Things to Do
Discover the best things to do in Israel, including attractions, museums, festivals, sights and free activities
Family-friendly things to do in Tel Aviv
You’ve tackled our list of family-friendly things to do in Jerusalem, you’ve spent so many days in Park HaYarkon that you can’t even bare to look at the river anymore, and you’re fresh out of ideas. With Pesach just around the corner, the kids will be off school with plenty of free time and even more energy. You can’t spend every day at the beaches in Tel Aviv, despite the brilliant weather. Spice things up a little with our list of family-friendly things to do in Tel Aviv with the kids this season.
8 perfect places to spend the night under the stars
Israel is a beautiful place to explore during the day, but when the sun goes down and the moon and stars start to glitter, the landscapes take on a whole new level – offering a very different appreciation for the local “nightlife." Head to the great outdoors and soak up the peaceful quiet. Hut it up There’s no better way to take in the night’s sights and sounds than by sleeping in your own private hut in the middle of the Negev wilderness. Succah in the Desert is an ecological dwelling just west of the Mitzpe Ramon crater that combines the ruggedness of the desert with modern amenities. The eight cozy succot (huts) each enjoy their own unique sense of privacy so that nothing can get in the way of a night full of star gazing. Far away from the city lights of the center of the country, this environmentally friendly hideaway is nestled in the middle of nowhere - the perfect place to enjoy a clear night’s sky. Off Route 40 (08-6586280/succah.co.il) Night safari tour The Negev desert can sometimes seem like a lifeless wilderness at daytime, but at night the barren landscape comes alive with a whole host of exotic animals. With the only light coming from the moon, this night safari tour is a great chance to meet some of the animals that only come out when darkness falls. From majestic owls and desert foxes to hedgehogs and bats, the desert is full of weird and wonderful creatures that thrive after sundown. It’s also the time when snakes, leopards and hyenas come out to play a
July's hottest hand-picked events
Britney Spears! Guns N' Roses! Radiohead! The lineup of international talent coming to Israel this July is so great, we could barely fit them all on one list. Not only that, but the Israeli culture scene is blowing up as well, from a real live Broadway performance so thrilling, it'll have you begging for more, to a color palette of Israeli art exhibitions painting the White City "red and yellow." Let July's heat(s) and beats win you over with this month's top thing to do in Israel.
Stop! Jaffa Time! : more free outdoor cinema, only this time...music-themed
June's free outdoor movie screenings at Gan HaPisga were a hit, reeling in hundreds of moviegoers each week. So much so that the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality, the Department of Performances, and the Old Jaffa Development Company, together with the "Third Ear," decided to continue the screening series through July. However, this time, they're shifting gears from documentary to bringing the beats with musicals and music-related films. The screenings will take place every week in July on Wednesdays and will allow visitors to enjoy a great open air experience with the magical Jaffa atmosphere as their backdrop. The theme: the most influential music films of all time. The series of films will end with Damien Chazelle's acclaimed "La La Land," which brought the musical genre back to center stage and was nominated for 14 Academy Awards. Up first, "Singles" on July 5th. This film is written by the once-music journalist turned directing legend, Cameron Crowe, and depicts the lives of several characters sharing one apartment complex in early 90's Seattle. Matt Dillon is the soloist of a band called "Citizen Dick," who is struggling with his love for Janet (Bridget Fonda). In contrast, Steve (Campbell Scott) meets Linda at the club and the two break into a stormy relationship. The soundtrack includes songs by Pearl Jam, Sound Garden, Mudhoney, and Alice in Chains. The film won the MTV Award for Best Soundtrack. The second screening, which will be held on July 12th, wi
The most exciting summer sports in Israel
There’s nothing like (scuba) diving head first into Eilat’s Red Sea when it’s 40 degrees celsius on a cold day down south; or catching the perfect wave at one of the best surf beaches in Tel Aviv; or even embracing the land and going for a water hike in the Golan Heights or a rock climb at Park HaYarkon’s outdoor wall. The Holy Land is more than tourist attractions, it’s rife with exhilarating summer sports to get your blood pumping. Stretch those hamstrings and hit up Time Out's most exciting summer sports.
Summer activities
The best beaches in Tel Aviv
With a welcoming coastline and a selection of some of the best beaches in Israel, we’ve highlighted the most happening Tel Aviv beaches spanning from Jaffa in the south to Tel Aviv Port in the north. For your sand-filled pleasure, spend the day like a local sweating through an intense matkot session, play some volleyball on the Gordon Beach strip, or just lay down and soak up the sun. You don't have to spend a shekel at these beaches; they offer some fun in the sun things to do in Tel Aviv at zero cost. After dark, head for a quick shower at your Tel Aviv boutique hotel or hostel and hit the town for a post-beach bite at some of the best Tel Aviv restaurants serving everything from seafood to Italian.
Via Maris Sailing
Via Maris Sailing School, situated in the Herzylia Marina, is now offering a full-fledged skipper course, teaching students everything they need to know to get their skippers’ licenses – all in English. The course combines practical sailing instruction with theory lessons. For those who don’t have the time to take a full course, you can try it for a day. Via Maris offers three hours sailing on a yacht for up to four participants with an instructor who will teach beginners the ropes. You can also rent yachts for birthdays and other special occasions and there’s even a luxury yacht with a bedroom suite for overnight rental.
Kfar Blum - Jordan River
If you’re seeking a more adventurous water activity to pass the time, the Kfar Blum wet river experience and attraction centre in the Galilee has just the thing. From high-speed “kayaking” (rafting) down fast-flowing waters to lazing down the Hatzbani stream, Kfar Blum guarantees fun for the entire family. For an additional adrenaline rush, don’t miss their "Top-Rope" adventure park. The site also offers campground accommodations for a reasonable price.
The top five beaches in Israel for surfing
Surfing is more than just a pastime, it is a lifestyle, and we understand just how important location is when trying to catch those waves. That’s why we’ve combed the beaches in Tel Aviv, Herzliya and farther, in search of the absolute top five surfer’s oases. And guess what? We found them. So grab those surf boards, slip on those wetsuits and get ready for an amazingly active day at these beaches in Israel.
Sights and attractions
The ultimate guide to Neve Tzedek
Shabazi Street, the main axis of Tel Aviv’s breezy Neve Tzedek neighbourhood, is brimming with covetable local and international fashion brands, designer accessories, restaurants and a touch of je ne sais quoi. From its humble beginnings as Tel Aviv’s very first neighbourhood, its ever-charming real estate has soared in recent years, making it one of the White City’s most eclectic and indulgent shopping destinations, and a hub for French expats.
The seven wonders of Haifa & Mount Carmel
Perched above the Mediterranean shoreline, Haifa and Mount Carmel in northern Israel are teeming with sites to see and places to discover. Not only is the area home to the famous Baha'i Gardens and historic landmarks dating back to Ancient Israel, there are also a host of family-friendly, action-packed places to visit, including a number of options in our round up of the top attractions in Israel. And at the end of the day, when all you want to do is settle in for a nice meal and throw back a cold one, the best restaurants and bars in Haifa are at your service.
Discover landmarks in Jewish history
Israel's landmark establishments are rife with Jewish history dating back thousands upon thousands of years through to modern times. From stunning museums that are architectural gems in their own right, like the famous Yad Vashem holocaust museum, to actual excavations and archaeological digs, these centers and institutions bear witness to Israel's prolific Jewish history – a history so extensive and significant, you’ll have to see it to believe it. Check out these attractions, and if your kids get restless, take a break for some family-friendly activities and authentic Jerusalem eats in between sightseeing.
The most stunning synagogues in Israel
No visit to the Holy Land is complete without some Holy site seeing. While areas in Jerusalem and Nazareth host iconic churches, scattered across the rest of the country are some of the most spectacular synagogues in Israel. Don’t just pass by the Great Synagogue on Allenby, duck inside and admire its beauty; don’t let Tzfat’s ultra-orthodox ideals scare you away, revel in its synagogues’ ancient Israeli Torah scrolls; don’t just stare from afar, explore the interior of Tel Aviv’s seashell-shaped temple. Whether you’re orthodox, conservative, reform or atheist, these stunning synagogues with their stained glass windows and grand structures deserve more than a doubletake.
The most stunning national parks in Israel
If birthright taught you anything, it’s that Israel has its fair share of unbelievable views. The amount of scenic hikes, panoramic lookouts, and brilliantly green national parks visited in just ten days is is impressive. You’ve scaled the country from the Golan Heights to the Dead Sea and while you probably got a taste of the top gardens and national parks in Israel (and of Tel Aviv nightlife, but you struck that from your memory), you definitely didn’t have time to savor every bit of nature. Whether you’re a first time enthusiast or a grass-loving hippie (as in the kind that grows in parks, but no judgment), it’s time to embrace all that is green with our guide to the most stunning national parks in Israel.
Family-friendly things to do in Israel
Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt
Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt is a fun, interactive adventure for learning about the history of Jerusalem and its many neighborhoods. Race against other teams solving riddles that bring you to your next destination. Hunts are available in the Old City, Nachlaot, Tzfat, and Gush Etzion (in jeeps or private cars). You can also decide to play in Machane Yehuda Shuk, with the night option touring the portrait gallery of Solomon Suissa. Customized hunts can be created special for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, birthdays, and marriage proposals. Available in Hebrew, English, French, and Spanish.
Planetarium
The Eretz Israel Museum is more than a series of exhibits exploring the history and culture of Israel. Inside the multidisciplinary museum sits a magical place that is literally “out of this world.” At the Planetarium you can sneak a peek at the stars the same way that Galileo did through his telescope. Watch a riveting presentation about the mysterious galaxies that exist all the while spinning in revolving seats or learn about Israel’s first ever astronaut, Ilan Ramon, and view real time pictures of outer space provided by NASA. The Planetarium is a great place to bring your children and also expand your adult minds to the boundless worlds of science. English presentations are available by reservation.
Levant Fair
During its inception in 1932, Levant fair attracted six hundred thousand people, which was three times the population of the Jewish community in the country at that time. Unfortunately, during the second World War, it lost its glam and was neglected. However, in 2011, "Atarim" took the fair under its wing and began some much-needed rehabilitation, renewing the compound to a bustling cultural center for entertainment and commerce. Today, the compound is rife with designer boutiques, lifestyle shops, restaurants, cafés and even an amphitheatre for live performances. With plenty of shopping and activities, Levant Fair is back and better than ever.
Israel National Trail
Israel in general is famed for its many hiking trails winding their way over breathtaking heights in the north and lunar-like lows in the south. The routes are a fantastic way to see the country's beautiful landscape, and they all link up to form one giant hiking path that traverses the entire country, known as the Israel National Trail. Its northern end is at Dan, near the Lebanese border, and it extends to Eilat at the country's southernmost tip on the Red Sea. The trail is marked with three stripes (white, blue and orange) and has been named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best hikes.
Escape rooms in Israel...are you up to the challenge?
While Tel Aviv’s nightlife guarantees a good party and Jerusalem has its fair share of fun bars, sometimes, we could all use a break from the booze. That’s where escape rooms come in. The escape room fad in Israel is growing in popularity as families, friends and coworkers are taking their stab at cracking the code on difficult scenarios and working together to escape themed rooms within the allotted timeframe. From scary murder-themed rooms to family-friendly chocolate factories, these ten escape rooms offer fun options for every escapee. Can you beat the clock and get out alive? Or will you be trapped inside for all of eternity?