Why visit
Israel compresses 3,000 years into a country the size of New Jersey. Jerusalem's Old City, Tel Aviv's beach life, Masada's desert fortress, and Galilee.
Country - Asia
Israel
historybeachfoodculturecity
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Israel works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Jerusalem as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Israel.
At a glance
Location
31.5°, 35.1°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
20,770 km²
8,019 mi²
Country population
9.8 million
470/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Israeli new shekel (₪)
ILS
Dial
+972
Languages
Arabic, Hebrew
Demonym
Israeli
Internet
.il
UN
Member state
ISO code
IL / ISR
Where in the world
31.5° - 35.1°
Israel
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Tel Aviv has more vegan restaurants per capita than any other city in the world.
- The Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited places in Israel.
- Israel is the only country in the world with more trees at the end of the 20th century than at the beginning.
Bordering Israel
Traveler notes
- Tel Aviv–Jerusalem one-hour drive
- Dead Sea floating is unmissable
- Border sensitivities: check current advisories
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Jerusalem, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Signature travel cities in Israel
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Israel
What is the capital of Israel?
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.
What currency does Israel use?
Israel uses the Israeli new shekel (₪), ISO code ILS.
What languages are spoken in Israel?
The primary languages are Arabic and Hebrew.
Is Israel landlocked?
No, Israel has a coastline.
What countries border Israel?
Israel borders Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria.
What is the international calling code for Israel?
The calling code is +972.
When is the best time to visit Israel?
Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Asia destinations
United Arab Emirates
The UAE is hyper-modern travel. Dubai's Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque and Louvre, plus desert safaris and Empty Quarter access.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is Silk Road travel. Samarkand's Registan, Bukhara's madrasas, Khiva's walled old town. All linked by fast train at reasonable prices.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a long, narrow country best traveled north-to-south or reverse. Hanoi's old quarter, Halong Bay, Hoi An's lanterns, and Ho Chi Minh City's food scene, linked by overnight trains and short flights.
Yemen
Yemen's Socotra island is an evolutionary island of dragon's blood trees found nowhere else, reached by limited charter flights. The mainland, with Sana'a's gingerbread towers and Shibam's mud skyscrapers, remains closed by war.
Istanbul
Istanbul straddles two continents. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar (4,000 shops), Bosphorus ferries, and Karaköy's new food scene.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is volcanic fairy-chimney valleys carved by 3,000 years of troglodyte dwellers. Hot-air balloons at dawn, underground cities, cave hotels.