A country of immigrants, Israel’s population has grown more than eight-fold since its founding in 1948. Today more than 7 million inhabitants embrace a mixture of people with varied ethnic backgrounds, lifestyles, religions, cultures and traditions.
Best Time to Visit
Israel is a year-round destination, which experiences a typical Mediterranean climate with mostly warm and cloudless days. Generally, travellers can expect lengthy, hot summers and cool, rainy winters. The best time to visit Israel is in spring or autumn, when temperatures are high but not overbearing.
Things to do and see
- The Western Wall Tunnels: allows visitors to reach the segments of the Wall hidden from view, and to touch the original and special stones that tell the story of the Jewish nation. Visitors to the Western Wall Tunnels walk through ancient and fascinating subterranean spaces with exquisite archeological findings, such as large stone arches, water pits, an ancient water aqueduct that ends at the Strouthion Pool, and more.
- Masada Fortress: you can large cable car up to the top of the mountain that is MASADA – UNESCO World Heritage Site – King Herod’s magnificent mountain-top palace and fortress – and site of the last Jewish revolt against the Romans in 73AD.
- Discover Jerusalem: Jewish, Islamic, and Christian sites on a walking tour that explores the city’s rich religious heritage, from the Dome of the Rock and Temple Mount to the Via Dolorosa. Get a fascinating perspective on thousands of years of history, spirituality, and conflict by experiencing Jerusalem through all three of the city’s major religions.
- Dead sea: known in Hebrew as Yam Ha-Melakh (the Sea of Salt) is the lowest point on earth, surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Negev Desert. … Further North near the Dead Sea is the Ein Gedi National Park. … Popular beaches include the Ein Gedi Beach and the beach at the Ein …
Transportation
Transport oon Saturday: Shabbat, or the Sabbath is the one day of the week when travel in Israel is harder. Public transport is very limited and with exceptions, impossible. This reduces your options to taxi, sherut or car hire (which should be collected on Friday and returned on Sunday). Some buses run, for example within the city of Haifa, whilst private tours may operate. Trains dont operate at all, however, between sun-down on Friday and sun-down on Saturday
Air: Internal flights operate from Eilat to Tel Aviv and Haifa, and are operated by two airlines, Arkia and Israir, although El Al will soon also fly on the Tel Aviv to Eilat route.
Roads: Israel’s road network spans 18,096 kilometers (11,244 mi) of roads,[1] of which 449 km (279 mi) are classified as freeways.[2] The network spans the whole country.
Route 6, the Trans Israel Highway, starts just east of Haifa down to the outskirts of Beer Sheva, about 200 km (120 mi). Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and Route 2 between Tel Aviv and Haifa are well maintained highways.
Rail: Tel Aviv–Jerusalem railway (also high-speed railway to Jerusalem, Plan A1, and Railway 29) is a railway line that will connect the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel. It has been under construction in stages since 2001 and has been partially operational since 25 September 2018. It will serve as the main rail link between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, complementing the old Jaffa–Jerusalem railway. As such, the railway is often referred to in Israel as the high-speed railway to Jerusalem to distinguish it from the older, longer and slower line.
The newly constructed railway will span about 56 km of electrified double track, costing approximately NIS 7 billion[1] (about US$2 billion) due to the extensive bridging and tunneling required along the mountainous route. The design speed is 160 km/h[2] with a projected travel time of approximately 28 minutes from Tel Aviv HaHagana Railway Station and 20 minutes from Ben Gurion Airport Railway Station to Jerusalem’s Navon station.
The line is the first heavy rail line in Israel to be electrified and was originally planned to open in 2008,[3] but due to various objections, bureaucratic delays and engineering difficulties it only partially opened in September 2018 – with trains running between Jerusalem and Ben Gurion airport. The remaining electrification works necessary for trains originating in Jerusalem to continue to Tel Aviv and Herzliya may last “well into 2019”.[4] Until then, rail passengers from Jerusalem who wish to reach destinations other than Ben Gurion airport from Navon station must change trains at the airport station.
Taxi:
Israel also has a share taxi service (Hebrew: שירות, sherut), run by several private companies, depending on location, in addition to regular taxicab services. The shared sherutservice usually appears a yellow minivans and travel along the same path as the normal buses with identical route numbers. For a slightly higher price, the shared sherut service allows passengers to both hop on and hop off anywhere along the path of travel. During peak travel, often the time of travel can be shortened as the number of passengers is significantly small compared to normal bus services. Some routes continue to travel through the night and on Shabbat providing transport needs to the population when normal buses services cease. The beginning and end of the sherut vans may differ from the central bus station and on the weekends and evenings, the routes can also be altered for some services.[citation needed] In 2015, share taxis carried 34.7 million passengers, 15.2 million of which were transported on city routes, with the rest going to suburban and inter-city routes.[7]
Private taxisEdit
Taxis, often called “special taxis” (Hebrew: ספיישל) in Israel, to distinguish them from share taxis, are regulated by the Ministry of Transport. Aside from individual taxi companies, Gett is the primary digital taxi hailing service in the country.[citation needed] In 2017, approximately 90 million rides were made using taxis.[3]
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There has been a lot of misinformation about arriving to Israel by sea. claims of no route or stopped routes are out there and I just wanted to set the record strait.
There are number of Lines at least 2 that reach Israel ports on a regular basis. The most accessible one is the Salamis line now operating the Allexo ferry between Lavrio (Athens – Limassol – Haifa. This is a weekly route and the ferry enables private cars and Motorcycles to board it RORO (that is Roll on Roll Off, no packing and handling). However this new ship recently introduced does not have cabins and thus you can not accompany your vehicle aboard the ferry, which could have been done before (on the Alios its predecessor.)
Note that the ships main business is trucks and commercial cargo so if you do not have a reservation and ship is full you may find yourself waiting for a week till it comes around again.
The agent to the ship is Rosenfeld shipping of Haifa and they can be reached for bookings in any direction at reservations@rosenfeld.net or at Tel +972 4 861 3671.
Please make sure you have all the documents needed by Israeli customs for entry into the country it is pretty painless if you are prepared and a nightmare of you are not.
The shipping agent will give you all the information and costs related so there are no surprises.
Last I heard was Euro 700 for a round trip from Lavrio to Haifa + Euro 100 for port fees on Greek side and another 260 NIS for port fees in Haifa. there some small handling costs for the agent.
Bus:
Buses are the country’s main form of public transport. In 2017, bus passenger trips totaled approximately 740 million.[3] In 2009, 16 companies operated buses for public transport, totaling 5,939 buses and 8,470 drivers. Egged is Israel’s largest bus company, and operates routes throughout the country.[4]Bus routes in some areas are operated by smaller carriers, the largest being the Dan Bus Company, operating routes in Gush Dan. Kavim is the next largest.
Bus stations in Israel, other than standalone bus stops, come in two types: terminals (masof, pl. mesofim) and central stations (tahana merkazit). Each terminal serves a number of routes, usually over a dozen, while a central station may serve over a hundred bus routes. The largest central bus terminal in the country is the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, which is also the second largest bus terminal in the world.
On August 5, 2010, the Ministry of Transport opened a website that contained information about public bus and train routes in the country.[5] Previously, information was given only by the individual public transit operators.[6]
Bus rapid transitEdit
Israel has one bus rapid transit system in Haifa, called the Metronit, which consists of three lines connecting Haifa to its suburbs. In addition, there are BRT feeder lines to the Jerusalem Light Rail, running on dedicated bus lanes from Southern Jerusalem to the Northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramot crossing the light rail line at the intersection of Jaffa and King George Streets
Food
What’s become known as Israeli cuisine today is a delicious melting pot of North Africa (Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria) Ethiopian and its Middle Eastern neighbors (Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq), as well as the Mediterranean countries, and don’t forget the Jews from all over Eastern Europe and Russia. Jewish immigration began at the end of the 19th century, and the early settlers brought with them food cultures from far and wide.
Restaurants that abide by kosher dietary regulations, to satisfy a particular clientele, close for Friday dinner and Saturday lunch (Sabbath ends after dark). Kosher hotel eateries remain open, but do not serve menu items that require cooking on the spot. “Kosher” has nothing to do with particular cuisines but with certain restrictions (no pork or shellfish, no dairy and meat products on the same menu, and more). Kosher restaurants today not only have to compete with nonkosher rivals but also must satisfy an increasingly demanding kosher clientele, so the variety of kosher food is growing. Tipping is 12% minimum. Mostly, tips are expected in cash, but adding it to the bill is becoming more common, especially in Tel Aviv.
Foods to try, Crispy and filling, falafel is a great snack by itself, stuffed into pita bread or served atop fresh spring greens. Made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans, these deep-fried bites of goodness are common in Middle Eastern cuisine. Interested in making your own falafel? Check out this recipe from The New York Times. The second dish to try is Shakshouka which is a sunny-side-up egg on top of a rich tomato-based sauce, this North African dish makes for a hearty breakfast – but eating it for dinner is not out of the question. Dig into this dish with a spoon or slice of bread. PBS Food blogger Marc Matsumoto tackled the dish, and the results look amazing — check out his recipe here. Final dish to try Grilled meats on skewers? Yes, please. Beef and lamb kebabs in particular are popular among Israelis. A restaurant in Israel was even named one of the best places for kebabs in the world by CNN. For a great meat-and-veggie combo, try Food Network’s Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Tomatoes, Zucchini and Yogurt Sauce (yum!).
Visa
Visas are not required for all E.U, U.S, Canadian and Australian nationals. For stays of up to 90days in a 6month period.
Language
The official language spoken in Israel is Modern Hebrew Arabic is Israel’s other official language, spoken by Arabs, Druze, and a dwindling number of Jews with family roots in Arab lands. Because Israel is a nation of immigrants English, French and German is also spoken as a second language by many Israeli people.
Money
The official currency used in Israel is New Shekels (ILS) but the U.S. dollar, British pound and Euro, is accepted in places accustomed to dealing with tourists. Majority ATMs through Israel will except foreign credit and debit cards, however be aware ATM transaction fees may be higher abroad.
Tipping
Social etiquette
Western-style social graces aren’t the strong suit of the average Israeli. But, despite the country’s legendary informality, the traditions and customs of its many ethnic and religious communities form an entire corpus of social norms. Sensitivity to those norms can open doors; ignoring them may cause offense. The best example is the modest dress code required (especially for women) in conservative religious environments—Muslim holy places, some churches and monasteries, and (strictest of all) ultra-Orthodox Jewish shrines and neighborhoods. Covered shoulders, modest necklines, and either full-length pants or (safest) skirts below the knees are de rigueur.Muslim sites are generally closed for tourists on Friday, the Muslim holy day. Avoid the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City between noon and 2 pm on Friday, when the flow of worshippers in the streets can be uncomfortable or even rowdy. Some Christian sites close on Sunday; others open after morning worship. Many Jewish religious sites, museums, and historical sites close early on Friday: some remain closed through Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath).
It is widely known that Israelis are very direct, sometimes even rude or aggressive – but this is simply the Israeli way to communicate and does not necessarily mean anything negative. Here are some things you’ll probably encounter when communicating with Israelis but should not be alarmed about:
- During a conversation, they make eye contact and expect you to do the same
- They speak loudly and use hand gestures all the time
- They are likely to ask personal questions about your salary, rent and mortgage and share similar information with you; in Israel these are legitimate topics for discussion, even among strangers
- They speak to strangers freely while standing in line or waiting at a bus station
While the customs related above might seem foreign or even alarming to you, you shouldn’t worry about them too much. Most Israelis are very kind, hospitable and accommodating, and will often go out of their way to help you and make you feel comfortable. In addition, modern Israeli culture is quite westernized, and you’ll find that most people are well familiar with international brands, personalities, TV shows and foods; you won’t feel a stranger for too long.
- Israelis are a very passionate and expressive breed. As such, if they raise their voices, this is how many Israelis normally communicate with one another.
- Israelis are a curious people and not shy to ask how much your salary is, if you’re married or other intimate questions. Respond in a general, kind and polite manner such as “not enough” or “comfortable”. Israeli salaries are about fifty percent less than their counterparts in the States and Europe, taxes are very high and the cost of living is almost equal and sometimes higher than New York or London!
- Israelis want things today – Now! As they come from a young and traumatic society where war has been the norm – trying to get the most out of today is the expected rule. If you are talking in terms of months and years – you may lose your Israeli partner’s interest.
- Punctuality is relaxed. Always allow up to 15-20 minutes before thinking that your party is late. Even here, things are rapidly changing, especially in the hi-tech environment where many Israelis pride themselves on being on time.
- During a meeting the Israeli may take telephone calls and allow others into his office or the meeting room. Interruptions such as these are common in Israeli culture – do not take it as being rude, impolite or arrogant.
Security procedures are much more strenuous in Israel than in other countries. When you enter bus stations, train stations, malls, or other crowded places, your bag will be searched and you may sometimes be asked to empty your pockets. This is simply a matter of course for Israelis- when they encounter a gate with a security guard, they surrender their bag or purse. It’s also a good idea to keep identification with you at all times, even if it’s only your driver’s license.
5. Military Presence
Military service is mandatory for most Israelis beginning when they graduate from high school. Although there are exceptions, young adulthood and military service generally go hand in hand, which means that nearly all 18-21 year olds are carrying guns.
Soldiers with guns are a common sight, especially in the train stations on weekends. Soldiers often carry their guns even when they’re not on duty, but they don’t always wear uniforms, so don’t be alarmed if you see someone on the beach with shorts, sandals, and a submachine gun.
6. Shabbat and Jewish Holidays
As Saturday is the Jewish day of rest, most business shut down on this day. Trains and buses do not run and most stores will be closed, with some exceptions. Buses still run in Haifa due to an edict by the first mayor of the city.
Tel Aviv is a big city with lots of secular residents, so some services will be available here. The monit sherut (service taxis) run, many business will be open, and a greater number of people will be out and about on the streets.
Outside Tel Aviv you will have difficulty getting around or buying anything on Saturday. In Jerusalem, which is home to a much greater number of religious people, this custom is strictly observed. The same goes for Jewish holidays, except for Yom Kippur, when every single business in Israel shuts down.
7. Entering Religious Neighborhoods
Tel Aviv is described by its residents as a modern, western city. You can dress and act there as you would in San Francisco or New York.
But when visiting religious communities, or Jerusalem as a whole, you will need to dress and act conservatively. Women should cover their arms and legs and wear some sort of hair covering, like a scarf. Shorts are not acceptable on women or men.
Public displays of affection are not permissible and women and men should not walk together unless necessary. In these communities, you will be immediately recognized as an outsider no matter what you do, but observing as many of their customs as you can will gain you a better understanding of their lives.
If you’re a photographer, please note that taking pictures of people in these areas requires the utmost consideration.
- Judaism is Israel’s official religion, and 78% of the country’s inhabitants are Jewish. 18% of the people in Israel are Arab Muslims, 2% are Christians (mostly Arab Christians) and 1.6% are Druze (a small ethnoreligious group which has its own religion).
- Within Jewish Israelis, there are various religious affiliations: 49% are secular, 29% are traditional (practice most traditions but lead a semi-secular life), 13% are orthodox and 9% are ultra-orthodox. Orthodox and ultra-orthodox Israelis can be recognized by their modest clothing, which includes various headdresses (or wigs) and long skirts or dresses for women; and a kippah or a black hat for men. Ultra-orthodox men usually wear black suits and white button-down shirts.
- Jerusalem is highly important to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike as it is home to historic sites with special significance to all three religions
Adaptor
Wifi
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 