Budapest has always been on my bucket list. Three full days in the city from Saturday to Monday were enough to feel its’ rhythm and discover its allure. If you are planning a trip to Budapest and wondering what to do there, here is my complete Budapest itinerary with recommendations for everything you should not miss on a short trip to it.

1. Budapest Itinerary Day One: A Perfect Introduction to the City

Start Your Trip at the Budapest Ferris Wheel

We began our visit near the fountain next to the Budapest Eye, also known as the Budapest Ferris Wheel.  This is a perfect spot in the heart of action in the city.

From there we walked to the impressive St Stephens Basilica, one of the most beautiful churches in Hungary. For panoramic city views, you can climb up to the top of the dome.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Across the street from the Basilica, you can buy a unique rose-shaped delicious ice cream from Gelarto Rosa gelateria. A perfect photo opportunity for social media.

From there you can walk through the wide streets filled with vide variety of excellent restaurants toward the beautifully grand Iconic landmark, the Hungarian Parliament Building.  On the way, be sure to take a picture with the “Fat Policeman” statue on the corner of November 6th Street. According to legend, rubbing his belly brings good luck and prevents weight gain. Once you arrive at the Parliament Building you can take a guided tour inside and see the crown jewels.

Worried you may be overwhelmed by navigating your way around on the first day? You can always make your first day easier by joining a short, guided tour to get an initial introduction to the city.

Shoes on the Danube Bank: A Must See Budapest Memorial

A walk along the Danube River brings you to the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial. It commemorates the thousand Jews of the city who were murdered by Hungarian fascists from the Arrow Cross Party in the winter of 1944. Victims were forced to remove their shoes, valuable items that could be later taken and sold, were executed at the river’s edge so their bodies would fall into the water and be swept away. The memorial symbolizes the footwear they left behind on the shore. It is a deeply emotional and important site for every Jewish and Israeli visitor.

Evening Cruise on the Danube: the Most Romantic Experience in Budapest

Seeing the beautiful views of Budapest illuminated at night from the Danube river is unforgettable. The Palace, the Parliament, the Bridges, and Fisherman’s Bastion glow magnificently. A night cruise on the Danube is one of the best things to do in Budapest and is highly recommended, especially, but not only, for couples. Most cruises include drinks, music, and explanations about the buildings along the river and the stories behind them.

2. Budapest Itinerary Day Two Exploring Buda, and the Jewish Quarter

Buda: touring the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Royal Palace

The Fisherman’s Bastion and the Royal Palace in Buda are a definite must-see when in Budapest. We joined a free English language tour in Buda, the western side of the city across the Danube. We began at the fairytale like Fisherman’s Bastion, that has a terrace which offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Afterwards we toured the gorgeous Matthias Church, and the enormous Royal Palace.

To get back to Pest, we walked down the hill across the Chain Bridge, a pleasant twenty-minute walk.

The Jewish Quarter Tour History, Culture, and Street Art

We then took a fascinating tour of the Jewish Quarter. The tour included explanations about the Dohány Street Great Synagogue, historical monuments, stories about Theodor Herzl who was born in the city, and colorful contemporary graffiti and murals. This neighborhood blends a painful past with a vibrant present. Historical monuments with hip bars and restaurant.

It may be tempting to skip the guided tour, but I truly recommend joining one. The Jewish history of Budapest is rich, complex, and intertwined with the city’s broader story.

3. Budapest Itinerary Day Three: Discovering the Danube Bend and Great Market Hall

Day Trip from Budapest to the Danube Bend

If you want to explore beyond the city, consider a trip to the Danube Bend. Here the urban scenery gives way to green landscapes and charming villages. Most tours include the Visegrád Fortress and the picturesque artists village of Szentendre.

Szentendre The Artists Village Near Budapest

Szentendre feels like a small Italian village with cobblestone streets, colorful baroque buildings, cute cafés, art galleries, and stalls selling souvenirs and local spices. The walk through the narrow alleys adds to the authentic experience. We tasted the local liqueur which is not for the faint-hearted and visited the Marzipan Museum.

The village is also home to a tiny Jewish synagogue known as the smallest synagogue in the world. Visiting it connected me to my own family history. My great great grandfather’s family, the Raab family later Ben Ezer, came from Hungary to settle in Israel and help establish Petah Tikva. I was moved to see documentation of the Jewish families who lived there before the world wars. In the courtyard we found a memorial plaque for the Raab family, possibly distant relatives.

More Things to Do in Budapest If You Have Extra Time

The Great Market Hall

A magnificent nineteenth century building where you will find everything from Hungarian paprika to sausages, cheeses, and local foods like lángos. The upper floor has excellent food stalls and is perfect for an delicious, authentic filling lunch.

Budapest City Park

Budapest has a huge city park with a music museum, a castle, historic buildings, and plenty of greenery. It is the perfect place to relax, paddle a boat on the lake, and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.

Other recommended attractions include the Széchenyi thermal baths and Margaret Island.

Useful Information for Visiting Budapest

• Currency: Hungarian Forint HUF
• Weather: spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. We experienced very heavy heat in late May and early June, a hat and sunscreen were essential.
• Airport transportation: we prebooked a taxi from Terminal B2 which was very convenient.
• Getting around Budapest: we used Uber and Bolt. Bolt was usually cheaper. For public transportation the BudapestGO app makes traveling around the city easy and affordable. Don’t forget to validate your card before each trip. The fines for not doing so can be hefty.
• Where to Stay in Budapest: We stayed at the KViHotel Budapest on Nyar Utca 32 in the Jewish Quarter. Pros: clean, modern, tasty breakfast, reasonable price. Cons: requires using apps to operate basics like the air conditioning and lights. The bathroom has a transparent glass wall which reduces privacy. The hotel is not in the city center, so transportation is needed. In hindsight we might have stayed in an Airbnb,  apartments or a hotel within walking distance of the city center.
  You may be interested in learning about more free useful apps to make your travels easier.
• What to Eat in Budapest? Food and Restaurant Tips:  Budapest has many excellent restaurants, and some require reservations during busy seasons.  Try traditional dishes such as goulash, paprika soup, and kürtőskalács chimney cake.  Budapest cafés offer classic Hungarian desserts like apple strudel and Dobos torte.

Budapest is a city that combines fascinating history, rich culture, stunning views, and excellent food. A long weekend is enough to get a taste of it, and if you stay longer there is still so much more to discover. This post aims to share with you the best things to see in Budapest over a 3 day itinerary, from my experience.If you have questions or more useful tips to share about Budapest, do let me know in the comments below.

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Here are some of my favorite tv shows that celebrate the city where their plot takes place.

Paris

The saccharinely enjoyable – Emily in Paris

The Plot: a young American from Chicago makes a surprising relocation to Paris as part of her job at an advertising agency. The cultural collision between her world and the Parisian way of life creates dilemmas in her work life, friendships, and love life.

Genre: Romantic comedy.

Created by Darren Starr, the man who brought Sex and the City to our screens, Emily in Paris, presents a photogenic Paris from an American viewpoint. Expect heavy doses of the classically romantic Paris, combined with an impressive over the top fashion display by the main character, Emily.
Emily in Paris is pure escapism with an unrealistic plot line.

The immediate simile that comes to mind is a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. The sugary clichés are slightly nauseating, yet once you start devouring them, it’s just impossible to stop.

Number of seasons: 1. Second season is scheduled to follow.

The wittily elegant: Call My Agent! (Dix pour cent)

The plot: the founder of a leading Parisian talent agency leaves its agents to deal with absurd circumstances in the French cultural world. The series follows the agents’ efforts to save the agency’s future, whilst juggling business and artistic demands, as well as their personal lives.

Genre: satirical comedy.

Contrary to “Emily in Paris” Call My Agent’s Paris is seen through more authentic chique French eyes.

The love for French culture is clear in Call My Agent! It pays homage to French actors and the French film and television world. Each episode features a guest appearance by a real leading French actor, playing themselves. Jean Reno, Juliette Binoche, Isabelle Huppert and Béatrice Dalle (“Betty Blue” of yesteryear) are included. Get ready for superb acting, and a surprising comical script.

Number of seasons: 4

Sydney

The absurd and naughty: Rake

The plot: Cleaver Greene, is a brilliant lawyer with self-destructive instincts and a tendency for addiction, who tends to take on “lost” criminal cases of guilty clients that no one else is willing to.

Genre: Comical drama

I have not yet visited Australia, and until I do, I take solace in watching the suspenseful and amusing Rake – set in Sydney.

If you love a complex Bad Boy character, and unexpected plot twists, Rake is the show for you.
Richard Roxburgh (who also co-created the series) who plays the lead character has a heavy Australian accent, and a voice that sometimes rises to oddly high tones. And yet, I found him charismatic in a way that in my opinion “makes” the whole series. I suppose there’s no point denying that I developed a slight crush on Cleaver / Richard?

A comedic legal drama, is a genre we are all familiar with, ever since the days of Alley McBeal. But the lovable-jerk Rake, takes things to a fresh, witty, and warm direction.
The show will give you a peek into homes of varied socio-economic classes in Sydney, as well as a parodic display of Australian politics and the legal system.

Number of seasons: 5

The eye-catchingly escapist: Instant Hotel

Diverse pairs of homeowners compete for the title of “Best Instant Hotel”. The teams stay at each other’s homes, which have been transformed into rental properties throughout Australia. They rate each other’s hosting experience until the winner is announced.

Genre: reality-lifestyle.

The show will take you to some of the most beautiful destinations across Australia. From the lesser-known Coober Pedy, with its “Mad Max” like landscapes, to Sydney’s well known – Bondi Beach.
Instant Hotel will introduce you to varied lifestyles in the continent. Humble participants who rent out their river boat, and an affluent couple who dwell in a jaw dropping decadent mansion in the heart of rainforest are just a few.

Number of seasons: 2

New York

The lighthearted urban fantasy: Younger

The Plot: A divorced housewife in her forties with no work experience is forced to pretend she is 26 in order to get a job at a publishing house.

Genre: Romantic comedy

Yet another fun and addictive series by Darren Starr, about the fashionable New York millennial generation. Younger has the charm of the concept of the film Big, except that here the main character Lisa pretends to be younger than her years.
The show draws you into the chaotic pace of life in Manhattan where Lisa works, and the hipster lifestyle of Brooklyn where she lives.

Though feather-light in tone, Younger must be credited for dealing with relevant issues that other popular series with a leading female protagonist often tend to disregard. Such as Agism towards women in the workplace and in marital dynamics. What a pity it contradictorily depicts Lisa’s boss, as a desperate, pitiful single older woman. Perhaps as a caution about what could happen to women if Lord forbid, they don’t find a partner and become addicted to their career to fulfill a so-called void in their lives.

Number of seasons: 7

The one with the friends: Friends

Even if you’re not a nineties kid, you can probably relate to the iconic comedy about the six closest friends in Manhattan of the 90s and 2000s.
The series, (actually filmed in Los Angeles, but let’s not be petty) captures the feel of New York, with its landmark locations.

There is the Central Perk Café, which the group occupied for hours on end, and the apartment building where all the members lived at one time or another in the West Village. Rachel works at Bloomingdales and the friends play baseball in Central Park. Monica and Chandler get engaged at the Plaza Hotel and in the opening song the friends dance in a fountain inspired by the Pulitzer Fountain.

Genre: Sitcom (duhh)

Number of seasons: 10 (I know!)

Know of other shows that take place in urban destinations abroad that are worth watching? Tell me, so I can enjoy them too

You may also be interested in: books that will make you want to travel the world.

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About an hour and a half’s drive from Tel Aviv, you’ll reach 4,000 years old, UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Acre. A fascinating urban destination in Israel, that you probably haven’t yet visited.

Combining rich ancient history (hello Templar Knights, Fortresses and Tunnels), it boasts bustling markets both modern and traditional, deep blue sea, and delicious food.

I wanted to visit Acre for a while. And it is no secret that during the days of COVID budgets can be a little tighter.

So I was happy to find a budget-friendly way to stay a night and day, and enjoy the major top attractions Acre has to offer. All this for under 120 USD all inclusive!

So how did I spend time in Acre with for a ridiculous cost,  and what are the best things to see and do in it?

1. Accommodation – Check in at the HI Akko

Do not let the the name “Youth Hostel” mislead you.

The Acre Israeli Youth Hostel which is part of the National Hostel Organization, is a modern hotel equivalent for all means. The new and luxurious hostel is located in the heart of the Old City, within walking distance to all attractions.

Original ancient artifacts, such as the Aqueduct are integrated into the architecture, in a way that respects their integrity. The rooftop has a stunning panoramic view of the city.  On clear days you can see Haifa, Mount Carmel, and the Galilee mountains from it too.

I found a great deal for a solo traveler, sleeping in a brand new family room for only 269 NIS (about USD 78) including breakfast, which is very cheap for a private room in Israel! The room can accommodate up to four guests. Making the cost per guest 67 NIS (USD 6) per guest for a family stay.

The service is courteous and professional. There is a breakfast buffet offered for about 21 NIS (USD 6) only.

Another accommodation option: lovely villa near the sea, for up to 8 guests from 560 NIS per night for the whole place. The villa is located a 5 minute walk from one of the top historical attractions of the Old City – the Knights’ Halls. It can be booked here on Airbnb.

If you have not yet joined Airbnb you can get a discount of 120 NIS for your first order, by using this Airbnb link.

2.  A cup of coffee and a walk along the sea front

Start your morning with a cup of Joe, sitting at deck perched over the sea waves, at the one of the branches of the local bistro chain Café Netto (Adress: Ha-Hagana St 1, Acre).

Listen to the pleasant music, and take in the view of the impressive Acre Ottoman City Walls. Continue walking along the walls until you reach the Gate of the Old City.

Cost: 13 NIS for a cup of cappuccino. Ample parking on the street. The views are for free

3. Crusader Fortress (Knights’ Halls) and Tunnel

The Hospitaller Fortress (Knights’ Halls)

Dating back to the 12th Century, The Knights’ Halls are impressive and grand in scale. They will make you feel as if they are keeping deep secrets you wish you could reveal. To my mind the Fortress and the Escape Tunnel from the Halls to the port, are definitely the highlights of a visit to Acre.

I am proud to share that my uncle, General Amir Drori, who founded and directed the Israeli Antiquities Authority, is the one who initiated the investment of resources in excavation and reconstruction of the Old City. He put special emphasis on the Templar structures of the Crusader knights.

The result evokes the imagination, while bringing to life what took place in these incredible architectural constructions.

Entrance fees: A combined all-inclusive ticket for a variety of attractions costs about 65 NIS ( USD19) per person.

As for July 2020, prices for the Summer have been updated.

Check out the Akko Tourism website for further details.

4. Acre market

Walk in the alleys of the old town and enjoy the colorful murals and arched doors.

The Acre Market is essentially made up of three different markets. The Turkish Bazaar, the White Market and the “Popular Market”.

The Turkish Bazaar is a reconstruction of the ancient market that existed at that location. It has restaurants, shops and cafés. You can find funky specialty shops like all ducks gifts Duck You or artsy galleries selling products by local artists.

The White Market was first established in the 17th century, and is white in color as its’ name notes.

The “Popular Market” sells unique spices, vegetables and has restaurants with popular dishes like hummus and Middle Eastern Knafeh (yumm).

5. A lunch break: fresh fish at Uri Buri

For lunch, I stopped at the Uri Buri restaurant, which was established in Acre over 20 years ago. The restaurant is located in a Crusader building with pleasant sea views. It serves fresh fish, seafood, and even one of my personal favorites: coconut fish soup. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the food served.

Cost: a meal comprised of a soup starter, main fish course and desert will cost about 130 NIS (USD 38) per person.

Address: HaHagana, Lighthouse Plaza.

 

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5. The Bahai Gardens in Acre

The well-manicured gardens in Acre are yet another gem not many Israelis know about. The gardens are the place where the leader of the Bahá’í Faith is buried, and the most sacred Bahai site in the world.
Unfortunately, during my stay the gardens were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

I suggest you call +972-4-831-3131 to ensure in advance that the gardens are open for visitors on the dates of your visit.

Did you love the gardens in Acre? The Bahai Gardens in Haifa, in my opinion, are even more impressive. If you plan on passing through Haifa on your way to or from Acre, you just have to visit the hanging Bahai Gardens of Haifa!

There is a lot more to see and do in the Old City of Acre. There is the picturesque Tunisian Synagogue of the Ramchal and 18th Century Al-Jazzar Mosque.

You can take boat rides from the Acre Marina to the gorgeous Rosh Hanikra Grottoes near the border, and more.

However, this post focuses on a relatively relaxed itinerary to follow during a 24 hour city break.

The total estimated cost per person for this Acre itinerary is approximately 398 NIS (116 USD). Food, admission fees, accommodation and high spirits are all included! 

So why not go for an Akko city break without breaking the bank?

I highly recommend that you make use of any opportunity you get to visit and enjoy this special city, before it becomes overrun with tourists and loses its’ authentic charm.

*prices stipulated are applicable for July, 2020. Please note that as for this date onward, there may be entrance restrictions to Israel due to COVID-19.

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Located only 25 miles from the capital, you can take a walk through the entire city of Antigua, that apparently looks exactly like it did in the 18th century.

Visiting it as part of a long trip to Central America, I found Antigua to be a surprisingly relaxed and gracious urban location, with a topping of some powerful surrounding nature.

Antigua offers a something for everyone. From once in a lifetime experience hikes, to sipping some of the best espresso in the world, right where it is grown.

Here are my top recommendations for the best things to do in Antigua:

Watch an active volcano erupt!

A once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.

Antigua is surrounded by 3 volcanoes : Acatenango, Fuego and Agua.

I was fortunate enough to watch a live eruption of Mount Fuego at night.  The sight of exploding red lava followed by it flowing down the mountain sides evoked in me a strange mix. There was an Adrenalin rush, fear, joy and a feelings of awe.

I took part in a small a guided tour by geologist Matt Purvis of Geo Travel Guatemala. He fascinated us with his infectious enthusiasm and love for geology.

Our group watched the incredible views from the comfort of Matt’s SUV at the foothills of the mountains.

But if you are fit and love a challenging trek, you could hike up to the top of a volcano. Apparently one of the highlights of these trips is toasting marshmallows on the hot lava pockets and eating them!

Stroll through the city

Antigua is a beautifully preserved entire city, with colorful colonial houses, cobbled stone streets and a gorgeous actively erupting mountain backdrop.

Buildings, such La Merced Church boasting intricate work and moorish influence will charm you. Locals Mayan Indians sell their goods on the streets. From authentic traditional fabrics to jewelry.

Fun fact: there are over 100 "hidden" mermaids architecture elements in the city. 
It could take you days to find all of them. 

Enjoy the Cafe’s, Restaurants and Bars

Antigua has a a variety of dining options. There are typical Guatemalan home-made tasting dishes, for incredibly low prices. There is also an abundance of fine-dining restaurants serving fusion style dishes made with local produce.

Fancy stopping by the most beautiful McDonald’s you’ll see in your life? Check out the colonial style Antigua branch.

Yes, the photos below are of McDonald’s, not of a fancy restaurant.

Antigua boasts some top-notch modern bars. The city has an established ex-pat community. It includes artists and businesspersons, who mainly moved to the city from the USA. This further adds to the cosmopolitan feel of the city.

Coffee tour

My name is Adi and I’m a coffee addict Let the other world destinations, cafe shops and chains forgive me.  But the best quality coffee I have ever had in my life was on a coffee tour in Antigua.

In the coffee tour you get an explanation that will make you appreciate the entire process it took to get that coffee into your cup. From planting, tree growing and hand picking the beans to producing that perfect roast.

Hobbit Village (Hobiteanango)

A little-known gem, about 25 minutes drive up the mountains from Antigua, is the enchanting little Hobbit inspired park – Hobitenango.

A place not to be missed, especially if you are a fan of the Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings.  You can rent a Hobbit style hut and sleep the night. Or just relax watching the  great views of the valley and the surrounding Volcanoes, feeling like you are literally above the clouds.

There are fair games, fresh farm to table food and no wi-fi. So prepare to disconnect in order to connect with your inner fantasy nerd.

Photography workshop

I took a 2 hour Antigua Photo Walk by Rudy Giron, which I highly recommend.  Particularly if you are a photography lover, even at an amateur level.

The walk combined photography tips and tricks together with a walk through main parts of the city. This can give you the chance to see the main landmarks of the city on foot, like the Hill of the cross (Cerro de la Cruz) with its view of the city or the beautifully elegant Santa Catalina Arch.

Departure point for further destinations:

Antigua is a city where you can travel from to Semuc Champey  and the 300 stepped turquoise pools, as well as to the ancient ruins of Tikal

Another nearby getaway worth considering, is El Paredon beach.

This surfer’s village which is located an hour and a half’s drive from Antigua has black sand, and great waves and peacefulness. You can SUP and see sea turtles there. Do not forget to bring strong mosquito repellent, or they will bite you relentlessly.

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Useful details:

Accommodation: tends to be really cost effective. There is wide variety of touristic levels, and price points.  I slept in the colonial Spanish style guesthouse Posada Juma Ocag. It had a leafy green internal courtyard and was quite centrally located.

Mobility in the city: the old town is small. You can easily walk from each main destination to the other.

How to get there? Antigua is 25 miles (41 km) from Guatemala City.

However it can take more than than an hour to get there. You can get to the city by car from Chichicastenango, or from Atitlan Lake.

Further posts about Central America:

Medellin, Colombia: top things to see and do

Volunteering at the Costa Rica Animal Sanctuary

What would be your favorite things to do in Antigua? Let me know in the comments below.

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One of Tel Aviv’s main Graffiti hubs, lies in the southern neighborhood Florentin. Florentin is laid back bohemian and trendy, with little cafes and bars.

The graffiti in Florentin, much like the city itself, can perhaps best be described as ironic and self-absorbed.

In Florentin I didn’t come across images that express violence and death such as those I saw in Medellin Columbia. Nor were they breathtakingly beautiful and monumental like those of Kobra, which I was fortunate to see in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

However, walking along the allies of Florentin you will get a delicious bite out of Tel Aviv’s vibe.  Colorful and wise-ass, with a lot of up to date urban charm.

How do you feel about Graffiti?

The pictures were taken during a trip with Be Tel Aviv Graffiti Tour, of which I was a guest.

If you liked this post, you may be interested in the lesser-known hipster Talpiot Market in Haifa, which has fun graffiti too.

Check out Jerusalem Graffiti Tour – discovering new colors in the Holy City.

Read about public wall art in Haifa’s Wadi Nisnas neighborhood here.

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As part of my quest for blogger world domination (as if), I was excited to be invited, to take part in a blogger tour at… Ramla (Ramle).

Ramla? You may ask.

Yes, I’ve been interested in going to this ancient historical city which is located only 25 minutes’ drive from Tel Aviv, for forever. Mainly due to its architectural gems, that capture the imagination.

But also because of the opportunity to satisfy my slightly juvenile urge to row a boat at the Arches Pool; one of the sets of a famous movie scene from an iconic Israeli youth adventure film called “Hasamba and the Deserted Youths”.

Ramla a city in Israel (not to be confused with the Palestinian city of Ramallah in the West Bank), as it turns out is extremely underrated city.

It offers a variety of attractions and is a multi-religion and multicultural destination with a lot to learn from. Last year it even won the President’s award for Israeli Hope in cross-cultural education cooperation.

If you speak Spanish, you might be happy to know that the second most widely spoken language in Ramla is – Spanish! When you stroll through the market you will notice some stall owners haggling in Spanish. This is due to great amount of South American immigrants to the city in recent years.

Fun fact: Ramla’s name is derived from the Arabic word for sand, because it was built on sand dunes
It was established in 716 AD, by the Mamluks Arabs

The major sites to see are mostly within walking distance from each other.

Here are 8 places worth visiting in Ramla:

1. The Arches Pool

   

   You can rent boats and row through it while marveling at the beautifully built arches and pillars. No wonder filmmakers were attracted to this place. It certainly has the vibe and is worth seeing.

2. The Square White Tower

   The Square White Tower offers the opportunity for those who are fit enough to (carefully) walk up its’ one hundred and some stairs and get a view of the entire vicinity.
   The tower is part of a Mosque that was built during the 12th century AD of which little remains. The British were so impressed with the tower, that they chose it to adorn money notes during Mandate.

3. The Franciscan Nakdimon Church and Clock Tower

   

    

   

    

   The Franciscan Monastery was named after Joseph and Nicodemus who took Jesus’ body off from the Cross. They originated from Ramah City, that Christians mistakenly identified as Ramle.

   It is said that during 1799 Napoleon stayed in one of the monastery rooms and was unable to sleep due to the muezzin from the mosque nearby. So he shot the muezzin and killed him. Lesson to be learned from story – do not irritate emperors trying to fall asleep.

   I loved the church which had an air of mystery to it. There is a Titian painting hanging, symbol of the third eye in the top stained glass window and a plaque with numbers in an order to be deciphered. If you find out what they stand for, please do let me know.

4. The Ramla Museum and Gold Coin Treasure

   

    

   Ramle Museum holds many interesting artifacts from the city’s rich history. But certainly the most prominent one is the collection of 367 rare gold coins from some 1,200 years ago. Some are the only of their type in the world! From Algeria to Samarkand, these demonstrate the commercial importance the city had during the Muslim Empire days. The treasure was discovered by construction workers and even survived a museum robbery attempt.

5. Karaite Jewish World Center

   

    

   Ramla houses the Karaite World Center.

   Unlike mainstream Jews, Karaites follow only the teachings of the written Old Testament, without Oral Law interpretation. They do not for example separate meat and dairy, and are pro women equality. It was eye opening for me to learn of the community that thinks differently to the status quo leaving responsibility of interpretation up to the individual.

6. The Great Mosque

   

    

   The Great Mosque is actually the largest Crusader Cathedral building that stands intact in Israel. It was converted in 12th century AD by the Mamlukites, who conquered the land. It is an impressive active mosque that interestingly combines Christian architecture with Islamic elements.

7. The Ramla Market (Shuk)

   Ramla’s vibrant Middle Eastern market (Shuk or Bazaar as some would call it) was one of my personal favorites. It has been running since the Ottoman period and has an amazing variety of everything you can think of. From rare spices to made in china shirts.  If you are looking for affordable varied items, Ramle’s Market is the place for you.

   I would also definitely recommend taking a culinary tour if you get the chance.

   

    

   At the time of writing this article, the most popular persona at the Ramla market is without a doubt the Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu. Prominent banners declaring the market’s support of him could not be missed.

8. Harry Potter’s Grave

   

   Harry Potter’s grave who was sadly only 19 years old at his death. Photo: the official Ramle Tourism Website

   Harry Potter is buried in Ramla – but no need to inform J.K. Rowling yet. A real-life British soldier by the name of Harry Potter was killed in action during the Arab uprising in 1939 and is buried in the British Military Cemetery in Ramla.

For more information about Ramla and the attractions it offers hit their website goramla.

I would like to thank Galit Keidar for initiating organizing the tour, as well as the people of go.ramla including Ron Peled, Orna Shomron and Roni Barzilay for a gracious hospitality to their beloved city.

What do you think about the city? Let me know below:

a. Sounds so underrated
b. Cool history and diversity
c. Not sure I’ll go

Read about more destinations to see in Israel here.

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