Bucket List: Top 10 Best Things to See and Do in Israel

Known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Israel is home to several world’s sacred sites, from the Dome of the Rock to Mount Zion. Located in Southern Levant on the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is a Middle Eastern Country that attracted millions of tourists worldwide for its ancient beauty. Although it’s a pilgrimage destination, Israel offers plenty of attractions for tourists who are not into churches and mosques. There are many things to do in Israel that fit every traveler’s bucket list.

Israel is a diverse country and a melting pot of religions, offering various attractions that will pique the interest of all ages. Whether you’re into historic sites or adventure, this fascinating country will not disappoint. If you’re ready to explore “The Holy City”, here are the top 10 best places to visit in Israel:

10. Acre (Akko)

Acre is a beautiful port city recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site that will amaze visitors with its ancient charm. Locally known as Akko, Acre boast well-preserved city walls with a hidden tunnel where the Treasures in the Walls Museum is, showcasing life from the Ottoman period to the 20th century.

This glorious city features structures from the Ottoman and Crusaders periods and remnants of the Hellenistic-Roman period. Acre offers impressive tourist attractions, from a vibrant harbor, markets, and museums to beaches and water sports facilities.

9. Masada

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Israel, Masada, is an ancient fortress sitting on the hilltop in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea. Visiting Masada is a must when exploring the Dead Sea region since this site played a significant role in Jewish history.

The Siege of Masada took place in this rugged fortress, which occurred from 72 to 73 CE, ending the First Jewish-Roman War. Constructed around 30 BC, the ruin of Masada is now a go-to place for hikers and photographers for its panoramic views. There’s also a cable car for visitors who are not into hiking.

8. Haifa

Considered the third largest city of Israel, Haifa is a port city that offers lots of hang-out spots and eateries. Due to its strategic location, Haifa became a popular destination in Israel for its steep landscape, beautiful sceneries, beach activities, promenades, and lovely gardens.

Haifa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Baha’i World Center, boasting the perfect landscape of Baha’i Gardens. It’s one of the best places for travelers looking for accessibility, offering plenty of city buses, cafes, and dining spots.

7. Eilat

Eilat is a resort town on the Red Sea famous for its beaches, abundant marine life, and wildlife. The town’s most famous attraction is the glimmering Red Sea, offering snorkeling, diving, and other water sports activities.

In the southern part of the town, many visits the Coral Beach Nature Reserve for its beautiful corals and colorful fish. But if you prefer exploring the land, go for desert adventures and see rock formations at Timna Park or hike at the Red Canyon and be amazed by its red-colored rocks.

6. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is ideal for travelers who like old and new attractions. This city is the country’s commercial and cultural capital, offering various tourist attractions, from religious and cultural landmarks to shopping malls, nightclubs, chic restaurants, and stunning beaches.

Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv features impressive architectural ideas, combining beautiful landscapes and Bauhaus buildings. There’s more to visit in Tel Aviv, such as the Beit Hatfutsot, Carmel Market, and the oldest modern village, Sharona.

5. Sea of Galilee

Also known as Lake Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee is one of the top places to visit in Israel since it’s where Jesus lived. The Sea of Galilee is where John the Baptist baptized Jesus and is one of the earliest settlements in Israel, where Jesus fed many people with few loaves and fish.

Considered the lowest freshwater lake on earth, the Sea of Galilee is home to historical sites and massive national parks. Galilee also boasts 17 hot springs, perfect for a relaxing vacation where you can enjoy mud treatment, massage, a thermo-mineral pool, and a hot tub bath.

4. Dead Sea

One of the top tourist attractions in Israel, the Dead Sea offers a one-of-a-kind experience where swimmers float in its waters while gaining therapeutic benefits. Apart from floating on its buoyant waters, there are plenty of things to do in the Dead Sea, from thermal hot springs to thrill-seeking hikes.

For history buffs, the Dead Sea region is also a great place to visit, where events from the Old and New Testament. This place is home to Mount Sodom and the caves of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls of the Bible were discovered.

3. Nazareth

Dubbed “The Arab capital of Israel”, Nazareth is a must-visit when exploring the Holy City. Wrapped in biblical history, Nazareth is where Jesus spent his childhood days and the largest Arab city in the country. Travel back in time by taking a tour of the Nazareth Village, offering an ancient and divine feeling.

This vibrant city is home to fascinating cultural and historical sites, such as the Church of Annunciation, Mary’s Well, Mount Precipice, and The Ancient Bathhouse from the Hellenistic period.

2. Bethlehem

Located in the West Bank, Bethlehem is a Palestinian city and a Christian pilgrimage destination. The most popular attraction in Bethlehem is the Church of Nativity, where Jesus was born. Other best tourist spots are Shepherd’s Field, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus, and the Marsaba Monastery, considered one of the oldest monasteries in the world.

If you’re a fan of archaeological sites, Solomon’s Pools are also worth visiting. It features three ancient reservoirs that provided water to Jerusalem dating from the Late Second Temple Period.

1. Jerusalem

Finally, the top place to visit in Israel is Jerusalem, one of the holiest lands in the world. This city is often visited by religious devotees across the globe, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Jerusalem is a pilgrimage site for Christians where the key events in Jesus’ life occurred, boasting magnificent structures and ancient buildings.

Jerusalem is a glorious place where the prophet Muhammad was also believed to have ascended to heaven. So no matter what religion you are, visiting Jerusalem is a must on your trip to the Holy Land.

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