If you love history, bustling bazaars and fantastic cuisine, then Israel will sooner or later be on your list of travel destinations. We tell you which cities are worth visiting if you are traveling to the country for the first time.
How to get there
El Al and Red Wings airlines have direct flights from Moscow to Tel Aviv. Round-trip tickets will cost 75,000 rubles*, and the journey will take you 5.5 hours. You can also fly with a transfer in Yerevan, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul. Tickets will be cheaper, from 32,000 rubles* round trip. The journey will take from 8.5 hours to a day.
Entry rules
A visa is not required to visit Israel if you stay in the country for less than 90 days. All COVID entry restrictions have been lifted: it is no longer necessary to provide PCR test results, vaccination certificates, or fill out an electronic health declaration. You will only need health insurance that covers coronavirus treatment.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is steeped in history: three religions and cultures intertwine here, which you can touch by visiting sacred sites in the Old City. There are so many of them that it will last for several days. The main feature is that the city is easy to explore on foot, and around every turn some attraction awaits you.
Three places you can’t miss in Jerusalem:
Wailing Wall – to feel the powerful energy of the main shrine in Judaism. You can put a note between the stones and pray, just remember that the wall is divided into male and female parts.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher — to visit the place where, according to the Holy Scriptures, Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and then resurrected.
Old Town – to walk along the Via Dolorosa where Jesus carried the cross before his crucifixion, explore the busy streets of the Muslim Quarter, get lost in the noise and crowd Christian Quarter or enjoy the peace and quiet of a walk along the ramparts.
Where to stay:
Cinema Hostel Jerusalem is a capsule hostel for active travelers in a pedestrian area, a place in a dormitory room will cost 5,300 rubles* per night.
Jerusalem Panorama Hotel – hotel near the Western Wall, a standard room with two beds and breakfast costs 6,800 rubles* per night.
Jerusalem Inn by Smart Hotels – a night in a superior room without meals will cost 12,200 rubles*.
Tel Aviv
The city is very different from the rest of Israel. This bustling metropolis is famous for its vibrant nightlife, lively beaches, long promenade, trendy coffee shops and delicious food. If your goal is to relax and get into the center of the Israeli party, you will like it here.
Three places you can’t miss in Tel Aviv:
Embankment – to spend a day on the beach, ride a scooter along the sea, play volleyball and surf.
Old Jaffa— to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleys, look into an artist’s studio, have dinner at the pier with fishing boats, find a street with your zodiac sign and make a wish.
District Florentin – to go from bar to bar, look at street graffiti and meet creative bohemians, as well as drink a non-alcoholic cocktail made from incredible ingredients in Cafe “Lewinsky”.
Where to stay:
Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv – hostel with breakfast, prices for a place in a dormitory room start from 2,900 rubles*.
Laguardia – hotel within walking distance from the metro to the airport, a double room with a king-size bed will cost from 7,600 rubles*.
Armon Hayarkon Hotel – hotel on the first line with access to the beach, a standard room for two costs 9,800 rubles*.
Haifa
Modern Haifa is a bustling port city, but, unlike many industrial centers, it is surrounded by beautiful nature – steep cliffs that go straight down to the coast. The city is known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the historic Bahai Gardens. Haifa also has many universities and research institutes, making it also a center of education and innovation.
Three places you can’t miss in Haifa:
Bahai Gardens— to see a semblance of heaven on earth, created by human hands, and also learn about the Bahai religion on a free excursion (also conducted in Russian).
Funicular – to look at the city from above from fancy egg-shaped cabins, go up to the Stella Maris monastery, and on the way back go into a cave Elijah the Prophet.
German Colony — to look at the charming stone houses with original biblical verses in German, and also sit in an outdoor cafe with a view to the Bahai Gardens.
Where to stay:
Eden Hotel is a small cozy hotel with a view of the city, a standard room with a double bed will cost 6,900 rubles*.
Asfour Boutique Hotel – a guest house near the Art Museum, a deluxe room with a double bed costs from 10,700 rubles*.
Blue Beach Apartment – apartments with sea views and a swimming pool, a night in a studio costs from 11,600 rubles*.
Nazareth
Another Israeli city with a rich history and culture, but with a distinct Arab character and charm. This is a sacred place for Christians: it is believed that this is where Jesus Christ spent his childhood. Nazareth is much calmer than bustling Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, so it’s the perfect place to slow down: leisurely explore mosques and synagogues, eat local street food and sit for hours in quiet coffee shops overlooking the old streets. It is also the only city in Israel where Sunday is a day off.
Three places you can’t miss in Nazareth:
Church of the Annunciation – to visit the largest church in the Middle East and examine the faces of the Virgin Mary sent from different countries.
El Babur Shop – to inhale the magical aroma of spices, herbs and oils in the shop, on the site of which a Galilean mill once functioned.
Old Market – to stroll through the Israeli bazaar without intrusive barkers and crowds of tourists, try delicious falafel and hummus and feel like the most welcome guest.
Where to stay:
Fauzi Azar – an authentic hostel of the Abraham Hostels network, a place in a dormitory room from 2,900 rubles* per night.
Villa Nazareth – hotel near the city center, a four-bed room with buffet breakfast costs 9,100 rubles*.
Yagorov Chalet – chalet with a jacuzzi on the roof from 15,000 rubles* per night.
Eilat
This Red Sea city is a popular tourist destination for a beach holiday. Eilat is famous for its sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife and water activities from diving to snorkeling. The city is also surrounded by beautiful natural parks and reserves.
Three places you can’t miss in Eilat:
Red Sea – to swim, snorkel or scuba dive to the coral reef and view colorful marine life.
Red Canyon – to break up your lazy beach holiday with physical activity, go through three different trekking routes and count the number of colors the rocks are painted in.
Columns of Amram – to see with your own eyes the desert and the bizarre natural creations made of stones.
Where to stay:
Custo Club – guest house with a swimming pool, an economy class room with a double bed costs 4,800 rubles*.
Sunset Inn – mini-hotel, a small standard room will cost 6,000 rubles* per night.
Leonardo Plaza Hotel Eilat is a resort hotel with several pools, a room for one night costs 17,000 rubles*.
*Prices valid at time of publication.
