Shalom! Israel has always been a dream destination for me. I longed to explore the holy city of Jerusalem, a sacred site for Christians, Jews, and Muslims; soak up the sun on Tel Aviv’s beautiful beaches; savor the country’s delicious cuisine; and witness the natural wonders like the Dead Sea. In 2023, I finally made this dream a reality, and it was undoubtedly one of the best holidays of my life!
Here is how I managed to do (almost) everything in 5 days.
DAY 1: STROLLED ALONG ROTHSCHILD BOULEVARD & THE PROMENADE IN TEL AVIV
Rothschild Boulevard: Tel Aviv’s Chic Hangout
This street is like a magnet for cool vibes. Our hotel was right in the thick of it, surrounded by adorable cafes and restaurants. Picture this: sunny days, people-watching, and the best coffee. It’s where you’ll find young and trendy Tel Avivians chilling with their besties, sharing secrets over lattes. Trust me, it’s the perfect place to soak up the city’s energy!
Just a quick stroll from the buzzing Rothschild Boulevard (I’m all about walking, too!) is Tel Aviv’s dreamy promenade. Soft sand, salty air, and the Mediterranean Sea stretching out as far as the eye can see – It’s like a playground for beach lovers. I spent hours chilling on the gorgeous Tel Aviv beach, but if you’re feeling adventurous, check out Frishman, Hilton, or Gordon beaches. They’re all total hotspots! Think volleyball champs, surfing pros, and sun-kissed beauties soaking up the rays.
DAY 2: EXPLORED THE NEIGHBOURHOODS OF OLD JAFFA (YAFO) AND NEVE TZEDEK IN TEL AVIV
After a wild night on the town, my head felt like a bowling ball. So, instead of facing the world with a pounding headache, I decided to embrace my inner sloth and take a leisurely stroll around Tel Aviv. It was the perfect way to nurse my hangover and soak up some sunshine!
Jaffa: A Magical Mix of Old and New
I totally lost myself wandering the cobbled streets of Old Jaffa. It’s like stepping back in time! I climbed up to Abrasha Park for a totally epic view of the city – seriously, worth every step. Then, I checked out the super cool Jaffa Port, which is basically ancient history with a side of sea breeze.
I couldn’t resist a little bargaining adventure at the Jaffa Flea Market – scored some amazing finds! And to top it off, I spent some quality time watching the surfing pros catch some waves. Talk about inspiration! I was totally stoked to hit the surf myself the next day!
Neve Tzedek: Tel Aviv’s Chic Oasis
This neighborhood is like stepping into a fairytale. It’s got the cutest little shops and restaurants, and the whole vibe is just chef’s kiss. I could have easily spent hours browsing through all the trendy boutiques. It’s the perfect place to find that unique souvenir or just treat yourself to something special.
DAY 3: SURFED, VISITED CARMEL MARKET & DIZENGOFF STREET IN TEL AVIV
Catchin’ Waves in Tel Aviv!
I totally ditched my hangover and traded it for some serious wave-catching action! My morning was all about conquering the surf with Chill Surf School. If you’re a total newbie like I was, you have to give it a go! It was like surfing into a whole new world of fun. Honestly, it’s one of those experiences you’ll never forget!
Carmel Market: A Bite-Sized Adventure
Carmel Market was a total sensory overload! So much to see, smell, and taste! I picked up some yummy olives, dried fruits, and super fresh produce for our road trip. Honestly, coming from a country like India where markets are like a whole other world, Carmel Market was cute but didn’t quite blow me away. Still, it’s a fun place to wander around and grab some tasty treats!
Dizengoff Street: Day to Night Diva
Dizengoff Street is like that friend who’s got two totally different personalities! By day, it’s a shopaholic’s paradise with super cool boutiques, antique treasures, and shiny jewelry stores. But when the sun goes down, it transforms into a nightlife wonderland! The coolest bars in town pop up everywhere, and the energy is just electric. It’s the perfect place to hang at nigh with your besties!
DAY 4: SUNRISE HIKE AT MASADA, VISITED EIN GEDI NATURE RESERVE, FLOATED ON THE DEAD SEA AND EXPLORED JERUSALEM’S CITY CENTER
One Epic Day! Okay, so I pulled a total superhero move and crammed an entire country into one day! I zoomed from Tel Aviv in a rented car, conquering Masada, dipping in the Dead Sea, and ended up in the holy city of Jerusalem. It was like a crazy, whirlwind adventure! Of course, I had my amazing travel buddy to share the driving madness with. Twenty-three hours awake? Worth it!
Masada: Sunrise Magic
I was basically a zombie, but the promise of a magical sunrise at Masada was worth it! I started my crazy adventure at 2 AM, driving from Tel Aviv to reach Masada by 5:30 AM. The hike up was no joke, taking about an hour and a half, but the view from the top was like something out of a dream! Totally worth the early morning struggle.
Ein Gedi: Desert Oasis or Skip It?
Ein Gedi is like that cute but optional extra on a menu. It’s pretty with waterfalls and wildlife, but let’s be real, it’s not essential. If you’ve got time to spare (it’s just a quick drive from Masada), then sure, check it out. But if you’re rushing around like a crazy person (like I was!), don’t sweat it if you skip it.
Dead Sea: Float Your Boat!
Okay, so I heard the Dead Sea in Jordan is preferred but since I wasn’t crossing the border, I had to make do with the Israeli side. I did my research and found a super chill spot away from the crowds. Let me tell you, floating in that salty water was like being in outer space! It was totally surreal and SO much fun! Definitely one for the bucket list!
Jerusalem: The Capital City
After my epic Dead Sea float, I hit the road for Jerusalem. My eyes were closing, but my tummy was growling! I wandered through the heart of the city, surrounded by shops and cafes, until my nose led me to the amazing Mahane Yehuda Market! It was like a foodie’s paradise with stalls bursting with colorful fruits, veggies, and all sorts of yummy treats. I couldn’t resist grabbing a tasty snack to refuel my tired body!
DAY 5: GUIDED TOUR OF THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM INCLUDING THE HOLY SITES, VISITED BETHLEHEM IN THE WEST BANK AND MOUNT OF OLIVES IN JERUSALEM
Old City Magic
My guide, Itamar, was like a walking, talking history book! We explored every nook and cranny of the Old City, from the bustling Muslim Quarter to the peaceful Armenian Quarter. It was like stepping back in time! Seeing the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in person was mind-blowing. I mean, can you even imagine?! Five hours just flew by!
Bethlehem Bound!
Getting to Bethlehem was a whole adventure! You need special permission to go there, so I had to get a driver with the right papers. Once I arrived, I met my guide who showed me around- Bethlehem is where Jesus was born! I saw the famous Church of the Nativity, learned about the Separation Wall, and even checked out some cool Banksy art. It was a day full of emotions!
Mount of Olives: A Golden Goodbye
We ended our whirlwind adventure with a golden touch! The Mount of Olives was our final stop, and oh boy, what a view! We watched as the sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a magical glow over the whole city. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to this incredible place!
Can’t wait to share more!
I’ve got so much to tell you about my Jerusalem and West Bank adventure, plus my crazy road trip! I’ll be sharing all the details in separate posts, so stay tuned!
On my to-see list
