A favourite with students and young families, Beit Shemesh is an upbeat neighbourhood in Israel's Jerusalem District, home to local museums and ancient ruins. Beit Shemesh is also a great base for hiking the Jerusalem Hills, day trips to Jerusalem and visiting the Tzora winemaking region.
Things to do in Beit Shemesh
Mentioned in the Bible, the ancient city of Tel Beit Shemesh was named after Shemesh, the Canaanite sun goddess. It sits high on a hillside hill and commands sweeping views over the Jerusalem Hills where you can wander around the crumbling ruins.
Beit Shemesh sits on the border of Tzora, one of Israel's most prominent winemaking regions. It's dotted with boutique vineyards, including internationally-acclaimed wineries like Clos de Gat. Don't leave without tasting the famous Syrah series. Flam winery is another favourite, sourcing grapes from the nearby Judean Hills and Upper Galilee mountains.
For a taste of local history, why not spend the day museum hopping around Beit Shemesh? The fascinating Biblical Museum of Natural History spotlights the role of animals in Jewish tradition. You'll learn about Kosher laws, Judaism's signature "shofar" ram's horn instrument and farming practices.
If you want to stretch your legs, head to the rugged Jerusalem Hills. They're laced with forested trails that offer sweeping views over the city. You'll also find scenic hiking trails in the Valley of Elah, where David famously clashed with Goliath.
Getting around Beit Shemesh
Beit Shemesh is easy to get around on foot, though you'll need a car to explore the surrounding wineries and hiking trails. Trains run from Beit Shemesh Railway Station to Jerusalem in around one hour and local buses also make the trip. Ben Gurion International Airport is about 45 minutes away.