New restaurants, hotels and attractions are opening in Israel, inspiring visitation and hope among tourists and locals alike
Tourism to Israel is remaining steady this year, even in the wake of the tragic events of Oct. 7. In July, U.S. arrivals to Tel Aviv reached 35.7%, a 5.7% increase over June 2024. With an array of new hotels, restaurants, museums and tourism initiatives, Israel is continuing to show its resilience during these difficult times.
To assist residents working within the tourism sector, the Israel Ministry of Tourism has established guidelines for the financial support of essential employees within the tourism industry for the remainder 2024. Under these guidelines, employees of tourism organizers who were employed prior to the events of Oct. 7 can receive wage assistance if their income has significantly declined compared with previous years.
“Although the tourism industry in Israel — and the entire country — have faced tremendous challenges since the events of Oct. 7, many tourists are coming to Israel to visit friends, family, to volunteer, or to simply experience the many incredible things the country has to offer right now,” said Chad Martin, Director, Northeast Region, Israel Ministry of Tourism. “Seeing new hotels, restaurants and attractions opening even now, shows the true nature of Israel’s spirit.”
Below is a list of new hotels, restaurants, attractions and tourism updates throughout Israel:
HOTEL OPENINGS AND EXPANSIONS
PLAY – Levontin Hotel Tel Aviv
Play Levontin Hotel Tel Aviv is a new boutique adults-only fairytale themed oasis which opened in July 2024. Guests can indulge in luxurious amenities, including a spa, fine dining at Gila & Nancy by Chef Eyal Shani and a private cinema. The hotel offers 34 charming rooms, including some with balconies overlooking the historic city of Tel Aviv.
Crowne Plaza Haifa
Overlooking the Baháʼí Gardens and Haifa Bay, Crowne Plaza Haifa recently opened a new health spa featuring a jacuzzi, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. In addition to the baths and saunas, guests can enjoy a variety of massage offerings, facials and body scrubs for an additional cost. This new luxurious health spa is open to both hotel guests, as well as the public with the purchase of a day pass.
NEW RESTAURANTS
Gila & Nancy by Chef Eyal Shani
Michelin-star chef, Eyal Shani, recently opened an adults-only restaurant and nightclub concept, Gila & Nancy, at the new PLAY – Levontin Tel Aviv Hotel. Gila & Nancy was named after the first two transgender women in Israel, Gila Goldstein and Nancy Schnider, who dedicated their lives fighting for LGTBQ+ rights. At the restaurant and club, guests can enjoy craft cocktails, special cabaret performances from drag queens and nostalgic bites, including a club sandwich with pastrami and risotto.
Benjamin
Benjamin in Hod HaSharaon is a new concept from Chef Daniel Shalit that brings together Israeli food and a bistro-style restaurant. Chef Shalit was inspired by the flavors of classic Israeli cuisine to develop a restaurant that is unpretentious, affordable and authentically Israeli. For guests who don’t have time to enjoy a sit-down meal, “Benjamin’s Window” is an express window that offers takeaway Israeli food and standouts from the menu.
NEW ATTRACTIONS
The Infinity Museum
The Infinity Museum located next to the Jerusalem Pais Arena officially opened in August, and offers a fully immersive experience of light, sound and visual art. The 19,000 square-foot space offers eight expansive rooms that guests can explore, featuring the Space of Kinetic Spheres, Mirrors and Music Space and an Interactive Screen Space. Open through October, each space gives the viewer an opportunity to interact and enjoy the display of virtual and physical reality. Cost of admission starts at $26.
Dome Expo Dead Sea
The Dead Sea region will soon welcome the Dome Expo Dead Sea, a state-of-the-art conference and concert venue. With a capacity of up to 5,000 attendees, the Dome Expo Dead Sea will be the perfect host of conferences, business events, art installations, concerts and international festivals. The center’s ceiling is a 75-foot-high inflatable dome that doubles as an immersive projection surface. Opening in August, the center will be a stunning addition to the region’s cultural and business landscape
Jerusalem Opens New Suspension Bridge
Jerusalem’s newest tourist attraction, a stunning suspension bridge, has officially opened stretching an impressive 663-feet and breaking the previous Israeli record. Located in the Jerusalem Walls National Park, the bridge connects the slopes of the Hinnom Valley and Mount Zion, offering breathtaking views and a convenient link between these historic parts of the city.
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