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Israel21c

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There’s no better way to experience Israel than by coming to see it first-hand. Find resources on the best hotels, new restaurants, exhibits, activities and sites to make the most of your next trip to Israel.

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Image by Leo Kavalli via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Could this signal an end to arbitrary airline ticket prices?
By Zachy Hennessey
Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park. Photo by Boris-B. via Shutterstock.com
Travel
9 fun things to do in Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv
By Elana Shap
A flock of pelicans migrating over Israel. Photo by Yuval Dax
Earth
11 fabulous wildlife photographs
By Zachy Hennessey
Covid convinced Americans of the importance of travel insurance, say Faye’s founders. Image by mdjaff on Freepik
Travel
The company that’s redefining US travel insurance
By Yulia Karra
Ice cream in a luna park of tastes is served at Cremerie De L’éclair. Photo from the chain’s Instagram page
Travel
Where artisanal ice cream fans can find their fix in Tel Aviv
By Elana Shap
Top things to do at Timna Park
Travel
Top things to do at the Timna Park desert wonderland
By Naama Barak
View of the port at Caesarea. Photo by Seth Aronstam via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Israel’s top 7 Jewish historical archeology sites
By Yulia Karra
David’s Harp Galilee Resort Hotel in the Jordan Valley is one of several new hotels opening in Israel during wartime. Photo courtesy of Miloslavsky Architects
Travel
5 new hotels that opened in Israel, despite war
By Elana Shap
The 48, 2024
Life
The 48 – 2024
By ISRAEL21c Staff
The skyline of Haifa. Photo by Richie Chan via Shutterstock.com
Travel
18 cool things to do in Haifa for FREE
By Naama Barak
A student carries out an excavation at 'Ubeidiya. Photo by Yoli Schwartz/Israel Antiquities Authority
Travel
New national park in Israel is prehistoric jewel
By Zachy Hennessey
Roman coins from The Israel Museum’s numismatic collection. Photo by Elie Posner/The Israel Museum
Travel
10 must-see ancient treasures at the Israel Museum
By Zachy Hennessey

Volunteering in Israel

HaShomer HaChadash volunteers helping at an Israeli farm. Photo courtesy of JNF-USA
Life
How to volunteer in Israel during the war
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Hospitals in Israel may need medical and nonmedical volunteers. Illustrative photo by gpointstudio via Shutterstock.com
Life
People at home and abroad offer help in Israeli hospitals
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Alternative medical practitioners volunteering with soldiers through Chayal’s Angels. Photo by Tasha Cohen
Life
12 unusual ways Israelis are volunteering during the war
By Abigail Klein Leichman
A United Hatzalah team transport a patient to a helicopter for emergency evacuation to hospital. Photo courtesy of United Hatzalah
ISRAEL AT WAR
What you can do to help Israel at this time
By Nicky Blackburn
An agricultural field in the Gaza envelope, on fire. Photo courtesy of HaShomer HaChadash
Earth
Thousands rush to help Israel’s desperate southern farmers 
By John Jeffay

Get ready for a stay in Israel

An Airbus 320-200 takes off from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Photo by Felix Tchvertkin, via Shutterstock
Travel
Airlines flying to Israel now and those returning soon
By Zachy Hennessey
The entrance to Ben-Gurion International Airport. Photo Nataliya Pylayeva via Shutterstock.com
Travel
10 things to expect when visiting Israel during the war
By Naama Barak
Jerusalem’s Western Wall pictured in a history book. Photo by Protasov AN via Shutterstock.com
ISRAEL AT WAR
12 books to help you understand Israel’s history
By Naama Barak
Image by Below the Sky via Shutterstock.com
Life
13 books to help you understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
By Naama Barak
Photo by ShU studio via Shutterstock.com
Travel
The 3 slang words you’ll use the most when visiting Israel
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Illustrative photo by ShU studio via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Who and how to tip on your next trip to Israel
By Naama Barak
Photo by The Art of Pics via Shutterstock.com
Travel
10 things guests need to know when staying at an Israeli home
By Naama Barak
A train traveling on Israel Railways. Photo by Yuriy Chertok via Shutterstock.com
Travel
11 things to know before boarding a bus or train in Israel
By Naama Barak
A woman celebrating Israel's 75th Independence Day in Jerusalem, April 26, 2023. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Travel
15 things you probably didn’t know about Israel

Things to see and do

Guy Levy in Ivri – House for Hebrew Nostalgia. Photo by Elana Shap
Travel
Eclectic café and shop serves up all types of Hebrew nostalgia
By Elana Shap
The Joyned team in Jerusalem. Photo by Natasha Zeriker
Travel
A simpler way for travel buddies to choose and book trips
By Brian Blum
A stained-glass window inside the Great Synagogue on King George Street in Jerusalem, Israel. Photo by Flik47, via Shutterstock
Travel
Israel’s most beautiful stained-glass windows
By Naama Barak
The new glass-fronted downtown campus of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem. Photo by Aviad Bar Ness
Travel
4 unusual things to do in Jerusalem in the fall and winter
By Nicky Blackburn
The St. George monastery in the Judean desert was built in the 6th century on a cliff at Wadi Qelt and is still inhabited by Christian monks. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Travel
9 of the most beautiful churches in Israel
By Jessica Halfin
Who’s the man in the brown cap in Machane Yehuda? Photo by Solomon Souza
Travel
Street artist celebrates founding faces of Jerusalem market
By Abigail Klein Leichman
The Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood of South Tel Aviv. Photo by Flash90
Travel
5 historical landmarks that capture the spirit of Neve Tzedek
By Isabelle Rosen
Azad, one of two male Persian leopards at the not-yet-open Midbarium Desert Animal Park. Photo courtesy of Midbarium
Travel
The zoo animals learning to cope under rocket fire  
By Abigail Klein Leichman
A woman walks by a street art mosaic on Nachalat Binyamin Street in Tel Aviv. Photo by Miriam Alster/FLASH90
Travel
Top 4 things to do on Tel Aviv’s historic Nachalat Binyamin Street
By Isabelle Rosen

Where to stay in Israel

The Yam Hotel near Tel Aviv’s northern beach and port. Photo by Sarit Goffen
Travel
Best hotels in Tel Aviv
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Photo courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
Travel
Best hotels in Jerusalem
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Photo courtesy Tzuba Hotel.
Travel
16 family-friendly hotels in Israel
By Abigail Klein Leichman
The circular pool at Slowness Hotel. Photo by Miriam Van La’ar
Travel
Take it slow at Israel’s new Slowness Hotel
By Elana Shap
Photo courtesy of Setai Sea of Galilee hotel
Travel
Best hotels at the Sea of Galilee
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Photo courtesy of Eilat Tourism Corporation
Travel
13 of the best hotels in Eilat
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Photo courtesy of Hotel Indigo
Travel
Israel’s top child-free hotels
By Abigail Klein Leichman

Israel on a budget

Travel Israel on a budget with our top tips for a wallet-friendly yet fabulous holiday. Photo by Hadas Parush/Flash90
10 ways to travel Israel on a budget
By Naama Barak
An aerial photo of Tel Aviv's beautiful skyline. Photo by StockStudio Aerials, Shutterstock
18 cool things to do in Tel Aviv for free
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Haifa’s stunning Bahá’í Gardens offer free admission. Photo by Nicky Blackburn
Free Things to Do in Israel
20 of the best things to do in Israel for FREE
By Abigail Klein Leichman
A panorama of Jerusalem by Katie Chen on Unsplash
Top 18 things to do in Jerusalem for free
By Naama Barak
Inside HaBigudit’s King David Street branch in Tel Aviv. Photo courtesy of WIZO
Travel
These second hand shops also benefit great causes
By Abigail Klein Leichman

Best places to eat

Baklava is one of the culinary delights available in Abu Ghosh. Photo by Yosefus via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Extraordinary culinary delights await you in Abu Ghosh
By Naama Barak
A delicious pair of tacos from Taquería in Tel Aviv. Photo courtesy of Taqueria
Travel
The best places to eat tacos in Israel
By Mariano Man
Israeli restaurants have top-notch cuisine and a culture all their own. Photo by Fotokon via Shutterstock.com
Travel
The ultimate guide to eating out at a restaurant in Israel
By Naama Barak
Travel
Challah bread gets the ultimate food porn makeover
By Elana Shap
Injera bread and toppings at Balinjera, Tel Aviv. Photo by Nicky Blackburn
Life
Spice up your life: 10 best Ethiopian eateries in Israel
By Sol Gruffy
Samantha Baron at BlackOut restaurant in Jaffa. Photo by Jordyn Tobasky
A restaurant where diners can’t see their food
By Samantha Baron
Travel
Doing lunch in Israel, worker style
By Elana Shap
Travel
Knafeh becomes an institution at Jerusalem’s shuk
By Sarah Levi
Benedict’s Sarona Market location. The chain offers breakfast in Tel Aviv 24/7. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90
Top 10 spots to enjoy a hearty breakfast in Tel Aviv
By Sol Gruffy
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
7 places to get a great cup of coffee in Tel Aviv
By Oreen Cohen
Chef Yoav Schverd has brought a taste of Israel to Beverly Hills. Photo by Ra Dreyfus for Tel Aviv Groove pop up
Travel
Israeli chef serves up a modern Mediterranean menu in LA
By Elana Shap

Travel Jerusalem

A sign point the way to the new Angelina Drahi Entrance Pavilion. Photo courtesy of Tower of David
Travel
Sleek renovation at Tower of David blends old and new 
By Naama Barak
The Jerusalem laser light show in full effect over the holy city. Photo by Dor Pazuelo.
Travel
Jerusalem debuts spectacular laser light and sound show
By Zachy Hennessey
This market stall in Machane Yehuda’s Agas (Pear) Street got a centennial facelift with portraits of the original house’s owners, Bachora and Meir Banai. Photo by Solomon Souza
Travel
Machane Yehuda Market celebrates centennial at a crossroads
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Central Market President Massimo Manetti and Machane Yehuda Market Merchants Association President Tali Friedman at the inaugural meeting of the International Markets Association, July 2023 in Jerusalem. Photo by Dor Pazuelo
Travel
Jerusalem and Florence outdoor markets join hands
By Abigail Klein Leichman
British army and police raid in the Machane Yehuda Market sometime between 1934 and 1939. Photo courtesy of the G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, US Library of Congress
Travel
100 years of photographs at Machane Yehuda market
By Naama Barak
Travel
Jerusalem’s ancient Tower of David gets a high-tech makeover
By Elana Shap
Jerusalem introduces the Red Bus City Tour. Photo by Dana Heftzadi/This is Jerusalem
Travel
Tour Jerusalem in a red double-decker bus with narration
By Abigail Klein Leichman
A physical and spiritual path through Israel. Photo by Golan Rice
Travel
New pilgrimage route revives ancient path from Jaffa to Jerusalem
By Elana Shap
People riding bicycles in Jerusalem, October 2022. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Travel
TIME picks Jerusalem biking as top 50 destination in 2023
By Abigail Klein Leichman

Travel Tel Aviv

The Red Line chugs through Tel Aviv. Photo courtesy of NTA
Travel
10 things you need to know about Tel Aviv’s new light rail
By Abigail Klein Leichman
White Night 2022 outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Photo by Ilan Spira
Travel
Tel Aviv’s White Night turns 20 with huge celebrations
By Naama Barak
Hagay Ben Yehuda mills his breadmaking wheat onsite in Tel Aviv. Photo by Noa Ben Yehuda
Travel
Tel Aviv baker’s luscious loaves made from ancient wheat
By Elana Shap
Travel
The 3 best (and 3 worst) places to cycle in Tel Aviv
By Naama Barak
This street in Tel Aviv was named for King George V in 1935. Photo by Danya Belkin
Street Cred
Tracing the history of Tel Aviv through its street names
By Danya Belkin and Oreen Cohen
The new fountain at Dizengoff Square has a European vibe. Photo by Marion Fischel
What to see and do on Tel Aviv’s iconic Dizengoff Street
By Marion Fischel
Photo by Bas van den Eijkhof on Unsplash
Trolleys, dollars and diamonds: Tel Aviv’s most unexpected tour
By Brian Blum
The old and the new combine in Jaffa to create a backdrop like no other. Oleg Zaslavsky via Shutterstock.com
Architecture
9 of the most beautiful buildings in Jaffa
By Naama Barak
There’s no telling what you’ll find at the Jaffa Flea Market. Photo by Yonatan Stern via Wikimedia Commons
4 wacky finds at the Jaffa Flea Market
By Carly Brechner

Travel the north

Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Travel
10 fun activities in Israel’s northernmost town
By Diana Bletter
Patrons of Café Abu Salem in Nazareth. Photo courtesy of Café Abu Salem
Travel
The café where Nazareth folk have met for tea since 1914
By Elana Shap
Azizo Lavender Farm photo by Roni Sade 
Earth
A lavender farm turns the Golan purple
By Elana Shap
Hiking on Mount Hermon. Photo by Miki Inbar
The 15 best hikes in Israel’s north
By Brian Blum
A Druze flag flies in Daliat el-Carmel. Photo by Harvey Sapir Photography via Pikiwiki Israel
A taste of Druze culture and cuisine in Daliat el-Carmel
By Diana Bletter
Vered Baer and Morad Bishara in front of their Tupelo Bakery in Ma’alot-Tarshiha. Photo by Diana Bletter
Travel
Gluten-free bakery is a sweet spot in the Western Galilee
By Diana Bletter
  • An aerial view of the Old City of Akko. Photo by Menachem Lederman/Flash90
  • An aerial photo of Akko and it’s marina. Photo by Shadi Halaby, Shutterstock  
  • A view of Akko’s harbor, walls and houses of worship. Photo by Alex7370 via Shutterstock.com
  • Crusader castle in the historic district in old Akko. Photo by Muhammad Arar via Shutterstock.com 
  • Spices in colorful sacks on sale in the market in Acre (Akko). Photo by RnDmS via Shutterstock.com
  • Spices in colorful sacks on sale in the market in Acre (Akko). Photo by RnDmS via Shutterstock.com
  • View of the lighthouse, with Saint John the Baptist church in the background, in the Old City of Akko. Photo by RnDmS via Shutterstock.com
  • Photo of the Underground Prisoners Museum in Akko by Imalester via Wikimedia Commons
  • Photo of the Bahá’í Gardens in Akko by Eli Schwartz via Shutterstock.com
UNESCO City
11 reasons Akko is one of Israel’s most exciting destinations
By Diana Bletter

Travel the desert

A sign points to the city of Arad along Highway 31. Photo: Shabtay via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Experience relaxed desert tourism in Arad
By Elana Shap
Business partners Ben Shukrun, left, and Avi Barkai with their camper vans. Photo courtesy of Ein Gedi Camp Lodge
Travel
Camper vans bring hippie culture to a Dead Sea visit
By Elana Shap
Tourists at the Dead Sea enjoying Neve Midbar Beach alongside the Dead Sea Boat. Photo courtesy of the Dead Sea Revival Project
Travel
On World Water Day, boat undertakes maiden Dead Sea voyage
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Ilanit Bronstein in her TelePele studio at Vidor Artist Colony. Photo by Abigail Leichman
A charming artist colony in a former desert army camp
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Kibbutz Lotan, a southern Israeli desert retreat. Photo by Meg Stewart via Wikimedia Commons
Kibbutz Lotan, Israel’s transformative desert retreat
Travel
Take a journey on the ultimate salt route
By Elana Shap

Learn more about Israel

A public bomb shelter in Holon. Photo by Sergio Starodubtsev
Travel
This is how bomb shelters look in Israel’s children’s city
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Bathers queuing up for the showers at an Ein Bokek (Dead Sea) beach. Photo by B-1972 via Shutterstock.com
Travel
The do’s and don’ts of waiting in line (sort of) in Israel
By Naama Barak
Illustrative image by Eiko Tsuchiya/Shutterstock.com
Travel
All the slang you’ll need for your trip to Israel
By Jessica Halfin
Image by Protasov AN via Shutterstock.com
Life
14 must-read books about Israel
By Jessica Halfin
A spot of sunbathing on Ashkelon Beach. Photo by Shutterstock
Life
10 ways to blend in on an Israeli beach
By Naama Barak

Things to see and do

Photo of Sussita by Sasha Taran via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Marvel at ancient ruins, sea views atop a new national park
By Naama Barak
Overview of the Waterland park. Photo by Tal Agasi
Travel
Eilat’s first waterpark opens with a big splash
By Yulia Karra
Travel
Touring Israel on the back of a motorbike
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Children frolicking in Teddy Park’s sprinklers in Jerusalem. Photo by Hadas Parush/FLASH90
Travel
10 ways to enjoy the Israeli outdoors, even in a heatwave
By Naama Barak
A dance show at the Salsa and Bachata Congress in Eilat. Photo by Guy Rottem
Travel
5 best places for salsa dancing in Israel
By Mariano Man
Travel
Discover Israel’s 9 beautiful World Heritage Sites
By Naama Barak
As these preschoolers at Moshav Yashresh can attest, Israel is very kid-friendly. Photo by Yossi Aloni/Flash90
Life
Top 32 things to do with kids in Israel in the summer
By Abigail Klein Leichman
The new National Library of Israel building designed by Herzog and de Meuron with Mann-Shinar. Photo © Laurian Ghinițoiu
Life
A peek into the magnificent new National Library of Israel
By Judith Sudilovsky
Photo by AstroStar via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Top live shows to catch this spring and summer
By Naama Barak
Crypt of Saint George in Lod, Israel. Photo by Marina Sorkin
Travel
The famous Christian martyr buried in Lod
By Mariano Man
Photo courtesy of Root and Leaf Farm
Travel
8 places to pick fresh produce in Israel
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Volunteers at Shirat Hamidbar farm in Beer Milka. Photo courtesy of Ramat HaNegev Regional Council
Life
10 ways to help society on your holiday in Israel
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Image courtesy of Golan Heights Winery
Travel
12 terrific wine-tasting tours in Israel
By Naama Barak

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