Israel Travel Blog

Being such a small country Israeli cities are never too far away from the open countryside, farms and rural communities. The country has more than 300 wineries, 25 commercial wineries and 150 boutique wineries. The main wine producing areas in Israel include the Judean Hills where Tzuba Boutique Winery, Agur Boutique Winery and the Tzora Winery are located; Carmel region where there is the Vortman Winery, Maor Winery and the wineries of Zichron Yaakov including Somek Winery. Even in the south you can find wineries like the Yatir Winery, Midbar Winery and the Yatir Winery. There are five official wine regions in Israel – Galilee-Golan, Shomron, Samson, Judean Hills and the Negev. Thanks to the length of Israel it has several micro-climates which can support the growth of different types of grapes. More than 90% of Israel’s vineyards are in the Shomron, Samson and Galilee region while younger vineyards can be found in the Upper Galilee and Judean foothills.Grapes and a glass of white wine. Photo credit: © ShutterstockWine production in Israel dates back to Biblical times; archaeological excavations have uncovered ancient wine presses, storage cisterns, and decorative motifs depicting winemaking, grape clusters, and vines. In the 1990s Israeli wine production really took off, modern techniques and equipment were introduced and about 85% of Israel’s wineries were established in the 90s.More recently there have been many boutique winery start-ups that have sprung up across the country. Some of the stand-out wineries in Israel include Bashan which produces organic wine, Carmel which is the largest Israeli winery, Barkan the second largest, Margalit Winery credited as being Israel’s first boutique winery and Binyamina the third largest winery.Kosher Wine and Kosher-Mevushal Wine in IsraelThere are about 80 kosher wineries in Israel, so what makes wine kosher? Kosher wine needs to be overseen and produced only by Shabbat-keeping observant Jews from the time the grapes are picked to the time it is bottled – from crushing to bottling. This ancient law was created because at one time pagans used wine in their worship of idols and so the Jewish leaders wanted to ensure that no Jew was ever mistakenly given wine that had been used in idol worship.However this wasn’t enough, the Jewish authorities still worried that after opening the bottle might be tampered with (used for idol worship). And so Mevushal wine was introduced. Mevushal wine (literally cooked wine) has been heated to the point where idol worshipers wouldn’t use it in their ceremonies. So the rule is that wine that is not mevushal cannot be served to a Jew by a non-Jew. These laws were established a long time ago and the process of boiling wine would take out all the flavor. Thankfully today a process called flash pasteurization is used to make the wine “mevushal.” The process involves rapidly heating the wine to about 180°F/82.2°C for a minute and then rapidly cooling it. This helps retain the flavor that would be lost if it was really boiled. So wine you buy in Israel could be non-kosher, kosher because it has been produced by Shabbat observant Jews, or kosher Mevushal because it has been flash pasteurized.Grapevinefor harvest.Photo credit: © ShutterstockGolan Heights WineryThe Golan Heights has the ideal soil, climate, and topography for many crops and especially for vineyards. If you want a genuine wine country experience then the Golan Heights can make a great day trip. In the heart of Israel’s wine country, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent vineyards, breathtaking views, and small communities. Start your visit at the Visitors Center of Golan Heights Winery near Katzrin. Here you can get information about the tours and wine tastings available and about the history and production of Israeli wine. In the Wine Shop, you can buy souvenirs and locally produced wines. Open hours are 08:30-18:30 Monday to Thursday, 08:30-17:30 on Sundays, and 08:30-13:30 on Fridays and holiday eves.There are several tour options that are led by knowledgeable guides in Hebrew, Russian, English, French, German, Spanish or Swedish. Tours must be booked in advance on the Golan Heights Winery website. The Classic Visit includes a guided tour that covers the wine-making process, a visit to the oak barrel cellar, and a chance to taste several of the Golan Heights Winery wines. The Classic Visit lasts about an hour. For real aficionados, there is a Professional Wine-Tasting Visit which lasts 2 hours and includes a wider selection of wines in the tasting. You also have the option of a Premium Visit which includes a gourmet meal together with your wine tasting in the VIP room or the wine cellar and lasts 2 hours. The 4 hour Vineyard Tour takes you on a drive through the vineyards in an all-terrain vehicle. Your guide will introduce you to the various types of grapes and the incredible geography of the Golan Heights. This tour also includes wine tasting.Grapevine close-up. Photo by Bill Williams on UnsplashCarmel WineryThe Carmel Winery is located in Zichron Yaakov and they have a new Carmel Wine & Culture Center. The center has a wine store, restaurant, tasting rooms, a screening room, and a barrel room in one of Rothschild’s historic underground cellars. Visitors can choose from several touring and tasting options. On a Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting, you can visit the historic wine cellars, taste wine, and see a film presentation (1 hour, 30 ILS). A Winery Tour and Wine Workshop includes a more professional look at the site and a longer wine tasting session (1.5 hours, 50ILS). An Advances Tour and Wine Workshop includes a customized tour, tutoring about the art of wine tasting, and delicious cheese, vegetable, and bread platter (2 hours, 100ILS). The tours must be booked in advance and are slightly more expensive if you want to visit after 17:00. The winery center is open 09:30-17:00 Sunday to Thursday, 09:00-14:00 on Friday and holiday eves, and is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.People in the Field Picking Grapes for the Last Harvest. Photo by Tina Witherspoon on UnsplashDalton WineryThe Dalton Winery is nestled in the hills of the Upper Galilee not far from the Lebanese border and overlooking Mount Hermon. The winery was established in 1995 by the Haruni family that emigrated from England. The winery makes about 800,000 bottles a year. Their vineyards grow at an altitude of 800-900 meters above sea level in the rich soil of the volcanic plateau and in the ideal climatic conditions. The winery recently moved to new premises in the Dalton Industrial Park where they can handle up to 1000 tones. The winery is adjacent to the vineyards making it a picturesque and ideal winery to visit. There is also a factory outlet store selling wine and products from Galilee. On the tour of the winery, you get to see the barrel room, bottling line, and taste the wines.Dalton Winery Visitors Center welcomes visitors for tours that can be booked by calling 04-698 7683 Ext. 2. However if you are in the area you can pop in for wine tasting without a prior booking. The Visitors Center is open daily except for Saturdays and Jewish holidays between 10 am and 4 pm. The last tour is at 3 pm. Green Grapes.Photo credit: © ShutterstockOn Fridays, you can visit from 10 am to 2 pm and the last tour is at 1 pm. The tour and tasting take about 45 minutes. A guided tour followed by tasting costs 20ILS. It is possible to arrange a group tour (30-80 people) together with a light dairy meal. Religious guests can arrange a tour and tasting led by the winery’s Rabbi. Note that not all the wines produced and sold at Dalton Winery are kosher-mevushal.All the above-mentioned Israeli wineries can be contacted on their websites, tours should be booked in advance and you should always phone ahead. In addition, you can visit other Israeli wineries including Katlav in the Judaean Hills; Tzora in the Judaean Hills open to visitors Sunday to Thursday 10 am-5 pm and Friday 9 am-2 pm.Avidan Winery in the Sharon region is open to visitors Friday to Saturday 11 am-4 pm; Bazelet HaGolan in the Golan Heights is open to the public Sunday to Friday 9 am to 3 pm; Assaf Winery in the Golan Heights is open daily 11 am to 4 pm and the Margalit Winery near Caesarea is open to the public in Spring.Vineyard at sunset.Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Dance teachers, performers and enthusiasts gather each year on the edge of the Dead Sea to take part in one of the most uniquely Middle Eastern festivals in Israel – the Ya-Salam Belly Dance Festival. Belly DanceThe festival has been held annually since 2005 and attracts participants and spectators from around the world. During the festival there are dance shows, workshops and belly dance parties with live performers. As part of the festival an amateur stage will provide space for dancers of all levels to show their talent, interested dancers should register beforehand.When: Nov 29, 2012 – Dec 1, 2012–08–29Where: Leonardo Hotel, The Dead Sea (at the former Nova Hotel)

Tabgha is a small area right on the edge of the Sea of Galilee, on the western shore between Capernaum and Ginosar and just below the Mount of Beatitudes. The name Tabgha comes from the Greek – Heptapegon, meaning place of the seven springs. Tabgha has been identified as the site of the miracle of the loaves and fish (Mark 6:30-46) and the place where resurrected Christ came to meet his disciples (John 21:1-24). The seven springs of Tabgha bring warm water into the Sea of Galilee attracting fish which has made it a popular fishing area for centuries. The area has lush green vegetation, trees offering shade and the cool water just a few steps away.Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, Tabgha. Photo credit: © ShutterstockBiblical TabghaThe Gospel of Matthew tells us that after Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been beheaded by the Romans he withdrew in a boat to a secluded area. Crowds of followers went after Jesus and by nightfall, there were 5,000 people gathered on the hillside. Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish and gave them the traditional blessing. Then he divided the food among the gathered crowd. The loaves and fish miraculously fed all of the 5,000 people and there were even leftovers.After Jesus was resurrected he appeared several times to the disciples; one of these appearances took place in Tabgha. Peter, Andrew, Simon, and four other disciples were at Tabgha where they had been fishing through the night but had failed to catch anything. They came ashore and as the sun rose they saw Jesus standing in front of them on the beach of Tabgha. The disciples did not recognize Jesus but he called out to them. He told them to throw their fishing nets back into the water. When the disciples brought their nets in they found them full of fish. Jesus prepared food for the disciples over a fire and lay out the food on a rock. This rock became known as the Mensa Christi and can be seen today in the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter at Tabgha.Jesus challenged Peter’s faith three times symbolically canceling out the three times that Peter denied Christ on the night before the crucifixion. Then Jesus commissioned Peter to lead the church. He asked Peter to feed his lambs, tend his sheep and feed his sheep. Jesus also told Peter that he would die a martyr. From this point onwards Peter was recognized as the head of the church and the apostles.History of TabghaFloor mosaics in theChurch of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, Tabgha.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinIn the Byzantine era, the spring water of Tabgha was channeled into three water towers and taken via aqueducts to nearby Ginosar to be used for irrigation. During the 4th century, a small chapel was built by Joseph of Tiberias. It was replaced with a chapel in 480 by Martyrius of Jerusalem, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Martyrius was originally from Egypt and he had the floor mosaics of the chapel created in the Egyptian style. The mosaic we see today of the fish and loaves has survived from this original chapel.The chapel was destroyed in 614 and remained in ruins until excavation in the 20th century. Under the Crusaders the Church of St Peter’s Primacy was constructed in Tabgha and the city was known as Mensa Christi (table of Christ) or Mensa Domini (work of the table). During the Ottoman era in 1595, a village existed on the site of Tabgha with a few houses and mills. Under the British Mandate, a community of Muslim and Christian Arabs lived here and farmed the land. During the 1948 Israeli War of Independence, Tabgha was cleared of residents and structures destroyed. Since then Tabgha’s lands and historic structures have been restored.Tabgha AttractionsChurch of the Primacy of St. PeterAfter Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to his disciples at Tabgha where they sat down together to eat. It was at this time that Jesus chose Peter to lead the Christian church. This site is commemorated on the beach of Tabgha by the Church of the Primacy of St Peter. It is a small structure built in 1934 of black basalt rock. In the surrounding gardens, you can see a bronze sculpture depicting Jesus giving Peter his blessing. The church is literally on the water’s edge and you can take just a few steps down to the shore and even touch the water. This is a quaint and peaceful church with idyllic gardens and ample shade all around.Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and FishThe 20th centuryChurch of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish that we see today stands on the site of the original 4th-century church and the Byzantine floor mosaic has survived. The mosaic features images of birds, snakes, vines, fish, and flowers. There are peacocks, a flamingo, swan, ducks, herons, geese, cranes, geese, and cormorants. The most significant mosaic is the one closest to the altar that depicts a basket of bread flanked by two fish. Rock in its natural state lies beneath the altar and is believed to be where Jesus placed the bread and fish as he made the blessing.To visit Tabgha, join ourNazareth and Galilee Tour.

The Christian gospels tell us that Jesus spent 3-6 years (27/29 AD – 30/36 AD) preaching in the Galilee, during his ministry in the Galilee he met and recruited his disciples and traveled around the countryside preaching as well as performing several miracles. His Galilee ministry began with his baptism at the site now known as Yardenit. Today several churches mark the significant sites where biblical events occurred in the Galilee.The Greek Orthodox Church of the Marriage Feast, Cana, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Church of the House of St Peter, CapernaumJesus based himself in the village of Capernaum (Kfar Nahum) during his Galilee ministry; extensive excavations have uncovered a Roman-era synagogue constructed of black basalt rock which could have been where Jesus preached. In addition, Capernaum was the hometown of Saint Peter (and several other future disciples). St. Peter’s house was used for gatherings of the followers of Jesus during his lifetime and later the site was revered by Christians so that over the years churches have been built above the house to commemorate St. Peter.Today the Church of St. Peter is a modern structure located within the Kfar Nahum National Park. The modern church has been built on the site of St. Peter’s house but raised above archaeological findings. Visitors can peer down through a glass-covered opening in the center of the church and see the excavated house of St. Peter as well as a later 5th-century octagonal Byzantine church. In the tradition of earlier churches, the modern Church of St Peter is also octagonal. Within the structure are motifs of the Sea of Galilee and biblical scenes from Saint Peter’s life.Aerial view of Capernaum, Town of Jesus, Galilee, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockChurch of the Apostles, CapernaumThe Greek Orthodox Church of the Apostles is located on the southeastern edge of what would have been the Roman village of Capernaum; the church is dedicated to the seven apostles named in the Gospel of John. The church was completed in 1931 on the site where the village of Capernaum was relocated following an earthquake in 746 AD. The picturesque church has a white exterior with bright red onion domes. Within the church, almost every surface is covered with intricate and colorful murals.Church of the BeatitudesLocated on the Mount of Beatitudes above Capernaum overlooking the Sea of Galilee is the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave his sermon on the mount which contains some of the pivotal teachings in Christianity. The sermon contained the 10 blessings that begin “Blessed are…” as well as the Lord’s Prayer. To mark the site where Jesus gave his longest teaching of Christian principles is the Franciscan Church of the Beatitudes. The church was designed by renowned Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi and constructed in 1938. The church is set in a tranquil garden and the exterior has a covered arcade supported by columns separated by arched openings. The roof of the church has a single central dome. Within the church are stained glass windows featuring the beatitudes and gold mosaics in the dome. The church has an octagonal shape to symbolize the 8 beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11). The church has been visited by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II.Church of the Beatitudes.Photo credit: © ShutterstockChurch of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, TabghaTabgha is believed to have been the site of the first feeding when Jesus performed the miracle of sharing 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish with 5,000 people who had come to hear him. The Roman Catholic Church is a modern structure constructed on the site of two earlier churches. Elements of the earlier churches have been preserved including a 5th-century floor mosaic in the two transepts featuring plants, animals, and a lotus flower. Near the altar is a mosaic of two fish and a basket of bread. During excavations a limestone slab of rock was found, this now lies under the altar and is thought to have been the table where Jesus shared out the miraculous meal.Church of the Primacy of Peter, TabghaThis modern Franciscan chapel built in 1933 marks the site where Jesus ate with his disciples following his resurrection and also where Jesus reinstated St. Peter who had denied knowing Jesus three times at Jesus’ crucifixion. It is the signature event of Jesus appointing Peter to look over his church that led to the Pope (a successor of Peter) being the leader of the Christian world (John 21:15-19). The church is located on the water’s edge of the Sea of Galilee, there are even stone steps going down to the water. The steps were carved out of the rock c.2nd century. On the water’s edge at the base of the steps are 12 heart-shaped blocks called the Twelve Thrones dedicated to the 12 Apostles. At high tide, the block columns are submerged beneath the water. The church holds the Mensa Christi or the table where Jesus and his disciples ate. Earlier churches that stood on this site have been incorporated into the more recent structure. Remains of the walls of a 4th-century church are visible in the grey stone structure.Inside the Church of the Multiplication, near the sea of Galilee, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockCana FranciscanWedding Church, Kfar CanaUnlike the churches mentioned above which all lie on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, this church is in the Lower Galilee between the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth. It was here that Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine at a wedding celebration (John 2:1-11).The site of this miracle is marked with a church. It is a Franciscan Catholic church constructed from 1879 to 1883 over the ruins of a 6th-century church and also has a 4th-century mosaic floor with Aramaic inscriptions. The baroque-style church has twin bell towers, and a façade topped with angel statues. There is an arcaded narthex and a pleasant front courtyard. The interior has two levels with a dome above the upper church and a nave on the lower level where you can see part of a Byzantine mosaic. On the lower level is a chapel and museum with artifacts found during the construction.Church of St. George, Kfar CanaNext to the Marriage Church is a Greek Orthodox Church built in 1886, the church holds two of the six jars believed to have been used in the miracle of the wine. Outside the church is a courtyard with palm trees, bells, gazebos, and fountains but the interior is usually closed to tourists.Franciscan Wedding Church, Cana. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

The ancient incense route ran from Yemen, Oman, Somalia and Arabia through Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea port of Gaza, Palestine, covering 1,800 km and passing through 56 stops along the way. The stretch of this route which goes through southern Israel is 100 km long from Moa on the Jordanian border to Halutz. This ancient route through four towns in the Negev – Avdat, Halutz, Mamshit and Shivta; four fortresses – Kazra, Nekarot, Makhmal and Grafor and two caravanserais – Moa and Saharonim was deemed of outstanding universal importance by UNESCO in 2005. The remains offer evidence of the sophisticated engineering, knowledge of agriculture and irrigation used to settle this challenging environment to facilitate trade.Starting in the 3rd century BC and continuing for 700 years the Nabataean people traveled in large caravans from Petrain Jordan, across the burning desert to bring the precious incense and spices to the west. They managed to conquer the harsh desert and bring luxury goods from the Arabian Peninsula to the Hellenistic-Roman world. Their cargo included Myrrh, salt, spices, perfumes, and their most valuable item – Frankincense, which was used in large quantities by the Romans as incense, medicine, and in cosmetics. However along with trade goods came an exchanging of ideas and interaction between different nations, this is another reason the route was so valuable.Renovated Market in MamshitTowns, forts, and caravanserai were established as rest points along the route; as support for the Nabataean population who settled the rough land, and as a way to monitor, secure and defend the route. The innovative town planning involved in creating towns like Avdat is apparent in the surrounding pastoral landscape, field system, and water system with cisterns, dams, and reservoirs. This is another testimony to the power of the Nabataean culture and economy. Due to the challenging desert environment, there has been little damaging modern development on these ancient sites and fossilized landscapes. The settlements have, to a large extent, managed to retain their authenticity and integrity since being abandoned after the Arab conquest in 636AD.Thankfully all of the sites are state-owned and protected within national parks or nature reserves.In Moa on the Jordanian border, there are the ruins of an inn, storerooms, a guard post, and an aqueduct. In Mamshit are the remains of an inn, churches, a bathhouse, and parts of the ancient town’s sophisticated water system. Avdat was perhaps the largest Nabataean settlement along the incense route. Here you can see the remains of a sophisticated bathhouse and steam rooms, a fortress, burial caves, a deep well, a Nabataean shrine, and a furnace. Shivta was a much smaller settlement and here you can still see evidence of the water system, oil presses, and several churches. Halutz was the last town before the caravans headed towards their final stop in Gaza port and here you can see the ruins of a theatre and a church.For more detailed information feel free to read this article Ancient Routes of Israel.

Tours from Jerusalem usually concentrate on Old Jerusalem within the Old City walls. However the Holy Land’s top destination also has a “New” City. If you look at a Jerusalem map you will see that the new, more recently built part of Jerusalem takes up a much larger area than the Old City. It follows that there is a lot to see in the New City of Jerusalem. Here are a few highlights of attractions in new Jerusalem, outside of the Old City walls.Snow in Jerusalem.Photo byShalev CohenonUnsplashYad Vashem Holocaust MuseumThis world-class museum is spread over a large complex on Mount Herzl. The museum holds thousands of authentic Holocaust artifacts, historic documents, photographs, and filmed testimonials by Holocaust survivors. On the grounds are memorials honoring the children who lost their lives in the Holocaust. There is also a part of the complex dedicated to gentiles who helped save Jewish lives during the Holocaust.Hall of Names at Yad Vashem. Photo bySnowscatonUnsplashChagall Windows In a small chapel (Abbell Synagogue) in the Hadassah University Medical Center, there are twelve stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. Chagall gifted the windows to the Jewish people in the 1960s. The twelve stained glass windows were inspired by the Bible and particularly Jacob’s blessings to his 12 sons. The images in the stained glass depict scenes from Jewish history, Chagall’s love for the Jewish people, and the artist’s own personal experiences living in a Russian shtetl.Givat Ram, Jerusalem.Photo byFedaa MassarweonUnsplashKnessetThe Israeli parliament or Knesset is situated in the Givat Ram neighborhood of western Jerusalem. The present building was completed in 1966 and it is possible to arrange tours of the building or view it from the outside. Highlights of the Knesset tour include seeing the original copy of the Declaration of Independence. You will see the Knesset Committee Rooms, the Chagall Hall featuring art by Marc Chagall, and the Plenary Chamber. There are 12 stunning floor mosaics and three tapestries by Chagall. The one-hour tours are held daily with a focus on photography and art; architecture and the parliamentary function of the Knesset.The Knesset, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byRafael NironUnsplashMahane Yehuda MarketAt the bustling Jerusalem Mahane Yehuda Market, you can get everything plus the kitchen sink! The market offers stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables, household items, freshly baked goods, spices, nuts, pickles, arts and crafts. In addition, the market is home to several renowned eateries. There are cooking and tasting tours of the market or you can explore independently.On the way to Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem.Photo byLaura SiegalonUnsplashIsrael MuseumIsrael’s national museum houses extensive collections covering a wide range of fields. Specifically, the museum archaeology and art collections as well as the collection of Jewish cultural items and art are outstanding. The Israel Museum complex includes a children’s wing, sculpture garden a scale model of Second Temple era Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book. The white dome-shaped Shrine of the Book houses the Dead Sea Scrolls.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Israel during Purim you will enjoy the festive atmosphere, parties, fancy dress and parades. Purim is perhaps the most joyous Jewish holiday. Purim in Israel occurs in March or April – the date changes each year as it is determined by the Hebrew lunar calendar and not the Gregorian calendar. Although Purim is a Jewish holiday it is not observed like a Shabbat in Israel and businesses and attractions have regular open hours. Purim is a normal working day in Israel although it is a school holiday. Purim in Israel is celebrated by secular and religious Jews alike.What is Purim?Purim Purim celebrates an event in Jewish history which is told in the Biblical Book of Esther. In about 357 BC the king of Persia, Ahasuerus scoured the land for the most beautiful women to make his wife. The woman chosen was Esther, cousin and ward of Mordechai. Esther was forced to marry the king but she hid the fact that she was Jewish. Shortly afterwards Mordechai heard of a plot to assassinate the king and he had it reported and stopped.Meanwhile the villain of this story, Haman was appointed Prime Minister and he undertook to get rid of all the Jews. He had them draw “lots” (Pur in Hebrew, hence the name of the holiday) to decide the day of their annihilation. Hearing of Haman’s plansMordechai sent a message to Esther asking her to appeal to the king for mercy for the Jewish people.That night the king could not sleep and so he sat up reading from the Royal Chronicles. Here he read of the time Mordechai saved him from an assassination attempt. In the meantime Haman had decided to haveMordechai hung for not bowing before him. So Haman had gallows erected and went to the king to ask permission to hang Mordechai. The king asked Haman how such a loyal man should be honored. Haman, thinking the king was referring to him said the man should be dressed in fine clothes and led on horseback through the streets. The king ordered Haman to give Mordachai this honor. Although furious Haman had no choice but to follow the king’s orders.How is Purim Celebrated in Israel?Next Ester appealed to the king, told him of Haman’s plan and asked for mercy on her nation. The king ordered Haman hung from the gallows that had been built for Mordechai and Mordechai was made Prime Minister. Although the king’s decree could not be rescinded he gave the Jews permission to defend themselves. The Jews killed their enemies on the 14th of Adar and on the 15th they rested and celebrated. A holiday was established in memory of this historic victory.The religious community fasts on the day before Purim. At the end of the fast, after nightfall Jews gather in synagogues to hear the reading of the Book of Ester. After synagogue and the following day there are celebrations, parties and parades. The parades take place in almost all Israeli cities and are often before the actual day of Purim or a few days later, depending on the weather and day of the week.Purim Traditions in Israel Purim Foods- Hamantaschen (also called oznei Haman or the ears of Haman in Hebrew) are triangular cookies filled with poppy seeds, jam or chocolate. In Israel you will see these delicious cookies on sale at every bakery and supermarket.Gift Giving- It is traditional to give food hampers (mishloach manot) to friends, family and those less privileged than ourselves. These hampers usually hold wine, cookies, chocolate, nuts and other goodies.Fancy Dress- Kids and adults in Israel dress up in fancy dress during Purim. There are Purim fancy dress parties in bars, pubs, night clubs and private venues. The symbolism of the costumes is to show that God was behind the Purim miracle but his involvement was masked.Getting Drunk- Believe it or not it is even a Purim tradition to get drunk! This originates from a passage in the Talmud which states:” A person is obligated to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between “cursed by Haman” and “blessed by Mordechai.” So it is a “mitzvah” or good deed when you drink too much during Purim!Things to See and Do in Israel during PurimThere are many special events in Israel during Purim. Purim is one of the most exciting holidays for nightclub. There are many fancy dress parties held in top nightclubs across the country. The main attraction during Purim is the Adloyada or Purim Parade. Parades are held in most cities but the most famous Purim parade takes place in Holon, a short drive from Tel Aviv. The parades include parade floats, costumed performers, dancing and music. Be’er Sheva also holds a great Purim event in the streets of the Old City.Purim in Tel AvivThe main Purim event in Tel Aviv is a street party held in Kikar HaMedina. It is a huge event with live musical performances, market stalls, dancing , singing and great food. Tel Aviv is also the site of the Purim Zombie Walk. Locals (and visitor) dress up as zombies and walk through the streets starting on the corner of Ben-Zion Blvd and King George Street.Purim in JerusalemPurim is celebrated a day early in Jerusalem and other “walled” cities but the celebrations continue throughout the Purim week. To enjoy Purim in Jerusalem head for Safra Square for family-friendly events like circus acts, a costume competition and arts and crafts workshops. There will be performances by top Israeli musicians and TV stars. In Jerusalem’s Sacher Park there will be a fun event with food stalls, music and live shows from 10am. Special Purim events are held at a number of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv museums including the Israel Museum, Bloomfield Science Museum and the Tower of David Museum. Although most of the Purim parties have yet to be announced you will probably find Purim fun at Jerusalem’s Nachalot Street Party. This street party is on Nisim Bachar Street, Jerusalem and entrance is free.

If you have a layover in Ben Gurion Airport and your connecting flight leaves in less than 4 hours then it is probably best to stay in the airport and make the most of the facilities that Ben Gurion offers. If you have more than 4 hours then you could possibly venture out of the airport and visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and even the Dead Sea.Ben Gurion has two terminals – Terminal 3 for international flights and Terminal 1 for domestic and low-cost international flights. When calculating how much time you have remembered that Israel has stricter security than other countries and you may need to get to the airport 2-3 hours before your connecting flight takes off.Staying in the Airport during Your LayoverIf you have no choice but to stay in the airport between flights then you will find that Ben Gurion has all the expected airport facilities like a first aid station, ATMs, a police service, synagogue, pharmacy, baby changing facilities, smoking areas and currency exchange. You will also find shops and restaurants.InternetThere is free WiFi in all of Ben Gurion’s passenger halls so it shouldn’t be a problem for you to connect up and spend your waiting time online. If you have any problems connecting try calling Netvision, the service provider at Ben Gurion on 1-800-013-013. There are free recharging stations throughout the airport including domestic and international departure halls.SleepingUnfortunately, there is no sleeping area or hotel within the terminals; it is also a busy airport so you may have trouble finding a quiet place to have a nap. Try going to the departure hall near the food court where there are benches and you may be able to get some shut eye. If you don’t mind the noise the food court is also a good place to sleep.PlayingIf traveling with kids you’ll find play areas in each of the long passages leading off from the Departure Hall.VIP LoungesThe Dan Hotel chain operates the Arbel (T3) and Masada (T1) VIP Lounges in the airport. Use of their services must be pre-arranged and requires a fee. The lounges are used by both arriving and departing passengers. As part of their service, you would be picked up on arrival at Ben Gurion and taken in a special VIP shuttle to the lounge.Massada LoungeAt this luxurious lounge, travelers can get VIP treatment including all their passport, customs, security and VAT refund services. In addition, you can go here on a layover and simply relax. Available (and included in the fee) are light meals beverages and resting areas. You will even get special transportation to your connecting flight when it is time to leave. This service needs to be pre-booked and requires a fee. For more information contact your airline or ground handling company or the Dan Lounges at Ben Gurion. You can call the lounge at 03-9712266. Note that even economy class passengers can buy a special pass to use the Dan VIP lounges; just go to one of the lounges and ask or book 24 hours ahead online for about 150 ILS.Passengers traveling in business or first class on El Al can make use of the EL AL passenger lounge in the departure hall duty-free area. For more information call 03-977111.Feedback StationsIf you have had a particularly bad (or good) experience at Ben Gurion then you might want to leave some feedback at one of the computerized feedback stations which are in all the terminal halls.Leaving Ben Gurion during Your LayoverIf you are from a country like America, Canada or the UK where you don’t need a visa to visit Israel then you will have no problem leaving the airport for a short layover tour. Check with your embassy whether you would need to make any special visa arrangements in order to leave Ben Gurion airport during your layover. And don’t worry about having an Israeli stamp in your passport as records are now kept electronically and you will instead get a piece of paper with the entrance stamp. Keep the piece of paper in your passport until you leave, after which you can throw it away.In the Greeters Hall on Level G next to the employee passage you will find a desk responsible for issuance of special entry permits. They are open Sunday to Thursday 8:30 am-1:30pm and Friday and holiday eves 9 am-1 pm. To contact them by phone you can call 03-9752265.If you have questions about how to spend your time in Israel you could go to the Ministry of Tourism Information Desk in the Arrival Hall. The staff here will provide you with maps and information. You can also contact them on 03-9754260.If you have luggage which is not checked-in to go directly to your final destination then you can leave it at the Baggage Storage Facility which is open Sunday to Thursday 8 am-7:45 pm; Friday 8 am 2:45 pm and Saturday from 8pm until midnight. The Storage Room is located in the west (kerem) short-term car park called “Orchard Parking” on the ground floor (Level G). The storage facilities may change so call for more information to 03-9754436. The service is free of charge.Getting Out of Ben GurionBen Gurion is located in the middle of the country about 40 km (35-50min) from Jerusalem and 15km (20-40min) from Tel Aviv. If arriving on Friday evening or Saturday your transport options will be limited as public buses and trains have limited or no service on Sabbath. However, you still have rental cars and taxis.Taking a Taxi from Ben GurionThe official taxi dispatcher post is located in front of Terminal 3 on Level G near the Gate 1 exit. There is also a desk in the Meeters and Greeters Hall near Gate 3 next to the Information Desk where you can verify the correct taxi fare to a particular location. At the desk staff will write down for you the correct fare and with this, you can approach the taxi dispatcher post. However generally you have nothing to worry about when taking a taxi from the official taxi dispatcher post as all the taxis and taxi drivers are authorized.Buses from Ben Gurion AirportTake Egged line 5 or Veolia line 239 from Level 2 of Terminal 3 and from Terminal 1 to the El Al Junction where you can catch a bus to many cities in the country including Jerusalem. Unless you have a long layover it is not recommended to try seeing the country by public bus with limited time. Rather take a train, taxi or organized tour.Trains from Ben GurionThe airport train station is on the lower level of Terminal 3 but there is a free airport shuttle connecting Terminal 1 and 3. Trains operate to Tel Aviv throughout the day and night but with more regular departures during peak travel hours (there are trains every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day) and reduced service on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Trains to Jerusalem take about 2 hours and operate between about 6 am and 7 pm. This is not recommended if you have limited time.Organized Private Layover ToursPerhaps the most convenient and time efficient use of your layover in Ben Gurion is to take an organized daily tours. Tours can be arranged which pick you up at the airport; take you to the landmarks which most interest you and then return you in time to check-in to your connecting flight. There are private one day tours to Jerusalem; Bethlehem; Dead Sea; Masada; Nazareth; Haifa; Acre; Sea of Galilee and Caesarea as well as more off-the-beaten-path destinations like the caves of Beit Gurvrin and dessert safaris. As it is a private tour you can tailor make the tour to suit how much time you have on your layover, your personal interests and the people traveling with you.

Israel boasts more than a dozen botanical gardens.Here is a selection of just a few of the amazing botanical and regular gardens in Israel which welcome visitors year-round to enjoy the rich flora of the country.Bright flowers in a botanical garden. Photo byPaul StreltsovonUnsplashUniversity of Tel Aviv Botanical Gardens, Tel AvivThe Yehuda Naftali Botanic Garden is perhaps the most “casual” of the botanical gardens listed here. It is situated in the heart of the university campus in Tel Aviv. An almost missable sign sends you down a path to the garden entrance where you are free to wander in and explore the gardens. The gardens cover almost 8.5 acres and include 3,800 species most of which are native plants as well as plants from neighboring nations and an international collection.Although there are a few signs indicating various routes it is a rather overgrown garden that seems to be left to its own devices. When you look closely you will discover many plant species, unpaved paths through the vegetation, over small bridges, and past picturesque ponds. There is an impressive cactus collection and two indoor areas holding more climate-sensitive plants and trees. You’ll see tropical plants, woodland plants, plants used by humans, medicinal plants, herbs, palms, and succulents.Mount Scopus Botanical Garden, JerusalemThe Mount Scopus Botanical Garden covers 6 acres just behind the Jerusalem Hebrew University campus. The gardens hold sections representing each of the Israeli plant communities like the Mediterranean and desert grasslands to the arid Arava desert plants and plants of the coastal dunes. In all, there are more than 40% of all Israel’s wild plant species.These authentic plant species are preserved in their natural habitats. The gardens are also home to many animals. The gardens hold ancient Second Temple era burial tombs and more recently the tombs of Menachem Ussishkin and Yehuda Leib Pinsker, two prominent Zionist leaders.Jerusalem overview from Mt. Scopus. Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Botanical Gardens, JerusalemOn the other side of Jerusalem is the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens on the Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus this botanical garden holds plants from across the world including sections dedicated to the north and South American flora, the Mediterranean, Southern Africa, Europe, and Australia. There is a lake at the heart of the gardens and a café and Visitor Center. There is a bonsai section that holds 150 bonsai trees.The garden holds a living gene bank of endangered plant species. There is a biblical path that visitors can follow with an audio guide and see up to 70 species of plants mentioned in the Bible. Kids will love the African Savannah grass maze created out of perennial grass which is used for thatched roofs in Africa. Kids can follow a trail to discover a series of plants used by humans for different functions.Kibbutz Ein Gedi Botanical Garden, Kibbutz Ein GediThis prize-winning botanical garden in Ein Gedi is the only one in the world which integrates residential homes in the gardens. The landscaped grounds of the botanical gardens are in amongst the homes of the kibbutz residents.The gardens hold more than 900 species of plants from around the world with a focus on indigenous plants of the area like the date palms, desert plants, Sodom apple, Moringa, Tamarisk, and species referred to in the Bible including myrrh and frankincense. The cactus garden includes more than 1,000 species.Ein Gedi National Park, Israel.Photo byRobert ByeonUnsplashUtopia Orchid Park, Kibbutz BahanThis is a unique botanical garden with a large indoor (and air-conditioned) section as well as an outdoor area. Among the attractions here there are farm animals and peacocks, a musical water fountain, carnivorous plants, orchids; parrots; a plant maze, rose garden, cactus garden, and herb garden.However, the star attraction is the indoor tropical garden which includes a massive waterfall and dripping vines, and tropical trees and plants. The park covers 10 acres and also has a cafe and garden center where you can buy plants and garden accessories. This is a stunning attraction that is well maintained and has plenty to keep you occupied.Eilat Botanical Garden and Organic Farm, EilatThis garden has developed around the local landscape of the Arava and was originally built out of ancient stone terraces on the hills surrounding Eilat. The gardens are a wonder of nature considering the area’s very low annual rainfall. Today there are signposted trails that cross streams, past waterfalls, stone, and wooden buildings.There are three lookout points across the Red Sea and the Edom Mountains. You can climb the rocky pathways among 1,000 species of trees and plants, herbs, shrubs, and flowers. There is an organic garden where you can buy plants grown without chemicals.Orchids in a botanical garden.Photo byFabien BELLANGERonUnsplashNeot Kedumim Biblical Landscape ReserveCovering 625 acres and home to more than 630 plant species mentioned in the Bible and Talmud this is one of the most fascinating and unique botanical gardens in the country. The gardens of Neot Kedumim are also home to small animals, many birds, and several archaeological remains including an excavated Byzantine village. In the gardens, the natural surroundings and agricultural areas have been recreated to mirror those which would have existed 3,000 years ago during the biblical era.You can see the seven species of Israel (figs, dates, barley olives, wheat, pomegranates, and grapes) as well as following the 4 self-guided hike paths, seeing ancient olive presses, ritual baths, a water wheel, flour mill, ancient cisterns, and thrashing floors. You can even arrange to have a biblical meal in the gardens and there are regular events, workshops, and activities to teach visitors about biblical life. The hike trails are about 2-2.5 km long and have points of interest and interactive stations along the way.Botanical Garden at Oranim CollegeThis is the only botanical garden in the northern region of the country; it was established on the campus of Oranim College in 1958 and covers 10 acres with 900 different species of plant. Most of the plants here are non-cultivated and indigenous to Israel. The garden has become a model for urban sustainability and is used for teaching, conservation and research.Each section of the garden represents a unique habitat or geographical region. There are two fascinating paths through the gardens – the Poetry Path where quotes from famous poems are displayed on signs along the route and the Biomimetic Path which has nine stations where visitors can stop and learn about the plants, animals, and sustainable solutions to everyday problems.Mount Carmel, Israel. Photo bySte Ben8onUnsplashOther Amazing Gardens in IsraelIsrael has several other stunning gardens which are not officially botanical gardens but they do offer gorgeous greenery and horticultural diversity. Among the most beautiful and most famous is the Bahai Gardens in Haifa. These cascading 19 terraces of carefully landscaped plants and flowers are the setting for the Shrine of the Bab; the Bahai faith prophet.There is also a beautiful memorial garden dedicated to Baron Edmond de Rothschild in Ramat Hanadiv at the southern end of Mount Carmel. Here there are paths and hike trails as well as a kosher dairy café and area where birds of prey are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. If you’re in Jerusalem visit the Wohl Rose Garden, a 19 acre public garden with 15,000 rose bushes.If you are in Tel Aviv you don’t have to go far to enjoy amazing gardens and parks like Yarkon Park where there are six special gardens. Some are dedicated memorial gardens and others are devoted to a particular kind of plant. There is a Rock Garden, Cactus Garden, Tropical Garden, and Ornamental Garden all within the Yarkon Park.Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Tu B’Av is the Jewish alternative to St. Valentine’s Day. As orthodox Jews don’t commemorate Christian holidays like Valentine’s Day and as it is too good a holiday to miss the Jews have their own day for celebrating love. In Hebrew numbers are marked by letters so “15” is the Hebrew letters?’‘? or Tu and this holiday is celebrated on the 15th of the Jewish month of Av, hence Tu B’Av. In 2016 Tu b’Av starts at sundown on 18th August and continues through the 19th August until sundown (7th August 2017; 26th July 2018; 15th August 2019).Religious Significance of Tu B’AvAccording to the Mishna the Jewish holiday of love has been celebrated by Jews since the 1st century days of the ancient Temple. Tu B’Av marks the first day of the grape harvest season. Traditionally young girls would borrow white clothes and go out dancing in the vineyards to attract a man. The Holy Jewish text, the Talmud, sites several reasons why Tu b’Av should be celebrated but today the main reason observant Jews celebrate Tu B’Av is to mark the end of The Three Week (Bein ha-Metzarim) morning period commemorating the destruction of the ancient Jewish Temple. Tu Tu B’Av should not be confused with Tisha b’Av (9th of Av) which starts The Three Week morning period and is one of the saddest days in the Jewish calendar when orthodox Jews fast to commemorate the destruction of the ancient Jewish Temple. There are no specific religious rituals or ceremonies associated with Tu B’Av except that the day should be one of joy. It is also a very popular day to get married.How is Tu B’Av Celebrated in Israel Today?Today Tu B’Av is mainly a secular celebration when romantics pull out all the stops and propose, wed, go on romantic dates or simply party.Starting off the Tu B’Av celebrations on the 18th August with a bang is the TuTu-Temple Party presented by Temple of Reflection, a spiritual temple project which is part of the Burn global community. A temple structure is built in the desert each year and stands for three weeks before being burnt. The party is a fundraising event and proceeds will go towards Temple of Reflection expenses. The party kicks off at 9am and will continue until 4am at Bascula, HaRakevet 72, Tel Aviv. Admission 40ILS-60ILS.Thursdays @Tel Aviv Art Museum hosts events every Thursday but on the 18th of August this year the events will be even more exciting to celebrate Tu B’Av. Entrance is free and there will be live music performances, guided tours, pop-up stores and garments inspired by works of art.At the Zappa Club Herzlia there will be a special performance by the Sixties Band who will perform the best hits of the 1960s and 70s. The doors open at 8:15pm and the show starts at 10pm; tickets cost 105ILS.Many restaurants in Israel offer special deals on Tu B’Av and the restaurants are usually decorated with hearts, cupids and lots of red and white balloons. Mel and Michelle at 155 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv; Frame at 2 Raoul Wallenburg, Tel Aviv and the Brown Hotel pop-up restaurant Salva Vida at 25 Kalisher, Tel Aviv will all be offering special deals for couples on Tu B’Av. Chocolate lovers should have the special Tu B’Av menu at any of the Max Brener restaurants.If you want to go out and dance you’ll find dance bars and clubs all decked out in red hearts and ready to party. At HaOmen 17, Tel Aviv Moldavian DJ Andrew Rayel will be making the music; At the Cat and Dog you can hear Infected Mushroom playing live and the Toy Bar in Jerusalem will be having a special party event.

Luckily nationals from 96 countries do not need to arrange a visa for Israel before leaving their home country. However it is important to make sure you can travel to Israel visa-free before you book your air ticket. Here is a breakdown to help you understand Israeli visas.Different Types of Israeli VisasIsrael offers a number of different types of visas depending on the purpose of your entry into the country. Visas for Israel include an Immigration Visa; A/1 Temporary Resident Visa; A/2 Student Visa; A/3 Clergy Visa; A/4 visa for spouses and children; B/1 Work Visa and a B/2 Visitors’ Visa. The Immigration Visa and A/1 Temporary Resident Visa are only applicable to a person immigrating to Israel. An A/2 Student Visa is for those coming to study in any institution in Israel and is valid for up to one year with multiple entrances and exits. An A/3 Clergy Visa is for clergymen coming to Israel to perform clerical duties for their religion by invitation of a religious organization in Israel. A clergyman coming on holiday or on a pilgrimage would require a regular B/2 visa, not an A/3 Clergy Visa. The A/4 Visa is for the spouses and children of those with an A/2 Student Visa or an A/3 Clergy Visa. A B/1 Work Visa is for those who have approval from the Ministry of the Interior to work as an expert or artist in their field in Israel. The B/2 Visitors’ Visa is the one that tourists receive.Do You Need a Visa for Israel?Nationals from many countries do not require a visa and can stay in Israel for up to 90 days visa-free after which you can apply for an extension at the Ministry of the Interior. Among the countries with bilateral agreements with Israel allowing visa-free visits are the USA, Britain, Australia, European nations, Russia, South Africa, Canada, Philippines, Iceland, Singapore, Hong Kong, most South American countries, Japan and New Zealand.Check the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to find out if nationals from your country can visit visa-free for 90 days. If you require a visa you will have to apply for a B/2 Visitors Visa.Israeli Visitors VisaTourists, volunteers, business people coming to Israel for meetings, Hebrew language students, and visitors to Israel from countries that do not have a bilateral agreement with Israel will have to apply for a visa at their local Israeli Consulate in their home country. The visa allows you to visit for up to 90 days and does not allow you to work in Israel.When applying for an Israeli visa you will need a passport valid for at least six months after your stay in Israel; a filled and signed application form; a photocopy of your passport; proof that you can support yourself financially while in Israel (such as a bank statement from the last three months); an air ticket to and from Israel; two passport photos and the application fee.You should receive your visa within two months. Due to the fact that many Arab and predominantly Muslim countries do not grant entry to people with an Israeli stamp on their passport, travelers are now issued with a stamp on a separate piece of paper which must be kept in your passport for the duration of your visit in Israel.

Even if you are in Tel Aviv on a tight budget you can still see the sites and have a great time. Here’s a rundown of the top 15 free things to do in the beautiful city of Tel Aviv.View of Tel Aviv beachfront from Jaffa.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin1. Tel Aviv BeachesTel Aviv has some magnificent beaches which run continuously from Tzuk Beach in the north to Alma Beach in the south. Each beach has its own character like the Separated Beach which has separate hours for male and female bathers; Atzmaut Beach which is popular with the gay community and Drummers Beach or Dolphinarium Beach where musicians jam each Friday at sundown. Beach season in Tel Aviv is April to October when lifeguards are on duty.androm2. Tel Aviv MarketsAmong Tel Aviv’s top markets there is the Carmel Market a lively outdoor market where fresh produce and other goods are sold. This market is colorful and exciting, not only that but it is in the heart of the city just off Allenby Street. Adjacent to Carmel Market is Nahalat Binyanim Street Market. This pedestrian walkway hosts an arts and crafts market on Tuesdays and Fridays.There are often street performers at the market. Nahalat Binyamin is lined with great coffee shops where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Levinsky Market is the least gentrified of the three markets. Here you’ll find streets veering off of Levinsky Street from the corner of HaAliya Street to HaMashbir Street. The streets are crowded with small hole-in-the-wall stalls selling fresh produce and everything including the kitchen sink.Orange juice seller, Carmel Market, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin3. Free Walking ToursTel Aviv municipality offers free walking tours in English on Saturdays at 11 am which meet at 46 Rothschild Boulevard. The tours take a look at the amazing Bauhaus architecture of the White City and introduce participants to a little of the history of Tel Aviv. There is also a tour of Old Jaffa which takes you through the Jaffa flea market and the Old City examining some of Jaffa’s archeological sites and ending up in the Hapisga Garden. This tour meets on Wednesdays at 9:30 am at the Jaffa clock tower. You can also pick up a free map of self-guided walking tours from City Hall. On Mondays at 11 am there is a free tour of Tel Aviv University which gives an introduction to some of the campus’ innovative architecture and environmental sculptures. The university tour meets at the Dyonon bookstore at the campus entrance by the intersection of Haim Levanon and Einstein Streets.4. Self-Guided Tour of Neve TzedekYou don’t need a professional tour guide to explore one of Tel Aviv’s oldest and perhaps most picturesque neighborhoods – Neve Tzedek. This neighborhood was the first Jewish neighborhood established outside of the ancient Port of Jaffa in 1887. Many of the beautiful historic buildings have been restored and now house boutique stores, quaint cafes, and restaurants giving it a small village within a city feel. The neighborhood has some notable Bauhaus and Art Nouveau buildings. A few museums like the Nachum Gutman Museum; art galleries and the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance are all in this neighborhood. At the southern end of Neve Tzedek is HaTachana, a restored historic train station that has been converted into a shopping and entertainment compound.The lighthouse path, Tel Aviv. Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash5. Tel Aviv Port The old Tel Aviv Port has been given a make-over and has become a primary entertainment and retail hub for locals and visitors. The port has an expansive boardwalk covering 14,000m² and is lined with interesting restaurants, playgrounds, a carousel, an organic produce market, and fashion stores. When the sun goes down the port becomes the city’s hot nightlife spot. The port is often the site of special events and street performers.6. Ben Gurion HouseThis is one of the city’s smallest museums and is often overlooked by visitors. Ben Gurion House is the former residence of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion at 17 Ben Gurion Boulevard. Visitors to the museum can walk through the Ben Gurion library; see the living quarters and the study where the prime minister worked. There is a free guided tour of the house where you can learn about the house’s history and the life of Ben Gurion.7. SaronaSarona is a former German Templer colony established in 1817 in what is now one of Tel Aviv’s busiest neighborhoods near the Azrieli towers. The Templers were a German Protestant sect which aimed to realize the apocalyptic vision of the prophets in the Holy Land. They established Sarona as an agricultural settlement and at its peak, there were 41 homes, a winery, workshops, a communal hall, and barns. In 1941 the British deported the residents of Sarona who were believed to be Nazi supporters. Today this compound of buildings has been restored and turned into a shopping and entertainment complex. The former Templer homes are now house restaurants, cafes, and boutique stores. The open spaces between the houses are beautiful plazas where you can relax and enjoy people watching special events and street performers.Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet). Photo by Shai Pal on Unsplash8. Yarkon ParkAt the northern end of Tel Aviv is this urban oasis; an expansive green Yarkon park with the Yarkon River meandering through the lawns towards the sea. The park is home to many attractions including climbing walls, paddle boat rental, playgrounds, basketball courts, bicycle rental, and if you continue north you can even reach the safari park in Ramat Gan. So even if you are looking for free things to do in Tel Aviv you can relax on the lawns and enjoy the pleasant surroundings and river views.9. Old JaffaAt the southern end of Tel Aviv along the coast is the old port city of Jaffa which is associated with the biblical story of Jonah, Saint Peter, and mythical tales of Andromeda and Perseus. As far back as the Middle Ages, the port was a gateway to the Holy Land, and many travelers, armies, and merchants landed here including Napoleon. Today you can wander along the narrow cobbled lanes between stone buildings leading down to the water and the old port. There are many art galleries, cafes, and restaurants as well as historic sites and museums in Jaffa. Among the sites to see, there is the Libyan Synagogue, St. Peter’s Church, the Zodiac Fountain, the home of Simon the Tanner, the Mahmudiyah Mosque, the Wishing Bridge, Andromeda’s Rock, the Sea Mosque, and the Ilana Goor Museum.10. Tel Aviv RollersDon’t be surprised if you are taking a stroll through Tel Aviv on a regular Tuesday night when a huge group of people on rollerblades whiz by. Each Tuesday skaters meet at Habima Square at 10 pm and the group begins rolling through the city. They roll through the city showing off their skating skills and having fun. Everyone is welcome to join in so get your skates on!Children at Tel Aviv Old Port. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin11. Tel Aviv University Botanical GardensExplore the 34,000m² of the university botanical gardens where there are rare and endangered species of plants from around the globe. There are 3800 plant species from Israel and around the world growing in the campus botanical gardens. The gardens are arranged in ecological groups and themed gardens. Sections in the gardens include the ecological garden of Israeli plants and Mediterranean woodlands; tropical plants from the rainforests; plants utilized by humans; medicinal plants; cacti; poisonous plants; a Palm House; succulent plants and root trees in the Sarah Racine Root Laboratory. The gardens are used by university students for research in ecological and botanical studies and visitors are welcomed for free.12. Rabin SquareIn modern Tel Aviv history, this is one of the most significant sites of the city. Back in 1995, this public square that faces the Tel Aviv Municipality building was called Kings of Israel Square. The tragic events of November 4th, 1995 led to the renaming of the square in honor of Yitzhak Rabin, former Israeli political icon and Prime Minister. It was here on that fateful night during a peace rally that Rabin was assassinated while returning to his car. You can see the exact spot where the assassination took place and the memorial which now marks this location in the northeastern corner of the square. There is also a section of wall covered in graffiti which was drawn by mourners who came to pay their respects in the days following the assassination. In addition, there is a memorial sculpture commemorating the Holocaust at the south end of the square, pleasant trees, and an ecological pool in the square. Rabin Square is often used for concerts, special events, and rallies.Rokach House, Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin13. The Photo HouseAt 5 Tchernichovsky Street is a store/ archive of historic photographs documenting the early days of Israel. The collection includes posters, postcards, and photographs. The store is legendary; it is still run by the Weissenstein family which established the shop in 1936. It is the city’s oldest photoshop and it is more like a museum than a store. In addition to the displayed photos which are on sale, there are regular exhibitions. The private archive of photographs has won several awards and has been exhibited across the globe. All of the photos in the archives were taken by Rudi Weissenstein and all of the prints and souvenirs featuring photographs are taken from the negatives of Weissenstein’s collection. Weissenstein photographed the first performance of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra in 1936; Weissenstein was the only official photographer to document the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel in 1948; Weissenstein’s image was featured on an Israeli banknote in 1958 and he won first prize at the International Photography Exhibition in Moscow in 1961.Tel Aviv and Jaffa aerial view. Photo by Shai Pal on Unsplash14. Tel Aviv Art GalleriesTel Aviv has many independent art galleries but there is a particular concentration of galleries along Ben Yehuda Street and Gordon Street which intersects Ben Yehuda Street. You can wander along these pleasant Tel Aviv streets popping into each of the galleries to see current local and sometimes international art. Start with Gerstein Gallery at #101 Ben Yehuda Street and work your way towards Gordon Street. Along the way you will see JOJO Gallery with unique utilitarian and decorative art; Engel Gallery; Gordon Gallery and then on Gordon Street there is the Stern Gallery and Givon Gallery. Along the way and in the adjacent side streets you will discover other fascinating galleries. If you continue on Ben Yehuda Street you will reach Frishman Street where there are even more galleries.15. Musical FountainTel Aviv has a spectacular sound and light musical fountain show to rival those in Barcelona and Las Vegas. The modern music is synchronized to dancing lights illuminating fountains squirting up into the air. This spectacle takes place at Tel Aviv Port during the summer (July and August). There are nightly performances Sunday to Thursday with the fountains at 6:30 pm, 7:15 pm, and 7:45 pm and the sound and lights joining in for performances at 8:15 pm, 8:45 pm, 9:15 pm, 9:45 pm, and 10:15 pm.If you are interested in Tel Aviv tours and attractions, feel free to check out this article.Hamsas sold at Carmel Market, Tel Aviv. Photo by Bartosz Kwitkowski on Unsplash

Machane Yehuda is Jerusalem’s primary market, particularly for food. Not only is fresh produce sold at the market but there are also several market eateries which have become iconic and considered some of the best restaurants in the city. There is so much to see in Jerusalem that few tourists ever manage to fit in a visit to Machane Yehuda but if you are a foodie (or just hungry) make a point of visiting this outstanding market. When you visit Machane Yehuda you get true insight into the day-to-day life of the local community. This is where many Jerusalemites do their weekly shop-up.Machane Yehuda is spread out over several lanes; it was established in 1928 for locals to buy their food goods. Today the market sells everything from household items and clothing to books, pet accessories and ceramic ornaments. The market food stalls include spice stalls where large sacks contain different colored herbs or the herbs and spices piled high on tables. You can also find freshly ground coffee; sweets and candy; fresh fish sold by fish mongers; halva; alcohol; nuts and dried legumes; baked goods; fruit; vegetables; pickles; pastries; artisan cheeses and butchers selling fresh meat.Machane Yehuda EateriesUzi-Eli the Market Witchdoctor is one of the most popular stands in the market. Uzi-Eli has a reputation for concocting natural juices from a number of unusual combinations each specifically to treat a physical or mental ailment. He will mix you up a fruit drink which will help your diabetes or one which will help you handle stress. Try one of the drinks with Hilbe (fenugreek) or gat juice.Khachapuri is a small eatery down HaEshkol Street which serves up traditional Georgian dishes. There are a few tables outside so you can do some people watching while you enjoy your food. If it is your first time trying Georgian food get an acharuli, a baked pastry with optional fillings like the classic salty cheese and egg.Mimi’s Bistro is also on HaEshkol Street; here you can find French-style cheese toast, croquet-Madame (fried egg grilled sandwich) crepes, pasta, soup or Belgian waffles. Everything is freshly made and Mimi even hosts French cooking workshops.Mousseline Jerusalem is the markets boutique ice-cream store where you can get unique flavors most of which are based on fresh fruit juices, herbs and spices. For example you could have a scoop of grapefruit, basil and sour cherry sorbet. The store also sells their own blend of coffee made from Ethiopian and Brazilian coffee beans.Ethiopian Ethnic Center on HaEshkol Street sells Ethiopian products including the spices used in Ethiopian food, Ethiopian beer and more. If you’re in the market on a Friday you can try some of the traditional injera, Ethiopian flatbread.Ochlim B’Shuk is an eatery on Hatapuach Street which specializes in Persian cuisine. They cook the food using authentic methods on old kerosene stoves. The eatery has been open since 2003.HaAgas 1 on Eliyahu Banai Street is a vegetarian restaurant which dishes up wholesome healthy vegetarian food. The restaurant is named after a line in a famous Israeli song written by Ehud Banai who’s family used to live above their vegetable store which is now the restaurant.Café Mizrachi on HaShazif Street opened in order to draw clients to the market. That was many years ago and today the café is one of the iconic coffee places in the market and a household name in Jerusalem.Fish n’ Chips on HaEgoz Street is the place to go if you’re home sick for chips with vinegar! OK so it’s not quite like British fish and chips but it comes close.Que-Pasa on HaEgoz Street serves up Spanish and Mediterranean style tapas as well as Spanish beer. The market has cuisine from around the world and this is a perfect example of international cuisine in the heart of the market.Pasta Basta on HaEgoz Street is a play on the Hebrew word for “stall” which is “basta”. This eatery uses the finest raw ingredients from the market plus some super imported Italian products. The pasta is made freshly at the restaurant each morning and customers who arrive early are treated to seeing the pasta-makers at work.Foodie Fun at the MarketIn addition to wandering through the market and sampling the various foods you could take it one step further and take a bakery tour, wine and cheese tour, shuk cooking workshops or a chef-guided tasting tour.Not far from the market (just one street away) is a chef restaurant, one of the best in the country. It is called Machnayuda – a mix of the two words Machane and Yehuda. The highly regarded restaurant is run by three renowned chefs; one of them is Assaf Granite a judge on one of the Israeli reality cooking shows. The restaurant serves delicious dishes using extremely fresh ingredients and often basing recipes on traditional local dishes with an elegant modern twist. For example you can order fettuccine with apricot butter, white wine, cherries and sundried tomatoes followed by a banufi pie (Indian cheese cake) with banana and coconut.Jacko’s Street is another chef restaurant just one street from the heart of the market. It is a kosher restaurant run by four well known chefs. The restaurant produces salads, grilled meats, Carpaccio, cerviche and more. All diners are treated to a free shot of Arak as they wait for their meal.Practical Information:You can reach Machane Yehuda by walking up Agrippas Street from the city center or catch the Jerusalem Light Rail which stops right by the market entrance. The market stretches from Agrippas Street to Jaffa Road.Open Hours: The market is open daily except for Saturdays. Sunday to Thursday 8am-7pm and Fridays 8am-3pm. Several of the cafes and restaurants remain open on Saturdays.

As you enter Tel Aviv you will be met with the glorious sight of the city’s long stretch of sandy beach flanked by the promenade, restaurants, hotels and cafes. What makes Tel Aviv beaches so special is their proximity to the city center. Just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of the city and your feet will be standing in sand! The long stretch of beach (hof in Hebrew) runs 14km along Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean shore and is divided up into several official beaches, each with their own amenities and character.Metzitzim beach, Tel Aviv. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinSome of the beaches in Tel Aviv are named after the street which runs down towards the beach. Beach season in Israel is from April to October; during that time most beaches have lifeguards and beach services like sunbed rental and vendors selling ice cream. Here is a guide which will help you choose which beach is right for you. Starting from in the north at Tzuk Beach and working our way south to Alma Beach.Tzuk BeachTzuk Beach (literal translation: Cliff Beach) is the only Tel Aviv beach that is not free but it does have the best facilities. There is only an entrance fee (6-15ILS) during beach season (April-October). The beach is a little too far away to reach from the city on foot and is the northernmost point of Tel Aviv’s promenade which stretches all the way to Jaffa. It is also called Mandarin Beach because of a nearby hotel. There is a cool bar right on the beach and on a patio area above the sand. There are lawns, benches, showers, changing rooms, and an outdoor gym. The beach is popular with families and middle-older age people plus wealthy residents from nearby Herzliya. Towards the southern end of Tzuk Beach, it is called Sea and Sun Beach.Lifeguard booth on Tel Aviv beach.Photo by Timo Wagner on UnsplashTel Baruch BeachThis is one of the cleanest Tel Aviv beaches and it is popular with families with kids (although it used to be the hangout of local “working” girls). Because of the curved natural bay, the water is calm here and perfect for those less confident about their swimming. The beach is wide, clean, and sandy. There are an outdoor gym, lawns, and beachside restaurants and cafes. The lawns are a popular BBQ area and people hang out here late at night around the BBQ. The southern part of the beach is dog-friendly and if you continue walking you reach a bridge crossing the Yarkon River and leading to the old Tel Aviv Port The port area is a retail and entertainment venue with a gorgeous deck boardwalk, stores, a fresh produce market, and restaurants.Tel Baruch Beach in winter, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinMetzitzim BeachAlso called Sheraton Beach (because of the proximity of the former hotel) this beach is named after an iconic 1970s Israeli movie “Metzitzim which means peeping tom or people who watch other people secretly. The film stared Uri Zohar and Arik Einstein and was set on this beach. This is the most northerly of the beaches reachable on foot from central Tel Aviv. Metzitim is just south of the Tel Aviv Port area and has recently undergone a face-lift. The beach has showers, toilets, a playground, volleyball courts, an outdoor gym, and a beach bar which is open in the evening. The northern part of the beach is popular with families while further south you’ll find teens and 20-somethings sunning themselves. There is a 24/7 restaurant during beach season and important sports matches are often shown on big screens set up on the sand.Aerial View of Tel Aviv beaches. Photo by Shai Pal on UnsplashSeparated BeachThe Separated Beach (Hof HaNifrad, Hof Ha Datim, or Nordeau Street Beach) is a beach where there are separate days for orthodox religious females (and those looking for a male-free beach) and other days when the beach is reserved for males. This beach is used by the religious community and is sometimes called the Religious Beach. During the week the beach is open until 5 pm. On Friday evenings after sundown and Saturdays until sundown when the religious do not go to the beach, the Separated Beach is used by both men and women.Atzmaut BeachIndependence Beach is also known as the Gay Beach as it is frequented by Tel Aviv’s thriving gay community but of course, everyone is welcome. Tel Aviv is a very liberal city with a respected, large gay community. It is named after Atzmaut Park (Independence Park) which is a small park on a hill overlooking the beach that used to be best known as a place for gay hookups. This is not officially a beach reserved for gay people but is just a popular gathering point for the community. The southernmost part of the beach is dog-friendly where dog owners can go with their pets.Sunset at the Tel Aviv beach.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinHilton BeachThis beach is named after the nearby Hilton Hotel and is left of a breakwater which creates a calm pool of water. This is great for relaxed swimming but also attracted boats and kayaks. You can walk out onto the breakwater right into the sea. The TopSea Bar serves people on Hilton Beach and there is comfortable seating on sofas. TopSea is also the name of a surfing/kayak/paddle boarding school on this beach. Hilton Beach is one of the most popular Tel Aviv beaches. Tourists come here from several nearby hotels. The southernmost end of the beach is popular with surfers and is called “Hof HaGolshim” or Surfers Beach. The beach hosts the Israeli Triple Diamond Strongman Surfer’s Competition. South of Hilton Beach is the Tel Aviv Marina where you can rent surfboards, windsurfers and take a cruise.Hilton Bay - Absolute Beach & Surf Restaurant, Tel Aviv. Photo by Moshe Silberberg on UnsplashGordon-Frishman-Bograshov BeachGordon Street runs down towards this beach and on the land above the beach is the Gordon (seawater) Swimming Pool. The pool is surrounded by a deck and you have views of the sea and marina from the pool. Here there are toilets (for a fee), a restaurant an ice—cream stand, a beach bar, and Lalaland Café right on the beach. This beach also has some gym apparatus on the beach. Adjoining Gordon Beach is Frishman Beach (they are referred to separately and as one beach). Frishman is near the Dan Hotel and the US Embassy and is one of the cleanest stretches of beach where you can rent beach sunbeds. All three of these beaches are very wide and usually crowded with tourists as they are near to many hotels. Frishman has volleyball courts. The Tel Aviv promenade boarders the beach and across Yarkon Street are many great cafes and restaurants. Bograshov Beach is a continuation of Frishman and like Gordon and Frishman is named after the street which runs down towards the beach.Trumpeldor BeachSouth of Bograshov Beach is this beach bordered by the promenade where you can see a distinctive statue that resembles a monkey on its head on top of some kind of pod (you decide!). Trumpeldor Beach is an unofficial beach so you won’t find lifeguards on duty here even in the summer season. Thanks to the lack of lifeguards or facilities it is a very quiet, uncrowded beach.Banana Beach, Tel Aviv. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinJerusalem BeachAlso known as Geula Beach it is not a crowded beach and attracts fewer tourists.Banana BeachA little bit south of the Opera Tower is this tranquil beach where you can relax and enjoy a drink at the Banana Beach Bar. The beach has a surf school at the northern end and a more hippie-like atmosphere towards the south. This beach is more popular with locals than tourists and you can see Tel Aviv’s hipsters and yuppies hanging out here reading, doing yoga, or playing backgammon.Dolphinarium BeachUnfortunately, there is no longer a dolphinarium here. Only the remains of the old dolphinarium building. The beach is not that well maintained but on a Friday you can enjoy drum sessions on the sand. Drummers gather to jam together as the sun goes down on a Friday and enjoy a drink from the nearby pub and from Chinky Beach Bar. For this reason, the beach is also called Drummers’ Beach (Hof HaTofim). The drummers are joined by those practicing their capoeira jugglers and dancers.Ending a surf session on a Tel Aviv beach.Photo by Chen Mizrach on UnsplashAlma BeachThis beach is also called Park Charles Clor Beach as it is on the edge of the park at the foot of the cliffs which lead up to Old Jaffa. This beach forms a long narrow strip bordered by green lawns and playgrounds. Families come here to BBQ and couples come here for the romantic sunsets. The beach is popular with residents from the Arab community in Jaffa as well as Jewish locals. The southern end of the beach is unofficially dog-friendly. Alma Beach does not have lifeguards and is a quiet and laid-back beach.To see the list of all beaches in Israel feel free to read this article. Besides beaches, there are a lot of things to do in Tel Aviv, including amazing Tel Aviv tours, visiting museums, and cultural venues.Alma Beach, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin