Kelledstyle

For those who follow our travel adventures for a while, you know that we visited Israel for the first time three years ago. We were so glad to visit for a second time back in October to celebrate our mother’s birthday.

Despite the country’s complex politics, Israel has so much to offer in terms of historical sites, landscapes and culture. We would recommend allowing at least one week to explore the major point of interest. Read on to find out what to expect for your visit to Israel and tips to plan your own trip.

When is the best time to visit Israel?

The best time to visit Israel depends on what you want to see and do here. The country experiences a typical Mediterranean climate. The seasons of spring and autumn are the best time to visit Israel to enjoy mild temperatures throughout the country.

However, Israel is home to numerous sites of historical and cultural significance to Jews, Christians, and members of other religions, which makes some periods of the year very busy like Passover and Easter during spring.

To avoid crowded periods and to enjoy pleasant weather, we would recommend visiting late spring from May to early June or early fall between mid September to October.

How to get around in Israel?

The first time we visited Israel three years ago, we only use the bus and the train which was pretty convenient except when we have to ask for info due to language barrier in some area or during Shabbat when service stops on Friday afternoon until Saturday before sundown.

If you plan to use common transportation, we would recommend checking service hours and itineraries online by visiting Egged and Dan Public Transportation for the bus and Israel Railways for the train.

During our recent visit, we reserved a car online at Europcar and picked it up at the airport upon our arrival. Since we were visiting between Shabbat and the beginning of Sukkot Holiday, we chose to rent a car to avoid any transportation inconveniences. That being said, parking in Tel Aviv streets could be very challenging and confusing. We recommend finding a car park or parking lot and paying a little more for your own serenity.

Where to stay in Israel?

Due to its location, Tel Aviv is an ideal city to book for your accommodation. From there, you can enjoy day trips to the main tourist sites such as Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and Haifa to name a few. If you plan to go far south like in Eilat, it will be more convenient to book your stay there since it is a long road from Tel Aviv.

From the coastal strip to the southern district of Jaffa, Tel Aviv offers a great range of hotels and private apartments to choose from. We booked a family room at the Vital hotel located in the heart of Tel Aviv. This elegant boutique hotel features intimate accommodations coupled with a full range of amenities including a luxurious business lounge, a fitness center and a full Mediterranean breakfast buffet.

3 restaurants to try in Tel Aviv for plant-based dining

Due to the shortness of our stay, we did not have the chance to try a lot of restaurants but we would like to share with you 3 restaurants for plant-based dining you do not want to miss in Tel Aviv.

Hummus Abu Dabi

Located in downtown Tel Aviv on King George Street, Abu Dabi is one of the most delicious Hummus places in the city. Once you step into this small restaurant, you really feel at ease thanks to its warm atmosphere and friendly service.

The menu features diverse versions of hummus and sides. Hummus plates are topped with chickpeas that are soft and dissolve into the hummus once in contact with your taste buds. Our favourite items are the falafels, the mushroom hummus, and the fries.

Zakaim

Located on a small alley of Allenby Street, Zakaim is a farm-to-table restaurant featuring an authentic Israeli cuisine with a Moroccan twist, using only fresh ingredients of seasonal vegetables, herbs, nuts, and fruits. There is an indoor room and an open-air space composed of second-hand furniture giving a vintage style to the restaurant.

We booked an outdoor table for dinner and had a great time there. The staff was friendly and took the time to explain to us the dishes featured on the menu. We suggest starting with the Moroccan Cigars made of potatoes and mushrooms, and then opt for the Shakshuka Lima for the main. Absolutely delicious!

Opa

Located in Florentin neighborhood, Opa serves a new innovative cuisine emphasizing the beauty of the plants using local seasonal ingredients. Based on the videos and pictures posted on social media by their clients, Opa offers an upscale dining experience.

Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to try Opa cuisine because the restaurant was closed during our stay but it is definitely on our list for our next visit to Tel Aviv.

10 places to visit in Israel

Few countries have so much variety in terms of landscape, architecture, and history packed into such a small space. In Israel, distances are short so you can explore an oasis in a nature reserve one day, relax the next on a Mediterranean beach, and the day after float at the Dead Sea. Based on our own travel experience, here are 10 places to visit in Israel.

Tel Aviv – Beach

Tel Aviv enjoys kilometres of golden sand divided into several sections, each with its own singularity. Gordon Beach, located south from Hilton Beach, is Tel Aviv’s main beach. What to expect? The water is clean, there are changing rooms and sun loungers.

Beaches are usually packed on Saturday and Tel Avivians come early to nab a prime spot. In addition to Gordon Beach and Hilton Beach, there are Metzitzim Beach, a family-friendly bay with play area, Frishman Beach, and Bograshov Beach to name a few. Also, you will find young and old playing games of paddleball named matkot. If you have no idea what it is, do not worry you will notice it upon your arrival.

Tel Aviv – Old Jaffa

The Old City of Jaffa, a separate enclave with its own ancient history, is one of Tel Aviv’s main tourist attractions. Its three major places are the flea market near Jaffa’s landmark clock tower, the Old Port, and the hilltop Old City. Moreover, the neighborhood has numerous galleries, restaurants, museums, and theatres.

Jerusalem Old City

Jerusalem’s Old City is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. During its history, Jerusalem has been destroyed, besieged, captured, and attacked many times leaving deep wounds. Today, the status of Jerusalem remains one of the core issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but it should not refrain you to visit the treasures of the Old City.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth and its waters have some excellent healing powers. There are several modern hotels with spas along the shores of the Dead Sea to pamper your body but your experience will not be the same depending on where you choose to go.

For us, Ein Bokek is the nicest place to experience the turquoise waters of the southern Dead Sea. We spent a half-day at the luxury Lot Spa Hotel in 2016 and we booked there again for our recent visit. At the Lot Spa Hotel, we enjoyed the Dead Sea in tranquillity with a peaceful atmosphere.

To ensure having a pleasant experience at the Dead Sea, the same practical tips previously mentioned in our Jordan Travel Guide also apply here. It includes among others to wear waterproof sandals to protect your feet from sharp stones, avoid immersing your head and stay hydrated by drinking potable water.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is located less than 30 minutes away from Ein Bokek. Nestled in two canyons, Wadi David and Wadi Arugot, Ein Gedi is one of Israel’s most stunning desert oases.

We have been to Wadi David to try the natural pools and waterfalls. The trails are pretty easy which makes the visit safe and agreeable. At the entrance, there are bathrooms so you can put on your bathing suit and there are also free lockers. When planning for your visit, be aware that Wadi David can get more crowded on Jewish holidays.

Akko

Steeped in medieval Crusader history, the Old City of Akko is surrounded by fortifications dating from the Ottoman with typical urban components such as the citadel, mosques, and baths.

Awarded Unesco World Heritage Site, Akko has been well conserved over the past years and is a great place to visit. Do not miss the colorful Akko’s main souk, it is a vibrant bazaar full of fresh produce, buckets of spices, and souvenirs.

The Baha’i Gardens

Opened to the public in 2001, the Baha’i Gardens are the most visited attractions in Haifa. The terraces have a unique design and magnificent detailing, which replicates the gardens of old Persia.

For an interactive visit, attend the daily Panorama Tour in English (except Wednesday). The tour starts at 45 Yefe Nof Street, and last 50 minutes, ending at the main garden entrance on Hatzionut Avenue. The tour is free of charge and no reservation is required but the number of participants is limited. Check details and schedules online to plan your visit.

Caesarea National Park

Caesarea is originally an ancient Herodian port city located on Israel’s Mediterranean Coast. Thanks to recent restoration, Caesarea is an attractive and fascinating archaeological site.

Within the park is the magnificent Caesarea Amphitheater, a 10,000-seat hippodrome. During summer, the Caesarea Amphitheatre hosts concerts.

It can be hard to travel to Caesarea by bus or train because you have to walk 30 minutes to reach the site from the bus or train station. You can opt for a guided tour or rent a car. Entrance: adult 39 NIS (10EUR/15CAD), child 24NIS (6EUR/9CAD).

Nazareth

Located in the Galilee region, Nazareth is Israel’s largest Arab city with fascinating cultural sites and experiences to savor. Nazareth’s Old City is famous for its traditional souk, which attracts Israelis from across the country.

For those interested in Christianity, Nazareth is filled with a dozen important Christian sites, including the Church of the Annunciation. According to the New Testament, it was in Nazareth that the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to inform her that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38).

Nazareth is worth a visit and we invite you to get lost in the maze of alleyways of the Old City. Back in 2016, we were literally lost after visiting the Old City when looking for the bus stop to go to Kana. We tried to ask for our way but no one around us was speaking English. We got some confusing information but we finally jump onto the right bus. Later, we noticed on the map that another city named Kama was very close to Kana. This similarity could explain why it was a bit difficult to find our way but after all, it makes funny stories to tell!

Tiberias – Sea of Galilee

Tiberias is a popular base for Christians visiting holy sites around the Sea of Galilee and is one of Judaism’s four holy cities. Most of Tiberias’ sights are along the Yigal Allon Promenade that runs along the lakefront. From there, you have breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan.

Elsewhere in town, you can relax at the Tiberias Hot Springs or at the Gai Beach Water Park especially in July and August when temperatures are oppressively hot.

Our second visit to Israel was very short but it was a pleasure to spend quality time with our mother. To conclude, here are additional tips to prepare your trip to Israel:

• Money – the local currency is the Israeli Shekel (1 ILS = 0.26 EUR/0.38 CAD).
• Entry Requirements for tourism – Canadian and French citizens do not need a visa (free entry, maximum stay 3 months). Israel does not stamp your passport but you have to keep the paper visa received at the airport safely because you will need it to exit the country.
• Clothing – if you are planning to visit religious places, you will need to be dressed appropriately. Pack modest clothing such as t-shirts with sleeves that fall below the elbow and long skirts/dresses or pants.
• Shabbat & Holidays – you need extra preparation when traveling during Shabbat time or Holidays as it affects businesses and public transportation.
• Soldiers – Military service is important for both genders and you will probably come across soldiers in their uniforms with a weapon in hand. Don’t be scared, it is quite normal for soldiers to stroll the streets.

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