Last September, I went on a two-month trip during which I spent some family time in Europe. The best way back to Australia from Europe involves a stopover in the Middle East, and therefore I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to spend a few days exploring Israel, a country I had wanted to visit for a while now! I met up with my friend Marie in Tel Aviv and from there not only did we explore the city, but we also ventured out to discover some of the country’s most beautiful destinations. In this article, discover the best way to make the most of a short trip to Israel!

Day 1: Explore Tel Aviv's Best Beaches

As soon as we arrived in Tel Aviv, we couldn't wait to hit the beach. The city's promenade is an amazing stroll along the Mediterranean coast, with people walking, biking, rollerblading, and strolling around on electric scooters. The energy and buzz of the city were truly infectious!

Our first stop was Hilton Beach, which quickly became one of our favorite spots. The beachclub there had everything we needed for a perfect day by the sea: comfortable lounge chairs, refreshing drinks, and delicious food. We spent a few hours soaking up the sun and enjoying the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Later in the day, we headed to Frishman Beach, which was equally stunning. The beach had a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with people of all ages enjoying the sand and surf. We took a dip in the ocean and took a stroll along the shore. The water was warm and inviting, and the views of the city skyline were amazing.

For sunset, we headed to La Mer Beachclub at Bugrashov Beach, which was a real treat. The beachclub had a great vibe, with upbeat music and plenty of cocktails flowing (love a good aperol spritz). We watched as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the sea. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

After a quick shower and a change of clothes, we headed for a nice dinner at Bar 51 where we had some of the best pasta I’ve had in a very long time! The food scene in Tel Aviv is out of this world!

Where to stay in Tel Aviv?

Hotel prices in Israel aren’t cheap and we absolutely wanted to be walking distance from the beach. We were happy when we found Loginn Colorbox, a perfectly located apartment rental on Ben Yehuda street. It was a bit small, but clean and modern and even had a small balcony!

Day 2: Discover the beauty of Old Jaffa

On our second day, we headed to the historic neighbourhood of Old Jaffa. Located south of the city, this charming area is full of stunning buildings and picturesque streets. We were excited to explore and see what this part of the city had to offer.

Our first stop was the famous flea market, where we browsed through the stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry. I loved the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the market, and watching how locals interact with each other.

Next, we went to Cafe Puaa for breakfast, where I tried the traditional shakshuka, a delicious dish of eggs poached in a flavourful tomato sauce. The cafe had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and I loved the colourful and eclectic decor.

After breakfast, we headed to St. Peter's Church, which is said to be built on the site of Simon Peter's house from the New Testament. The church was absolutely stunning, with intricate details and beautiful artwork. I spent some time admiring the architecture and taking in the peaceful atmosphere.

We then made our way to HaMidron Garden, which offers breathtaking views of the city. From the top of the hill, we could see all the way to the coastline, and the panorama was simply stunning. The gardens themselves were also beautiful, with lush greenery and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the scenery.

We then spent the day sunbathing in Jerusalem beach, and slowly made our way up the coast to Loulie, a beachfront restaurant with a chill atmosphere and great vibes, perfect to watch the sunset. 

That night, I was excited to try yet another amazing restaurant. My friend Marie and I chose to try our luck at Port Said, one of the most popular restaurants in the city. There’s typical a long waitlist, but somehow we managed to grab two seats at the bar and enjoyed a fantastic local experience as we could watch the chef prepare our food right in front of us!

Later that night, we wanted to experience the city’s nightlife and ended up dancing the night away at the Secret Garden, an amazing open air bar with stunning decor, a great crowd and epic electronic music!

Day 3: Spend the day in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is one of the most historic and famous cities in the world, with a complex mix of religious sites and a rich history that dates back thousands of years. I was eager to explore this incredible city and see all that it had to offer. In order to get there, we decided to hire a car for two days and drove all the way to this ancient city.

Our first stop was the Umbrella Street, a vibrant and colourful alleyway that was lined with umbrellas in every colour of the rainbow. It was the perfect place for a photo op and a fun way to kick off our day.

Next, we headed to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most important religious sites in the world. The church is said to be built on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried, and it was a humbling and moving experience to visit such a sacred place. It was by far my favourite religious site we’ve visited that day!

We also walked the via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus is said to have taken on his way to the crucifixion. The path is lined with beautiful chapels and churches, and the sense of history and significance was palpable. One of the hidden gems of Jerusalem is the rooftop of the Austrian Hospice, which offers stunning views over the city. They also make delicious cakes, so if you’re hungry it’s a great spot to stop for a snack in their peaceful garden. From the roof, we could see all the way to the Dome of the Rock and the Western Wall, both of which we visited next. These are also two of the most important religious sites in the world, and the sense of reverence and history was overwhelming.

Finally, we visited the Church of Mary Magdalene and the Mount of Olives, both of which were incredibly beautiful and peaceful. The church was absolutely stunning, with intricate architecture and breathtaking views of the city. 

When it comes to food, Ben-Sira Hummus is one of the most popular spots in town for authentic hummus. It was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to refuel after a long day and hot summer day. For a more fancy dinner option, I would recommend checking out the Eucalyptus restaurant, which serves delicious and creative dishes with a unique Israeli twist.

Where to stay in Jerusalem?

After an unsuccessful attempt at renting an Airbnb near Jaffa Gate (we showed up at the address indicated in our booking reservation and the apartment didn’t exist), we opted to stay at a cute hotel in the south of the city. The Colony Hotel is a 20-min walk from the Old Town and the staff there was really attentive to our needs!

Day 4: Venture out in nature

After spending a few days exploring two of Israel's most historic and vibrant cities, we were eager to get out in nature and experience some of the country's natural gems. Our first stop was Masada, a desert fortress that was built by King Herod over 2,000 years ago. Masada is an incredible sight to behold, perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the surrounding desert. We spent a couple of hours exploring the ruins and learning about the history of this incredible site, which was also the site of a famous siege by Jewish rebels against the Roman Empire.

After we left Masada, we made two pit stops that I highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. The first was the Ein Guedi Reserve, a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert. We hiked to David's Waterfall, which was a gorgeous sight and a refreshing break from the heat of the desert.

Our second stop was the salt flats of Neve Zohar; the best place to admire the salt formations of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a unique natural wonder, known for its high salt content and therapeutic properties. The salt formations were stunning, and I enjoyed taking a moment to appreciate the silence and the beauty of this area.

Day 5: absorb Tel Aviv’s vibrant energy

On our final day in Israel, we wanted to make the most of our time in Tel Aviv before heading back home. We decided to go for a stroll down the streets of the Florentine neighbourhood, which is known for its animated lifestyle and beautiful street art.

We started our day at Casbah, a great spot for breakfast in the area. Another great option is P.O.C. café, which is located nearby. After fuelling up, we spent some time wandering through the streets of Florentine, admiring the original street art and soaking up the neighbourhood's creative energy.

Next, we headed to Carmel Market, one of the largest and most lively markets in Tel Aviv. The sights, sounds, and smells were overwhelming in the best possible way. For lunch, we visited Bicicletta, a charming restaurant with local dishes located near the market. The decor was cozy and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious. Make sure to get their halloumi fries! 

As my trip to Israel came to an end, I decided to spend my last night back to where my trip started at the Hilton Bay Beach, catching up with some old and new friends!

One thing is sure, it’s that I’m already looking forward to another trip to this beautiful country. Israel has so much more to offer, but hopefully this article gave you and idea of the best places to visit if you’re only visiting for a short period of time. Other areas of the country worth visiting during longer trips are: Haifa, Nazareth, Negev, Bethlehem, Jericho and Eilat.