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Vogue's complete guide to exploring Israel

By Maneka Thadani

Israel is such an amazing amalgamation of everything you would want. You get treated to great food , historic locations and unbelievably beautiful beaches. And the cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv has the best nightlife that goes on all night—until six in the morning! Tel Aviv is also an inclusive destination—I was there just before their pride parade , and I didn’t realise that the city hosts one of the largest pride parades in the world.

I visited the country this summer, at the end of May, for about two and a half weeks. But to anyone planning a trip, I would suggest going at least a month earlier—parts of Israel were quite hot during my visit. There are also certain things one must keep in mind while planning the trip. Considering the political environment, it’s really important to check in on everything—specifically in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Another essential thing to remember is that shabad begins at sundown every Friday. This means everything is closed from Friday evening all through Saturday, so try not to plan your landing on a Friday—you may get stranded due to poor public transport that day of the week. Few of the restaurants are open, but everything else is mostly closed. What we did (since we did land on a Friday) was to try to find a few interesting museums that we could explore on Saturday—the ones that were open—and we pretty much spent the entire day at the beach. Scroll ahead for my recommendations for the places you must visit when in Israel.

For the history and culture enthusiasts

I’m a person who loves history and going back in time. The old city of Jerusalem will turn out to be truly special for those who like the same. You’ll be surprised to see how all the cultures and religions come together. The city has an incredible energy. A lot of people don’t visit the Temple Mount, but I highly recommend it. Apart from that, the view from the Austrian Hospice is amazing. Inside the Tower of David museum, there’s a light show that is very well done, but it’s not available all year round, so you’ll need to plan ahead to go see it.

You should definitely visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It’s a part of the Palestinian territory that is not the easiest to access, but definitely worth the visit.

In Tel Aviv, make your way to Jaffa Port—it’s one of the world’s most ancient ports, and is unbelievably beautiful, with old cobblestone streets, winding alleyways and an old-world charm. The museums that I visited were spectacular as well. If I had to choose just one, I would pick Yad Vashem, which is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It’s quite moving and something I’d suggest to everyone. One should also visit the Ilana Goor Museum and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.

For the gourmands

In Jerusalem, there’s a restaurant called Eucalyptus that offers a surprise menu, so you’ll have no idea what to expect—it’s a three-hour experience you're not likely to forget soon. Another restaurant that you should dine at is the Machneyuda. Also, don’t miss out on the Mahane Yehuda market; it has the most unique offerings. There are many food markets in different parts of Israel, but I’d recommend this one the most. In a nutshell, eat lots of hummus, kibbeh and sabich when here—you won’t regret it.

Make your way to the North Abraxas and Port Sa’id restaurants when you’re in the city. You get the best of Mediterranean produce, and the meals are simple, clean and flavourful.

All the experiences you cannot miss out on in Israel

Most visitors are usually in a rush, but my suggestion would be to spend at least three to four days in Jerusalem. From there, make your way to Bethlehem. A Dead Sea tour is a must—the best way to do that is from the other side, which is in Jordan—but you can still plan a day trip from Israel. There are just lower chances of you staying in a hotel with a private beach and clear view of the sea.

In Tel Aviv, I would recommend that you spend at least four to five days. It’s one of those cities that you want to see at leisure. A day in Jaffa is essential—plan to visit a different market every day. There are food markets, flea markets and local art markets that you have to visit. Besides, it has some surprise elements too. For example, I walked inside a gate and discovered a free flow party zone—full of college kids having pizza, drinking and enjoying music. Different religions coexist and share so much with each other in Israel—and it’s beautiful to witness.

— As told to Megha Sharma

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How to Plan the Perfect Israel Trip (1-3 Week Israel Itinerary)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

Israel is often seen as dangerous, unknown and is usually not the place that people put on the top of their bucket list. I’m here to shatter those beliefs and to let you know that Israel is actually completely unique yet somehow familiar at the same time.

I believe that an Israel trip is a must for any seasoned traveller.

Picture yourself in the desert, overlooking the Dead Sea, laying on the beach along the Mediterranean coast, taste testing olive oil in the north and standing atop mountains from where you can see Syria.

Israel is packed full of religious monuments, sites and holy places that are important to almost every religion. But it is also a country filled with history, adventure, unique nature and wildlife and epic parties. There is truly something in Israel for everyone.

This Israel travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Israel for 1-3 weeks and includes the best places to visit in Israel and Palestine, where to stay in Israel, what to do in Israel and Israel travel tips. By the end of this Israel guide you’ll have your Israel vacation planned.

Some tours, accommodation and transportation mentioned in this post were sponsored by Abraham Tours and Abraham Hostels . As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Table of Contents

Israel Fast Facts

Currency:  Israeli shekel (NIS) Languages:  Hebrew and Arabic (English is widely spoken in main tourist areas) Population:  8.7 million Religion:  Jewish, Muslim and Christian, with some less common faith’s practiced as well

Israel Itinerary

Here’s the tough part, deciding where to go! Pick out which spots above interest you the most and then build around that. Below I recommend some itineraries to help you get started.

I do not include Eilat in these itineraries as many people choose to visit Eilat on it’s own as a place to stay for a week at a resort or to spend time diving. You could easily visit for a couple or few days but plan that it will take you at least half a day of travel to get to Eilat.

Israel Itineraries by Length

1 week in israel (central israel, palestine).

• Day trip to Dead Sea and Masada
• Day trip to West Bank (Palestine)

10 Days in Israel (Central and Northern Israel, Palestine)

• Nazareth or Haifa as base for trips to Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee

2 Weeks in Israel (Central and Northern Israel, Palestine)

• Nazareth of Haifa as base to see Golan Heights, Sea of Galilee, Acre
• Multiple day trip(s) or base yourself in the West Bank (Palestine)

3 Weeks in Israel (Central, Northern and South Israel (or Jordan), Palestine)

• Haifa as base to se Acre
• Nazareth as base to see Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee
• Multiple day trip(s) or base yourself in West Bank (Palestine)
• Spend more leisurely time in places or opt to spend 2-3 days in Jordan or head down to Eilat

Daily Breakdown of My Israel Trip Itinerary

I recommend the minimum amount of time for each destination and longer so you can experience the best things to do in Israel at a leisurely pace or for those with limited time.

Tel Aviv: 2-4 Days

If you like nightlife then use Tel Aviv as your base, otherwise, I would recommend spending a few days in Tel Aviv to explore Tel Aviv and then moving onto Jerusalem as Tel Aviv is further than many of the Israel tours that leave from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

DAY ONE: Spend your first day relaxing after your travels. Head to the beach and check out the city’s most famous market. The Camel Market and the Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market are two of the most popular.

In the evening go on a pub crawl or try doing a self-guided food tour to experience a diverse range of foods in Tel Aviv.

DAY TWO: In the morning take a Tel Aviv walking or bike tour to get to know the city. In the afternoon I recommend roaming around the city some more to see what street art you can find (there are tons). Street art tours are also available and give a great background behind the art and help you find many that are hidden.

DAY THREE: Explore Old Jaffa, which was once it’s own city, by doing the free Old Jaffa walking tour . For the afternoon hit up some more markets, museums or opt to do another food tour  (I did a vegan one even though I’m not vegan and loved it).

DAY FOUR: Get cultured, do a half-day trip to visit a Kibbutz . A Kibbutz is a community living together where all income is split equally to all people. It’s a very interesting concept that many people enjoy (though I didn’t personally love the tour).

Another option which is unique is The Other Tel Aviv Tour which takes you to a lesser known neighbourhood and touches on subjects and issues in Israel that often get hidden by the conflict. It’s a very educational experience that also has food!

READ MORE: 13 Cool Things to do in Tel Aviv and 7 Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Jerusalem: 3-5 Days

I recommend this long in Jerusalem because there is really a lot to do in the surrounding areas as well as in the city itself.

DAY ONE: Familiarize yourself with the city, join the Holy City tour which gives you an in-depth explanation of many of the city’s most famous sites, the free walking tour or a full-day city tour if you’re limited on time.

DAY TWO: Take a day trip to the Dead Sea! There are day trips that include visiting the Dead Sea, Masada and Ein Gedi so you get to see all three spots in one day. I personally did the sunrise tour which was ideal because you hiked up to Masada in the morning without the sun. A non-sunrise option to all three places is also available.

If you prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace or just want to spend half of the day hanging out at the Dead Sea then choose this chill out option .

In the evening head to the Mahane Yehuda Market to grab dinner (it’s seriously one of the best food markets I’ve ever been to and I went every night I was in Jerusalem).

DAY THREE: Take the day to explore some Jerusalem city sites on your own. Check out Dome of the Rock (a must) if you haven’t already on a tour, go shopping in the Old City market, stop by the Western Wall and go to the Tower of David which also has a light show at night.

Other top spots to visit include Yad Vashem, a Jewish memorial site from the Holocaust, the Israel Museum and the Mount of Olives . Then do a pub crawl !

DAY FOUR: Visit the West Bank (Palestine). One of the best Israel tours I did was the Hebron Dual Narrative Tour through Abraham Tours. I can not recommend it enough. The guides were beyond amazing and it is the tour that I learned the most about Israel and Palestine. If you want to understand these places and the people there is no better tour to take.

DAY FIVE: Take another day to explore a different spot in the West Bank (Palestine). For those limited on time the best option is to take the Best of the West Bank tour . Another option is to explore Bethlehem more in-depth or take a multi-day tour to the West Bank .

READ MORE: 20 Awesome Things to do in Jerusalem and 10 Best Jerusalem Tours and Day Trips

Nazareth: 2-3 Days

I personally used Nazareth as my base for exploring the north of Israel through Abraham Tours. I opted for the Northern Israel 4 Day Package from Tel Aviv which was a great value. I visited Nazareth, Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, Acre and Rosh Hanikra.

I choose to do the tour because getting around the north can be difficult without a car.

Nazareth itself you really only need a day to visit sites such as Basilica of the Annuication, Mary’s Well and walk part of the Jesus Trail for a pretty sunset view. Your second and third day can be spent visiting Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee and then Haifa, Acre and Rosh Hanikra .

Haifa: 1-2 Days

Haifa is another place that you can base yourself to explore the north of Israel but I only recommend doing this if you have a car.

DAY ONE: Spend the day in Haifa, see the beautiful Baha’i Gardens (one of the most beautiful Israel attractions), roam around the German Colony, check out some of the museums or chill at the beach.

DAY TWO: Take a day trip to Acre and/or Rosh Hanikra.

Dead Sea, Masada and Ein Gedi

I mentioned to do these from Jerusalem by tour or if you have you own car then it’s ideal!

Here are your tour options:

• Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour
• Masada, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour
• Dead Sea Chill Out Day Trip

Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee: 1-2 Days

You can easily spend a day driving around Golan Heights and checking out the must-see sites for yourself or you can opt to do a day trip if you don’t have a car. What you can see are nature reserves such as Banias Nature Reserve (waterfalls!), see the view (including Syria) from Mount Bental, stop by the Golan Heights Winery or go skiing if it’s winter at Mount Hermon.

If you have a car and want to explore at a more leisurely pace then opt to do the Sea of Galilee on a second day to visit the beaches around the Sea of Galilee, stop by the Town of Jesus (Capernaum), Mount of Beautiudes and the Tiberias-Hamat Hot Springs. This day tour from Nazareth combines stops in Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee.

If you are driving Tiberias is also a good spot to base yourself without driving back to Nazareth.

Acre: Half-Day – 1 Day

I recommend visiting Acre as a part of a tour from Nazareth or as a half-day or full-day trip from Haifa. The old town is not very big and all things can be done in a day.

Eilat: 2+ Days

How long you stay in Eilat for really depends on why you’re visiting. A minimum of two days is required so that you have one day to explore the mountains by jeep and a second day to see what’s underwater or to spend time relaxing at the beach.

Tack on a third day if you want to visit Petra or plan to scuba dive.

Palestine (Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah): 2+ Days

Once again, this really depends on what you want to do while you’re in Palestine. Some people prefer exploring each city on their own, others want to do tours so that they can gain as much information as possible.

I based myself in Jerusalem and visited on day trips.

I think Hebron is a must-visit which is most common to do by tour. The Hebron Dual Narrative Tour is a must (it’s the best tour I did on this trip).

Here are some tour options:

• Hebron Dual Narrative Tour
• Best of the West Bank (Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah and more)
• Bethlehem Sightseeing Tour from Jeusalem
• West Bank 3 Day Package
• Northern West Bank Full-Day Tour (Nablus, Jenin refugee camp and more)

A Brief Word on Israel and Palestine (Must-Read)

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complicated and can take a bit of time to wrap your head around. It is still ongoing and something I believe that you should be aware of before you take a trip to Israel or Palestine.

While this guide is labeled as an Israel trip, parts of it include Palestine, which is referred to as West Bank from the Israeli point of view.

Israel and Palestine are both safe to travel to so long as you avoid areas of heavy conflict such as the Gaza Strip where violence can occur. Guns are seen regularly by those who are in the army who are required to have a gun on them at all times, even when out of uniform.

This is quite a detailed guide on the ongoing conflict but it is broken down into questions so you can choose to read parts that will still allow you to get a good idea on what’s going on.

I personally read My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel to gain a better perspective of the country from before Israel was created to why and ideas on the future of the country. It certainly helped me understand more and the complexity of this small country.

Do not be afraid to venture into Palestine, the barbed wire and concrete walls make it look harsh but the people are so welcoming. More people welcomed me into their country by saying “Welcome to Palestine!” than I have experienced anywhere else in the world.

Lastly, I refer to Palestine as Palestine because 137 out of 193 United Nations member plus two non-members recognize Palestine as a state. However, in this guide I sometimes refer to it as the West Bank as many tours from Israel call it the West Bank, so as to help avoid confusion.

I had a guide tell my group on our way to Hebron (Palestine) that we would go into the conflict confused with many questions and come back out even more confused and with twice as many questions. I can promise you that that is true.

Best Time to Visit Israel

When it comes to Israel weather there really is no bad time to visit Israel as the weather is never extreme cold, rainy or snowy. It all really boils down to what kind of vacation you have to have when in Israel.

The weather in Israel varies significantly from the north where there are mountains to the south where there is the desert. The country experiences four seasons.

In summer the temperatures are hot, reaching above 30°C (86°F) and oftentimes into the 40°C’s (104°F) in the desert and the Galilee (in the north).

Winters in Israel are still mild but areas such as Jerusalem and the north which have high elevations can get snow, though it is rare. Temperatures are around 10-20°C (50-68°C) during the day and dropping to 5°C (41°C) at night.

Weather and budget-wise the best time to visit Israel is during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when temperatures are in the 20°C’s (68-84°C), there are fewer visitors and prices are more affordable than summer.

Israel Travel Budget

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news…Israel is not cheap. However, travelling Israel on a budget can be done but expect to keep an eye on your wallet as things will add up quickly.

For backpackers aim to budget $75-$100USD (275-370 NIS) per day. This will give you enough to stay in hostels 80-130 NIS per night ($21-$35USD), cook your own food or eat out at cheap street food joints, 10-20 NIS ($2.70-$5.40USD), get around by bus, cheap daily activities and to take an occasional tour.

For a mid-range budget plan to have $175-$300USD (650-1115 NIS) per day. This gives you plenty of wiggle room to stay in private rooms in hostels, cheap apartments or mid-range (3-star) hotels which are 350-550 NIS ($95-$150USD) per night.

You will be able to eat more meals out at sit down restaurants, 80-250 NIS ($21-$68USD) but will still need to eat some budget meals. This will also allow for taxis, pricer daily activities and more day tours.

A luxury budget in Israel should be $450USD+ (1670 NIS) which will allow you to stay in 5-star hotels, get private cars or tours and to eat out wherever you like.

How to Get to Israel

Flying to Israel is by far the most common way to get into the country. Flights from North America are often expensive but budget airlines fly to Israel from Europe often. I recommend getting a sale flight to Europe and then hopping over to Israel.

From abroad you will fly into Israel’s largest and main airport, Ben Gurion Airport, which is located about half-way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

It’s also possible to enter Israel from Jordan. There are shuttles/buses that make border crossings or you can opt to take a taxi, you’ll need a taxi on both sides of the border.

Visa Requirements for Israel

Always a question on travellers minds heading to Israel, luckily for a lot of people getting into Israel is not as difficult as many think.

Majority of the countries in Europe along with Canada, USA and Australia (plus many more, check here ) are given tourist visas that are free and valid for 90 days.

In Israel you will be given a card upon entry and exit that you must keep with your passport while you are in Israel as if you are asked to show your passport (you may need to show it if you plan on going into Palestine and accommodation will ask you to show the card) then the card is the only proof you have of legal entry into the country.

This card is used because some Arab countries do not allow those who have visited Israel to travel in their countries so a stamp is avoided by using this card.

Be prepared to be asked many questions going in and especially out of the country. This is normal but not always the case.

How to Get Around Israel

You have options when it comes to travelling around Israel. If you’re in a group and plan to see most of the country then a rental car is your best option as it will be the fastest.

Buses are the most popular way to get around Israel and the cheapest too. The company to look for buses is Egged . Buses don’t go to all tourist destinations though so sometimes you may have to walk far from a stop so check routes before jumping on.

Trains are definitely less popular because of the lack of trains. There is a train that runs from the airport to major cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa (you have to go through Tel Aviv to get to Jerusalem).

Personally, I took shuttle buses through Abraham Hostels that delivered me from door to door to each hostel in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Nazareth.

Israel Travel Insurance

Where to Go in Israel

This Israel map gives you an idea of the best places to visit in Israel. I have also included places to visit in Palestine (marked in red). These places are often visited as day trips from Israel, typically Jerusalem, or you may visit them on your own.

North Israel

Haifa: Haifa is the third largest city in Israel and is located on the northern Mediterranean coast. The city is most well known for the expertly designed Baha’i Gardens (Baha’i is a small religion that is fascinating) and the German Colony, a street lined with restaurants at the base of the gardens. Haifa is a good place to base yourself to explore the north.

Nazareth: Nazareth is a second option for you to base yourself when travelling around the north. This small city is the largest Arab city in Israel but has many religious sites and is where the Jesus trail begins. Nazareth is a work in progress though, it’s developing itself as a cultural and culinary destination but is still rough on the edges.

Golan Heights: Golan Heights is an area in northern Israel that borders Syria, once a place where conflict and tension ran high but is now a spot where it is safe to travel. In Golan Heights you can find everything from nature reserves to wineries, mountaintop views, old war bunkers and you can even go skiing on Mount Hermon in the winter.

Sea of Galilee: The Sea of Galilee (known as Yam Kinneret in Hebrew) is well-known for its biblical associations. At the Sea of Galilee and in the area around Jesus is said to have performed many of his miracles. The sea itself is Israel’s largest freshwater lake which the Jordan River runs through that has beaches, camping and many walking and cycling trails around.

Acre (Akko): Acre is more like an old town in Europe than it is unlike any other city in Israel. Located on the northwest Mediterranean coast, Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stone walls and alleys that lead you to the Mediterranean shores. The town is small with markets and tons of history. Even Napolean tried to take over this town but failed.

Central Israel

Tel Aviv: If you’re a city person then Tel Aviv is where you want to be. It’s the second largest city in Israel and most likely where you will start your trip. Tel Aviv is hip, packed with culture, has beaches that rival some of the best beach destinations in the world, art, architecture and is home to the country’s party scene. Foodies will love Tel Aviv too.

Jerusalem: Jerusalem, the Holy City, is in the Judean Mountains in east Israel and is where history is still an open book. New ancient discoveries are made constantly and pilgrims venture to the old part of the city where they can find some of the holiest sites linked to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Beyond the thick stone walls of the old city the modern expands outwards with trendy cafe lining streets, educating museums and much more.

Dead Sea: Stop by the Dead Sea, one of the top Israel tourist attractions, to float in the saltiest of water at the lowest point on Earth (431m below sea level). As you float you will see Jordan across the sea and to get to the Dead Sea you’ll drive through the picturesque Judean Desert.

Masada: Masada is an ancient fortress with Roman ruins that sits atop a plateau in the Judean Desert that overlooks the Dead Sea. It’s here that a bloody siege took place but now it’s a place for dramatic views.

Ein Gedi: Ein Gedi is a nature reserve in the Judean Desert that is an oasis in the middle of the harsh, hot climate. It’s here that plants are found that are usually in Africa, thousands of miles away, freshwater waterfalls plummet to the ground and unique wildlife make their appearances.

South Israel

Eilat: Eilat is the most resorty area in all of Israel. In the far south of Israel, bordering Jordan, Eilat sits along the Red Sea where beach lovers flock to enjoy some rays. Snorkelling and diving here are extremely popular as the waters are filled with an abundance of marine life and coral reefs that are not bleached.

Hebron: Just 30km from Jerusalem, Hebron is where travellers go to see a very real side of the Israeli-Palestinian tension. Hebron is believed to be the final resting place of Abraham and the city is very important to all three major religions of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Barbed wire lines the walls of some streets, metal gates stop Palestinian’s from passing through to the Israeli side of the city and soldiers stand guard at all times in this Israeli controlled city.

Bethlehem: Bethlehem is an extremely important city for those of Christian faith. It’s believed that Jesus was born here in the Church of Nativity. Other than religious sites, Bethlehem is also famous for being the home of some of Banksy’s most well-known pieces of art that line the wall that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem.

Jericho: Jericho is a place of history, where you can see monasteries carved into mountain faces and ancient cities being uncovered from dirt. Jericho holds the name of the ‘world’s oldest continuously inhabited city’ where evidence has proven that settlements here date back over 10,000 years.

Ramallah: Ramallah is a great city to visit to experience Palestine as just that, Palestine. The city is the political and economic heart of Palestine with street art decorating many walls but it’s more than just politics. It’s a bustling place to see everyday life.

How Long to Spend in Israel?

This really depends on what you want to see. I would recommend spending a minimum of one week in Israel but typically people spend 10 days to two weeks and this just covers the major highlights.

I personally spent three weeks in Israel and feel like I got a good look and feel of the country but could have easily have spent more time there and still not do the same thing twice.

Enjoy your Israel holidays!

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Lessons for fashion from Israel's reopening

By George Arnett

It’s two weeks since the Israeli government permitted fashion retailers to reopen on the back of a world-leading rapid vaccination programme. The early business indicators since then are being studied intently worldwide.

The news is mixed. Retailers and malls in Israel have reported a rise in sales following the reopening on 21 February, but the number of people out shopping remains way below pre-pandemic levels. A return to normality could be some way off, despite the success of one of the world’s fastest vaccination campaigns.

Over half of the country’s residents have now received at least one shot of the vaccine. Cases of serious illness and death are declining fast. However, the number of cases remains stubbornly high, not least because of a lack of adherence to social distancing rules, particularly among some ultra-orthodox Jews.

The sluggish return to retail normality suggests that retailers worldwide may need to be patient as shoppers make a cautious return to old habits. “If the retailers in Europe are waiting for a big boom on the day that you say you can go shopping, I think it takes a little longer,” says Noam Pincu, analyst at Israeli investment firm Psagot.

Luxury boutiques in Tel Aviv note that customers have focused on high-ticket items like bags and jewellery, rewarding themselves after eight weeks of lockdown. Browsing is kept to a minimum, says Shira Dolinger, owner and founder of luxury boutique Verner, based in the Ramat Ali mall in the north of the city. “They know what they're coming for, and they are not afraid of investing in pieces.” Dolinger adds there has been no sign of recovery yet in party dresses and evening wear, the category that performed worst for Verner during 2020 when social events were minimal.

Google mobility data suggests that the recovery in retail and recreation traffic (which does not separate visits to restaurants, cafés and cultural venues from stores and malls) is comparable to the end of the last lockdown in November. Foot traffic in these categories has remained below pre-pandemic levels, down 30 per cent in Tel Aviv on 21 February, and still considerably down on last summer when Covid-19 cases were low by international standards.

Sales figures hold out some promise. Raz Domb, equity analyst at Leader Capital Markets, says retail sales were up by around 10 per cent on 2019 levels in the first few days after lockdown eased, adding that this was higher than anticipated.

By Lucy Maguire

By Jamie Clifton

By Sujata Assomull

Alon Piltz, owner of the Dizengoff Center mall in Tel Aviv, agrees sales were good, albeit not quite as strong as they were pre-lockdown in December. He attributes this to higher pent-up demand after last autumn’s lockdown. There is some optimism that figures will improve following the reopening of restaurants and cafés in Israel on Sunday. Piltz says the reopening will help drive more foot traffic into shopping malls as city-centre visits become a more rounded experience.

Speaking to Vogue Business last week, however, he criticised the government for its slowness in clarifying the loosening of lockdown on Sunday. Restaurants, bars and cafés in Israel are now open for dine-in services to diners who can produce a green pass, indicating proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid. Clarification of the measures came only as late as Saturday, with the delay criticised by industry bodies. Restaurant bookings still skewed towards outdoor dining ahead of the reopening, reports suggested. Analysts similarly predict that open-air malls, including the luxury Alrov Mamilla Avenue in Jerusalem, are likely to prove more popular with shoppers at first than fully enclosed ones.

As the government balances reopening society with attempting to control case rates, city centres and shopping malls are full of reminders that Covid is still a problem for shoppers. Masks remain mandatory whether a person has been vaccinated or not. The science remains unclear as to the extent to which vaccinated people can transmit Covid even if they are protected themselves. The discovery of the New York and South African variants in Israel has also caused concern.

Luxury stores tend to have fewer customers inside at any one time than mainstream retailers. But Dolinger explains there are regular checks to ensure that stores are not exceeding government restrictions on numbers. “It's not a normal situation, and you keep getting reminded,” she says.

Since reopening, retailers and malls in Israel have reported a rise in sales.

Enigma Boutique, a store located in Kikar Hamedina, Tel Aviv’s main luxury shopping district, has been working with clients through social media channels like WhatsApp during lockdown. The expectation is that some clients will continue to prefer this way of working for some time to come.

While consumers may be cautious about picking up their old shopping habits, the desire to return to normal life is abundantly clear among Israel’s young. The government imposed a nighttime curfew during Purim, a Jewish holiday in late February typically marked by costumes and festivities. This did not stop many illegal gatherings during the day, with police working especially hard to disperse partying young people in the Jaffa district of Tel Aviv. Over the past year, some retailers have also shown their impatience with the government, with a handful of malls and shopping venues opening illegally during periods of lockdown.

The next few months could be upbeat. If the vaccination campaign continues to build momentum, summer has the potential to be a strong period for high-end retailers analysts predict. Unlike in Europe, the Israeli luxury sector is largely driven by locals rather than tourists, says Anna Klaiman, senior retail specialist at real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield Inter Israel. Options for travel to Europe may remain limited, encouraging locals to spend even more at home for the foreseeable future.

The sector’s next big litmus test is coming in just a few weeks as Israel celebrates the important festival of Passover, usually a time of inflated retail spending across most categories. In a best-case scenario, Israeli cities will be buzzing again by then as workers return to offices, people pick up dining in restaurants, and shopping for fashion becomes once again one of the pleasures of daily life.

But no one is taking anything for granted. Sceptics highlight a plateauing case rate and the challenge of rolling back restrictions while keeping the virus in check. Patience remains the watchword. As analyst Noam Pincu puts it: “If you want to exactly evaluate how the shopping centres and retailers are doing, it’s not something you can check in 10 days.”

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April 2, 2024

Three Experiments Could Help Electrify Big Trucks

With a new EPA rule aiming to reduce carbon emissions from the biggest class of trucks in the U.S., companies are experimenting with overhead cables and wireless road charging

By Francisco "A.J." Camacho & E&E News

Overhead cable lines, wireless charging roads and battery swapping are three exploratory technologies to boost electrification of the trucking industry.

Alex Kraus/Bloomberg via Getty Images

CLIMATEWIRE | A climate rule for cargo trucks released by the Biden administration last week has put new pressure on makers of big rigs to cut their carbon pollution.

The industry might take cues from experiments that electrify semitrucks with overhead cables or wireless charging roads, or by swapping batteries at highway pit stops.

The EPA rule is expected to make about 17 percent of the biggest class of trucks in the U.S. carbon-free within eight years — a big test for vehicles that travel long distances with heavy loads.

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“Electrifying trucks poses a much bigger challenge than replacing an internal combustion engine car with an electric car,” said Arjun Thangaraj Ramshankar, a Ph.D. student at the Georgia Institute of Technology who has studied the viability of using overhead cables for trucking.

Here are three experiments to watch as the freight industry undertakes a $1 trillion transition away from diesel fuel.

Overhead cables

Truck manufacturers could turn to a 140-year-old technology that has been used worldwide for city trams, passenger trains and public buses: overhead lines.

The so-called eHighway in Lübeck, Germany, and another pilot project near Los Angeles allow hybrid and electric trucks to suck power directly from the grid through pantographs extended from their roofs to overhead cables. When they need to change lanes or exit the highway, the pantographs retract automatically, and the trucks revert to engine or battery power.

“We just set up those cables on roads instead of railway tracks, and that's the only difference,” Ramshankar said in an interview. “The setting is new, but the technology is the same.”

Anna Köhn, who manages public relations for the German project, said cables offer advantages over plug-in charging — which can require scheduling time to access chargers. It also gives drivers a dedicated lane or roadway, allowing them to avoid unpredictable traffic conditions, and it means they can keep moving as their batteries charge.

But there are downsides. The biggest hurdle is erecting the poles, hanging the cables and connecting them to the grid. The German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport estimates that highway overhead cable infrastructure costs around $2.7 million per mile.

“There's a lot of capital that goes into setting it all up before you can run trucks along the route,” Ramshankar said.

He co-authored a 2023 study that estimated freight trucks running on overhead cables would usually produce fewer carbon emissions than conventional electric trucks over their lifetimes. The economics are comparable and largely dependent on how widely the technologies are adopted, he said.

Wireless charging roads

Anyone who wirelessly charges their phone is familiar with inductive charging, a technique that uses electromagnetic induction to provide electricity to a device. Israel-based Electreon is now scaling that technology to power electric vehicles from underneath a road.

The company is testing inductive charging roads for heavy-duty electric trucks in Sweden and Utah plus several projects for passenger EVs throughout Europe, Israel and Detroit .

Electreon said it broke the world record for “the longest time and distance ever driven by a passenger Electric Vehicle” in 2023 when it drove a Toyota RAV4 Prime 1,200 miles over 100 hours on an inductive charging loop track built by the company in Israel. Company officials hope inductive charging can break the range anxiety that keeps some drivers away from EVs.

But just as phones charge slower wirelessly, wireless charging roads might struggle to support heavy-duty trucks. The Toyota RAV4 tested by Electreon is one-fifteenth as heavy as Tesla’s electric semi with a fully loaded trailer, and one think tank white paper warned that inductive charging may not supply “enough inductive power needed to drive trucks with large gross vehicle weight.”

Mike Roeth, executive director of North American Council for Freight Efficiency, an industry group, thinks overhead cables and inductive charging roads “would make sense in certain places,” but he expressed concern about the cost of both technologies.

The 1-mile inductive charging road in Detroit cost $5.9 million, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Electreon did not respond to a request for comment.

Battery swapping

Roeth is more hopeful about a simpler means of charging electric trucks: replacing gas stations with areas to swap an empty battery for a fully charged one. “You build more batteries than trucks, and instead of fast-charging the batteries, you do a fast replacement of the battery,” Roeth said.

China is championing this approach, known as battery swapping. About half of the electric trucks sold in the country in 2022 were designed for the practice.

Yet battery swapping comes with its own complications. Roeth sees three main challenges with the practice: the cost of the extra batteries, ensuring a consistent standard of care for those batteries and potentially smaller batteries that are easier to move around. That could reduce a truck’s single-charge range.

Roeth says he’s uncertain what the future of trucking will look like and which electrification technology might prevail, yet he is convinced “basic efficiency will never go out of vogue.”

When Roeth meets with truck drivers and fleet owners, he advises them: “Don’t bet against batteries.”

Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2024. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

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11 Instagram Accounts to Follow Before You Travel to Israel

• Mar 9, 2021
• Written By: Mari Pack

Your trip to Israel is coming up. You’ve booked tickets, made plans, bought sunscreen. Time to imagine big! Take a look at some of our favorite Instagram accounts to get in the mood, get inspired, and get ready to experience incredible Israel. 

@mikesolomonov

Mike Solomonov is a chef, friend to Via Sabra, and collaborator on some of our culinary tours. His account is full of delicious Israeli dishes, locally grown vegetables, and friends and family. It’s easy to be delighted by images of bright foods, and we thoroughly recommend having a good scroll. Mike’s Instagram should also give you a good idea of the type of people Israelis are: fun-loving, family-loving, food-loving.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Michael Solomonov (@mikesolomonov)

@timeoutisrael

Linked to the Time Out Israel blog, this Instagram is a reliable source of aspirational images and beautifully curated adventures with a healthy number of Israeli or Jewish celebrity features. Enjoy unmatched aerial views, and read the captions for facts and tidbits on the culture and history of Israel.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Time Out Israel (@timeoutisrael)

@oogionetblog

If you want to get excited about yummy Israeli confectionaries, Natalie Levin is your girl. This 35-year-old confectioner learned to bake from her grandmothers, and now writes her own books while developing dessert menus for restaurants around Israel. Her Instagram is packed with pictures of incredible creations, from bread and challahs to date balls and macaroon cakes. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by נטלי לוין | Natalie Levin (@oogionetblog)

@this.is.tel.aviv

Evyatar Dayan is a street photographer who documents — you guessed it — Tel Aviv. His lens captures the charm of daily life; sweet couples kissing on bikes, open-shirted Arsim, beautiful street art, and dogs. Lots of dogs. This wonderful, weird vision of Tel Aviv is perfect for travelers looking to get excited about out-of-the-box Israel. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Teddy Cohen (@teddyco)

Restauranter Guy Gamzo posts plenty of fresh delicious Israeli dishes from his Telavivian restaurant, Aria. His personal Instagram also includes sunsets and hilltops, Israeli street photography, and cute pictures of his friends and family. Can you say incredible slice-of-daily-life vibes?

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Guy Gamzo (@guygamzo)

@itraveljerusalem

The official account for the city of Jerusalem lives up to the hype. Click through pictures of the Old City, markets, religious festivities, and…is that you, Santa Claus? Get hyped about eating donuts next to palm trees at Hanukkah, walking through the Western Wall tunnels, listening to street musicians, and celebrating a low-key Shabbat.  

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by ItravelJerusalem (@itraveljerusalem)

@tamar.shamir

Tamar Shamir is an Urban Planner and Advisor for National Infrastructure, and her Instagram reflects a deep knowledge of city life in Tel Aviv. Enjoy vicarious cafe hopping, drinking wine at sunset, perusing beautiful architecture, and scouring urban markets. Whimsical and fun, this Instagram will thrill dreamers. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Tamar Shamir (@tamar.shamir)

@ardenrubens

Did someone say…expresso? Coffee lovers, rejoice! Tel Avivian blogger Arden Rubens snaps coffee (and food, plants, the sealine) for her timeline. Get excited. Get caffeinated. Plot your next cafe cruise through the city. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Arden Rubens (@ardenrubens)

@jaccisrael

Learn about one of Israel’s lesser-known communities, African asylum seekers and persons without civil status in Jerusalem. Enjoy plenty of pictures of cute kids, as well as community highlights and graphics. This account also translates all Hebrew captions to English for easy reading. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Jerusalem African Community CR (@jaccisrael)

@yael_kimelman

Israelis have influencers, too. Yael Kimelman calls herself a “former influencer, now just a bad influence.” Her account features gorgeous stylings for those curious about leisure and fashion in Israel. Scroll past plenty of graceful selfies, boho daywear photoshoots, and images reminiscent of Vogue . 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Yael Kimelman || Life By B (@yael_kimelman)

@bad_time_tlv

If nightlife is your jam, check out this account by photographer Emily Kor. Get a taste of the sometimes quirky, sometimes wild, always unexpected life of Tel Aviv’s partiers. We would never encourage our guests to search out a bad time in Tel Aviv…unless, of course, it looks like this.    

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Emily Kor (@bad_time_tlv)

Ready to explore Israel yourself? Have a look at our upcoming tours !

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Vogue’s Insider Guide to Seoul

By James Wong

Photographed by Su Shan Leong | @leongsushan

The ultimate guide to eating, drinking, shopping and exploring Seoul

Though Seoul is far from an under-the-radar destination, it has for decades sat under the sweeping shadow of Tokyo in terms of tourism to the continent’s North East corner. But not anymore. K-culture has ensured the metropolis’ a much-deserved heavyweight status, catapulting it to the top of many a bucket list within our generation. Whether they seek to discover its rich, and often tragic, history or simply to fully immerse as a BLINK , they do it knocking back the tastiest of brews (soup, coffee and soju alike). Got ‘K’ on the mind? Here’s how to have a truly unforgettable time.

Where to Stay

L7 hongdae by lotte.

Situated in the heart of Hongdae, L7 is a hipster hangout inspired by the youth of the surrounding streets. Its Blue Roof Lounge boasts a library, art exhibit and vinyl collection, whilst the Floating bar provides an energetic space to toast as sunset speckles over the adjacent pool.

Vista Walkerhill Seoul

One word: views. Vista Walkerhill is a family-friendly property with wellness at its core, but it’s also the best place to set your sights on sublime Han River gazing. Guests can soak it in from sleek, minimalist rooms, steaming open-air baths, or their towering sky garden. 

Four Seasons Seoul

Plush boudoirs, meticulous service and traditional touches make the Four Seasons a sumptuous experience. Guests are treated to sights of the city, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the property’s expansive Korean spa features a rejuvenating array of cold, warm and hot plunges.

Have a Photoshoot in Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is Seoul’s most striking architectural wonder located at Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood comprising hundreds of traditional Korean homes from the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors are encouraged to discover their national attire, Hanbok; so much so that entry to the palace is free for anyone wearing them. Rentals are available all over the village.

See North Korea With Your Own Eyes

A trip to the most reclusive country on earth may not appeal to most, but those fascinated with the separation of North and South can tour the border. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) gives tourists a glimpse of North Korea via an observatory, plus a chance to explore nearby infiltration tunnels and the Bridge of Freedom used by prisoners of war. Half-day tours should be booked on GetYourGuide .

Browse the Coolest Library in the World

Consider yourself a bookworm? Starfield Library , found in the middle of the COEX Mall, is the place to get lost in a world of literature. Here you’ll peruse thousands of books and magazines and enjoy them in cozy nooks or the on-site cafe. Their 13m high bookshelf is one of the most Instagrammed spots in town and also served as a filming location for hit K-drama Record of Youth .

Take a K-Pop Dance Class

K-Pop dance covers have become somewhat a phenomenon, and that’s in part because enthusiasts actually take the sport seriously. You’ll find classes all over the city, from beginner to advanced, but be warned: classes are often announced randomly and sell out fast. Keep an eye on the YN Company for dance packages and the J-Hope acknowledged dance academy, We Flex Dance Studios for special sessions.

Learn to Make Kimchi

Museum Kimchikan is a compact space in Insadong dedicated to the beloved Korean dish, kimchi. Visitors are invited to discover everything there is to know about the fermented tableside staple which spans more than just the cabbage variety. Then, for a small fee, they can partake in a kimchi-making class. Tip: come hungry—there will be plenty of eating.

What to Eat and Drink

Gohyang kalguksu .

This unassuming noodle stall may look like just another vendor in Gwangjang Market, but Netflix’s Street Food has only made it one of the most sought-after eats in the entire country. Prepare to brave hour-long lines to taste Cho Yonsoon’s knife-cut noodles and kimchi or pork-chive dumplings. Trust us, it’s worth the wait,

Geumdwaeji Sikdang

Translated in English as ‘Golden Pig Restaurant’, Geumdwaeji Sikdang is renowned for serving the finest barbecued pork in Seoul. The restaurant’s been featured on the Michelin Guide, and has seen not one, but two BTS members dine (Jimin and Jungkook—ask your server if you want to see their autographs). No reservations are accepted, however, so you’ll need to show up early and add your name to a waitlist.

This slick Dongdaemun speakeasy is also known as the “ refrigerator bar ” because its entrance can be found through the refrigerator door of a (plastic) fruit shop. Downstairs, savvy patrons are welcomed with fruit-forward cocktails, and delectable bites such as pizza and pasta.

• Insider Guide