Time Out Israel Writers

Relatively new to the Holy Land, in the past few years, passionate beer lovers began opening up microbreweries across Israel. Fueled by determination and chutzpa, these breweries provide an alternative to Maccabi and Goldstar, the dominating local beer brands. For those who like to relax with a cold beer at the end of a long day of work, play, or travel, there is a vast selection of breweries in all corners of Israel. Below we have compiled a list of some of the best Israel breweries that aren't just your average dive bar or outdoor beer garden.

While there are many things to do in Israel it is essential to cover all the bases and find a place to relax after a long day of travel. While the big hotel chains like the Carltons, Sheratons, and tons of anything-that-ends-in-tons are a safe bet when you visit Israel, sometimes you want to spice things up. These hotels in Israel offer unexpected, one-of-a-kind stays that truly have you feeling like you’re in a different world. From kick-ass hotels in Akko to boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, throw caution to the wind and live a little with this line-up of places to stay across Israel.

While 'being vegan' has become a trendy identifier in recent years, the local Tel Aviv vegan restaurant scene actually has the chops to back up the goods. Thanks to Israel's climate and varying landscapes, harvesting tasty, healthy fruits and vegetables are a slam dunk (as proven by the colorful arrays at the markets) and diners get to reap the benefits. These vegan and vegetarian hotspots are here to help make our Israel a vegan-friendly Israel. Looking to cook up a storm in your own digs? Take advantage of the local offering and head to one of Israel's markets for a vegan foodie shopping adventure. Whether out and about or cooking from home, don't forget to wash down that tofu with a nice glass of Israeli wine.

Israel's beaches are more than just a place to lay out and worship the sun. Hitting the sand is a lifestyle - where friends meet, families frolic and gym rats get fit. It’s a nexus of Israeli life, buzzing every day of the week. With access to four seas: the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, each of the beaches in Israel offers a distinct experience. Here's your guide to the country's coastline, including some of the legendary beaches in Tel Aviv.   

Many foreigners know this world attraction by its luxury 'Dead Sea' beauty products and salt scrubs. Bordering Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan, the Dead Sea is famous for its incredibly high salt content, allowing visitors to literally float in–or rather on–its waters. Cake yourself in mud, and wade into the lowest point on Earth for a bizarre experience like no other. After a salty selfie, wash off because the Dead Sea isn’t the only top attraction in Israel. With Ein Gedi’s popular oasis and nature reserve to its west, and Masada and the Qumran Caves just a short trip away, the surrounding picturesque desert offers many historical sites as well. We’ve compiled the best attractions to visit while at the Dead Sea.

Nestled on Israel's northern coast, Akko is an up-and-coming port city rich with Jewish history, sites, and fantastic food. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Israeli treasure is a unique cross between east and west, modern and ancient Israel, beauty and ruins. Its rich history is palpable in its alleyways, underground passages, and picturesque architecture, whose character reflects the legacy left behind by the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, and Arabs. But what has transformed this hidden gem from a pit stop to a destination is its recent emergence as a culinary force in the north, with some of the best hummus on the eastern Mediterranean (some say it’s better than the Jaffa street food offerings) and some of the best seafood restaurants in Israel.  

While the beaches in Tel Aviv are a decent option, not everyone is a fan of the sand. Alternatively, from up north and the Golan Heights to down south in the Negev and just outside Eilat, Israel boasts some of the most beautiful green spaces. Whether you’re looking for a nature escape in the White City (Park HaYarkon is a must) or determined to venture further into the peacefulness of nature, you’re sure to find the perfect park or garden on our list. Put down that cellphone, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace the (Holy) land.  

Si le Mur des Lamentations et les souterrains du Kotel sont des lieux essentiels de la Terre Sainte, nul besoin d'être religieux pour apprécier la splendeur et le spirituel que dégage la Vieille Ville de Jérusalem. C'est l'un des sites plus sublimes et les plus riches en histoire du monde, rempli d'artisanats et de musées. S’il peut sembler décourageant de compresser tant d'Histoire en une seule visite - sans parler des destinations shopping et gastronomie - c'est parfaitement réalisable avec notre guide qui recense les lieux incontournables de la Vieille Ville de Jérusalem.

Si vous cherchiez encore la preuve que toutes les plages ne se valent pas, il suffit de se rendre à la Mer Morte (qui tient son nom du fait qu'aucun poisson ne peut survivre dans ses eaux ultra-salées). Un séjour en Israël digne de ce nom ne peut faire l'impasse sur le fameux selfie où vous flottez sur l'eau. Représentant le point le plus bas de la terre, la Mer Morte est entourée du pittoresque Désert du Néguev que vous pouvez admirer tout en flottant naturellement sur l'eau, enveloppé d'une boue riche en minéraux. Pour vous faciliter la démarche, on a fait le tour des meilleurs spots. Mais si vous préférez séjourner en ville, voici notre sélection des meilleurs hôtels à Eilat ou bien à Jérusalem.

With the highest class of chefs whipping up funkier creations at their new restaurants in Israel, the international culinary craze has begun to dominate the Holy Land. From Italian restaurants in Tel Aviv to suave French Jerusalem hotel restaurants, and now, extremely authentic Asian cuisine, Israel is becoming a giant melting pot of nationalities. 

Dubbed "The White City" for its UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage Site of over 4,000 Bauhaus and International Style buildings from the 1930s, Tel Aviv's central hub for strolling, tech startups and coffee kiosks is an unassuming diamond in the rough.The area's main rue, Rothschild Boulevard, is a landmark for protests, parades, and people-watching; a veritable petri dish of residents and tourists going to and from their day - including bronzed beefcakes, techie hipsters, dreaded festival folk, flip-flopped startup visionaries, suited up multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, Filipino nannies, and their elderly companions, and gorgeous stroller-pushing moms on mat-leave. The manicured neighborhood's raging restaurant scene pays homage to cultivating the local lay of the land, and famous Israeli chefs are equally at home crafting innovative delicacies as they are helming street food joints with a twist. The area's entirely walkable (and cyclable) grid makes for a seamless axis for transport across Tel Aviv and strolling with your neck craned to the endless blue above, you'll find an awe-inspiring smattering of not only the largest number of Bauhaus buildings in the world, but also a progressively shifting skyline; dilapidated facades from Tel Aviv's inception sidling stark white emblems of the city to come. Take a self-guided walking tour along Rothschild, Ahad Ha'am, Montefiore, Lilienblum, Bialik, and Tchernichovski streets for some of the most beautiful architecture in the

Easily one of the most overlooked treasures in Israel, the Negev desert is home to some truly jaw-dropping geological wonders. Vineyards, hiking trails, nature reserves and even camel rides make it as appealing for families as it is for couples or those traveling on a budget. The Negev is also the area to which Israelis regularly flock for festivals, yoga retreats and other special events. Here’s to getting lost in the desert as you check out our curated list of the best things to do in the Negev.

Founded over a decade ago, the Milk & Honey Distillery is Israel’s first-ever distillery producing high-quality, single-malt (and kosher!) whisky. As a proud player on the local spirits and culinary scene, the international award-winning distillery also boasts an impressive visitors' center. If whiskey's your poison, this eventful space is fit with interactive tours, tastings, and all the answers to your burning questions. Get a little buzz on and test your whisky knowledge (i.e., how does the Israeli climate actually affect the flavors of the whisky?) Annual holidays and Fridays are all celebratory at M&H and they know how to party with the best of them. Think toasting the Jewish New Year with a premium whisky aged in a pomegranate wine cask or heavily indulging in a whisky and artisanal chocolate pairing. Grab your best drinking mate, drag your family along, or simply go solo and load up on bottles to bring home. M&H spirits are sold in 40 countries around the world, including Germany, the Benelux, France, UK, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, South Africa, and the United States. Visitors to the distillery can take private or group tours and participate in various workshops held on-site, but you must reserve online in advance.

Slightly off the beaten track of Jaffa’s flea market is vegan restaurant Michelangelo, which still exudes the market’s vintage charm with its mismatched furniture and plates. Come for the generous breakfasts, with homemade polenta-egg shakshuka and cashew labane, or dinner where other hard-to-find-vegan local dishes like borekas are made from scratch. An all-day place serving breakfast to dinner, Michelangelo is a hidden vegan spot suitable for whenever hunger strikes.

A short walk from Tel Aviv’s port in the northern tip of the city is this all plant-based and gluten-free eatery where dosas (thin south Indian pancakes made from fermented rice and lentils) rule the menu. Get your dosa loaded with masala potatoes or cooked greens, beets or even cashew tzatziki. This casual spot is run by the same team as all-vegan Alegria, a diner in north Tel Aviv serving sandwiches, stews, and salads (the seaweed kebab sandwich is a popular hit).

Next week on Monday, March 2, Israel is having yet another election - its third in a year if you haven't been paying attention. The best way to distract yourself from the chaos? The Tel Avivian way; with a party, of course. Popular vegan outpost, Meshek Barzilay, will be hosting its first annual African Festival, celebrating the African people's beautiful influence on Israel's community and culture with an offering of delicious injera platters, African music, and handmade products from the asylum-seeking female artisans at Kuchinate Collective. March 2, from 11:00-18:00 8 Ahad Ha'Am St, Tel Aviv 

Tal Spiegel of the super-popular Instagram @desserted_in_paris brings his culinary art to Hotel Montefiore Just in time to truly celebrate Valentine's Day, Israeli pastry chef and graphic designer Tal Spiegel will be hosting a three-day pop up of specialty desserts at Hotel Montefiore. His colorful concoctions paired with an enviable onslaught of coordinating shoes have boosted his status to an enviable influencer on Instagram and Hotel Montefiore will celebrate his Patisseries of Paris in Tel Aviv in an exclusive collaboration to celebrate Dessert Week. The fixed dessert menu includes three desserts by Tal, along with scones, coffee & cocktails.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by @desserted_in_paris on Dec 16, 2019 at 3:56am PST View this post on Instagram A post shared by @desserted_in_paris on Jan 30, 2020 at 4:07am PST View this post on Instagram A post shared by @desserted_in_paris on Oct 16, 2019 at 2:51am PDT Tuesday, February 11 - Thursday, February 13 between 15:00-19:00. NIS 250 per couple. 

Eilat's Red Sea Jazz Festival, the winter edition, returns this year with the intoxicating jazz sounds and gives music lovers a particularly warm jazz event The Red Sea Jazz Festival takes place at the foot of the breathtaking views of the Eilat Mountains and the Red Sea, while celebrating a decade of jazz festivities, and features a special weekend of music with Israeli and international artists, special productions, master classes and a Jam-session stage that plays into the wee hours of the night. Shlomi Shaban © Orit Pnini This year, musicians will come to Israel al the way from Cuba, Barcelona, ​​Switzerland, the US, Brazil, the UK and Israel, each bringing their own voice and rhythm. The audience will be able to enjoy the international sounds coming from the trombone, saxophone, trumpet, accordion, klezmer and more. Participants include: Shlomi Shaban, Jah Wobble, Neta Elkayam, Ravid Kahalani, Assaf Amdursky, Oded Tzur Quartet, and more. Jah Wobble © John Hollingsworth Red Sea Jazz Festival, February 20-22, Eilat. redseajazz.co.il

There are a dozen or so places in Israel that really provide the whole package when it comes to design, amenities, customer service, gourmet food and spa services. A new complex, helmed by 'Shevet Achim' (a set of five actual brothers who are well known in the hospitality industry in Israel) have hit the bull's eye with the recently opened Dream Island resort. The 1,500sq meters featuring elegant suites, sports facilities, concept restaurants, food trucks and even an amphitheater for concerts makes it a place to stay a while.  Dream Island suite The resort and spa experience has swiftly become a sought-after vacation destination for Israelis, tourists, wedding and event planning and more. Whether you choose a one-day reprieve or to stay the night or weekend, the spacious resort combines a host of wellness facilities and activities that can keep you as engaged as your mood and wishes desire.  Israeli architect Itzik Levy planned and designed the complex, taking care to incorporate the aesthetic language of the area's natural landscape, honing in on the feeling of a lush oasis. The team at Dream Island has taken the progressively growing leisure culture in Israel and focused on generating a new demand for hospitality and tourism after thoroughly studying the lifestyle, vacation, and consumption habits of the 21st century. Dream Island successfully curates the dynamic curiosities and contemporary living of today's day and age, combined with the sought-after pillars of well-bei

Tel Avivians love a good celebration and Meshek Barzilay, Neve Tzedek's beautiful vegan delicatessen is celebrating the fruits of the forthcoming season with a specialty Tu Bishvat party. The holiday is actually Sunday and Monday, February 9 & 10, but the restaurant is ringin' it in early to kick off the weekend right on the Friday prior. Courtesy of Meshek Barzilay Join in on a festive indoor-outdoor shindig - complete with a live DJ and a menu full of holiday favorites including hot fruit punch, spicy mulled wines, and hot alcoholic cider, muffins, sweet pastries and mountains of dry fruit, Meshek's signature vegan pizzas and chubeza patties and a Tu Bishvat platter of nuts and noshes. The best part? Everything is NIS 10. Celebrate the turn of the seasons and Israel's natural bounty at one of Tel Aviv's most beloved restaurants.          

The annual party kicks off with local and international tributes to the Reggae Legend It is truly hard to believe that Reggae master Bob Marley would be 75-years-old this year. His music has united the world over with his signature messages of peace, love, and harmony. The power and longevity of his lyrics and truth have been a source of inspiration for decades after his death and they continue to live on in musicians across all genres today. Gadi Altman © Guy Sidi, courtesy of PR Every year, the One Love musical event celebrates Marley's life and legacy through young and old talents in Israel and this is the event's 15th year running. Look forward to renditions of the rasta man's classics like "No Woman No Cry", "Easy Skanking", "Exodus" and "Buffalo Soldier" sung by a host of Israeli musicians and guests from abroad like Jamaican Reggae icon Anthony B and the Afroroots star and Grammy-nominee Rocky Dawuni. Join in on the fun with clips from previous One Love shows that have gone viral with over 28 million views on Youtube. Rocky Dawuni, courtesy of PR February 7-8, Reading 3, doors open at 20:30, eventer.co.il/event

The Hamim Festival is Thursdays and Fridays in Shuk HaZtafon throughout January Just in time to truly mark the winter weather in Israel, Shuk HaZtafon ('Northern Market') is launching the first Hamim (Cholent) Festival, scheduled through three consecutive weekends in January. Thursdays between noon to 7 pm and Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm, food stalls will be simmering with authentic hamim recipes from across the country. Taste the Haredi Cholent from Beit Shemesh, Hungarian Hamin from Nahariya, Khala Bibi Hamin from Ramat Hasharon and Tabby Iraqi from Petah Tikva - all these and many more will gather together under one roof and bring this comforting Jewish food staple to the public, at the peak of the rainy season.  Hamim Festival © Shani Brill Hamin, also known as cholent, is one of the oldest Jewish stews in the world, found across borders and continents. While its varying components are evidence of a multitude of versions, one thing remains uniform - the slow-brewing stew nourishes and warms families come Saturday. Many hamim recipes have been passed through Poland, Persia, Iraq, and Morocco and are cooked with a variety of legumes, meats, fish, vegetables and spice mixes. Hamim Festival © Shani Brill Head to this unique Hamim Festival to savor the mix of options - from Viennese and Italian traditions to a Mexican-inspired mutton stew and even a hot-tempered Indian version. Hamim Festival © Shani Brill Hamim Festival January 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24 Thursday from 12:00-1

Next week, Dizengoff Center will hold one of its most magical events - the Unicorn Fair - following the success of last year's event The annual Unicorn Fair, which celebrates everything that is unique, special and magical, will return to Dizengoff Center for the second time, and offer a plethora of colorful stands offering unique unicorn-centric products, such as bags, jewelry, accessories, play slime, and clothes you will certainly not find anyone else wearing. Unicorn Fair © Itay Selikter The foodies among us can indulge in a specialty desserts stand by pastry chef Danit Hellen Yakobi, with candy, surprise cupcakes, meringue boxes, deliciously-personalized cakes in all colors of the rainbow, and special toppings like macarons and cookies with otherworldly designs crafted perfectly for your Instagram feed. There will also be a free photo booth inspired by the happy world of unicorns. Unicorn Fair © Itay Selikter The Unicorn Fair, Thursday, September 12, 11am - 8pm and Friday, September 13, 11am - 3pm.  Dizengoff Center, 50 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv  Unicorn Fair © Itay Selikter

Legendary musician Lionel Richie will perform in Tel Aviv on March 2 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena  Musical icon Lionel Richie will make his debut performance in Israel this March. All tickets purchased for a show in Live Park in Rishon Lezion are valid for the show in Menorah Mivtachim, according to the seating arrangement. He is set to perform his favorite hits of his entire career including 'Lady', 'Truly,'Say You Say Me', 'Hello' and 'All Night Long', as well as hits from his legendary time with the Commodores, in the funk/soul band where he started his prolific career.  Lionel Richie © Steve Jennings/Getty Images Tickets: www.leaan.co.il price starting at NIS 390 

In honor of International Ice Cream Day, Golda's ice cream chain brings Israel the latest trend: a color-changing ice cream At the height of the summer, the "Golda" ice cream chain has launched a unique and unusual ice cream that changes colors while you're eating it. The special ice cream will be available at Golda branches throughout the country and can be served in a cup or a cone. The ice cream color is originally blue with a delicate, fruity vanilla flavor combined with rich cream. It changes to three different colors, from blue to purple to pink, when meeting with the changing temperatures. Golda Ice Cream © Afik Gabay The hot trend of color-changing ice cream started in Spain and from there, it spread to many countries around the world, including Colombia, Japan, the USA and others, becoming a huge success among ice cream enthusiasts. The ice cream is made from black carrot extract and cream, which is used as the base for the changing color, along with the "magic spray" that is combined with fresh lemon juice to create the special effect of the changing colors. The ice cream is made entirely from natural ingredients and does not contain any preservatives or industrial ingredients. Golda Ice Cream © Afik Gabay The color-changing ice cream will be served as a dish at NIS 17 at all branches of the chain. Golda Ice Cream Network. For the list of branches: goldaglida.co.il

Get excited about the debut OVERALL festival, a platform for designers, artists, musicians and scholars to share and explore new concepts, narrative and frontiers in fashion, provoking fresh insight regarding the many ways today’s global fashion ecosystem operates, both in theory and in practice During the course of the OVERALL festival evenings at the Tower of David Museum, dozens of designers and artists will be participating in “Wanderings” - an interactive conversation that surrounds fashion, with live demonstrations of craft making in every enclave of the Tower of David Museum – from traditional crafts to the use of modern technology including machine knitting, shoe making, jewelry making, fashion sketching, t-shirt designing, masterclasses with 3D doodle pen, workshops with Palestinian embroidery experts, weaving, 3D printing. Aharon Genish & Shlomit Amar © RickyRachman Additionally, there will be live photoshoots and interactive engagement for the public and a designer market of “Made in Israel” clothes, accessories and shoes. There will also be a lecture discussing what our closets will look like in 2030; A panel of religious Jewish bloggers discussing what they won’t cross when it comes to social media and fashion in their community. Unique tours are being held throughout the festival weaving together threads of discovery throughout the city allowing visitors to engage in different and diverse subjects connected to fashion. TheCollective14 © Ricky Rachman July 16

In its prime position at the intersection of Rothschild Boulevard and Herzl Street, Lillienblum Street is one of the oldest streets in Tel Aviv, pre-dating the state of Israel, and was home to the first banks; these days, it’s “slap-bang in the middle of the startup engine,” says Amir Mizroch, Director of Communications at Start-Up Nation Central (SNC). This specific building, given a sleek renovation in 2018 by Kimmel Eshkolot Architects, has serious startup pedigree: its previous occupant was the app monetization unicorn (aka a startup valued at over $1 billion), ironSource. An apt location, then, for SNC to carry out its mission matchmaking Israeli startups with global companies. This philanthropist-funded NGO keeps its upper level reserved for business meetings, lectures and hackathons, but on the first story it has a public-facing accelerator dedicated to the most accessible and enticing of subjects: food. Dining destination L28 was conceived as an incubator for emerging Israeli culinary talent. Every six months a new chef comes in and creates a new menu. They receive mentorship and a top-class crew. In return, they work on their interpretation of Israeli cuisine. Each chef  is supported with all the operational elements necessary, in a similar manner to that of a start-up accelerator. L28 Most recently, Israeli chef Nir Mesika, known for creating waves with his award-winning New York restaurant Timna, helmed the crew at L28. Now burgeoning chef Gabriel Israel has been