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Is it worth visiting Israel if not religious?

21 replies

HuntIdeas · 02/01/2019 13:27

Hi

So DH is travelling to Israel for work for a week (Jerusalem). I’m thinking about paying to fly out with him for a weekend

Is it worth travelling all that way for a weekend, especially if I’m not religious? I’m keen to see the Dead Sea but what do people recommend doing? Would Jerusalem or Tel Aviv be better?

Lastly, how safe is it?

Thanks x

OP posts:
GhostsToMonsoon · 02/01/2019 14:23

It's a long way to go for a weekend, and not a cheap destination, but definitely worth visiting even if not religious.
You're probably in more danger from the terrible driving than anything else.

Rockbird · 02/01/2019 14:26

Jerusalem is incredible, so much history. Agree that you'd need more than a weekend to appreciate it but if anyone gets the chance to go they absolutely should.

marialuisa · 02/01/2019 14:27

Yes, it’s worth it. Tel Aviv possibly more fun to just hang out-nice bars and restaurants but it’s only an hour or so between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. You can get a day trip from either to the Dead Sea easily (long walk from bus stop to dEad Sea beach).The religious sights in the Old City in Jerusalem are pretty uninspiring (said as a cradle Catholic) and the hassle from traders gets old fast.

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niceberg · 02/01/2019 14:28

If you’re at all interested in history and politics, and how religion plays a part in that, definitely go. Jerusalem is amazing. I’ll never forget my first sight of the Dome of the Rock and the Western wall. And I speak as an atheist.

LittleBirdBlues · 02/01/2019 14:31

We go twice a year (DH is from there) and I love it. Neither of us is religious! Tel Aviv is great fun, cafes,eating out, music and night life. And the beach! Jerusalem is beautiful and full of history. The dead sea and surrounding desert is beautiful too but you won't be able to do more than one thing if you only have a weekend. Can you add some days on?

bakingdemon · 02/01/2019 14:31

So many interesting things to see and the food is also incredible. Tel Aviv has a big foodie scene and some really excellent restaurants. Jerusalem is just full of beautiful and fascinating things - I'd recommend a walking tour of the old city that includes visiting Temple Mount. Even if you're not religious, the history is enough to enjoy.

Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername · 02/01/2019 14:32

Yes, definitely. Go. Its one of the best holidays I've ever had. And I'm not religious. ..

LoniceraJaponica · 02/01/2019 14:36

You don't have to be religious to vist anywhere that has a lot of religious history. Would that rule out Rome for you as well?

I would love to go to Israel. It has such a fascinating history.

CarolDanvers · 02/01/2019 14:45

Eh?

Is it worth going to Italy if you don't like pasta?
Is it worth going to Thailand if you don't want to go to New Moon Parties?
Is it worth going to France if you don't like Frogs Legs?
Is it worth going to America if you aren't going to Florida/Disney?

See what I am saying?

HugeAckmansWife · 02/01/2019 15:32

If you're going to the dead Sea then you could climb or take the cable car up Masada, it's a desert fortress built by Herod that held out against the Romans in a revolt in 70 ad. Its awesome.

Mosaic123 · 02/01/2019 15:34

If you happen to be vegan, go to Tel Aviv. It's known for it. Also the beaches are lovely. Go for longer than a weekend if you can.

Mulberryandthyme · 02/01/2019 16:01

It's amazing. Absolutely safe in Tel Aviv. Go.

Reasontobelieve · 02/01/2019 18:41

Definitely go to Tel Aviv, it is a fantastic city and it would be worth going for a long weekend. If I was going to Jerusalem I would go during the week, as it's inhabitants are far more religiously observant and shops and buildings close for Shabbat at sunset on a Friday nights until sunset on Saturday. This is less true of Tel Aviv, which is far more secular.

It is worth looking at at Time Out Tel Aviv for info on events etc. They have a Facebook page.

Reasontobelieve · 02/01/2019 18:43

Also, just to add that it is safe and possibly safer than London, since there is such a high awareness of the need for security.

Honeyroar · 02/01/2019 18:49

I’m not religious but I really enjoyed it there. I loved Jerusalem. The Dead Sea was good. The beaches at Tel Aviv are superb. Old Jaffa is nice. The weather is superb most of the time. It’s only a 5 hour flight.

Oblomov18 · 02/01/2019 18:49

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Eilat. I loved all 3 and worked in all 3 when I was travelling on my gap year.

Rockbird · 02/01/2019 18:51

Masada is not for the faint hearted! The cable car is very high and very wobbly. The climb up is never ending, and knackers your knees on the way down! But it's definitely awesome.

Somethingnothing · 02/01/2019 18:53

Definitely. Jerusalem is amazing. As I say to anyone who asks, I'd strongly recommend a visit to the west bank, Ramallah, Bethlehem and the wall at Bethlehem. If youre interested in the conflict and educational tours, Bil'in and Hebron are worth a visit.

Ivegotthree · 02/01/2019 18:56

I've got a very good friend who is Jewish, actually several now I think of it, and their pics of holidays in Tel Aviv have made me desperate to go there.

The food is incredible, weather great. And then there's all the history.

GourmetGold · 02/01/2019 20:45

Jerusalem old city is amazing!! The food's lovely too. I'd like to visit again, would love to have visited Syria tooSad
People can be pretty rude, can be a shock when you're used to British politeness (lived & worked in the country quite a while when younger).

KindergartenKop · 02/01/2019 21:53

Oh it's amazing. The old City is crazy. I want to go again!

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