The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Israel: It’s easier than you think!

A big welcome to Paula, our Intern at CasaVersa! Here’s her guide to visiting in Israel and getting around the country without any hassle.

Israel might be a small country, but there are seemingly endless places to visit. Just 470 km from tip to toe and a population of 8 million inhabitants (a mixture of Christians, Muslims and Jews), there are many things to do while visiting in this country.

I was born in Argentina and decided to live in Israel for a couple of months to understand more about the country and travel. In this blog post I’ll share with you what it’s like to experience this tiny but fascinating country, and give you some tips on how to get around as a foreigner – it’s easier than you think!

Isn’t Israel Dangerous?

When I told my friends and relatives I was coming to Israel, the first thing they asked was whether it’s dangerous, and if I am afraid of visiting because of the Middle East conflict. Since arriving here a few months ago, I can say for sure that when you are here you feel very safe: the country takes care of you, and there is nothing to worry about. Once you are here you will see that there is a very big gap between what you read on the news and the daily life.

Typical Food

The gastronomy in Israel is very diverse and quite famous due to the diversity of international cuisine that each Israeli city has to offer: typical Middle Eastern food like hummus, tehina and falafel, Italian, fish, meat, sushi, Thai – the list goes on. You can inexpensively from 5 NIS ($1.5) without too much trouble, or spend a lot more for gourmet cuisine.

How to get around in Israel

Traveling in Israel is easy: from the Ben Gurion international airport in Tel Aviv there are trains and buses that connect with the major cities including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa. Remember that sometimes you can by the return ticket in advance so it may be cheaper. There are also flights to Eilat, a touristic city in the south of Israel, popular not only by locals but for many tourists as well for its spectacular views of the Red Sea, balmy weather and underwater life (more on Eilat later). The public transport companies to get around Israel are DAN for within cities and Egged for within cities and for traveling long distances and Israel Railways.

It is important to mention that during the Sabbath (the Jewish day of rest), which lasts from Friday at 3 pm till Saturday 7 pm, there is no public transportation, but you can take the Sherut Taxi (private shared taxis) during this time for a reasonable price.

What Language is spoken in Israel?

Apart from Hebrew, most of the people speak English, and many of them Russian and Arabic as well. There are 1 million Israelis of Russian origin living in Israel. People here love Spanish because of the soap operas and there is also a big French community living all around the country. Israelis love traveling so when they see you are a tourist they always do the best to help you.

Tel Aviv: the Modern City

Tel Aviv is a city that never sleeps. It offers many activities for the whole family. Museum, galleries, and its gastronomy is something important to mention.

I suggest experiencing a Shabbat with locals. You will learn about this typical Jewish tradition and you will share some time with a host family. There are also some tours in Jerusalem where you can visit the Western Wall during Shabbat

For more great tips on what to do in Tel Aviv, check out these Tel Aviv Top 5’s.

What to do outside of Tel Aviv

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is just 50 minutes from Tel Aviv and is easily reached by train (a slower option, but a more pleasant journey at 23 NIS= $6) or bus (the faster and cheaper option at 19 NIS= $5). This is one of my favorite places in Israel, and many consider it to be the most special city on Earth for very good reasons. You should visit Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum), get lost in the streets of the old city, visit the Western Wall, go to the Shuk (Machane Yehuda Market) and visit the Mount of Olives for spectacular views of this spiritual city. It is an unforgettable experience.

The Galilee

For those searching for a bit more activity, I recommend the “The Jesus Trail” - a 65-kilometer hiking trail in the Galilee region of Israel where you will visit many historical and religious sites. It is a good option to do it with your family!

The Dead Sea

Just 2 hours from Tel Aviv by bus (50 NIS = $13) you will arrive at a truly unique natural wonder. What’s so great? Well you float! But not like you ever have before because you will be floating unusually high as it is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. I recommend that you don’t put your head in because the water can damage your eyes and it is very painful. Ouch!

Acre & Caesarea

Acre & Caesarea are located in the Northern coast of Israel, there are two important places to visit. Acre (also known as Akko, by train 50 NIS= 13 USD) is an enchanting port city with the remains of the Crusaders who were over 800 years ago. You can also easily travel to Caesarea by train, a spectacular archaeological site of a Roman port city that flourished at the start of the millennium (120 minutes, 26 NIS= 7 USD).

Eilat

Eilat is located in the south of Israel next to the Red Sea, this city offers a lot of activities for children and adults as well. There is an aquarium (Coral World Eilat), and lot of water sports like snorkeling and diving, where you will see a huge variety of fish and coral in amazingly clear water. You can also visit Petra in Jordan for one day trip. Petra is a spectacular archaeological site to explore (250 USD, including the visa to Jordan, the guided tour, transport and the lunch). You can get to Eilat by bus from Tel Aviv (from 82 NIS= 21 USD) or by plane (from 87NIS= 23USD one way)

Here’s a map of Israel with all these cities

In order to have an unforgettable experience in Israel, I suggest doing a home exchange in Tel Aviv so you will live as an Israeli, experiencing its culture and traditions and you will have connection to the main attractions of the country.

Still not convinced? Here’s an awesome video of Israel - and it’s only 60 seconds long!

Want to visit Israel? Check out the great home exchanges available around the country on CasaVersa home exchange.