Israel Travel Guide: Start here

Current Events In Israel & How To Help

What happened and is happening in Israel and the surrounding region is unfathomable. I’ve written a guide with educational information and resources to help with understanding, places to donate and more. Please use and share as much as you’d like!

My Israel Experience

The first time I visited Israel, in 2012, I knew I would be back. While getting my first Masters in Biblical Studies, I became involved in archaeological excavations to Tel Gezer in the Shephelah, taking photos and creating videos like this update and this mini documentary.

In 2018, I moved to Israel to do an internship with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority taking photos of sites in the North for conservation. I lived in Haifa during my internship, and traveled with my program on field trips around the country, talking to people from every background and more.

During my internship, I decided to get my Israeli citizenship. I participated on more excavations over the summer before moving to Tel Aviv, where I worked at a hostel until beginning my second Masters in archaeology from Tel Aviv University, where I also worked as a professional editor on excavation reports and academic journal articles.

Israel is my favorite place to travel because it has everything a traveler could ask for, in a relatively small amount of space – from archaeology and historical sites, to modern and outdoor adventures, and so much more!

My Favorite Israel Posts

My Favorite Jerusalem Posts

General Israel Guides

Is Israel Safe For Travel? Important Advice Amidst War

The 17 Best Israel Souvenirs

Top 25 Biblical Sites In Israel

Solo Travel In Israel: Expert Tips, Itinerary + More

What To Pack For Israel In Winter (Dec-Feb)

What To Pack For Israel In Spring (March-May)

What To Pack For Israel In Summer (June-Sept)

What To Pack For Israel In Fall (Oct-Nov)

All Jerusalem Guides

The Best Time To Visit Jerusalem (+ 25 Things To Do)

Four Quarters In Jerusalem Old City: 29 Places To Visit (With Map + History)

Christian Quarter Jerusalem: Insider Guide + Map

Jewish Quarter Jerusalem: Insider Guide + Map

Armenian Quarter Jerusalem: Insider Guide + Map

Muslim Quarter Jerusalem: Insider Guide + Map

Is Jerusalem Worth Visiting? 26 Things To Do To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (with pros & cons)

Winter in Jerusalem: Weather, Things To Do + Travel Tips

Tel Aviv to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: All You Need To Know

Israel To Palestine / Palestine To Israel: All You Need To Know

Jerusalem to Egypt / Egypt to Jerusalem: All You Need To Know

Jordan to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Jordan: All You Need To Know

Rome to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Rome: All You Need To Know

Captivating Scenes: A Photo Journey Through Historic Jerusalem

The 41 Best Photography Spots In Jerusalem with Map + Ideas

8 Best Tours From Tel Aviv To Jerusalem To Check Out

Jerusalem / Galilee Guide

Jerusalem to Galilee / Galilee to Jerusalem: All You Need To Know

Tel Aviv Guides

31+ Best Things To Do In Tel Aviv (With Map)

Where To Stay In Tel Aviv: Best Places for Every Budget (Neighborhoods, Hotels + More)

Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? 18 Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (plus pros & cons)

The Best Time to Visit Tel Aviv

The 20 Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Renting A Car In Tel Aviv: Everything You Need To Know

10+ Unique and Captivating Photos of Tel Aviv, Israel

The 61 Best Photography Spots In Tel Aviv With Map + Tips

Haifa Guides

Is Haifa Worth Visiting? 38 Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (plus pros & cons)

Where To Stay In Haifa: Best Places for Every Budget (Neighborhoods, Hotels + More)

Israel Archaeology Guides

Israel Archaeology: Volunteer On An Excavation

Israel Archaeology List: learn about famous sites

David vs. Goliath: A Journey Through the Historic Elah Valley

Unveiling the Mysteries of Tel Gezer: A Journey Through Ancient Canaanite History

Recommended Israel Tours

Check out all my recommended tours for Israel in my Viator Shop here.

Israel & Palestine Guide

Israel & Palestine, and the Conflict: A Beginner’s Guide (History, Maps & Resources)

Things to know for Israel Travel

✈️ Airport: Ben-Gurion

For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi

⏰ Time Zone: Israel Standard Time (GMT+2)

💰 Currency: Shekel

🗣 Language: Modern Hebrew is the official language, while Arabic, Russian and English are also prevalent.

🎫 Visa: Travelers from the US typically are granted a 3-month tourist visa upon arrival (which is free of charge), that can be extended.

🎫 Passport Stamp: Instead of stamping passports, Israel gives travelers an entry card (but they reserve the right to stamp your passport). Keep your entry card! If you don’t, you can get charged the VAT tax.

🛌 Accommodation: Booking.com

🏝️ Travel Insurance: Allianz

📸 Tours: Viator.com

🔌 Electrical Outlet Type: Israel uses plug types C, H and M, a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

🚙 Car Rentals: Click here to rent a car in Israel with Discover Cars.

🚙 Transportation Apps: For Israel public transport, use the Moovit app. Be aware that some places will only be searchable in Hebrew, so Google Translate is your friend! For diving, use Waze. For taxis, use Gett.

For all over Israel, get a Rav Kav, which is the public transit card for the bus (and trains, but you have to buy the ticket at the train stations for that). You can fill it up at stations and stores around the city. If you don’t get one and fill it up outside of the bus, you’ll have to buy one for one ride on the bus, but it’s more expensive. So be sure to pick one up at the airport.

🇮🇱 Book a Private Arrival Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center Here

📱Other apps for Israel: Everyone in Israel uses WhatsApp – literally no one texts on regular texting! WhatsApp is also great to have for traveling around the world anyway.