Rishon Lezion (Israel) is a resort town on the Mediterranean coast, located 12 km from Tel Aviv. Once a village founded just in the desert, it was a suburb of Tel Aviv. Modern Rishon Lezion is the fourth largest city in the country, which is more like an oasis. Thanks to the efforts of local residents, Rishon Lezion has turned into a flourishing resort with picturesque parks, alleys, and wine cellars over the past century and a half.
Rishon Lezion – Tourist information
The city of Rishon Lezion in Israel was officially founded in 1882. Enthusiasts who planned to develop agriculture came here. However, the plans were not allowed to come to fruition due to the lack of natural resources. The goal was impeded by unfavorable climatic conditions and lack of resources. However, when Baron Edmond de Rothschild began to take care of the settlement and develop it, the situation changed dramatically. Under his leadership, a well was dug in Rishon Lezion, wine production was opened, and the agricultural sector was managed by invited specialists from France.
Interesting fact! Rishon Lezion in Israel is the “youngest” — the average age of the population is only 33 years.
Today, the city is recognized as an important commercial and business settlement of the country, the main areas in which the working-age population is employed are winemaking, software development. In the industrial zone, night clubs, discos, pubs are actively opening, where young people like to spend time. Cinema City welcomes guests in the industrial zone, and there is an installation of dinosaurs near the entrance, which gives you the feeling that you are entering the Jurassic period. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you. Inside Cinema City there are several cinema halls, guests are greeted by wax figures, there is an entertainment children’s area, shops.
There are several large shopping complexes in Rishon Lezion:
- in the central part of the city — Rothschild;
- in the Western District is Ha-Zahav.
The beach is recognized as one of the best and well-groomed in Israel. The length of the coastline is about 1 kilometer, along the edge of the sea there is an alley, if you walk slowly, you can reach Bat Yam without noticing.
Useful to know! Rishon Lezion originally looked a lot like a resort town, but thanks to the presence of the sea coast and the efforts of people, today a tourist destination is actively developing here.
Rishon Lezion attractions in Israel
Thanks to the efforts of local residents, the previously deserted area has completely changed in a fairly short time and now tourists are hospitably greeted by the resort town. Most popular points of interest:
- wine cellars;
- founders ‘ park;
- Superland;
- ancient well and water tower;
- embankment.
Photo: the city of Rishon Lezion in Israel.
Important! In the middle of summer, Rishon Lezion is very hot, and the heat is hard to bear due to the high humidity, which is higher than in other cities of Israel.
Superland
One of the most popular places for family holidays. The area of the park is 10 hectares, on its territory there is a lake, numerous attractions for children of different ages and adults. Here are the most fascinating ones:
- funicular;
- ferris wheel;
- capsizing boat;
- indian canyon;
- railway;
- komba;
- pirate ship;
- shooting gallery.
The park offers a lot of water activities, which are especially relevant in the hot season:
- water slides — available only from the age of seven;
- Congo River Trip — enjoy an exciting ride through the waterfalls;
- catamarans in the form of swans, cars, and horses work for the youngest guests of the park.
Important! If you are planning to go karting, take sports shoes with you, as they are not allowed on the attraction without them.
Bungee jumping is very popular, the cost of one jump is NIS 60, but only two or three people can jump. Some children’s rides are intended only for children with parents.
The park is clean, there are cafes where you can eat, many establishments allow you to come in with your own food. All pedestrian alleys are equipped with benches, tables, and lawns.
Useful to know! Be sure to bring water, because there are no drinking fountains in the park.
The biggest drawback of the park is that there are long queues for rides, and you have to wait from 10 to 20 minutes. By the way, the entrance ticket gives you the right to ride all the attractions of the park for free.
Practical information:
- Address: 5 Sderot Maryland (intersection of roads 441 and 20);
- buses 2 and 85 run from the old station to the park;
- there is a parking lot;
- ticket price: for visitors over two years old — $ 34.50, for children under two years old admission is free.
- please check the opening hours on the official website of the park;
- official website: superland.co.il.
Founders ‘ Park
If you cross the bridge installed over Highway 4, you will find yourself near one of the most memorable parks in the city — the Founders ‘ Garden. At the entrance there is a fountain that welcomes all guests. Flags of all countries that supported the creation of Israel in 1947 are placed around it.There are also busts of people who have made the most tangible contribution to the development of Israel. Here you can see Theodor Herzl, Yitzhak Rabin, Vladimir Jabotinsky, Golda Meir. At the exit of the park there is a huge tree.
Rishon Lezion Nightlife
The central artery of the city is the pedestrian Rothschild Street, which runs near the city garden. During daylight hours, a fair is held here, at night, Rothschild is transformed — bars, a night bazaar open, artists perform. Here you can buy works of art, original jewelry, handmade goods, antiques. Once you are filled with impressions and make the necessary purchases, visit the cafe and try national dishes. The nightlife on Rothschild is bustling once a week-on Tuesdays from seven o’clock in the evening until midnight.
City Beach
The beach in Rishon la Zion is not divided, so we can say that there is only one beach in the city. The beach is separated from residential areas by a grid. The houses are built on a hill, so stairs and car exits lead to the shore. The slopes are decorated with paths for pedestrians, fresh flowers, palm trees are planted on the alley, and in the evening the alley and the shore are beautifully illuminated by lanterns.
The beach is equipped with awnings, playgrounds for team sports. Many tourists note that in comparison with other beaches in Israel in Rishon Lazion maintain perfect order and cleanliness.
There are no breakwaters or other structures that make it difficult to approach the water. The city authorities made this decision deliberately so that people could freely communicate with the sea and enjoy it.
Fans of comfort and the benefits of civilization will also not be disappointed — there are showers, changing rooms, cafes and bars on the shore. There is a tower where lifeguards are on duty throughout the beach season.
Important! Many entertainment venues on the beach are open around the clock.
The beach is very popular with young people, they come here to watch the sunset or meet the sunset. At the same time, there is plenty of romance here at any time of the year. The sea is often choppy, so there are always a lot of surfers on the beach.
There is paid parking nearby — one parking space costs 30 ILS, but on weekends and holidays there is a huge queue.
Rishon Lezion Holidays
In Rishon Lezion, the tourist business is actively developing, so there will be no difficulties with choosing housing. You can book a hotel room, rent a villa, or choose a more budget accommodation option — a hostel or rent a room from the local population.
Low season hotel rates
| Hotel Category | 7 nights | 11 nights |
|---|---|---|
| Three-star hotel | From$1185 | From 1549$ |
| Four-star Hotel | From$1251 | From$1595 |
| Five-star Hotel | From 1641$ | From$1686 |
High season hotel rates
| Hotel Category | 7 nights | 11 nights |
|---|---|---|
| Three-star hotel | From 1440$ | From$1800 |
| Four-star Hotel | From$1,650 | From 2100$ |
| Five-star Hotel | From$1850 | 2550$ |
Housing from the local population can be rented from$ 23, for this price they offer a room with Spartan conditions. But for $ 55 you can rent a house or a spacious apartment.
Prices in hostels start from$ 11, prices depend on the distance from the sea and the services provided.
There are also plenty of places where you can eat and have a good time. Food prices:
- lunch in a cafe-from$ 12 to$19;
- dinner for two in a restaurant-from $ 47 to$83;
- a snack at McDonald’s will cost from$ 11 to $ 15.
Weather conditions in Rishon Lezion, when is the best time to go
Rishon Lezion has about 300 days of sunshine every year, with most of the precipitation falling in the winter months, namely in December and January.
The high tourist season starts in early spring. If you are interested in sightseeing and active recreation, choose the first half of spring, when temperatures have not yet reached peak levels. It is still too early to swim in the spring, the sea is not warm enough yet.
Truly dry and sunny weather is set closer to the end of May, when the air heats up to +30°C. At this time, you can already comfortably sit on the beach and swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Since June, the city is hot, given the high humidity, it is difficult to visit excursions, most tourists spend time on the beach.
The next stage of the influx of tourists is observed in early autumn-September and October. Weather conditions are largely similar to summer, but the heat is gradually subsiding.
In winter, pilgrims also come to Rishon Lezion for sightseeing. Prices are reduced, so you can significantly save on accommodation and food. In winter, the thermometer does not fall below +15°C.
How to get from Ben Gurion Airport and from Tel Aviv
Ben Gurion Airport and Rishon Lezion are just 12 km away. There are many ways to overcome it.
The city has two railway stations — Ha Rishonim and Moshe Dayana, located in different parts of the resort. There is no direct rail connection between Tel Aviv and Rishon Lezion, so you will have to make two transfers. Tickets cost about$4.15.
The exact timetable and ticket prices can be found on the railway’s official website: www.rail.co.il/ru.
Another way to get from the airport in Tel Aviv to Rishon Lezion is by bus. Transport departs from the bus station, which is reached by train number 50 from the airport. The journey from the Nat-bg railway station takes 20 minutes, the fare is from$ 2.3 to $ 4.5. The carrier company is Israel Railways. The destination is Tel Aviv Center, from here you need to walk about 250 meters to the bus station and then take the bus number 83. The route is designed for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Tickets cost about$5.7.
Two more comfortable ways to get from Tel Aviv to the resort are a taxi and a rented car. In the first case, the journey takes a quarter of an hour, and the cost is approximately$40. Independent travel also takes 15 minutes, you will need 2 liters of gasoline, the price is $ 3.5.
Tips for tourists
- During the rest period, allocate time so that you can do everything before noon on Friday. Then the Sabbath begins in Israel, which means that shops are closed, public transport does not go. Urgent purchases can be made at the kosher supermarket, but be prepared to wait a long queue.
- If you are planning a trip for spring, summer or autumn, take with you hats, clothing made of natural fabrics, be sure to apply sunscreen on your skin and do not leave the hotel without water.
- The city is very beautiful at night, many cafes and bars are open until the morning.
- In Israel, it is customary to bargain. Remember the phrase that almost always guarantees you a discount — efshar likabel anakha.
- The largest shops and shopping centers are located in the industrial zone. Some supermarkets offer to issue a discount card.
- Do you plan to drive a lot? In this case, apply for a ticket at the local bus station.
- The city is easy to get around by bike.
The city of Rishon Lezion (Israel) is an amazing example of how a person, with an effort, can turn a desert into a resort. If you have free time and have a car on hand, be sure to visit Haifa, Akko, Bat Yam, try aromatic coffee with knafeh, relax in Humusia and you will surely love Israel for what it is.
Petah Tikva in Israel – a Modern Health Empire
