For such a small country, Israel has a lot to offer by way of cultural, artistic, culinary, historical, and of course, religious, institutions. But if you're in the mood for something a little different, Israel has attractions for the more adventurous traveler.
Neve Tzedek was the first neighborhood built in Tel Aviv. The neighborhood was revitalized in the 1980s when the Dellal family converted an abandoned schoolhouse there into a center for Israeli dance, now Israel's top dance venue. This charming neighborhood boasts some of Israel's best boutiques and restaurants.
Isfiya is a Druze village located on top of the Carmel Mountains. Founding in the 17th and 18th centuries, Isfiya makes Druze hospitality available to tourists. Visitors can eat traditional Druze cuisine and even stay in an authentic Druze home.
Mahtesh Ramon is the largest mahtesh in the world. Mahteshim, more commonly referred to as craters, are geological landforms unique to the Negev region of Israel. Mahtesh Ramon is 25 miles long, 1,640 feet deep, and 4 miles wide.
The Old Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk haPishpishim) is a great place to find antiques and vintage clothing/furniture, with restaurants hidden throughout. Visitors can easily spend a whole day sifting through old Israeli coins, Hebrew lettered-typewriters and more vintage treasures.
Kfar Hanokdim allows visitors to experience firsthand the Bedouins' world famous hospitality. Guests are invited to relax in a traditional Bedouin tent while they sip on tea, eat fresh baked pita and watch the ancient coffee making ceremony.
Ein Hod is a charming little artists' village right in the middle of the Carmel Forest. The village was established by one of the founders of the Dadaist art movement, and features the Janco-Dada Museum.
The Nalaga'at Center is unlike any other place on earth. Visitors to the center can enjoy a performance at the theater, home of the Deaf-Blind Acting Ensemble, or dine at one of its two restaurants- Café Kapishe hires only deaf waiters and BlackOut is a pitch-black restaurants where diners can experience an incredibly unique sensory experience. In keeping with the theme, all waiters at BlackOut are blind.
