Top 10 Things Israel Is Famous For - Updated 2024

1. Jerusalem (from USD 73.0)

If we are talking about the things that make Israel famous, Jerusalem is almost always high on the list. It has several historic sites that will bring out the history buff in you. Some of the highlights of the city are the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, the Western Wall, and the Old City. Jerusalem is also home to the Dome of the Rock the Church of Holy Sepulcher, which is believed to be the place where Jesus’ burial and resurrection took place.

Full Day City Tour of Jerusalem

Duration: 10.0 hour

348 reviews

from USD

73.0

Book Now

2. Ancient Synagogues

Israel is known for its many archeological treats. Ancient synagogues are among them, and if you’re in Israel, you certainly wouldn’t want to pass up the opportunity to see one. Many of these age-old structures have been restored, and now serve as major tourist attractions. One of the oldest synagogues can be found in Modi'in, which, according to experts, was built around the second century BCE.

3. Nazareth

Northern Israel’s largest city, Nazareth, is said to be where Jesus grew up. It is home to temples built to commemorate several biblical events, making it one of the best places to visit in Israel. It is also a central pilgrim site for many Christians. It is recommended that you take your time when exploring this destination, as the city has many features best appreciated when taking a stroll. If you want to get caffeinated, the best place to be is in Cafe Abu Salem, the oldest coffee shop in all of Israel, which has been serving coffee for over 100 years.

4. Beit She'an

Once known as Scythopolis, Beit She'an is a city that sits in the northern district of Israel. According to the bible, this is where King Saul and his sons fought with the Philistines and lost. Aside from the city’s rich history, it is also famous for its natural features. It is home to the Ganei Huga water park where you can beat the heat in a natural pool. Mount Gilboa’s panoramic view makes it a great place to go on a picnic with your family. For the archeology buff, hanging out at Beit She'an National Park in Israel is recommended as you’ll get to see remains of historic structures, including Beit Alfa, which dates back to the sixth century BC.

5. Sabich

Sabich is Israel’s take on this traditional Iraqi sandwich. The Israeli version of this sandwich is a pita bread stuffed with various ingredients, such as eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, garlic, lemon juice, tahini sauce, and chopped parsley. While there are many restaurants that serve this pita sandwich, Aricha Sabich is among the highest-rated sabich restos in Jerusalem.

6. Hebrew

If we’re talking about the most famous things that Israel is known for, one of the things that might pop in mind is Hebrew, the native tongue of the Israelites. If you love learning new languages and you’re drawn to Hebrew, how better can you learn than by staying in Israel? There are schools that offer short-term Hebrew language course for beginners.

7. Masada

One of the best known ancient structures in Israel is the Masada fortification. It is located in the southern parts of the country, nestled on top of a mesa-like plateau. This rock sits in the eastern part of the Judean desert and overlooks the Dead Sea. It is said that King Herod built this fortification between 37 and 31 BC. This is another historical place in Israel where the history and the archeology buff alike will find many interesting things to learn about the country.

Masada

Address: Israel

Website: Masada

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 8am - 5pm; Fri: 8am - 4pm

8. ICQ messaging service

ICQ, which is short for the phrase ‘I Seek You’, is the very first instant messenger in the world developed by Mirabilis, a company founded by five Israelis. They believed that email was too slow, which led them to develop instant messaging that we now enjoy through various apps and platforms. The next time you use any instant messaging app, you’re sure to remember that the technology was first developed in Israel, and indeed, it is one of the famous things that Israel is known for.

9. Dead Sea (from USD 52.97)

The Dead Sea, also known as the Red Sea, is probably one of the most famous natural wonders of Israel. Sometimes called the salt sea, it is about nine times saltier than the ocean, which makes it almost an uninhabitable environment for marine life. Thankfully, it is friendly to people who aren’t experts at swimming. It is so salty that you will be able to stay afloat with no effort. Some experts say that the water here is rich in sulfur, magnesium, and other minerals that are good for your skin. With all these features, you definitely have many reasons to visit this part of Israel.

Dead Sea: Relaxation Experience

4 reviews

from USD

52.97

Book Now

10. Tel Aviv (from USD 29.69)

Tel Aviv is a modern city with bustling streets and towering skyscrapers that make it a great spot for taking pictures for your next Instagram street photography post. It is also surrounded by stunning beaches, so if you’re a beach person, this is the place to hang out in Israel. Aside from beaches, Tel Aviv is also best known for being home to Jaffa, one of the oldest towns in the country, with buildings still well preserved even to this day.

Tel Aviv: Modern & Old City Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hour

80 reviews

from USD

29.69

Book Now

It's time to visit Israel

Now that you are more familiar with the things that Israel is famous for, it’s time to enjoy the country in person. Fill your itinerary with attractions that are worth checking out, including shopping malls and must-visit monasteries in Israel. Definitely pack your things into your backpack already and go for a grand adventure in Israel.