Discover Israel’s most popular attractions without leaving Tel Aviv. Day trips abound, whether you drive to Haifa’s UNESCO-listed Bahá’ Gardens or take the train to Zikron Ya’akov to sample some of Israel’s finest wine. Here are the best day trips from Tel Aviv for your consideration.
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The Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv
Jerusalem
You can get to Jerusalem in less than an hour by taking the 405 or 480 bus from Tel Aviv’s Arlozorov Station. The holy city is awash with religious sites sacred to three major faiths – Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Explore the Old City’s ancient, cobblestone streets, which lead to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. Wander through the Machane Yehuda market, sampling sweet halva and spices along the way, or stop at the Jachnun Bar for a freshly baked pastry or malawach (fried bread).
Akko
The famous Old City of Akko has stood for a very long time and has been occupied by many different cultures.
A large number of historical factions have contributed to the story of Akko, ranging from Crusaders to Byzantine rulers.
It’s also breathtakingly beautiful, perched on the Mediterranean Sea’s coast and comprised of pretty, cobbled streets and quaint squares.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit colorful markets as well as Arabic shuks, while food comes in the form of mouth-watering fresh fish and world-class hummus locales, as with many worthwhile destinations in Israel.
Haifa
Haifa, another well-known and popular coastal gem to the north of Tel Aviv, is a diverse mix of beautiful beaches, a thriving nightlife, and cultural diversity.
One of the main attractions is the breathtaking Bahai Gardens, a veritable oasis of tropical vegetation that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of Bahai believers each year.
Lose yourself in the treasure troves of the flea market or indulge in the irresistible combination of Israeli, Arabic, and even German street food, which can be found in each of the Quarters.
Petra
The ancient city of Petra is thought to have been built as early as 500 BC, making it an astronomically old – not to mention fascinating – trip from Tel Aviv; however, it is a little further than most others, so you may want to consider an overnight stay.
The rose city is made of multicolored sandstone and features breathtaking gorges known as Al Siq, as well as Egyptian-inspired obelisks and gold treasuries.
The magnificent Al-Khazneh doorway, which leads to Petra, is the highlight.
A day trip to Petra is full of history, beauty, and fascinating sights, so allow plenty of time for this visit.
Caesarea
Caesarea, one of the most important Roman cities during Herod’s reign (37 to 4 BCE), can be reached by taking a scenic drive north along the Mediterranean coast. The town is well-known for its national park, which contains the ruins of an ancient Roman harbor as well as numerous other ruins, including a hippodrome. Caesarea’s aqueduct beach, a stretch of white sand surrounded by ancient ruins, is one of the most striking settings.
Zichron Ya’akov
Zichron Ya’akov, a thriving tourist settlement near Haifa, is one of the country’s top destinations for wine enthusiasts, boasting a variety of spectacular wineries, including the renowned Carmel Winery.
Along with sumptuous vintages, the town offers stunning views of the Mediterranean coast and a plethora of tempting cafes and restaurants on the town’s pedestrianized main street.
It’s a fantastic place to take a breather, slow down, and enjoy some amazing wine with even more amazing views.
Rosh Hanikra
Rosh Hanikra is the most northern point reachable on the Israeli Mediterranean coast, further north than Caesarea and even Haifa.
It’s a popular geological attraction with sandstone gorges and cave pools, as well as idyllic waterfalls trickling down the stone faces. You can also take a cable car to the top of the rock faces and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters below.
Tiberias
Tiberias, located on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee, is worth an entire day trip due to its fascinating and sometimes contradictory blend of religion, kitschy architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Tiberias, one of Judaism’s four holy cities, is popular with tourists and devoted locals alike, though high-rise buildings built in the 1970s detract from the beauty of the waterfront.
The beautiful and irresistible Hamei Tveria hot springs are located just outside of town.