About 90% of all residents of the country live in the cities of Israel. The largest city in terms of population is Jerusalem - it is home to more than 900 thousand people. Tel Aviv, the second most populous city, has about half the number of inhabitants. Another 14 cities have crossed the threshold of 100 thousand inhabitants. Israel's cities are incredibly popular with tourists.
They attract different categories of travelers - lovers of clean and beautiful beaches on the coasts of the seas, connoisseurs of ancient architecture, religious pilgrims. Resort cities are adjacent to modern megacities and ancient cities of the world. All of them are ready to receive guests, the tourist infrastructure is well developed. The cities are close to each other, the travel route can be built in such a way as to enjoy both the cultural heritage of the country and its picturesque views.
The largest cities in Israel
List of the largest cities in terms of population in the country.
Jerusalem
The capital of a country that is more than 3000 years old. It is the spiritual center of three world religions - Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Most of the sights of the city have a religious theme - the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, Mount of the Ascension. The architecture of the Old Town is of historical and cultural importance for the whole world. You can get acquainted with the history of the country and the city in numerous museums.
Population - 901 302 people (2018).
Tel Aviv
A vibrant, modern and dynamic city on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, founded in 1909. It is the center of Israel's culture and economy. Tourists from all over the world are attracted here by a variety of entertainment and attractions. Ancient buildings of the Old City of Jaffa and skyscrapers on the waterfront, nightclubs and museums - Tel Aviv will not leave anyone indifferent.
Population - 443 939 people (2018).
Haifa
An unusual city by the sea. There is a large natural park, many clean beaches. The most popular beaches are Dado Zamir, HaShaket and Kiryat Haimu. Attractions are varied - there are ancient monuments of architecture, religious buildings, including the main temple of the monotheistic Bahá'í religion, and modern art objects with an oriental flavor.
Population - 281,087 people (2018).
Petach Tikva
A large number of tourists come here during the season. The city is located next to the Mediterranean Sea and has many historical and cultural attractions. One of the largest museum complexes in the country is located in Petah Tikva; it includes the city zoo. From the times of the Roman Empire, the Tel Mulabis mound has survived, and from the Byzantine period - the remains of the fortress walls.
Population - 240 357 people (2018).
Ashdod
Resort town on the Mediterranean coast. Its beaches are considered some of the best in the country and are well equipped. The history of the city goes back several millennia. In the 17th century, one of the city's landmarks was built - the Castellum Beroar sea fortress, which combines elements of different cultures and eras. A wonderful view of the city opens from the observation deck of Iona Hill.
Population - 222 883 people (2018).
Netanya
One of the largest resorts in the country. The city's favorable location and pleasant climate make it attractive to thousands of tourists. Among the many beaches of the city, there is a special beach without tourists - for the believers of the local population. The sights of Netanya are the Palace on the reef in the Caesarea park, the Herod's amphitheater, the Byzantine square, the Um-Khaled fortress.
Population - 214,101 people (2018).
Beer Sheva
The history of the settlement of people in this place has 3.5 millennia. The modern city was founded in 1900. In the historic old quarters, it is worth exploring the Derech Hebron street with a biblical source; not far from it there is the Museum of Abraham's Well. The city has many green spaces, a large forest park with walking paths, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Population - 207 551 people (2018).
Bnei Brak
The city has a quiet, religious atmosphere. There are no nightclubs, cinemas or other entertainment facilities in Bnei Brak. Most tourists come here on a day trip from Tel Aviv. The list of excursion points includes a visit to Rabi Akiva - the main street, an art gallery, an archive museum, as well as a large Coca-Cola factory.
Population - 193,774 people (2018).
Holon
Sometimes it is called "Israel Disneyland" because of the large number of children's entertainment facilities. The large Yamit 2000 water park and the Tel Giborim youth park with roller-skating and cycling grounds stand out in particular. There is an interactive children's museum in Perez Park. Holon annually hosts the largest carnival on Purim.
Population - 192 624 people (2018).
Ramat Gan
Located in the central part of Israel. A complex of modern buildings of the “high-tech” architecture style stands out from the sights. It includes the Leonardo Hotel, the Diamond Exchange and the City Gate Tower, which is 240 meters high. Many tourists are interested in the zoo, which covers an area of 100 hectares. Among the museums, the Museum of Israeli Art, the Diamond Museum and the House of Drawing and Sculpture are distinguished.
Population - 156 277 people (2018).
Rehovot
A modern city of high scientific importance for Israel thanks to the Weizmann Institute of Chemist. The huge open-air museum will be of interest to visitors of all ages. Interesting objects in it are the field of mirrors and the solar tower. Physical phenomena are shown through interactive exhibits. With a ticket to the Weizmann Museum, you can also visit the park. Clore.
Population - 138,379 people (2018).
Ashkelon
The resort town, which is also one of the most ancient cities in the world. It was first mentioned in the 20th century BC. The Roman amphitheater, the colonnades of King Herod, the statue of the goddess Nike and the ruins of the Byzantine church with beautiful mosaics of the 5th century have survived to this day. Ashkelon's golden sandy beaches are considered the best in Israel. There are corners of untouched wilderness.
Population - 137 945 people (2018).
Bat Yam
Small and cozy resort town. The subtropical climate pleases tourists at any time of the year - even in winter the temperature here is not lower than +13 ° C. Modern hotels are built along a long beach line. You can diversify your beach vacation by visiting the Riviera Exhibition Gallery or the Howayed Science and Discovery Center. A variety of luxury boutiques with a variety of goods will delight the shoppers.
Population - 128 655 people (2018).
Beit Shemesh
Located between the slopes of the mountains. Travelers especially appreciate the natural landscapes of the city's environs - pink fields and coniferous forests. The ruins of the ancient city seem to transport tourists to the past - ancient mosques, houses of ancient Arab villages, an unusual water supply system of the city have been preserved. In the Beit Jamal complex near Beit Shemesh, you can see the old Catholic monasteries.
Population - 114,371 people (2018).
Kfar Sava
This site was once the site of Greek and Roman settlements. Now it is a picturesque city with many green parks. The city is not rich in attractions, but it hosts many cultural events. The Museum of Archeology acquaints guests of the city with the history of the region. The famous Meir Medical Center is located in Kfar Sava, where people from all over the world come for treatment.
Population - 100,039 people (2018).
Herzliya
A prestigious resort town in the south of the Sharon Valley. The beach line stretches for 6 kilometers along the sea, and the tourist area occupies part of the city. Rest in luxury hotels in Gerlitzia will cost more than in other resorts. There are offices of large corporations, an airfield for private jets and a marina with expensive yachts.Excursions to national parks are organized for tourists.
Population - 93 989 people (2018).
Hadera
Founded in 1890. Centuries-old eucalyptus trees grow in Nahal Hadera National Park. A scenic hiking trail is laid in Sharon Park. It is especially beautiful in spring, during the flowering of poppies. In the Yatir forest, you can see the border of natural zones - pines and cypresses coexist with the desert. The most interesting old buildings in the city are the Water Tower built in 1920 and the school in 1891.
Population - 93 973 people (2018).
Modiin-Maccabim-Reut
Its location between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is convenient for travelers. It is convenient to visit both cities from it, while it is worth exploring the authentic sights of the city itself. These are the ruins of an ancient Jewish settlement of the 2nd century BC. Anabe Sculpture Park features realistic figures of dinosaurs and various animals. Near the city there is a zoo, the Mini Israel Museum.
Population - 91,328 people (2018).
Nazareth
It is a significant city for Christians; God's son lived here the beginning of his life. Nazareth also has great historical value, the authorities make sure that the appearance of the city retains its old style. The city's attractions are numerous churches, as well as the Well of the Virgin Mary with holy water and an interactive park-village, where the entourage of the times of the life of Jesus is recreated.
Population - 76 551 people (2018).
Ramla
Israeli city that was founded by the Arabs. Cultural and architectural monuments reflect the rich history of the city. The White Tower was built by the Mamluks in the XIV century, and the cathedral was erected by the Crusaders. The city has a Karaite synagogue and the World Center for Karaite Jewry. Such exhibits as the painting by Titian in the Franciscan monastery and the sculpture of Venus by Shlomo Katz are world famous.
Population - 75 668 people (2018).
Lod
Foundation date - XV century BC. Lod was repeatedly destroyed during earthquakes. Now it is a modern city where innovative technologies and antiquity are intertwined. Ancient sights are concentrated in the historical part of the city. In the tour it is worth including Gan Shalom, where shrines of different religions, ancient synagogues and mosques, the ruins of Hen al Hilo are collected.
Population - 74 604 people (2018).
Modiin Illit
Located on the west bank of the Jordan. Tourists rarely come here - there are no iconic landmarks in Modiin Ilit, and it is located close to the zone of military conflicts. Travelers may be interested in the ruins of a 1st century settlement and parks with beautifully designed alleys. Modiin Ilit received the status of the city only in 2088, but officially it is located outside the state of Israel.
Population - 70 081 people (2018).
Rakhat
The only city specially designated for the settlement of Bedouins. The specificity of the life of nomadic tribes is manifested in the culture of the city and its architecture. Rahat is divided into 33 quarters, each quarter is occupied by one Bedouin Hamullah - clan. The mosques of the city are interesting. All of their fences are adorned with the figure of a fist with four fingers clenched and an index pointing towards the sky.
Population - 66 791 people (2018).
Hod Hasharon
Small but cozy city for living. Comfortable hotels have been built for tourists. Travelers are attracted here by beautiful nature. The city authorities have equipped many picturesque parks and squares. Green spaces occupy about half of the city's area. At the same time, there are no multi-storey blocks in Hod Hasharon, as in megacities. It is built up with small cottages.
Population - 61,102 people (2018).
Givatayim
The city was founded in 1922, so there are no ancient sights in it. However, modern objects of culture and architecture will be of interest to many tourists. At the Astronomical Observatory, you can gaze at the stars and listen to stories about the universe. Citrus trees grow in Central Park. On the hill there is a park of concrete structures by the sculpture of Dani Caravan.
Population - 59 518 people (2018).
