Israel THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR ALL

A world-class tourism destination, Israel offers imposing landscapes, countless historic sites, and a vibrant nightlife that everyone should be itching to explore at least once in their lifetime. Whether you’re there to enjoy the sights, to take in the thousands of years old history, or to revel in one of the coolest cities of the Mediterranean, Israel holds the top spot for everything one might need from their holidays.

Written by Ioanna Lambrou

Tel Aviv

Possibly the coolest city in the world, definitely the coolest city in Israel, Tel Aviv is one of those cities that you can feel is teeming with life as soon as you step foot in it. With countless accommodation options to choose from – each one offering something different – take your pick from the chic yet affordable Lily and Bloom, the hip Brown TLV Urban Hotel, the quirky CUCU Hotel, or the incredibly cool Norman Hotel. Trendy neighbourhoods, amazing historical sights, and a diverse and vibrant cultural scene, Tel Aviv is the ultimate spot for the more alternative souls. Save the sightseeing for Jerusalem and just enjoy being in a cool, modern city while you’re visiting. While you’re there make sure you take in the amazing murals and street art in the Florentin neighbourhood – Tel Aviv’s designated hipster enclave –, taste some of the most exceptional Middle Eastern street food, and stop by hipster hangout spots like Mezcal, Kuli Alma, and Teder FM.

One of our favourite areas in Tel Aviv is definitely The White City – over 4000 Bauhaus-style buildings adorn this area, including the amazing Tel Aviv Museum of Art, offering an array of emotions, inspiration, and a lot of photos for the ‘gram. During your stay make sure you explore the city’s Namal port, a buzzing area with lots of shops, restaurants, and hangouts for the perfect afternoon that turns into a late night – check out the Kitchen Market for some amazing traditional Israeli food and impeccable sea views. While at Tel Aviv, you have to make some time to visit Jaffa, the ancient port city that can be explored in its entirety in just 3 hours on a bike!

A must-visit spot in Jaffa is the Shuk Hapishpishim market, vibrant and filled with antiques and excellent bars and restaurants that you must visit.

A must-visit spot in Jaffa is the Shuk Hapishpishim market, vibrant and filled with antiques and excellent bars and restaurants that you must visit. However, there’s two things you absolutely cannot miss out on, one of them being the absolute ride that is Israeli food; Shakshuka, homemade hummus, falafel, and of course, knafeh, try all of these at one of the countless traditional eateries around Tel Aviv such as Shuk HaCarmel, Java, and Shuk Levinsky. The second thing to enjoy in Tel Aviv is, undoubtedly, the Shabbat; if you happen to find yourself in Tel Aviv on a Friday night it’s demanded that you try to partake in Shabbat in the Neve Tzedek neighbourhood. Let the locals introduce you to the amazing Jewish culture, engage in interesting conversation, understand a new culture and faith, and truly feel like you belong there. All in all, Tel Aviv is a truly unique and magical experience for everyone, whether you’re travelling with a group, a partner, or even solo, it’s worth the trip!

Jerusalem

Jerusalem, the Holy Land as it’s known to millions around the world, is a gem of an experience and we absolutely recommend it. The Mamilla and the David Citadel hotels are excellent for those looking for a little more luxury, while the Bezalel and Damson hotels are the perfect choice for young travellers. All major choices for hotels are centrally located and within a stone’s throw from the very important sightseeing we’re about to recommend, so strap yourselves in!

Jerusalem is an epicentre for the three major religions and is filled to the brim with ancient ruins that you simply cannot miss.

a water bottle, and start walking along the Rampart’s Walk towards the Western Wall in the Jewish Quarter; the holiest site for Jews where you’ll find Orthodox Jews praying and leaving notes inside the ancient wall. Make sure you pay a visit to Haram Al-Sharif, otherwise known as Temple Mount. The temple is a lauded site by Christians, Jews, and Muslims all over the world as it’s the very site that Abraham, the father of all three religions, is said to have offered his son up as a sacrifice to God and where Solomon built the First Temple for the Ark of the Covenant.

One of our many pro-tips is to time your visit to the Christian Quarter of the city on a Friday afternoon to catch one of the re-enactments along the Via Dolorosa with the Stations of the Cross that truly bring the Quarter to life.

Jerusalem is an epicentre for the three major religions and is filled to the brim with ancient ruins that you simply cannot miss; our first suggestion to take in all the beauty of Jerusalem is to put on your most comfortable shoes, grab

Another must-visit for Christians is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is said to have been built on the site where Jesus was crucified.

When we said Jerusalem is the Holy Land, we weren’t exaggerating; the Damascus Gate in the Muslim Quarter is once again a lauded site for millions around the world, along with Mount Zion, and the Kidron Valley which includes one of the oldest cities uncovered, the city of David. However, Jerusalem isn’t just its holy sites, nor its ancient walled city, and while delving into the past is incredibly important for its millions of visitors every year, there’s countless activities in the city that have nothing to do with its undoubted holiness. For example, Jerusalem is home to some of the most vibrant nightlife you’d ever think to find next to ancient churches. Make sure you visit spots such as Yellow Submarine, Sira, and Servesa, some of the city’s most buzzing clubs.

Before heading off to those, you’ll need some sustenance and what better way to get that than at one of the city’s exceptional options for delicious dishes. Our top recommendations include The Eucalyptus, offering dishes inspired by Levantine cuisine, Machneyuda, one of the city’s most popular dining spots (make your reservations early!), or if you’re looking for a dinner with a view, then head over to the Mamilla hotel’s Rooftop, which serves sophisticated dishes along with an amazing view of the Old City.

For travellers on a budget, look no further than Talbiye for the best brunch in Jerusalem and Azura, serving guests some coveted Israeli dishes that will remain unforgettable, that’s a guarantee.

We also suggest you drive through the Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve, which is dedicated to breeding and reacclimating animals mentioned in the Bible.