Israel Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

A Practical Guide to Planning Your Trip to Israel

Last updated: July 2026 by Moshe Barak — Israel travel and transportation expert with more than 20 years of experience helping international travelers navigate Israel.

Planning your first trip to Israel can feel surprisingly complicated. Although the country is relatively small, transportation schedules, Shabbat, holidays, regional weather differences, airport procedures, and local customs can all affect your plans.

The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Once you understand when public transportation operates, how much time to allow at Ben Gurion Airport, where to base your trip, and what to arrange before arrival, traveling around Israel becomes much easier.

In this guide, I’ve brought together the Israel travel tips I believe are most useful for first-time visitors. It will help you choose the right travel dates, build a realistic itinerary, understand transportation, manage everyday expenses, stay connected, and visit religious sites respectfully. You’ll also find links to my more detailed guides whenever a topic deserves a closer look.

💡 Just so you know: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking, at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep this site running – thank you!

Before traveling, check which entry requirements apply to your nationality and passport. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must obtain an approved ETA-IL before beginning their journey, while other travelers may need a tourist visa. Use the official ETA-IL website to check your eligibility and submit an application; avoid unofficial agencies that may charge considerably more.

An ETA-IL generally allows eligible visitors to stay in Israel for up to 90 days and remains valid for up to two years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply at least 72 hours before departure and make sure the information entered matches your passport exactly.

Keep accessible copies of your passport, entry authorization, return-flight details, accommodation reservations, and travel-insurance documents. Entry requirements can change, so check the official information again shortly before your trip.

Choosing suitable travel insurance is an important part of preparing for your trip to Israel. Look for a policy that covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, cancellations, delays, travel disruption, and lost or damaged luggage. Coverage should apply to every destination and activity included in your itinerary, particularly if you plan to hike or participate in adventure activities. If you intend to drive, check whether rental-vehicle damage is covered or requires separate protection.

Read the exclusions carefully before purchasing a policy. Some plans may limit coverage when official travel advisories change or exclude incidents connected to regional security conditions. Make sure the policy is valid for your complete travel period and understand what documentation would be required if you needed to submit a claim.

You should also consider whether you need coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, emergency evacuation, missed connections, or nonrefundable bookings. The cheapest policy is not necessarily the most suitable one, so compare both the benefits and exclusions.

🛡️ Compare insurance policies online
You can review available policies from EKTA and VisitorsCoverage to compare coverage options and find a plan that matches your itinerary, budget, and personal needs.

Security conditions may change quickly and can vary between regions. Before booking your trip and again shortly before departure, review the travel advisory issued by your own government and make sure your insurance covers every destination on your itinerary.

While in Israel, follow instructions from local authorities and ask your accommodation provider to show you the nearest protected space. Keep your plans flexible, and confirm flights, transportation schedules, and attraction opening hours whenever circumstances change.

For current emergency instructions and useful contact information, consult the official Emergency Information for Tourists in Israel.

The best time to visit Israel depends on the regions you plan to explore and the type of trip you prefer. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) generally offer the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities, although temperatures and rainfall can vary between regions.

Summer (June-August) is hot and dry across most of the country, with high humidity along the Mediterranean coast and particularly intense heat around the Dead Sea, Eilat, and the Negev Desert. Winter (December-February) is usually mild along the coast but can be cool and rainy in Jerusalem and northern Israel.

Weather is not the only factor to consider when choosing your dates. Religious holidays, national days, festivals, school vacations, and peak travel periods can affect crowds, accommodation prices, transportation, and opening hours.

🌤️ Planning your trip to Israel?
Explore my guide to the best time to visit Israel for a more detailed seasonal comparison, and review Israel’s calendar of events before deciding when to travel.

For a first visit, seven to ten days is usually enough to experience several of Israel’s main destinations without rushing. This gives you time to explore Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, while also including the Dead Sea, northern Israel, or the Negev Desert.

A shorter trip is still possible, but your itinerary should remain focused. With three days, it is best to concentrate on one city and perhaps add a nearby day trip. Five days can work well for Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with one additional excursion. A full week allows for a more balanced itinerary, while ten days gives you greater flexibility to travel between regions and spend more time in each destination.

When planning your trip, remember that travel times, traffic, Shabbat, and hotel changes can reduce the amount of time available for sightseeing. It is usually better to visit fewer places properly than to spend much of your vacation moving between them.

📅 Plan the Right Israel Itinerary
Explore my suggested 3-day, 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day Israel itineraries to compare different routes and find the travel plan that best fits your schedule, interests, and preferred pace.

The best place to stay in Israel depends on the destinations you want to visit and the type of experience you prefer. Most first-time visitors use Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or both as their main bases, while the Dead Sea, Tiberias, and Haifa are useful for exploring specific regions.

Jerusalem is the best base for travelers interested in history, religion, archaeology, museums, and the Old City. Staying in the city allows you to visit its major attractions early in the morning or later in the day, when day-trip crowds may be smaller. It is also a convenient starting point for excursions to the Dead Sea, Masada, Bethlehem, and other nearby destinations.

👉 Jerusalem’s neighborhoods are remarkably diverse, and each offers visitors a different atmosphere, location, and experience. Where to Stay in Jerusalem compares the city’s main areas in detail and includes hotel recommendations for each neighborhood.

Tel Aviv is ideal for beaches, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and a more modern urban atmosphere. It has convenient train connections to Ben Gurion Airport and other major cities, making it a practical base for travelers who want to combine city life with day trips. Many visitors divide their time between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to experience both sides of Israel.

👉 Tel Aviv’s neighborhoods each offer a distinct atmosphere, from beachfront areas and lively entertainment districts to quieter residential streets and historic quarters. In Where to Stay in Tel Aviv I review the city’s main areas, each with recommended hotels.

The Dead Sea is a good choice for travelers who want to relax, enjoy resort facilities, float in the mineral-rich water, or explore Masada, Ein Gedi, and the surrounding desert. Staying overnight also allows you to experience the area’s attractions before and after most day-trip visitors arrive.

👉 The Dead Sea offers a wide range of resort hotels, spa properties, and more affordable accommodation options. Best Dead Sea Hotels highlights recommended places to stay for different budgets, travel styles, and locations along the shore.

Tiberias provides a convenient base for exploring the Sea of Galilee and many of northern Israel’s most important Christian sites, including Capernaum, Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Yardenit, where visitors can take part in baptism ceremonies in the Jordan River. It is particularly suitable for travelers planning several days in the region rather than attempting to see these destinations on a rushed day trip from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.

👉 Discover recommended lakeside resorts, centrally located hotels, and accommodation options in my guide to The Best Hotels in Tiberias.

Haifa combines Mediterranean views, cultural attractions, and easy access to Akko, Caesarea, Nazareth, the Carmel region, and other destinations in northern Israel. It is a practical base for travelers who want to explore the region while staying in a larger city with attractive beaches, diverse museums, great restaurants, convenient public transportation, and a wide range of accommodation options.

👉 Explore Haifa’s recommended hotels for different budgets and travel styles in my dedicated post to The Best Hotels in Haifa.

Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, begins on Friday evening and ends on Saturday evening, although the exact times change throughout the year. During this period, trains and most regular bus services stop operating, while many shops, businesses, restaurants, and attractions close or follow reduced opening hours. Services may end before Shabbat begins and resume some time after it finishes.

The impact varies considerably between destinations. Jerusalem and more religious communities become noticeably quieter, while many restaurants and entertainment venues remain open in Tel Aviv and other less observant areas. Tel Aviv also operates limited weekend transportation services, but these do not replace Israel’s regular national public transport network.

Plan ahead when traveling between cities, arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, or changing hotels from Friday afternoon through Saturday. Taxis and private airport transfers continue operating, but they may cost more than public transportation.

🛬 Landing in Israel on Shabbat?
Learn more about traveling from Ben Gurion Airport on Shabbat in my dedicated guide, including the transportation options available when trains and regular buses are not operating.

Arriving at Ben Gurion Airport is generally straightforward. After passport control, you will collect your luggage, pass through customs, and enter the arrivals hall, where you can access transportation services and other airport facilities. For practical advice on passport control, baggage claim, airport services, and onward transportation, explore my Ben Gurion Airport arrival tips.

Before landing, decide how you will travel to your first destination. Trains connect the airport with Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities, while licensed taxis and private transfers are available around the clock. Train and regular bus services do not operate during Shabbat, so advance planning is particularly important from Friday evening through Saturday.

When flying home, allow more time than you might at many other airports. The Israel Airports Authority recommends arriving three hours before departure to complete security screening, check-in, and passport control. You should also confirm your departure terminal before traveling to the airport, as it may vary by flight.

🚕 Wondering how to travel from TLV Airport?
My dedicated airport transportation guides explain how to reach Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, the Dead Sea, and other destinations from Ben Gurion Airport.

The most suitable way to travel around Israel depends on your route, budget, schedule, and the amount of luggage you are carrying. Public transportation works well for many journeys between major cities, while taxis, rental cars, and private drivers provide greater flexibility. For a complete comparison, explore my guide to getting around Israel.

Trains are often the most convenient option for traveling between Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and other major destinations. Buses serve a much wider range of cities, towns, and attractions, while Jerusalem and Tel Aviv also have light rail and extensive local transport networks.

Check routes and current departure times through the official Israel Railways journey planner and the National Public Transportation Authority, particularly before an important connection. Israel Railways provides station, timetable, and journey-planning information, while the national authority provides bus fares and service information. If you’re staying in Tel Aviv, explore my guide to getting around Tel Aviv for practical information about the city’s buses, light rail, trains, taxis, bicycles, and other transportation options.

Public transportation can be paid for with a Rav-Kav travel card or supported mobile payment apps. The official Rav-Kav Online website explains how to obtain and load the card.

Licensed taxis are widely available and are particularly useful for short journeys, traveling with luggage, or reaching places that are not conveniently served by public transport. My guide to taxis in Israel explains how to order one, how fares are calculated, and what first-time visitors should know.

Do not assume that Uber operates in the same way it does in other countries. For a complete answer to the question “Is Uber available in Israel?”, see my dedicated post and discover the local alternatives available to travelers.

Sherut shared taxis still operate on a limited number of local routes, but many former intercity and airport services have been discontinued (as of 2026). Check my updated guide to sherut in Israel before including one in your plans.

A private driver can be a convenient choice for families, groups, travelers with substantial luggage, and itineraries involving several stops or destinations with limited public transportation. Private day trips are available to destinations across Israel, with customizable itineraries and transparent prices based on your route and group size.

Guided tours are a convenient way to explore historic sites, religious landmarks, and destinations that are harder to reach independently. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of group tours, private excursions, day trips, and activities, making it easy to compare options for different interests, travel styles, and budgets.

Renting a car provides greater independence when exploring northern Israel, the Negev, and other less accessible areas. DiscoverCars is a useful option for comparing rental companies and often helps travelers find competitive car-rental deals in Israel. A rental car is usually unnecessary in central Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where traffic, parking, and public transportation can make driving less convenient.

Reliable mobile data makes traveling around Israel considerably easier. You will likely need internet access for navigation, public transportation updates, taxi apps, restaurant reservations, attraction tickets, and communicating with hotels or tour operators. International roaming is convenient but can be expensive, so check your provider’s rates before departure.

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and many public places, but it should not be your only means of staying connected. Download offline maps, save important reservations, and keep screenshots of addresses and travel documents in case you temporarily lose service.

For many visitors, an eSIM is the simplest option because it can be purchased and activated before the trip, allowing you to connect as soon as you land. Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM technology before ordering a plan.

📱 My guide to the best eSIM for Israel can help you compare providers, choose the right plan for your trip, and save both money and effort.

Israel’s currency is the Israeli new shekel, commonly written as NIS or identified by the currency code ILS and the symbol ₪. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions, but carrying a small amount of cash is still useful for markets, small businesses, and occasional cash-only payments.

You can withdraw shekels from ATMs or exchange foreign currency at banks and licensed exchange offices. Fees and rates vary, so compare the final amount before completing a transaction. When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, paying in shekels will often help you avoid an unfavorable conversion rate. You can check the current representative exchange rates on the Bank of Israel website.

Tipping is customary in restaurants, cafés, and bars. A tip of around 10-15% is generally appropriate, depending on the quality of the service, but first check whether a service charge has already been added to the bill.

Israel can be relatively expensive, particularly for accommodation, dining, and private transportation, so reviewing prices and planning a realistic daily budget before your trip is advisable.

What you should pack for Israel depends on the season, the regions you plan to visit, and the activities included in your itinerary. Summer (June-August) is hot and sunny, so bring lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. Winter (December-February) can be cool and rainy, particularly in Jerusalem and northern Israel, making layers and a waterproof jacket essential.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) usually bring milder conditions, but temperatures can still vary considerably between the coast, Jerusalem, the desert, and the north. Check the forecast for each destination rather than packing for the country as a whole.

Bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Swimwear, water shoes, and sun protection are useful for the Dead Sea, while sturdy footwear is advisable for archaeological sites, nature reserves, and desert trails.

One more thing: Israel uses a 230V, 50Hz electricity supply. Most sockets use the three-pin Type H design, although many also accept two-pin European plugs, so check your devices and bring a suitable adapter when needed.

Israel is home to diverse Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Baháʼí communities, and local customs can vary considerably between cities, neighborhoods, and religious sites. Visitors are generally welcome, but respectful dress and behavior are especially important in places of worship and more traditional areas.

When entering religious sites, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Some locations may also require men to cover their heads or ask visitors to remove hats or shoes. Speak quietly, follow posted instructions, and avoid interrupting services, ceremonies, or private prayer.

Israeli communication can be direct and informal, which may initially seem abrupt to some visitors but is not necessarily intended to be rude. Security checks at shopping centers, transportation hubs, hotels, and attractions are also common and usually routine.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly worshippers and members of traditional communities. Photography may be restricted at certain religious, military, or security-sensitive locations, so pay attention to signs and staff instructions.

Food is an important part of the travel experience in Israel, with influences from the Middle East, North Africa, the Mediterranean, Europe, and communities from around the world. Popular dishes include hummus, falafel, shakshuka, sabich, fresh salads, grilled meats, pastries, and the generous breakfasts served by many hotels and cafés.

Many restaurants are kosher, which generally means that meat and dairy are not served together and certain ingredients are avoided. Kosher restaurants may also close for Shabbat, while many non-kosher restaurants remain open, particularly in Tel Aviv and other less religious areas. Always check opening hours before making special plans.

Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in major cities. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but carrying water is essential during hot weather, long sightseeing days, and desert excursions.

Restaurants can become busy on Thursday evenings, weekends, and holidays, so reservations are recommended for popular establishments. Tipping around 10-15% is customary when a service charge has not already been included.

🍽️ Discover Israeli cuisine
From traditional dishes and street food to local specialties, my guide What to Eat in Israel will help you discover the flavors and foods worth trying during your trip.

Thank you for visiting my website!

I’m Moshe Barak, providing private transportation across Israel for international travelers for over 20 years.

Together with my team of dedicated drivers, I offer reliable, flexible, and personalized service – with close attention to detail and a personal touch. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, I’m committed to making your journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Feel free to reach out for a quote, I’ll be happy to assist.
I look forward to being part of your journey in Israel.

Warm regards,
Moshe Barak

Feel free to contact me with inquiries and requests for quotes. I usually reply within 24 hours.

Don’t forget to mention:
Your date and time of arrival
The requested destinations
The number of passengers
The expected amount of luggage

You can also contact me directly or call me.

Your personal information will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

Email *

Country of Origin

Message Country Consent

Your Message

Consent *

• I consent to having my submitted information stored in order to respond to my inquiry

Contact Me

Related Posts

More Guides From My Travel Blog with Tips for Upgrading Your Trip in Israel

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Best Hotels in Haifa

Israel Itinerary – 10 Days

Visiting Tabgha

Mount of Beatitudes

Visiting Jaffa

Haifa

Magdala – Mary Magdalene’s Hometown

Israel Itinerary – 5 Days

Rosh Hanikra

Qasr el-Yahud Baptismal Site

Israel’s Calendar of Events