Israel and the Palestinian Territories are frequently thought of solely as pilgrimage destinations, despite the fact that they are home to some of the world’s most famous religious tourist attractions. After all, this is where some of the most important events in the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths are said to have occurred.
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There are plenty of other things to do for visitors of Israel who are not interested in religious sightseeing within churches, synagogues, and mosques. The Dead Sea is an unusual natural wonder in which you cannot sink. The natural beauty of the Galilee region ticks all the boxes for those who want to hike in nature.
Sure, the religious sites here will always be the main draw, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll discover so much more. Check out our list of the top tourist attractions in Israel and the Palestinian Territories that you won’t want to miss to help you plan your itinerary.
1. Jerusalem
With the golden helmet of the Dome of the Rock glinting above the caramel-colored stone of the old city, Jerusalem has one of the world’s most recognisable skylines.
This ancient city has deep religious significance for all monotheistic faiths, and the old district’s labyrinthine alleyways are packed with religious sites and mind-boggling history.
Avoid the crowds of pilgrims by taking a walk along the walls that still surround the old city. Explore the city’s fantastic museums and get lost in the maze of lanes fought over by kings, Crusaders, and conquerors.
Jerusalem is both enchanting and perplexing.
2. Haifa
Jerusalem is steeped in history. Tel Aviv is known for its modern cuisine and café culture. And Haifa just goes about its business.
The main attraction in this lovely northern city is the Baha’i Gardens, which cascade down the hillside towards the sea in a series of immaculate green terraces. They’re a must-see for all visitors, but Haifa’s main draw for many is that it’s the ideal base for exploring the north.
Akko, Mount Carmel, and Caesarea are all nearby, and Nazareth and Megiddo are both easily accessible as day trips from here.
Haifa, the most relaxed city in the country, should be on everyone’s itinerary.
3. Nazareth
Nazareth, forever linked to the story of Jesus in the Bible, is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage destinations.
For Christians, the holy sites here are among the most important in the world. This is where the Annunciation occurred and Jesus Christ was born, and the town centre is home to important churches that commemorate this history.
The Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the most important tourist attractions in Nazareth, but there are plenty of smaller sights to explore as well.
Aside from the biblical connections, Nazareth’s bustling bazaar area, nestled among the twisty old city lanes, is a must-see.
4. Jaffa
Jaffa, designed for aimless wandering and home to an excellent flea market, offers an old-world-style respite from Tel Aviv’s modern thrum.
The muddle of lanes leading down to the sea, where once the great ships of the ancient Mediterranean empires docked, are now a haven for café-hopping and lazy afternoon sightseeing.
Jaffa has been thoroughly gentrified in recent years, with the arrival of small art galleries, craft shops, and restaurants. On weekends, it’s a hive of activity for outdoor dining and shopping.
5. The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the mineral-rich and overly salty sea where no one can sink and one of the world’s most bizarre natural wonders.
This strange body of water (where natural buoyancy occurs due to the rate of evaporation causing the high salt content) has been fascinating travellers for centuries, trapped by the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley.
For those who want to take a dip, a handful of “beach resort” areas along the Dead Sea shoreline provide facilities, including cafés, bathrooms, and the all-important freshwater showers.
Take a float – you can’t really sink – and you’ll be captivated by the strangeness of the experience, as generations of visitors have been.
6. Bethlehem
Bethlehem, a major Christian pilgrimage site, is home to the Church of the Nativity, which was built over the site where Jesus Christ is said to have been born.
The stately church complex, with its far-reaching historical significance, and the bustling market vibe of the bazaar make this the West Bank’s top attraction.
Although many visitors come here as a day trip from Jerusalem, the town is an excellent base for excursions into the surrounding countryside, with its Byzantine monasteries and sites related to New Testament events.
7. Timna Park
Timna Park, near the Red Sea resort of Eilat, is one of the Negev’s most beautiful corners, with raw and rugged desert scenery at its best.
With towering cliffs and surrealistically shaped boulders set between vast tracts of multi-hued sand, the landscapes here have a visceral quality that enchants all who visit.
Timna’s copper mining history (dating back to the ancient Egyptians) is also worth exploring; the area is littered with ancient mine shafts and rock inscriptions that desert explorers can seek out.
8. Sea of Galilee
Packed full of attractions, the shoreline that wraps around the Sea of Galilee offers gorgeous countryside and bags of history.
Whether you’re here to visit the churches of Tabgha, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount and carried out much of his preaching, or you just want to soak in the hot pools near Tiberias and do some hiking, this beautiful region is a major highlight of any trip.
Don’t miss taking a swim in the sea itself and soaking up the views across the lake on a hillside hike.