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Israel may not seem like the first place to think of when you are planning a holiday abroad, but there are a ton of things to see and do in this historical and diverse nation, with welcoming and friendly people throughout. From beaches to mountains to religious and deeply historical sites there is something here for almost every traveller – just read ahead to see what types of things there are to see here.

Tel Aviv

One of the major cities in Israel, Tel Aviv boasts a gorgeous coastline amid the downtown core which rivals other prominent Middle Eastern cities such as Dubai. While extravagance and luxury may not be as prominent in Tel Aviv as it is in Dubai, it just means Tel Aviv is more affordable for those travellers looking to make their money stretch a bit, and is fantastically connected with a wide variety of Tel Aviv flights. Gorgeous white sand beaches on the Mediterranean Sea allow for swimming nearly year round, with the exception being only a few short months over winter. One of the main attractions in Tel Aviv is the Bauhaus style architecture throughout its fabled “White City”, in which over four thousand of these historical buildings dating back to the 1930s stand. A result of the Nazi rise in Europe, the White City is an attraction for both positive and slightly negative sentiments, but is an interesting district to visit all the same.

Jerusalem and Bethlehem

The cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem are well etched in the history of mankind as being two of the most prominent cities at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian belief. Regardless of whether or not you follow this particular path of religion, all peoples of all faiths can find inspiration and quiet contemplation in places which hold such great religious regard for millions across the world. The Western Wall (also known as the Western Wall) is one such place in Jerusalem that actually pre-dates Christianity as a place of worship, being connected to the Temple Mount, holy place for those of the Jewish faith. Herod the Great built this wall during his reign, which ended at the time of his death in 4BC, so definitely do not miss your chance to see this!

Bethlehem alone evokes imagery of the Nativity even if you aren’t Christian, and it can be both a humbling and awe-inspiring experience to visit the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus Christ is professed to have been born. Even if you aren’t Christian or religious though, both of these cities offer up some interesting back streets to explore alongside interesting street vendors for food and wares and real cultural Israeli experience as you amble along the dusty alleyways and corridors around the city.

Nazareth and Galilee

Nazareth is a prominent locale in Christianity and even in Islam and therefore features a number of exquisitely decorated and built mosques and churches – many with ties to locations where Mary is believed to have either frequented or received messages regarding the impending birth of Jesus Christ. Regardless of your faith, these churches and other religious buildings are feats of beautiful architecture and are often built on high hills, offering spectacular panoramic views.

Galilee is an area in northern Israel which is a huge draw for the tourist being made up of a microcosm of valleys, hills, mountainous regions and forests, which allows for a lot of outdoor activity, alongside the opportunity to visit small villages and get to know the local heritages. The sea of Galilee also offers water sports and the opportunity to relax on one of its beaches, taking in this vast and beautiful inland sea.

So as you can see there are a number of things to do in Israel, which is usually left out of many peoples considerations as a potential travel destination. Why not surprise your friends and family next time you head off, and head to Israel instead of the usual tourist traps? Enjoy!