Tourist’s guide to Rehovot: what to see and what to do

Rehovot (Israel), whose name translates as “wide expanse”, has a unique atmosphere in which modern high-rise buildings are combined with picturesque green corners, and the latest achievements of science and technology go side by side with important historical sights. Get to know this place better?

Rehovot, Israel

General information

Coat of arms of Rehovot

If you look at Rehovot on a map of Israel, you can easily see that it is located in the center of the country on the Primorsky Plain, which is no more than 10 km from the Mediterranean Sea.

The history of this city began at the end of the 19th century, when immigrants from the Russian Empire and Poland decided to build moshav on the site of the former Bedouin settlement. At that time, the population of the village totaled only 300 inhabitants, the main occupation of which was agriculture. The main priority was given to the cultivation of citrus, almond nuts and grapes, which laid the foundation for local winemaking.

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Rechvot in 1893

Perhaps Rehovot would have remained an unknown point on the map of Israel, if not for the immigrants who arrived here after the First World War. It was with their light hand that the city began to develop. It opened shops, schools, cultural and entertainment facilities, various enterprises and educational institutions (including the famous Research Institute). Gradually, Rehovot “captured” the neighboring villages – Oshyot, Shaaraim, Marmorek, Kfar-Gvirol, Zarnuku, etc. adjacent to it. So, a small moshavim turned into an important cultural and business center, in which about 100 thousand people lived and worked.

Square with the first city bell

The main places of Rehovot, reminiscent of that distant time, are Jacob Street, named after a prominent political figure in Israel, the square with the first city bell, which served as a clock, and a wooden postal building, in front of which local residents gathered to discuss the latest news.

Today, Rehovot is an essential part of the research world. It operates the Jewish Institute, the School for the Study of Food Consumption and other well-known institutions in Israel. And here, like many years ago, citrus trees are actively grown, from the fruits of which juices, jams, concentrates and other popular products are made.

What to see?

Of course, the city of Rehovot in Israel cannot boast as many attractions as, for example, Tl Aviv, Haifa or Nazareth, however, there are many iconic places here. Here are just a few of them.

Ayalon Institute Museum

The Ayalon Institute Museum, located in the heart of the city, was built during the war of the Jewish people with the British invaders (30s of the 20th century). At that difficult time for local residents, a group of activists decided to open a secret factory, where it would be possible to produce live ammunition and guns. And to hide this fact, he was given out as a kibbutz, a room intended for agricultural purposes. Outside – a simple barn, but if you go down 7.5 meters – and it will be a factory the size of a tennis court. You will not believe it, but at the peak of its development, Ayalon produced up to 40 thousand rounds per day, which were transported to all corners of the country.

Ayalon Institute Museum

Despite the demand, the plant lasted only 3 years, and then simply closed and remained unowned for many years. The situation changed only in 1987, when the authorities decided not only to restore the building of the former factory, but also to make it a historical museum.

At the Ayalon Institute Museum

Currently, one can see an audiovisual show telling about important events for Israel, sit in the dining room, walk through narrow underground corridors, visit the house of delegations and a conference room for 400 guests. At the end of a busy excursion program, tired tourists are offered to relax in a eucalyptus grove dotted with trading tents and picnic tables. But the quest is most in demand, suggesting a search for a secret underground entrance, and an examination of still operating equipment for the production of ammunition.

Factory part

Important! Tickets must be booked in advance. At the same time, excursions outside working hours are organized at an additional cost. Tours are held in 2 languages ​​- Hebrew and English.

Address:  Rehov David Pikes 1 | Kibbutz Hill, Science Park, Rehovot 76320, Israel

Working hours:

  • Sun-Thu – from 8.30 to 16.00;
  • Fri – from 8.30 to 14.00;
  • Sat – from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

House Museum of the First President of Israel (Weizmann House)

Another important attraction of Rehovot is Weizmann House. The private house, which served as the official residence of Jaim Weizmann, the first president of Israel and the distinguished scientist who founded two academic institutes, lurks among a grove of citrus trees.

House Museum of the First President of Israel

The three-story building, built by Erich Mendelssohn in 1937, looks very beautiful, in addition, it has preserved many personal items, unique works of art and rare furniture. In addition, the museum owns a Lincoln car donated to Weizmann by Henry Ford, tens of thousands of archival documents relating to various scholars, famous personalities and statesmen, and a memorial square with a sculpture erected in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

Lincoln Machine

A small patio with a swimming pool, a high tower with carved windows and well-kept flower beds deserves no less attention. And most importantly, from here you can enjoy a beautiful panorama overlooking the Judean mountains and urban surroundings. Currently, Weizmann House with all its values ​​and attractions belongs to the State of Israel – this is the will of the owners.

At Weizmann House

Important! To arrange a visit, call: + 972-8-9343384. Here you can also specify the cost of entrance tickets.

Address: 234 Herzl St, Rehovot, Israel

Hours: Sun-Thu from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Clore Garden of Science

Science Park named after Klora is the first educational museum in the world, spreading over 7 thousand square meters. m of open space. The main task of the park is to arouse interest in science and show that it can be completely boring. The founders of the museum did it quite well – today Clor Science Park is one of the most visited places in the city of Rehovot.

Clore Science Park

Here you can see a lot of interesting things. For example, to observe the appearance of air bubbles on the surface of the water, to understand at what speed sea waves move, to understand the operation of satellite television, to find out what causes a rainbow, etc. And most importantly – acquaintance with complex natural and physical phenomena takes place with the participation of unique interactive exhibits that can interest not only children but also adults.

Children in the Clore Science Park

Important! The visit program must be agreed at least 48 hours before the appointed date. It is very simple to do this – just call the phone number: + 972-8-9378300.

Address:  234 Herzl Street, Rehovot, Israel

Working hours:

  • Sun-Thu – from 9.00 to 20. 00;
  • Fri.- Sat. – day off.

Ticket price:

  • Adult – 40 ILS;
  • Children – 35 ILS;
  • Students / retired / disabled – 20 ILS;
  • Children under 5 years old – free of charge.

Where to stay?

The city of Rehovot in Israel offers a huge selection of housing for every taste and budget. The type of hotel and the estimated cost of living in high season are shown in the table.

Type of housing Price for a double room per night in shekels
Economy Room 300
Studio Room 500
Comfort Room 600
Garden View Apartment 800
Apartment with a balcony 1400

The most booked hotels in Rehovot are:

Hotel room Leonardo Boutique Rehovot
Leonardo Boutique Rehovot
  • Leonardo Boutique Rehovot is a comfortable boutique hotel, opened near the Weizmann Institute in 2011. It has 5 floors, includes 116 rooms, a gym, several conference rooms and business lounges, as well as a cafe bar and a cozy lounge area. The territory has free WI-FI;
  • Casa Vital Boutique Hotel is a luxury hotel built in the center of a vibrant shopping area. It consists of 10 apartments and studios, equipped with a full kitchen, a minibar and a bathroom. In addition, the hotel provides babysitting services, unlimited internet access and free parking;
  • Room at Estate Spa - Boutique Hotel
    Estate Spa – Boutique Hotel
  • Estate Spa – Boutique Hotel is a wonderful spa complex that provides several free services at once (internet, parking, hot tub, spa treatments and sauna). All rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, air conditioning, a small kitchen, a bathroom and a DVD player. Continental breakfast is served daily.
  • Zimer in Rehovot is a wonderful non-smoking lodge. There is access to WI-FI, parking, a playground with a barbecue set. The rooms are only double. Each is equipped with a fridge, kettle and private dining area, located on the street;
  • Israeli Home is a chic apartment with an outdoor terrace and free public parking. Located a 20-minute walk from the city center – near the Wesemann Scientific Institute. The rooms have a safe, a bathroom, a balcony, an LCD TV, a work desk and a fully equipped kitchen. Internet access is free. Babysitting services are available.

All prices on the page are for March 2019.

Find out RATES or book any accommodation using this form

When is it better to come?

Air temperature in Rehovot

Another important feature of Rehovot is its mild climate and good weather. In winter, air temperature rarely drops below + 7 ° C; in summer, the thermometer reaches + 30 ° C. It rains very rarely – mostly in early spring. The best months to visit are: September, May, October, April, March and November.

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How to get there

The city of Rehovot is in close proximity to the international airport. Ben Gurion (15.3 km) and the capital of Israel, Tel Aviv. Getting to it is most convenient by train, so consider this option in more detail.

By train to Rehovot
Station Platform Departure time Departure Frequency Travel time Transfer Ticket price in shekels
General Student Retirement
Ben Gurion Airport No. 2, 3 05/06-22.37 Every 30 minutes About an hour Tel Aviv 15.00 7.50 7.50
Tel Aviv-Merkaz – Central No. 3, 4 06.19-22.56 Every 30 minutes About half an hour Non-stop 13.50 6.50 6.50
Tel Aviv – University No. 3, 4 06.19-22.56 Every 30 minutes About half an hour Non-stop 13.50 6.50 6.50
Tel Aviv – Haganah No. 2, 3 06.26-23.03 Every 30 minutes About half an hour Non-stop 13.50 6.50 6.50
Tel Aviv – Hashalom Number 3.2 06.21-22.58 Every 30 minutes About half an hour Non-stop 13.50 6.50 6.50

You can buy tickets not only at the box office, but also on the official website of the railway of Israel – www.rail.co.il/ru.

As you can see, Rehovot (Israel) is an interesting city, which is worth a visit if you have some time. Here you can find many unusual places and useful activities. Enjoy your experience and rich rest!



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