Beer Sheva, often referred to as the capital of southern Israel and one of the country's oldest cities, dates back to Biblical times. Although it may not be on every tourist’s itinerary like Tel Aviv, Be'er Sheva is rich in history, culture, and modern developments. From its Ottoman-era roots to its cutting-edge science parks and universities, Beer Sheba offers a unique blend of old and new. This article will explore the 17 must-see things to do in Beer Sheva.

17 Best Things to Do in Beer Sheva

 1. Discover the Old City of Beer Sheva

The Old Turkish Town of Be'er Sheva is a unique historical site, as it’s the only planned Ottoman city in the region. Built by the Ottoman Empire during Ottoman rule, the Old City still retains its distinctive architecture, including key landmarks like the Governor’s House (built in 1906) which now houses the Negev Museum of Art. Stroll through streets lined with Ottoman-era buildings, many of which have been restored, to get a sense of what life was like in the early 20th century.

Other notable stops in the Old City include the city’s first mosque, also built in 1906, and the Turkish Railway Station, constructed during World War I. The Be'er Sheva Old City Market is a vibrant center of activity, offering everything from traditional Bedouin crafts to modern goods.

2. Explore the Negev Museum of Art

Housed in a historic building from the Ottoman period, the Negev Museum of Art offers a cultural escape with its rotating exhibitions that focus on contemporary Israeli art. It is the largest art museum in the southern region and features a variety of exhibits from sculpture to painting, providing insight into the diverse and dynamic art scene in Israel. The museum itself is a relic of Be’er Sheva's past, adding to its charm as a cultural and historical institution.

3. Visit Abraham’s Well International Visitors Center

Biblical and Holy Land history is a major topic for visitors to Be'er Sheva, and no place embodies this more than Abraham’s Well, a site linked to the patriarch Abraham. The Abraham's Well International Visitors Center presents interactive exhibits that delve into the history of the well and the significance of Abraham in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Visitors can explore this ancient site while engaging with multimedia presentations that bring the story of Abraham to life.

4. Enjoy Be'er Sheva River Park

Be’er Sheva River Park is a massive urban green space that has revitalized the city’s dry riverbed into a flourishing public park. Donated by JNF USA and Spanning over 5,000 acres, this park features walking and biking trails, a man-made lake, and a large amphitheater that hosts concerts and events. The park is an excellent spot for families, offering picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, providing a peaceful retreat within the bustling city.

 5. Tour the Carasso Science Park

Perfect for science lovers, the Carasso Science Park is an interactive museum dedicated to science, technology, and innovation. Located in the heart of Be’er Sheva, this modern facility offers hands-on exhibits that cater to both children and adults. With a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, the park includes interactive displays on topics such as physics, chemistry, and renewable energy. Workshops and events are also regularly held to engage visitors in the wonders of science.

6. Explore the Bedouin Market

A longstanding tradition in Be'er Sheva, the Bedouin Market is held every Thursday and has been in operation since 1905. Bedouins from nearby villages come to sell authentic goods such as copper products, glassware, handmade jewelry, and traditional woven rugs. It’s a bustling, colorful marketplace where visitors can experience Bedouin culture first-hand. Modern stalls selling clothing, cookies, footwear, and street food have also become a part of this vibrant market, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Be'er Sheva.

7. Discover Be'er Sheva’s Nightlife and Culinary Scene

With a thriving student population, Be'er Sheva’s nightlife has blossomed in recent years. Thanks to the growing presence of Ben Gurion University of the Negev, the city now boasts a variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes, many of which are concentrated in the Old City. Visitors can enjoy traditional Middle Eastern cuisine alongside trendy fusion dishes, reflecting the city’s mix of ancient and modern influences. From cozy cafes to bustling nightclubs, Be’er Sheva’s nightlife offers something for everyone.

8. Explore Tel Beer Sheba – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tel Beer Sheva, located about 5 kilometers east of the modern city, is an archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the ruins of the ancient city. Visitors can explore the remains of a walled city dating back to the Israelite monarchic period, including well-preserved structures from the Roman period. One of the amazing things is the sophisticated ancient water system and the ruins of a city gate. This is a must-visit thing for history buffs interested in biblical archaeology.

9. Take a Campus Tour of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is not just an academic institution but also a hub of culture and innovation. A campus tour offers a look at some of the university’s state-of-the-art research centers focused on technology, sustainability, and desert studies. Public art installations and occasional cultural events held on campus provide further reasons to visit, as the university plays a crucial role in Be’er Sheva’s transformation into a modern city.

10. Attend Festivals and Cultural Events

Be'er Sheva is home to several vibrant festivals and cultural events throughout the year, offering visitors a rich cultural experience. The Be'er Sheva Fringe Festival is an annual celebration of alternative theater, music, and street performances, showcasing local talent and creativity. The Desert Nights Music Festival, held in the Northern Negev Desert, attracts music lovers from across Israel with its unique combination of music and desert ambiance. Additionally, the city hosts events like the Southern Theater Festival and Darom Adom Festival, providing even more opportunities to enjoy art, music, and local culture.

11. Explore the Negev Desert

The southern district is the perfect base for exploring the vast Negev Desert with Camel Riding and Jeep Tours. The Makhtesh Ramon Crater, a geological wonder offers stunning landscapes and opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing. For a cultural twist, consider an overnight stay in a Bedouin tent, Leonardo Hotel Negev, or Sapir Boutique apartments.

12. Take a Walking Tour of Modern Be'er Sheva

Be'er Sheva’s urban landscape is rapidly changing, and a walking tour of the modern city highlights its transformation. From cutting-edge infrastructure to its thriving High-Tech Park, the city is becoming a hub of innovation. Alongside these developments, public art installations and street art murals can be found throughout the city's cultural center, reflecting its youthful, creative energy.

13.  Shop at Grand Canyon Mall

For those looking for a modern shopping experience, the Grand Canyon Mall in Beer Sheva is the largest shopping center in southern Israel. The mall offers a variety of international and local brands, along with entertainment options like cinemas and dining establishments, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.

14. Day Trip to Tel Arad

A day tour from Be'er Sheva to Tel Arad offers a fascinating journey into ancient history and stunning desert landscapes. Located about 30 kilometers east of Be'er Sheva, Tel Arad is an important archaeological site with remains of both a Canaanite city and a later Israelite fortress. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, including the ancient water reservoir system, city walls, and the Israelite temple—the only known Judahite temple outside of Jerusalem. As you walk through the site, you'll get a sense of life in the Negev Desert thousands of years ago. The panoramic views of the surrounding desert and hills make it a perfect day trip for history buffs and nature lovers alike, combining archaeology with the beauty of the Negev.

15. ANZAC Memorial

For those interested in military history, the ANZAC Memorial commemorates the role of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in the 1917 Battle of Beer Sheva during World War I. The memorial offers exhibits on the battle and its significance in shaping the history of the region.

16. Negev Brigade Memorial

The Negev Brigade Memorial, located on a hill east of Beer Sheva, is an impressive sculptural artwork created by artist Dani Karavan. The memorial was built to honor the soldiers of the Negev Brigade of the Palmach who fell in Israel's War of Independence (1948) during the battles to liberate the Negev.

The memorial consists of several geometric concrete structures that blend into the surrounding desert landscape, conveying a sense of strength and simplicity. Among the interesting elements are an observation tower, perforated walls that resemble bullet holes, an echo dome, and a tall, thin metal pole called "The Spear of the Wind," symbolizing resilience. There is also a system of trenches that represent the battle trenches used during the war.

Karavan designed the memorial not only as a place of remembrance but also to connect visitors with the desert landscape and the historic struggle of the Negev Brigade. Over the years, the memorial has become a symbol of the Negev and a place where people come to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers.

 17. Visit the Israeli Air Force Museum

Located just outside Beer Sheva near Hatzerim Airbase, the Israeli Air Force Museum showcases a wide collection of historic aircraft, from early fighter jets to modern drones. It’s a fascinating place for aviation enthusiasts, with exhibits detailing the history of Israel’s air force and its pivotal role in defending the country. The museum offers guided tours, and visitors may even catch an air demonstration from the nearby base.

18. Explore the Negev Zoo (Midbarium)

The Negev Zoo, also known as the Midbarium, is a newly expanded zoo located within Beer Sheva. The zoo specializes in desert wildlife, featuring species native to the Negev and other arid regions, such as sand foxes, desert birds, and camels. Educational programs and interactive experiences, such as animal feedings, make the zoo a great family-friendly destination. The zoo also has shaded picnic areas and a petting zoo for younger visitors.

19. Soroka Medical Center

Soroka is one of the largest and most important hospitals in Israel, serving as the main university hospital in the south. It is located in Beer Sheva and is affiliated with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Soroka is the only hospital in the Negev region, providing medical services to around 1.2 million residents, making it a crucial healthcare and strategic facility.

The hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including intensive care, trauma, surgery, maternity, oncology, and more. Soroka combines scientific research with advanced healthcare services and is recognized for its professional and innovative care. It is also one of the leading hospitals in Israel for treating soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in emergencies.

On October 7, 2023, during a major terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel—one of the most severe attacks on the country since its founding—Soroka Medical Center played a critical role in treating the wounded. The attack began early in the morning with heavy rocket fire and the infiltration of terrorists into civilian areas near Gaza, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including many soldiers and civilians.

As the main trauma center in southern Israel, Soroka was one of the key hospitals that received the most severely injured victims. The hospital immediately activated its emergency response and reinforced its medical teams. Throughout the events, Soroka treated many wounded individuals, some of whom were in critical condition. Thanks to the expertise of the trauma and emergency teams, life-saving treatments were provided on the spot.

Come to Beer Sheva, There are so Many Things to Do!

In conclusion, Be'er Sheva offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions that make it a unique destination in Israel. From exploring the Ottoman-era architecture in the Old City and the archaeological wonders of Tel Be'er Sheva to enjoying the vibrant markets, festivals, and cutting-edge science parks, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're interested in ancient history, outdoor adventures in the Negev Desert, or immersing yourself in local art and nightlife, Be'er Sheva provides a diverse and unforgettable experience.