Things to Do
Discover the best things to do in Israel, including attractions, museums, festivals, sights and free activities
A complete Tel Aviv guide to summer survival
Get excited! Summer is finally here, which means extremely high temperatures, beautiful weather all month long, and beaches, beaches, beaches galore. We’ve already helped you find the best beaches in Tel Aviv; we’ve found the ideal outdoor spots for napping, picnicking, and all-day patio drinking; we’ve even found you the best beachside hotels. Now it’s time to put all of them together for a full Tel Aviv guide to things to eat, drink, wear, and do this summer to relish every sunburnt second of sunshine, lollipop(sicle)s and rainbows.
Haifa’s 9 most historically rich museums
Haifa's museums are as richly diverse as its inhabitants – from a fascinating museum that bridges the gap between eastern and western cultures to a Japanese art center at the crest of Mount Carmel. Get your art on at these top notch Israeli art establishments and their current exhibitions.
Expect the unexpected with Time Out's summer bucket list
Don’t let the sweltering heat slow you down. These cool destinations, sites and bites will keep you on your toes: 1. Let's get digital, di-gi-tal Printscreen, the annual International Festival of Digital Art and Culture at the Holon Cinematheque, promises nothing less than a smorgasbord of robots, artificial intelligence and artful-looking bacteria. June 21-24, 6 Golda Meir St, Holon (printscreenfestival.com) 2. Walk in water While watering holes are common around the world, Israel boasts some extremely unique 'wet hikes.' Head up north for a waist-high trek through Israel's largest freshwater nature reserve, the Daliyot River Estuary (also known as the "Majrase"). Tiberias (04-6793410) 3. Hungry for Hungarian? There's only so much gelato one can take before getting bored. Spice up your ice cream experience with Tel Aviv's latest dessert trend: the Ice Kiortoush - a Hungarian horn-shaped pastry filled with soft serve and topped with sensational sauces. Cremerie de L'Éclair, 75 Ibn Gvirol St; 53 King George St, Tel Aviv (050-2622622) 4. Uncover a land before time © Shutterstock Akhzivland is a fantastical micronation like no other. Rina and Eli Avivi welcome all guests to admire the true freedom and nature of the land. Time ceases to exist in this peaceful 'country' – all that matters are the sea, sun, stars and plants. Between Nahariya and the Lebanese border (pechkin.rinet.ru/vera) 5. Sample notes of Lebanese cedar Jullius Craft Distillery in the Galilee has
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.
A thrill seeker's guide to Israel: activities on land, in water and high in the sky
The annoying question most people who haven’t been to the Middle East ask is always, “is it safe?” There is no safer place than Israel...then again, while the State has you protected, taking part in the country’s most extreme sports may be slightly more dangerous. Take a walk on the wild side, try out these fun things to do in Israel from river tubing in the Golan Heights to wake boarding in Tel Aviv, surfing in Herzliya and snuba-ing down south in Eilat, we dare the most daring to tackle our thrill seeker’s guide to Israel, one crazy experience at a time.
Summer activities
The Dolphin Reef
Located beyond Eilat’s port area, the Dolphin Reef offers an awe-inspiring atmosphere and experience for animal and nature seekers. Not only can you observe the dolphins from the floating piers and observation points, but you can also snorkel and dive among them. This ecologically unique site for both Israel and the world, houses a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins, where onlookers can witness them living first-hand in their natural habitat: playing, hunting and socializing. 10,000 square meters of open-ended sea allow the dolphins to come and go at will – none of them are captive.
Meymadion Water Park
During the summer, the pool is the best place to be...besides Mey Madison Water Park. This state-of-the-art water park allows you to surf and swim in dozens of different pools and wet attractions of different kinds, some of which are the most modern in the world. The happy and energetic entertainment staff will keep your spirits high with games, activities and prizes. Come with your whole family, come with your friends, come with your classmates and get swept away in a dizzying and wet experience.
Snuba in the Red Sea
The southernmost city in Israel, Eilat, has been blessed with a spectacular coral reef. The Eilat coral reef, the northernmost reef in the world and a unique Israeli attraction, is the beating heart of the one-mile long nature reserve that stretches across the gulf of Eilat. Diving or snorkeling near the reef, you will see colorful coral gardens home to a variety of multi-hued tropical fish: parrotfish, butterfly fish, giant shellfish and a wide selection of intriguing species that only come out in the dark. About a ten-minute walk from the Egyptian border, you’ll find the southernmost scubadiving club in Israel, a small venue with plenty of peace and quiet. The club offers an introductory underwater excursion for those who have no previous diving experience.
Lake TLV
For adventurous locals and vacationers, Tel Aviv’s Begin Park offers Lake TLV, a man-made lake with world-class cable waterskiing facilities. Though the lake, open year-round, hosts tournaments for athletes in October and May, July is the high season for families and beginners. First-time visitors watch a short instructional video and receive safety tips from instructors before diving in. Some quick learners might advance to the lake’s seven obstacle courses, which contain jumpers and gliders frequented by professionals. But if you’re exhausted, you might conclude your visit by sipping a cold drink at Lake TLV’s quaint outdoor bar-café. For young athletes, Lake TLV provides one and two-week long summer programs, where campers learn Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and acrobatics as well as cable water skiing.
Sights and attractions
Explore Israel: 5 destinations to escape to when you need a break from Tel Aviv
We know, Tel Aviv is great - hipster hangouts, all-night party scene, the best street eats in the country; but as they say, the key to Holy Land success is to "live in Tel Aviv, yet spend as much time as possible exploring outside of it." It's time to leave the White City behind and explore all that Israel has to offer. After all, you have no excuse since everything is so close. From a relaxing float in the Dead Sea to a food fest in Jerusalem's top Israeli market to unbeatable sites in the Galilee and unbeatable reefs in Eilat, these five Israeli hotspots are worth traveling to.
A complete area guide of places to visit in Israel from north to south
Sure, you’ve scaled the Baha’i Gardens before, but have you REALLY visited Haifa? You've hit up the Golan Heights' iconic winery, but have you toured the rest of the North’s Israeli wine list? You’ve even tackled the wealth of Jerusalem’s landmarks in Jewish history, but have you heard about its lesser-known hidden gems? Probably not...which is why we’ve scavenged the country from north to south for the most complete list of places to visit in Israel out there. Rent a car and plan your accommodations ahead of time. Let’s get this tourist party started!
The best things to do in the Negev
Easily one of the most overlooked treasures in Israel, the Negev desert is home to some truly jaw-dropping geological wonders. Vineyards, hiking trails, nature reserves and even camel rides make it as appealing for families as it is for couples or those traveling on a budget. The Negev is also the area to which Israelis regularly flock for festivals, yoga retreats and other special events. Here’s to getting lost in the desert as you check out our curated list of the best things to do in the Negev.
The most spectacular places to see the sunset in Israel
While sunsets on the Tel Aviv beach strip are all the instagram rave, the scenic phenomenon is an Israel-wide attraction. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it isn’t worth a thousand experiences. Watching day fade to night is a perfect thing to do in Israel before heading out to a romantic rooftop restaurant in Jerusalem or picking up falafel on Frishman before hitting the Tel Aviv nightlife scene. From the Negev to Haifa to Mount Hermon, check your weather apps and plan accordingly because we’ve rounded up the best places in the Holy Land to witness Mother Nature’s indescribably breathtaking beauty.
Escape to Eilat: best activities in Israel’s top resort town
On top of their crazy nightlife and quality restaurants, Eilat—Israel's ultimate tourism city—offers a multitude of attractions for visitors of all ages and tastes: from laid-back beaches and soothing spas that give the Dead Sea a run for its money to non-stop activities both in and out of the crystal clear waters, world-class shows, and even two ice centers for the ultimate escape from the heat. And as if that isn’t enough, Israel’s largest jazz festival comes to town twice a year at winter and in the summer time. To make your utopic getaway to Eilat even better, we’ve rounded up a list of things to do in the area - here are our picks.
Family-friendly things to do in Israel
Eilat Mountain Hike
Adventuring through rock formed passages less than two meters wide yet hundreds of meters high, the Eilat Mountains offer visitors a unique and stunning desert experience. Whether hiking or biking, advanced or beginner, an experience awaits every visitor. In great weather conditions, one can see Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia from the top of mountain, making this experience uniquely Middle Eastern!
Jerusalem ATV Adventure Tours
Take a guided drive on an all-terrain vehicle through the hills of Jerusalem. The path takes visitors through the mountains to Ein Lavan, Mitzpe Batir, and above the Biblical Zoo. Those over seventeen can drive the ATV, and passengers over 5 are welcome to join! Ask about the all-day adventure, which includes lunch. ATV Jerusalem Hills provides an exciting way to view the beauty of Jerusalem’s terrain, including refreshing water springs. Groups are welcome, and discounted rates are available for longer rides.
Jerusalem Rappelling/Snappling
A unique way to see Jerusalem is by rappelling off the side of the Tayelet or Gei Ben Hinom, with a view of the Old City. The guide, Yaakov, a rock climbing champion, is patient and experienced, making him the perfect person to show guests the ropes. If your kids can’t stop climbing walls and trees, why not take them on an adventure they won’t soon forget? Yaakov knows how to make the excursion accessible for all, so bring the whole family! Suitable for children ages four and up, with younger guests snappling with the guide.
Bird Observatory
Israel lies between three continents on the route of migrating birds, with more than 500 million crossing Israel's skies twice a year. This charming observatory houses the Israel national bird-ringing center. Together with the active ringing station, it’s an ideal tool for conservation research monitoring bird populations.
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?
