बेथ शीआन

Understand

Beit She'an has been inhabited since Biblical times, and the city is mentioned several times in the Bible. Later, it became a major city in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today, there are several archaeological sites from different time periods.

The Beit She'an Valley is below sea level, so it gets very hot and humid in summer. On the positive site, it has numerous springs and water sources that you can cool off in on a hot day. For that reason, many Israelis travel here to relax in the springs or during hot summer days. The valley was even nicknamed the "gateway to heaven" in Jewish sources.

Though considered by many to be an extension of the neighboring Jezreel Valley region, the Beit She'an Valley really does possess its own unique geography and character. The Gilboa mountain range borders the Beit She'an Valley in the southwest.

Get around

Hitchhiking is relatively common here, and considered safer than in other parts of Israel. Without a car, it can be the only way of getting to some of the more remote communities. Stand in a safe place by the side of the road (like a bus stop) and point your index finger outward. To indicate that you want to go somewhere close by, you can point towards the ground.

See

thumb|right|200px|"Sakhne", flowing through different Kibbutzim from the Gilboa mountain to Jordan river. thumb|right|300px|Natural spring in the northern part of the valley

Do

Smoke Hooker/Nagilah (water pipe with flavored tobacco) – You're bound to see old men or young teenagers in Beit She'an relaxing while smoking Nagilah. You can rent one from many small shops for around ₪10. They will set it up for you with the coal and tobacco, all you have to do is breathe in, feel the flavor and remember it's one of the few things that both young adults and old men enjoy doing.

Buy

Beit She'an Flea Market – there is a flea market on Wednesdays which has many nice fruits and vegetables, and a small selection of cheap clothes.

Sleep

Not many budget options exist in Beit She'an. It is probably best to stay in the surrounding areas and visit the Beit She'an Valley for a day trip.