Top 10 Cultural Attractions in Israel

A trip to Israel usually makes one think of exploring the lavishly decorated hallways of centuries old monasteries or tracing the footsteps of some of the most revered religious figures of all time. Israel has a reputation and there’s a reason for it; it’s one of the most richly historical destinations in the world. Every time you turn a corner, it seems like you are face to face with some deeply important historical monument. Although it’s easy to get caught up in the “old world” atmosphere, Israel is not a country that’s stuck in the past—anything but. The streets of its cities are buzzing with a vibrant youth culture and the country’s contemporary art scene is top notch. It’d be a mistake to visit Israel without experiencing its undeniably cool cultural groove. So, clear some space in your itinerary between The Citadel and The Mount of Olives for some of these attractions.

 

1. The Billy Rose Art Garden at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Designed by the Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the Billy Rose Art Garden is the epitome of Zen. The garden is divided into crescent shaped sections, each with a distinctively peaceful vibe thanks to carefully placed stones, waterfalls, and sculptures. This place may be serene, but it’s anything but boring, with sculptures by some of the most well-known and controversial artists of the twentieth century. A stroll around the garden will bring you face-to-face with breathtaking works by Picasso, Rodin, and James Turrell. Perhaps the garden’s most famous piece, however, is Henry Moore’s hauntingly beautiful Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae. After making your way through the garden’s twists and turns, don’t miss the museum’s dairy café, Mansfeld, for some cheesecake that is delicious enough to be considered work of art in itself.

 

2. Banksy Graffiti along the separation wall in the West Bank

Throughout the past few years, Banksy has established himself as one of the most attractively enigmatic and controversial artistic figures—he’s the new “bad boy” of the art world. Of course he found his way to the highly controversial West Bank Barrier in Israel where the provocative images he left behind on the wall are some of his best to date. In true Banksy style, these pieces are cheeky as well as controversial. One features a smirking boy painting a large ladder over the 25-foot wall, while another shows kids “breaking” through the wall to reveal a tropical beach on the other side. Love them or hate them, these works are undeniably thought provoking.

 

3. Design Museum, Holon

Opened in March 2010, Holon’s Design Museum is the first museum dedicated to design in Israel. Designed by Ron Arad, the building is impressive, with ribbons of rust-colored steel creating a graceful façade. As you get closer to the building, strips of blue sky become visible through the ribbons, seeming as if they are moving in the wind. And this is all before you even step foot through the museum’s doors. Design Museum, Holon, consistently attracts impressive exhibits featuring industrial, fashion, and jewelry exhibits. Be forewarned, though: Exploring the museum’s striking architecture and attractions can easily take up an entire day.

 

4. Al-Kasaba Theatre and Cinematheque, Ramallah

Between movie festivals, concerts, and dance performances, the Al-Kasaba Theatre is one of the largest and most important cultural venues in the Palestinian territories. Its schedule is always jam packed with movie screenings, original theater productions, or Arab film festivals. So, after a long day of visiting historical sites, come sink into one of the plush velvet seats at Al-Kasaba while getting a taste of the Palestinian culture scene.

 

5. Zappa Club, Tel Aviv

If you’re looking to get a peek at Tel Aviv’s vibrant nightlife, then look no further than Zappa, a trendy nightclub frequented by the local cool crowd. Only a short cab ride from downtown, Zappa features live music along with some of the best DJs and local bands. Zappa also has top-notch bartenders mixing up classic and signature cocktails that shouldn’t be missed. Be sure to buy tickets ahead of time, especially for big name performers, as this trendy spot fills up often.

 

6. Artists’ Quarter, Jaffa

Artists’ Quarter

Spend the afternoon navigating Jaffa’s twisting alleyways and narrow paths and you’re bound to find dozens of quaint artisan shops selling everything from fabrics and paintings to jewelry and collectibles (making it the best place to get souvenirs for your friends back home!). While the Artist Quarter is a popular market and tourist destination now, the area has quite a rich history. Jaffa claims to be the oldest port in the world, dating back to as early as 1468 BCE. Everyone from King David to the Crusaders is rumored to have made their way through it. However, the old port eventually fell into disrepair and was a slum until about 30 years ago, when it underwent an extreme reconstruction and reemerged as the lively marketplace we know today. The stone pathways and arches imbue the town with a feeling of time gone by but the workshops and galleries here are anything but old world. Spend the day eating pastries on the plazas, soaking up the sun, and exploring the impressive array of contemporary art galleries scattered throughout the Quarter.

 

7. The Container, Tel Aviv

Overlooking the hordes of fishing boats in the old Jaffa port, The Container is one of the trendiest new additions to the area. While the eclectic dishes and lively bar area add to The Container’s cool vibe, the main draw of the place is its function as an “art project space.” Works by local artists cover the walls of the restaurant, while live musicians draw a sizeable crowd almost every night of the week.

 

8. Tel Aviv Museum of Art

You can’t visit Tel Aviv without spending at least a couple hours at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The imposing building, which resembles an origami creation that is ready to take flight, is one of the most impressive feats of modern architecture in Israel. No matter what period of art you prefer, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art has something for you. Throughout its campus, encompassing numerous buildings, the museum exhibits everything from twentieth century photography to the Old Masters, along with art from as early as the sixteenth century.

 

9. Museum on the Seam, Jerusalem

At the center of the contemporary art scene is Jerusalem’s Museum on the Seam. This socio-political contemporary art museum was bred as a result of the national, ethnic, and economic tensions present throughout the country. The museum features some of the best emerging Israeli artists, who, through their art, create a dialogue that examines the emotions connected with the regional conflicts. In other words, bring your tissues to this one. This art is as thought provoking as it is beautiful. After a few hours contemplating the works in the Museum on the Seam, you’ll leave with an entirely new view of Israel.

 

10. Suzanne Dellal Centre, Tel Aviv

Since it was founded in 1989, the Suzanne Dellal Centre has been defining dance culture in Israel. The center’s picturesque campus contains multiple performance halls, a fine-dining restaurant, café, and an open plaza for outdoor performances when the weather is nice. Not only does the center offer courses and training for contemporary dancers and choreographers, it also hosts a variety of festivals and exhibitions across artistic disciplines. This has made the Suzanne Dellal Centre the hub of artistic culture in Tel Aviv. More than half a million visitors per year can’t be wrong; a night of dinner and dancing (well, watching dancing that is!) at the Suzanne Dellal Centre truly makes for a night to remember.