Netanya which literally means “the God’s gift” might not be as large and crowded as Tel Aviv. Still, its dramatic beach spanning from the north to south can’t be left out from your must-visit Israeli destination list. The city of Jewish immigrants, named to honor Nathan Straus, also features a wide number of war memorials, chic galleries, and worthy museums.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Netanya, Israel to consider:
1. Have fun at Poleg Beach
What makes Poleg Beach so preeminent is the vibe of the golden sun tailored with the blue Mediterranean sea. Although it was once closed and abandoned for many decades, Netanya’s southernmost coast is now dotted with plenty of facilities such as gourmet restaurants, shade, restrooms, and a buffet. You can ride a jet ski, fly kites, or go surfing.
Poleg Beach
Website: Poleg Beach
2. Watch the sparkling fountain at Independence Square
Netanya Square can be explored 24 hours a day. By day, you will be impressed by the flat spurt of water, ideal for cooling off and children’s fun play time. In the evening, the fountain turns into an enticing attraction filled with colorful lights when the dark comes. This spot is surely considered as a sweet backdrop for your selfies.
Independence Square
Address: Netanya, Israel
Opening Hours: 24 hours
3. Get lost in Alexander Stream Hof Bet Yanai National Park
If you want to liberate yourself from the city fatigue, there is no harm escaping to Alexander Stream. The clear turquoise river is loaded with freshwater fish, there are meadows overgrown by a number of colorful flowers, and an ancient stone structure is naturally displayed. This lovely grassy place is like Netanya’s unseen paradise.
Alexander Stream Hof Bet Yanai National Park
Address: Yannay Interchange, Netanya, Israel
Contact Number: +972 98666230
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4. See the mini space at Planetanya
Do you travel with the children? Be sure to include Planetanya on your list, a worth-visiting planetarium where the kids can acquire a lot of basic information about the solar system and space. They also get an ample chance to become more imaginative through holographic displays, building things, and origami. This educational attraction is basically suitable for all ages.
Planetanya
Address: Sderot Ben Gurion 168, Netanya, Israel
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (Monday and Wednesday), 10 am to 4 pm (Tuesday), 10 am to 2 pm (Friday)
Website: Planetanya
5. Visit the Well House Museum
Instead of discovering the Israeli nature, spending a couple of hours at Well House Museum or Beit Habe'er is something excellent to do. The old building which is the Pardes Hagdud Farm’s remnant, features a restored water pump and candid photographs, Aside from gallery walking, you can watch a movie about illegal Jewish immigrants fleeing from Hitler’s regime.
Well House Museum
Address: end of Weizmann St., corner of Sokolov, Netanya, Israel
Opening Hours: 8 am to 2 pm
Website: Well House Museum
6. Go shopping at Ir Yamim Mall
The shopping addicts should not miss quenching their craving for high-fashioned accessories and outfits while discovering Netanya. This large and pleasant shopping center is divided into three levels. This busy place is comprised of several sections such as a footwear and clothing area, supermarket, and varied eateries where you can grab some Israeli lunch.
Ir Yamim Mall
Address: Beni Berman St 2, Netanya, Israel
Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 10 pm
Website: Ir Yamim Mall
7. Commemorate the red army's triumph at Victory Monument
To see Israeli’s history, you can make a stop at the Victory Monument. The two winged effigy painted in pure white is an important memorial marking the triumph of the Red Army that successfully defeated the German Reich during the harsh World War II. To get there from the city center takes a 7-minute drive.
Victory Monument
Address: Sderot Oved Ben Ami, Netanya, Israel
Opening Hours: 24 hours
8. Get a taste of the Israeli dishes in Rosemarine
For those seeking kosher foods in Netanya as well as fish lovers, the Rosemarine in the hub of the city is the right spot. With the amazing service from the staff, you can order the local fish specialty along with fresh bread and a plateful of salads. Although it doesn’t look fancy, the sunset view over the blue ocean can’t be disregarded – to add to the warm ambiance, sip a glass of wine.
Rosemarine
Address: 8 Nitza Blvd, Netanya, Israel
Opening Hours: 12 to 11 pm
9. Dip in the sulfur pool of Hamei Ga'ash
If you think your weary body needs some pampering treatments, you can benefit from the spa services at Hamei Ga'ash. Try the relaxing massage or soak in the mineral pool to refresh your stiff muscles and boost your mood. This place is highly recommended as it’s more reasonably priced than other spas in Netanya – bring your own towel and robe or you will be charged for the rental.
Hamei Ga'ash
Address: Ga'ash, 60951, Israel
Contact Number: +972 99529404
Website: Hamei Ga'ash
10. Enjoy an Israeli-style night out at Mercury Pub
Having a chill at Mercury Pub is such a bright idea when it comes to finding a crazy night out. The lively space is enlivened by the local youthful crowd, live shows, a vast variety of music from metal to classic rock, and most essentially the cold beverages – the Guinness and whiskeys are the best. The friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere are other good values.
Mercury Pub
Address: 14 Ha-Trufa, Netanya 4250484, Israel
Opening Hours: 9 pm to 3 am
Facebook: Mercury Pub
Enjoy your Netanya holiday with full enthusiasm!
If you want to explore the northern part of Israel, you should never miss the fascinating Israeli gem, named Netanya.