones include over 150 communities (500,000 residents) in the West Bank and are a recurring source of conflict between the two sides. These locations do not necessarily have a tourist purpose.
The South
Arad
A gateway city to the Negev, primarily a base for exploring the desert (trekking and eco-tourism). Nearby are remnants of ancient Arad.
A gateway city to the Negev, primarily a base for exploring the desert (trekking and eco-tourism). Nearby are remnants of ancient Arad.
Beer Sheva
A biblical city and the capital of the Negev, Beer Sheva has a largely modern architecture, aside from its historic Turkish quarter.
A biblical city and the capital of the Negev, Beer Sheva has a largely modern architecture, aside from its historic Turkish quarter.
Eilat
On the Red Sea, sandwiched between Egypt and Jordan, this seaside city is renowned for its beaches and diving. It’s one of the country’s most popular tourist spots.
On the Red Sea, sandwiched between Egypt and Jordan, this seaside city is renowned for its beaches and diving. It’s one of the country’s most popular tourist spots.
Ein Gedi
A beautiful oasis (and resort) on the shores of the Dead Sea. A lovely waterfall, a national park home to antelopes, and some archaeological remains in the surrounding area where you can also hike.
A beautiful oasis (and resort) on the shores of the Dead Sea. A lovely waterfall, a national park home to antelopes, and some archaeological remains in the surrounding area where you can also hike.
Masada Fortress
This is a stunning site perched above the Dead Sea, featuring ancient palaces and fortifications. The complex, which also holds significant historical value, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This is a stunning site perched above the Dead Sea, featuring ancient palaces and fortifications. The complex, which also holds significant historical value, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Incense Route of the Nabataean Cities in the Negev Desert
This tourist itinerary through the heart of the Negev lets you discover the beautiful ruins of four Nabataean cities (Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit, Shivta). The entire route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This tourist itinerary through the heart of the Negev lets you discover the beautiful ruins of four Nabataean cities (Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit, Shivta). The entire route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Natural Heritage
Judean Desert
Located in Palestine and Israel, bordering the Dead Sea and extending from the Negev, this very arid area offers stunning landscapes and a few remarkable sites like Masada. You can hike here.
Located in Palestine and Israel, bordering the Dead Sea and extending from the Negev, this very arid area offers stunning landscapes and a few remarkable sites like Masada. You can hike here.
Negev Desert
This vast arid region in the south, with stunning landscapes, covers nearly half the country. Adventure tourism has developed here, and you can explore on foot, by bike, 4x4, horseback, or camel trek.
This vast arid region in the south, with stunning landscapes, covers nearly half the country. Adventure tourism has developed here, and you can explore on foot, by bike, 4x4, horseback, or camel trek.
Makhtesh Ramon
Stretching about forty kilometres, this is a major natural crater formed by erosion in the Negev Desert. Hiking is possible in the surrounding area.
Stretching about forty kilometres, this is a major natural crater formed by erosion in the Negev Desert. Hiking is possible in the surrounding area.
Dead Sea
Straddling Israel/Palestine and Jordan, it is the lowest point on Earth (-429 m) and one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world (you float effortlessly). It is also one of the main attractions on both the Jordanian and Israeli sides.
Straddling Israel/Palestine and Jordan, it is the lowest point on Earth (-429 m) and one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world (you float effortlessly). It is also one of the main attractions on both the Jordanian and Israeli sides.
Must-see & highly recommended
Masada Fortress
★★★★ This is a stunning site perched above the Dead Sea, featuring ancient palaces and fortifications. The complex, which also holds significant…
Jerusalem
★★★★ The city is the capital of Israel (though not internationally recognized as such), but also the claimed capital of the Palestinian state…
Dead Sea
★★★★ Straddling Israel/Palestine and Jordan, it is the lowest point on Earth (-429 m) and one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world (you…
Recommended
Acre (Israel)
★★★ The Crusaders' old Saint-Jean d'Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its old city, a witness to the various civilizations that…
Caesarea
★★★ Located on the coast between Tel Aviv and Haifa, the site features impressive remains of an ancient city along with monuments from the…
Judean Desert
★★★ Located in Palestine and Israel, bordering the Dead Sea and extending from the Negev, this very arid area offers stunning landscapes and a…
Negev Desert
★★★ This vast arid region in the south, with stunning landscapes, covers nearly half the country. Adventure tourism has developed here, and you…
Golan Heights
★★★ This plateau between the Sea of Galilee and Syria is a persistent source of conflict between Israel and its neighbors. Nevertheless, a…
Incense Route of the Nabataean Cities in the Negev Desert
★★★ This tourist itinerary through the heart of the Negev lets you discover the beautiful ruins of four Nabataean cities (Avdat, Haluza…
Tel Aviv
★★★ Israel’s second-largest city is young and dynamic, with a strong economy. It’s also the country’s main air gateway…
Worth a look / Other
Beit She'an
★★ This very ancient city in Galilee is home to the impressive ruins of a Romano-Byzantine city. Several kibbutzim in the nearby valley.
Beth Guvrin-Maresha
★★ This is the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Eleutheropolis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses various ruins and…
Jesus Trail
★★ This is a 60-kilometre hiking and pilgrimage route following in the footsteps of Christ. It starts in Nazareth and ends in Capernaum on the…
Eilat
★★ On the Red Sea, sandwiched between Egypt and Jordan, this seaside city is renowned for its beaches and diving. It’s one of the…
Ein Avdat
★★ This is a very beautiful canyon in the south of the Negev Desert.
Ein Gedi
★★ A beautiful oasis (and resort) on the shores of the Dead Sea. A lovely waterfall, a national park home to antelopes, and some…
Haifa
★★ This northern industrial (and cruise) port is Israel’s third-largest city. Touristically, it is best known for its beaches, cultural…
Sea of Galilee
★★ Also known as the Sea of Galilee, this large lake fed by the Jordan River lies 200 m below sea level. It is surrounded by several Jewish…
Bahá'í Holy Places
★★ Two of the most sacred sites in the Bahá'í Faith are UNESCO-listed: the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh in Acre and, above all, the Shrine of the Báb…
Makhtesh Ramon
★★ Stretching about forty kilometres, this is a major natural crater formed by erosion in the Negev Desert. Hiking is possible in the…
Nazareth
★★ This is the city of Jesus and the main Arab locality in Israel. Beyond the old city, several religious sites are worth discovering…
Rosh Hanikra
★★ Beautiful white cliffs and sea caves located at the Lebanese border. The site is a designated nature park.
Achziv
★ In the municipality of Nahariya, near Acre, this small national park contains the ruins of an ancient city and a popular beach where sea…
Arad (Israel)
★ A gateway city to the Negev, primarily a base for exploring the desert (trekking and eco-tourism). Nearby are remnants of ancient Arad.
Ashdod
★ A major industrial (and cruise) port between Tel Aviv and Gaza. A few beaches, dunes, and birds in the surrounding area.
Ashkelon
★ A seaside resort just a few kilometres north of Gaza.
Beer Sheva
★ A biblical city and the capital of the Negev, Beer Sheva has a largely modern architecture, aside from its historic Turkish quarter.
Beit She'arim
★ The archaeological site of an ancient city and necropolis near Nazareth. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bethlehem of Galilee
★ This Galilean village, built in the early 20th century by German Protestant settlers, has preserved several houses and buildings in the…
Montfort Castle (Israel)
★ The remains of a Crusader-era fortress built on a rocky spur, offering a rather picturesque setting.
Belvoir Fortress
★ The ruins of a Crusader castle, located south of Lake Tiberias. The site also features archaeological remains of ancient Jewish and Arab…
Geva
★ A kibbutz founded nearly a century ago by Russian and Polish migrants, welcoming volunteers interested in the communal experience.
Caves of Nahal Me'arot
★ This archaeological site, a testament to the Neanderthal era, is located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mount Carmel
★ This small coastal mountain, designated a national park, boasts lush vegetation and numerous caves, including the archaeologically…
Modi'in
★ A (large) new city halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. You can visit a monkey reserve and a park featuring hundreds of replicas of…
Mount Meron
★ It is the highest point in Israel (excluding the Golan). It is both a natural area where you can hike and a heavily frequented Jewish…
Nahariya
★ A small seaside resort near the Lebanese border.
Netanya
★ A seaside resort north of Tel Aviv.
Ramla
★ A city near Tel Aviv with a few remnants from the medieval period.
Rosh Pina
★ It’s the oldest Jewish settlement in the north of the country, not far from Lake Tiberias. Several late-19th-century buildings tell…
Safed
★ The highest city in Israel has several old synagogues and an ancient center dominated by a Templar fortress dating from the Crusades.
Sepphoris
★ Also sometimes called Zippori, this is a small archaeological site (Roman villa) near Nazareth, known for its mosaics.
Biblical Tels
★ Under this label are grouped three small archaeological sites ("tels") listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Megiddo and Hazor, located in…
Tiberias
★ On the shore of the lake of the same name, it is both a historic city (religious buildings, museum, Roman ruins, and more) and a tourist…
Hula Valley
★ In the far north of Israel, bordering Lebanon, an area partly made up of small lakes and marshes popular with migratory birds.
White City of Tel Aviv
★ This is the part of the city built in the 1930s–1950s based on the principles of "modern organic urbanism." It is for this reason…
- Eilat
- Achziv
- Beit She'an
- Beit She'arim
- Bethlehem of Galilee
- Jesus Trail
- Belvoir Fortress
- Geva
- Golan Heights
- Haifa
- Nahariya
- Nazareth
- Rosh Pina
- Safed
- Sepphoris
- Tiberias
- Sea of Galilee
- Mount Carmel
- Mount Meron
- Rosh Hanikra
- Hula Valley
- Ashdod
- Ashkelon
- Caesarea
- Jerusalem
- Modi'in
- Netanya
- Ramla
- Tel Aviv
- Beer Sheva
- Ein Gedi
- Masada Fortress
- Incense Route of the Nabataean Cities in the Negev Desert
- Judean Desert
- Negev Desert
- Ein Avdat
- Makhtesh Ramon
- Dead Sea
- Acre (Israel)
- Montfort Castle (Israel)
- Biblical Tels
- Caves of Nahal Me'arot
- Beth Guvrin-Maresha
- Arad (Israel)