Have you thought about living in two different Era in one day? Do you like modern high-tech lifestyle but in meantime would you like to taste a bit of ancient traditional way of life? You can do both in this beautiful country -Israel. Female solo, backpackers, adventurers, gourmands all of them can find here what they are looking for.
You want tradition in everything you eat, smell or do? Jerusalem
Jerusalem
Why?
It’s a must for you if you like ancient history, tradition and religion all in one place. Jerusalem is the city which has 3500 years since it’s inhabited, so it really is an old city. Put on your comfy shoes and start walking through the unlimited labyrinth which could take you to jewels, spices and leather bags or to the old Church of the Holy Sepulchre where you can find the place where Jesus’ body was laid.
Where?
Jerusalem is divided into two parts: the Old city and the New city. The old city is divided as well into four quarters: Jewish, Muslim, Armenian and Christian. Here in this old city of Jerusalem you find your inner peace and here among “tapuzim” and “humus” you see how different religions can live together from ancient times.
But what is the most important attraction which you just cannot miss ever is the Western Wall (HaKotel). Here you find the wall to wish or to cry, or to put a prayer in a piece of paper which can help you unconditionally. You write your prayer on a piece of paper and you put it between the rocks of the wall. Just be careful, there are two parts of the wall; one for woman and the other for man. It is very important on which side you go. Whatever you do don’t forget that you are in a very religious country!
Dome of the Rock Mosques is one Muslim sight which worst visiting when in Jerusalem. You can admire it from the Mount of Olives too but if you are around in the morning go inside the Mount Temple this one you can visit. The Mosque is only opened for Muslims.
Hungry?
Eat. Enjoy the sight. Eat again. Jerusalem has so much to offer. Try the original Falafel and not the one you know. You can find it at any street corner along other traditional dishes and drinks. They are cheap and very healthy. Or choose to have a dinner at Satya, locals recommend it because of its Mediterranean fare. Along with a cocktail have a view at one of the rooftops at Waldorf Astoria from around £267 per night. Check in, you will find it easily, it’s just 10 minutes’ walk from the old town.
Jerusalem is a great city for gourmands, there are lots to taste and lots to learn. Forget everything you know about Falafel, Humus, Schwerma or Kebab. These are like nothing alike. You will discover new tastes in every dish. Or why not spend some time at the Shuk market which is a market in the day and a very nice place for you and your friends at night. Here you can have a drink while listening to music.
Other places to visit…
There are so many important places to visit in Jerusalem, here are more three of the really must ones:
- Mount Zion
- Wailing Wall
- Church of the Nativity
More places to stay…
- Luxury hotels: King David Hotel, 5* hotel
The David Citadel, 5* hotel
The Inbal, 5* hotel
- Budget Hotels: Ritz Hotel, 3* hotel
Ambassador Hotel, 3* hotel
Hotel Yehuda, 4* hotel
More ways to travel…
The prices are very dependable of the season and if there is an option the 1 day tour is the best option to see Jerusalem because there are so many places to visit in Israel. There is one main airport close to Jerusalem, the Ben Gurion International airport and from there you can easily get a shared taxi to Jerusalem or even better to Tel-Aviv. The prices are relatively affordable, but you have to share your trip with other people.
You want luxury life, sand and party? Tel-Aviv
Tel-Aviv
Why?
This vibrant city can offer that luxury life you are aiming for in weather, places or mood. Packed fully with sandy beaches, night life and fashion boutiques you cannot feel that Tel-Aviv is your city.
Where?
First thing you cannot miss when you are in Tel-Aviv is the sandy beach which lays in the middle of the city, owning the major part of it unconditionally. Being there you got that feeling you are on the best beach in the world. All you see is happy people, yachts, huge buildings and plenty of nature, all these in one city.
Secondly, the night life in this city is just a must, being a relatively young city, dating back to only 1909, Tel-Aviv lives more intensively in the night. Plenty of bars, crowded with people, good live music and fantastic food everything you imagined can be found there. You must try Teder or Speakeasy on Rothschild Boulevard, this city’s most famous boulevard where you can easily meet your famous model or singer if you are lucky and sober enough.
If you got some spare time you must visit Jaffa, the old port city of Tel-Aviv, where you find culture, history and tradition along with luxury yachts, great food and art. It is famous for its restaurants where fresh fish and other seafoods are served.
Hungry?
If you are in Tel-Aviv, you just cannot eat bad food. Everything here is mesmerizing. Carmel Market is just your daily choice where you find all kind of food in different colour, taste and look. This market is not just a market is a food heaven. In the night just head to Aria for a fine dining, the food here tastes good and looks gorgeous on your selfies too. Although if you head to the nigh life in one of the local’s bar you will find lovely and various dishes there as well.
Other places to visit…
Tel-Aviv is so vibrant in so many ways that here are three more suggestions what not to miss:
- Haaretz Museum
- Yitzhak Rabin Center
- Neve Tzedek
Checking-in?
Luxury Hotels: Carlton Hotel, 5* hotel
Sheraton Hotel, 5* hotel
Renaissance Hotel, 5* hotel
Budget hotels: Florentine Hostel, from £38 per night
Central Hotel, from £78 per night
Blue Sea Marble Hotel, from £99 per night
Ways of travel…
Flights to Israel are operated mostly by El Al, one ticket costs around £262 and probably you will arrive to the biggest international airport in the country in Ben Gurion. You will be checked fully because of security reasons so you must be in the airport with 3 hours before your flight. You can travel then by taxi, shared taxi, rented car or by bus to Tel-Aviv. The cheapest and the most comfortable solution is the shared taxi. Once you are in the city you will find easy to ask for help if you are lost, almost everybody speaks English.
Reflections about the trip
Jerusalem
The blog I read about this city was very helpful, I used some of the information given in my trip and it was easier to get to the chosen attractions because of it. Although, there were many important information in the blog I felt like there are much more to see in this beautiful city. The places are very attractive, there are kind people everywhere and you can find help whenever you need. You can feel that they like tourists and that they are used to them.
Jerusalem is an old city but at the same time you feel the new modern times as well. The city can offer a lot, many ancient buildings which mean something for religious tourists but not only for them, I went there as a female solo and I did feel the magic in every building.
The restaurants and the different markets were appealing with many good food from different cultural backgrounds and religions. The prices are optimal, you don’t feel like you have to pay more just because you are a tourist.
Jerusalem as I read about it in the blog and the one that I have been lately is almost the same just more magical and welcoming.
Tel-Aviv
Seen this city for the first time in the vlog made me wonder if what I will find would be the same or maybe less than expected. The result was very positive. Being there for the first time as a female solo made me feel like I am in the most magical city in the world.
This modern and vibrant city just doesn’t sleep, it gives you even more than you can put in one video blog or two. The atmosphere in the streets, on the beach, in the markets and everywhere is optimistic. The city of old Jaffa is the one who shows a little bit old face of this modern city but also in a very positive way.
cosmopolitan girl 