Omri's Bucket List: 10 MUST DO things in Israel
Omri’s Bucket List: My 10 Must-Do Experiences in Israel
After years of exploring every corner of this country—guiding groups, hiking trails, sharing meals, and meeting incredible people—I’ve put together my personal list of things you simply have to do in Israel.
This isn’t just another tourist checklist. These are the moments I come back to again and again—the experiences I recommend to friends, family, and anyone who asks me, “What’s really worth doing in Israel?”
You haven’t truly been to Israel if you didn’t do the following—whether it’s floating in the Dead Sea in the early morning, grabbing hummus at my favorite hidden spot in Akko, wandering Jerusalem’s alleyways, or watching the desert turn gold in the evening light. These are the experiences that, to me, capture the heart of this place.
1. Jerusalem – The Holiest City in the World
There’s nowhere on Earth like Jerusalem. It’s a city where history and spirituality are woven into every stone, where 3,000 years of stories echo through the alleyways. Start your journey at the Mount of Olives, where you can take in one of the most iconic views in the world. From here, you’ll see the golden Dome of the Rock shining in the sunlight, the rooftops of the Old City, and the hills beyond, stretching all the way to the desert.
Then walk through the ancient Jaffa Gate and step into the Old City itself. The streets are a maze of cultures and faiths. You’ll pass bustling marketplaces, smell the mix of fresh bread, cardamom, and incense, and hear the calls to prayer mingling with the sounds of life. Wander the Via Dolorosa, the path that Christians believe Jesus walked to his crucifixion. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most sacred sites in Christianity. Touch the stones of the Western Wall, where Jews from around the world come to pray, leaving handwritten notes in the cracks.
Whether you’re religious or not, Jerusalem stirs something deep inside you. It’s a city of contrasts—holy and modern, peaceful and intense, ancient yet alive. No visit to Israel is complete without walking its streets, feeling its energy, and absorbing its timeless spirit.
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2. The Dead Sea – Float at the Lowest Point on Earth
Visiting the Dead Sea is like stepping onto another planet. It’s the lowest point on Earth, sitting at over 430 meters below sea level, and its waters are 10 times saltier than the ocean. As you wade into the turquoise water, you’ll feel something strange—you can’t sink. The salt makes you float effortlessly, no matter how hard you try to submerge yourself.
Cover your body with the legendary black mineral mud—it’s not just a spa treatment; it’s a ritual. Let it dry in the sun, feeling the gentle pull of the desert wind across your skin. Then rinse off and feel refreshed, light, and almost new again. Locals and travelers swear by the Dead Sea’s healing properties—its minerals soothe the skin, ease joint pain, and relax the body.
And when the day ends, stay to watch the sunset over the mountains of Jordan. The sky turns pink, orange, and purple, and the still waters reflect the colors like glass. It’s a moment of pure wonder—a scene that stays with you forever.
3. Street Food – Taste Israel’s Flavors
If you want to understand Israeli culture, start with the food. And there’s no better place to do that than on the streets, where food is fast, fresh, and full of life. It’s not just about grabbing a bite—it’s about joining the daily rhythm of the locals.
Try falafel, crispy and golden, tucked into warm pita with creamy hummus, pickles, tahini, and spicy schug. Taste shawarma, slowly roasted on a spit, shaved into laffa bread with fries, amba sauce, and fresh vegetables. Or grab a Jerusalem bagel—long and oval-shaped, sprinkled with sesame seeds, perfect for dipping into za’atar.
Don’t stop there. Explore hidden hummus joints, where the chickpeas are cooked fresh each morning and the locals argue over which place is best. Sample sabich, an Iraqi sandwich packed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, tahini, and pickles. Each region, each city, has its own twist, its own specialty.
Street food is where Israel’s diversity comes alive, blending Jewish, Arab, and Middle Eastern flavors into something uniquely local. Every bite tells a story, and every stand is part of the country’s culinary heartbeat.
4. The Mediterranean – Life on the Israeli Coast
Israel’s connection to the Mediterranean Sea is part of its soul. From Tel Aviv’s bustling beaches to the tranquil shores of Herzliya and Netanya, the coastline is where life slows down—or speeds up—depending on the mood.
Spend your morning swimming in the warm, blue waters, letting the waves carry you back to shore. Join a game of matkot, the classic Israeli beach paddle game, where the rhythmic tapping of wooden paddles is a soundtrack you’ll hear from morning till dusk.
As the day unfolds, relax on a beach chair under an umbrella, order a coffee or a cold beer from a kiosk, and watch the world go by. Surfers catch waves, joggers and bikers cruise down the promenade, and locals meet friends for sunset gatherings. The atmosphere is lively but laid back, filled with laughter, music, and the sound of waves.
At night, the beach becomes a social hub. Restaurants serve fresh seafood, bars come to life, and the sea breeze cools the warm evening air. Life on the Israeli coast isn’t just about the ocean—it’s about the energy, the people, and the joy of being in the moment.
5. Home Cooking – A True Taste of Hospitality
There’s no better way to experience Israel than to share a meal in someone’s home. In Israel, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a way of welcoming you into the family. Sitting at a kitchen table with a Druze, Arab, or Jewish host, you’ll taste dishes that have been passed down for generations.
Enjoy maqluba, a flavorful dish of rice, vegetables, and meat, flipped upside down at the table. Try kubbeh soup, rich with spices and dumplings filled with meat and herbs. Savor stuffed vine leaves, homemade hummus, or a bubbling pan of shakshuka served fresh from the stove.
But it’s not just the food—it’s the stories, the traditions, and the warmth of real hospitality. You’ll hear about family histories, cultural customs, and everyday life in Israel. These meals often last for hours, with laughter, conversation, and endless plates of food. It’s an experience that leaves your stomach full and your heart even fuller.
6. The Gaza Envelope – Stories of Resilience
The Gaza Envelope is one of the most emotional and important places you can visit in Israel. This region, bordering Gaza, has faced years of tension, trauma, and resilience. Yet the people here continue to choose hope, life, and community over fear.
Visit the site of the Nova Festival, a place that symbolizes both tragedy and the spirit of those who refuse to give up joy and music. Walk through nearby kibbutzim and small towns, meet locals who have rebuilt their homes and lives again and again, and listen to their stories. They’ll tell you about October 7th, about daily life near the border, and about the balance between living fully and staying prepared.
Despite the hardships, the Gaza Envelope is a place of beauty and strength. You’ll see sunflower fields, playgrounds, art installations, and memorials side by side. It’s a part of Israel that most tourists skip—but one that shows you the real human face of courage and community.
7. Desert Time – Silence and Stars in the Negev
The Negev Desert is Israel’s great open space—a vast landscape of sand, cliffs, and sky that invites you to slow down and breathe. Spend a night in the desert and discover a silence so pure you can hear your own thoughts.
Wake up early and watch the sunrise turn the desert from grey to gold, lighting up the red cliffs of Ramon Crater and casting long shadows over ancient landscapes. During the day, explore wadi hikes, discover Nabatean ruins, and meet Bedouin families who will welcome you with sweet tea and stories of desert life.
At night, the Negev offers some of the clearest skies in the world. Lie back, look up, and watch the stars fill the sky, the Milky Way stretching from one horizon to the other. The desert isn’t empty—it’s full of life, beauty, and moments of stillness that reset your mind and soul.
8. Kibbutz Life – Israel’s Communal Heartbeat
A kibbutz isn’t just a place—it’s an idea that shaped Israel’s beginnings. These communal villages were built on the dream of equality, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Today, many kibbutzim have modernized, but the spirit of community life is still alive and well.
Visit a kibbutz and walk the tree-lined paths, stop by the cow sheds or fields, and chat with locals about daily life. Eat in the communal dining hall, where meals are shared and everyone knows each other. Learn about the history of the kibbutz movement—how pioneers drained swamps, planted crops, and built a new society from scratch.
You’ll see how kibbutzim have evolved, taking on agriculture, technology, and hospitality, yet still maintaining their unique way of life. It’s a window into a chapter of Israel’s story that continues to shape the country today.
9. Holy Cities – Safed & Nazareth
Israel’s holy cities aren’t just places of worship—they’re places where spirituality meets everyday life. In Safed (Tzfat), wander through ancient alleys lined with blue-painted doors, where mystics once studied Kabbalah. Visit hidden synagogues, watch artists painting in their studios, and feel the calm, mystical atmosphere that makes this mountain city unique.
In Nazareth, walk through the colorful markets, smell spices and fresh baked goods, and visit the Church of the Annunciation, one of Christianity’s most sacred places. Here, religious history and modern life mix together. Stop for a plate of kanafeh or baklava, talk with local shopkeepers, and see how tradition and daily routine intertwine.
These cities aren’t just for pilgrims—they’re for anyone who wants to understand the heart and soul of this land, where faith, history, and humanity come together.
10. Green Israel – Hike the North
Many people think of Israel as desert, but the north is a green paradise. The Galilee and Golan Heights are filled with forests, rivers, waterfalls, and ancient ruins, offering a completely different side of the country.
Hike through the Banias Nature Reserve, where streams flow past old Crusader ruins. Trek up to Mount Arbel for sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee, or follow trails in the Golan Heights, where you’ll find volcanic plateaus, hidden springs, and lush landscapes.
Stop along the way to pick wild herbs, dip in natural pools, and rest under oak trees. The north is where Israelis go to recharge, connect with nature, and escape the city buzz. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, this region is a must for anyone who loves the outdoors.