Tourist Israel is Israel’s cool
travel site 1. In Jerusalem: Not leaving the city, don’t despairTake
a stroll along the Old Railway, now a beautiful urban park, a gateway
to the city center. Leading from the
Old Railway Station (where the Ice
Festival is currently taking place), the path heads south, through the
German Colony and Baka neighborhoods to the northern edge of Talpiot.
Turn off the trail and explore the side streets and beautiful stone
buildings which characterize these neighborhoods, or head to one of the
many cafes on Emek Refaim to complete the adventure with a coffee. The
Old Railway is a great walk.
2. In Tel Aviv: Explore the south of the cityWalk
through Shabazi Street, and the quaint side streets of
Neve Tzedek. The
first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of Jaffa, Neve Tzedek is
characterized by its Middle Eastern architecture and beautiful buildings
which have been totally renovated in recent decades.
At the
bottom of Shabazi Street, head south, passing the Old Railway Station,
and you’ll come to
Jaffa. Walk along the coast to the port, then climb
up to the narrow alleyways of the Old City, and finish your adventure
with some great hummus in one of the many great restaurants Jaffa has to
offer.
3. On the Coast: Head to Zichron YaakovPark
up near the town center and stroll along Hameyasdim Street, the main
street through the town. Pedestrianized and lined with cafes, galleries,
and boutique stores, Zichron is a beautiful place.
After lunch,
drive out of town towards Binyamina on Road 652, and half way between
the two towns, you’ll come to
Ramat Hanadiv – the incredible memorial
gardens for Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, the man responsible for
Zichron Yaakov, Caesarea, Rishon LeZion, and much more of the
development of pre-State Israel.
4. In the North: How about the Banias? The
Banias Nature Reserve is characterized by its magnificent waterfall,
undoubtedly one of Israel’s most tranquil spots. The reserve features a
number of brilliant hiking routes, including some water hikes to help
you cool off.
If a water hike isn’t enough though, head towards
Kfar Blum, and at Kfar Blum Kayaks, set off along the Jordan River on an
inflatable raft. Pass under the lush trees lining the banks of the calm
river, embrace the rapids, and maybe even stop off at one of the
beautifully-manicured lawns beside the river along the way. By the time
you get back to the car, you’ll definitely be cool and refreshed.
5. In the South: Take a trip to Ein AvdatSet
within the Zin Valley, Ein Avdat (the Avdat Spring) offers a range of
great hiking trails amid the formidable setting of the Negev Desert. Be
sure to take in the panorama of the valley from beside
Ben Gurion’s tomb
at Midreshat Ben Gurion regardless of which hiking path (and thus,
entrance to the reserve) you decide to take. Whilst you’re in the area,
why not head to Sde Boker and visit the hut in which David Ben Gurion,
Israel’s first Prime Minister lived after retiring from politics.
It’s
incredible to think that world leaders traveled here to meet him, and
inspirational to hear the story behind the development of the kibbutz
and his impact in the wider development of the Negev Desert.
Tourist Israel provides ideas for what to do
in Israel, Israel tours, hotels in Israel, and events. It aims to be a resource
for everyone whether they are planning their first visit to Israel or are a
seasoned resident.