Ramat Gan Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ramat Gan with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best attractions, enjoy outdoor adventures, taste local cuisine, and learn about the culture and customs of this vibrant city.


Introduction to Ramat Gan

Ramat Gan is a bustling city located in the Israeli Coastal Plain, in the heart of Israel. With a population of over 150,000, it is the fifth-largest city in the country and a hub of business, culture, and entertainment.

Despite its urban character, Ramat Gan offers plenty of green spaces, parks, and natural attractions that make it a great destination for both locals and tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Ramat Gan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ramat Gan Safari Park: This 100-acre park is the largest in the Middle East and home to over 2000 animals from around the world. Visitors can observe the animals from up-close while driving through the park or walking along designated trails.
  • Diamond Exchange District: Ramat Gan is home to Israel’s diamond industry, and this district showcases some of the country’s most impressive diamond exchanges and jewelry stores.
  • Ramat Gan Museum of Israeli Art: This museum is dedicated to Israeli modern and contemporary art and features exhibitions, events, and workshops.
  • David Ben-Gurion House: This historic site is the former residence of Israel’s first prime minister, and it is now a museum that showcases his personal and political life.

Natural Attractions of Ramat Gan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Park HaMesila: This 4-kilometer linear park follows the path of a former railway and offers a scenic route for jogging, biking, and walking.
  • Ayalon Park: This park features a spring-fed lake, lovely gardens, and picnic areas.
  • Gan Leumi Park: This large park is excellent for families, with playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. It also hosts concerts and cultural events.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ramat Gan

  • Park HaMesila: This 4-kilometer linear park is an excellent option for biking, jogging, or walking.
  • Ayalon Trail: This 15-kilometer trail follows the path of the Ayalon River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Yarkon Trail: This 25-kilometer trail follows the path of the Yarkon River and passes through several parks and gardens along the way.

Best Things to Do in Ramat Gan: Activities and Tours

  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour: Ramat Gan is just a short drive away from Tel Aviv, and visitors can take a guided street art walking tour to explore the vibrant graffiti scene of the city.
  • Ramat Gan Wine Tasting Tour: Israel is known for its excellent wines, and this tour allows visitors to taste some of the local varieties while learning about the history and traditions of winemaking in the region.
  • Ramat Gan Food Tour: This tour takes visitors to some of the city’s best culinary spots and allows them to taste a variety of delicious Israeli dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ramat Gan

Day 1: Visit the Ramat Gan Safari Park and experience the up-close encounters with exotic animals from around the world.

Day 2: Explore the Diamond Exchange District and admire the jewelry on display. In the evening, attend a concert or show at the Ramat Gan Performing Arts Center.

Day 3: Take a guided walking tour of Ramat Gan’s street art scene and enjoy the vibrant colors and murals that cover the city’s walls.

Day 4: Go on a wine tasting tour of the nearby wineries and taste some of Israel’s excellent wines.

Day 5: Spend the day at Ayalon Park, enjoying the scenic lake and gardens, or take a hike along the Ayalon Trail.

Day 6: Visit the Ramat Gan Museum of Israeli Art and discover the country’s vibrant modern art scene.

Day 7: Take a culinary tour of the city and taste some delicious Israeli dishes while learning about local food traditions.

Food and Drink Scene of Ramat Gan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hummus: This famous Middle Eastern dish is a blend of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, and is usually served with fresh pita bread.
  • Falafel: This vegetarian dish is made of chickpeas or fava beans and spices, which is deep-fried and served in a pita with salads and tahini sauce.
  • Shakshuka: This dish consists of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Arak: This anise-flavored liquor is a popular drink in the Middle East, often consumed with mezze platters.
  • Israeli Wine: The Israeli wine industry has been booming in recent years, with many boutique wineries producing high-quality varieties.

Where to Stay in Ramat Gan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Leonardo City Tower Hotel: This 5-star hotel is located in the Diamond Exchange District and features elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center.
  • Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites: This family-friendly hotel is set on a large garden estate and features indoor and outdoor pools, sports facilities, and spacious suites.
  • Backpackers Hostel Ramat Gan: This affordable hostel is located close to the city center and offers private and shared rooms.

What to Buy in Ramat Gan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Diamonds and Jewelry: Ramat Gan is Israel’s diamond district, and visitors can buy excellent-quality diamonds and jewelry at various stores and boutiques.
  • Israeli Wine: Many local wineries offer wine-tasting sessions, and visitors can purchase their favorite bottles to bring home.
  • Olive Oil: Israel produces excellent-quality extra-virgin olive oil, and visitors can purchase bottles at local markets and shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Ramat Gan

Israel is a country with a diverse cultural heritage, and Ramat Gan is no exception. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as the observance of Jewish holidays and the wearing of modest clothing in religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Ramat Gan

The best time to visit Ramat Gan is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ramat Gan

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and wines.
  • Explore the city’s natural attractions and green spaces.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in religious sites.
  • Be disrespectful or confrontational.
  • Use offensive language or gestures.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ramat Gan

Ramat Gan is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on their valuables, avoiding isolated areas at night, and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Ramat Gan

Israel has a modern and efficient healthcare system, and Ramat Gan has several excellent hospitals and medical facilities. Visitors should ensure they have adequate medical insurance, as medical costs can be high.

Getting to Ramat Gan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ramat Gan

  • Ben Gurion International Airport: This is Israel’s main airport and is located about 20 minutes’ drive from Ramat Gan.

Bus Stations Near Ramat Gan

  • Central Bus Station: This is the main bus station in Tel Aviv and offers connections to Ramat Gan and other cities in the area.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest train station is Tel Aviv HaShalom, offering connections to various destinations in Israel.
  • Car: Visitors can rent a car from the airport or Tel Aviv and drive to Ramat Gan. Please note that parking in the city can be challenging.

How to Get Around in Ramat Gan

Ramat Gan has a good public transportation system, including buses and taxis. Visitors can purchase tickets at bus stations or onboard buses.

Where to Go Next from Ramat Gan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tel Aviv: Israel’s vibrant cosmopolitan city is just a short drive away from Ramat Gan and offers a variety of cultural, culinary, and entertainment options.
  • Jerusalem: The historic and religious capital of Israel is about an hour’s drive from Ramat Gan and showcases numerous historical and cultural sites.
  • Dead Sea: This unique natural wonder is located about two hours’ drive from Ramat Gan and is known for its high salt content and therapeutic properties.

Conclusion

Ramat Gan is a dynamic city that combines modern urban living with natural beauty and green spaces. Whether you are interested in history, culture, outdoor adventures, or culinary delights, Ramat Gan offers something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover the fascinating attractions and activities of this vibrant city.