Ancient cities, Mediterranean coast, sacred sites and desert landscapes
Israel Travel Guide
Israel combines ancient history, religious heritage, Mediterranean beaches, vibrant cities, desert landscapes and distinctive regional cuisine. Travelers can move from Jerusalem’s historic quarters to Tel Aviv’s coast, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.
Explore archaeological and religious landmarks, traditional markets, museums, coastal promenades, wineries and natural landscapes across the country.
- Tel Aviv
- Jerusalem
- Tiberias
- Dead Sea
Essential travel information
About Israel
Practical information about Israel’s cities, transportation, currency, language, seasons and tipping.
Israel FAQ
Learn what Israel is known for, where to visit, how long to stay, transportation, currency and language.
What is Israel known for?
Israel is known for ancient cities, archaeological and religious landmarks, the Dead Sea, Mediterranean beaches, desert landscapes, wineries, markets and a diverse culinary culture.
Jerusalem is the country’s best-known historic and religious destination, while Tel Aviv combines beaches, nightlife, dining, museums and the historic port area of Jaffa. Tiberias provides access to the Sea of Galilee, and Ein Bokek is one of the principal resort areas along the Dead Sea.
What are the best places to visit in Israel?
How many days should I spend in Israel?
We recommend approximately 7-10 days depending on the itinerary. Travelers combining Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea should allow sufficient time for intercity transfers and sightseeing.
What is the best way to get around Israel?
What is the currency of Israel?
The local currency is the Israeli new shekel (ILS/NIS). Credit and debit cards are widely used in major cities and tourism businesses, while cash remains useful for smaller purchases and tips.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, authorized exchange offices and other approved locations. Exchange rates change, so travelers should avoid relying on fixed conversion figures.
What languages are spoken in Israel?
Hebrew is the main language used throughout the country, Arabic is also widely used, and English is common in hotels, restaurants, transportation and major tourism areas.
Best Time to Visit Israel
Compare the mild spring and fall seasons with the hotter summer and cooler winter months.
Spring and fall are generally comfortable periods for city sightseeing, beaches, hiking and regional travel. Weather varies considerably between the Mediterranean coast, Jerusalem, the north, the Negev and the Dead Sea.
April – May
Spring
Mild to warm temperatures, greener landscapes in many areas and favorable conditions for walking and outdoor sightseeing.
June – September
Summer
Hot, dry conditions across much of the country, with especially intense heat around the Dead Sea and desert regions.
October – November
Fall
Warm to mild weather and generally comfortable conditions for sightseeing before the wetter winter period.
December – March
Winter
Cooler temperatures and more rainfall along the Mediterranean and in northern areas, with colder nights in Jerusalem and higher elevations.
Religious holidays and major events can affect transportation, opening hours, hotel availability and visitor levels. Travelers should check calendars and operating schedules before finalizing plans.
Tipping in Israel
Practical guidance for restaurants, hotels, taxis and guided services in Israel.
Tipping is common in restaurants and tourism services. Travelers should check whether a service charge or gratuity has already been included before leaving an additional tip.
Restaurants and Cafes
A percentage-based gratuity is common for table service when service is not already included.
Hotel Staff
Bell staff, housekeeping and concierges may be tipped for helpful or personalized service.
Taxi Drivers
Tipping is generally not required, although rounding up can be appropriate for helpful service.
Tour Guides & Drivers
Guides and drivers are commonly tipped when gratuity is not already included in the tour price.
Cash is useful for small gratuities. Because prices and exchange rates change, fixed tipping amounts can quickly become outdated.
Mediterranean cities, sacred landmarks and inland landscapes
Top Cities in Israel
Explore Israel from Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean coast and Jerusalem’s historic quarters to the Sea of Galilee and Dead Sea.
Featured destination
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv combines Mediterranean beaches, contemporary culture, Bauhaus architecture, markets, restaurants and nightlife with the historic port and streets of Jaffa.
- Jaffa
- Carmel Market
- Mediterranean Beaches
- White City
Historic city
Jerusalem
Historic city known for the Old City, major religious landmarks, museums, traditional markets and layers of archaeological heritage.
Explore Jerusalem
Sea of Galilee
Tiberias
Lakeside city on the Sea of Galilee with religious sites, waterfront restaurants, boat excursions and access to northern Israel.
Explore Tiberias
Dead Sea
Ein Bokek
Dead Sea resort area known for mineral-rich water, desert scenery, wellness hotels and easy access to nearby natural attractions.
Explore Ein BokekMore Cities in Israel
Explore More Destinations
Continue across the country with historic port cities, Mediterranean resorts, northern cultural centers and Red Sea destinations.
What to expect while traveling
Middle East Travel Planning Resources
Use these practical Middle East travel resources to understand flights, hotels, sightseeing tours and transfers before planning your vacation.
01Before departure
Air Travel
Review check-in, baggage, schedules, connections and practical preparations for international flights.
02Accommodations
Hotels
Understand room arrangements, hotel services and practical accommodation considerations.
03Activities and experiences
Sightseeing Tours
Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical details for booked excursions.
04Local connections
Transfers
Learn how airport and hotel transfers work and what to verify before meeting your provider.
Continue exploring ancient cities, desert landscapes, modern skylines, sacred landmarks, beaches and cultural traditions across the Middle East with Tripmasters.
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