Middle East - 30 hours free time in Israel - first time trip

The title pretty much says it all, i will have ~30 hours of free time in Israel early next week. I have never been there and really don't know what I should prioritize. I will have a car if it makes a difference, any suggestions?

The title pretty much says it all, i will have ~30 hours of free time in Israel early next week. I have never been there and really don't know what I should prioritize. I will have a car if it makes a difference, any suggestions?
Can you elaborate a bit on where you'll be staying? Also, what are you looking for (historical sights, religious ones, nightlife, etc.)?

Can you elaborate a bit on where you'll be staying? Also, what are you looking for (historical sights, religious ones, nightlife, etc.)?

Agree. I can also provide some ideas if I get a sense of your interests, age, mobility level (some of those archaeological sites are on rocky, uneven terrain...), and so on.

Also, is it safe to assume you're landing at the airport? If not, how are you arriving?

The title pretty much says it all, i will have ~30 hours of free time in Israel early next week. I have never been there and really don't know what I should prioritize. I will have a car if it makes a difference, any suggestions?

As this query is specific to one region, we'll shift this over to the Middle East forum for further discussion. Thanks! :) /JY1024, TravelBuzz co-moderator

Thanks for the responses so far, I'll try to clarify.

I do fly into TLV. It looks like the work portion of the trip will be ~45mins south of the airport. I don't have a hotel yet and but it looks like my best options would either be something by the airport or something in Ashkelon.

I would say I'm looking mostly for historical and/or religious sites over nightlife. As for mobility I'm fairly young and should be able to handle anything.

If you are looking for religious/historical sites, there is nothing like Jerusalem. I would highly recommend NOT driving there. It is under an hour (w/o traffic) from TLV. If part of your 30 hours is on Shabbat (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown), forget my advice. Even if you decided to spend a hotel night in Jerusalem, finding your hotel in a car could be a disaster, and ruin the start of the trip. If you have never been to Jerusalem, or don't have occasion to come back anytime soon, it is a must, even if you decide to do a RT from the airport before you get your car. I was just there for the 4th time in my life last week, and it is just a special special place, no matter what your religious persuasion, or lack thereof.

While I agree with the person before me, if you only have 30 hours Jerusalem is the place to be, I disagree with many of the 'facts" stated afterwards.
a. contrary to popular opinion--there is a huge amount open on Sat. to see and do in Jerusalem.
b. Parking is hard, and there is traffic--but it isn't impossible, your hotel might have parking and if you ask in advance we can help you drive to your hotel.
c. Ashkelon really has nothing special about it. 30 hours need to be meaningful!

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like I'm going to Jerusalem for sure. As for hotels, if I stay somewhere in Tel Aviv is there any neighborhoods that I should look for or avoid or any specific places you would recommend to stay?

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like I'm going to Jerusalem for sure. As for hotels, if I stay somewhere in Tel Aviv is there any neighborhoods that I should look for or avoid or any specific places you would recommend to stay?

Try to look at the hotels along the beach in Tel Aviv. Can be abit pricey, but nice. I dont have a particular one not to stay at, but if they are on the beach, they pretty good and safe.

If you are interested in Bauhaus architecture, Tel Aviv is a World Heritage City.

White City of Tel-Aviv -- the Modern Movement (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1096)

The Cinema Hotel (http://www.atlas.co.il/cinema-hotel-tel-aviv/) on Dizengoff Square, a 5 minutes walk from the beach, is housed in one of those historical buildings.

Try to look at the hotels along the beach in Tel Aviv. Can be abit pricey, but nice. I dont have a particular one not to stay at, but if they are on the beach, they pretty good and safe.

I just checked out of the Sheraton (along the beach) yesterday AM - with Platinum status, a very very good experience. If you don't have status and can find a rate or other way to stay with Towers lounge access, I'd recommend it. I stayed a the Hilton on the last trip (6 years ago) and enjoyed it, but who knows what the current state of affairs is. The beach area hotels are also easy to find, and close to plenty to walk to.

With the short amount of free time you have, I am not sure why you want to stay in Tel Aviv versus Jerusalem. Parking and driving in Tel Aviv is also traffic full with very tight parking. Driving from Jerusalem to Ashkelon according to google maps is 1 hour 17 minutes. From Tel Aviv to Ashkelon is 59 minutes. BUT you would be wasting time going from TelAviv to tour in Jerusalem.

With the short amount of free time you have, I am not sure why you want to stay in Tel Aviv versus Jerusalem. Parking and driving in Tel Aviv is also traffic full with very tight parking. Driving from Jerusalem to Ashkelon according to google maps is 1 hour 17 minutes. From Tel Aviv to Ashkelon is 59 minutes. BUT you would be wasting time going from TelAviv to tour in Jerusalem.

YUP!

OP I would stay in Jerusalem yes there are other nice places but theres only 1 Jerusalem every Country has a Tel Aviv, and the beach is nothing to see or experience IMO

The only problem with Jerusalem is there is only 1 Hotel that is with a US cahin the Crowne Plaza (ok 2 the other The Ramada you dont earn anything when staying can only cashout for a free night)

Id say its best to stay in the Center where you can walk anywhere in no time. If you get into town before the rental office closes Id even suggest to return the car and walk everywhere as parking is a MAJOR hassle and order a sherut (re Super Shuttle) to get back to the airport the next day. If you get a parking tkt be Warned it will be sent to the company you rented from who will pay it and add a fee (some $25) for having done so in addition to what the fine amount is.

When heading to Ashkelon if you take Kevesh 6 (Hway #6) its a toll road w/o booths cameras read your plates and sends the bill, most car companys tack on a $15-20 charge for paying it, in addition to the toll. You wont take #6 from Ashkelon to Jerusalem or Jerusalem to the Airport or TelAviv

some nice Hotels are Mamilla or Davids Citadel (pricy) King David (Classic Ole Grand Dame) Inbal. The old Sheraton now Leonardo Plaza is apx a 10 min walk from those mentioned and is usually alot cheaper but its just a room and tiny bathroom.Cheaper and plainer is The Kings across the street from the LP

I usually book via this site www.directrooms.com and get Great rates

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like I'm going to Jerusalem for sure. As for hotels, if I stay somewhere in Tel Aviv is there any neighborhoods that I should look for or avoid or any specific places you would recommend to stay?
For you first visit, I definitely recommend the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, it's walking distance to the old city (and the trendy Ben Yehuda St.). It's absolutely first rate, a bit pricey but absolutely worth it.

I never had any problems driving is Israel, the roads are excellent and well signed.

Have a great trip!

I do not recommend the Crowne Plaza for location. I just stayed there on points, and that is exactly why I stayed there. You need a taxi (or take transit) to get just about anywhere, except to the Israel Museum and the government buildings. My prior visit was at the Sheraton (now the Leonardo) and the location was great, albeit the hotel was already showing signs of age, and I can only imagine it is worse now. But the price was right.

I do not recommend the Crowne Plaza for location. I just stayed there on points, and that is exactly why I stayed there. You need a taxi (or take transit) to get just about anywhere, except to the Israel Museum and the government buildings. My prior visit was at the Sheraton (now the Leonardo) and the location was great, albeit the hotel was already showing signs of age, and I can only imagine it is worse now. But the price was right.

Actually the Plaza is nicer as they poured some more $$ into it, but no where as nice as the KD or DC or Inbal. But then again it doesnt cost as much as those 3 do

Fully agree about the CP, but when it can be $350+ a night at those better located hotels, the CP or The Ramada also not centrally located are the Only pts play in Jerusalem any longer.And the CP is the only pts earning Hotel left

With the tram running only a few mins walk from the CP its an easy ride to the old city and back.

(and the trendy Ben Yehuda St.).

Have a great trip!

that may have been the case some 15 yrs ago, but its far from trendy today, Now maybe you meant the Mamilla Mall which is packed with people, higher end stores and coffee shops and resturants. And you can walk thru (its outdoors) on the way to Jaffa Gate and the Old City

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like I'm going to Jerusalem for sure. As for hotels, if I stay somewhere in Tel Aviv is there any neighborhoods that I should look for or avoid or any specific places you would recommend to stay?

It usually takes me < 1 hr to drive from Jerusalem to the airport (outside of morn and evening rush hours). driving from a Hotel in TA can take a long time as well depending where you are and what time you leave

if you will be returning the car to the airport you have to drop it on the opposite side from where the Term is and take their shuttle van over to the passenger term. Depending when you are going you might have to take the shuttle van to get your car. Right now Only Avis has pickups at T3 the main Intl Term, but even with Avis you Must return the car to the opposite side of the airport where you p/u and d/o with the other companys

Word is all the companys will be going back to T# for p/u just when no one knows, so rent from Avis tos ave yourself at least 1/2 hr in getting the car and getting on your way

The Leonardo Plaza has a parking garage, I believe it is extra, the Inbal has a garage and i do not know if it is extra or free, The Dan Panorama has indoor parking that is included in the price. Unless you have money to burn I see no reason to stay at the King David Hotel. It is expensive and you are sleeping there and not doing much else. To drive from Jerusalem to Ashkelon you will take route 1 to 3 to 4. There is no need to take the toll road ( 6) it doesn't add anything but cost and may even be a longer trip!

The Leonardo Plaza has a parking garage, I believe it is extra, the Inbal has a garage and i do not know if it is extra or free, The Dan Panorama has indoor parking that is included in the price. Unless you have money to burn I see no reason to stay at the King David Hotel. It is expensive and you are sleeping there and not doing much else. To drive from Jerusalem to Ashkelon you will take route 1 to 3 to 4. There is no need to take the toll road ( 6) it doesn't add anything but cost and may even be a longer trip!

I thought the OP was heading from BG to Ashkelon, so taht would be head towards TA on teh 1 get off for #4 towards Ashdod and get onto the 3 towards Ashkelon. From Ashkelon I think its the 3 to the 38 to the 1

that may have been the case some 15 yrs ago, but its far from trendy today, Now maybe you meant the Mamilla Mall which is packed with people, higher end stores and coffee shops and resturants. And you can walk thru (its outdoors) on the way to Jaffa Gate and the Old City

Ben Yehuda is far from trendy, but it is a great place to hang out. I was really impressed with the Mamilla Mall - it wasn't there on my last trip. I had no interest in most of the shops, but there are appealing dining options and it is a lovely setting, especially @ Purim.

Okay, I just pulled out a map ( versus memory) to double check.

From BG to Ashkelon you take route 1 to 4. There is no need to get onto 3. ( 3 is a route that goes SouthWest or NorthEast. It ends at 4)

From Jerusalem to Ashkelon, I would not get onto 38, ( you would then be taking 44 to 3) What i would do is 1 to 3 and you would have to get on 4 for a short short distance.

Route 3 and route 39 do NOT intersect! I know my nephew travels constantly from Jerusalem to Ashdod and gets on 3. ( and then gets off before to go to Ashdod, but the beginning is the same)

I wanted to thank you all for the advice. I got back a few days ago and had a great time in Israel. I ended up staying in Tel Aviv. Due to a cancelled flight on the way in my trip was extended and I ended up having 2 days free. The first day I drove to Jerusalem and was easily able to park right outside the Jaffa gate in the mall parking lot. The second day was Massada and the dead sea. Overall it was a great trip and once again thanks for the advice!