No matter what your beliefs are, visiting Israel is an experience you don’t want to miss. With a rich history and culture that spans thousands of years, this unique country has something for everyone. From the ancient city of Jerusalem to the beaches of Tel Aviv and everything in between, there’s plenty to see and do in Israel. But if you want to make the most out of your trip, be sure to check out these five things.
The Western Wall
The Western Wall is the most sacred site in Judaism and is located in Jerusalem’s Old City. Jews from around the world come to pray at the wall, which is also a popular tourist destination. The wall was built in the 6th century by King Herod as an outer defense for Jerusalem. Today, it is made up of a series of ancient, narrow limestone steps that are reached by going up one of the several winding alleys that run adjacent to it. Along the way, visitors can see dozens of religious statues and ornate gates. The Western Wall is considered one of the most important Jewish sites in the world and has been at the center of numerous wars and peace negotiations.
Jerusalem
- Jerusalem is one of the most historic and holy cities in the masada tours world. It’s home to holy sites like the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, as well as galleries, museums and monuments dedicated to different periods in Israel’s history.
- Jerusalem is also a great place to wander, with narrow alleyways and winding streets full of old Jewish houses, mosques and churches. The city has plenty of green spaces, too – make sure to take a walk or jog in Forest Hill Park or elsewhere around town.
- No trip to Jerusalem would be complete without a visit to Machane Yehuda market – one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in the world. Here you’ll find all kinds of food, flowers and souvenirs from all over Israel and beyond.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a saline lake located between the Jordan and Israel peninsulas. The lowest point of the sea is 1,290 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth’s surface. With a salt concentration of up to 350 parts per thousand, the water is so salty that even in high summer the water temperature rarely rises above 90 degrees F.
Masada
Masada is an archaeological site located on a large plateau above the Dead Sea. It was the last stand of the Jewish rebels against the Roman Empire and is now a popular tourist destination. Masada is one of Israel’s most famous sites and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
The fortress at Masada consists of two parts: The Upper City, which is on a smaller, more accessible hill, and the Lower City, which is on a larger, more difficult-to-access hill. Both parts are connected by a long ramp.
Today, Masada remains one of Israel’s most popular tourist destinations. The site can be visited all year round, but during the high season (October to April), it can get very crowded. The best times to visit are sunrise or sunset, when it’s quieter and there aren’t as many people walking around.
The Galilee
The Galilee is a region in the north of Israel that encompasses the cities of Haifa, Nazareth, Tiberias and Sepphoris. The area is renowned for its vineyards, mountains and lakes. Highlights of the Galilee include Mount Tabor, the Sea of Galilee and the Mount of Olives.