Ramat Gan is a satellite city of the Israeli capital, Tel Aviv, they are separated by highway number 20 (Ayalon hwy). The city is best known for being home to the world’s largest diamond exchange. In translation, the name means “garden on a hill”: like most Israeli cities, it was formed from an agricultural settlement in the early 20s. last century. Check topschoolsintheusa to learn more about Israel.
There is a lot of greenery here – gardens, parks adjacent to skyscrapers, small but respectable houses, shopping centers, famous hospitals and educational institutions. Unlike the capital, its rhythm is more calm and measured, and the standard of living is above the national average. To the south is a unique safari park where you can admire exotic animals in their natural habitat. Football fans will find a huge stadium here where international matches are played.
For fun and nightlife, you should go to Tel Aviv, but you can take a break from all this in Ramat Gan.
How to get to Ramat Gan
From Ben Gurion Airport to Ramat Gan about 25 km. It is cheaper to get by public transport, for example, on buses No. 85 and 244 of the Egger company (off. site) or No. 475 of the Kavim company. The journey takes 20-30 minutes depending on the destination in Ramat Gan, the cost of a trip within the same zone with transfers within 1.5 hours is 8.40 ILS.
The alternative is the railroad. You can get to the Tel Aviv-Ha Shalom station, the closest to Ramat Gan, for 12.60 ILS, then you will have to take buses No. 56, 64, 239, 278 or a taxi. The second option is easier – just 20 minutes, and you are in the very center of the city. The approximate cost of a trip for two is 90-110 ILS.
Shabbat lasts from Friday evening to Saturday evening. At this time, public transport does not run. The last bus leaves at 16:00 on Friday, and the next one only at 20:00 on Saturday. Taxis work on Shabbat, but at an inflated rate.
Transport in Ramat-Gane
Ramat Gan is a small city, most distances are easier to cover on foot or by bike. There are special paths mainly in tourist areas and parks. There are rental points throughout the city where you can take a two-wheeled friend, you can pay for renting a bike with a card in the machine (there is a menu in Russian). It is important to keep track of time: for untimely returns, considerable fines are charged.
Most buses run along major highways and make a minimum of stops; routes No. 23, 56, 58 go to Ramat Gan proper. Tickets are sold from the driver for cash or from a machine at stops. Minibuses (sherut) are also popular in Tel Aviv and the surrounding area – there are many of them, and prices are sometimes lower than on the bus.
Taxis are very expensive, a trip around the city will cost 50-100 ILS. You can order it online, download a local application or contact the hotel reception, it is useless to catch it on the street. Parking is mostly paid. Free parking is available at some hotels, at the shopping center (not every day) and at expensive restaurants – provided that you are their client.
Ramat Gan Hotels
Ramat Gan does not have the largest selection of hotels. However, on its territory there is one of the best Leonardo hotels in Israel in the form of a skyscraper. Those who travel specifically to visit the Safari Park can choose the Kfar Maccabiah hotel.
A double room in a comfortable 4-5* hotel will cost from 799 ILS per day. A more economical choice is 3* hotels or private apartments and guest houses, where room rates range from 199 to 525 ILS per night.
When booking, check if breakfast is included in the price, this is about 35-40 ILS per person.
Cuisine and restaurants
Israeli cuisine is divided into Sephardic – which came from the Jews of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and Ashkenazi – from immigrants from Eastern Europe. In the area of the Diamond Exchange, there are several expensive establishments where you can taste European, Italian, American, Syrian, Lebanese dishes in an exquisite performance. The pearls of Israeli cuisine are forshmak, tsimes (soup of 4 types of chicken meat), grilled St. Peter’s fish, and much more. It is also worth trying shawarma, falafel, hummus, shakshuka, sweets – traditional and oriental.
The difference between restaurant and street food is the cost and level of serving. If you wish, you can also find oriental exotics – sushi, Thai and Chinese dishes. Food courts in shopping centers are distinguished by a variety of choices and affordable prices.
Many restaurants observe kashrut – the rules of cooking according to the canons of Judaism: without pork, seafood and many other products.
Dinner in a good restaurant with drinks will cost 150-200 ILS per person, lunch in a small cafe – 50-70 ILS, shawarma in a roadside stall – 20-30 ILS depending on the volume and components, breakfast from a cappuccino bun – in 15-20 ILS.
Attractions in Ramat Gan
The territory of Ramat Gan is small, but there are several interesting places that are definitely worth a visit.
Diamond exchange and museum
This is the largest diamond exchange in the world; an entire block with an area of more than 50 square meters has been allocated for it. km (off. site in English). Just a few years ago, this was an “illegal entertainment” area. Now 60% of diamonds from all over the world are sold and bought here quite legally. You can get to the Museum of the Diamond Exchange with a guided tour, which tells about how precious stones are mined and processed, how they are traded, as well as about the history of the exchange. All those who remain sane after the spectacle of shining mountains of diamonds go to the trading floor and can buy something as a keepsake.
Skyscrapers
The first – the Moshe Aviv Tower, or “City Gate” – until 2016 was the tallest and to this day remains the most expensive building in Israel (address: Jabotinsky, 7). The spectacular skyscraper with a height of 244 meters is not directly related to the diamond exchange, although it stands on its territory. There are offices and people live here, there are 2 swimming pools, a gym and a synagogue.
The second – the building of the Leonardo City Tower Hotel with a height of 157 m – is one of the ten tallest skyscrapers in the country (address: Tel-Aviv, Zisman Street, 14). There is an observation deck at the top, but to get there, you have to pay 25 ILS.
Safari park
This is a unique place where you can see lions, giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, ostriches and many other animals without gratings (off. site in English). The park is divided into two parts, one standard – with enclosures, the second – free, where animals live in their natural environment. On the first one you can walk on foot, on the second it is better to go by car or with a tour – it is very large. It is strictly forbidden to feed the animals, this is monitored by the park staff. Go on a zoo safari early in the morning. Entrance closes 2 hours before closing.
Ayalon Mall
A huge shopping center with stores of most popular Israeli and Western brands, entertainment areas for children and adults, food courts, a cinema (address: Abba Hillel Silver St, 301). Nearby are railway. Bney Brak station and public transport stops. On some days, parking next to the mall is free. The shopping center is open from 9:30 to 22:00 (on Friday – until 14:00, on Saturday – from 20:30 to 23:00). Many come here on Saturday evenings – everyone “breaks away” after Shabbat.
Ramat Gan Football Stadium
The local stadium can accommodate more than 40 thousand spectators. The International Football Federation has assigned it the 4th category, which allows it to hold matches of the highest level. By the way, this is the home stadium of the Israeli national team, and not only football matches, but also numerous entertainment events are held here. In the same building there is a circus and a bowling alley, as well as a huge parking lot. Address: Ramat Gan, Derech Aba Hillel, 299.
