Jerusalem to Jaffa: a Whistle-Stop Tour of Israel’s Cultural Highlights

Israel is awash with cultural treasures. Indeed, it can be hard to know where to start. Make it easy with this quick guide to the country's must-see sights...

Haifa

This port city in the north of the country is probably most famous for the impressive Bahá'í Gardens and the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb (above), a shrine to the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. You'll also find The Israel National Museum of Science, Technology & Space here. In the courtyard you can look out for a palm tree planted by Albert Einstein in 1923.

Galilee

The biggest draw to this region is the Sea of Galilee. Believed to be where Jesus walked on water, it's the lowest freshwater lake in the world, at more than 200 metres below sea level. On the shores of the lake, you'll find the city of Tiberias, named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius, and Tabgha (below), where it's said that Jesus fed 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Approximately 35km from Tiberias is Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus.

Jaffa

Just south of Tel Aviv, Jaffa is one of the oldest ports in the world and famous for being the birthplace of the seedless oranges with the same name. Get lost in the alleyways of the Old City where you'll find shops and galleries, or take a stroll along the marina where there are plenty of bars and seafood restaurants. Other highlights include the flea market, with boutique stalls and cafés, and Kikar Kedumim, a visitor's centre where guests can see a selection of archaeological finds.

Jerusalem

The area in and around Jerusalem has been populated for over 5000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world and a bona fide cultural marvel. Head to the Old City where you'll find the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and the Wailing Wall, the last remaining part of King David's 2000-year-old temple. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which are over 2000 years old, are housed in the Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book (pictured below) along with other exhibitions, including Roman gold coins discovered in northern Israel and the smallest bible in the world. Yad Vashem, a memorial and museum established in 1953 to remember victims of the Holocaust, is located on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem. Notable visitors in recent years include Barack Obama and Pope Francis.