9 of the best places to visit in Israel

Few countries embody the passage of history as much as Israel does. A melting pot of cultures and religions, Israel is an ancient country that has seen numerous rulers and empires rise and fall over the centuries. Today, Israel is a fascinating destination that is at once a vibrant, cosmopolitan country — and one steeped in rich, intricate history.

Our friends at Scott Dunn have helped put together a list of the top 10 best places to visit in Israel for us to share with our community. So without further ado, let’s jump straight into it.

READ MORE: Find out which city in Israel makes our list of the the hottest places on Earth

The best time to visit Israel is from September to November, during this time, the blistering summer heat tapers off, mellowing to a pleasant autumnal warmth during the daytime.

For first-time travellers to Israel

The Jaffa in Tel Aviv

Given how captivating and complex Israel is, it can be a daunting destination to plan a trip to for first-time travellers. But there remain several perennial highlights to experience. Begin in the ancient port city of Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s oldest region, where you’ll make your base at The Jaffa, a former 19th-century monastery that has been transformed into a slick, upscale retreat.

A private guided tour will enlighten you on the key landmarks originating from various empires and eras — including those from ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Ottoman Empire — scattered about the city. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Israel.

The Dead Sea is one of the best places to visit in Israel

Journey further south towards the famed Dead Sea, where you can swim past incredible salt crystal formations — and where you can indulge in a gourmet lunch prepared for you on the shore.

The Tower of David, and the Dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem

The tawny-coloured streets of Jerusalem and its convivial atmosphere belie its expansive history. After immersing yourself in some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks — such as the Dome of the Rock and the Wailing Wall — continue your exploration by visiting the lesser-travelled area of Mount Zion.

Located just outside the Old City walls, it houses three major sites: The Tomb of King David — a fascinating combination of Byzantine and late Roman-era Synagogue architecture — the Room of the Last Supper, and the Church of the Dormition.

The famed Shuk, the city’s largest market

Of course, no journey to Israel is complete without indulging in its cuisine, including its much-vaunted coffee culture. Travellers should also explore Jerusalem’s largest open-air market: The Mahane Yehuda market — or the ‘Shuk’, as the locals affectionately call it — is widely regarded as the heart of the city.

Near the historic market lies Machneyuda, one of Jerusalem’s hottest restaurants among locals and food critics alike. This upscale restaurant boasts modern Middle Eastern cuisine in a wonderfully bustling atmosphere. It is also notoriously difficult to secure a booking here, and is also closed on Shabbat, making a meal here even more prized.

For those who love experiences, it is one of the best places to visit in Israel.

For travellers who love history

Reflect on the passage of time in the ancient city of Beit She’an

For history buffs, Israel is a destination like no other. One of Israel’s oldest cities, Beit She’an, is often overlooked by tourists but has played an important role in history due to its strategic location between the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley. The city holds some of the Middle East’s most well-preserved ruins: Here, you can relive some of ancient Rome’s most glorious structures.

Take a walk through the historic walled port city of Acre

Other must-visits include Acre, a harbour city that holds claim to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth. Most famously, Acre was the last city held by the Crusaders in the 13th century: Retrace their footsteps in the impressive underground Crusader City, an interconnecting network of passages, tunnels and chambers.

For the adventurers

Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park

Beyond its metropolitan cities and ancient sites, Israel is also home to a wealth of natural wonders that are as breathtaking as they are surreal.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park has a labyrinthine system of caves and underground passageways that lead to Sidonian burial caves and Roman amphitheatres. Be warned, some caves need to be crawled through, making this an experience recommended only for the truly adventurous.

The Negev desert

Outside Jerusalem lies the ethereal Negev Desert. Covering over half of Israel’s total land area, the Negev is a region bursting with hidden secrets and stunning landscapes. You must see the world’s largest erosion cirque, the Ramon Crater, which offers amazing views and is a sight to behold.

Explore the desert’s largest wadi, Zin Valley

It would be a shame not to jeep safari across the desert’s largest wadi, Zin Valley, a vast expanse of dry river beds and towering canyons carved by the miraculous waters of the Ein Avdat spring: Appearing like a mirage in the bone-dry desert, the Ein Avdat is a marvel to behold, giving life to an abundance of flora and fauna in the area.

To underscore the mythical beauty of the desert, continue on to Israel’s famed desert wineries, which goes well with the local Negev goat cheese.

Come nightfall, a professional astronomer will host an intimate stargazing experience on the desert dunes themselves. Be regaled by tales of mythological heroes and legends as you absorb the wonders of the sprawling night sky with a telescope, warmed by the heat of a bonfire.