Jerusalem

Old City (Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter, American Quarter)

A devout Jew prays at the Wailing-Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel

Tel Aviv

Jaffa

Dead Sea

Israel National Parks

In Jerusalem, Mark stayed at the Abraham Hostel with a private room and bathroom (ensuite).

In Tel Aviv, Mark stayed at Hayarkon 48 Hostel with a private room and bathroom (ensuite). It’s a block from the beach with a great, rooftop view and balconies.

The view from the balcony of the Hayarkon Hostel in Tel Aviv, Israel

The vast majority of visitors to Israel arrive through Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv. The airport may be one of the most scrutinized on Earth, so leave plenty of time to go through security (at least twice) before your flight. While airlines may say three hours, be safe and plan on four. Pre-screening interviews can take time and may be unpredictable.

All major transportation services are available, including international airports, trains, trams, buses, rental cars, tour groups, and drivers for hire.

Israel Railways Train Schedules

Israel Bus Timetables and Routes

The US State Department has an active Travel Warning for Israel, The West Bank, and Gaza, which cautions American citizens “against all travel” to those areas. In addition, the State Department warns, “Gaza is under the control of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is dangerous and volatile.”

Dial 100 for emergency services while in Israel or the Tourist Police at 03-5165382.

If you are planning to travel to an Arab country (except Egypt and Jordan) after your visit to Israel (even years into the future), you may consider asking border authorities to not place an Israeli stamp in your passport. Be sure to tell the immigration agent of your request before your passport is stamped.

Visas are required to visit Israel and are generally valid for up to 90 days, unless visitors are from a Visa Waiver Country

Tourist Information Centers are located throughout Israel. Check the list for the nearest location to the city you’ll be visiting.

Consider buying a Rav-Kav (“multi-line”) Travel Card either for daily, weekly, or monthly use, depending on which metro area you’ll be traveling in: Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Beersheba. The discounted cards provide unlimited use of busses, trains, Metronit, and Light Rail. Click here for a downloadable .PDF with more information.

For more in-depth—and often candid—travel advice when visiting Israel, consider LONELY PLANET’S ISRAEL guide, which you can check out via our referral (“affiliate”) link on Amazon.com.