On this Christian Jerusalem tour, you can follow in the footsteps of Jesus and visit sites where major Biblical events took place. The tour starts on the Mt. of Olives at the Church of the Ascension where Jesus ascended to heaven leaving an imprint of his foot in a slab of stone. A 4th-century chapel once stood here but today we see a Crusader-era chapel.The Jerusalem tour stops at the nearby Church of the Pater Noster. Here Christ taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer. Plaques cover the walls bearing the Lord’s Prayer in multiple languages. We see the original place where Jesus taught his disciples.We descend the Mount of Olives taking in the views of a 3,000-year-old Jewish cemetery and the Old City across the Kidron Valley. We make a brief stop at the Dominus Flevit a teardrop-shaped chapel designed by Barluzzi to mark the site where Jesus looked out over Jerusalem and wept.The tour visits the magnificent Church of All Nations and the adjacent Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and was arrested on the eve of his crucifixion. Crossing the Kidron Valley the tour enters the Old City through the Lion’s Gate. We can see the Pools of Bethesda where Jesus cured a paralytic.The Christian Jerusalem tour visits the Church of St. Anne built above the site of Mary’s birth. We visit the Convent of the Sisters of Zion and see the Second Temple Era water cisterns and engraved Roman flagstones. Here Pilate judged and sentenced Jesus who took up his cross and walked through the jeering crowds along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary and his crucifixion. The Jerusalem tour retraces a part of Jesus' route along the Via Dolorosa through the Old City pausing at the 3d Station of the Cross. ThisJerusalem walking tour in the footsteps of Jesus will be a unique spiritual experience for every visitor!

The City of David Tour starts as we take in the view of Jerusalem fromMount Scopus. From here we can look down on an ancient Jewish cemetery and beyond the Old City walls to Temple Mount, the site of the Dome of the Rock. On the slope of Mount Scopus,we view the Garden of Gethsemane and the adjacent Church of All Nations with its stunning mosaic façade.The City of David Tour pauses at the Kidron Valley’s ancient Jewish burial tombs then we rejoin the bus and continue on to the Old City. The Jerusalem tour takes us through the Zion Gate into the Old City’s Armenian Quarter where the tour guide will tell us about this unique community and its history. From here the tour continues into the Jewish Quarter to see the excavated 1500-year-old Byzantine-era Cardo, once the main thoroughfare of Jerusalem. Later the Crusaders built shops along this route where modern stores now fill the historic spaces. The highlight of any Jewish Jerusalem tour is the Western Wall; the last surviving part of the Second Temple that was destroyed in 70AD. Jews come from across the globe to pray at the Western Wall (Kotel) and place a prayer note between the wall’s ancient stones.We leave the Old City via the Dung Gate and enter the City of David to tour underground Jerusalem. This excavated city is believed to have been the original settlement in Jerusalem dating back 3,000 years. Ingenious subterranean tunnels were carved out of the rock to bring water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam at the City of David. We pause at the Spring of Gihon before concluding the tour.In case a visit to one or more of the Spanish synagogues is not possible, we will visit the Hurva Synagogue instead. Of all theCity of David tours available, this one is the absolute best!

The Judean Desert Jeep Tour heads off through the Judean Hills and into the sparse desert landscape referred to in the Bible as “wilderness.” On route we pass by the Inn of the Good Samaritan and pause at the sign indicated we are at sea level. Descending further Jericho can be seen in the distance. The tour reaches the shores of the Dead Sea at 430m below sea level. We pass Qumran, a site famed for the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The 2,000 year old parchments bearing the Old Testament were discovered in caves near Qumran.Here we change vehicles to a 4X4 jeep suitable for the desert terrain and the jeep safari tour really heats up! The tour sets out through the desert landscape scaling steep inclines and racing down into ravines, between hills and over rocky terrain. At the Cliffs of Dragot we’re treated to a panoramic view of the desert and the Dragot River below. Along the way your guide will point out unique desert plants and signs of animal life. Our jeep safari adventure takes us to the Murbaat Caves where artifacts were uncovered dating back thousands of years including 2nd century documents. Fascinating texts were discovered from the Second Jewish Revolt in 132-135AD including those written by Rabbi Shimon Bar Kochba leader of the revolt. The caves held an ancient set of tefilin proving that this Jewish tradition existed thousands of years ago.To cool down after out desert jeep safari our last stop is at the Dead Sea. Here we can relax and wash away the heat and dust of the desert. The Dead Sea is 8.5 times saltier than the ocean which makes the water thick like oily syrup that won’t let you sink! The high mineral content of the water and the dry, allergen-free air of the Dead Sea provide natural health benefits. It is also the perfect way to rejuvenate after our desert safari before heading back home.

This Christian tour to Galilee travels north along the Mediterranean coast then turns inland towards the forests, hills, and farmlands of Galilee. Here Jesus spent his ministry spreading the word of God among the people in rural villages. The tour reaches Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Magdala was the site of a biblical-era fishing village and Second Temple-Era synagogue. During the excavation of the synagogue a coin dated 29 AD was uncovered proving that the synagogue existed during Jesus’ lifetime. Jesus may have preached in this synagogue during his ministry.We continue our Christian Galilee Tour traveling north along the shore to Ginosar where we visit the Beit Yigal Allon Museum. Here you can see a 1st-century fishing boat discovered buried in mud on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The boat has been dated to 100 BC - 70 AD. Jesus would have visited Ginosar and even met the fishermen of the village. He may have sailed out onto the Sea of Galilee in a fishing boat just like this one.This Christian tour to Galilee takes us around the northern end of the Sea of Galilee past the Mount of Beatitudes. This is where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount to an audience of followers. Today a magnificent chapel tops the Mt. of Beatitudes. The church was constructed in 1939, designed by Antonio Barluzzi, and funded by Mussolini! The Church of the Beatitudes has an elegant dome, colonnaded cloisters, and eight sides representing the eight Beatitudes. The next religious site on our tour is Kafr Kanna. This small town is the traditional site of the wedding feast where Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). Today the Franciscan Wedding Church (1879) marks the site where the miracle took place. Cana is where Jesus later healed an official’s son. The tour draws to an end as we leave the green rolling hill of the north and head south returning you to your hotel in central Israel.

This Christmas Eve in Bethlehem tour culminates with Midnight Mass in Manger Square, Bethlehem however it starts with a tour in Jerusalem. We stand on the Mount of Olives looking out across the Kidron Valley to the Old City. From here we have a spectacular view of the city and the golden Dome of the Rock. We descend the Mount of Olives passing the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus came to pray after the Last Supper and where he was arrested. The Christmas in Bethlehem tour enters the Old City of Jerusalem and we make our way to the massive Church of the Holy Sepulcher that encompasses the last Stations of the Cross – where Jesus died on the cross and was placed in a burial tomb. The Sepulchre was built in 326 AD to protect these holy sites. Here we see the Rock of Calvary, the Stone of Unction and Jesus’ burial tomb. The Christmas Eve tour leaves Jerusalem’s Old City and travels through modern-day Jerusalem past the Israel Museum, Shrine of the Book and the Knesset towards Bethlehem. We stop at the Hill of Evil Counsel and have panoramic views of Jerusalem at night. Our Christmas Eve tour continues on to Bethlehem.As we arrive in Bethlehem you can feel the Christmas spirit and the streets are decorated with lights and Christmas decorations. We stop for refreshments then arrive in Manger Square. As midnight approaches we enjoy Christmas Eve dinner not far from Manger Square. At Midnight the tour either enters the Church of Nativity for Mass or we see Midnight Mass screened on large screens in Manger Square. The Christmas Eve Midnight Mass in Manger Square is a moving experience and the atmosphere is magical. Following Midnight Mass the Christmas tour leaves Bethlehem and makes its way back to the tour’s original pick-up points. This unique Bethlehem tour is held only once a year on Christmas Eve and provides transportation, tour guide service, entrance fees and Christmas Eve dinner for one inclusive price.

We begin the Jerusalem Old City Tour with a bird’s eye view across Jerusalem from Mt. Scopus. From here we see beyond the Old City walls to Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. We drive down the mount passing an ancient Jewish cemetery and stop at the Biblical Garden of Gethsemane and the stunning Church of All Nations. Then we see the Kidron Valley where monumental Jewish tombs have stood for centuries. We approach the Old City passing by the Dormition Church on Mt. Zion. The tour visits the Room of the Last Supper. Here Christ ate with his Apostles on the eve of his crucifixion. This room is also called the Upper Room as it is on a floor over the site of King David’s Tomb. The tour enters the Old City Armenian Quarter via the Zion Gate and we pass the Armenian Church of St. James. Your tour guide will tell you about the fascinating Armenian culture before we move on to the Jewish Quarter. Here the tour pauses at the Byzantine-era Cardo. This excavated 1,500-year-old street was once Jerusalem’s main thoroughfare. At the Jewish Quarter, we stop to see the sacred Western Wall. As the last surviving part of the Second Jewish Temple, the Western Wall is the holiest Jewish landmark in the world. Here we join others who come to place a prayer note in the crevices of the ancient wall. Next, our tour of Jerusalem Old City retraces the course Jesus took as he carried his cross to Calvary – the Via Dolorosa. We arrive at the sacred Holy Sepulchre. This 4th-century church holds the last few Stations of the Cross including Calvary where Jesus was crucified and his burial tomb. The vast structure is shared by several Christian denominations and has more than 30 chapels. The tour of Jerusalem Old City comes to an end but not before we have some retail therapy in the traditional Old City bazaar.

Take this incredible day tour from Eilat to Petra which starts with a 2.5-hour drive through the majestic, pristine desert landscape, past ruby mountain sceneries, and stunning views on our way to Petra. The Nabataean culture carved the city of Petra right out of red-colored rock cliffs about 2,300 years ago. Nowadays, Petra is an untouched archaeological site; We pass obelisks and cave tombs, then enter Petra on foot or horseback via a long narrow gorge or “Siq” flanked by high rock cliffs. As we reach the end of the Siq, the incredible Petra Treasury looms up in front of us. The Treasury's facade is intricately decorated and carved with columns, statues, and a 3.35-meter-high urn. The tour takes you to tombs that will make you feel like Indiana Jones, and other structures all carved out of the rosy rock cliffs.See the Palace Tomb spires over the ridge, decent to the ancient Petra Theater, and make a wish at theDjinn Blocks.After 3-4 hours in Petra, we will head south toward Eilat, through the beautiful wilderness.Enjoy a Worry-Free Vacation: This Eilat to Petra day tour starts with a transfer from the Israeli resort city to the Arava border, where our representatives will meet you and assist with the visa requisition and border crossing. Our expert local tour guide will meet you on the Jordanian side of the border and your adventure will begin.Note that a 1-Day Tour of Petrawon't leave you with enough timeto fully explore this wonderful archeological park. This is why most travelers recommend a2-Day Tour to Petra, in order to see Ad Deyr - the iconicPetra Monastery up on the ridgeand visitQasr Al-Bint Templeandthe Great Temple of Petra.

On the Sunday before Easter, we join Christian pilgrims retracing the route Jesus took when he entered Jerusalem in c.33 AD as the Messiah. When Jesus entered the city for the Jewish Passover celebrations he was greeted by crowds hailing him as the Messiah; they waved palm branches and laid palms at his feet as he entered the city. This event is recorded in all four of the Gospels (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44 and John 12:12-19). Today the Palm Sunday event is recreated with Christians bearing palm branches, playing musical instruments, waving flags, singing and praying along the route. They are led by the Catholic Patriarchate, Custos of the Holy Land, Latin Patriarch and Greek Archbishop in their ceremonial robes. The procession is uplifting and the atmosphere is the one of joy and brotherhood with participants from around the world. We begin with a panoramic view over the Judean Desert and Jordan Valley, then stop at the Chapel of Bethpage where Jesus sent his disciples to find a donkey for him to ride into the city. We transfer to the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives and join the procession continuing down the Mount of Olives to the Church of Dominus Flevit which was designed by Antonio Barluzzi and marks the place where Jesus wept before his arrest and crucifixion. We pass the Garden of Gethsemane and Basilica of the Agony going through the Kidron Valley to the Old City where we enter via the Lions Gate. The joyous procession continues into the Old City along the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus took to his crucifixion. At several points, the procession pauses for blessings and to give praise to Christ. We stop at the Church of Saint Anne and Bethesda before leaving the Old City via the Muslim Quarter where we can enjoy some of the traditional market atmosphere. Transportation awaits us on the edge of the Old City for your return transfer.

In this private Jerusalem tour, you will see the highlights of one of the holiest cities on earth. Start the day with your personal guide from Mount Scopus or Mount of Olives with views across the Old City, Temple Mount, and the Golden Dome of the Rock.Take in the scenery from the same hilltop as Jesus would have done two thousand years ago. The next stop is at the Garden of Gethsemane, and the adjacent Church of All Nations. The church, with its stunning golden mosaic facade, holds the Rock of Agony, where Jesus is believed to have prayed on the night before his crucifixion. From the Church of Gethsemane, we drive past Mount Moriah and adjacent to Kidron Valley where you can look down and see monolithic ancient Jewish tombs.Driving alongside the 16th-century Old City walls, we enter the Old City via one of the ancient city gates. We walk through the Jewish Quarter until we reach the Western Wall (Wailing Wall or Kotel). Pause for a moment and soak up the atmosphere of this sacred Jewish site. The wall is the last remaining part of the Second Temple that stood on Temple Mount until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.Pass through the Muslim Quarter and get some leisure time at the one-of-a-kind Old City bazaar with its bright colors, vibrant characters, and unique shops to explore. From here, enter the Christian Quarter and walk along part of the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus took to his crucifixion. See several of the Stations of the Cross that mark significant biblical moments on this route. The Via Dolorosa leads us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchere, a 4th-century basilica that encompasses Golgotha where Christ was crucified.After a lunch break, walk through the Jewish Quarter along the Byzantine Cardo, a colonnaded street that was the main thoroughfare In biblical times. Today it functions as a shopping alley with stores selling amazing local arts and crafts. Pass by the Armenian Quarter before exiting the Old City through the Zion Gate, and continue to Mount Zion, the site of the Tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. Finish your day with a ride through the new neighborhoods of Jerusalem, and drive through the Valley of Gehenna.See the President’s Residence and the Valley of the Cross, then pass the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, Israel's Parliament building (Knesset), and the Supreme Court.Note that while it was compiled by our experts, this itinerary is just one suggestion; you can customize your tour and see much more of Jerusalem’s magic: The City of David, the renowned Israel Museum, the Western Wall Tunnels, Jaffa Gate and more (see FAQ section for details)

Start your Masada and Dead Sea private tour by descending through the Jordan Valley with Jericho in the distance and imagine the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the promised land. We pass the site where Jesus set his parable of the Good Samaritan, and the landscape changes dramatically as we descend through the desert hills. Spot Wadi Kelt on the horizon, and pause for a moment to appreciate the expansive panoramic view of the desert at the point where the descent drops below sea level.Drive along the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea to where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the Qumran caves. Today at Qumran, visitors can see excavated remains dating back to the Iron Age and learn about the Essenes, a mystical Jewish sect that lived here in the Second Temple period.Continuing parallel to the Dead Sea past the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, an idyllic desert oasis. We reach Masada and visit the Masada Museum. This state-of-the-art museum brings to life the historic events that took place on the mount. Next, ascend to the summit of Masada via cable car, taking the opportunity to look down at the snake path used thousands of years ago by Romans. Explore the remains of the palace-fortress built by King Herod between 37 BC and 31 BC. And see the excavations including the ruins of a synagogue, a Roman bathhouse, and storehouses giving us a real insight into life on Masada.Following your descent from Masada we stop for lunch. Then the tour brings you to one of the Dead Sea’s top beaches. Here you can enjoy free time and the unique sensation of floating in the salinated water of the Dead Sea. Cover your body in mineral-rich Dead Sea mud, said to have maintained Cleopatra’s youthful looks. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.Note that while it was compiled by our experts, this itinerary is just one suggestion; you can customize your tour and see many more of the area's great attractions: Visit Qasr al-Yahud,Hike the Havarim Stream or Havar Ha-lashon, explorethe sites of Jericho and more (see FAQ section for details).

This Jerusalem and Bethlehem tour starts with a breathtaking view of Jerusalem. You can see the Old City walls and beyond it the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount. Then, we descend from Mt. Scopus driving past the Mount of Olives, home to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of Gethsemane. We drive past Mount Moriah, and parallel to the Old City’s ancient walls through Kidron Valley where you can see the ancient tombs of Benei Hezir, Zechariah, and the Tomb of Absalom were built.The Jerusalem tour enters the Old City via one of the ancient gates and we continue on foot through the Jewish Quarter. Here we see the Byzantine Cardo, an excavated ancient street that was once a bustling thoroughfare. On our walk through the Jewish Quarter, we pass the Hurva Synagogue and pause for the perfect photo looking down on the Western Wall with Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock behind. We stop at the Western Wall, the one part of the Second Holy Temple that survived destruction in 70 AD.We continue to the Via Dolorosa and follow a section of the path Jesus took from his judgment to his crucifixion at Golgotha. The Via Dolorosa leads us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This ornate 4th-century church encompasses the last Stations of the Cross including Calvary (Golgotha) where Jesus was crucified. Before departing from the Old City, we pass through the Old City Market (Shuk).We drive from Jerusalem to Bethlehem past the Church of the Angels in Shepherds’ Field. We arrive at Manger Square where we enter the Basilica of the Nativity. This church was built above the Grotto of the Nativity where Christ was born. While in the church we see 12th-century mosaics and the original floor from the first church built by Saint Helena in the 4th century.If possible, we will visit the adjacent Church of Saint Catherine and descend to subterranean caves to see sacred tombs and chapels including the Chapel of St. Jerome. We make our way back to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv where you are returned to your hotel.Note that while it was compiled by our experts, this itinerary is just one suggestion; you can customize your tour and see much more of Jerusalem and Bethlehem: The Pool of Bethesda, the City of David, the Milk Grotto, the Basilica of Ecce Homo and much (see FAQ section for details)

Start your private tour of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea at the top of Mount Scopus, with panoramic views across Jerusalem. Drive past the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives and look down at ancient Jewish tombs as we drive through Kidron Valley. Pass Mount Moriah as we continue parallel to the 16th-century Old City walls. Enter the Old City and continue to explore the Old City on foot.Walk through the Jewish Quarter and see the excavated Byzantine Cardo, once the main shopping street of biblical Jerusalem. Get a view looking down on Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall before descending to the Western Wall Plaza. The Western Wall the last remaining wall of the Second Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Take a moment to soak up the atmosphere and perhaps place a prayer note between the crevices of the wall’s massive stones.Continue your walk to the Christian Quarter and follow part of the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus took to his crucifixion. This leads us to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which encompasses Golgotha, the site of the crucifixion and Jesus’ tomb. Before leaving Jerusalem, walk through the Old City market where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional Middle Eastern bazaar. Leave Jerusalem to drive South through the Judean Desert to the lowest point on Earth. We pause at the sea level elevation mark and stop at a lookout point with views across the desert, the Jordanian mountains, and the Dead Sea.Upon reaching the Dead Sea take the opportunity to float in the thick salty water. Due to the mineral-rich water, high oxygen levels in the air, and diminished UV rays, the region is said to have therapeutic benefits. Cover your body and face in the nourishing Dead Sea mud and relax on the beach before returning to your hotel rested and rejuvenated.Note that while it was compiled by our experts, this itinerary is just one suggestion; you can customize your tour and see much more of Jerusalem’s magic: The City of David, the Dome of the Rock, the famous Israel Museum, the Western Wall Tunnels, Jaffa Gate and more (see FAQ section for details)

Begin your adventure by visiting the famous Nazareth, a city filledwith biblical sites. Start at the Church of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel appeared before Mary. Close by is the Church of St. Joseph built above a 1st-century dwelling that is believed to have been Joseph’s carpentry and the Holy Family home. Time permitting, take a walk through the Nazareth market and enjoy the sounds, aromas, and colors of this traditional Middle Eastern bazaar.Continue with a drive through Kfar Kanna - biblical Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. Today Kfar Kanna is home to the Wedding Church which marks the site where this miracle took place. You’ll see parts of the Jesus Trail as the driver takes you across the pastoral Galilee countryside, and through the ancient Jewish town of Magdala before reaching Tabgha. At this small town on the edge of the Sea of Galilee stop to visit the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish. The present church was built on two earlier churches marking the site of the miracle of multiplication. It was also where Jesus is believed to have made his fourth resurrection appearance.Your Galilee private tour will continue to Kfar Nahum, better known as the biblical town of Capernaum where Jesus based himself during his ministry. Stop at the Church of Saint Peter which marks the site of the home of the disciple Peter. Excavation revealed a 5th-century octagonal church and layers of residential homes from the 1st century. The church stands in the center of the archaeological site and nearby is an ancient synagogue where Jesus is believed to have preached.After lunch, the final stop of the day is at Yardenit, where you can choose to be baptized in the Jordan River as Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist 2000 years ago.Note that while it was compiled by our experts, this itinerary is just one suggestion; you can customize your tour and see much more of the area:Take a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee, a Kayak ride on the Jordan River, visit Domus Galilaeae and much more (see FAQ section for details)

This is a private tour along the Mediterranean coastline which visits Caesarea, Acre, and Rosh Hanikra as well as gives you a panoramic view of Haifa. Get a taste of the rich and diverse history of the region: The first stop is in Caesarea, an ancient port town originally inhabited by Phonecians. It was turned into an expansive city and port by King Herod in 31-37 BC. He built palaces, a theater, bathhouses, a hippodrome, and a harbor, and named the city in honor of Caesar Augustus. Caesarea thrived under Herod and throughout the Byzantine era but was then destroyed in the 7th century and rebuilt by Crusaders in the 11th century. With your personal guide, you will be able to explore the ruins and tour the excavated buildings, bathhouses, and the remains of the famous port.Continue your drive north to Haifa, a city built on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing a natural harbor. Take in the breathtaking views from atop Mount Carmel. Look out to Haifa Bay and across the immaculate Bahai Shrine and magnificent terraced gardens. Before leaving Haifa, drive through the historic German Colony established in 1868 by Christian German Templers.The next stop is at the northernmost point along Israel’s Mediterranean coast at Rosh Hanikra. Here you will see the border crossing between Israel and Lebanon. Just a few steps away is a cable car that will take you down the mountainside into a labyrinth of beautiful natural grottoes. The sea reflects off of the white limestone cliffs and splashes up through openings in the cavernous grottoes.Returning south, the tour continues to Acre Old City, where we stop for lunch before exploring this ancient port city that boasts a rich and diverse history that dates back to antiquity. Originally settled by the Canaanites, Acre later fell under the dominion of the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Crusaders, each leaving an indelible mark on the city's architecture and culture. The well-preserved structures of Acre include the Crusader-era Acre Citadel, a UNESCO site, and the Knights' Halls and underground passageways of the Crusader stronghold. Wander through Acre’s labyrinthine alleys and vibrant market, for a glimpse of traditional daily life.Note that while it was compiled by our experts, this itinerary is just one suggestion; you can customize your tour and see much more of northern Israel: enjoy the advanced Caesarea Museum, visit the Ghetto Fighters’ Holocaust Museum, see ancient synagogues and more(see FAQ section for details).

The Garden of Gethsemane is planted at the foot of the Mount of Olives facing the Kidron Valley and Jerusalem’s Old City walls. The name of the garden is Hebrew for “oil press” and the garden is planted with olive trees, some dating back hundreds of years. The trees are still harvested for their olives each year just as they were in biblical times. Some of the olive trees you can see today in the Garden of Gethsemane are more than 900 years old. Archaeologists and botanists have studied the garden’s olive trees and concluded that they may have been here when Jesus visited the garden. 2000 years ago the garden would have been an olive grove with an olive press nearby.The Garden of Gethsemane in the BibleIn the Gospel of John, we read of how Jesus came here to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane with his disciples after the Last Supper. It was here that Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Romans. In the garden, Jesus agonized over the fate he knew awaited him. For this reason, it is also called the site of the Agony in the Garden or the Agony of Christ. Jesus would have known the garden well. It lies on the natural route between theTemple Mountand the village of Bethany and he would have often retreated to this olive grove in prayer and contemplation.The Bible tells us that Jesus was familiar with the garden which made it easy for Judas to seek him out and direct the Romans to arrest him. “…a place named Gethsemane and he (Jesus) said to his disciples, stay here while I pray…” (Gospel of Matthew). “Jesus’ anguish at Gethsemane was so deep that his sweat was as drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Gospel of Luke) The Garden of Gethsemane is identified as the site where Christ went with his disciples on the eve of the Last Supper to pray before his arrest and subsequent crucifixion. Although the garden is best known as the place where Jesus prayed on the eve of his arrest it is also the site of Mary’s dormition and assumption. The Eastern Orthodox Church teaches that the Virgin Mary died in the Garden of Gethsemane. Mary’s Tomb is within a 12th-century church nearby. The church bears beautiful murals which tell of Mary’s death and burial by the disciples.As early as 333AD Christian pilgrims visited the Garden of Gethsemane. The travel journal of a 4th-century pilgrim of Bordeaux describes Jerusalem and the Garden of Gethsemane as being at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The Church of All Nations is further up the mount and there is another olive grove garden next to the church.This church was constructed in the 1920s and features precious floor-to-ceiling mosaics depicting biblical scenes from the Garden of Gethsemane including Jesus praying and Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. There are alternate sites where Jesus might have prayed on the night of his arrest.Where is Gethsemane located?Next to the Church of All Nations, there is a garden where the “Rock of the Agony” is located and this is a possible location of the Garden of Gethsemane. The Eastern Orthodox Church holds that the garden was near the Tomb of Mary; the Greek Orthodox Church believes it was further east and the Russian Orthodox consider the orchard next to the Church of Maria Magdalene to be the true Garden of Gethsemane.The Grotto of GethsemaneBy the 4th century AD, the garden had become a pilgrimage site, and although alternate sites have been proposed, the present site we call the Garden of Gethsemane fits the biblical description. Within the garden, you can see the Grotto of Gethsemane (also called the Cave of the Olive Press) where Jesus and his disciples may have slept. The 190m² cave has not altered since Jesus spent time here. You can still see where a hole in the wall held a wooden beam used in the process of pressing olives. Today the grotto is used as a chapel. Nearby is the Tomb of Mary where the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus is said to have been buried.The Church of All NationsOn the edge of the garden stands the Church of All Nations (The Basilica of the Agony) built around the rock where Jesus prayed on that fateful night. The church was designed by Antonio Barluzzi and built in 1924 with funds from Christian communities across the globe – hence the name. The church is recognizable by its stunning gold and colored tympanum mosaic above the entrance depicting Jesus, his followers, and disciples. Part of an earlier Byzantine church that stood here in the 4th century has been incorporated into the structure of the church. In the church, you can see part of the Byzantine mosaic floor and the rock where Jesus prayed.The Garden of Gethsemane is a must-see site for Christian visitors; even visiting Popes have spent time in the garden and planted olive trees. On Holy Thursday during Passion Week pilgrims gather to pray in the Garden of Olives and led by the Franciscan Custos they make their way in a procession to the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu onMount Zion where Jesus spent the night imprisoned after his arrest. To explore more of Jerusalem and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, Join our Jerusalem Old City Tour.

The Cardo Maximus was the name given to the north-south thoroughfare of Roman and Byzantine cities. “Cardo” means heart and the Cardo ran through the “heart” of the city. In the 130s AD, Hadrian had Jerusalem rebuilt and like other Roman cities, Jerusalem’s street plan included a Cardo. It was a paved, 22.5 meter-wide road running southward from the Damascus Gate. Later during the Byzantine era in the 6th century AD, Emperor Justinian had the Jerusalem Cardo extended taking it further south all the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Zion Gate. The street may have been used for ceremonial processions from theChurch of the Holy Sepulchre. For the entire length of the Cardo, the road was flanked with colonnades, covered walkways and a shaded arcade.Today visitors to the Old City of Jerusalem can wander through theJewish Quarter and look down on the southern part of the excavated Cardo. You can see the tall, thick columns, ornate capitals, the arcade where merchants would have stood, and the large flagstones that paved the Cardo. 500 years after the original Cardo was constructed the Crusaders built a bazaar along part of the road. Today these Crusader-era stores have been restored and once again serve their original function. The shopping section of the Cardo is beneath a beautiful vaulted ceiling and the modern stores are housed in the ancient Crusader shops that line the Cardo. The stores sell locally made jewelry, religious artifacts, artwork, and other merchandise. Other sections of the Cardo are no longer visible having been covered by new structures over the years.The famous Madaba Map, a floor mosaic found in a 6th-century Byzantine church in Jordan depicts the Holy Land with the Cardo as its main artery. The Madaba Map is the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of Jerusalem. Visitors to the Cardo in Jerusalem can see a replica of the Madaba Map. Visitors can also see a large mural painting by students of the French school of art Creation de la Cite. The mural depicts the Cardo as it would have been 1500 years ago, a bustling street with vendors displaying their wares; a covered walkway; animals, and colorful characters.Join the Jerusalem Old City tour to visit the Jewish quarter and see the Cardo.

The Jewish Quarter is one of the four sections within Jerusalem’s Old City walls. The 0.1km² area has been home to Jews since 800 BC and today continues to be inhabited by about 2,000 Jewish residents. The Quarter can be entered via the Dung Gate and is bordered by the Armenian Quarter, the Street of Chains and Temple Mount. The Jewish Quarter is a lively residential neighborhood and tourist attraction with restaurants, stores, hotels, hostels and museums. There are also many Yeshivot (schools for Jewish religious study) and synagogues. Like the rest of Jerusalem, the Quarter radiates light off the stone buildings and stone-paved lanes.When the Jordanians took the Old City in 1948 many of the ancient buildings were destroyed. Since 1967 when Israel reclaimed the Old City reconstruction and excavation have been ongoing. Almost the entire Quarter has some kind of archaeological treasure beneath it. In fact, there are two or three levels buried beneath the surface and most of the buildings have documented excavation sites in the basements!Jewish Quarter LandmarksAmong the archaeological remains, there is Hezekiah’s Broad Wall, a 7-meter wide wall that formed part of the ramparts in the First Temple Period (957 BC-587 BC). A Herodian complex of mansions from the Second Temple Period (530 BC-70 AD) has been uncovered five meters below ground level. Visitors can see the remains of homes that belonged to the rich and powerful of that period. The Hurva Synagogue was originally built in the 1700s but was repeatedly destroyed over the years. In the 2000s the Hurva Synagogue was restored to the way it appeared before its last destruction in 1948. A complex of four Sepharadi Synagogues has also been rebuilt.Additional attractions in the Jewish Quarter include the Byzantine Cardo, once the main street that ran through the city as early as 130 AD. This thoroughfare was flanked by columns supporting covered walkways. You can see the excavated Cardo and even shop in the stores that now fill the Cardo bazaar built in the 12th century by the Crusaders. Other Jewish Quarter attractions include the remains of the Byzantine Nea Church, a large structure that stood at the southern end of the Cardo.The Burnt House is a Jewish Quarter museum in an excavated Second Temple Period house. Batei Mahse is a 19th-century residential compound originally built for poor Jewish families to live rent-free. At Alone on the Ramparts Museum, you can see a photographic exhibition depicting the events of the Jordanian attack and capture of the Old City in 1948.The Archaeological Park Davidson CenterThe Israelite Tower was part of a defense system devised by the Jews during the First Temple Period. The Archaeological Park Davidson Center holds a display of artifacts and architectural elements found in excavations within the Old City. Some of the earliest findings date back to the 10th century BC and include a tower, gatehouse and city walls. At the Davidson Center visitors can go back in time to the Second Temple Period through a 3D model of Temple Mount.The Western WallThe main attraction of the Jewish Quarter is undoubtedly the Wailing Wall (also known as the Western Wall and the Kotel). The Wall is the only surviving part of the original Second Temple. As the most revered Jewish site in the world Jews (and gentiles) come from all corners of the Earth to pray at the wall and place a prayer note between the ancient stones. The section of the wall that opens up to an expansive plaza is actually only a small section of the original Temple’s outer retaining walls. Below ground, even more of the Kotel has been excavated and it is possible to tour these subterranean sections through the Western Wall Tunnels.Want to explore the old city quarters? Join the Jerusalem Old and New Tour and get a chance to visit inside the old city walls.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times:-The Old City and the Western Wall are open 24/7.Prices:Free! There is an entrance fee for the Western Wall Tunnels.Average Visit Duration:30-60 minutes. A guidedOld City touror Jewish Jerusalem tour, will take you to the Western Wall.Getting There:The closest entrance to the Western Wall is the Dung Gate.Popular Times:Jews gather to pray at the Western Wall at all times of the day and night, and you’re not likely to have it all to yourself at any time. You’ll find Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays particularly crowded. And if you’re interested in observing a Jewish service, visit the Kotel just before sunset.Special Events:During any of the Jewish holidays, on Friday nights, and Saturday mornings, you will find a special atmosphere at the Kotel.Pro Tip:Visit on a Monday or Thursday to see one of the Bar Mitzvah ceremonies. The symbolic importance of the Wall to Jews has made it a popular place for various ceremonies.Western Wall Tours: Many Jerusalem tours will include a visit to the Western Wall. You could join a Jewish tour of Jerusalem or a tour of the Old City.Jerusalem's Old City is home to the most sacred Jewish site in the world, the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall and the Kotel. This important religious, and historic site is among the top attractions of Jerusalem. Virtually every Jerusalem tour includes a stop at the Kotel. The Western Wall in the eveningAlthough it is a Jewish landmark, the Western Wall is open to people of all faiths who are willing to respect the traditions of the site. Pro Tip: It is best to visit the Kotel dressed in modest attire such as a dress or pants that cover your knees, and a top that does not reveal too much of your shoulders or cleavage. Men will find paper skull caps provided but they should also avoid visiting the Kotel in shorts, vests, or tank tops.Why is the Western Wall so Special?According to historical records, religious scriptures, and Jewish tradition, theTemple Mount was the site of several biblical events and the place where the First and Second Temples once stood.The Western Wall is the last remnant of the Second Temple which was destroyed in 70AD. If the Temple still stood on Temple Mount, Jews would worship there, and it would be the most sacred Jewish site in the world. But as the Temple did not survive, all Jews have left is the one remaining wall, the Western Wall.The Western Wall in all of its gloryIn the Jewish Talmud, it is written that the Temple on the Temple Mount held the Foundation Stone, where the world was created. Jewish tradition holds that the Temple Mount was where Abraham bound Isaac. Across the globe, Jews face the Temple Mount when they pray. All of these factors make the Temple's only surviving wall a sacred site. The Western Wall performs the important function of keeping the memory of the Holy Temple alive. Pro Tip: The best place to get a photo of the Western Wall is from the top of the stairs that lead up to the Jewish Quarter. Here You can get a shot with the Dome of the Rock above the wall.What to Expect at the Western WallVisitors approach the Western Wall from the Western Wall Plaza, a large open space facing the wall. The wall itself was built with massive blocks of limestone. It is about 50 meters long and reaches a height of 19 meters above ground with 28 layers (courses) of stone from various historic periods. The lower rows of stone date back to the original Second Temple.Religious Jews praying at the Western WallExpect to see throngs of people at the Kotel. You can go right up to the wall and touch it. You can even place a prayer note in the cracks between the large stones.Pro Tip: Take a piece of paper and a pen with you. When you leave the wall, walk backward for a few steps before turning your back on the wall. This is a custom to show respect for the site.A partition divides the wall into two sections, one for women and one for men. This is because Jewish tradition holds that members of the same sex are prohibited from praying together.Pro Tip: Recently, a mixed prayer area was approved by Robinson’s Arch close to the plaza, where men and women can pray together. There has been a lot of controversy over this area, so depending on the political atmosphere this place may or may not be operating when you visit.The section of the wall that you see above ground is not all that remains of the Western Wall. Beneath ground level, the wall continues, and archaeologists have excavated sections of it that can be seen in the Western Wall Tunnels.History of the Western WallKing Solomon built the First Holy Temple on Temple Mount (also called Mount Moriah) in 957 BC and it stood until 587/586 BC. The Second Temple was built in its place in 516 BC. The temple stood until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The temple held the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctum of God’s Tabernacle, and the place where, according to rabbinical law, a divine presence still presides. It was here that the Arc of the Covenant was kept.A model of the Jerusalem Great Temple (Image source: Berthold Werner)The only part of the temple to survive the Roman destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD was part of the retaining wall, on the mount’s western slope. The retaining walls had been added by King Herod in 20BC when he expanded the temple. As the only part of the temple that could still be identified it was natural that Jews would consider it sacred and the nearest thing they had to the actual temple.Later during the Byzantine Era Jews were forbidden from entering Jerusalem so they would pray on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Temple Mount. After the Muslim conquest in the 7th century they were once again permitted to enter the city and approach the only remaining part of their temple, the western retaining wall.In the centuries that passed Jews were periodically able to enter Jerusalem and pray at the Western Wall and there were other times when they were forbidden from entering the holy city. The Ottomans took over Jerusalem in the 16th century and the leader Suleiman the Magnificent recognized the right of the Jews to pray at the Western Wall. He had an area of about 4 meters wide and 28 meters long cleared alongside the wall giving the Jews ease of access to the wall.The Western Wall in 1870 (Image source: Félix Bonfils)From 1917 to 1967 the British controlled Jerusalem. They agreed to uphold the existing status quo at religious sites but then in 1947, the British closed off access to the wall together, and the Old City was held by Arab militias. During the War of Independence in 1948 Jordan gained control of the Old City, and for the next 19 years, Jews could not pray at the Western Wall.In 1967 Jerusalem was liberated during the Six Day War, and the Western Wall fell under Israeli jurisdiction. There is dramatic historic film footage of the moment when Israeli troops reached the Western Wall for the first time. The then-Defence Minister Moshe Dayan placed a note with a prayer for peace on the wall. Perhaps this is where the tradition comes from, but it could also be from the Kabbalistic teaching that says all prayers ascend to heaven from the Temple Mount.Israeli Paratroopers during the liberation of the Old City, under the Western WallThere was no Western Wall Plaza at the time, just a narrow alleyway that stretched alongside the Kotel in the Muslim Mughrabi neighborhood. After the war, the area was cleared (which became a controversial issue) and the open area in front of the Kotel was expanded to cover 56 meters.What to See and Do at the Western WallApproach the Kotel and go right up to the wall. You can simply stand there soaking up the spiritual atmosphere, or you could pray or place a prayer note in between the stones. Pro Tip: There are free, clean public toilets on the left-hand side of the Western Wall Plaza.The Part of the Western Wall that Few People SeeIn addition to the famous exposed section of the Western Wall, two other smaller parts of the Western Wall can be seen - the Southern Section of the Western Wall and theSmall Western Wall (HaKotel HaKatan) as well as the subterranean section in the Western Wall Tunnels.Southern Section of the Western WallDuring the Second Temple Era, a shopping street ran alongside the wall that we know today as the Kotel. But during the temple’s destruction, stones and rubble were thrown down onto the street, hiding it from view for centuries. Since 1967, excavation of the area has revealed several treasures, including parts of the southern Temple Mount retaining wall. It is now preserved in the Southern Wall Archaeological Park adjacent to the Dung Gate.Pro Tip: Visit the Davidson Center, which is part of the park, and has multimedia presentations and explanations about the site's history.Small Western WallAbout 170 meters north of the Western Wall Plaza, a narrow alleyway near the Iron Gate that leads to Temple Mount, is the Small Western Wall. It is a continuation of the famous Western Wall and stretches for about 17.7 meters. The space in front of this small section of wall is just 4.2 meters wide. It is directly opposite where the Holy of Holies would have been if the temple was still standing on Temple Mount.Pro Tip: If you want a quiet moment at the Kotel, then the Small Western Wall is probably your best bet.Western Wall TunnelsAnother way to get a deeper understanding of Kotel and see it from a unique viewpoint is to tour the Western Wall Tunnels. The entrance is to the left of the Kotel and leads you down, below ground where you can see excavated remnants of the ancient city and a course of stones belonging to the Western Wall. These stones are the largest stones on the wall and the closest to the sacred site on Temple Mount. The Western Wall Tunnels are also home to the Chain of Generations Center.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times: The Old City and Via Dolorosa are open 24/7. Specific chapels and churches along the way have their own open hours: Church of the Holy Sepulchre 05:00-20:00 April-September and 05:00-19:00 October-March.1st Station of the Cross Madrasa al-Omariya school after 14:00.2nd Station of the Cross, Terra Sancta Museum Monday-Saturday 09:00-noon.2nd Station, Church of the Condemnation 08:00-18:00Prices: Free!Average Visit Duration: 30-90 minutes.Popular Times: The Old City never but you should try to visit during daylight hours when the chapels, stalls, and churches are open. Some places may be closed on Friday afternoon and Saturday.Special Events: Every Friday at 15:00 Franciscan friars lead a procession along the Via Dolorosa starting from the first station. On Good Friday the procession is particularly impressive with chanting, prayer, and a multitude of devoted Christians bearing crosses and holding palm fronds.Via Dolorosa Tours: Many Jerusalem tours will take you there;Join a tour of the Old City or a Christian tour of Jerusalem to see the Via Dolorosa. There are also special tours during Easter that take you along the procession route.Perhaps the most famous walk through the Old City of Jerusalem is along the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, or the Way of Suffering - in the footsteps of Jesus. This route stretches for 600 meters and takes you along several lanes, through street markets, past interesting eateries, and souvenir stores. Walking down Via DolorosaBut apart from being an interesting way to see the Old City, the Via Dolorosa has deep religious and historic significance. According to tradition, this is the route Jesus took bearing his cross from his trial to his crucifixion at Calvary.Not only will you be retracing Christ’s steps, and seeing the lanes of the Old City, but you can also discover hidden gems along the way. Most people don’t know that the Via Dolorosa has several fascinating and unique chapels tucked away behind unassuming doors in the stone walls that flank the streets. And at the end of the Via Dolorosa, you’ll reach the iconic Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most sacred Christian site in the world.Where is the Via Dolorosa and How Do You Get to It?There are many Christian holy sites in Israel, and Via Dolorosa goes through several of them. It run through the Muslim Quarter and Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. It is not one street, but rather a route that travels along several streets. The walled city has several gates where you can enter and eventually find the Via Dolorosa. But the closest gate to the start of the Via Dolorosa is Lions Gate. Stations 1-7 are in the Muslim Quarter, and the rest are in the Christian Quarter.Church of the Holy SepulchreVarious religious bodies, archaeologists, and experts disagree about the exact starting point of the route. Some biblical scholars believe that the judgment of Jesus most likely took place outside the Antonia Palace, which no longer exists, and where the Umariya School now stands. Others suggest that it took place at Herod’s Palace near the Tower of David. It is best to look at the Via Dolorosa as an approximation of Jesus’ route and as a tradition rather than a precise map of his movements.History of the Via DolorosaVia Dolorosa is not mentioned by name in the Bible but the First Testament does describe Jesus bearing his cross from his judgment before Pontius Pilot to the site of his crucifixion. The Bible describes several moments where Jesus stopped or fell as he made his way to Calvary and these moments are commemorated by the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa. But not all the stations are mentioned in the Bible. Several of the stations (3, 4, 6, 7, 9,13) are based on tradition rather than events described in the Bible. Christian pilgrims first started following the Via Dolorosa in the Byzantine Era. It became part of the Holy Thursday procession that started on the Mount of Olives, entered the city, and proceeded to the Holy Sepulchre. The route altered several times over the next few centuries as people argued about where exactly the route started. From 1350 to 1517 Franciscan friars conducted tours of the Via Dolorosa, but in the reverse direction, starting at the Holy Sepulcher and ending at Pilate’s house.Via Dolorosa in 1950In 1517 they began walking the route in the same direction as Jesus had done. Over the next few years, the church published various guides for pilgrims which expanded on the biblical text that described Jesus’ walk to Calvary. Only then were Stations of the Cross commemorated, and the version of the route we see today was slowly formed, although there were a number of opinions about what route exactly Christ followed.What to See on the Via DolorosaThere are 14 Stations of the Cross where Jesus paused or stopped as he walked along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary. Nine stations are on the Via Dolorosa and the last five are inside the Holy Sepulchre Church. The Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa are marked by a round metal plaque attached to the wall bearing the number of the station in Roman numerals. On the ground is a semi-circle of paving stones.1st Station of the Cross - Sanctuary of the Condemnation of JesusLocated about 300m from Lions Gate, It is located inside the Madrasa al-Omariya school. Entrance to the school is only possible after 14:00, or on Friday or Saturday when the children are not at school. It is best to visit between 15:00 and 17:00. (Matthew 27, 11-14)2nd Station of the Cross - Jesus takes up the crossLocated across from the first station, in the Monastery of Flagellation. Pro Tip: You can enter the monastery from 08:00-18:00 or 17:00 in winter. Enter the Chapel of the Flagellation which commemorates where the Roman guards put a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head and mocked him as the king of the Jews. Across the courtyard of the monastery compound is the Chapel of the Imposition of the Cross. It is a modern chapel built on the remains of an earlier 11th-century church. The monastery is also home to the Terra Sancta Museum where there is a multimedia show about the Via Dolorosa and a display of archaeological findings. The museum is open Monday to Saturday 09:00-noon, and there is a small entrance fee. (Matthew 27. 27-30)3rd Station of the Cross - Jesus fell for the first time under the weight of the crossAfter making a sharp left onto Al-Wad Street you’ll come to the third station. This is the site of the Polish Biblical Archaeological Museum. You can enter the small Armenian church that marks this station. Above the entrance is a stone relief depicting the scene.Pro Tip:Opposite the third station is one of the few public toilets you’ll find along the route.Stations of the Cross number 3 and 4 in the Jerusalem Armenian Quarter4th Station of the Cross - Mary meets JesusAdjacent to the third station is the place where Jesus met his mother. (Until 2008 this station was commemorated about 25 meters further down the street). See the Armenian Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Spam. Pro Tip: This church is not always open but if it is you can enter and see a Byzantine mosaic with two footprints commemorating where Mary may have stood.5th Station of the Cross - Simon of Cyrene is forced to help Jesus carry the crossThe Romans picked someone out of the crowd, Simon of Cyrene, and ordered him to help Jesus who was by now beaten, tired, and near collapsing. On the wall is a handprint believed to be where Jesus leaned against the wall. The building is not 2000 years old but the piece of stone bearing the handprint is said to be from the original building. The Franciscan Chapel of Simon of Cyrene lies behind the walls, housed in the first Franciscan house in Jerusalem dating back to 1229. (Mark 13:21/Luke 23:26)6th Station of the Cross - Veronica wiped Jesus’ faceVeronica was one of Jesus’ followers, and she saw Jesus going past her house. His face was dirty and bleeding. She came out of her house and wiped his face with a piece of cloth. After he had moved on she discovered that an impression of his face had been left on the cloth. The cloth turned out to have miraculous properties and could cure anyone who touched it. Today it is in the Vatican. The Greek Catholic (Melkite) Church of Saint Veronica stands at this station. A piece of pillar is embedded in the wall of a house that bridges the street.7th Station of the Cross - Jesus fell for the second timeThe chapel that marks this station is usually closed but try the door, and you might get lucky. Inside is an original column from the ancient Roman Cardo Mazimus (the main street) that once ran through Hadrian’s city called Aelia Capitolina. A 13th-century tradition holds that this was where Jesus left the city walls on his way to Calvary that would have stood outside the city at that time.8th Station of the Cross - Here the women of Jerusalem wept for JesusIn Jesus’ lifetime, this spot would have been outside the city walls. As you approach this station you’ll pass the German hospice of Saint John where you can see a Maltese cross on the wall, and you’ll pass the Greek Convent of Saint Charalambos where the wall bears a Latin cross and the words “Jesus Christ conquers” in Greek. (Luke 23:27-31)9th Station of the Cross - Jesus fell for the third timeTo get to the ninth station you need to go back from the eighth station and turn right on to Souq Khan al-Zeit. After about 100 meters on your right will be a flight of stone steps. At the top of the steps turn left along a winding lane and after about 80 meters you’ll find a Roman pillar encased in the wall of the Coptic Patriarchate. (don’t worry there are clear signs and crowds of tourists all going in the same direction). The area is a Coptic compound and is on the roof of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. You will also see where a community of Ethiopian Christians has taken up residence on the rooftop. Pro Tip: At the end of the street to the right is an entrance that will lead you down to the Helene Cistern. It is a real hidden gem, seeped in legends. From here there is a passageway to the courtyard in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.Stations of the Cross inside the Church of the Holy SepulchreThe Stations of the Cross that are inside the church are not marked by plaques but they include the 10th station where Jesus was undressed; the 11th station where Jesus was placed on the cross; the 12th station where Jesus died on the cross; the 13th station where Jewsis was taken down off the cross, and the 14th station where he was placed in the tomb.

The Fourteen Stations of the Cross are points along the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus took through the streets of Jerusalem from his condemnation to crucifixion. Each one of the Stations signifies where a particular event took place. Most of these events are recorded in the Bible depicting how Jesus wore his crown of thorns, carried the heavy wooden cross and made his way through jeering crowds along the streets of Jerusalem. Today pilgrims and tourists can retrace Jesus’ walk along the Via Dolorosa through the modern-day Old City of Jerusalem. The stone-paved streets flanked by stone buildings are very similar to those Jesus would have seen as he followed this route. The Stations of the Cross are marked by plaques, chapels and signs along the way.1st station of the CrossThe first station marks where Jesus was judged and sentenced to death in the Praetorium of Pontius Pilate also known as the Fortress of Antonia located near the Lions’ Gate of the Old City. It was here that Jesus received his crown of thorns. The place of Jesus’ judgment is now in the courtyard of Madrasa al-Omariye school for boys, the oldest school in Jerusalem.2nd Station of the CrossThe second station marks where Jesus took up his cross and recalls his condemnation. The station is located opposite the First Station on the grounds of the Franciscan School for Biblical Studies. There are two small churches at this station, The Chapel of the Flagellation commemorating where Roman soldiers beat Jesus and the Chapel of Judgment commemorating the site where Jesus was sentenced.3rd Station of the CrossThe third station is where Jesus fell for the first time beneath the weight of his cross. This station is not far from the Ecce Homo (Behold the Man), a stone arch that crosses above the Via Dolorosa. It was here that Pilate presented Jesus to the crowds of onlookers. The Third Station is marked by a Polish Catholic church bought by Armenian Catholics based in Poland and paid for by Polish soldiers stationed in Palestine during WWII. Above the church entrance is a relief depicting Jesus stumbling as he carries his cross. This event is not mentioned in the Bible.4th Station of the CrossThe fourth station marks where Mary watched as her son went by. The 19th century Armenian Church of Our Lady marks this station. The church was built partly over the ruins of a Byzantine church and partly over those of a Mameluke bathhouse. Above the entrance to the church is an image of Jesus meeting his mother and inside you can see a beautiful 5th-century floor mosaic and wall paintings. This event is not mentioned in the Bible.5th Station of the CrossAt the fifth station, Roman soldiers instructed Simon of Cyrene to help Jesus carry his cross (Luke 23). By this point, Jesus would have been in agony as he dragged the heavy wooden cross. They were approaching the final ascent up Crucifixion Hill and the soldiers saw that Jesus could no longer manage the cross alone. A small hollow in the stone wall at this station is said to hold the imprint left by Jesus and as he rested on the wall. The stone has been touched by pilgrims over the last 2,000 years making the stone smooth. A small Franciscan chapel built in 1895 at the Fifth Station is marked simply by the Jerusalem Cross and the Franciscan Cross. It was here that the Franciscans made their first home in Jerusalem in 1229.6th Station of the CrossThe sixth station marks where Veronica wiped the face of Jesus with her veil. It is believed that the image of Jesus’ face was impressed on the cloth. This sacred cloth (Sudarium) is housed in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome as a Holy relic. The name “Veronica” may be derived from the Latin – vera icon, meaning true image. Veronica’s home is thought to have been at this point along the Via Dolorosa. Today this station is marked by the Greek Catholic Church of the Holy Face which is part of the Crusader Monastery of St. Cosmos. The chapel was built in 1882 on the remains of a Byzantine monastery. The church ceiling retains its Crusader arches and the church was refurbished in 1953 by architect Antonio Barluzzi.7th Station of the CrossAt the seventh station, Jesus faltered under the weight of the cross for the second time. It is believed that Jesus’ death sentence was posted here. It could also have been where the Gate of Judgment stood and Jesus left the old city walls of Jerusalem on route to Calvary (Golgotha). At the time Golgotha was outside the city walls and crucifixions were not made within the city. Today a Franciscan chapel marks this station and inside you can see a column that stood in ancient Jerusalem’s main street, the Cardo. This event is not in the Bible.8th Station of the CrossThe eighth station is where the “daughters of Jerusalem weep for Jesus” (Luke 23, 27). Jesus paused here to consol the women telling them not to weep for him but rather for themselves and their children. At the time of the crucifixion, this station would have been outside the walls of the city. Today the station is marked by a Greek Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Charalampos. Behind the stone wall at this station is a Greek Orthodox monastery. A small and well-worn emblem carved into the wall is inscribed with the Greek word “Nika” (IC-XC-NI-KA) meaning Jesus Christ conquers. Near to the eighth station is a German hospice and above its entrance is the Maltese cross, an emblem of the Order of St. John.9th Station of the CrossBy the ninth station, Jesus faltered for the third time before his final climb to Golgotha. This is the last station before we enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Nearby is the Coptic Orthodox compound. A cross on a Roman column adjoined to the wall of the Coptic Patriarchate indicates the ninth station. A green door to the left leads to the courtyard in front of the Holy Sepulchre. The small Coptic Church of St. Helen is dedicated to Emperor Constantine’s mother Helena (c.246-c.327 AD). In the 4th century, Helena uncovered and restored several important Christian sites in the Holy Land including the “true cross” discovered where the Holy Sepulchre stands today. Within the church is an ancient underground water cistern discovered by Helen that is said to provide water to the Holy Sepulchre.9th-14th Stations of the CrossToday the last five Stations of the Cross are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a huge basilica constructed to encompass the sacred sites where Jesus was stripped; nailed to the cross; died on the cross; removed from the cross and laid to rest in a cave tomb. A Franciscan chapel to the right of the Sepulchre entrance marks where Jesus was stripped of his clothes. Mark 15, 24 tells us how the Roman soldiers drew lots to see who would get Jesus’ clothing. The tenth station is in a room of the Holy Sepulchre called the Chapel of the Franks. The eleventh station is the place of the crucifixion which would have been on a hill (Golgotha/Calvary) outside the city. Today this site is commemorated by a Franciscan altar behind the wall of the tenth station. Jesus died on the cross at the twelfth station. A Greek altar marks this site. Beneath the altar you can see a silver disk with a hole in the middle marking where the cross would have stood. The thirteenth station is one of the first things you see as you enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The station is marked by a slab of stone (The Stone of Anointment) believed to have been where Jesus was laid out after being removed from the cross. Here he would have been prepared for burial. The Bible tells us that the body of Jesus was wrapped in linen and anointed with oils and spices according to Jewish burial rites.The 14th Station of the Cross - The Tomb of ChristThe Holiest site in Christendom is the Tomb of Christ that lies at the heart of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre within an aedicule at the center of a large rotunda. Within the aedicule is the Chapel of the Angel that holds a small piece of the boulder that closed Christ’s burial cave. The chapel leads into the tomb itself. It was here that Jesus was buried and resurrected three days after his death. This small rectangular structure (Aedicule) marks the end of the Via Dolorosa.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times:Summer (April to September) - 05:00-20:00; winter (October to March) 05:00 - 19:00.Prices:Free!Average Visit Duration:30-60 minutes. A guided Old City tour orChristian tour, might show you around and then let you have free time to explore.Getting There:The church is located in Jerusalem’s Old City between Suq Khan e-Zeit and Christian Quarter Road. You can also enter via the Ethiopian Monastery on the roof. As there is no driving in the Old City you will have to walk from one of the city gates. The closest gates to the church are the New Gate and Damascus Gate, but you can reach it just as easily from the Jaffa Gate or Dung Gate. Once you are in the Old City there are signs leading to the church.Popular Times:To avoid crowds visit in the early morning. The busiest times are during Christian holidays, especially Easter week.Special Events:The Holy Fire Ceremony is celebrated on Easter Saturday. The patriarch enters the aedicule where the Easter Fire is lit and emerges with the fire which is passed from person to person to light their candles. The entire space is filled with people holding candles lit by the Holy Flame.Pro Tip:One of the best-kept secrets is the daily evening procession led by the Franciscans through the church. It passes by the holy sites and is accompanied by Gregorian chants and prayers. The procession starts daily at 16:00.Easter celebrations and prayers take place throughout Passion Week.Church of the Holy Sepulchre Tours -Most Jerusalem guided tours will include a visit to the Holy Sepulchre. Specifically, you could join a Christian tour of Jerusalem or a tour of the Old City.Inside the Church of the Holy SepulchreIf you have time to visit only one church in Israel this should be the one! The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (or Sepulcher, Church of the Anastasia, Church of the Resurrection) is not only the most sacred Christian site, but it is also a magnificent structure with a rich and complex history.How to Visit the Church of the Holy SepulchreYou don’t need to buy a ticket or schedule a visit to the Holy Sepulchre. It is a functioning church where devoted Christians of all denominations come to pray. However the church is in the heart of the Old City, so if you are nervous about getting lost, or taking the wrong turn down one of the narrow lanes, then perhaps join anOld City guided tour.Walking down Via Dolorosa on the way to the Church of the Holy SepulchreYou can reach the Holy Sepulcher Church by following the Via Dolorosa, the route through the Old City taken by Jesus as he carried his cross to Calvary. Along the Via Dolorosa, you’ll encounter the Stations of the Cross (marking points where Jesus stopped along his route).At the 9th Station (the last one before entering the Holy Sepulchre) go into the small chapel and you can go down a few stone steps to a 2000-year-old water pool.At the end of the Via Dolorosa is the church. The last five Stations of the Cross are within the church. Pro Tip: If you are on a guided tour of Jerusalem they will take you onto the roof of the church and down through a fascinating Ethiopian Monastery.History of the Church of the Holy SepulcherThe site of the church was sacred long before the church was built. Back in about 33 AD, the place where the church stands today was outside the city walls. And this is where Jesus was taken to a hill called Calvary or Golgotha to be crucified. He was then laid to rest in a nearby cave, the Tomb of Christ, and from here Jesus was resurrected. Sepulcher means tomb.Church of the Holy SepulchreAnd so, about 300 years later in 325-6 AD when the mother of Christian Roman Emperor Constantine traveled to the Holy Land to locate biblical sites, she came to what was believed to be the place of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.The Emperor’s mother, Helena identified the sacred sites where a temple to the deity Aphrodite had been built by Emperor Hadrian. The land was acquired to build a church to encompass the tomb, the last five Stations of the Cross, and the Calvary.The huge opulent church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the last 1700 years and what we see today dates back mainly to the 12th-century Crusaders.Who Owns the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?The church is controlled by six Christian denominations, which all need to agree on any renovations or changes to the structure. It has not always been a peaceful collaboration, and when they disagree, things simply don’t get done.Pro Tip: As you stand in front of the main entrance, look up and you will see a small wooden ladder on a ledge under a window. It has been called the immovable ladder and has been there since 1728, apparently because the controlling Christian denominations couldn’t agree, and didn’t want to disturb the status quo. To ensure the neutrality of the Holy Sepulchre, the keys to the church are in the hands of a local Muslim family.What to See in the Holy Sepulcher ChurchYou don’t need an agenda when visiting the church, the best way to see it is to walk around soaking up the atmosphere and discovering hidden gems. It is a massive structure covering more than 5000m² so take your time. A classic walk through the church will take you from Calvary (immediately on your right as you enter the church), to the Tomb of Christ with a stop at the Stone of Unction. After seeing Calvary return to the entrance and start moving clockwise around the church.Inside the ChurchPro Tip: One of the church’s hidden gems is the Chapel of Helena. Go past the Chapel of the Derision, and you’ll see a flight of stairs leading down into the chapel. It is located in a 4th-century crypt and owned by the Armenian Church. This is the oldest complete part of the church and one of the church’s two underground chapels. From the chapel, you can access the place where Helena discovered the “True Cross” of Jesus. There is a lot to see, and it can be overwhelming, but here are the essentials.CalvaryAs you enter the church look to your right and you’ll see a small flight of stairs going up to Calvary (to the top of what was once a hill). Today it is a chapel (Greek and Catholic).Stone of AnointingImmediately in front of you as you enter the church is the Stone of Anointing (or Stone of Unction). You’ll recognize it by the oil lamps suspended above it and the multitude of people on their knees kissing the stone. It is believed to have been the stone where Jesus’ body was laid before burial.Rotunda, Aedicule, and Christ’s TombThe Rotunda is a huge, circular area in the church with a highly decorated ceiling. The center of the ceiling is open to the sky where light beams down onto the Aedicule. The Aedicule is the chapel where Christ’s Tomb is located. The tomb itself is surprisingly big, And if the church is holy, then the tomb is the holy of holies.Pro Tip: Visiting the Tomb of Christ is in high demand and you will often have to wait in line. A guardian stands at the entrance and lets people enter for just a few seconds.

Yad Vashem is Israel’s official Holocaust memorial and museum on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem. At the end of World War II, information gradually started to surface about the atrocities of the Holocaust. Leaders in Israel discussed creating a memorial to the massacred Jews of Europe. In 1953, the Israeli government passed a law to establish an Institute dedicated to documenting the six million Jews slaughtered in the Holocaust. The memorial documents the fighters in the ghettos, the partisans in the forests, the soldiers in the allied armies, and the Righteous Among the Nations. When it came to choosing a name for the new memorial museum a Biblical reference was used.The prophet Isaiah tells us that God promised those without children an enduring memorial (in Hebrew: Yad Vashem or literally “a monument and a name”). So for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust without progeny Yad Vashem was chosen as a fitting name for Israel’s Holocaust Museum.Yad Vashem set about the mammoth task of gathering data about Jews that lost their lives during World War II and the survivors. The names of more than 4.3 million Holocaust victims have been recorded by Yad Vashem so far and they continue to discover more information on Holocaust victims and survivors.Many of the names were gathered from the pedantic German records which provide irrefutable proof of the Holocaust. A large quantity of Yad Vashem data is available online including the recently uploaded trial of Adolf Eichmann.The Yad Vashem Grounds, Memorials and MuseumsThe extensive grounds of the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem hold dedicatory monuments, art, and sculptures many created by Holocaust survivors. In the comprehensive museum, you can see screenings of personal video testimonies by Holocaust survivors; authentic artifacts; original documents, and historic photographs. The Hall of Remembrance holds an eternal flame alongside a lead casket of ash taken from the crematoria. One of the most moving memorials on the Yad Vashem grounds is the Children’s Memorial dedicated to 1.5 million Jewish children who lost their lives.The Valley of the Communities is a maze of enormous blocks each recalling a town, village, or shtetl where Jewish life was wiped out. Computerized information about the 5,000 Jewish communities lost in the Holocaust is available at the museum. The Hall of Names takes the form of two large cones – one rising 10 meters and a mirroring cone going into the underground rock. A reflective pool of water lies at the bottom of the lower cone. The surfaces of these two cones are covered with photos and “Pages of Testimony” filled out by Holocaust victims.After walking through the emotionally charged Holocaust Museum visitors exit onto a balcony overlooking the Jerusalem Forest and mountains. This beautiful vista is symbolic of the hope we have for the future.Want to explore Jerusalem's old city and visit the Yad Vashem Museum? Join our Jerusalem Old and New Tourand experience both sides of Jerusalem.

The Dead Sea runs from north to south between Israel on its west bank and Jordan on the east bank. The northern half of the western shore is in the Palestinian West Bank. Located in southern Israel along the Jordan Rift Valley the sea is 50 km (67 km) long and 15 km (18 km) wide at its widest point. The Dead Sea is famed as the Earth’s lowest point. The sea’s elevation is 430.5 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea is the world’s deepest salt lake (hyper saline) and has 34.2% salinity, which is 9.6 times that of the ocean. Due to the high salt content of the water no living creature (not even microscopic aquatic organisms) can live in the sea. This explains the name - “Dead” Sea.The Salt Sea has been admired by man for centuries mainly because of the rich mineral and salt content of the water and surrounding environment. The Sea of Salt is immensely beautiful with milky blue water and shores encrusted by white salt deposits. As far back as Cleopatra man has been making use of the Dead Sea’s minerals for beauty treatments and health remedies. The ancient Egyptians used the Dead Sea for beauty products and they used asphalt from the Dead Sea for the mummification process. Even Aristotle, King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba were aware of the Salt Sea’s value.The Dead Sea in the BibleThe Dead Sea is referred to in the Bible as the “Salt Sea” and has also been called the Sea of Sodom, the Sea of Lot and the Stinking Sea because of the rotten egg odor created by the sulphur in the water. The sea does not play a major role in the Bible but is referred to in Chronicles II 20 and in Ezekiel. Ezekiel predicted that the Salt Sea would one day flow with fresh water and fishermen would be able to cast their nets from shore. Along the shore of the sea are several Biblical locations: the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the desert wilderness where David took refuge and the Biblical city of Jericho lies not far to the northeast of the Dead Sea.The Dead Sea RegionThe Dead Sea nestles at the lowest point of the Jordan Rift Valley surrounded by a mountainous desert landscape. On the western shore of the sea, there are several attractions including Qumran, Ein Gedi and Masada. The Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea but it has no exit point so that the rich minerals build up within the Dead Sea water. Over the years the water level of the sea has dropped dramatically due to harvesting of the salt, human diversion of the Jordan River so that less water reaches the Salt Sea and natural evaporation. The sea is divided into an upper and lower basin by a thin strip of land. The southern basin has been divided into evaporation pools used for extracting salt and minerals.Health and Beauty Benefits of the Dead SeaThe health and beauty benefits can be found in the water, mud, sun and air of the Dead Sea. People suffering from skin disorders are often told to soak in the Dead Sea. Dead Sea beauty treatments make use of the mineral-rich Dead Sea mud dug out of the banks and floor of the Dead Sea. The mud and minerals from the water are used in creams, anti-aging remedies, make-up, face masks and more. The air in the Dead Sea region has a low pollen and allergen content making it ideal for those with respiratory problems. The Dead Sea air is also high in oxygen which is great for overall well-being. As the lowest point on Earth, the distance from the sun means that the sun rays at the Dead Sea contain reduced harmful ultraviolet components. Even the high atmospheric pressure at the Dead Sea has health benefits. The Dead Sea as a whole is said to give people a feeling of well-being.Dead Sea Recreation and TourismDue to the Dead Sea’s high salt content, the water has a thick consistency, similar to oily syrup. This concentration of salt allows people to easily float on the water giving them natural buoyancy. The western shore of the Dead Sea in Israel is lined with beautiful beaches unlike any others you may have seen. There are many beaches providing beach chairs, umbrellas and railings going into the sea to help you get in and out of the water. Some beaches require a fee and others are free public beaches. Along with the beaches, there are waterfront spas offering treatments that use the Dead Sea products. The Dead Sea is home to excellent hotels, most with their own direct access to a Dead Sea beach. The Dead Sea has two main hotel and tourism areas – Neve Zohar and Ein Bokek. In both these areas, you can find excellent hotels and basic amenities.Want to float in the lowest place on earth? Join our Dead Sea Relaxation Tour.

King David’s Tomb is situated on Mount Zion just outside the Old City walls in Jerusalem. Although the authenticity of the site has long been in question it is still a sacred site for Jews, Christians and Muslims. David is an Old Testament hero, King of the Israelites, credited with fighting Goliath; he composed many of the psalms and was father to King Solomon.David’s Tomb stands in the ground-level room of a Crusader-era building. On the second floor of the same building is the Room of the Last Supper. The room holding David’s sarcophagus is used as a synagogue while the Upper Room is visited by Christians in memory of Christ’s Last Supper.David’s Tomb on Mt. ZionThe Crusaders built the present building that holds David’s cenotaph although three of the walls remain from an earlier synagogue-church that was used by Roman and Byzantine-era Jewish Christians. In the 14th century, the Franciscans renovated the structure before being ousted in the 16th century by the Muslims who converted the building into a mosque.Authenticity of the Tomb’s LocationThere has been much discussion of the authentic City of David’s burial site. It was only in the 9th century that Muslims documented the present site of David’s Tomb and in the 10th century pilgrims began visiting Mount Zion as the burial place of David. The Old Testament tells us that David was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. Archaeological excavations place the City of David south of Temple Mount and not on Mount Zion where the present tomb stands. The City of David was the original settlement that grew into Jerusalem. The extensive excavations of the City of David have not uncovered an alternate Tomb of David. Some have thought that David was buried in Bethlehem, a city also referred to as the City of David, but excavations in Bethlehem have not unearthed his tomb. Despite the fact that King David was probably not buried exactly at the present site of the tomb it is still a revered landmark and pilgrimage site for Christians, Jews and Muslims.Join our City of David & Underground Jerusalem Tour to visit king David's tomb.

The Room of the Last Supper (Upper Room; Coenaculum or Cenacle) is the traditional site where Jesus ate his last meal with his disciples. The event took place on the second floor of a building on Mount Zion, Jerusalem. The building we know today as the Cenacle dates back to the Crusader era but archaeological excavations show that houses would have stood here during Jesus lifetime. On the ground level beneath the Room of the Last Supper is the Tomb of King David.The Room of the Last Supper in the BibleThe Bible tells how Jesus and his disciples ate the Passover meal here on the eve of Jesus’ arrest. The New Testament describes other events which occurred in the Cenacle including Jesus washing the disciples’ feet; Jesus’ appearance after his resurrection and the descent of the Holy Ghost to the disciples at Pentecost marking the birth of the Christian church.History of the Room of the Last SupperBeneath the Tomb of David archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine structure destroyed in the 7th century by invading Persians. In the 12th century, Crusaders rebuilt the site. In 1187 the Crusaders left Jerusalem and Franciscans became the Cenacle custodians. The Ottomans arrived in the 16th century and converted the Upper Room into a mosque. Today Jews hold the ground floor Tomb of David sacred and Christians visit the Upper Room.Within the Room of the Last SupperThe rectangular Cenacle has a rib-vaulted ceiling supported by slender freestanding marble columns. The unique column capitals are mostly 12th century or Gothic in style. One scene carved into the capitals depicts a mother bird flanked by two young birds picking at her heart. This symbolizes charity and sacrifice. An Arabic wall inscription from 1524 AD describes how Sultan Suleiman turned the church into a mosque. From the same era, there is a stained-glass window featuring Arabic Koran verses; a Mihrab (prayer niche) and a staircase to the minaret. A stairway (no longer in use) descends to the Tomb of David and is covered by a small dome supported by marble columns.Join our Jerusalem Old City Tourto visit the Room of the Last Supper.

Zion Gate is one of the gate entrances in the Jerusalem Old City walls; the walls were built in 1540 under Turkish leader Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and surround the 1km² Old City. There are eight gateways (the Golden Gate remains closed). Zion Gate is on the southwestern corner of the Old City and gives direct access from Mount Zion to the Old City’s Armenian and Jewish Quarter.The Zion Gate is “L” shaped – you enter through the gateway, make a 90° turn under the stone archway and exit the gateway. This shape was chosen to increase security. The gate has a second floor equipped with defensive installations including a balcony above the entrance where boiling oil could be poured on the attacking enemy. Adjacent to the entrance is a small window in the stone wall with an arrow slit where guards could safely aim at their attackers.Where Did Zion Gate Get Its Name?The Zion Gate is named after Mount Zion which is directly outside the city walls adjacent to the gate. In Arabic, the gate is called Bab el Nebi Daud or “Gate of the Prophet David.” This is probably because King David is buried on Mt. Zion. The gate is also called “Bab Hart el Yahud” or Gate of the Jews, perhaps because it leads to the Jewish Quarter.The Wounded GateThe gate is also called the Wounded Gate as it bears the “scars” of bullet holes from the 1948 Israeli War of Independence. At the time Arab forces held the Old City’s Jewish Quarter under siege. Jewish forces attacked the Jordanian troops guarding the Zion Gate and in the exchange of fire hundreds of bullets left pockmarks in the stone wall around the gate. Although the Jewish fighters succeeded in taking the Jewish Quarter their gain couldn’t be held and they were forced to retreat leaving Jordan to occupy the Old City from 1948 to 1947 when the city was retaken by Israel. For the duration of the Jordanian rule the Zion Gate remained closed.To explore Jerusalem Old City and its gates, join our Jerusalem Old and New Tour.

Within Jerusalem Old City’s Jewish Quarter there is a complex of four Sephardi Synagogues each built at a different time and for different communities. In 1589 the Ottomans closed the Ramban Synagogue leaving Sephardi Jews (Jews from the Iberian Peninsula) with no place of worship. Until the four Sephardi synagogues were constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War the Jewish Quarter fell to the Jordanians. Under Jordanian occupation, the synagogues were left to deteriorate and used as stables. Following the Six Day War in 1967 the synagogues were restored and once again used for prayer.Yochanan ben Zakai SynagogueThis synagogue stands on the site of the Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai Beit Midrash. He was responsible for establishing the Sanhedrin in Yavneh in 70 AD. The building was constructed on land below street level in abidance with the Ottoman law that no Jewish place of worship would be higher than any mosque. The synagogue was the seat of the Chief Sephardi Rabbi during the Ottoman and British eras and was used for the inauguration of the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel.Istanbuli SynagogueIn the 18th century, a group of Turkish Jews began using a building alongside the Yochanan ben Zakai Synagogue as their place of worship. Over the years more Eastern European Jews joined their congregation. A plaque commemorating the restoration of the synagogue in 1836 can be seen at the entrance. It is the largest of the four Sephardi synagogues and today is used by a community of Spanish and Portuguese Jews.Eliyahu Ha’navi SynagogueThis synagogue was constructed in the 16th century and is the oldest of the four synagogues. Today the synagogue is mainly used as a Beit Midrash (place of Torah study). Since the 18th century, the synagogue has been used by an Ashkenazi congregation.Emtsai SynagogueThe Emtsai Synagogue (Middle Synagogue) is the smallest of the four synagogues. Its location at the center of the complex was originally the Yohanan ben Zakai Synagogue courtyard. In the 18th century, the courtyard was given a roof and converted into an official synagogue.

Built in the 16th century by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Dung Gate (in Hebrew ‘Sha’ar Ha’ashpot) is one of seven open gates that provide entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Situated close to the southeast corner of the Old City, southwest of the Temple Mount, for several hundred years it was merely a tiny opening in the wall, but in 1952 it was enlarged by the Jordanians (who controlled the area between 1948 and 1967). After the Old City of Jerusalem was captured by Israel paratroopers in the Six-Day War, it was then renovated.The Dung Gate is known in Arabic as the Mughrabi Gate (Bab al-Magharibeh). The Mughrabis, who came from North Africa (the Maghreb), fought in Saladin’s army and then settled in this neighborhood of Jerusalem. In fact, for hundreds of years, they effectively controlled access to the approach to the Western Wall and forced Jews to pay bribes to visit there.The Dung Gate is also known as the Silwan Gate since it lies in close proximity to the Arab neighborhood of Silwan. Until medieval times, Silwan could be found within the walls of Jerusalem, but once the present walls were built, Silwan was separated from the rest of the city.As for the origin of the word ‘Dung’...well, residents of Jerusalem argue that the gate is so named because of all the scattered rubbish and soil thrown into the valley below, each time Jerusalem was destroyed. Indeed, from the First Temple onwards, it seems all of the ash and remains of sacrifices were taken out of the city via the Dung Gate and then burned in the Kidron Valley. The origin of the gate’s name is also mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah. Today, upon entering the Dung Gate, on your right you will find the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Centre. Here you can gaze upon the ruins of walls, streets, gates, columns and ritual baths (mikve’ot). The entire site is reconstructed to look as it would have done 2000 years ago.Inside the gate, to the west, you can see what is left of the Eastern Cardo Maximus (‘the Cardo’), a busy and bustling thoroughfare from Ancient Roman times. This colonnaded street, which runs across Jerusalem from north to south, was once lined with shops and shopkeepers and served as the economic hub of the city. The Dung Gate is the most convenient of the Old City’s seven gates for visiting the Western Wall.Want to visit the Old City and go through the Dung Gate? Join our Jerusalem Old City Tour.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times:Sunday closed. Monday-Thursday 09:00-17:00; Friday, Saturday, and holidays 10:00-14:00.Prices:Free.Average Visit Duration:30 minutes to 2 hours.Popular Times:Mid-day.If you just want to see the building’s facade, then visit at night when it is beautifully illuminated.Special Events:Special events are sometimes held at Beit Ha’Ir during Jewish national holidays andChristian holidays in Israel.Relevant Tours:Private Tel Aviv tourscould include this museum; If you want to get the most out of Beit Ha’Ir it is highly recommended to see it with a PRO guide.The museum is located at 27 Bialek Street at the northern end of Allenby Street just behind Gan Meir. It's fully accessible, and you can combine your visit with a stop at the adjacent Bialik House or the nearby Bauhaus Museum and Reuben Reuven Museum.Beit Ha’Ir translates as “the city house” or “town hall” and this museum is in the historic Tel Aviv City Hall. The museum focuses on the history of the city, and the building is an attraction in its own right. Welcome to Beit Ha'Ir Museum in Tel Aviv!Beit Ha’Ir is part of the Bialik Complex, a hub of culture and entertainment. In addition to the museum exhibitions, Beit Ha’Ir also hosts special events and debates focused on Tel Aviv.History of Beit Ha’IrThis beautiful building was designed by Moshe Cherner, and built in 1925. Just 38 years previously a group of pioneering Jews had left the walled city of Jaffa to set up a new home, a city that would grow to become Tel Aviv. By the time Beit Ha’Ir was constructed, the British ruled Palestine, and Tel Aviv had become a thriving municipality in need of a city hall. Beit Ha’Ir was originally intended as an apartment hotel and owned by Philip and Isidore Skora. They named the building Beit A. Skoura, but soon after, leased and then sold the building to the municipality to be used as the town hall.Beit Ha'Ir in the late 1930sIt served as city hall from 1928 until 1965 when the mayor Meir Dizengoff had his office and hosted dignitaries in his chamber. Many well-known figures passed through Beit Ha’Ir including Ahad Ha’am, Bialik, and British cabinet ministers. when the municipal headquarters moved to a large building on Rabin Square.The Museum of Tel Aviv History opened in Beit Ha’Ir in 1971, although some of the municipal archives remained on the top floor for several years. In 2003 the building became part of the “White City” a UNESCO-recognized part of Tel Aviv where there is an incredibly high concentration of Bauhaus architecture. Beit Ha’Ir itself is designed in the Bauhaus style. The building was restored and redesigned by architect Mayra Kovalsky to preserve the historic architecture and expand the museum’s exhibition space. The museum was renamed in the summer of 2023 and became the Tel Aviv City Museum.What to See at the Beit Ha’Ir MuseumOn the top floor of the museum is the recreated office of Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff.The rest of the building has an open-plan exhibition space with regularly rotating exhibits that include photographs, videos, and authentic documents to tell the story of Tel Aviv’s history. Beit Hair night lights (Image source: Dana Menaker CC BY-SA 3.0)The exhibits are more of a collection of stories, rather than displays, they are eclectic, and the museum format has been kept flexible. On display is an impression of the original tile floor, the historic staircase, and the study. But don’t expect to see a historic interior, as the inside of the building has been modernized to accommodate the exhibits. Among the displays is the Tel Aviv Time Machine. Take a virtual tour of the city’s history and see archive material including a computerized database.Pro Tip:Enjoy the view from Dizengoff’s office down the length of Bialik Street which is lined with Bauhaus buildings.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times:24/7Prices:FreeAverage Visit Duration:30 minutes to 1 hour.Popular Times:Stop here for lunch, or stroll through the Square at sundown to catch the sunset across one of the best beaches of Tel Aviv. Pro Tip:Israeli summercan be tough and there isn’t any shade, so avoid being in the square at the hottest time of day, which is about 14:00.Special Events: In past years, the Tel Aviv Pride Parade in June has set off from Opera Square.Relevant Tours:This Square can be included in private Tel Aviv tours.The best reason for stopping in Opera Square is because it is between the seafront and the city, perfectly situated close to top attractions and even a short walk fromJaffa. The Opera SquareThe Square lies at the western end of Allenby Street(home to Carmel Market), so it is perfect to either start or finish a walk through the city at Opera Square.Pro Tip:You might hear Opera Square referred to as Herbert Samuel Square (because of the adjacent hotel), Casino Square, or Knesset Square.The Square has undergone renovations in the past few years and today is a stunning pedestrian area framed by tall palm trees and designed with flowing patterns on the paving, cycle paths, and a contemporary pond and fountain. The space faces onto the seafront promenade and the beach beyond.What is There at Opera Square?SeaviewsBenches and seatingExpansive paved spacesCafes, Restaurants, and StoresA fountain and pond Pro Tip: Come back at night when the fountain is lit up.Cycle pathDirect access to the promenade and beach across a small streetWhat there isn’t at Opera Square is opera! Although the name has survived from the original Opera House that stood here, the Israel National Opera Company now performs at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center (19 Sha’ul HaMelech Avenue).Opera TowerToday the Opera Tower is called the Opera Herbert Samuel Hotel, and it is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. This is one of the most interesting buildings along Tel Aviv’s seafront. The modernist structure stands on the site of the old Opera House. The facade arches are a homage to the historical Tel Aviv Opera House.The Opera Square Fountain (Image source: Yehudit Garinkol CC BY 2.5)Before the Opera House, this was the site of the Kesem Cinema built in British Mandate Palestine in 1945. Shortly after that when the State of Israel was declared it became the seat of the Provisional State Council and the newly elected Israeli parliament. By 1950 parliament had moved to Jerusalem, and the building was bought by the municipality and used as the Tel Aviv City Council offices.In 1958, the Opera Friends Circle bought the building and it became the Opera House, which had a rich cultural life until being demolished in 1993 and replaced by the Opera Tower we see today.Pro Tip: Did you know that Placido Domingo spent three years training here in the early 1960s?

Plan Your VisitOpen Times: Open daily, Sunday - Thursday 09:00-16:00, Friday 09:00-13:00, Saturday 10:00-14:00.Prices: Entry to the Ben Gurion House is free but you must book a time slot on the museum website. For those visiting without an organized tour, the museum can provide an audio guide for 10 ILS.Average Visit Duration: 1 hour.Popular Times: The institute is often visited by groups of schoolchildren so it is best to arrive in the afternoon when there are less likely to be large groups of students.Special Events: There are regular workshops, lectures, seminars, and special events, especially during Israeli school holidays.Relevant Tours: Ben Gurion House offers tours for organized groups (schools, clubs, etc). On private Tel Aviv tours, you can opt to include a stop at Ben Gurion House.Ben Gurion House is where Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion lived while in Tel Aviv. The house has been turned into a museum with exhibits highlighting the landmark events in Ben Gurion’s life and the years leading up to the establishment of the State of Israel. Visitors can learn about David Ben Gurion’s vision and his legacy, and see how this humble leader lived.Who Was David Ben Gurion?David Ben-Gurion, born David Grün in Plonsk, Poland in 1886, was a key figure in the establishment of the State of Israel and a prominent Zionist leader. After immigrating to Ottoman Palestine in 1906, he quickly became involved in the Zionist movement.David Ben Gurion speaking at a conversion in 1940Ben-Gurion played a pivotal role in the creation of the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization, to protect Jewish communities from Arab attacks during the tumultuous period leading up to the British Mandate. His political career blossomed as he became a leader in the Jewish Agency, representing Jewish interests in dealings with the British authorities.As the country's first Prime Minister, he oversaw its initial years, facing challenges such as the War of Independence and mass immigration. Ben-Gurion's commitment to building a Jewish state in Eretz Israel shaped the foundations of modern Israel. He later retired from politics in 1953 but returned to serve as Prime Minister in 1955, guiding Israel through significant events such as the Sinai Campaign and the Suez Crisis in 1956. Even after his final resignation in 1963, Ben-Gurion remained an influential figure in Israeli politics and is remembered as a founding father of the nation.The Ben Gurion Museum HouseBen Gurion House was constructed in the 1930s, expanded in 1946, and renovated in 1960. It was the permanent home of the Ben Gurion family from 1931 until Paula and David settled in Sde Boker. After the move, they maintained the house in Tel Aviv to use when they were visiting. A part of the vast library of Ben Gurion's house (Image source: Heritage Conservation Project - Tel-Aviv Pikiwiki Israel CC BY 2.5)Ben Gurion’s former home is an unremarkable structure and was originally part of a workers' neighborhood. It was here in this simple abode that Ben Gurion hosted iconic historic figures such as Golda Meir, Moshe Dayan, Albert Einstein, and J.F. Kennedy. Here Jewish leaders gathered to draft the final version of Israel’s Declaration of Independence.Pro Tip: Ben Gurion left his house and walked to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art on Dizengoff Street to announce Israel’s independence on 13 May 1948. Today the building on Dizengoff Street is no longer an art museum, instead, it is a museum dedicated to the establishment of the Jewish State and is called Independence Hall.The Ben Gurion House MuseumThe house opened to the public in 1974, featuring displays of authentic artifacts that illustrate the landmark moments in Ben Gurion’s life before the establishment of the State of Israel. In addition to the exhibits, Ben Gurion House is used as a cultural and educational center for those wishing to delve deeper into the life of Israel’s first Prime Minister.Pro Tip: If you’re interested in seeing other homes of Ben Gurion visit Julius Jacobs House in Jerusalem and Ben Gurion’s Hut at Kibbutz Sde Boker in the Negev.What To Expect at Ben Gurion HouseFirst Floor: On the first floor is the room of Ben Gurion’s daughter, Renana. During the Suez Crisis in 1956, Ben Gurion set up his war room here, and conducted communications with his Chief of Staff, Moshe Dayan, getting regular updates about the situation.Second Floor: This floor was used only by Ben Gurion and is home to the four-room library, bedroom, and toilet. The library holds Ben Gurion’s extensive collection of over 20,000 books in various languages as well as newspapers, maps, and photographs. One of the library rooms was used as Ben Gurion’s study, and here he sat to write his diary and could receive emergency calls from the Defense Ministry on a direct line.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times:Sunday-Thursday from the morning to evening, and even late into the night depending on the business and vendor. Friday the market closes in the early afternoon in preparation for theIsraeli Shabbat. The time varies according to the length of daylight hours. So in the summer, it stays open later on a Friday afternoon than in the winter. Saturdays the market is completely closed.Prices:Free.Average Visit Duration:1-2 hours.Popular Times:Levinsky Shuk is at its busiest on Thursdays and Fridays.Relevant Tours: A private Tel Aviv guided tour can take you there, and some group tours include the marketas well.Pro Tip: The most comfortable way to reach the market is using Dan Bus No. 24. You'll find the closest ATM in Bank Hapoalim at 69 Levensky Street.Levinsky Market, in the Florentin neighborhood in the heart of Tel Aviv, is one of thebest markets in Tel Avivand one of the oldest in the country 0 yet it has become a hip hang-out for Friday brunch for those seeking something different, with a little more flavor. A kaleidoscope of colors and aromas defines the market's distinct character. Levinsky Market is renowned for its spice shops, delis, and specialty stores offering an array of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delicacies.Spices in the market; the mixture of scents is enchanting!The market has weathered the changing tides of time, witnessing the city's expansion and modernization. Today, Levinsky Market stands as a testament to Tel Aviv's cultural mosaic. However, don’t expect a gentrified array of market stalls and shops. Levinsky Market has a raw feel to it. Many areas will make you feel like you have gone off track and wandered into a deserted industrial area. But don’t give up, hidden gems await behind every corner.Pro Tip:If you want to stay in the heart of Levinsky Market there is the Levinski Market Hotel, a modern, urban haven.What to See and Do at Levinsky MarketEnjoy the mix of old and new, the endlessIsraeli street foodstalls, and the sidewalk cafes great foran Israeli breakfast. You’ll see hipsters enjoying brunch at the cafes on a Friday, at places like Cafe Levinski 41 or Cafelix. And walk amongst crowds of old ladies looking for the perfect parsley on a Thursday when many Israelis do their weekly shop-up.Pro Tip:In the evening the market stalls and stores are closed but the area comes alive with bars andgreat Tel-Avivi restaurants(some are closed on weekends). While you’re in Florentin check out the funkyTel-Avivi street art and graffiti.The street food is awesome!We recommend experiencing the authentic local atmosphere at Ouzeria, a small Greek tavern that overflows onto the sidewalk and stays open for lunch and dinner. Try the Greek-style mezze and ouzo or the mouthwatering homemade pistachio ice cream.Enjoy a coffee and sit-down meal at Mabsuta, Garder Hazahav, Tony ve Ester, Levinsky Pasta Bar, or Caffe Kaymak.Pro Tip:Get the Levinsky Market Bite Card and experience a range of samples from various vendors in the market. This is not a tour, but an experience you can have independently at your own pace. The ticket costs 145 ILS and can be purchased online at the shuttle.History of the Levinsky Market, Tel AvivTel Aviv was still a small, developing city when a group of Jewish immigrants arrived in the 1930s from Thessaloniki, Greece. Together the working-class Greek immigrants settled in southern Tel Aviv in a neighborhood now named after the group’s leader, David Florentin, and his nephew who became the first contractor in the area. The community opened spice stores, and eateries in their neighborhood and it was here that a marketplace grew, where the new immigrants could buy food, and make a living.The Levinsky Market back in 1960 (Image source: Nahshold CC BY-SA 4.0)The Greeks of the Florentin neighborhood were joined by Iranian immigrants after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. They brought with them the flavors, spices, and dishes of their home country. The marketplace grew, offering Greek and Persian food. The stores with bags of nuts and spices at the door stand side by side with luxury stores and gourmet restaurants. Today the range of culinary traditions found in Levinsky Market goes far beyond Greek and Persian offerings.Pro Tip:If you love markets then Tel Aviv has several other must-see “shuks” including Carmel Market, Jaffa Flea Market, and Sarona Market.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times:24/7Prices:FreeAverage Visit Duration:30 minutes to 1 hour.Popular Times:During the evening when shows are about to start or about to finish, the plaza fills with people. Special Events:There are often scheduled events in the Square that are advertised in the media.Relevant Tours:As one of the most iconic destinations in the city, a walking tour of Tel Aviv will probably include Habima Square. You can also add this attraction to Private Tel Aviv tours.This public space is the hub of Tel Aviv’s cultural scene. It is a large open plaza, but you’ll see theaters, restaurants, and concert halls in every direction you look. Habima Square gardenNot only that but the Square is often used as the venue for special events. You’ll find Habima Square at the intersection of Tel Aviv's two most important streets, Dizengoff Street and Rothschild Boulevard. It is a place to meet, to hang out, and to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.The Square features a sunken garden where local trees and vegetation have been planted such as lavender, almond trees, and cacti. If you visitTel Aviv with kids, theycan play and you can sit while watching buskers entertain the crowds. Different parts of the Square have different atmospheres, some corners are quiet while other places are dynamic and busy. There is a peaceful water basin, benches, statues, and of course the magnificent architecture that surrounds the Square.Habima Theater building, on the western side of the square (Image source: xiquinhosilva CC BY 2.0)You’ll know you’ve reached Habima Square when you see a sculpture of three giant steel discs balancing one on top of the other at an angle, and reaching upwards. This iconic sculpture was created by Menashe Kadishman, and completed in 1976. It was meant to represent the economic instability at the time.History of Habima SquareThe idea for a cultural plaza was part of the original plan for Tel Aviv, laid out by Patrick Geddes in the late 1920s. When the Habima Theater was constructed in the early 1940s, the Square was a natural continuation of the cultural space next to the theater. Slowly other cultural venues were built in the vicinity.Pro Tip:At the time of writing, parking in the parking lot underneath the Square costs 32 ILS for 2 hours. There is an elevator directly from the parking lot to the Square.Habima Square at night (Image source: Oren Rozen CC BY-SA 3.0)Habima Square, as we see it today, was designed by the Israeli artist Dani Karavan and completed in 2010 together with the underground parking. Several of the Square features pay homage to the early landscape of this area, such as the sandboxes where kids play that represent the dunes, and the sunken garden that represents the vegetation that once covered the ground.Pro Tip:The name Habima means “the stage”, and it is sometimes also called “The Orchestra Plaza”.Cultural Institutions Around Habima SquareHabima:Israel’s National TheaterCultural Palace(Heichal HaTarbut): Was formerly named Mann Auditorium, and is today known as Charles Bronfman Auditorium. The venue is home to the Philharmonic Orchestra of Israel and is the largest concert hall in Tel Aviv.Eyal Ofer Pavilion for Contemporary Art:Formerly the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion for Contemporary Art. One of the most important art museums in the country.If you’re interested in architecture, and the buildings of Tel Aviv’sWhite City,then take a look around Habima Square where several of the structures are in the international style.Cultural attractions nearby include:Joseph Bau House Museum, 5min walkTzavta Theater, 6 min walkTel Aviv Cinematheque, 8min walkSarona Center, 11 min walkCameri Theater, 13 min walkWhat Happens at Habima Square?Often nothing happens at Habima Square at all. People come and go crossing the Square to get to where they’re going, locals stop to eat their lunch in the sun and then move on, and theatergoers park their cars in the underground parking beneath the Square then ascend to find their venue.Over the last few years the plaza has been the focal point for public events such as the housing protest in 2011, the opening ceremony of the 2019Eurovision, and in 2023-24, tens of thousands of Israelis gathered here to rally for the return of hostages.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times: The square is open to the public 24/7 and the attractions and restaurants here each have their open hours.Prices: Entrance to the square is free.Average Visit Duration: About 30 minutes.Popular Times: Kedumim Square is charming at any time of day, visit at lunchtime to enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants, or visit at night when the square is beautifully lit up.Special Events: In the summertime (July-August) the municipality provides free entertainment in the square. The square is the main hub of the Jaffa Nights Festival during the summer months.Relevant Tours: Several Tel Aviv tours and Jaffa-centric experiences such as a Jaffa walking tour will stop at Kedumim Square.Kedumim Square or Kikar Kedumim, (literally translated as Antiquities Square) is in the heart of Old Jaffa, and the perfect place to start exploring this ancient port city. You can’t miss Kedumim Square even if you try, as the city’s top attractions surround it. The Kedumin Square (Image source: Mattes)It is an essential stop for anyone looking for attractions in Jaffa as this is where you’ll find the Jaffa Visitors Center. Beneath the square are archaeological excavations that can be seen at the museum in the Visitors Center. The surrounding buildings are built of beautiful pale sandstone. You’ll find art galleries, restaurants, cafes, souvenir stores, and boutiques here. This is the place to come if you just want to hang out and soak up the atmosphere, or if you want to visit all the top attractions.How to find the Kedumim Square? You’ll enter Jaffa from Tel Aviv, along Yefet Street where you’ll see the city’s most famous landmark, the Ottoman Clock Tower. The Old City of Jaffa and Kedumim Square are west of the Clock Tower. It is easy to explore Jaffa on foot, and if you turn right just after the clock tower you’ll arrive in the Old City. Pro Tip: If you turned left you’d end up in the Jaffa Flea Market which is also worth visiting. If you take Mifratz Shlomo Street it is a 7-minute walk to the square, and you’ll pass the Mahmoudiya Mosque. Alternatively, keep going along Yefet Street a little further before turning right on Louis Pasteur Street. This route is a 13-minute walk to the Old City. Things to See and Do in Kedumim Square, JaffaZodiac FountainIn 2011 artists Varda Ghivoly, Ilan Gelber, and Navot Gil created this fun fountain. It features the twelve zodiac signs carved out of chalkstone.The Zodiac FountainAt night the Zodiac Fountain is lit up bringing the zodiac characters to life. Legend has it that it is a magic wishing well, and if you throw a coin in and make a wish it will come true.Kedumim Visitor Center JaffaYour most important stop in Kedumim Square is the Visitors Center which also houses the Jaffa Museum known as Jaffa Tales. The staff is accommodating providing information about the city’s attractions, and selling tours, and maps. The information about Jaffa is available in Russian, German, English, Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, and French.Jaffa Tales MuseumThe museum is accessed via the Visitor Center and offers a multi-media glimpse into 5,000 years of Jaffa history. At the museum, visitors walk along walkways through the archaeological excavations beneath Kedumim Square. The museum also known as Jaffa Tales takes you on a journey back in time using genuine archaeological artifacts, animated displays, and holograms of historical figures who tell their story. The two video presentations at the museum are available in Hebrew, Arabic, French<, German, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Note that entrance is by prior arrangement.Attractions Within 3 Minutes of Kedumim SquareThe Wishing BridgeJust one minute from Kedumim Square is the famous Wishing Bridge, it features twelve bronze plaques, each with a zodiac sign. Yes, you may have noticed Jaffa has fountains, streets, statues, and bridges with an astrological theme.The Wishing BridgeSaint Peter’s ChurchThis impressive church is named after Saint Peter who spent time in Jaffa. It was here that he brought Tabitha back to life. The St. Peter’s Churchis reminiscent of a European basilica and has a stunning interior.St. Peter's ChurchZodiac LanesFrom Kedumim Square there is a network of narrow stone alleys named after the zodiac signs that lead down to the old port. The lanes are quaint with brightly colored doorways dripping with vines and bougainvillea, perfect for Instagram shots. On the way, you’ll pass several art galleries and boutique stores. Pro Tip: One of the most famous galleries here is the Ilana Goor Museum on Mazal Dagim Street (Gemini Street).The PromenadeFrom Kedumim Square continue north in the direction of Tel Aviv and follow the upper promenade that offers spectacular views of the coastline.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times:Sunday-Thursday 10:00-16:00, Friday 10:00-14:00, Saturday 10:00-18:00 Pro Tip: Phone ahead, as their hours vary.Prices: FreeAverage Visit Duration: 1 hour.Popular Times: Saturdays.Special Events: The place has regular temporary exhibitions, and special events during national school holiday periods.Relevant Tours:Private Tel Aviv tours can take you there. For temporary exhibitions, there are often talks with the artists and guided tours at noon on Fridays. If you are visiting without an organized tour call ahead as the museum is often closed for special group visits and events.Jaffa Museum of Antiquities explores the history of Jaffa through a wide range of exhibits from archaeological treasures to contemporary artwork by local artists. Jaffa was an ancient port city that welcomed pilgrims, armies, merchants, and immigrants. The Jaffa Museum (Image source: Ori CC BY-SA 2.0)Many regimes, religions, and cultures made their way through Jaffa leaving their mark. At the museum, you can learn about the endless succession of civilizations that inhabited Jaffa, going back thousands of years, including the Canaanites, Egyptians, Persians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and British. The museum exhibits change regularly with new and exciting additions as the city continues to grow and new archaeological finds are made.Pro Tip:If you’re asking for directions you might need to say you’re looking for the Old Saraya House, the Jaffa Museum, or the Antiquities Museum. On Google Maps, search for “Jaffa Museum”.The Jaffa Museum Building - Al-SarayaIn addition to the museum exhibits, the building itself is worth seeing. The structure houses the museum and an Arab-Hebrew Theater. Jaffa Museum of Antiquities is housed in an 11th-century Crusader fortress which has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The present version of the museum building dates back to the 18th century and the Ottoman Empire when it was called Al-Saraya al-Atika and served as an administrative office for the municipality, and later as the post office, and a prison. On a visit to the museum, you can explore the building and see architectural features from the Crusader and Ottoman periods, such as the Crusader colonnaded halls and vaulted ceilings.Some of the exhibits, findings and projects of the Jaffa Museum (Images: The official website of the Israeli Antiquities Authority)Pro Tip:You may hear the building referred to as the “Old Saraya”, as there are two buildings in Jaffa called Saraya. The museum building or Old Saraya, and a second Saraya building, or “New Saraya” that was built to replace the original Saraya building as the Ottoman government offices. It is located at al-Qibla, around Clock Tower Square.In 1733 a local Christian family headed by Hanna Dawud Damiani bought part of the building and converted it into a soap factory that became the largest soap factory in Palestine. The soap factory was abandoned during the War of Independence in 1948 and remained unoccupied and neglected until it was restored for the opening of the museum.Highlights of Jaffa Museum of Antiquities8th-century transcription of Sennacherib, King of Assyria.Personal and household items that belonged to a Jewish family living in Jaffa during the Roman era, about 2000 years ago.Bronze Age pottery was discovered in Jaffa.Roman and Byzantine-era glasswareStone ossuaries from the Herodian and Roman periods.Contemporary art.Know Before You GoLocated at 10 Mifratz Shlomo Street, Jaffa the museum is surrounded by gardens, stone pathways, and other historic landmarks and attractions such as the Hamam.The museum is fully accessible, and there is parking nearby.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times: Sunday-Tuesday closed. Wednesday-Thursday 10:00-16:00; Friday 10:00-14:00, and Saturday 10:00-18:00. Prices: Regular price: 50 ILS; people with disabilities, students, and residents of Tel Aviv-Jaffa 40 ILS, and senior citizens (Israeli and foreign) 25 ILS. Entrance is free for museum members, visitors under 18 years old; journalists, escorts of disabled persons, tour guides, and recruited army reservists (order 8). You need to show your relevant valid certificate or ID for the discount. The entrance fee provides a one-time entry to the museum. Pro Tip: If you have a Guggenheim Artpass, The Cultivist, or Sotheby’s Preferred membership entrance is free.Average Visit Duration: 1-3 hoursPopular Times: Mid-day. Pro Tip: Last entry one hour before closing time.Special Events: The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions, family events, activities, workshops, guided tours, and Friday cinema. See the museum website for a calendar of upcoming events. Relevant Tours: Take a private Tel Aviv tour and see this popular attraction with a guide. If you're a true lover of art, try a Tel Aviv Graffiti tour as well.A visit to Tel Aviv is incomplete without a stop at the Tel Aviv Art Museum. It is one of the most important art museums in the country and holds a superb collection of contemporary and modern art from Israel and abroad. Enjoy grand art in Tel Aviv!The art ranges from well-known pieces to experimental works. The exhibits range from visual arts and design to architecture and installations. You don’t have to be an art-lover to enjoy this museum as the exhibits will surprise and delight visitors of all ages and artistic inclinations.History of the Tel Aviv Museum of ArtThis was Israel’s first art museum, established by Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff in 1932. It was part of his plan to turn Tel Aviv into a cultural hub, and he used his connections to gather donations of artwork to display in the new museum. Dizengoff let the lower level of his private residence become the museum’s first home and he continued to live on the upper floor of the house. When Dizengoff passed away in 1936 he bequeathed the museum to the Tel Aviv municipality with the request that it remain a museum.From its initial opening, the museum boasted an impressive collection of pieces by artists such as Chagall, Modigliani, and Reuven Rubin. The museum was a great success and continued to add valuable works to the collection.Artwork in the MuseumIn 1948, Israel’s independence was declared in the presence of Ben Gurion at the museum building. Pro Tip: Delve into this part of Israel’s history with a visit to the original museum building, now Independence Hall at 16 Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv.With the establishment of the State of Israel, the museum moved from its temporary home into the purpose-built Helena Rubinstein Pavilion in 1959. Soon it became clear that the building was not big enough to house the growing collection. So a new museum building was constructed on Shaul Hamelech Boulevard.In 2011, the Herta and Paul Amir Building was inaugurated alongside the main museum building on Shaul Hamelech Boulevard. It more than doubled the museum space and now workshops, gatherings, events, and a family gallery could be accommodated. Now with over a million visitors a year, and international recognition the museum is among the top hundred visited museums in the world. Pro Tip: The Helena Rubinstein Pavilion was renamed the Eyal Ofer Pavilion and was completely renovated in 2023.What to See at the Tel Aviv Museum of ArtThe categories of artwork on display include Israeli art; contemporary art; modern art; drawings; prints; photography; design; architecture, and 16th-19th century European art.See works by Gustav Klimt, Lichtenstein, Kandinsky, van Gogh, Maurycy Gottlieb, Jackson Pollock, Pissarro, Monet, Samuel Hirzenberg, Joan Miro, Picasso, and Henry Moore. Pro Tip: The museum also has an extensive art library.The Buildings of the Tel Aviv Museum of ArtThe Tel Aviv Museum of Art has three buildings, spread across two campuses - one on Shaul Hamelech Boulevard and the other on Tarset Avenue.Tel Aviv Museum of Art, main building also known as the Paulson Family Foundation Building at 27 Shaul Hamelech Boulevard. Home to the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The designers of the museum were chosen through a competition won by architects Dan Eitan and Itzhak Yashar. They designed the building in the Israeli Brutalist style, inspired by the architecture of public structures in Tel Aviv from the 1950s to 70s. The interior has a spiral design of four galleries surrounding a tall open central atrium. The galleries are minimalistic and painted white so there are no distractions from the artwork on display. This museum building is home to temporary exhibitions, the Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Experimental Center, sculpture gardens, restaurants, a gift store, a visitor center, and more.The Museum buildingHerta and Paul Amir Building, adjacent to the main building on Shaul Hamelech Boulevard. The building is a work of art in its own right and exhibits Israeli art, photography, visual arts, and temporary exhibitions. This is the most recent addition to the museum. The building was designed by Prof. Preston Scott Cohen in collaboration with Amit Nemlich. The exterior has a striking appearance, made of 465 panels of polished concrete set at angles to resemble an Origami-like surface. Inside the gallery space is around a central “light fall” atrium with a vertical space under a skylight that lets in natural light. There are five floors, three below ground level.Eyal Ofer Pavilion (former Helena Rubinstein Pavilion) located on Tarset Avenue, was designed by Zeev Rechter, Yacov Rechter, and Dov Karmi, and was inaugurated in 1959.What Facilities Are There at the Museum?Fully accessible, including ramps, adapted restrooms, free wheelchair rental, hearing-aid systems, and accessible parking.Food and drinks: Grab something to eat at the museum’s Studio Cafe or Pastel restaurant in the main building, or enjoy the Helena contemporary wine bar at the Eyal Ofer Pavilion.Cloakroom service (5 ILS deposit)Pro Tip: Both of the museum locations are conveniently located minutes from iconic cultural buildings. On Shaul Hamelech Boulevard you’ll be near the Israeli Opera House and the Cameri Theater, and at the Eyal Ofer Pavilion on Tarsat Avenue, you’ll be alongside Israel’s national theater, Habima, and the Charles Bronfman Auditorium.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times: Sunday closed. Monday, Wednesday 10:00-16:00; Tuesday, Thursday 10:00-20:00; Friday 10:00-14:00, and Saturday 10:00-18:00. Pro Tip: The closest railway station is Tel Aviv University Station. Prices: Regular price: 52 ILS. Adult Tel Aviv residents 42 ILS. Students 35 ILS. Soldiers, police, and senior citizens 26 ILS. Entrance is free for visitors under 18 years old, people with disabilities, and escorts of people with disabilities. You need to show your relevant valid certificate or ID for the discount or free entry. Pro Tip: The planetarium is not included in the entrance fee and requires an additional 15 ILS. There is paid parking near the museum at 25 ILS, and parking is free for people with disabilities.Average Visit Duration: 3 hours. Popular Times: Mid-day. Special Events: The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions, lectures, festivals, and special events. In particular, there are special family-friendly festivals during Jewish holidays. Check out the museum website for a calendar of upcoming events. Relevant Tours: Private Tel Aviv tours will take you there. If you like History, go for a Tel Aviv walking tour, and if Art is your main interest - don't miss thisTel Aviv Graffiti tour.You can’t find a museum in Israel more diverse than the Eretz Israel Museum (Israel Land Museum). The overall theme is anything to do with the land and people of Israel, past and present, and this covers a lot of ground from indigenous plants and the postal system to archaeological finds and artwork.A Greek art archeology exhibition in the museumEretz Israel Museum (MUZA) has a permanent collection categorized under ethnography, folklore, local history, photography, and contemporary Israeli art.The museum’s location, close to the Yarkon River, Tel Aviv University, and Ramat Aviv (a northern suburb of Tel Aviv) has allowed MUZA to spread over expansive grounds without the encroachment of city buildings.History of the Eretz Israel Museum, Tel AvivMUZA was established in 1958 on a large plot of land in north Tel Aviv and it was designed by Werner Joseph Wittkower. The location was not selected randomly, it covers the site of the first archaeological tell (archaeological mound) excavated in the State of Israel. This was seen to represent the country’s roots and deep connection with the Land of Israel. It was originally called the Haaretz Museum.Visitors in the Museum (Image source: Talmoryair)One of the motivations for creating the museum was to house the glass collection of Dr. Walter Moses, a German immigrant to Israel and an antique collector. The glasswork and artwork he collected reflected the region of Israel over millennia. Moses died before the museum was complete so he never saw his vision become a reality. In 2015 the museum was rebranded and emerged as MUZA, Eretz Israel Museum.MUZA Museum LayoutSome museums like this one require some careful navigation to find your way around all of the exhibitions. The museum consists of pavilions set in gardens where there are several other points of interest. Each of the pavilions has a unique layout and structure which is intended to reflect the theme of the collection it holds. For example, there is the Glass Pavilion, the Ceramics Pavilion, and the Man and His Work Center. The pavilions house the permanent exhibitions, as well as “white cube” spaces where temporary exhibits are on display.The Eretz Israel Museum ComplexThe most impressive thing about MUZA is the grounds. Visitors can walk among gardens, rockeries, and archaeological excavations including the remains of an ancient settlement dating back 3,000 years. See ancient mosaic floors brought here from around the country and set among the gardens. There is also a display of olive presses, wine presses, and a reconstructed flour mill.Pro Tip: Combine your visit to MUZA with a visit to the nearby ANU Museum for a glimpse into the Jewish communities around the world past and present.Permanent Exhibitions at the Eretz Israel MuseumThe Ceramics Pavilion: See ceramics from several periods in Israel’s ancient history, the products, tools, and materials. Learn about the discovery of clay, pottery methods, decoration methods, plus art and ritual in ceramics.The Glass Pavilion:See Dr. Walter Moses’ original glass collection that takes you on a journey through thousands of years in the region. See glassware from as early as the 15th-1st centuries BC and learn about glass blowing through the ages.Interesting creation in the Glass PavilionThe Kadman Numismatic Pavilion:See coins from every era in the region’s history. The coins tell the story of monetary exchange through the ages, until the present day.The Nehushtan Pavilion:Thousands of years ago copper was discovered in Israel, and this pavilion focuses on the ancient smelting furnaces and copper history in Southern Israel, specifically Timna. There are displays of tools, discoveries of copper, and information about the daily life of copper workers in the area.The Man and His Work Center:Learn about local materials and how they were used for arts and crafts in the region. See tools, weaving, installations, and video presentations.The Ethnography and Folklore Pavilion:A collection of Judaica, contemporary art, and socially significant items.Special ceramic creations, designed to appear like ancient sarcophagiThe Alexander Pavilion of Postal History and Philately: A fun exhibit for children with a mail truck from 1949, a collection of telephones, mailboxes, and printing presses.Israel Photography House: Historic photos giving a glimpse into everyday life and culture in Israel over the years.Eretz Israel Museum GroundsCrafts ArcadeAlongside the Man and His Work Pavilion is a recreated ancient artisans’ market. Eleven stone domes cover recreated traditional workshops together with artisan tools and materials. Included are a blacksmith, carpenter, cobbler, potter, weaver, baker, and several other traditional craft workshops.The Bread CourtAlongside the Crafts Arcade is a recreated ancient threshing floor where grain would be separated from the husk. The tools involved in this particular historic agricultural process are on display.Reconstructed Copper MineAt the entrance to the Nehushtan Pavilion is a reconstructed ancient copper mine from the 5th-2nd millennium BC.PlanetariumAfter a stroll through the museum grounds, you’ll reach the planetarium. Visitors aged 5 and above can enjoy a half-hour show. The shows occur during Israeli school holidays and on Saturdays throughout the day at regular intervals. Entrance to the planetarium requires a museum entrance ticket, plus an additional 15 ILS. Pro Tip: The shows are visually entertaining but they are in Hebrew.The Tel Aviv Planetarium (Image source: Ori CC BY-SA 3.0)The MUZA Park is the latest addition to the museum. The park (which will eventually be about 9,000 sq. meters) is open to the public free of charge. The first phase of the park was opened in September 2023, and it will gradually expand to include a larger area. Visitors can enjoy a pond, reconstructed Olive Press, Flour Mill, the Planetarium, Sundial Square, and archaeological remains. Some of the park’s attractions require an admission fee. MUZA Park is open from 08:00-18:00.What Facilities Are There at the Museum?Food and drinks: Cafe Artsi is located at the entrance to the museum and offers a sophisticated menu of light meals and snacks.Left Luggage: There are lockers at the entrance to the museum that are free of charge.Mobility: Scooters and wheelchairs are available for visitors with mobility issues. There are several elevators both indoors and outdoors as well as tactile warning surfaces, handrails, and orientation stations with enlarged maps of the museum. Most of the museum is wheelchair-accessible and ushers are on hand to help where needed. The Better app makes the museum content accessible to the hard of hearing and there are audio devices at the entrance to the museum.

Israel, a land steeped in ancient biblical history, has endured centuries of warfare and strife. Throughout the ages, armies fought over this sacred land, leaving a legacy of military valor and sacrifice. However, in the present day, Israel stands as a peace-loving nation, embracing its past while striving for a future built on harmony and understanding. For those intrigued by military history, Israel offers a fascinating array of museums that vividly showcase its captivating past. Here, we present the seven best military history museums in Israel that provide a captivating glimpse into the nation's tumultuous history.1. Yad LaShiryon Tank Museum, LatrunLocated near Jerusalem, the Yad LaShiryon Tank Museum is a great repository of armored warfare. With an impressive collection of tanks and armored vehicles that is one of the largest in the world, the museum allows visitors to trace the evolution of Israel's armored forces from their early days to modern times.Yad LaShiryon Tank Museum. (Image source: Ricardo Tulio Gandelman CC BY 2.0) Engaging exhibits, informative displays, and knowledgeable guides provide a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role tanks have played in Israel's defense. Don't miss this museum if you're traveling with the kids on a family vacation in Israel, and looking for great attractions near Jerusalem: most of the tanks are free to climb on.2. Israeli Navy Museum, HaifaSituated in the vibrant city of Haifa, the Israeli Navy Museum offers a captivating maritime experience. Nestled aboard the INS Mivtach, a decommissioned warship, the museum showcases Israel's naval history.The Israel Navy Museum and yes, that really is an Attack Submarine you're seeing there Visitors can explore the ship's decks, immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, and learn about the heroic naval campaigns that shaped Israel's maritime prowess. The museum's picturesque location provides stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, adding to the enchanting experience. If you want to see more of the area, check out these guided tours in northern Israel.3. Israeli Air Force Museum, HatzerimThe Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim, near Beersheba, is an absolute must-visit for aviation enthusiasts. This vast museum boasts an impressive collection of aircraft, helicopters, and missiles, representing Israel's aerial heritage.Fighters, bombers, helos, and yes - that's an Israeli F15 (Image source: The official IAF Museum gallery on Google Maps)Exhibits highlight significant milestones in the Israeli Air Force's history, including daring missions, technological advancements, and the brave men and women who served. From vintage aircraft like the American P-51 Mustang to cutting-edge fighter jets like F-15s and The amazing Lavi, this museum offers a remarkable journey through the skies. This attraction can be reached on the way to other famous tourist hot spots in southern Israel: you can also visit the Dead Seaor take a guided tour in Masada.4. Etzel Museum, Tel AvivThe Etzel Museum pays homage to the pre-state underground organization that fought for Jewish independence. The museum chronicles the struggles and triumphs of this paramilitary group through compelling artifacts, personal accounts, and multimedia presentations.The Etzel Museum in Tel Aviv, near Jaffa Exploring the Etzel Museum provides a deeper understanding of the complex fight for Israel's establishment and the courage displayed by those who sought to secure the nation's future. If you're interested in the military history of the city itself, you take a Jaffa walking tour and learn about its conquerors from ancienttimes to the 20th century.5. Hagana Museum, Tel AvivSituated in the heart of the city, the Hagana Museum commemorates the activities of the Hagana, a Jewish defense organization during the British Mandate period. One of the main exhibitions in the Hagana Museum (Image source: The official Hagana Museum website)This organization was the cradle of the IDF, and many of its tactics and creative methods were embedded within the famous Israeli Army. Through captivating exhibits and multimedia installations, the museum delves into the Hagana's clandestine operations, intelligence gathering, and military training.6. Ghetto Fighters' House Museum,Kibbutz Lohamei HagetaotLocated in Kibbutz Lohamei HaGeta'ot at the Western Galilee, the Ghetto Fighters' House Museum is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Holocaust survivors. Dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and Jewish resistance, the museum presents a poignant portrayal of the atrocities of World War II.A model of the Treblinka Death Camp in theGhetto Fighters' House Museum (Image source: The official Ghetto Fighters' House Museum website) Visitors can explore exhibitions, view personal artifacts, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the resilience and bravery displayed by those who endured and fought against the Nazi regime.7. The Palmach Museum, Tel AvivTucked away in Tel Aviv, the Palmach Museum immerses visitors in the gripping story of the Palmach, the elite Jewish underground organization that operated before the establishment of the State of Israel.An old Radio device, used by Palmach warriors (Image source: Oshra Dayan CC BY 2.5) While the museum focuses on local history, visitors can appreciate the shared military legacy between the United States and Israel, symbolized by the spirit of cooperation and support during Israel's formative years.As you can see, Israel's military history museums offer a captivating journey through time, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices that have shaped the nation. If you want to learn more about how struggle and strife molded the country of Israel over the ages, we suggest you take a PRO private tour around Jerusalem, A special private tour of the Golan Heights, and remember to ask your guide to emphasize military history.*Main image attribution:Major Ofer, Israeli Air Force CC BY 4.0

So you’re thinking of being a digital nomad in Israel? Every digital nomad will need to ask themselves a few key questions about cost, safety, WiFi access, cultural differences, and general quality of life in their new ‘temporary home’ before they book their flight ticket. Digital nomads who visit Israel for the first time can testify: It's easier than in Europe! most nationalities receive a free 90-day visa on arrival, English is widely spoken (as well as French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish) and the country’s incredibly diverse population and unusual places to hang your hat means that a working holiday in the holy land has never been more simple to organize.Israel is a great spot for Digital Nomads; keep reading and learn why!Below we’ll try and answer some of your questions before you arrive, what we think are the best cities in Israel for digital nomads, as well as a few tips on what to do when you’ve finished your work and are looking for some fun!Is Israel safe?Although you might not think so on reading the news, Israel’s actually an extremely safe country to travel and work in. The crime rate is very low, the streets are very safe to walk at night and women travelling alone here will feel very comfortable.A local co-working spaceOf course, periodically there are ‘flare-ups’ but most of these happen in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, so the chances are you’ll be far removed from trouble. Moreover, Israelis are hospitable and helpful and love to meet strangers, so the chances are that if you do have a difficult experience, it will be ‘offset’ by kindness and generosity.Is Israel Cheap?We have to be honest, Israel is not a cheap destination, and while a short 2-day trip to Tel Aviv won't be expensive, living there is another story. However, once you’ve shelled out for accommodation, you can keep your budget down by buying produce at local markets, eating Israeli street food,and enjoying all kinds of cheap or free activities (hiking, cycling, beach outings).The food is great, and the people are laid-backThe country is jammed full of national parks, nature reserves, ancient fortresses, holy sites, fantastic Israeli Museums, and galleries, many of which cost little or nothing to enter. So if you budget accordingly, working remotely in Israel won’t be as eye-wateringly expensive as some people tell you.What are the best cities in Israel to be a Digital Nomad?Israel’s a small country with an enormous amount going on, but if we had to choose five cities in which we think you could enjoy yourself, these are it…Digital Nomads In Tel AvivVibrant, dynamic, international, buzzy, and 24/7 - these are some of the words visitors use after they’ve spent time in Tel Aviv, aka the Non-Stop City. The lovely port of Jaffa is just a short ride from the city centerFrom beaches and boutique stores to Bauhaus architecture and some top restaurants, Tel Aviv is a place it’s hard not to fall in love with. There are so many charming neighborhoods to base yourself in - including Neve Tzedek, Kerem Hateimanim (the Yemenite Quarter), and Florentin - that you; 'll soon feel like a local.What to do in your free time:Wander in ancient Jaffa, rummage in the flea market, stroll through the artist's quarter, and sit at the port, staring out at the beautiful blue sea. There are some great guided walking tours in Jaffa you can take to learn what's where and discover the city's awesome history. Take a food tour in Carmel Market, wander around Rothschild Boulevard (full of Bauhaus buildings), and enjoy a cocktail at one of the city’s most fashionable bars.Spend time at Tel Aviv’s pristine beaches - with white sand and clear water, they’re perfect for sunbathing, watching sunsets, and walking on at night. Check out this guide to find the best beaches in Tel Aviv.Digital Nomads In JerusalemEvocative, mysterious, beautiful, sacred, magical - Jerusalem has beguiled visitors for as long as we can imagine and that’s not going to change any time soon. Visit the walls of JerusalemThe capital of Israel, and home to three major world religions, there’s no place like it - stay in hipster Nachlaot, trendy Emek Refaim, or the historic German Colony, and either walk downtown or jump on the Jerusalem light railway.What to do in your free time: truly, you are spoilt for choice!Explore the 2000-year-old Old City (home to three world religions and sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock and Western Wall)Visit the world-famous Israel Museum, Yad Vashem Holocaust Monument, Ein Kerem, and Yemin Mosheneighborhoods, and head to the lively Mahane Yehuda market for street food and beer.Take a day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea - marvel at the views of the Judean desert from atop an ancient Herodian fortress then chill out and float in waters so salty no living thing can survive there.Digital Nomads In HaifaThe capital of Israel’s north, Haifa is a big hidden gem - it doesn’t have the glamour of Tel Aviv or the notoriety of Jerusalem but it’s beautiful, charming, historic, and also a much cheaper place to stay in Israel than other big cities.The Bahai Gardens of HaifaLook for a place in Wadi NisNas (a Christian-Arab neighborhood, famous for its falafel joints), the German Colony (established by Templars), or Ahuza (with many students and English speakers). Built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, it’s a safe and green city, with wonderful views of the Mediterranean.What to do in your free time:Enjoy the Carmel National Park, which is on your back door. Known as ‘Little Switzerland’ it’s full of woodlands, streams, and hiking trails.Wander through the Bahai Gardens, the most beautiful in the Middle East.Take anAcre and Caesariatourto see the ancient Crusader City, and the famous city built by King Herod and boasting some very impressive archaeological ruins; Don't missRosh HaNikra (home to beautiful grottoes), all easily accessible by train and bus.Digital Nomads In EilatEilat’s got a reputation for being a party city in Israel and, for sure, it’s a good place to chill out. Nestled on the Red Sea, close to both the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, it receives almost no rain and is a great place to head if you enjoy scuba diving, sailing, eating dinner by the water, and rocking nightlife.How about working right next to the sea?Eilat is a smallish city (population around 52,000) but growing - neighborhoods worth looking into include Amdar (close to the seafront), Shahmon (quiet and residential), or a nearby kibbutz (all of which rent accommodation privately and are between 20-40 minutes north by bus).What to do in your free time:Visit the magical Dolphin Reef and Coral World ObservatoryDo some hiking in Timna Park, just 20 20-minute drive north, and home to an ancient copper mine and weird and wonderful rock formations.Discover Joradan! there are manyPetra and Wadi Rum guided toursthat will show you the Lost City of Petra, a marvel that must be seen.Digital Nomads In NazarethNazareth is Israel’s largest Arab city and also home to one of Israel’s most famous churches, the Basilica of the Annunciation, where an angel visited Mary and told her she would give birth to Jesus. Dating back to Roman and Byzantine times, it has a bustling market and several religious sites, and particularly fascinating for Christian pilgrims.Feel the magic ofNazarethNazareth is cheaper to stay in than other cities in Israel, and probably the best place to stay is in or around the Old City, which is beautiful and fascinating, or perhaps up in the hills, which is quieter and wonderfully pastoral.What to do in your free time:Explore around! take aGalilee 2-day trip: it is a stunningly beautiful area and extremely special for Christian pilgrims since it is where Jesus spent much of his adult life ministering.Hike in one of the many national parks in northern Israel - from the Bunias waterfalls to the Tiberias hot springs, there’s natural beauty at every turn.Take aGolan Heights tourand visit boutique wineries, take a jeep tour along the border with Syria, and hang out with young Israelis in the regional capital of Katzrin.Finally, if you’d like any further information about the organized packages, day tours, and privately-guided trips that we offer across the country, feel free to contact us by email or phone and, in the meantime, take a look at our blog, where you can find out much more about life in Israel.

Coming to Israel and looking for places to grab a drink and a bite whilst you’re enjoying your holiday? Well, you won’t have a problem finding watering holes because all across the country, you’ll find all kinds of bars, pubs, and nightclubs in which to enjoy yourself.Indeed, whilst located in the Middle East, Israel has a pretty relaxed attitude towards drinking and, like many other Mediterranean countries, alcohol is considered a very normal part of socializing. Many cafes and bars stay open until very late (or until the last customer leaves); in Tel Aviv (the ‘Non-Stop City’) there has been an explosion of neighborhood cafes and cocktail bars, many of which are crowded until the wee small hours.What’s the Drinking Age in Israel?The legal drinking age in Israel is 18 although establishments might not let in someone under the age of 23-25. You may be asked for proof of age so it’s a good idea to have some kind of ID on you, especially if you're going to a nightclub.The local crowd is super friendly!Also, bear in mind that it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places between the hours of 11 pm-7 am. This means that if the police catch you sitting on the beach with a bottle of beer, technically they can force you to pour it away!What are Local Israeli Beers Like?If you’re a beer drinker, chances are you might be interested in trying a local offering whilst in Israel and there are a few to choose from, including Goldstar, Maccabee, Taibe, and Nesher.Goldstar Beer on tap (Image Source: Koriela CC BY-SA 3.0)The most iconic and popular of these is Goldstar, a dark lager that comes in at 4.9% alcohol and takes the lion’s share of the market. Maccabee - a classic German-style Pilsner - is another popular lager. Taibe is a Palestinian beer that you’ll find in many Tel Aviv bars and Nesher (which means ‘eagle’ in Hebrew) is famous for its non-alcoholic beer, which tastes rather like American root beer.Boutique Wineries in IsraelAnd for those who aren’t so into beer, In the last couple of decades, Israel’s wine industry has exploded and today, all over the country, from the Jerusalem hills to the Galilee and the Golan Heights you can find fantastic Israeli boutique vineyards, where you can visit for tastings and cheese & wine events.Wine in IsraelAnd notwithstanding that Israel has the perfect climate and good soil for this kind of venture, in the Hebrew Bible grapes are one of the ‘seven species’ and wine is something used routinely by orthodox Jews when making sabbath blessings.Cocktail Bars in IsraelCocktail bars are all the rage now in Israel and whether you’re a traditionalist looking for a stiff martini or Old Fashioned, or ready to let the mixologist in front of you whisk up some astonishing creations, the choice is yours. Warning - alcohol isn’t cheap in Israel and cocktails can really burn through your wallet, so if you’re looking to drink without breaking the bank, show up at Happy Hour.Local cocktails are masterfully crafted, and just great!Many Tel Aviv cocktail bars are also amusingly themed - Spicehaus on Dizengoff Street serves their creations in thermos flasks and the waiters wear white lab coats and Double Standard (up the road) serves their Bloody Marys in IV bags! Bellboy on Rothschild Boulevard has a classic 1920s Speakeasy vibe and the Imperial’s bar is stylish to a fault (our tip: Order their ‘Bullet to the Head’)What about Israeli tap water? Can I drink it?You’ll be pleased to know that tap water in Israel is perfectly safe to drink and - even better - all over the country you’ll see public water fountains where you can refill your bottle (and by the way, this is something you really should do, especially in the summer when it’s easy to dehydrate very quickly).Of course, if you’re hankering after mineral water, both still and sparkling varieties are widely available in every small store and supermarket and on restaurant and bar menus.So, where should you go to enjoy yourself? Below, here are some of our suggestions for places to quench your thirst in Israel’s four most visited cities…The Best Pubs in Tel AvivTel Aviv is the nightlife mecca of Israel and the best place for some bar hopping: The atmosphere is very open and locals will gladly talk to a friendly tourist. Note that the music tends to get loud on the weekend, and popular places are understandably crowded.Drink together, then go party!The trick is to go out on weekdays: Mondays are usually the most relaxed day. You can also try arriving early, around 21:00, and grab a seat at the bar - talk to the bartender, and get a feel of the place. Don't be surprised if you'll leave the pub with a group of friends, and have an adventure in Tel Aviv!Molly BloomsGuinness on tap, shepherd’s pie and fish & chips, live music and football screenings make this Irish pub a ‘go to’ hangout in Tel Aviv and St, Patrick’s Day is a regular riot.Molly Blooms, Mendeli 82, Tel: 055 886-0188MinzarAn institution with locals, the Minzar (‘Monastery’ in Hebrew) has a great beer selection at competitive prices and a cool, laid-back, and very unpretentious vibe.Minzar, Allenby 60, Tel: 03 517-3015Lily Rose cold beer, tasty pizza (they bring it from the Italian joint across the street!), and good vibes make this neighborhood pub a great place to make new friends.Lily Rose, Shlomo Ibn Givrol 148, Tel: 050 373-2263Mike’s PlaceFamous in Tel Aviv for its atmosphere, live music, and international clientele, Mike's Place is a fantastic spot to watch sports (from European soccer to American football), order fries, nachos, onion rings, and burgers, then swig down a few beers.Mike’s Place, Herbert Samuel 90, Tel: 03 510-6392The Best Pubs in JerusalemThe Jerusalem nightlife has special energies you don't find in Tel Aviv: people are open for conversations, and you'll find lots of people from other countries.Easy-going, fun atmosphereJerusalem offers a more classic atmosphere with its ancient stone walls and tight alleyways - and many people say that the food is much better at Jerusalem pubs. Here are the best pubs in Jerusalem - just go out and try one!Beer BazaarOffering the biggest selection of craft beer in Israel, Beer Bazaar serves bottles and draft microbrews and boasts super friendly staff. (Fun fact: they even serve gluten-free ale!) Wash your drink down with some hotdog and soak up the vibes in Mahane Yehuda Market, an ultra-cool Jerusalem location.Beer Bazaar Etz Hayim 3, Mahane Yehuda Market, Tel: 058 784-1626The BarrelFriendly staff and a great atmosphere beer make this place popular both with tourists and locals. Order a burger and sweet potato fries with your beer and you’ll quickly feel like you're in heaven. And open until 4 am, you can make a night of it…The Barrel, Hillel 13, Tel: 054-227-5321HatchFamed for its buffalo wings and corned beef sandwiches, Hatch has a smaller selection of beers than Beer Bazaar but it’s solid, and the informed staff make it a great place to spend an evening. A tried and tested Jerusalem favorite.Hatch, Ha Egoz 26-28, Mahane Yehuda Market, Tel: 058 626-2017GenerationOpen on Shabbat (which is a big deal in a city where most things are shut), this Haifa bar has a warm atmosphere, inexpensive drinks (as well as a Happy Hour), and karaoke evenings. (Fun fact: it’s popular with Russians, and even more so since it changed its name from ‘Putin).Hatch, Ha Egoz 26-28, Mahane Yehuda Market, Tel: 058 626-2017The Best Pubs in HaifaThere's something about Port Cities that creates a certain vibe, more relaxed and inviting; Maybe it's the centuries of trading with strangers that makes locals easier to approach - maybe something in the salty air.A pub party, open for all!Haifa is no different: this is the most laid-back city in Israel, and drinking here is a great experience for visitors who want to have fun without running wild. Visit one of these pubs, and you'll see for yourself.IzaInformal and fun, this place serves cheap food plus plenty of beer and liquor,r and the music - 90’s rock and pop - will take you back! Get there early to avoid waiting for a seat.Iza, Moshe Aharon 1, Tel: 058 746-0202After DarkGood vibes and a decent selection of boutique beers make this pub a good choice for a night out, even though it can get noisy and crowded. If you like 80’s rock, you’re in for a treat.After Dark, Derech Jaffa 30, Tel: 053 521-6076LibiraSituated in old Haifa, close to the port, this pub has been around forever but is always good fun,n and their beer offerings are well-priced and local. Open late and they offer a sharing menu too (since they aren’t kosher, you’re in luck if you like pork sausages).Libira, Ha Namal 26, Tel: 04 374-0251The DukeThis is one of the most famous pubs in Haifa and with good reason. The bar is stocked with both local and imported beers, the decor is stylish, the food is consistently good and the volume of the music is such that you can enjoy it and have a conversation too!The Duke, Moriah 107, Tel: 04 834-7282The Best Pubs in EilatEilat is all about youth, quick getaways, and parties - and its pub scene won't disappoint travelers looking for a good time: The parties go on and on, the music scares the fish, and the crowd is usually younger - especially during Summer. Friends drinking near the beachIf you'll party all night long, you can see visitors heading to the border station, on their way to take tours in Petra, the famous Lost City. Here are the best spots in Eilat:Paddy’sClose to the beach and open on Shabbat, Paddy’s is a great place for both beer and tequila, and they serve fantastic steaks, salads,s and wings. Football fans will love the big screens and there are snooker tables upstairs.Paddy’s, Yotam 1, Te: 08 637-0921 The Three MonkeysClose to the Royal Beach Hotel, this pub has a diverse beer menu, plenty of live music,c and a mixed clientele. A bit noisy but you can always escape to the patio area!The Three Monkeys, Pa’amei ha Shalom 23, Tel: 08 636-8989The BreweryThis place is aptly named - they brew their beer (they offer samples before you order) and are perpetually adding new additions to the menu. The food comes highly recommended, including calamari for seafood lovers and the Beyond Burger for the veggies.The Brewery, Ha Orgim 2, Tel: 08 935-0550Drinkin’ BarWith good music and offering a wide variety of beers, cocktails, and chasers at cheap prices, this is a good place to head if you’re on a budget, and it’s a slap bang in the center of Eila if you want to head on to a nightclub.Drinkin’ Bar, Yotam 1, Tel: 054 255-5949The Morning After Hangover In IsraelIsrael does not support hangovers, especially as there are so many ways to prevent them, just lying all around you! Remember to drink a glass of water between Beers and Shots, and eat something before you go to sleep; Street food in Israel is cheap and delicious, and the places serving it are open as long as the pubs are. After a night of drinking with new friends, you can grab an awesomeIsraeli breakfastand continue exploring: There are highly recommended guided tours in Tel Aviv, professionally guided trips in Jerusalem, and many more opportunities to make your visit unforgettable. Check out our travel blog to learn more!

Visiting Petra - an ancient Lost City in Jordan - is an unforgettable experience.However, once you’ve walked along Petra’s Siq, wandered around the magnificent Petra Treasury, explored the famousPetra Royal Tombs, and hiked up to the Petra Monastery, chances are you're going to be tired and hungry!Middle Eastern food you can find around PetraWhilst you can take a packed lunch with you, it’s also nice to head to a restaurant where you can sit down (preferably in air conditioning), rest your weary bones, and fuel up. After all, So where should you eat? Well, Wadi Musa (the city in which Petra is located) is full of places to grab a bite, whether you want a sit-down meal, a buffet lunch, or a grab-and-go pizza slice. Here are seven of our recommendations for tasty fare when you’re visiting this astonishing archaeological site.1. Palm CourtTop of our list has to be Palm Courtsince it ticks all the boxes - great food, friendly staff, charming ambiance, and really reasonable prices. Essentially it’s a no-nonsense eatery with a team of great cooks, with all the traditional Jordanian dishes you’d expect on the menu and a bit more besides.Every dish is just delightful!Customers love their Lebanese chicken, shawarma board (served with crispy French Fries), and their Mansaf. There’s a separate menu for vegetarians who can tuck into things like eggplant with pomegranate sauce and vegan moussaka.Rounded off with some mint lemonade, you’ll leave smiling (especially when you discover the chef used to work in a few five-star restaurants, which explains why your food was so good!)Essentially, this is a great value establishment, close to the Visitors Centre.2. ZawayaAfter a long day exploring Petra, you could do worse than eat dinner at Zawaya, another local restaurant serving tasty local food. Specialties there include the Muqlaba, beef kebabs, and chicken away and you do get a lot of food on your plate.The Zawaya Restaurant (Image source: Google Maps album, uploaded by the official Zawaya account)If you’re not into traditional Jordanian food, they also serve burgers and shawarma, and veggies can enjoy the lentil soup and also their excellent tabouli with couscous. Oh, and their banana milkshakes are wonderful and their lemon and mint juice really hits the spot.With complimentary tea after your meal, accompanied by one of their sweet tooth desserts, what’s not to like?3. Al QantarahIf you’re in the mood for a buffet lunch, head to Al Qantarah, which offers customers a wide range of salads, main courses, and desserts, not to mention plenty of fresh fruit. It’s popular amongst tourist groups because it’s a large place and the lunch itself costs only 10 JOD (soft drinks not included in the price).Hot dishes on the menu can include Kousa Mahshi (a Lebanese dish, featuring zucchini stuffed with mincemeat) beef balls in tomato sauce, and chicken with rice. There are plenty of veggie options too and the salads are plentiful.Classic Kousa MahshiAl Qantarah also has super clean bathrooms (which are always welcome, after you’ve been trekking for hours). No alcohol is served, but their lemonade is excellent. And the retro interior, complete with old photos of Petra, is a lot of fun!4. Reem BaladiServing generous portions of traditional Jordanian food (but with plenty of veggie options too), Reem Baladi is a good place to go to eat well (the food can be ordered spicy, in case you have that kind of palette) at very affordable prices.Great Middle Eastern foodDiners rave about the mixed grill, kofta, and camel meat and the aries (pita bread stuffed with minced meat, herbs, and spices) are excellent. There are salads, hummus, and dips for veggies (as well as vegetables with rice for a hot meal) and you’ll most likely be given complimentary mint tea and baklava at the end of your meal.Reem Baladi has a large interior (which is kept toasty in the winter) and a terrace, which is lovely for the warmer summer months.5. Yummy BitesIf you’re tired of eating local Jordanian food, then head in the direction of ‘Yummy Bites’ which is an excellent place to grab sandwiches, wraps, and pizza. The staff are very helpful and the place - located on the main street in Wadi Musa - is extremely clean.The local pizza is awesome!Yummy bites also offer breakfast fare, if you’re looking to load up before hiking around Petra itself. And it’s really good value for money - you’ll pay around 5 JOD for a pizza which will fill you up nicely. They also serve ‘eureka’ type pastries filled with spinach and pine nuts, shawarma, and french fries.6. My Mom’s RecipeDecorated like the interior of a Bedouin tent, ‘My Mom’s Recipe’ is a welcoming, cozy kind of place with helpful staff and food to suit everyone and whilst it’s not the cheapest option in Petra, it’s certainly worth the splurge.My Mom’s Recipe (Image source: The official My Mom’s Recipe Restaurant website)Meat eaters will enjoy the mixed grill, mistaken (chicken baked with spices), and the kubbeh. The food comes fast and the service is attentive.They also have a separate menu with vegetarian and vegan options and the staff understand the concept of ‘no meat’ - baba ganoush, veggies with rice, falafel, okra, and even a vegan moussaka.Oh - and they even have gluten-free bread!7. The BasinManaged by the Crown Plaza resort, the Basin Restaurant has the advantage of being a restaurant inside the actual archaeological site of Petra. This means that if you’re exhausted after walking all morning around the site, you can stop here for a lunch break.The restaurant is run buffet style and whilst it is expensive by local standards (because of its enviable location) the prices are not exorbitant. There’s a good selection of salads, hummus, dips, and, of course, grilled meats and vegetables.The Basin Restaurant (Image source: The official Petra Guesthouse website)You can also sit outside under large tents but in the summer you’re probably going to want to take advantage of the air-conditioning inside! Even better, the Basin (unlike many restaurants in Wadi Musa) serves alcohol, so you can enjoy a refreshingly cold beer or even a glass of local Jordanian wine.If you’re interested in taking a trip to Jordan, to visit Petra and perhaps even Wadi Rum, feel free to contact us by email or phone for more information - we offer day trips, two-day trips, and packages with something on the menu for everyone!

It’s sometimes hard to imagine that three simple ingredients - flour, water and yeast - made into a dough and then topped with juicy tomatoes and cheese could wow the world as it does. But pizza makes the ‘top five favorite foods’ list of so many and, in Tel Aviv, like the rest of the world, everyone’s on the hunt for the best slice.Luckily, it’s not just the top restaurants in Tel Aviv where you can eat well because this is a city that’s raised its pizza game in the last few years. So whether you’re looking for special sourdough recipes, gourmet pizzas with incredible toppings, or a simple New York-style slice, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s our guide to the best pizza in every corner of Tel Aviv:1. LilaIf you love pizza, but you hate waiting in line, then swallow your hatred because they don’t take reservations at Lila but the wait is truly worth it. Located in Florentine, close to the hip and happening Levisty Market - one of the best markets in Tel Aviv - it’s popular both with locals and international visitors - not just because of its tasty pizzas but its relaxed and friendly vibe.Great ingredients, great pizzaOur team of eaters has to recommend two particular creations - the bacon and maple and the onion jam pizza! Their ‘personal’ sizes are big, with crunchy Neapolitan dough, and there are plenty of veggie toppings and vegan cheese options too. For dessert, order their ice cream or a piece of their homemade chocolate cake. Lila’s is always crowded, but once you’ve tried it you will become a convert.2. Nono AngeloIt’s authentic as it comes at Nono Angelo in Tel Aviv’s Old North (a minute’s walk from the Hilton beach) where two brothers (born and raised in Italy) serve up tasty thin-crust pizza in a warm and welcoming environment.Nono Angelo Pizza (Image source: The official Nono Angelo website)Whether you plump for the marguerite, the artichoke, and mushroom or one with vegan cheese, you’ll feel good afterward... they also serve salads, pasta, risotto, and delicious appetizers in the form of arancini and mozzarella sticks, for anyone that’s come with an appetite.With old-style charm and plenty of Italian music and atmosphere, linger a while, with some dessert and an espresso, sit outside and people watch and just for a moment you’ll feel that you’re in Rome! Just bear in mind that Nono Angelois a kosher dairy spot (so no meat toppings) and therefore closed on the Jewish sabbath.3. HaPIzzaThis local spot on lively Bograshov Street, in downtown Tel Aviv, has had a tried and tested reputation for pizza since it opened in 2007, and the fact that it’s always packed is testimony to this. With its open kitchen and chefs twirling up their dough in front of you, take your pick of veggie pizzas (no meat toppings), homemade pasta, healthy salads, and fabulous offerings for those with a sweet tooth.Hapizza (Image source: The official Hapizza website)Ha Pizza is hip and happening, and you’ll probably have to wait about for a table to open up but with friendly but fast service, it shouldn’t be longer than 15-20 minutes, and - trust us - it’s well worth the wait. This is a quality ‘feel good’ spot that’s perfect for a date night - thin-crust pizza, a glass of chianti, and chocolate cake for dessert. What more could anyone ask for?4. The Green CatFor anyone vegan who has a hankering for pizza but without the dairy on top, there’s no place better to head than the Green Cat in south Tel Aviv. This cool little joint which plays hip music, and has a very laid-back vibe, is determined not to make you feel you’ve missed out, by using a very good cashew ‘mozzarella’ cheese atop its slices and pies, which is so good, many say they can’t tell it’s vegan!The Green Can (Image source: The official Green Cat website)The Green Cat uses high-end ingredients for its toppings, which include sweet potato, seitan strips (in place of pepperoni), and red onions and if you order a pie, you can put different toppings on each half. Service is friendly, the beer is on tap, and for those with a sweet tooth, they offer a vegan ice cream bar (our tip: try the malabi flavour). Next door is the Levontin 7, a bit of an alternative venue that has live music several times a week, so you can eat and enjoy some free entertainment at the same time—a must-visit.5. La TigreGet yourself down to south Tel Aviv to this if you love baked-to-order pizzas with fantastic sauce and a light dough (left to rise for 72 hours!) that’s specially fermented to form unique ‘tiger spot’ bubbles around the crust.La Tigre has a casual, informal ambiance with great Italian vibes - from the appetizers (sweet potato) to the drinks (think Aperol spritz and limonello) and serves unique flavor combinations, including the ‘Carbonara’ and pistachio with mortadella.La Tigre Pizza (Image source: The official Le Tigre website)There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too and if you’ve still got room afterward, try their roasted pineapple served with coconut ice cream. It’s incredible.6. Tony VespaTony Vespa has been around for a long time and a reason - it always comes up with the goods, in the form of pizza by the slice which is priced by weight. Whether you’re craving a few bites or want to indulge, just pick your toppings and tell them when to cut. The scales will tell you what you owe! And because their branches are on Rothschild Boulevard and Sarona (full of cocktail bars), it’s a great place to head if you’ve got the munchies.Tony Vespa Pizza (Image source: The official Tony Vespa website)Fresh, tasty, thin-crust slices are what you’ll get - from veggie to meat options, it’s all delicious and perfect for a ‘grab and go’ since there’s not much outside seating. We’d recommend the four-cheese bianca, or the sheep’s cheese and olives, but anything you choose will probably hit the spot. Not cheap, but from the crowds chomping on the sidewalk, you’ll know you’re going to be happy.7. PhilippePhillipe has to be included in this list because what they serve up is simply fantastic and consistently raved about by almost everyone in Tel Aviv who knows what good pizza is. A stone’s throw from the Cinematheque, it’s got a reputation for ‘gourmet’ creations and once you try one, you’ll understand why.A great place to grab a bite with your friendsBaked in a wood-burning oven, expect thin crusts and all kinds of toppings-from Merguez sausages to soft cheeses and a host of fabulous vegetables. Service is friendly and you can sit inside or outside. Our tip: try their ‘eggplant and pecan’ creation - it’s to die for - and if you have room for dessert, it's got to be the creme brulee.8. Har SinaiAnd back to south Tel Aviv, Har Sinai is a lively little spot to grab a slice (or something bigger) if you find yourself hungry in Florentin after midnight. They serve huge slices (and we mean huge - almost the size of two normal slices) for 19 NIS, with five to six different toppings to choose from, and their sourdough crust is super tasty and the tomato sauce is sweet and flavorsome.The Pepperoni is wonderful!The line can be long since Florentin is known for its party scene (and we all know how much you can yearn for carbs as the night wears on) but the staff are efficient and you won’t wait too long. There’s a small seating area outside or just stand on the sidewalk, along with the other revelers, and tuck in, washing things with a Red Stripe beer. Easily the best ‘grab and go’ option in this area after midnight proving that simple concepts are often the best!9. BrooklynIn the mood for some New York-style pizza? Then head over to one of the three branches of Brooklyn, which (as the name suggests) serves up huge slices of pizza that will leave you thinking you’ve crossed the Atlantic and are far from the White City.The toppings are incredible and generous - artichoke, pepperoni, ham, zucchini, beef (and many more) and all three of their locations are great for sitting outside and people-watching. The dough is made with love and care, the ingredients are fresh, they have a couple of vegan options and by Tel Aviv standards the prices are pretty affordable.Brooklyn Pizza (Image source: The official Brooklyn Pizza website)Whether you order a slice or go with a group and buy a pie, washed down with a bottle of beer (or a glass of their iced tea) you won’t leave disappointed.If you’re looking for things to do in the City that Never Sleeps, why not take one of our guided tours of Tel Aviv? From edgy street art to fabulous food markets and the beauty of ancient Jaffa’s port to fantastic Bauhaus architecture, we’ve got you covered. And if you want to head out of town, we also offer short trips around the country - you can take a short Jerusalem Tour,and see its famous grandeur or combine history and chillout time by visiting the Dead Sea and taking a tour of Masada fortress.Contact us by email or phone to find out more and if you're curious about life in Israel, check out our blog.