Things To Do
in Beersheba
Beersheba, Be’er Sheva in Hebrew, sits at the edge of the Negev Desert at coordinates 31.2589, 34.7997, where ancient desert routes meet a dynamic, modern city. The center blends a lively Old Town market with contemporary cafes, museums, and Ben-Gurion University. Desert landscapes, river park trails, and stargazing are easy day trips from the city.
Its affordable, compact layout makes Beersheba a great base for exploring southern Israel.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Beersheba and settle into your hotel in the heart of the city. Enjoy a light Israeli breakfast at a nearby café, sampling fresh local pastries and coffee. Wander through the bustling streets to get your first glimpse of Negev life.
Visit the modern promenade along the Besor River and learn about the city’s innovative water management projects. Stop by a local eatery for falafel and hummus served with traditional pickles. Head to the Beersheba Clock Tower for panoramic city views.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant offering Negev specialties under the sunset glow. Savor dishes like shakshuka or oven-roasted lamb with local herbs. After dinner, stroll through the illuminated town square and enjoy the relaxed desert ambiance.
Explore the archaeological ruins of Tel Beer Sheva, including ancient water systems and fortified gates. Your guide will bring to life the city’s Biblical heritage and its importance to Abraham’s story. Marvel at the view over the modern city juxtaposed with thousands of years of history.
Descend to Abraham’s Well Visitor Center and enjoy an interactive presentation about desert survival. Taste cool spring water from the historic well and learn about its role in ancient trade routes. Explore the old Ottoman and Mandate-era buildings around the site.
Walk through the Old City’s narrow lanes as the sun sets and the walls glow in warm hues. Stop at a traditional coffeehouse to sample cardamom-infused Arabic coffee. End the evening at a local bar offering craft beers brewed in the Negev.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $30-60 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚌One-way public transport ticket | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city center with a rich mix of old and new
- Access to desert landscapes and easy day trips to Sde Boker and the Negev
- Desert heat in summer can limit outdoor activities to early morning/late afternoon
- Cafes and nightlife are smaller in scale compared to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem
- "שלום" - Hello / Peace
- "תודה" - Thank you
- "כמה זה עולה?" - How much does this cost?
- "איפה השירותים?" - Where are the restrooms?
- "בבקשה" - Please / You're welcome
Places to Visit in Beersheba
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic streets, colorful market stalls, and stairwells offer texture-rich cityscape photography with a desert backdrop.
A riverbed walk with water features and greenery—great for sunset and golden-hour shots.
Campus terraces and viewpoints provide city and desert panorama photography opportunities.
Elevated vantage points offer dramatic skyline silhouettes against the Negev horizon.
Food in Beersheba
Beersheba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Char-grilled lamb skewers glazed with a sweet-spicy date glaze, served with flatbread and fresh herbs—common in Negev towns.
Must-Try!
Pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, tahini, salads, and pickles—a popular desert-influenced street option.
Flaky pastry pockets filled with cheese, potatoes, or spinach, perfect for a quick bite from market stalls.
Eggs poached in a vibrant tomato-pepper sauce with cumin and herbs, typically enjoyed with bread for dipping.
Silky milk-based panna cotta topped with rosewater syrup and pistachios, a sweet finish after a day of exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for produce, spices, olives, fresh bread, falafel, shawarma, and seasonal snacks.
Casual street food stalls near the market area offering quick bites, juice stands, and neighborhood specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Shalom is used widely; greetings are polite. Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites; modest attire is appreciated in many areas.
Be patient with bargaining on items; a friendly, smiling approach helps. Ask before photographing people.
Safety
Tipping in Beersheba
Ensure a smooth experience
In Israel, a tip of about 10–15% is common if a service charge isn’t included; rounding up at casual spots is also appreciated.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and small stalls. Contactless payments are common in cafes and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry; temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon; carry water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Mild days and cooler nights; occasional rain. Layered clothing is advised, and a light rain jacket can be handy.
Pleasant temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F); ideal for walking tours, hiking in nearby deserts, and outdoor markets.
Beersheba at Night
Hiking in Beersheba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A dramatic geological crater to the north, offering scenic hikes, geology tours, and desert vistas.
Ancient caravan site with canyons and trails that reveal desert landscapes and historic ruins.
Desert reserve near Be’er Sheva with easy to moderate trails, dramatic desert scenery, and the famous desert home of Ben-Gurion.
Local riverside paths that provide pleasant, short hikes and birdwatching close to the city.
Airports
How to reach Beersheba by plane.
Israel’s primary international gateway; from Be’er Sheva you can reach TLV by car or bus in about 1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic.
Southern gateway near Eilat; offers regional flights and connections; useful for southern itineraries and quick access to the Negev.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Be’er Sheva is a university city with a significant student population from Ben-Gurion University, contributing to a lively cultural scene.
Nearby Bedouin communities in the Negev influence local markets, crafts, and hospitality traditions.
A mix of families, professionals, and long-time residents shape the everyday rhythm of the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region supports professional and amateur soccer; Be’er Sheva hosts enthusiastic local fans and clubs in national leagues.
Basketball is popular regionally, with local clubs competing in national leagues and community programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beersheba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available via market stalls and cafes; ask for cheese, egg, and vegetable-heavy options, and request meat-free dishes when ordering.
Many places can accommodate; choose salads, grilled vegetables, and gluten-free breads; confirm ingredients in sauces or dressings.
Vegan choices exist (salads, hummus, falafel, fresh fruit). Explicitly request no dairy, eggs, or honey when needed.