Places We Love in Israel

Hidden Gems and Other Things We Love to Do

Whether you have done all the regular tourist things before and are looking for something to do, need a place to eat or are just wondering what we like, below you will find a collection of our  favorite off-the-beaten-path (mostly) things to do and places to visit while we are Israel. We hope you enjoy them too!

16 Shammai St., Jerusalem

Babette - Waffle House - Jerusalem

A hole-in-the-wall restaurant if there ever was one, Babette has a tiny storefront that is easy to miss even if you are looking for it. Inside is no bigger, with few seats, even less table space and no bathrooms. Don't let the size of the place get you down though, the food here is amazing. When I say food, I mean waffles, because the only food they make is waffles, but, boy, do they make good waffles. Every waffle is made fresh after ordering. A typical order is a double waffle with different toppings on each side, and you can top your waffle with pretty much anything: chocolate sauce,  dulce de leche, cinnamon cream cheese, bananas, berries, nuts, and anything else from their long list of available toppings. Come here for dessert, a midnight snack, or make waffles your dinner if you want to. You won't want to miss their hot chocolate or apple cider either.

Montefiore Windmill and Yemin Moshe Neighborhood - Jerusalem

One of the first structures to be built outside of the Old City, the windmill, built by Moses Montefiore in 1857, stands as a monument to progress and industry in modern Israel. It was renovated only a few years ago and the blades now spin regularly, and occasionally, flour is even milled there. While there, you can learn about the first Jewish settlements outside the Old City walls. Afterwards, feel free to walk through the "modern" (comparitively) streets of the serene Yemin Moshe  neighborhood, and take in the spectacular views of the hills around Jerusalem.

17 Ha-Tsayar Ya'akov Shteinardt St, Jerusalem

2 Ya'avetz St., Jerusalem

Sefer V'Sefel - Bookstore - Jerusalem

Located upstairs, in an alley, off a side street, in the heart of Jerusalem, Sefer V'Sefel is a gem of a used book store. Despite the fact that you cannot see the store from the street, I do not think I can still call it "hidden" since the last time I was there there was actual signage on the street pointing towards the store in the alley courtyard. The store itself is filled floor to ceiling with books and has a huge selection from every genre imaginable. The prices are pretty low too. If you like books, or, especially, bookstores, this is one place you won't want to miss. Fair warning: you probably won't walk out empty handed.