Israel Things to Do

Founded well before the establishment of the State of Israel (nearly 40 years prior, in fact), Tel Aviv is easily one of the most populous and influential cities in the country. It is also a terrific place to visit as it is home to dazzling viewpoints, a vibrant beach scene, jumping nightlife, flea markets and shopping centers, and a collection of noteworthy museums and cultural destinations.

There is no shortage of things to do in Tel Aviv, but one of the most unforgettable activities is to take some down time on the beach, which runs along the entire western side of the city along the gorgeous Mediterranean. Grab a bottle of wine and your best girl and have a sit on one of the southern beaches during a radiant sunset over the water; with the old port city of Jaffa to your left and the towering skyscrapers of new hotels and city life to your right.

Israel is filled with several priceless monuments and locations equally as important to the worlds big three religions. One such location is the site where Jesus is said to have ascended to heaven: the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Given its name for the olive groves that once inhabited the area, the Mount of Olives is now an important historical destination that now includes the most important cemetery in the Jewish faith, holding approximately 150,000 tombstones now home to deceased rabbis, writers and politicians.

Faux pas and lapses in etiquette are inevitable when visiting a foreign country, and even the most moderate expectations can leave us disappointed when we’re confronted with the reality that is not laid out in guidebooks. The list of things to avoid doing when visiting Israel is just as long as any possible list of recommendations, but the following are a few warnings and suggestions for visitors to the country.

If you’re a foodie traveling in Israel, you may want to consider converting to Vegetarianism. It’s one of the best countries in the world in which to dine well while eschewing meat. That said, even carnivores can have a memorable experience eating in this delightful country. Israel is the literal source of the biblical phrase that refers to a land “flowing with milk and honey.” The regional cuisine is unusually rich and filling. In other words, come hungry.

Beginning in 1987, the Red Sea Jazz Festival has been attracting jazz aficionados to the port at Eilat for four days of performances by internationally known musicians and a sampling of local talent. The typical lineup is a smattering of musical workshops, and 9 or 10 concerts per day that culminate in nightly jam sessions.