What is your favorite city in Israel and why?
 

There is so much diversity within the country, all of it beautiful. Wondering which is your favorite city and why.

I was there only for a few hours, but Safed (Zafed) really left a great impression. Must be something about hilltowns, or because of the artists there.

And of course Jerusalem is unique and always amazing.

It is difficult to pick a favorite city. I would pick favorite sites. They were in towns - but would not say they were my favorite cities.

My absoulte favorite site was the Nazareth Village (in Nazareth). It had a fully, recreated village from biblical times. They have houses, shops, people in period attire, donkeys, a threshing floor and much more. The guide was fantastic. We only had 2 hours there. It needed 4 hours.

My other two favorite places were (in Jerusalem): The Biblical Resource Center - it had a recreation of the Passover meal. Temple institute in the old city. They are preparing for the third temple.

Enjoyed the Sea of Galilee with all of teaching.

Each town had so much history to offer. Each one was special in its own way. The best part was talking to the local people. We met so many warm, kind, friendly, helpful people.

I've been only to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Jerusalem felt too religious, too restrictive, and I was there with an adult son, which tells you I'm not a "spring chicken" :) Tel Aviv is more my kind of the city, reminded me of San Francisco where I live now. I'll explore more on my next visit.

National Parks in Northern Israel/Golan are my favorite for sheer natural beauty. Yehudiya is particularly gorgeous. I agree that Nazareth Village is a worthwhile experience, I volunteered there for 2 weeks this spring. Of course there is nothing like Jerusalem to feel the pulse of history and religious passion.

Jerusalem is the most amazing city I have ever been to. Walking in the Old City and seeing Hasidic Jews on their way to prayer, Armenian priests passing, and hearing the muezzen's call to prayer from the mosques at the same time is just unforgettable.

In terms of sheer physical beauty, I'd vote for Haifa. The view of Haifa Bay from the top of Mount Carmel is one I can't get enough of.

And Z'fat (Safed) is mystical and magical.

Hard to choose!

Jerusalem of Gold. Title tells all.

Jerusalem. As long as you devote enough TIME to see the beauty of its diversity... From modern Israeli -- the Parliament-Knesset building, the Museum of Israel, Yad Vashem - Holocaust memorial museum... to the ultra orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, the Armenian quarter in the Old City, the Christian holy places, the Muslim's Temle Mount, the Wailing Wall and the Jewish quarter... DON'T SPEND THERE LESS THAN 3 DAYS.

If you go to Haifa DON'T DARE to miss the Baha'i Temple and gorgeous gardens, which is the world headquarer of this unique religon. It's the real gem of this port city.

The Dead Sea is a MUST. The LOWEST POINT ON EARTH, and the most HEALTHIEST place on earth... A real experience.

Otherwise Tel Aviv is a vibrant city with a gorgeous beach front and very good Israeli restaurants.

Eilat is Israel's "Las Vegas" -- minus the gambling... A fun resort city on the Red Sea.

Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee, a tour of the Galilee itself, a visit to an Israeli Kibbutz is quite an interesting experience in itself.

A trip to the Negev desert is fascinating, or driving to Eilat thru Mitzpe Ramon (a huge crater) and back via the Arava valley.

Tel Aviv - what could be better than New York City with a beach??

Hard choice, but I would have to say equal amounts Jerusalem and Safed.

Jerusalem because, well, it's Jerusalem! So much history (ancient and modern) as well as divirsity. And yes, it is deserving of at least 3 days.

Safed (Tzfat) because it was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. The mesh between artist colony and Sephardic Orthodox Jews was amazing to me. Plus, with so much blue throughout this tiny town, plus the narrow, winding streets just added to the charm. Too bad so many visitors miss this gem.

damama -

NYC does have a beach! Coney Island and Seagate in Brooklyn, the Rockaways in Queens, Orchard Beach in the Bronx... and I'm sure there's one on Staten Island.

Oh, you mean Manhattan - well, all places where there is green becomes a beach... there are kiddy sandboxes in all of the parks (tho who knows what's in that sand!)... and the water-sprinklers - what more can a Manhattanite want?

you're right Sandi, I will have to take my bathing suit the next time I am in New York. And the water sprinklers are sooooo much like the Med! How silly of me :)

It's a toss-up between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for totally different reasons ... Jerusalem for the magical quality of the light on the golden stones, the history, the spirituality and soul ... Tel Aviv for the energy, the great shopping streets, outdoor cafes, restaurants and bursting life.