15 Must-See Tourist Spots in Israel: Birthplace of Three Religions

Israel may seem like a challenging destination to visit, but it actually boasts numerous tourist attractions within the Middle East. With sacred sites for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, Israel attracts many pilgrims and tourists from Europe as well.
From the bustling city of Tel Aviv to the holy city of Jerusalem, the birthplace of Christ in Bethlehem, the teaching grounds of Christ in Nazareth, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Megiddo, every location offers profound and thought-provoking experiences. Here, we’ll introduce some of Israel's top tourist spots.

1. The Western Wall (Jerusalem)

The Western Wall, located in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, is a sacred site for Jews who come to touch the wall and offer prayers. It is part of the remaining outer wall of the Temple of Jerusalem from the time of King Herod, stretching 50 meters in length and standing 20 meters high.
Explore the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The prayer area is divided into sections for men and women. Men wear a small cap called a "kippah" as a sign of respect, which is available for free near the wall. Despite being a tourist site, it is a holy place, so it’s advised to dress modestly. On Shabbat (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and during festivals, photography, smoking, and cell phone use are prohibited, so please keep this in mind while visiting.

2. Via Dolorosa (Jerusalem)

Via Dolorosa, meaning "Way of Sorrow" or "Way of Suffering" in Japanese, is the path Jesus walked carrying the cross. It is a pilgrimage route for Christians, stretching from the residence of Pontius Pilate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Golgotha Hill, with 14 stations representing events recorded in the Bible.
Visitors can experience the sacred spots where Jesus was whipped, crowned with thorns, fell, had his face wiped by a woman, and was ultimately crucified. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a 1 km route that allows everyone to walk and experience a part of the Christian worldview.

3. The Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem)

Located near the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock is a sacred Islamic site. The central rock is believed to be the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven, making it the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.
The Dome of the Rock is the oldest Islamic building, showcasing Byzantine art and architectural techniques. Its golden dome and intricate blue geometric tiles are highly visible, even from afar. The Temple Mount, where the Dome of the Rock stands, can be accessed via the entrance on the right of the Western Wall, though only Muslims are permitted inside.

4. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem)

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the final stop on the Via Dolorosa. Built on Golgotha Hill, the site where Jesus was crucified, it is believed to contain Jesus' tomb.
While often crowded with pilgrims and tourists, with various chapels and tombs within its walls, it is a must-see landmark in Jerusalem. Though managed by several Christian denominations, conflicts over its administration have persisted. To maintain neutrality, the church’s keys have been passed down through generations of an Arab Muslim family.

5. Yad Vashem / Holocaust Memorial Museum (Jerusalem)

During the Holocaust under Nazi Germany in World War II, an estimated six million Jewish lives were lost. "Yad Vashem" means "a name and a memorial," symbolizing a tribute to each individual who perished, preserving their memory.
The museum grounds include several facilities, with the History Museum being the main focus for visitors. Exhibits provide a balanced perspective on the rise of the Nazis and the persecution faced by Jews across various countries. In the Children’s Memorial, the names of the young victims are read aloud one by one, creating a deeply moving experience. A tree is also planted on the grounds in memory of Chiune Sugihara, who helped save many Jewish lives.

6. Jericho

Jericho, located at 260 meters below sea level, is the world’s oldest and lowest city. Once owned by Cleopatra, it is rich in ancient ruins and is a must-visit destination for Palestinian tourism.

Among its attractions is Hisham’s Palace, known as the "Versailles of the Middle East," built around the 8th century and famous for having the largest mosaic floor in the Middle East. Known as the "Oasis of the Desert," Jericho has a tropical atmosphere and is a popular resort area frequented by locals. It’s also renowned for its date cultivation, producing some of the world’s finest dates.

7. The Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem)

The Church of the Nativity is a UNESCO World Heritage site built on the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have given birth to Jesus Christ. With a history spanning 1,700 years, it is one of the oldest churches in the world and a holy site visited by many Christians.
Beneath the altar is the spot believed to be where Jesus was born, marked by a silver star gifted from France with 14 points. The church is often crowded with tourists and pilgrims, but visiting early in the morning allows for a more solemn atmosphere as many come to pray. Visiting hours are from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. (until 6 p.m. in winter).

8. Nazareth (Nazareth)

Located in Israel’s Galilee region, Nazareth is where Jesus grew up. The city has a deeply reverent atmosphere and is home to the Basilica of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church. The Basilica of the Annunciation is built over the cave where it is believed the Virgin Mary received the announcement of Jesus’ birth. The beautiful church has the cave on the first floor and the sanctuary on the second, and it is adorned with images of Mary gifted from around the world.
Nearby, St. Joseph’s Church marks the location where Jesus grew up. It includes remains of what is believed to be Jesus’ family home, as well as a cave where Joseph’s workshop might have been. Nazareth has many churches connected to Jesus’ early life, inviting reflection on his youth.

9. The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a salt lake on the border between Jordan and Israel. At 418 meters below sea level, it is the lowest point on Earth, with a salinity of about 30%. Named the "Dead Sea" because it cannot sustain life, this popular tourist spot is famous for its buoyancy—you can even float while reading a book. It’s a must-try experience.
The salt of the Dead Sea is rich in minerals and has been used as a natural beauty treatment since ancient times, reportedly even by Cleopatra. Face masks and body packs from Dead Sea salts make popular souvenirs for visitors.

10. Masada Fortress Ruins (Masada)

Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fortress located atop an isolated mountain overlooking the Dead Sea. Surrounded by cliffs, it was nearly impregnable and served as a stronghold for around 1,000 Jews who resisted for three and a half years after Jerusalem fell in 70 CE.
Inside, remnants of a synagogue, large baths, and an enormous underground reservoir reveal the sophistication of the fortress. However, when 15,000 Roman troops finally besieged Masada, the inhabitants chose mass suicide over surrender. This tragic site holds deep significance for Jews as a sacred place. Visitors can take a cable car to the summit, where they’ll enjoy sweeping views of the barren landscape and the Dead Sea in the distance.

11. Biblical Tels

Megiddo, Hazor, and Beersheba are prominent biblical tels in Israel, layered mounds of ancient cities destroyed and rebuilt over centuries. These sites are UNESCO World Heritage-listed for their biblical significance, with Megiddo featuring 25 layers, Hazor 21, and Beersheba 15.
Megiddo is mentioned in the Old Testament as the prophesied site of the world’s final battle, Armageddon. Archaeological finds include Iron Age underground irrigation systems, Solomon’s stables, and ruins of one of the world’s oldest Christian churches.

12. Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv)

Tel Aviv is the capital of Israel, known for its stunning skyline filled with skyscrapers and international hotels. The “White City” of Tel Aviv is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its beautiful Bauhaus architecture.
As a resort city, Tel Aviv attracts many tourists from Europe. The Tel Aviv Promenade, along the city’s beautiful beaches, offers views of the blue Mediterranean Sea and is a popular tourist spot. The old city has a 4,000-year history with numerous ancient ruins.
Tel Aviv is also a cultural hub, with vibrant street art and creative signage throughout the city, making it enjoyable to explore on foot. Despite being located in the Middle East, Tel Aviv is known as one of the safest cities in the region, comparable to major global cities.

13. Eilat (Eilat)

Also spelled "Eilat," this is Israel’s southernmost city and the only one along the Red Sea, making it a top resort destination. With coral reefs against a backdrop of desert hills, the scenery is truly breathtaking.
Eilat offers many luxury hotels and opportunities for marine sports, especially diving. Key attractions include "King’s City," a theme park based on biblical stories, "Coral World Underwater Observatory," with underwater viewing, and "Ice Park," a snow and ice-themed park.
Additionally, Eilat is a tax-free city, exempting visitors from Israel's 18% VAT, making it a great shopping destination with numerous malls to explore.

14. Old City of Acre (Akko)

Acre, located in the Western Galilee region of northern Israel, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Above ground, you can see the Ottoman Empire’s 18th-19th-century fortifications, while below, the entire 12th-century Crusader city remains nearly intact—a rarity in the world.
In Acre's narrow alleyways, you’ll find mosques, caravanserais, and public baths, preserving the Ottoman era’s atmosphere. Meanwhile, Crusader relics, including structures from the Knights Hospitaller such as meeting halls, churches, and accommodation, are remarkably well-preserved. Today, Acre is home to a significant Palestinian community, giving the city a distinctly Arab cultural feel.

15. Lake Galilee (Tiberias)

Lake Galilee is the largest lake in Israel, located in the northern region of the country. At 213 meters below sea level, it is the second lowest lake in the world after the Dead Sea. Unlike the Dead Sea, however, Lake Galilee is a freshwater lake. The surrounding area served as the center of Jesus' ministry, and many miracles are recounted in the New Testament that took place along its shores. It’s recommended to read the Bible beforehand to enhance your understanding before visiting.
A local specialty, Saint Peter's Fish, is named after the biblical story in which a coin was found in the mouth of a fish. This dish features "tilapia," a freshwater fish native to Lake Galilee. It has a mild flavor, so be sure to try it!

Summary

We’ve introduced various tourist spots in Israel. The country is rich in locations related to religion, and having some background knowledge before your trip can enhance your experience. Whether you walk the paths once taken by Christ, explore ancient history, or enjoy water sports at a resort, there are many experiences to be had while visiting Israel. Although it may be far from the Philippines, Israel is a captivating country both historically and religiously, and it’s certainly worth a visit. May your journey be filled with memorable moments.

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15 Must-See Tourist Spots in Israel: Birthplace of Three Religions