Travel Guide to the Dead Sea [Things to do & Places to Visit]

By: Fatima Turla

Read our Dead Sea travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this magical and unique salt lake bordering Jordan.

Photo by WebsThatSell CC BY-NC 2.0

Everyone knows about the Dead Sea. Being mentioned in the bible and having the saltiest water on earth, it attracts a lot of tourists every year. However, there is so much more to explore in the Dead Sea region than the popular salt lake itself. In this article, we mentioned some of the things you can do and places to visit while you’re here.

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Table of Contents

Dead Sea Travel Guide: Things to do & Places to Visit around the Dead Sea

1. Float in the Dead Sea

Photo by Israel_photo_gallery CC BY-ND 2.0

When you’re in the Dead Sea Region, floating in the dead sea is a MUST. The Dead Sea is not only the lowest part of the earth but also the saltiest and most mineral-laden ocean in the world. It also serves as a source of healing and beauty treatment. Going here is a once in a lifetime experience.

Suggested Tour: From Jerusalem: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Guided Tour

2. Masada National Park

Photo by leiris202 CC BY-NC 2.0

You should never forget to visit Masada National Park. You will be impressed by how people lived here on the mountain over 2000 years ago. Plus it offers a fantastic view of the sea and the desert. It is about 450 m above the Dead Sea. The tragic history that Masada holds is something that will touch every tourists’ hearts.

Suggested Tour: Jerusalem: Masada National Park and Dead Sea Excursion

3. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Photo by David Jones 大卫 琼斯 CC BY-NC 2.0

En Gedi is Israel’s biggest oasis. If you have a whole day, you can take a long hike but it is quite steep and has slippery paths. Good shoes, a hat, and water are a must. Expect to see great views, lots of ibex, and water to cool off.

Suggested Tour: From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Guided Tour

4. Ein Gedi Botanical Garden

Photo by Israel_photo_gallery CC BY-ND 2.0

A walk through this beautiful botanical garden confronts you with plants that can only be seen in greenhouses. Trees, shrubs, flowers from all over the world make this botanical garden an experience to remember. Walk around and enjoy what your eyes see.

5. Have a Jeep Tour through the Judean Desert

Photo by Ray in Manila CC BY 2.0

Doing a Jeep Tour is an exciting thing to do in the Dead Sea Region. Get the chance to see some of the top historic, biblical, and natural sites in Israel. Exploring the desert by jeep lets you see parts of Israel that are inaccessible by car or bus. This tour also includes a visit to the dead sea.

Suggested Tour: Desert Jeep Adventure from Jerusalem

Dead Sea Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to the Dead Sea

Day 1 – Weekend Guide to the Dead Sea

Masada National Park

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to the Dead Sea

Jeep Tour at the Judean Desert
Dead Sea

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to the Dead Sea

En Gedi Nature Reserve
Ein Gedi Botanical Garden

Dead Sea Travel Guide: Where to Stay near the Dead Sea

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay near the Dead Sea if you’re a Backpacker

Ein Gedi Camp Lodge 

Ein Gedi Camp Lodge features free WiFi, a children’s playground and a sun terrace. All rooms include an outdoor seating area where you can relax. Rooms have a shared bathroom equipped with a shower.

Price: Starts at $35 per night for Bungalow with Sea View, additional charges may apply, $14 for breakfast (optional), but it offers a free cancellation.

House of the Rising Sun

Boasting family rooms, House of the Rising Sun provides guests with a children’s playground. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and a currency exchange for guests. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the hostel.

Price: Starts at $82 per night for Budget Double or Twin Room, additional charges may apply, $8 for breakfast (optional), but it offers a free cancellation.

Zimmer Dora

Zimmer Dora provides free parking and rooms with free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, and a furnished patio with BBQ. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a sofa and LCD TV with cable channels. Each one has a private bathroom with a shower.

Price: Starts at $86 per night for Classic Double Room, additional charges may apply, and it’s non-refundable.

Where to Stay near the Dead Sea if you’re on a Budget

Dead Sea Camping

Dead Sea Camping offers both Bungalow and empty lots. Guests can use shared toilets and showers at the property. The on-site restaurant serves Israeli cuisine and pizza.

Price: Starts at $103 per night for Bungalow, additional charges may apply, $14 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Zimmer Pnina

Zimmer Pnina is located in Neot Hakikar. Its air-conditioned apartment features a furnished terrace and satellite TV. The apartment comprises a kitchenette with a microwave and a dining area.

Price: Starts at $111 per night for Two-Bedroom Apartment with Terrace, additional charges may apply, $14 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

The Lowest Place on Earth

The Lowest Place on Earth has a restaurant, free bikes, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a shared lounge. The hostel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a microwave, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a DVD player.

Price: Starts at $114 per night for Basic Triple Room with Shared Bathroom, additional charges may apply, $8 for breakfast, and it’s non-refundable.

Where to Stay near the Dead Sea if you want Luxury

Aloni Neve Zohar Dead Sea

Aloni Neve Zohar Dead Sea offers self-catering accommodation with a mountain-view balcony. Free WiFi is available. Each room and apartment has a kitchenette with a kettle, microwave, and fridge. The private bathroom includes free toiletries. Staff at the property are available to give advice on trips and activities in the area.

Price: Starts at $143 per night for Double Room, additional charges may apply, and it’s non-refundable.

Isrotel Ganim Hotel Dead Sea

Isrotel Ganim Hotel offers spa treatments and 2 indoor swimming pools with seawater. Parking and WiFi are free. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer a private bathroom with a bath and shower.  Isrotel Ganim Hotel Dead Sea’s spa is complete with 2 hot tubs, a dry sauna, and sensory showers. An outdoor fresh-water swimming pool and a children’s pool are also available.

Price: Starts at $177 per night for Standard Double Room, additional charges may apply, breakfast included, and it offers a free cancellation.

Two on the Cliff – Metzoke Dragot

Two on the Cliff – Metzoke Dragot in Metsoke Dragot features accommodation and a bar. Fitted with a balcony, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Buffet and kosher breakfast options are available each morning at the camping.

Price: Starts at $187 per night for Double Room with Balcony and Sea View, it offers a free cancellation.

Dead Sea Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can visit around the Dead Sea

1. Burj Al Hamam

Have the best Lebanese cuisine in the Dead Sea Region here at Burj Al Hamam.

Operating hours: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Sweimah 18186 Jordan

2. Rovers Return

Experience a British Pub while you’re in the Dead Sea Region.

Address: Abdulraheem Al-haj Mom Jordan

3. Buffalo Wings & Rings – Dead Sea

Craving for some American food? Visit Buffalo Wings & Rings.

Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Dead Sea Road, Sweimah 18186 Jordan

4. El Grito Latino Americano

El Grito Latino Americano provides the best Latin and American cuisine in the area.

Address: Dead Sea Rd Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Sweimah 18186 Jordan

5. Ashur Pizza & Grill Restaurant

Dining in at Ashur Pizza &Grill Restaurant will make you feel like you’re in Italy.

Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Sweimah 11194 Jordan

And that’s our Dead Sea travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​

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