5 Things to Do in Israel for Free
For many of us, money (or lack thereof) is the main reason we don’t travel anymore. And while America Israel Tours offers 5 star hotels, luxury transportation, and amazing food at an unbeatable price, some people can end up blowing their budget on extra activities during their free days. We will be sharing tips on how to enjoy your free time in Israel without breaking the bank!
Mahane Yehuda Market
Often referred to as “the shuk”, the Mahane Yehuda Market is a great representation of the colorful and rich cultures you see across Israel. Through the crisscrossed roads and a network of alleys, you will find canopied displays and a bustling marketplace with food, drinks, shopping, bars and restaurant establishments.
The market still remains authentic with an atmosphere offering a combination of inviting smells and colors that are an experience like no other. As a matter of fact, if you ask someone from Jerusalem to describe the Mahane Yehuda Market, they most likely won’t be able to describe it. For many it symbolizes their childhood, their lifestyle and the Jerusalem they know and love.
If you’re looking for the best cheeses, boutique olive oils, breads, organic wines, and the most amazing pastries, you will certainly find it at the Mahane Yehuda Market.
Website: http://en.machne.co.il
The Jerusalem Bird Observatory
A beautiful site for nature lovers can be found between the Knesset and the Supreme Court in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Bird Observation Center offers year-round workshops and events dedicated to educating and appreciating birds.
Every year thousands of birds stop at this spot on their way to more northern climates. These migrations from Africa to Europe and vice versa are undeterred by the city life of Jerusalem and the limited green space.
Inside an enclosed building intended to keep visitors from disturbing the birds, you will experience the tagging of birds to keep track of the species and in some instances you might be able to interact with the birds as well!
Website: http://www.jbo.org.il
Photo by: CheepShot
Bezalel Street Fair
Every Friday from 10am to 4pm in three locations of the Bezalel pedestrian mall, located just minutes away from the Ben Yeduda Street in Jerusalem, you will find a unique experience full of culture, art, live music, jewelry and more.
Artists and social groups get to interact and show their work to a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. The colorful displays include a variety of woodwork, glass, drawings, metals, photography and textiles.
In the photo: Pamela Lager and Charles Phillips from Texas USA with greeter Dorit Kedar at the Charles Clore park.
Tel Aviv Greeters
If you’re looking to make the most out of your trip and experience Israel from a local’s perspective, the Tel Aviv Greeters program is for you! A group of residents who volunteer to walk with you around the city and to show you places you would probably never see if you were exploring on your own.
The program matches visitors with locals, giving tourists an opportunity to learn what is it like to live in Israel, what locals like to do for fun, the favorite beach spots, and where do they like to go on their free time. If there is a specific interest of yours you would like to explore in Israel, they will match you with someone that shares your same passion.
Tel Aviv Greeters are free of charge (tipping is not mandatory) and it usually lasts 3 to 4 hours with a maximum of 6 people in a group. Experience a different side of this amazing city!
Website: http://www.telavivgreeter.com
Tel Aviv University’s Botanical Gardens
The Tel Aviv University Botanical Garden is a center for research and conservation of rare and endangered plant species. It also serves as an outdoor class for students at the university where they study the ecosystem and genetics of plants.
You will find approximately 3,800 plant species from around the world including Asia, Africa and Europe. While walking the lush landscapes of the garden, you will learn about the oldest species on earth, fruits without seeds, and even the “shy mimosa” or the “TickleMe Plant” which closes its leaves when you touch it.
The garden is open from Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm, free of charge.
Website: http://botanic.tau.ac.il
