During a quiet weekday morning, we decided to drop the pup off at doggy daycare and head to the train station. During this quick day trip, we found ourselves about an hour south of Tel Aviv. We visited the adorable little town of Ramla, Israel. Ramla is a city located in central Israel. Its history dates back to the 7th century, making it one of the oldest cities in the region. As one of the oldest cities in the region, it has seen the rise and fall of empires, including the Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman empires. Known for its rich cultural heritage and lively markets, Ramla offers a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of the Middle East. From historic landmarks to delicious cuisine and local crafts, there’s something for everyone in Ramla, Israel. So, let’s go explore Ramla together.
Is Ramla Israel Worth Visiting?
Ramla, Israel is absolutely worth a visit for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is a city steeped in history and culture. It has a unique mix of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian influences. These influences are evident in the architecture, traditions, and cuisine of the city. The city has a rich history and many ancient landmarks, such as the White Tower, the Pool of Arches, and the Great Mosque. Ramla also offers a vibrant and bustling market scene, where visitors can haggle for unique souvenirs and try out delicious local cuisine. Lastly, the city is easily accessible from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, making it a perfect day trip destination for visitors to these cities. Overall, Ramla offers an immersive cultural experience, delicious food, and historical landmarks, making it a fun destination in Israel.
Getting To Ramla Israel
Its location in Central Israel makes it an easy day trip from either of Israel’s major cities. If you’re planning a trip, a few transportation options are available depending on your starting point and preferences.
Take A Train To Ramla Israel
One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to reach Ramla is by train. Israel Railways offers regular service from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Ramla. From Tel Aviv, it takes around 30 minutes to reach Ramla, while from Jerusalem, it takes around an hour. The cost of a round-trip ticket is usually around 15 shekels (less than $5 USD). Trains run frequently during the day, so you can easily plan your trip around the train schedule.
A quick note about taking the train from Tel Aviv: when you get off the train at the platform, there is an easy exit out of the station, but don’t take it! Head up the stairs or escalator, over the tracks, and out on the opposite side of the platform. Leave through the main entrance with the security checkpoint. I’ll put you much closer to the city. Otherwise, you have to walk a block down to cross over the tracks and then a block back up to head towards the city center.
Interested in other train trips around Israel? Look at this day trip to Jerusalem via train.
Take A Bus To Ramla Israel
Another option is to take a bus from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to Ramla. Egged is the main inter-city bus operator in Israel, and they provide regular service to Ramla from both cities. The journey time is usually around an hour and a round-trip ticket costs around 15-20 shekels (around $5-6 USD). However, taking a bus may not be as comfortable as taking a train, especially during rush hour.
Driving To Ramla Israel
If you prefer to drive, Ramla is easily accessible from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem via Highway 1. The journey time is usually around 30 minutes from Tel Aviv and around an hour from Jerusalem. However, parking in Ramla can be a bit of a challenge, especially in the city center.
Exploring the City of Ramla Israel
The three most common attractions in Ramla, Israel, are The Pool Of Arches, The White Tower, and The Ramla Museum. The total cost of all three attractions purchased together was only 42 NIS, or about $12 USD per person. So, you get a lot of value for very little cost. But, even outside of those three more heavily advertised attractions, there are even more sites that aren’t as touristy.
The Pool Of Arches
The Pool of Arches is one of the must-see attractions in Ramla, Israel. It is a unique structure that dates back to the 8th century and was used as a water reservoir during the early Islamic period. You can walk around its perimeter, take in the stunning views, and learn about the history of this ancient structure. Then, head down a flight of stairs, hop into a row boat, and paddle around the pool. Yes, I’ll admit that it’s small and not particularly impressive, but its 17 arches make for some really cool photos.
The Ramla Museum
The Ramla Museum is one of the top attractions in Ramla, Israel. It is located in a beautiful Ottoman-era building that was once used as a courthouse. The museum showcases the rich history and culture of Ramla. With exhibits that cover everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. You can learn about the city’s diverse population and the unique mix of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian influences that have shaped its identity over the centuries. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of local and international artists.
The White Tower
The White Tower is one of the most iconic structures in Ramla, Israel. It is a square tower that stands at the center of the city’s old town. The tower dates back to the 13th century and was built by the Mamluks, who ruled the region at the time. The tower has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a prison and a mosque. Today, it stands as a symbol of Ramla’s rich history and cultural heritage. You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city and learn about its exciting history. Just note that there are a lot of stairs, and they can be narrow and slippery, so use caution as you climb to the top of the tower. But the views from the top are incredible.
Truck & Transportation Museum
The Truck and Transportation Museum is a unique and fascinating attraction that showcases the history of transportation in Israel. The museum boasts a collection of over 200 vintage trucks, buses, and cars from different eras. Including some that date back to the early 20th century. You can take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the evolution of transportation in Israel. From the first horse-drawn carriages to the modern-day buses and trucks used today. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages, making it a great educational experience for families and transportation enthusiasts.
The Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque in Ramla, Israel, is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. Initially built in the 8th century, the mosque has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries, resulting in a beautiful blend of styles and influences. Its most striking feature is the tall, slender minaret, which rises high above the surrounding buildings and can be seen from miles away. You can enter the mosque and admire its intricate tilework, elegant arches, and spacious prayer hall. The mosque is an essential landmark in Ramla and a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Food and Drink
There are so many incredible options for food in Ramla, and because it is less of a tourist destination, there is a much more local feel to the place. Of course, being that it’s not a tourist location, many of the places we stopped for food struggled to speak English. So we had to practice our Hebrew a little bit more, and we made it work. We ate lunch at Khalil Restaurant, which, despite speaking limited English, did have a printed menu in English. It was obviously more of a local diner, with lively conversation among the other diners.
There is so much good food in Israel. It’s worth a visit, even if you only like to eat.
One of the top-rated spots is the Al-Shami Restaurant, which offers traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and is particularly famous for its hummus and falafel. Another popular restaurant is the “Cafe’ Cafe’.” Which offers a more contemporary take on Israeli cuisine, with dishes like shakshuka and grilled meats. Meanwhile, the Jaffa Bakery is an excellent spot for those with a sweet tooth. Offering a variety of pastries, cakes, and other baked goods. Overall, there’s no shortage of great restaurants to choose from in Ramla so be sure to come hungry and ready to explore the local food scene.
Shopping
Ramla offers a vibrant and bustling market scene that is perfect for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs and local crafts. The Ramla Market, also known as the “shuk,” is a vibrant bazaar that sells everything from fresh produce to handmade jewelry and clothing. The market is divided into different sections, with each section dedicated to a specific type of product. You can wander through the market, haggle with the vendors, and try out local cuisine. In addition to the Ramla Market, several small shops and boutiques are located throughout the city where visitors can find unique and one-of-a-kind items. Whether you’re looking for traditional Middle Eastern spices, handmade pottery, or beautiful textiles, Ramla has something for everyone.
Want to do more shopping? Check out our list of all of the Outdoor Markets in Tel Aviv.
Ramla, Israel, is also home to several malls and shopping centers that offer a unique shopping experience to visitors. One of the most popular malls in the city is the Ramla Mall, which is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide range of shops and restaurants. The mall features a mix of international and local brands, including clothing, electronics, and home goods stores. Another popular shopping center in Ramla is the G Mall. G Mall is a more modern shopping complex that features several high-end boutiques and designer stores. Additionally, the city has several traditional markets where visitors can shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and fresh produce.
In Conclusion
For a day trip, Ramla was perfect. We saw some remarkable history, rowed a boat, and climbed a flight of stairs to the top of a tower. (And yes, we are counting that as our exercise for today.) We ate some incredible local food, did some shopping, and met some locals who don’t interact with tourists all of the time. The total cost was less than $50 for the entire day, including train transportation to and from Ramla, Israel. We spent about 5 hours there, which was perfect as a day trip. We made it home in the evening with enough time to cuddle on the couch with the tired-out pup and tell you about our adventures. I look forward to telling you about our next day trip adventure soon.
