Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv
Although once you step foot in the fabulous city of Tel Aviv you probably won’t ever want to leave, some other parts of Israel are also worth a visit. You may even already know what’s on your bucket list, but in case you don’t, we’ve got some advice about our top picks.
Aside from being a luxury serviced apartments business, at TLV2GO we also understand the ins and outs of business travel and tourism. Although many of our clients are looking for the best Tel Aviv business apartments, we believe that even a work trip shouldn’t be all work and no play.
So where should you go from Tel Aviv if you have a day off or you’re on vacation and would like to see some things you can write home about? Here’s our list of the top choices that make a very easy day trip from your Tel Aviv business apartment. Many of them have numerous guided tours to choose from, but if you feel like renting a car and going solo, it’s always an option.
No matter what religion you do or don’t adhere to or why you’ve come to Tel Aviv, no trip to Israel would be fully complete without a day at the Dead Sea. Most famous for being the world’s lowest point, the texture of its water is also some of the saltiest and oiliest you’ve ever experienced. Perhaps you’ve already seen the images of someone floating in this thick miasma reading a newspaper. You may have heard about the black mud in the depths that you can rub all over your skin to get a full-on DIY exfoliating treatment.
What you may not know is that the Dead Sea, a UNESCO world heritage site, has been popular for its healing properties and natural beauty for thousands of years. Since Biblical times in fact. One of the first spas ever built along its shores was constructed by Herod the Great, who reigned between 37 to 4 BC. It’s even rumored that Cleopatra loved the Dead Sea and incorporated its salty goodness into her beauty products.
Situated in the Judean Desert between Israel and Jordan, sunrise and sunset at the Dead Sea are absolutely breathtaking. We don’t recommend combining a day here with Masada or Jerusalem because it will shorten your time at the world’s greatest free spa. But if you are an early riser, sunrise from Masada is unforgettable. Watching the sun paint the harsh desert sands with shades of fuchsia, vermillion and orange is breathtaking.
It takes around two hours to drive to the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv so it’s really preferable to spend your whole day there. There are plenty of hotel spas you can visit and places to eat lunch, but it’s great fun to just find your own little private niche and picnic on the shore between soaks. The water is warm enough to float in most of the year, but if you prefer not to be cold when you get out, stick to May or June through September and October. The summer months can get unbearably hot so if you’re going then don’t forget to bring along some shade.
If you’re a history buff or you’re interested in religious sites, Jerusalem is not to be missed. A short forty five minute drive from Tel Aviv to the top of a winding mountain, this quirky city is often considered the holiest place on earth. The nexus of the world’s three largest monotheistic religions all lay claim to parts of Jerusalem. The Jewish people have the Wailing Wall. The Christians have Via Delarosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Muslims have the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
In a nutshell, Jerusalem is where Muhammed ascended to heaven, Jesus was crucified and Abraham bound Isaac (at the Wailing Wall). No matter what you believe, these historical sites are fascinating to visit. Experience the unique energy of Jerusalem’s Old City that is in such contrast to its younger, hipper side where you’ll find sidewalk cafes, an upscale pedestrian mall and numerous high-end restaurants and bars.
You could spend far more than just one day discovering Jerusalem, but if you’ve only got one day, hit the Old City first. This labyrinth of veritable religious significance is peppered with little market stalls selling souvenirs and street food. As the locals like to say, Jerusalem prays while Tel Aviv plays. It’s worth going to see for yourself where this popular idiom originates. If you do have a few days to be here, have a look at our luxury serviced apartments business. We’ve got a fantastic selection of upscale, fully furnished apartments in the top locations in Jerusalem too.
Once you’ve hit the Dead Sea and Jerusalem don’t miss a visit to the north. Of course the Sea of Galilee is stunningly beautiful and if you’re into biblical history, that’s a great choice. But if you like coastal beauty, the lesser known city of Acre is well worth the trip. Stunning architecture, ancient history and gorgeous seafood await you in this charming seaside village. One big advantage of a day trip here is that you don’t need to drive. You can take the train. If you have more than a day, head to Haifa for the evening for some great food, beautiful gardens and stunning hilltop views over the Mediterranean.
Won’t have time for them all? Well, that just gives you the perfect excuse to come back. Even if you’re coming on vacation, look into our Tel Aviv business apartments. Our luxury serviced apartments business has a wide selection of choices, including size and price range. Most importantly, no matter what you decide to book, with TLV2GO you know you’re getting a top location.
