whatdo

Things To Do
in Rahat

Day Trips

Tours

Attractions

Prices

Rahat is a predominantly Bedouin city located in the Southern District of Israel. It is recognized as the largest Bedouin city in the country. Rahat is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, traditional cuisine, and strong sense of community.

The city's population continues to grow, reflecting both its rich history and modern developments.

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Tour of Hebron

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Hebron City Tour

  • "Shalom" - Hello
  • "Toda" - Thank you
  • "Boker tov" - Good morning
  • "Laila tov" - Good night
  • "Ma nishma?" - What's up?

Prices

  • 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
  • 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
  • ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
  • 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
  • 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
  • 🏋️‍♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Discover Rahat's Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Rahat Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the history and heritage of the Bedouin community. Explore various exhibitions showcasing local art and traditions.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional Bedouin lunch at a local restaurant, featuring dishes like lamb and sage. Afterward, stroll through the colorful markets, where you can shop for souvenirs and local crafts.

evening
:

Wrap up your day with a relaxing tea at a popular café while enjoying live music. Take in the vibrant atmosphere as the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle.

day 2
Adventure in the Desert
morning
:

Join a guided tour for a thrilling jeep ride through the Negev Desert, witnessing stunning landscapes and unique rock formations. Keep an eye out for local wildlife while enjoying the scenic views.

afternoon
:

Participate in a traditional Bedouin cooking class, where you'll learn to make classic dishes. Enjoy your delicious creations for lunch in a cozy outdoor setting.

evening
:

End your day with an overnight camping experience under the stars. Enjoy a campfire dinner and listen to stories shared by local Bedouins.

Rahat Day Trips

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rahat is known for its unique cultural diversity, particularly within the Bedouin community.
  • The city offers a range of educational and healthcare facilities, benefiting the local population.
  • Rahat's location is strategic for those wanting to explore the Negev Desert and nearby attractions.
  • The community is involved in various initiatives promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
  • Rahat may face economic challenges, including unemployment and limited job opportunities.
  • Infrastructure development in some areas may not be as advanced as in larger Israeli cities.
  • Social issues, such as poverty and inequality, can affect certain segments of the population.
  • The city has experienced tensions due to its demographic composition and regional politics.

Best Activities in Rahat

Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!

Camping in the Negev Desert

Enjoy a night under the stars in the stunning Negev Desert, with various campgrounds and sites available for an authentic outdoor experience.

Hiking in the Rahat Hills

Explore the beautiful Rahat Hills through a network of trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to connect with nature.

Off-Road Tours in the Desert

Embark on thrilling off-road adventures in the desert, experiencing the rugged terrain and unique desert ecosystem from a different perspective.

Places to Visit in Rahat

Visit one of these nice places.

Ramat Negev Desert

Offers stunning views of the desert landscape and unique photo opportunities.

Eshkol National Park

Beautiful natural setting with plenty of scenic spots for photographing the natural surroundings.

Al-Sabil Park

Scenic park with walking paths and greenery, providing excellent views for photographs.

Food in Rahat

Rahat, Israel offers a rich and diverse cuisine influenced by Bedouin traditions, with a blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. The rich culinary heritage reflects the region's history and cultural diversity, making it a delightful destination for food enthusiasts.

Rahat Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Maqluba

A traditional Palestinian dish of rice, vegetables, and meat, often seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. Recommended to try at Al-Shayeb's Restaurant.

Must-Try!

Musakhan

A delicious dish comprising roasted chicken, sumac, and caramelized onions atop taboon bread. Best enjoyed at Abu Rabia's Bakery.

Mansaf

A popular Bedouin dish featuring lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce, served with rice. You can savor this delicacy at Al-Badia Restaurant.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Rahat Market

A vibrant market offering a wide array of fresh produce, local spices, and traditional Bedouin goods. The market is also known for its street food stalls serving savory falafel, shawarma, and knafeh.

Salman's Food Truck

A popular food truck serving delectable grilled kebabs and shawarma wraps, located near the city center. The aroma of sizzling meats and spices is sure to entice any passerby.

Weather

The climate in this region is characterized as a hot semi-arid climate, typical of parts of the Middle East. Summers are long, hot, and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) during the day and occasionally reaching into the high 30s (Celsius). Winters are mild and relatively wet, with average temperatures ranging from about 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, while summers see very little precipitation, contributing to the dry conditions. Due to its geographical location, the area experiences considerable temperature variations between day and night, especially in the cooler months. The dry conditions are influenced by the surrounding desert landscape. Overall, the climate supports a specific set of flora and fauna adapted to withstand the heat and aridity.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Religious Customs

In Rahat, it is important to be mindful and respectful of the religious customs of the Bedouin community. This includes being aware of prayer times and refraining from activities that may be disrespectful during these times.

Greetings and Etiquette

As a sign of respect, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain direct eye contact. Additionally, it's important to use polite language and show deference to elders and community leaders.

Dress Code

When visiting Rahat, it is best to dress modestly, especially for women. This means avoiding revealing clothing, and for both men and women, it's respectful to dress conservatively out of consideration for local cultural norms.

Safety

Safety in the city is influenced by various factors, including its unique demographic composition and geographical location. As a predominantly Bedouin town in the Negev desert, it faces challenges related to socio-economic conditions that can impact community safety and security. Crime rates can vary, and while some areas may experience more incidents than others, localized efforts by law enforcement aim to address these issues. The relationship between the community and police can play a significant role in enhancing safety. Additionally, the broader regional context, including tensions that may arise in Israel and surrounding areas, can also affect perceptions of safety. It is important for residents and visitors to stay informed about the security situation and follow local guidelines. Community programs and initiatives often focus on improving safety through education, engagement, and collaboration between residents and authorities. Overall, the safety environment can experience fluctuations based on various social, economic, and political factors, making it essential to remain aware and proactive in promoting community well-being.

Tipping in Rahat

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is not widely practiced in Rahat, Israel. It is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or taxis. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip as a gesture of appreciation is becoming more common in tourist areas.

Payment

In Rahat, Israel, payment is commonly made in cash, but credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Best time to visit for pleasant weather and blooming flowers.

Summer

Hot and dry, ideal for outdoor activities and visiting the nearby desert.

Autumn

Moderate temperatures and cultural events, perfect for exploring the city and surrounding areas.

Winter

Cool and rainy, great for experiencing local traditions and festivities.

Rahat at Night

The nightlife in Rahat offers a unique and culturally rich experience, distinct from the bustling scenes of larger cities. As a predominantly Bedouin city, the nightlife here is more understated yet full of cultural immersion. While you won’t find many conventional nightclubs or bars, the evenings are often alive with social gatherings, traditional music, and dance. Many locals enjoy spending their nights at family gatherings or in community spaces, where traditional Bedouin hospitality is at its finest. Tea houses and coffee shops serve as popular evening spots, where both locals and visitors can enjoy a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee or tea, often accompanied by delicious local sweets. Conversations flow easily in these cozy settings, sometimes accompanied by the sounds of traditional instruments like the oud and the darbuka. During cultural festivals or special events, there may be traditional performances and showcases of Bedouin heritage, including poetry readings and storytelling. These events offer a deep dive into the local customs and traditions, providing a memorable experience for those looking to explore the cultural fabric of Rahat. Overall, the nightlife in Rahat is a reflection of its rich Bedouin cultural heritage, providing a warm, hospitable, and authentic experience for anyone interested in understanding the local way of life.

Hiking in Rahat

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nahal Shani

A picturesque riverbed trail that offers beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape and opportunities for birdwatching.

Makhtesh Ramon

A unique geological feature with stunning hiking trails that provide breathtaking panoramas of the Ramon Crater, ideal for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Mount Eilat

Located at the southern tip of Israel, this area offers several hiking paths with views of the Red Sea and the city of Eilat, perfect for day hikes.

Timna Park

A stunning national park known for its unique rock formations and ancient copper mines, providing a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.

Nahal Parod

A scenic trail that flows through a green, lush canyon, creating an ideal spot for hiking among nature in the northern Negev.

Aiports

How to reach Rahat by plane.

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

Israel's main international airport located in Tel Aviv, approximately 120 km northwest of Rahat.

Eilat Ramon Airport (ETM)

An international airport located near Eilat, approximately 210 km south of Rahat.

Ovadia Airport (VDA)

An airport located in the southern city of Eilat, serving both domestic and international flights, around 210 km from Rahat.

Haifa Airport (HFA)

An international airport located in Haifa, approximately 130 km northwest of Rahat.

Walkability

In the context of urban design, walkability refers to how friendly an area is to walking, which can involve factors such as the presence of sidewalks, the layout of streets, safety, accessibility to amenities, and pedestrian infrastructure. In this particular city, walkability is influenced by its urban layout and the distribution of services. The presence of residential areas, markets, schools, and public spaces can enhance walkability by reducing the distance residents need to cover on foot to reach essential services. However, walkability can also be affected by social and economic factors, including the availability of safe pedestrian pathways, well-maintained infrastructure, and community planning priorities. In addition, cultural aspects, such as the prevalence of walking as a mode of transport for everyday activities, play a critical role in assessing walking conditions in the area. Moreover, accessibility for individuals with disabilities and the presence of greenery or aesthetic features can impact the overall experience of walking in the city. Improving these elements can lead to greater walkability, promoting healthier lifestyles and greater community interaction. To understand walkability in this area better, one could look into recent urban development projects, community initiatives, and feedback from residents regarding their walking conditions and experiences.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Bedouins

The majority of the population in Rahat consists of Bedouin Arabs, a traditionally nomadic group with a rich cultural heritage, who have settled in urban areas.

Jewish Community

A smaller but significant Jewish population exists in Rahat, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.

Other Arab Communities

Besides the Bedouins, there are other Arab ethnic groups represented in Rahat, reflecting the diversity within the Arab population.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is one of the most popular sports in Rahat, attracting many local teams and enthusiasts.

Basketball

Basketball is widely played in Rahat, with many community centers and courts available for both youth and adult players.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a popular sport in Rahat, with local tournaments and recreational play among residents.

Athletics

Athletics events, including running and track and field, are popular in Rahat, with local clubs promoting fitness and sports participation.

Martial Arts

Various forms of martial arts are practiced in Rahat, including judo and karate, contributing to local youth engagement and empowerment.

Traffic

The city experiences a mix of local and regional traffic, influenced by its demographic and geographical context. Roads are generally well-maintained, accommodating both passenger vehicles and public transportation. Traffic congestion may occur during peak hours, especially as residents commute to surrounding areas for work or education. Public transportation options, including buses, serve to connect Rahat with nearby cities and towns, contributing to the flow of traffic. In addition, the city's layout, with residential areas and commercial centers, can create bottlenecks at certain intersections. Overall, traffic in the area reflects the growth and development of Rahat, as well as the dynamics of its population and surrounding regions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Rahat.

Hotels Apartments

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

While meat-centric, many local eateries offer delectable vegetarian and vegan options such as hummus, falafel, stuffed vine leaves, and grilled vegetable platters, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for non-meat eaters.

Gluten-Free

Visitors with gluten sensitivity can relish dishes like grilled meats, fresh salads, and rice-based pilafs, with several restaurants accommodating gluten-free dietary preferences upon request.

Healthcare

Rahat is a city located in southern Israel and is known as a predominantly Bedouin municipality. The healthcare system in Rahat reflects both the general structure of healthcare in Israel and the unique needs of its community. In Israel, healthcare is universal and predominantly provided through a system of health funds (Kupot Holim), which ensure that all residents have access to healthcare services. Residents in Rahat are entitled to the same healthcare services as those in other parts of the country, including primary care, specialist services, hospital care, and preventive services. The city has several clinics that provide primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, and preventive care. Some of these clinics are operated by the major health funds such as Clalit, Maccabi, and Meuhedet. Additionally, there are specialty clinics that focus on various health needs, including dental care and mental health services. However, challenges exist in Rahat. There can be disparities in healthcare access and outcomes compared to more affluent areas, stemming from socioeconomic factors, cultural differences, and geographic factors. Efforts have been made to improve healthcare services in the area, including outreach programs to address health education and preventive care within the Bedouin community. Emergency medical services in Rahat are also available, with Magen David Adom providing ambulance services throughout the city and the surrounding regions. Overall, while the healthcare system in Rahat is comprehensive and access to medical care is guaranteed, ongoing efforts are necessary to address the specific needs and challenges faced by the local population.

Discover Israel

Read more in our Israel 2024 Travel Guide.

Israel Travel Guide