This coastal, historical, Middle Eastern Country is a hidden naturally beautiful gem. Israel is filled with breathtaking views of the different bodies of water, of the dramatic desert scape and of the ancient cities. Israel is very new and was created in 1948, however, the history and buildings of the country dates back thousands of years, which gives the cities charm and character. Being the size of New Jersey, Israel is very small, which makes it easy to travel around to the different beautiful and sacred areas. It is an amazing country to visit filled with culture and splendor, for your next vacation explore the incredibly charming Middle Eastern nation.
Often the preconceived notions that people have about visiting this Middle Eastern country are negative and apprehensive due to how the media portrays political tensions between Israel and Palestine. Yet, the country is not a dangerous hot bed of tension, the majority of the country is very safe. In Israel it is very common to see armed guards patrolling the streets, however, they are doing this for protection. Research specific areas if you are unsure about the amount of conflict in that area. Please do not visit the West Bank or the Gaza strip because of the complex situation and instability in this particular region. Do not let the media deter you from exploring this amazing country, because the nature, cities, and history are incredible.
Tel Aviv
The capital of Israel, Tel Aviv is the cultural and financial center of the country, however it is also a start up and technology hub. The city is fusion of Middle Eastern and Western cultures that have come together to create a trendy and modern city. Tel Aviv is really a cultural hotspot that looks over the tones of blues in the gorgeous sea, and the eco friendly bike lanes connect the different sections of the city and architectural styles. There are 4 main areas that the city is divided into, the center, the north, the south, and the shoreline that runs along the Mediterranean.
The center of the city is filled with unique streets that have designer clothing boutiques, hip cafes, fantastic restaurants, and markets. On Disengoff St. there is a beautiful spinning fountain that has both water and fire running through it, surrounding this unique square is a small flea market that operates on Tuesdays and Fridays. There is also a large shopping center on the street that sells international brands, and on Fridays is home to a food market, which celebrates cuisines from around the world. For more popular markets, visit the HaCarmel Market, which is the busiest in Tel Aviv and sell all sorts of delicious candies, pastries, fruits, vegetables, meats, and much more. Haggling for a deal with Israeli vendors is the best way to spend less on food; it is much cheaper than the prices at the super market. Across the street is the pedestrian mall Nahalat Binyaminon, which is the place to buy handmade art on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Northern part of Tel Aviv is least touristy part of the city; it is made up of upscale neighbourhoods, and an area for many businesses. It is still a nice area to explore with many restaurants and bars; there is even the Ramat Aviv Mall, which is a good place to shop for popular brands. However, compared to the other 3 districts it is not as much of a tourist hub.
The Southern section of Tel Aviv is Jaffa, it is the ancient port city and is known for being the backdrop to biblical stores such as Jonah, Saint Peter, and Solomon. This port is filled with history as it was used since the Bronze Age in the era of the Ancient Egyptians as early as 1440 BCE. This district of the capital is filled with narrow cobble streets that connect an array of ancient buildings from different time periods. This incredibly charming area is filled with courtyards, beautiful views of the port, and quirky shops such as the Jaffa Flea Market. It is a second hand heaven, complete with antique and trendy things and furniture that has both a Middle Eastern flare and a western influence. Once the sunsets, the southern part of Tel Aviv transitions into an intimate setting for restaurants and bars that string small lights between the narrow streets. The outdoor seating adds to the character of Jaffa, it is a very alluring and romantic district.
The shoreline in Tel Aviv is a picturesque part of the city that runs for miles along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The water is tropical shades of blue that reflect off the strong Middle Eastern sun, and is alive with locals and tourists enjoying the waves and the soft sand. It is a place to enjoy swimming, wind surfing, and surfing; yet the beach part about the beach is the sunsets that reflect golden colors against the sea. Along the promenade there are many different shops and once it turns to evening the vibrant nightlife comes alive. Bars, clubs, and lounges across the city become animated with people coming to dance and drink.
Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem is a religiously complex area to visit, charged with the spirituality of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. It is a cultural mecca and is one of the oldest cities in the world, and has white buildings that dot the skyline of the religious infused metropolitan that shows the beautiful ancient architecture.
Within the city there is a lot to see, such as the Mahane Yehuda Market, and the old city, which is home to the religious sites. The Mahane Yehuda Market, is the biggest market in Jerusalem, it is a busy area that sells an assortment of things. It is recommended to go there during the morning to avoid the hectic crowds. To get to the old city, take the light rail; it is a very cheap and easy way to get around Jerusalem. To have a deep understanding of the Wailing Wall, The Temple Mount, and The Church of the Holy Sepulchre get a tour guide for the day who can give many details behind the 3 religious sites and ancient buildings. In old city, the religious energy is palpable, the smell of incense and the call to prayer demand an atmosphere of spiritual respect to allow people to worship. The Western Wall or the Wailing Wall is an important site holy site in Judaism. People of all religions can visit this area, and there is an area that allows visitors to write a wish of a blessing on a piece of paper and put it into the wall. The Church of Holy Sepulchre is significant to Christianity and it the place where Jesus is laid to rest. It is a very old structure and is a stunning piece of architecture and history. The Temple Mount is significant to Muslims and is the 3rd most holy sit in Islam. In all of these areas, dress and act respectably and understand that these places are divine expressions of faith for 3 religions. The entire metropolis is beautiful tribute to the history of empires that ruled over it in the last thousands of years. The streets are paved with stone, and the buildings are filled with character. This city of contrast is a complex area, however it is extremely beautiful and worth visiting.
The Dead Sea
This mystical body of water is at the lowest spot on the earth, yet it is also filled with the most minerals. The sea borders Jordan and Israel, and is a place of healing and beauty treatments. Essential things to bring to the Dead Sea are sunscreen, a lot of water and shoes to wear on the shore and in the water. The blue hues of the water are breathtaking and calming, which flow from the Jordan River, yet the high salt content makes the sea a floating paradise. The water shoes are important to wear because the salt is crystalized into the rocks and the sea floor, which is beautiful but very sharp. There are salt pearls everywhere that look like little pieces of glass, making this a very unique beach experience. After leaving the water, the minerals will make your skin feel incredible and extremely soft. It hardly rains in this area of the country, and most days are sunny and very warm, ranging between 30-40 degrees Celsius. The heat is why bringing water is important, it is easy to become dehydrated and there is little shade around the Dead Sea, and being in direct sunlight without water can be very damaging. Near the Dead Sea is En Gedi, which is a nature reserve this is a beautiful area to hike in and explore fresh water rivers and waterfalls. Within the reserve it is also possible to hike to springs, canyons, caves, and the ancient buildings of the synagogue and a Bronze Age temple. The natural beauty, religious history, and modern cities within Israel, make it a fascinating place to discover on vacation.
