Israel travel guide
Israel is a small country on the eastern Mediterranean with places sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Mediterranean beaches, desert craters, the Dead Sea and coral reefs on the Red Sea. It suits travellers interested in history and religion, food and city life. Conditions can change quickly, so check your government's current travel advice before planning a trip.
Places worth the trip
Jerusalem's Old City
A walled city of four traditional quarters, holding sites central to three faiths, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Temple Mount, known in Arabic as al-Haram al-Sharif, with the Dome of the Rock. Visiting hours and access rules differ by site, and modest dress is expected.
Tel Aviv and Jaffa
A Mediterranean city of beaches, cafés and markets such as Carmel Market. Its 'White City' of Bauhaus-style buildings is a UNESCO site, and the old port of Jaffa, at its southern end, has stone alleys, galleries and a flea market.
The Dead Sea and Masada
Floating in the very salty water of the Dead Sea is a classic experience. Nearby, the mountaintop fortress of Masada, reached by cable car or the steep Snake Path, overlooks the desert; Ein Gedi has springs and waterfalls.
The Galilee
The green north has the Sea of Galilee, Christian pilgrimage sites such as Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes, the city of Nazareth, and the hilltop town of Safed (Tzfat), a historic centre of Jewish mysticism.
Haifa and Akko
Haifa climbs the slopes of Mount Carmel, with the terraced Bahá'í Gardens, a UNESCO site. Nearby Akko (Acre) has a walled old city with Crusader halls, Ottoman buildings and a harbour.
Makhtesh Ramon
A huge erosion crater in the Negev Desert near Mitzpe Ramon, with hiking trails, colourful rock layers, ibex and dark skies for stargazing.
Eilat and the Red Sea
At the southern tip of the country, Eilat has a coral reef close to shore, good for snorkelling and diving, and a warm, dry climate even in winter.
Interesting facts about Israel
- The shore of the Dead Sea is the lowest point on land on earth, roughly 430 metres below sea level and still falling.
- Hebrew was revived as an everyday spoken language in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, after being used mainly in religious and written contexts for centuries.
- From Friday evening to Saturday evening, during Shabbat, most public transport stops and many businesses close, although some places, especially in Tel Aviv, stay open.
- Hundreds of millions of birds migrate through the region each spring and autumn, and the Hula Valley in the north is known for large flocks of cranes.
- The navigation app Waze was developed in Israel.
Best time to visit Israel
Spring (roughly March to May) and autumn (roughly September to November) are the most comfortable times to visit, with warm days and cooler evenings. Summer is hot, especially around the Dead Sea and in the Negev, and humid on the coast. Winter brings some rain in the north and centre and can be cold in Jerusalem, while Eilat and the Dead Sea stay mild. Jewish holidays and Christian festivals bring crowds and some closures, so check the calendar when planning.
Getting around
Distances are short. Trains connect Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Ben Gurion Airport and other cities, and intercity buses reach most towns. A rechargeable Rav-Kav card, or a payment app, is used on public transport. Most buses and trains do not run during Shabbat, from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, when shared taxis called sheruts may still operate on some routes. Hiring a car makes it easier to explore the Galilee and the Negev. Taxis are metered; ask for the meter to be used.
Practical details
- Capital
- Jerusalem is the seat of government; its status is disputed internationally, and most foreign embassies are in Tel Aviv
- Currency
- New Israeli shekel (ILS)
- Languages
- Hebrew, Arabic (special status)
- Plug types
- C, H
- Voltage
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 100 police, 101 ambulance, 102 fire
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Around 10 to 15 percent in restaurants is customary if service is not included. Tips for tour guides are expected.
Staying online in Israel
Mobile coverage is generally very good in the cities and along main roads, with 4G and 5G widely available. Signal can be weaker in parts of the Negev Desert, in deep valleys and around the Dead Sea cliffs. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, hotels and many public spaces, including some city centres. GPS-based apps can sometimes be affected in parts of the country. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
Israel eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Israel, V2
无限流量
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Israel, V2
无限流量
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Israel, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Israel, V2
Useful apps
- Moovit: Journey planning for buses and trains, with real-time arrivals, developed in Israel and widely used there.
- Gett: Booking licensed taxis in Israeli cities.
- Waze: Popular local navigation app with live traffic information.
- Google Translate: Translating Hebrew and Arabic signs and menus; download languages for offline use.
Israel travel FAQs
Conditions in the region can change quickly. Check your government's current travel advice before making plans and follow it, as it may also affect your travel insurance.
Yes. Coverage is very good in cities and along main roads. A travel eSIM gives you local data from arrival, so transport and map apps work from the airport onwards.
From Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, most public transport stops and many shops close, particularly in Jerusalem. Restaurants and some shops stay open in Tel Aviv, and hotels operate as usual. Plan travel around it.
Cover your shoulders and knees at synagogues, churches and mosques. Men may be asked to cover their heads at the Western Wall, and women may be asked to cover their hair at some sites. Scarves are useful to carry.