Photo: Tel Aviv · Ynhockey · CC BY-SA 4.0
First-Timer Guide 🇮🇱Israel: What to Know Before You Go
Destination Intel / Israel
A typical first trip here runs about $1,375 to $1,875 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. This is an estimate from PINYA hand-reviewed prices, not a live price. Prices last reviewed July 2026. Real cost moves with your dates and exchange rates. Get a tailored number in the Budget Calculator, or have The Crown price your exact trip.
Culture, Food and Etiquette
- Shakshuka, eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce; a beloved breakfast
- Falafel and hummus, arguably the world's best, fresh from Arab markets in Akko
- Sabich, pita stuffed with fried eggplant, egg, hummus, and amba (mango sauce)
- Mezze spread, endless small dishes of salads, dips, and bread
- Tel Aviv's food scene is ranked among the world's most innovative
- Shabbat (Friday sunset–Saturday night), the Jewish day of rest; most things close
- Passover (Pesach), major spring festival; matzoh replaces bread for a week
- Yom Kippur, holiest Jewish day; complete shutdown of everything
- Jerusalem, sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam simultaneously
- Tel Aviv Pride (June), one of the world's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations
Hebrew and Arabic are official languages. English is widely spoken.
Israel is a very internationally connected society, expect direct, fast-paced communication. Be aware of the complex political situation and avoid taking sides in conversations.
- Respect Shabbat, plan around Friday evening and Saturday closures
- Dress modestly at religious sites in Jerusalem (Western Wall, Church of Holy Sepulchre)
- Israelis are informal and direct, don't mistake directness for rudeness
- Tipping 12–15% is expected in restaurants
Best Time to Visit
Israel has a Mediterranean climate on the coast and drier conditions inland; spring and autumn are mild, summer is hot, and winter is cool and wetter.
- Peak: April to May, September to October
- Shoulder: June, November
- Off season: December to March, and the hot mid-summer
Source: ims.gov.il
Getting Around
- Trains and buses link the main cities, and Jerusalem has a light rail line.
- Public transport pauses for Shabbat, from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
- Ride-hailing and shared taxis fill the gaps.
Source: travel.state.gov
What moves the cost: Israel is a pricier destination, and holidays and the high season raise hotel rates.
Common Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Israel?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Is Israel safe for first-time travelers?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Latest for Israel
Updates for Israel will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.