15 UNIQUE Things To Do In Israel: Ultimate Bucket List

Israel is like no other place we have visited.

We were welcomed and graciously accepted by the Israeli people despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine that was quite evident during our visit.

Israel is a melting pot of religions, cultures, and ethnic groups. It is a country inundated with political and religious history.

We got to experience the best of Israel with our tour guide, Freddi, from DannytheDigger. Here we have assembled 15 of our favorite things to do in Israel.

15 Things To Do In Israel

Northern Israel

1. Baha’i Gardens (Haifa)

One of the most beautifully breathtaking sites in Haifa, and possibly most famous tourist attraction in the city, were the Baha’i Gardens. The gardens are a fairly new attraction with a completion date of 2001, but are also affiliated with one of the youngest religions in the World. The Baha’i religion originated in 1844 and has about 6 million believers worldwide who come from all cultures, races, and religious backgrounds.

The terraced gardens are divided into 3 sections (upper, middle, and lower) and cover 50 acres. Beautiful flowers, plants, water fountains and small sculptures engulf the 19 terraced gardens and make this a picture worthy visit while in Haifa.

2. Basilica of the Annunciation

When the angel entered her [Mary's] home, he greeted her and said "You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you."
- Luke 1:28

Located in the center of the City of Nazareth, this Catholic Church is one of the holiest Christian sites. The church sits on the site that is believed to be the house of Virgin Mary, where the angel Gabriel announced that she would give birth to Jesus.

The Catholic Church is a two-story building and can be divided into an upper and lower church. The upper church houses many mosaics and images of Mary from different countries. The lower church contains the “Grotto,” a cave-like structure believed by many to be the remains of the original child hood home of Mary.

3. Take a Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee

A highlight of our 3-day pilgrimage through Israel was sailing on the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias. The Sea of Galilee plays a prominent role in Christianity. It was on and around this Lake where Jesus performed several miracles, including the location where He walked on water.

Geographically the Sea of Galilee is a phenomenon. The Jordan River flows into and out of the Sea of Galilee, providing Israel with beautiful and picturesque scenery. The Jordan River also flows into the Dead Sea, a lifeless body of water that cannot sustain life. The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake in the world.

 4. The Church of the Multiplication

The Church of the Multiplication is identified as being the place where Jesus multiplied fish and loaves to feed a multitude of people. Located in Tabgha, the church is a short ride from the Town of Capernaum where Jesus would have been staying (except there were no cars back then!) Inside the church, there is a decorated mosaic floor that surrounds a protruding rock. It is believed that this miracle occurred on the original rock that still remains in the church today.

5. Town of Capernaum

Located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) is the town of Capernaum. Capernaum was once a small fishing village and holds religious significance into the life of Jesus. This was the place where Jesus lived many years after departing Nazareth, as well as the place of many of his miracles and teachings.

Apart from the religious significance, Capernaum is a beautiful place to visit for the natural surroundings. Picturesque spots are endless when visiting this historic town with the Sea of Galilee as a backdrop.

6. Church of the Beatitudes

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 
- Jesus, Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:4)

The Church of the Beatitudes is a Roman-Catholic Church that was built around 1938. It is located on a hill that overlooks the Northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias). The location of the church is where Jesus historically delivered his Sermon on the Mount.

The church and natural surroundings is beautiful and, no matter one’s religious affiliation, a visit to the church can be admired for the incredible architecture and serene atmosphere.

Southern Israel

7. Ya Vashem

A trip to Israel would not be complete without a visit to the Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. Our tour guide, Freddi, led us through the Museum. This invited a unique and thought-provoking visit due to his Jewish roots and family ties to this tragic history.

Ya Vashem was designed to display events in chronological order, such as a passage through time. There’s also a tribute wall that commemorates the Holocaust Victims, as well as a Children’s Museum to remember the children who were brutally killed during this era.

8. Float on the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a natural wonder. Covering over 600 square kilometres, its shores are the lowest point on earth. With a salt content of 34%, (over 8 times more than the ocean!), the Dead Sea is incapable of sustaining life. The increased salt content makes floating on the sea possible, explaining why most pictures of the Dead Sea involve people floating on their backs and taking selfies.

The salt and other minerals have historically been believed to harvest healing properties, explaining why many people are seen walking along the shore covered with Dead Sea mud. There are several opportunities to purchase Dead Sea mud when visiting the Dead Sea, but be prepared to pay a premium. We found some of the same packaging and products on Amazon for half the price.

9. Get Baptized in the Jordan River

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 
- Mark 1:9

Nearly 1 million people travel to the Jordan River each year to be baptized in the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Flowing for 251 kilometres, the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea (lowest place on Earth), making it the lowest river on Earth. Not only is it the lowest place on Earth, but remains of war can be seen immediately upon entrance. Minefields remain on the roadside because of the tension and war between Israel and Jordan back in the day.

This was a much anticipated stop for my family. To our disappointment, the Jordan River was drying up, overcrowded, and dirty. We entered on the Israeli side, but the banks of Jordan were much less busy. If you want to get baptized in the Jordan River, there is a gift shop where white baptismal gowns can be purchased.

Tip: Make sure to bring your bathing suit and a change of clothes!

10. Old City

The Old City of Jerusalem and its walls are very significant to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. With a history going back over 3,000 years and an area of around 220 acres, the Old City is characterized by narrow, winding alleyways and many religious artifacts.

Visiting the Old City is a unique and cultural experience. It is the epitome of Israel with the many different religions and people in one area. The most important monuments of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are located within the Old City: The Western Wall for Jews, Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians, and the Dome of the Rock for Muslims.

11. Dome of the Rock

As mentioned, the Dome of the Rock is one of the most important monuments for Muslims. I also think it is one of the most beautiful structures in Israel.

Entering the Dome of the Rock is prohibited for Non-Muslims. While we were unable to get a look inside, it is possible to get a close glimpse at the Dome of the Rock. Non-Muslims are allowed outside of the Dome of the Rock on select days and certain times.

12. Walk the Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa (“Way of Sorrows”) is a route in the Old City of Jerusalem that represents and marks the path that Jesus would have taken on his way to being crucified. The route follows 14 traditional stations of the Cross that begins at a place where Christians believe Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. The last 5 stations are found inside the Holy Sepulchre, the location where many believe Jesus to have been buried following His crucifixion.

(Others believe Jesus was buried in the Garden Tomb – Decide for yourself!)

13. The Garden Tomb | Skull Hill

At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 
-John 19:41

Located in the bustling city of Jerusalem is a place of tranquility. The Garden Tomb and Skull Hill (versus the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) are believed by many Christians to be the place where Jesus was crucified and buried (for 3 days).

The Garden Tomb is free to enter and there are also free guides and audio tours available. Now grown into a beautiful garden for visitors to enjoy, people can read the history and decide if they believe this is the actual site of the historical events.

Cultural “Rite of Passages”

14. Eat hummus

Hummus is a dip or spread that is made from chick peas, tahini, lemon, and spices. It is a specialty in the Middle East and Mediterranean, but has gained popularity in the U.S.A over the past few years.

Confession: I’ve never liked hummus UNTIL I got to Israel. I always try to experience the local cuisine and encourage everyone to do the same. We had a delicious meal with hummus, falafel, and pita bread. So good!

15. Ride a Camel

This has been on my bucket list for YEARS and I’m so happy I got to check it off the list. While much of Israel is a desert, it’s uncommon to see camels just roaming freely. Most camels in Israel are domesticated and owned by Bedouins, a nomadic Arab of the desert.

We “rode” our camels (basically in a quick circle for a picture) at a stop off point while headed to the Dead Sea. There was also an opportunity to ride camels at the Dead Sea, but it was more crowded and I’m glad we chose to ride earlier.

To Summarize

In summary, Israel is an interesting and unique place to visit! There is so much to see and do that could easily occupy a week of time. We hope this guide helps as you plan things to do for your very own Israel vacation!

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Things To Do In Israel – FAQ’s