Ra'anana Travel Guide

Read our complete travel guide to Ra'anana and discover the best attractions, hotels, food, and travel tips for your upcoming Israel trip.


Ra’anana Travel Guide - Explore the Best of Israel’s Coastal Plain

Located in the Israeli Coastal Plain, Ra’anana is a beautiful city that boasts a perfect blend of modern urban settlements and natural beauty. Whether you are an adventure seeker, culture enthusiast, or just want to relax, there is something for everyone in Ra’anana. Join us as we explore this scenic coastal city and everything it has to offer.

Introduction to Ra’anana

Ra’anana is a city in central Israel situated in the Sharon plain, about 12 km north of Tel Aviv. The city was founded in 1922 by Jewish immigrants and became one of the main urban hubs in the area. Today, Ra’anana is a vibrant city that is home to more than 70,000 people. The city’s charm stems from its beautiful parks, shopping areas, and culture-rich neighborhoods.

List of Places to Visit in Ra’anana

When visiting Ra’anana, ensure you add these following attractions to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Ra’anana Park Museum: This museum is located in the beautiful Ra’anana Park and houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that recount the city’s history. The museum also has a small art gallery that displays various artworks from talented Israeli artists.

  2. The Museum of Israeli Art: Established in 1978, the Museum of Israeli Art collects and exhibits artworks by Israeli and international artists, as well as artworks that focus on Israeli culture and society. The museum also features a beautiful sculpture garden that is worth visiting.

Natural Attractions of Ra’anana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Machane Yehuda Market: This famous market is one of the most vibrant spots in Ra’anana, housing a range of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food. The market is an excellent place to buy local souvenirs and trinkets.

  2. Udim Park: Udim Park is a beautiful nature reserve located north of Ra’anana, about 10 km from the city center. This park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins, and stunning hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ra’anana

Ra’anana is a great place for hiking and biking, thanks to its beautiful green spaces and picturesque landscapes. Some of the most famous routes include:

  1. Raanana Lake Trail: Running along the lake of Ra’anana, this trail is an ideal spot for bike rides, walks, and picnics. The trail also provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

  2. Shvil Ofeq Trail: This trail meanders through the Sharon plain, passing through charming villages, ancient archeological sites, and rolling hills.

Best Things to Do in Ra’anana: Activities and Tours

  1. City Tour of Ra’anana: A guided tour through the city of Ra’anana is the best way to learn about the city’s rich history and culture. The tour usually starts at the Ra’anana Park Museum and ends at the beautiful Udim Park.

  2. Food Tasting Tour: Exploring Ra’anana’s food scene is a must as the city is known for its delicious cuisine. You can sample local Israeli dishes, such as falafel and hummus or try the famous Jewish comfort food – matzah ball soup.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ra’anana

When planning your one-week trip to Ra’anana, consider this itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Arrival in Ra’anana, Check-in at Hotel, Relax
2 City Tour of Ra’anana
3 Visit to Udim Park
4 Visit to Museum of Israeli Art
5 Food Tasting Tour
6 Day Trip to Tel Aviv
7 Departure from Ra’anana

Food and Drink Scene of Ra’anana

When it comes to food and drink, Ra’anana has plenty of options to choose from. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to look out for:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Falafel and Hummus: This classic Israeli dish is a staple food in Ra’anana, consisting of chickpea balls and a flavorful dip made of sesame, olive oil, and garlic.

  2. Shakshuka: This savory breakfast dish is a must-try when visiting Ra’anana. It comprises eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with onion and sweet peppers.

Local Beverages

  1. Arak: This anise-based liquor is a staple drink in Ra’anana and all over Israel. It is usually served with ice and water.

  2. Israeli Wine: Israel has a wine-making tradition that dates back to biblical times. The wine produced in Ra’anana and the surrounding areas is of exceptional quality and is definitely worth trying.

Where to Stay in Ra’anana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ra’anana offers plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some popular choices include:

  1. The Hotel Indigo: This chic boutique hotel is located in the heart of Ra’anana and boasts beautifully designed rooms, modern amenities, and a rooftop pool bar.

  2. Spice Route Quarter: This guesthouse is located within walking distance of the famous Machane Yehuda Market and offers comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and affordable rates.

What to Buy in Ra’anana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Ra’anana, ensure you take home some unique souvenirs and local products that will remind you of your trip. Here are some popular choices:

  1. Israeli Jewelry: Israel has a long-standing tradition of jewelry craftsmanship, showcasing Hebrew letters and religious symbols.

  2. Israeli Spices: Israeli cuisine is known for its use of aromatic and flavorful spices such as za’atar, harissa, cumin, and cardamom.

Local Culture and Customs of Ra’anana

Ra’anana is a modern city, but the locals still preserve some cultural traditions such as:

  1. Shabbat: This is the Jewish holy day and is observed from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday. During this time, many shops and public places may be closed.

  2. Kosher Food: Many locals in Ra’anana follow dietary rules that dictate what they can and cannot eat. If you are unsure if a restaurant serves kosher food, look for the Kosher certification symbol.

Best Time to Visit Ra’anana

The best time to visit Ra’anana is during late spring or early autumn when the weather is mild and the city is not too crowded. Summer can be too hot, while winter can be rainy and chilly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ra’anana

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or neighborhoods.
  3. Take advantage of public transportation options to explore the city.

Don’t:

  1. Smoke in public places.
  2. Engage in loud or boisterous behavior in residential areas.
  3. Visit religious sites during Shabbat.

Safety and Health

Ra’anana is a relatively safe city for tourists, but it is still important to exercise caution and take the necessary precautions such as:

Safety in Ra’anana

  1. Avoid displaying valuables in public.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  3. Use legitimate taxis or ride-sharing services to get around.

Health in Ra’anana

  1. Always carry enough water and sunscreen, especially during the summer months.
  2. If you are traveling from a country with a high-risk health profile, ensure you have updated vaccines.

Getting to Ra’anana: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to get to Ra’anana, including:

Airports Near Ra’anana

The closest airport to Ra’anana is Ben Gurion International Airport, located about 25 km away. It is one of the busiest international airports in the Middle East and offers flights to major cities worldwide.

Bus Stations Near Ra’anana

Ra’anana has a central bus station that services all major routes in and out of the city. There are also several other smaller bus stations located throughout the city.

Other Options

Taxis are readily available in Ra’anana, and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Gett are also popular.

How to Get Around in Ra’anana

Ra’anana is a small enough city to explore on foot or by bike. There is also an efficient public transportation system, comprising buses and trains, connecting Ra’anana to other towns and cities in the area.

Where to Go Next from Ra’anana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ra’anana is the perfect base for exploring other nearby destinations such as:

  1. Herzliya: This coastal city located north of Ra’anana is known for its pristine beaches, lively marina, and high-end shopping areas.

  2. Ceasarea: This ancient city is located south of Ra’anana and features a range of archeological sites and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Ra’anana is a beautiful Israeli city that offers visitors a perfect blend of modern urban amenities and natural beauty. Whether you are here for hiking, culture, food, or relaxation, there is something for everyone in Ra’anana. We hope this travel guide aids you in planning an unforgettable trip to this charming coastal city.

A fountain at the Uri Gordon garden A fountain at the Uri Gordon garden The non-commercial part of the The non-commercial part of the "Ahuza" street Ra'anana's Park Ra'anana's Park