Best Things to Do in Israel (2026 Guide)

Best Time to Visit IsraelSpring (March to May) is the finest time to visit: wildflowers cover the hills, temperatures are comfortable across the country, and the main religious holidays bring a charged atmosphere to Jerusalem. Autumn (October to November) offers similar conditions with fewer crowds. Summer (June to August) is hot and dry throughout, especially in the Jordan Valley and the south, though the coast and higher elevations stay manageable. Winter brings rain to the north and snow occasionally to Jerusalem, but the south and the Dead Sea region remain warm and sunny.Getting AroundIsrael has a reliable intercity rail network connecting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Ben Gurion Airport. Buses operated by Egged and Dan cover routes the train does not reach, including Eilat and the Dead Sea. For Masada, Qumran, and the Galilee region, renting a car gives the most flexibility. Within Tel Aviv, light rail and city buses work well; Jerusalem has its own light rail line running through the city centre. Note that most public transport shuts down for Shabbat from Friday sundown to Saturday night.Best Regions in IsraelJerusalem and the Judean Hills: The spiritual and historical core of the country. The Old City alone can absorb two full days, and day trips to Bethlehem, Jericho, Masada, and the Dead Sea keep the area busy for a week.Tel Aviv and the Coast: Israel’s second city is the modern, secular counterpart to Jerusalem. Neve Tzedek, Jaffa’s port, the beach promenade, and a restaurant scene regarded as one of the best in the Middle East make it a destination in its own right. Caesarea and Acre are easily reached as day trips up the coast.Galilee and the North: The Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River baptismal site at Yardenit, and the Golan Heights form a quieter, greener circuit. Rosh Hanikra’s sea grottos sit at the Lebanese border. The spiritual city of Safed draws artists and students of Kabbalah.The Negev and Eilat: Israel’s vast desert south offers crater landscapes, Bedouin culture, and the resort city of Eilat on the Red Sea, where the Coral Beach Nature Reserve and Underwater Observatory make it worthwhile for snorkellers and divers.The Dead Sea: The lowest point on earth, shared with Jordan. The saline water makes swimming impossible but floating effortless. Ein Gedi nature reserve sits nearby with freshwater pools and ibex.Food & DrinkIsraeli food culture draws on Levantine, North African, Yemenite, and Eastern European traditions. Hummus is an institution — eat it at a local hummusiya for breakfast with warm pita. Shakshuka, a spiced tomato and egg dish, appears on menus across the country. The Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem and the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv are the best places to graze on fresh produce, olives, pastries, and street food. Falafel, sabich, and shawarma fill the gaps between meals. Kosher dietary laws mean most restaurants are either meat or dairy, not both. Israeli wine from the Golan Heights and Judean Hills has improved markedly over the past decade and is worth seeking out.Practical TipsEntry requirements: Citizens of most Western countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days. A passport stamp from Israel can cause difficulty entering some neighbouring countries, so ask for a stamp on a separate entry card if you plan to visit Jordan or Egypt overland.Currency: The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere except small market stalls and some religious sites.Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting holy sites in Jerusalem — the Old City, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock all require modest dress. Wraps and shawls are often available at entrances.Shabbat: From Friday at sundown to Saturday night, Jewish businesses, most restaurants, and public transport shut down or run on reduced schedules. Plan accommodation and meals in advance for Friday evenings.Security: Border crossings to Jordan at the Allenby Bridge and Yitzhak Rabin crossing require advance planning and may involve queues. Check current travel advisories for the region before your trip.Language: Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants throughout the country.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow many days do I need in Israel?A minimum of five to seven days lets you cover Jerusalem thoroughly and add a day in Tel Aviv plus a Dead Sea excursion. Ten to fourteen days allows you to add the Galilee, Eilat, and a crossing into Jordan to see Petra. Many visitors return for multiple trips given the depth of what is available.Is Israel safe for tourists?Israel receives millions of tourists annually and has a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Security measures are visible at airports, malls, and public buildings. Check your government’s current travel advisory before departing and register with your embassy if recommended. The situation near border areas can change, so stay informed during your trip.Can I visit both Israel and Jordan on one trip?Yes. The most popular route crosses at the Yitzhak Rabin / Wadi Araba border near Eilat and Aqaba, or at the Sheikh Hussein crossing in the north near the Sea of Galilee. The Allenby Bridge crossing near Jericho is also an option. Jordan and Israel have a peace treaty and border crossings are generally straightforward.Do I need to book the Western Wall Tunnels in advance?Yes. The Western Wall Tunnels require a timed entry ticket booked through the Western Wall Heritage Foundation website. Book at least several days ahead in peak season. The Western Wall plaza itself is free and open at all hours.What is the dress code at the Western Wall?Men must cover their heads (kippot are provided free at the entrance). Women must cover shoulders and wear a skirt or trousers that cover the knees. The Wall is divided into separate sections for men and women. Modest wraps are available at the gate for visitors who need them.Is the Dead Sea accessible without a car?Buses run from Jerusalem’s central bus station to Ein Bokek and Ein Gedi, making the Dead Sea reachable without a vehicle. Organised day trips from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are another convenient option, often combining the Dead Sea with Masada in the same day.