For most travelers to Israel, Tel Aviv is the first, and often the only major destination on the map. After all, this is the longtime nightlife capital of Israel we’re talking about, in addition to offering one of the most colorful and picturesque Mediterranean shores this side of Sicily!
Still, there are naturally plenty of explorers who would like to see more of the region during their stay. On the other hand, time may be limited and booking more than one hotel is too much of a financial or logistical hassle.
That’s where day trips from Tel Aviv become a viable opportunity to expand your horizons without stretching your travel budget too thin. In that spirit, let’s take a look at the best weekend trips and day tours from Tel Aviv, Israel that travelers of every stripe can enjoy!
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A short word on getting around in Israel
Look at a map, and you’ll find some of the southern destinations on this list to be quite far away from Tel Aviv. Cities deep in the Negev, like Eilat, are literally at the opposite end of the country!
That’s only till you realize just how small Israel truly is. Not to mention the quality of its transportation infrastructure!
True, during peak tourist season in the spring, traffic might put a dent into your travel time and make more remote destinations a little less suitable for day trips from Tel Aviv.
Still, most of the country remains easy to navigate by car, shuttle, bus, or even by plane via local commuter airports. Most major cities will also be served by a perfectly reliable state railway system.
All in all, that makes almost every single one of the below journeys for Tel Aviv day trips doable in less than six hours there and back.
1. Haifa
The seaside city of Haifa has gone from being every Tel Avivian’s favorite holiday getaway to being every Tel Avivian’s favorite suburb – that’s if you take some local jokes a bit too seriously, at least.
Unlike Tel Aviv, which was constructed by pioneers in the 1910s and 20s, Haifa is an ancient city, thousands of years old. Its tradition of fishing and the sea trade still echoes in its architecture, especially around the old port.
Must-sees include the incredibly beautiful Baha’i Gardens – probably the single most peaceful place in a notoriously unstable country – as well as historical sites like Elijah’s Tomb.
2. Jerusalem
The ancient city, “Jerusalem of Gold”, the city of a thousand names — Jerusalem is more than just the largest city in Israel. It’s a cultural and historical icon that unites the Middle East.
Old Jerusalem, with its four distinct quarters and relics around every corner, is the tourist magnet you would expect it to be, but the city is huge and all of it beckons to be explored.
Make sure to grab a glimpse of the Western Wall and the Holy Mount, some of the holiest sites of all Abrahamic religions. Souvenirs can be found aplenty in any of Jerusalem’s huge open-air markets, and the same goes for authentic street food.
3. Yafo
While people like to make fun of how Haifa and Tel Aviv have become intertwined over the years, the same happened to Yafo much more radically, and much sooner.
An ancient seaport, Yafo was formally incorporated into Tel Aviv (as “Tel Aviv-Yafo”) already back in the 1950s – basically during the infancy of the current Israeli state.
Despite that, Yafo offers a totally different feel from the bustling, highrise-filled streets of Tel Aviv’s Park Zameret or the like. Most of the town has withstood the test of time and has remained true to its roots. Now as a few hundred years ago, Yafo is one of the major “mixed cities”, where Jews, Arabs, and minorities like Christian groups and Druze from every background live side by side.
As these kinds of cities are becoming increasingly rare in Israel (the 21st-century transformation of Tel Aviv itself being a perfect example of that trend), Yafo remains a living time capsule that is stunning and moving to visit.
4. Eilat
I’ll be frank, I have yet to travel anywhere that’s as magical as the Eilat desert — and I’ve been places! No wonder the picturesque city is just as popular with foreigners as it is with native Tel Avivians looking for a weekend getaway.
Downtown Eilat may not be to everyone’s tastes with its luxury hotels, spas, resorts, and malls.
However, the natural surroundings are really what sets Eilat apart, and they’re the real reason why it’s a must-visit destination. Within a few minutes, you can even reach the Red Sea, which is definitely a sight I’d recommend!
5. Masada
Not far away from Eilat proper lies Masada, a castle ruin that is famous for the stunning rock formations it was built upon. If what you seek are excellent desert views and you wouldn’t mind a little history lesson along the way, definitely book a guided tour to Masada on your trip.
Weekend trips from Tel Aviv are plentiful since it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions these days, and the journey is doable within about three hours if you plan right. Remember to bring lots of water!
6. Akko
Known as Acre in the English-speaking world, Akko is among the oldest of Israel’s cities that are still standing. Many of Akko’s famous sights are ruins, from Roman walls to Ottoman-built mosques.
Perhaps Akko’s greatest claims to fame, though (apart from its gorgeous coastline) are the old crusader castles and citadels. A stronghold during the Middle Ages, both knightly orders like the Templars as well as Saladin’s Ayyubids, who conquered the city later, created great monuments here. Many are still standing in a state of preservation that you will hardly find anywhere else in the world.
For history buffs, there are definitely a few better places to visit from Tel Aviv – especially since the trip only takes two hours or less!
7. The Dead Sea
Probably Israel’s most well-known natural wonder, the Dead Sea is a magical place. Yes, floating on the water is something everyone should try at least once, but the Sea offers so much beyond that, too!
Its mud has been used as a therapeutic natural skincare ingredient for millennia. Because the Sea (actually a large lake, but I digress) lies very low and receives a lot of dry winds from the Negev and other sources, the air is also said to be some of the healthiest and cleanest you can breathe anywhere.
All in all, that makes the Dead Sea the number-one perfect spa destination to head to on a weekend getaway from Tel Aviv!
8. Nazareth
The reputed former hometown of Jesus has been a tourist magnet for centuries, especially of course among Christian pilgrims. Nowadays, Nazareth is one of the handful of cities in Israel that still has a majority-Arab population, split about 60-30-10 between Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Apart from explicitly religious attractions, like the “Jesus Trail” which quite literally follows the footsteps of the Son of God as described in the Gospels, Nazareth’s biggest must-sees are its churches, mosques, and other architecture, which are simply stunning.
Some of the oldest cathedrals and basilicas in the whole world can be found here, including one of the first Greek Orthodox churches. Definitely something you will want to see if you enjoy exploring ancient monuments like that — I know I do!
With all its history and culture in such a tight space, Nazareth is a worthwhile destination only a short hop from the Gush Dan region. That, too, makes it one of the best easy day trips from Tel Aviv.
9. Mitzpe Ramon
Heading back to the Negev (I will not hide the fact I have my favorites), one of the South’s most popular towns is the incredibly tranquil Mitzpe Ramon.
Located at the edge of a huge crater – no, really – and in the middle of a vast stretch of desert, this place is going to teach you the meaning of the word quiet if your stay in Tel Aviv already made you unlearn every sense of it.
10. Tiberias
Founded by the Romans along Lake Kinneret, Tiberias is one of the lowest-lying cities on Earth at 200 meters below sea level. That, coupled with its year-round sunny seaside climate, hot temperatures, and clean air, makes it one of the most popular spots to go to if you’re into watersports and nightlife.
True, it’s not Tel Aviv’s downtown – but that’s the point. You have all the A-list opportunities right at your doorstep in the big city, but going to Tiberias is more for those kinds of travelers that prefer something natural, authentic, and definitely far less crowded.
If you’re at all religiously curious, you will also be interested to know that Tiberias is an important holy city for both Jews and Christians, with many landmarks and important sites to explore.
11. Mount Hermon
The North of Israel can be just as beautiful as the South, and if there’s any proof of that, it’s Mount Hermon. Close to the border with Lebanon, Mount Hermon’s rolling hills don’t just offer great views. They’re also a serious hiking destination that attracts loads of outdoors-loving travelers each year.
While it’s no record-setter at about 2,800 meters in peak altitude, it is the only place in Israel where you can go skiing, at least during the winter. And that’s something in a country where the weather can top 35 degrees in the shade!
The area surrounding the Hermon is also rich in archeological sites. For example, on one of the mountain’s shallower slopes you can visit the remains of a huge Mamluk castle known as the Nimrod Fortress.
12. The Sinai
The Sinai, a peninsula covered in dry desert and beautiful cliffs that blends into the Negev, is one of the most scenic day tours from Tel Aviv you can take. According to Jewish tradition, it was on Mount Sinai, the highest point in the peninsula, that God gave the prophet Moses the ten commandments.
Today, the Sinai belongs to Egypt. Israel transferred its claim – which until then constituted a bit less than the entire southern half of the country’s landmass – in 1979 as part of a historic peace treaty.
Since that year, Israel’s southern borders end in the Negev a few minutes from Eilat, while Egypt’s territory covers both North Africa and Asia.
The Sinai is a huge area, almost as large as all of Israel in fact, but because most of it is sparsely populated, it can actually make for solid weekend trips from Tel Aviv. Of course, all that depends on whether your accommodation and your passport allow you to freely hop across the Israeli-Egyptian border without much hassle.
13. Caesarea
Caesarea is a treasure trove for history lovers, and especially for those interested in the Middle East’s Roman past.
From its large, well-preserved amphitheater to countless other monuments and ruins, Caesarea is full of the kind of stuff that gets hobby archeologists’ hearts racing.
Its location along the coast only minutes from Haifa also makes Caesarea perfectly convenient to visit on a short day trip from Tel Aviv.
14. Lake Kinneret
Called the Sea of Galilee by Christians, Lake Kinneret is the largest of its kind in Israel and has been a national treasure for centuries.
The closest city to explore the lake from is nearby Tiberias, which I looked at just a few points above. Other places surrounding the Lake that are worth visiting include Ein Nun, a beautiful small town built around a literal oasis, as well as the national parks Arbel and the “Swiss Forest”.
There are countless other trails and scenic routes you can take around Lake Kinneret, making it one of the best day trips from Tel Aviv if you’re the backpacking, outdoorsy type!
15. Carmel
Compared to Mount Hermon, Carmel is a relatively minor peak, at only about 550m above sea level. That makes it a lot less challenging to climb, but it also means you get some terrific scenic views of Israel’s picturesque northern landscapes from there.
The lush fields of the Galilee and the Mediterranean sea are both visible from the Carmel’s peak, as are parts of Haifa and some surrounding towns. If you wish to make a stop on the way to your hike, there’s no better place for it than Zichron Yaakov, a charming pioneer town built right on the mountain’s steepest slope.
Note that much of the landscape surrounding the Carmel is a national park, which likewise offers terrific views, hours’ worth of trails, and a stunning display of Northern Israel’s beauty.
16. Yarkon National Park
If you would like a similar kind of experience closer to the ground and not that far from Tel Aviv, consider following the river Yarkon to Yarkon National Park.
Only about half an hour from the city proper and roughly equal in size to Central Park, Yarkon National Park is the Tel Aviv metro’s pride and joy.
There are countless green spaces, hiking trails and bike paths to explore, as well as a wonderful aviary and botanical garden. Many public performances, including A-list concerts by international artists, are also staged on the Park’s grounds fairly frequently, so it’s wise to do some research and see whether there is anything interesting overlapping with your stay!
17. The Golan
Though fairly close and easily reachable from Tel Aviv, the Golan is a somewhat more controversial place to visit on a day trip. That’s because it forms part of the territories occupied by Israel since 1967 – in this case, the Golan was annexed from Syria.
That doesn’t make the area much more dangerous than anywhere else in Israel, and there aren’t any formal border procedures to be aware of. However, some travelers would rather steer clear of the political grey zone that the Golan is in, and that’s a fine position to take of course.
For those who nonetheless choose to make the little trip, the Golan offers rich natural beauty and lots to explore. Famous for its vineyards, this is where some of the best wine in the Mediterranean is grown, and has been for thousands of years.
To really get the most out of the Golan’s stunning landscapes and rich history, and to make travel a bit easier, I’d recommend joining a day tour from Tel Aviv. That’s the most popular option among visitors, and by far the most convenient.
18. Rosh HaNikra
At the far northern edge of the Mediterranean coast, just before the Lebanese border lies the little kibbutz Rosh HaNikra. Its standout attraction, the white-rock grottoes, caves, and cliffs, were formed by a particular erosion process that is unique to the region.
You can explore these grottoes from (nearly) every angle and learn more about them on a dedicated day tour, during which you’ll also be able to take a cable car ride along the cliff faces to gather some once-in-a-lifetime snapshots.
19. The Coral Beach Reserve
In the coastal Red Sea waters not far from the city of Eilat lies the Coral Beach Reserve, one of Israel’s prime hot spots for scuba diving. The beautiful reefs are some of the Middle East’s most precious and heavily protected, but there is still relatively free access throughout the week.
You can also admire the beauty of the corals from special lookout points and various footbridges that have been built across the Reserve.
20. Herzliya
An upscale city that has always faced comparisons to Tel Aviv itself, Herzliya is one of the wealthiest and most developed Israeli cities not just along the Central coastline, but in the whole country.
Its beaches, like the famous Accadia beach, tend to be cleaner and far less touristy than Tel Aviv’s, while its venerated hotels and lodgings offer far higher quality accommodation compared to what you’ll find anywhere else.
That all comes at a price, of course. Israel these days is not the most affordable country to visit and Herzliya comes out on top as one of its most expensive cities. If that doesn’t bother you though, I’d highly recommend making the short trip and discovering a different side to Gush Dan: quieter, smaller, neater, and more refined.
21. Petra
Considered one of the seven ancient wonders of the world by some counts, the historic city of Petra, carved into the face of a mountain, was long considered lost until its rediscovery in the late 1800s.
Today, Petra lies in Jordan, just across the border from Beer Sheva. It’s an easy trip to make, as with the Sinai, since Jordan holds arguably the most peaceful relations with Israel nowadays. Most passport holders should have no trouble hopping across.
The remarkable architecture, nestled inside a deep wadi, is a one-of-a-kind experience to explore by yourself. The surrounding desert landscape, part of a cross-border region known as the Arava, is also stunning and well worth the visit.
22. The Timna Valley
In the Israeli part of the Arava not too far from Petra, you’ll find the Timna Valley. Most of the valley and its surrounding desert landscape are part of Timna National Park, one of Israel’s biggest.
Many of the strangely-shaped, alien-looking rock formations you can spot here emerged through natural tectonic processes and erosion. Others were actually created by human hands through mining – some of the earliest evidence of mineral gathering on a massive scale anywhere in the world.
The topography makes for some fun and uniquely challenging hiking trails, which the Timna Park is full of. It’s also a great place to just stand and admire one of the world’s most beautiful deserts! Expect the trip from Tel Aviv to take about 3 hours each way.
23. Ein Gedi
One of the most popular day trips from Tel Aviv is to Ein Gedi, a natural reserve that continues to attract countless visitors year-round for its beauty and mystery. Close to the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi features magical forested hiking trails and a major waterfall feeding a literal oasis in the desert.
Surrounding the site, there are many archeological relics as well as complex canyon and cave systems. Note there is also a small kibbutz of the same name very close to Ein Gedi proper.
If you have the time, I’d suggest giving both a fair visit!
The agricultural, small-village feel of the Ein Gedi kibbutz is more than charming in its own way, whereas the natural wonders of the surrounding sites are a feast on the senses and an unforgettable experience for sure.
24. Safed
Mostly known by its Hebrew name Zfat in Israel, Safed is a northern city situated at the intersection between the hilly Galilee and the Golan, not far from Lake Kinneret.
Known for its religious significance to Haredi Jews, Safed is a center of mystical and philosophical thought and the place where many of the foundational works of Kabbalah were written.
Thanks to its moderate, high-altitude climate, picturesque painted walls, and mystic charm, Safed is one of the most distinct and memorable destinations you can pick up on a day trip or weekend getaway from Tel Aviv, Israel.
25. Hebron
Hebron in Arabic, Hevron in Hebrew, this city is not just one of the greatest religious icons for both Jews and Muslims. It is also a living representation of the ongoing division, conflict, and animosity between Israel and the Palestinians living under its occupation.
Located in the West Bank, Hebron is not the year-round battlefield some Western media have portrayed it as. Yet, it is also a world apart from life in Tel Aviv.
Today, the city is divided into distinct zones, managed by the Israeli-occupying military government and the Palestinian Authority, respectively.
The Israeli sector is generally considered easier to visit for most Westerners, but if you get the chance, I highly encourage you to take a bipartisan tour of both halves of Hebron to really generate an informed picture of what life is like in the occupied territories.
Final thoughts
As you can see, Tel Aviv’s ideal location along the central coastline combined with Israel’s excellent transport infrastructure and unusual density of amazing sights gives you lots and lots of ripe opportunities for day trips and excursions during your visit!
If you’ve already made the trip to Tel Aviv and beyond, tell us which of these places became your favorites! Were there any others that I failed to mention? Let us know in the comments, and until next time!
