Israel Tourist Office, 50 tourist attractions in israel

50 Tourist Sites That Shine
There are so many beautiful, exciting and significant places to visit in Israel, it would be impossible to describe them all on these pages, so we've selected just 50—one for every year of the modern State of Israel's existence—that represent a good sampling of all there is to see and do there.
Akko: A town that has been redefined by campaigns and crusaders throughout history, today showcases many attractions including remnants of a Canaanite settlement, a Citadel, a mosque and a souk. North of Haifa
Ashkelon: One of the five great Philistine cities, seaside Ashkelon is associated with Samson and Delilah. Its national park holds the ruins of Herodian colonnades, ancient synagogues and a Roman amphitheater. South of Tel Aviv

Bahai Shrine: Located on the grounds of the exquisite Baha'i Gardens. Pays homage to the founder of the Baha'i faith. Haifa

Basilica of the Annunciation: Built on the site where the Archangel Gabriel delivered his message to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. The lower floor enshrines the Grotto of the Annunciation over the remains of Mary's house. Nazareth

Beersheba: Abraham's first home in the Promised Land and the springboard for desert sightseeing. The colorful Bedouin Market (pictured) is a popular visitor attraction, as well as the Turkish Old Town and the Negev Museum. Negev

Beth Hatefutsoth, Museum of the Jewish Diaspora: A series of themed exhibits tells the story of the tribulations, achievements and unity of the Jewish people, dispersed throughout the world, during a time span of 2,500 years. Tel Aviv

Beit She'an (House of Rest and Quiet): Romans lived here in Israel's equivalent of Pompeii for two centuries. A Roman theater, with three of its original rows of seats intact, is still used for performances. Jordan Valley

Bible Lands Museum: This museum focuses on the history, cultures and civilizations found in the Bible and displays artifacts from ancient times. Jerusalem

Caesarea: Much remains intact in this city, built by King Herod the Great, including an amphitheater, archways of an aqueduct and two underwater towers topped by six colossal statues. North of Tel Aviv

Cana: According to the Gospel, it was here that the newly baptized Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast. Two small churches in the village commemorate the event. Galilee

Capernaum: The city where Jesus preached was also the home of the apostle Peter. Visitors will find the remains of a synagogue and mosaics from a fifth-century chapel. Galilee

Church of the Holy Sepulchre: This site encloses the last five Stations of the Cross and is believed by many to be the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Jerusalem

The Citadel (Tower of David) Museum of the History of Jerusalem: A fascinating museum recounting Jerusalem's 3,000-year history within its ancient walls. Jerusalem

The Dead Sea: This mineral-rich, salty body of water, along with its hot springs, has been known for centuries for its medicinal qualities, and buoyancy that makes it impossible for anyone to sink. The South

Eilat: Resort area known for grand hotels, Red Sea beaches, watersports (snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing) and hedonistic atmosphere. Negev

Frederic Mann Auditorium: The Israel Philharmonic, the Helena Rubinstein Art Museum and Israel's Habima Theater are housed in this performing arts complex. Tel Aviv

Garden Tomb: This English-style garden is located on the site of a dual-chambered cave believed by many Protestants to be the tomb from which Jesus rose from the dead. Jerusalem

Garden of Gethsemane: Within the courtyard of the Basilica of the Agony (Church of All Nations), eight of the olive trees that flourish here are believed to have witnessed Jesus at prayer. Jerusalem

Golan Heights: Prehistoric dolmens (table-like monuments) and Stone Age structures can be found on this volcanic plateau. It is also the source of new Israeli vineyards whose wines are considered among the country's finest. Farther north lies historic Banyas National Park. The North

Ha'aretz Israel Museum: This multifaceted institution, housed in various buildings throughout the city, traces the development of regional crafts, trades, coins, pottery and the 3,000-year history of glass-making. Tel Aviv

Haifa: Israel's main port city offers many attractions, including museums, parks, universities and some of the country's best beaches. Mediterranean Coast

Herzliya: Named for Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism, Herzliya was established in 1924 as an agricultural center. Cafe's, bars and restaurants line the sea front along Basel Street and Shalit Square. North of Tel Aviv

Israel Museum: Permanent exhibits include Jewish costumes, Hanukkah and Sabbath lamps, archeological finds, "old masters," modern art and the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Jerusalem

Jaffa: One of the oldest cities in the world with the oldest working harbor. Highlights include antiquities, flea markets and the Ilana Goor Museum—originally an 18th-century pilgrim's hostel and now home to Goor's extravagant sculpture, jewelry and interior design. Tel Aviv

Kibbutzim: These rural communities exemplify the Israeli pioneer spirit of hard work and cooperation. Many are in resort areas and offer quality accommodations for tourists. Visitors can also volunteer to work on a kibbutz. Throughout Israel

The Knesset (Parliament): The reception hall features tapestries by Marc Chagall, while a giant menorah outside the building depicts significant events in Jewish history. Jerusalem

Masada: At the summit of this isolated mountaintop fortress, visitors may view the many remains associated with King Herod the Great, builder of the fortress, including a palace with its pools and baths. It was at Masada where Jewish zealots committed mass suicide, rather than become slaves to the Romans. Dead Sea

Mizpe Ramon: The multi-hued Ramon Crater, the area near which this city stands, is arguably the world's largest crater. The South

Mount Herzl: The burial site of Theodor Herzl, who helped inspire the Zionist movement, is also the final resting place of former Prime Ministers Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin. Jerusalem

Mount of Beatitudes: Believed to be the site where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, it overlooks the Sea of Galilee. The Church of Beatitudes, designed by Antonio Barluzzi, stands on the hilltop. Galilee

Mount of Olives: A cemetery for generations of Jews, legend has it that the Messiah will resurrect the dead who lie here. Many Christians regard this as the site of Jesus' ascension into Heaven. Jerusalem

Mount Scopus: A strategic observation point since antiquity, and home of the Hebrew University, it offers modern-day visitors superb panoramic views of the city and the Judean Desert. Jerusalem

Mount Zion: Site of Jesus' Last Supper, the Abbey of the Dominion (where Mary "fell into eternal rest") and King David's tomb. Jerusalem

Nahariya: A quiet seaside resort near Ahziv, the grottoes at Rosh Hanikra and Montfort Crusader Castle. The town was founded in 1934 by Jewish refugees from Germany. The North Coast

Nazareth: Known as the city where Jesus grew up, Biblical attractions include the Basilica of the Annunciation, the remains of Mary's house and the Synagogue Church. Galilee

Negev: Visitors may be surprised to find agricultural communities and kibbutzim flourishing in this desert region that makes up 60 percent of Israel's land mass. The South

Old City of Jerusalem: A 260-acre area divided into four distinct historic quarters—Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian—is home to 20,000 multi-cultural residents. Ramparts walk, an ancient walkway, offers a panoramic view of the old city. In the Cardo, Jerusalem's main thoroughfare in the sixth century, excavation reveals remnants of Israelite walls and Byzantine and Crusader structures. The Souk, comprised of hundreds of market stalls, lines the narrow streets and alleys of the Old City. Jerusalem

Qumran: The site where the first Dead Sea Scrolls were found, ruins remain of a ritual bath, a potter's workshop, a kitchen, assembly and drinking halls, laundry and water systems and a stable, as well as a cemetery with 1,200 graves. Dead Sea

Rehovot: Home of the Weizmann Institute, named for Israel's first president; and Rishon Le Zion, a Jewish settlement dating to 1882, where visitors can tour the Rothschilds' winery. Near Tel Aviv

Safed: Perched atop the Galilee Mountains, this holy city, associated with Jewish mysticism, is now home to the Artists' Colony and the Safed Candles Factory. Galilee

Sea of Galilee: Provides Israel with its fresh-water supply (the "sea" is really a large lake) and is home to more than 20 species of fish. Many well-appointed hotels line the lake. Scuba diving and other watersports options are available. The North

Sheinkin Street: Trendy restaurants—as well as chic international and local handicraft shops—attract both residents and tourists to this lively street, day and night. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv: Established as a suburb of Jaffa in 1909, Tel Aviv today is Israel's largest city—a bustling metropolis and a vibrant center of entertainment, culture and big business. Mediterranean Coast

Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Exhibits the best of Israeli art, classical paintings, Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, 20th-century masters and more than 20,000 prints and drawings. Tel Aviv

Temple Mount: A vast, elegant compound marks the sites of the two destroyed Temples. Today it houses the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aksa Mosque, the world's third holiest site for Muslims. Jerusalem

Tiberias: A modern resort town, once the second largest spa in the Roman Empire, Tiberias is a good base for excursions to Capernaum and the entire Galilee. The North

Via Dolorosa: (The Way of Sorrow) The route Jesus took to the crucifixion. Nine Stations of the Cross lead to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in which the last five are found. Jerusalem

The Western Wall: This remnant of the outer wall of the Second Temple's courtyard has drawn Jews from all over the world for centuries to pray and mourn as well as to tuck their written pleas and prayers into its crevices. Jerusalem

The Western Wall Tunnel: A 2,000-year-old network of caverns and passageways runs parallel to the Western Wall and reveals valuable insight into where the First and Second Temples stood. Jerusalem

Yad Vashem: On this scenic hill is found the Memorial to Martyrs and Heroes of the Holocaust, the Central Archives of the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance, the Avenue of Righteous Gentiles and the Valley of the Destroyed Communities. Jerusalem


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This information was taken by permission from The Israel Ministry of Tourism