Where to stay in Israel: areas and hotels

If you're visiting Israel for the first time, the most logical base is Jerusalem, as it gathers most of the attractions and allows you to walk around the Old City without needing a car. However, if your trip focuses on entertainment, gastronomy, and the beach, Tel Aviv is the best choice, with vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and easy access to Ben Gurion Airport. Couples seeking relaxation and spa treatments usually head to the Dead Sea, where most hotels have their own thalassotherapy facilities, while those looking for sun, diving, and mild winters prefer Eilat, at the southern tip of the country.

Families with children often find Tel Aviv or Eilat more suitable, as they offer beaches, swimming pools, and hotels accustomed to family clientele. Those travelling on a tighter budget will find more affordable prices in Haifa, a less touristy city but with fascinating architecture and Mediterranean views. If you plan to see the country on one route, a common itinerary is Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and finally Eilat, but each stop can easily stand alone for a short city break.

Before booking anything, remember that the region experiences periods of heightened tension, so it's worth checking official travel advisories from the Foreign Office shortly before your departure, especially if your itinerary includes areas near the borders or the West Bank.

Getting around Israel and what to know before you go

Israel is small in area, which greatly helps those who want to combine more than one destination on a trip. The distance from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is about 60 km, and the journey takes around an hour by bus or car. From Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, it takes just under an hour. Eilat is at the southern tip of the country, about a four-hour drive from Tel Aviv, which is why many choose to take a domestic flight instead of driving.

The main entry point is Ben Gurion International Airport, approximately 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv, with direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. From there to Tel Aviv city centre, the journey by taxi or train takes about 20 to 30 minutes, while there is a direct train line to Jerusalem that takes about 40 minutes. Eilat is served by its own airport, Ramon, primarily for domestic flights.

Getting around cities is easy with buses and taxis. Tel Aviv also has a public bicycle network that serves short distances along the beach well. An important detail for planning is Saturday (Shabbat), when from Friday evening until Saturday evening, most public transport stops operating and many shops close. This is less pronounced in Tel Aviv than in Jerusalem.

The best time to visit is spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are pleasant throughout the country. Summers in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are hot but tolerable, while in the Dead Sea and Eilat, temperatures often exceed 40 degrees, which is why many prefer to visit in winter, when the climate there remains mild. The currency is the New Shekel, and accommodation prices, especially in Tel Aviv, are among the highest in the region, so booking well in advance helps you find better rates.

Jerusalem: history, religious monuments and the Old City

Jerusalem is the natural hub for those who want to see the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock, all within the walls of the Old City. Staying near the Old City or in the new city around Jaffa Street allows you to walk everywhere and avoid taxi travel on Friday evenings, when the streets are quieter due to Shabbat.

1. King David Hotel Jerusalem

A historic five-star hotel opposite the Old City walls, with gardens, a swimming pool, and views of the Old City. It has hosted heads of state and remains a landmark for accommodation in the city.

• Average cost: 320 to 550 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and travellers seeking luxury with history

2. Jerusalem Hotel

A small hotel east of the Old City, near the Damascus Gate, with a courtyard and a restaurant serving local cuisine. A good choice for those who want to explore the Old City on foot.

• Average cost: 90 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and solo travellers

3. Jerusalem Gate Hotel

Located near the convention centre and Mahane Yehuda market, with easy access to the tram connecting the area to the Old City. It features a rooftop pool with city views.

• Average cost: 110 to 180 € per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

4. Holy Land Hotel

A more budget-friendly option in the west of the city, with regular bus connections to the centre and the Old City. Simple but clean, offering good value for money in Jerusalem.

• Average cost: 70 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: budget-conscious travellers

Tel Aviv: beach, nightlife and gastronomy

Tel Aviv is the most cosmopolitan city in the country, with kilometres of beach, bars, markets like Carmel, and Bauhaus architecture in the city centre. The beachfront promenade concentrates most of the hotels and is an ideal base for those who want to combine swimming, dining, and evening outings without much travel.

5. Dan Tel Aviv Hotel

A classic hotel on the beachfront promenade, with direct access to the sand and a pool with sea views. A landmark for accommodation in Tel Aviv for decades.

• Average cost: 260 to 420 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and travellers who want to be able to walk to the beach

6. Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv Beach by IHG

Located in the beachfront area with direct access to the sand, a rooftop pool, and sea-view rooms. A good choice for business travellers who also want a bit of beach time.

• Average cost: 180 to 300 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

7. Embassy Hotel Tel Aviv

A small boutique hotel a few minutes from the beach, in a quiet neighbourhood near cafes and restaurants. A good alternative for those who don't want to pay the prices of the large beachfront hotels.

• Average cost: 130 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and small groups

8. SeaNet Hotel By AFI Hotels

Located near Gordon Beach, with simple but comfortable rooms and access to the city's public bicycles. A realistic option for those seeking a central location without excessive cost.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: mid-range budget travellers

9. 65 Hotel, Rothschild Tel Aviv

In the heart of Rothschild Boulevard, amidst Bauhaus buildings, cafes, and offices. Ideal for those who want to explore the city centre on foot rather than the beach.

• Average cost: 140 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and city travellers

Haifa: the country's calmest major city

Haifa is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Carmel, with the famous Baha'i Hanging Gardens stretching down to the port. It's less touristy than Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, often offering better prices, and makes a good stop for those who want to combine their visit with Nazareth or the Sea of Galilee coast.

10. Dan Panorama Haifa Hotel

Located high on Mount Carmel, with views of the port and Haifa Bay. It features a swimming pool and is close to the Baha'i Gardens.

• Average cost: 140 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and travellers seeking views

Dead Sea: therapeutic mud and spa

The area around the Dead Sea, primarily on the Ein Bokek side, gathers most of the hotels with spas and access to private beaches. It's a spot many visit for one or two nights, combining it with a visit to Masada, the ancient fortress atop the rock.

11. Oasis Spa Club Dead Sea Hotel

A hotel with private access to the Dead Sea and a full spa offering mud treatments. Most guests stay here exclusively for the relaxation and therapeutic experience of the region.

• Average cost: 150 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and those seeking relaxation and spa treatments

Eilat: sun, diving and mild winters

Eilat is located at the southern tip of the country, on the Red Sea coast, and is a popular winter destination due to its mild climate. The coral reefs off the coast attract diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, while the coastal strip has several hotels with beach access.

12. Dan Eilat Hotel

A large beachfront hotel with access to the main beach, swimming pools, and children's programmes. A popular choice for families wanting sun in winter.

• Average cost: 180 to 300 € per night
• Ideal for: families

13. Grand Court Hotel

Located a few minutes from the beach and marina, with a swimming pool and comfortable rooms for families. Good value for money in the area.

• Average cost: 100 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

14. Shalom Hotel & Relax

A smaller hotel near Eilat city centre, with simple rooms and easy walking access to the beach. A realistic option for those seeking economical accommodation.

• Average cost: 70 to 120 € per night
• Ideal for: budget-conscious travellers

15. Ramada by Wyndham Jerusalem

Located in western Jerusalem, with easy access to the main road to Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea, ideal for those who want a car during their stay.

• Average cost: 95 to 150 € per night
• Ideal for: families and travellers with a car

16. Jerusalem Gold Hotel

A quiet hotel in the north of the city, with a swimming pool and regular bus connections to the Old City. A good choice for families who need a bit more space.

• Average cost: 100 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: families

Comparison of accommodation areas in Israel

Practical information before booking accommodation

Accommodation prices in Israel, especially in Tel Aviv, increase significantly during the summer months and around Jewish holidays. So if your trip coincides with these periods, book early. If you're planning a broader trip in the region, many combine Israel with a stop in Egypt or even a flight via Athens, using the country's connection with Southern Europe.

For those who want something completely different within the same geographical multi-city exploration logic, a similar travel planning approach can be followed in other countries, such as Georgia, Switzerland, or Turkey, where choosing a base area plays an equally important role in the experience.

If you're travelling with children and looking for hotels with pools or family-friendly amenities, it's worth checking out similar guides for other destinations, such as hotels with pools in Athens or hotels with spas in Athens, useful for an intermediate stop if your flight passes through there. If you prefer to organise your trip around a larger all-inclusive resort before or after Israel, see the guide to all-inclusive beachfront hotels.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is the best base for a first visit to Israel?

Jerusalem, because it concentrates most historical and religious attractions within walking distance of the Old City.

How far is Tel Aviv from Jerusalem?

Approximately 60 km, with a journey of about an hour by bus, car, or train.

Which area is best suited for families with children?

Tel Aviv and Eilat, thanks to their beaches, swimming pools, and hotels with amenities for children.

Do I need a car in Israel?

Not necessarily, as there are good public transport links between major cities, although it helps for the Dead Sea and Eilat.

What does Shabbat mean for my stay?

From Friday evening until Saturday evening, most transport and shops close, which is more pronounced in Jerusalem than in Tel Aviv.

What is the best time to go to the Dead Sea or Eilat?

Autumn, winter, and spring, as summer temperatures often exceed 40 degrees.

Should I check anything before booking a trip to Israel?

Yes, it's worth checking current travel advisories from the Foreign Office before departure, especially for areas near the borders.