Things to do in Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut

The Western Wall, also known as the Al-Buraq Wall, the Kotel or the Wailing Wall, has been a site of pilgrimage for Jews and Muslims for centuries. Its towering sandstone blocks are stuffed with paper prayers. Watch as men, women and children gather here to recite scriptures and touch the ancient stone.

A long-venerated place of worship for Muslims, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the important religious structures located on the Temple Mount. The site is known in Arabic as Haram esh-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary). View the rectangular, Islamic-influenced design of the building and learn about its long and fascinating history.

Explore the historic market of Machane Yehuda to get a feel for the energetic, commercial face of Jerusalem. The market is particularly famous for food, and is home to all kinds of stalls and vendors. If you’re after a traditional Levantine meal, choose one of the many shawarma or falafel stands. For dessert, try a regional favorite like halva or baklava.

Elegant Rothschild Boulevard (Sederot Rothschild) cuts through the heart of Tel Aviv’s UNESCO-listed White City. This is one of the city’s busiest cultural and nightlife districts. Modern skyscrapers rise above traditional Bauhaus buildings, which double up as restaurants, shops and upscale residences. Splitting Rothschild Boulevard into two sections is a central garden, where locals meet to chat and linger at coffee shops.

Gordon Beach boasts the inviting blue waters of the Mediterranean and a sandy beach on one side and the bustling city center of Tel Aviv on the other. Because of its central location and its comfortable facilities, Gordon Beach has long been a favorite summer destination for Israelis and international visitors alike and attracts an eclectic mix of sun worshippers.

The Bauhaus Center is a celebration of the Bauhaus, International and other architectural styles embraced by Tel Aviv’s architects. Learn about the White City, a UNESCO-protected area where around 4,000 Bauhaus buildings were built between the 1920s and 1940s. Then take a tour, which highlights many of the stand-out buildings that earned the neighborhood its coveted heritage status.

Jaffa Port has an ancient history that precedes the Bible stories that made this port world famous. Come here early to sample some fresh produce from the Jaffa Port Market and buy freshly caught fish straight from the fishing boats, then take in the sights and visit the shops and galleries.

Embrace the bustle of Carmel Market, an expansive, open-air shopping “shuk” that sells Middle Eastern food, clothing and souvenirs. Don’t let the vastness of the market inhibit you; instead enjoy its noise and size on a long stroll past its many stalls.

The Israel Museum is among the country’s most acclaimed cultural institutions. Discover exhibits ranging from ancient Holy Land artifacts to contemporary art collections and displays detailing important chapters from Israeli history.