Be'er Sheva offers changing art exhibitions, the history of the First World War at the ANZAC Visitor Center and opportunities to explore River Park. Nearby are archaeological sites, while the broader destination of the Southern District encompasses other distinct themes. When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to distinguish between these different areas.
Art and History in Be'er Sheva
The Negev Museum of Art presents regularly changing exhibitions and displays from its collection. What is on view changes, so if you want to plan a visit around a particular exhibition, it is worth checking the current programme. This gives the museum a distinct focus alongside the city’s historical themes.
The ANZAC Visitor Center tells the story of the British Army’s liberation of Be'er Sheva during the First World War and the ANZAC troops’ cavalry charge. A visit includes a guided tour, viewing museum exhibits and an audiovisual presentation. The history is presented in several different ways rather than being limited to a single type of exhibition.
Archaeological Sites Nearby
Near Be'er Sheva is Mamshit National Park, with the remains of a Nabataean city from the Roman and Byzantine periods. A marked trail leads from the entrance to the national park down to the Mamshit Stream. The archaeological remains and the signposted trail to the watercourse are thus distinct aspects of a visit.
Tel Arad National Park includes the remains of a fortified Canaanite city and fortresses from the time of the kings of Judah. It also preserves a unique temple and a remarkable water system from the Israelite period. The various finds give the site several historical points of reference, without belonging to a single structure.
Exploring Be'er Sheva River Park
Be'er Sheva River Park offers rides in electric golf carts for four or six people. Bicycles and buggies are also available for visitors to explore the park. The options therefore differ in their means of transport; the golf carts also have a specified group size. As operational details may change, it is best to check current availability before your visit.
The Southern District as a Broader Setting
The broader destination of the Southern District offers further historical highlights. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the route of the ancient Incense Road in the Negev Highlands. Masada is associated with the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 AD. The remains of Herod’s palaces and Roman siege works are preserved there; they are among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world.
The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is also part of the broader destination of the Southern District and offers a different focus: it includes Israel’s largest oasis, with springs and waterfalls, ibex and rock hyraxes, as well as flowing streams. A hiking trail follows the year-round Nahal Arugot to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. Conditions on the trail may change after floods, so check them before setting out on a hike.
The museum, ANZAC Visitor Center and River Park are highlights in Be'er Sheva; Mamshit and Tel Arad are nearby, while Avdat, Masada and Ein Gedi belong to the broader Southern District. Focus your search according to which of these geographical scopes you want your trip to cover.
Discover more destinations: Talmei Bilu
Return to the broader travel overview: Southern District.
