It is a wonderful city that dates back to biblical times. It is in a way the gateway to the Negev desert and will fascinate you with its archaeological history. The city is mentioned in the Bible and was the starting point for the flourishing of monotheism on the edge of the desert. Its museums, its archaeological monuments, its parks and its inhabitants compose a puzzle of unique images and experiences. It’s an old Turkish town and there are several buildings reminiscent of the Ottoman Period.
Currency: Israel New Shekel
Calling Code: +972
Nearest airports from city center: Tel Aviv Airport (98km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** NEGEV MUSEUM OF ART (Remez Garden, HaAtsmaut St 60, Be’er Sheva)
Housed in the house of the former Turkish governor in the Old Town, it was built in 1906 and was also used as the town hall. It includes three galleries with works by important artists.
*** ANZAC MEMORIAL CENTER (Ostrovsky 4 street, Be’er Sheva)
It opened in 2017 and is dedicated to ANZAC, that is, the military expeditionary force of Australians and New Zealanders who fought for their homeland in the Land of Israel and in the city.
*** TEL BE’ER SHEBA
About 5 km. away from the city center are the archaeological remains of the biblical city and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will find, among other things, relics from the Roman period.
*** ABRAHAM’S WELL (Derekh Hebron 2, Be’er Sheva)
The tour lasts about an hour and covers some important moments in Abraham’s life. You will see the historical well that is related to the biblical narrative of the father of monotheism and which is a story of faith and devotion.
*** OLD TURKISH RAILWAY STATION (David Tobiahu 65, corner, Eli Daivis St, Be’er Sheva)
It was built in 1915 and was an intermediate station between Cairo and Damascus. Now, it’s a cultural space where you’ll see train cars from the last century and a gallery of historical photos and memorabilia of the city.
*** ISRAELI AIR FORCE MUSEUM
It is located in the Hatzerim region, about 10 km away from Be’er Sheva and is in the northern part of the Negev. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and you will be able to see over 150 planes.
*** MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC AND NEAR EASTERN CULTURES (HaAtsmaut St 60, Be’er Sheva)
It is housed in an Ottoman mosque built in the early 20th century and opened as a museum in 2012. You can see the beauties of Islamic culture with modern artworks, carpets, ceramics and calligraphy.
*** BEDOUIN MARKET
If you visit Be’er Sheva on Thursday, then we would recommend you to visit this particular market that will take you back to 1905 when it first opened. Bedouins from neighboring villages sell authentic Bedouin products (copper, glass, jewelry, carpets, clothes, food).
*** OLD TURKISH TOWN
The Negev Museum of Art, Turkish railway station and Museum of Islamic and Near Eastern Cultures are located there, but we would recommend you take a walk in that area to see other buildings and streets that bear the imprint of the Ottoman period.
*** CARASSO SCIENCE PARK (HaAtsmaut St 79, Be’er Sheva)
It is the largest museum in Israel, dealing with science and technology. It is aimed at adults, but also at minors.
TΗINGS TO DO
*** The Taubel Center for the Preservation of Ethiopian Jewish Handcrafts is well worth your visit.
*** You are in the “Capital of the Negev Desert” and we would recommend taking a jeep tour (Dror BaMidbar Jeep Tour) to explore the sand dunes and ancient cities.
*** The city has several parks to relax in, including Children Park, Australian Soldier Park, Writer’s Park, High-Tech Park Bayside Negev and Beersheva River Park
*** The Monument to the Negev Brigade is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
*** If you have time then take the bus or drive your own car to the Dead Sea which is about 2.5 hours away.
FOOD AND DRINK
At Be’er Sheva you can try many cuisines, from Jewish and Mediterranean to Asian, Arabic and Turkish. Definitely try the traditional foods of the city such as falafel, hummus. Also, the city is famous for its special ways of cooking and roasting meats. Try the traditional kebabs and it goes without saying that you have to taste the street food, such as the chicken baguettes and tapas.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several options for finding affordable hotels or appartments in the city center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you have children with you then visit Babylon Park.
*** If you like ice games then go to Ice Peaks.
*** Lunada Museum is ideal for having a good time with your children.
*** For your shopping you can visit Grand Kenyon, Hanegev Mall, Big Beer Sheva, Azrieli Negev Mall and One Plaza.
*** Of course in every corner of the city there are shops to buy more traditional products or clothes.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bike.
CITIES NEAR BE’ER SHEVA
Major cities close to Be’er Sheva are Ashkelon (60km), Ashdod (85km), Jerusalem (106km), Tel Aviv (109km), Bethlehem (111km), Netanya (139km), Nazareth (188km) and Haifa (193km).
