Going to Eurovision This Year? 5 Top Israel Attractions to Visit Between the Music

April 10, 2019

The Eurovision song contest will be taking place in Israel in the Spring of 2019. While it’s largely about the music for the attendees, Eurovision also presents a great opportunity to get to know another culture, meet locals, and be a tourist - visiting famous sights as well as off the beaten track local gems.

Israel won Eurovision in 2018 so they are hosting this year, in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is well known as a fun and exciting travel destination, particularly for young people - the nightlife is legendary, the shopping superb, the food scene excellent, the museums top notch.

So there is no doubt that the Eurovision crowd will not be bored in this destination. If you’re seeking even more wonderful things to do around Israel, check out our top list of things to see and do!

1. Take a dip in the Dead Sea

Dead Sea swimming

Famous for its high salt content, the Dead Sea is the perfect opportunity for all you instagrammers to make your friends and followers jealous! The waters are incredibly buoyant, allowing for a weightless feeling as you relax under the Israel sun.

Top Tips: don’t shave before entering the Dead Sea - the salt will create a lot of issues for smooth skin! Also be sure if you have any cuts or sores, that they are tightly covered with a bandage. Enter at your own risk.

2. Visit the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

While one may immediately think of dry deserts and dunes when they imagine Israel, there is actually a wide variety of natural attractions here, Ein Gedi being the most popular. Featuring lush greenery, imbued with desert charms, Ein Gedi is particularly attractive for gorgeous waterfalls and gardens.

There are several hiking trails, in a variety of difficulty levels from easy and family friendly to challenging.

3. Go shopping in Jaffa

Jaffa flea market shopping

This ancient port city is the perfect getaway from the madness of Tel Aviv. Everyone, from history buffs to beach goers, will find something to enjoy in Jaffa. It’s a great place to be outdoors, along the beach or meandering through the Hapisgah Gardens, with views of Tel Aviv. Eurovision goers will have the perfect weather for Jaffa!

Another top Jaffa attraction is the famous flea market, where you’ll discover many gems, and countless opportunities for the perfect Instagram shot. Bargaining is not only expected, it’s a time honored tradition, so get ready to haggle!

4. Explore 3 major religions in Jerusalem

Basilica in Jerusalem

Roughly an hour drive outside of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem is a can’t miss spot for travelers to Israel. This historic city has been a crossroads for the world’s major religions for thousands of years. Even if you’re not that into religious history, there’s no denying the intriguing nature of Jerusalem.

That said, most historic and tourist attractions in Jerusalem are based in religion. Tours to the Holy Land are a very popular activity for pilgrims and history buffs alike. Four of the top things not to miss when visiting Jerusalem include the Wailing Wall, Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

5. Explore Carmel Mountain Nature Reserve & National Park

For a change of pace to get outdoors for beautiful scenery and views over the ocean, consider a day trip out to Mount Carmel. You can go biking and hiking along a wide variety of trails, and take in views all the way out to Upper Galilee. The park is full of lush pine, eucalyptus, and cypress making it a refreshing and rejuvenating place to visit outside of Tel Aviv.  

The Hai Bar Nature Reserve houses previously near-extinct species that have been reintroduced to the area including wild goat, Persian fallow deer, Roe deer, and Palestinian mountain gazelles.



See the full list of our Top 10 Attractions in Israel »


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