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Must see attractions in Israel

This magical, holy land is brimming with religious, historical and sacred sites. From Roman fortresses to holy prayer walls, you will never run out of things to do in Israel. Exploring ‘the land of milk and honey’ is like travelling back in time. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus, visit ancient monuments dating back thousands of years, and experience the Israeli life hidden behind its Old City walls. Here’s our pick of the best attractions in Israel. 

The Old City of Jerusalem

One of the biggest highlights of a tour to Israel is visiting the Old City of Jerusalem. The area is steeped in religious significance, historical monuments and sacred sites. Within its boundaries you’ll find the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock, which you can find more about below. But the Old City itself is a worthy attraction of its own. No day is better well spent than when wandering the crooked alleyways filled with history, mystery and intrigue. And don’t forget to visit the famous Israeli markets!

Yad Vashem Museum

If you’re keen to learn about Israel’s tumultuous past, the Yad Vashem Museum is a great place to start. The Museum is the memorial site of six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust – the largest in the world. It’s a very intense experience, but an important one if you want to understand the country’s past. You’ll find a compound of museums on the grounds which house various exhibitions, a library and a collection of historical monuments. Be prepared for a deeply moving and powerful experience.

Did You Know?

The Mount of Olives is the oldest, continuously used cemetary in the world!

Old City of Jaffa, Tel Aviv

Jaffa is a charming place to visit in Israel and is home to one of the world’s oldest ports. The Old City is a part of Tel Aviv but it couldn’t be more different – it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to see a different side of the city. Wander the ancient, winding alleyways filled with boutiques, art studios and markets. Visit the beautiful churches and sip Israeli wine at one of the trendy bars, or enjoy a taste of Israel’s fresh fish in a restaurant overlooking the sea.

Mount of Olives

 The Mount of Olives is an iconic spot in Israel which has been the location for many significant moments in the Jewish, Muslim and Christian histories. Legend states it’s the place where the gates of Heaven will open on earth. Essentially, it is a sharp mountain ridge overlooking Jerusalem’s Old city. The view is absolutely stunning and when you learn of the significance of the place, it becomes even more special.

Western Wall, Jerusalem

The Western Wall, otherwise known as The Wailing Wall, is an open-air synagogue located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. People from all faiths are free to come and recite prayers aloud or write them down and place them between the cracks in the wall. This is actually the site of a large Jewish Temple, long ago destroyed in conflict. All that remains now is this wall.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Located inside the ancient walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the holiest places in Israel. Christians believe it to be the place of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Even though the building itself dates back to the 12th century, the origins of the site dates back even further to the 4th century. If you’d like, you can take a guided tour to learn about the history and ancient stories surrounding the place.

Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem

 Walking the cobblestoned steps of Via Dolorosa is an iconic experience that is popular among tourists and locals alike. The Via Dolorosa is a route through the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, believed to be the same path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. Beginning at the Antonia Fortress, the path continues around 600 meters to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock is a world famous Muslim shrine, built in the seventh century. This sacred site marks the believed location where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. The iconic golden dome which dominates the Jerusalem skyline is situated on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Dome of the Rock is also the location of the Foundation Stone which is another important holy site.