Tel Aviv Top Attractions



Tel Aviv’s important historical sites include Bialik House, Ben Gurion House, Dizengoff House, the old cemetery on Trumpeldor Street, and Reuven House. Nature lovers can visit the garden at Abu Kabir, HaYarkon Park, and the Botanical Gardens near Tel Aviv University. Families with children can enjoy an action-filled amusement park.

The city has several plazas, the best known being Rabin Square, HaMedina Square, and Dizengoff Circle.

Eleven of the city’s churches, monasteries, and mosques, such as Saint Peter’s Church and the Franciscan Monastery, are located in Jaffa.

There are a wide range of wonderful great value day trips one can easily take out of Tel Aviv, organised by the likes of United Tours, including…

Jerusalem

The holy city is Israel’s self-claimed capital but is more controversial internationally. There is so much to see here of historical and religious significance that it can be rather overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. However you should take in the following:

A panoramic view of the city, including the Temple Mount with its iconic golden Dome of the Rock and El Aqsa Mosque; the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, reputed Tomb of the Virgin Mary and Church of the Ascension of Christ; Mount Zion, including King David’s alleged tomb and the traditional site of the Last Supper; the bustling Old City, including its Muslim and Jewish Quarters and ancient, now-subterranean, Cardo shopping precinct; Via Dolorosa, supposed site of the Stations of the Cross, all culminating in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, possible site of Golgotha, the Crucifixion and tomb of Christ; the Western 'Wailing' Wall, heard from afar; the Knesset parliament; Ein Kerem, birthplace of John the Baptist; and the new, harrowing Yad Va’Shem Holocaust Museum. Also, check out the Tower of David Museum and Time Elevator Jerusalem for static and more kinetic historical representations of this great city, respectively.

If peckish, check out the fab Dagim Bahatzer Restaurant (Jafo 31, Jerusalem, 972 2 622 2524).

Dead Sea and Masada



Take in the rugged, mountainous Judean Desert and views of ancient Jericho in the distance; Qumran, site of the Dead Sea Scrolls’ discovery; plus the Masada citadel, reached on foot or via cable car, site of the infamous mass-suicide of Jewish zealots, besieged by Roman legions. Visit Ein Gedi Kibbutz-cum-Spa for a swim – or effortless float – in the Dead Sea, the Earth’s lowest point, with Jordan’s mountains rearing up, simultaneously downwards reflected, over on the far side. Avoid getting the water in your mouth or eyes; carefully wash off the mineral-rich mud or brine to avoid a rash; and wear flip-flops so the salt crystals on the seabed don’t cut your feet to shreds!

Other Sites

If you;ve got more time take in Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity), Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee (site of the Sermon on the Mount), Capernaum, Caesarea (an old Roman provincial capital build by Herod complete with ruinous theatre, amphitheatre, temple and harbour), Haifa (Gardens of Baihia), Akko (a.k.a. Acre – with its Crusaider heritage, historic hamam sauna and picturesque harbour, complete with fab Uri Buri Fish Restaurant) or Eilat (Red Sea).

Between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, also check out the Flam Winery in Eshtaol village, including its wonderful herb and spice store, the Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve which actively recreates ancient landscapes and associated customs, and Mini Israel – a fun theme park, basically Israel in miniature'.

Check out the Negev for some desert fun, Eilat for its water sports, and Sefat for a foray into Jewish mysticism.