No more a passing stop: The central city revealed as Israel’s next tourism destination

There’s something strange about opening a hotel in a place like Modiin. This city has always been more of a stop along the way than a destination—a place you pass through on your way somewhere else. So what happens when someone decides to open a hotel there with 85 rooms, investing NIS 7 million? The answer is simple: They turn the place into a new destination.

And that’s exactly what happened to me when I visited the new Jacob Hotel in the city. I arrived with a slight doubt—who really wants to spend a vacation in Modiin?—and I left with an entirely new understanding of what this city has to offer.

The hotel itself is the first surprise. Instead of another sterile business hotel, you find a place where not only money but also genuine thought has been invested. The warm lobby and public spaces invite you to feel at home, and the rooms and suites are indulgent. Every room is equipped with a smart system that controls electricity and air conditioning.

The rooms are spacious and tastefully designed, and the 60-square-meter suites feel like small apartments, ideal for families. Even the standard and compact rooms are cleverly designed, making them comfortable and roomy.

The complex is also ready for any type of visit: Five fully equipped meeting rooms for business conferences, an event hall that can accommodate up to 150 people, a garden for wedding receptions, and even a large synagogue. And the most interesting innovation? Live music nights every Wednesday, open to everyone, with a bar menu that has it all—from salads to halloumi cheese burgers.

Einat Ganon, the hotel manager, explains that the place is designed to meet a variety of needs: "Its proximity to the airport makes it a convenient solution for foreign tourists, but it’s also the perfect spot for company trips and private events." The hotel is just the starting point. What truly makes Modiin a perfect family destination is what happens outside the room. The Modiin region is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.

Every good day starts with a good cup of coffee, and the "Shalosh Bacafe" cart proves that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most perfect. Three women—Sharon, the photographer who brought the artistry, Hagit, the science teacher who ensures quality and sustainability, and Tami, the designer who created the welcoming space—opened a business that is much more than just a coffee cart.

They established a special spot on Lapid Promenade—a scenic route between Modiin and Jerusalem—perfectly positioned to welcome both locals and travelers in the Modiin region. It’s the perfect place to stop on the way somewhere or just leave home for coffee and the amazing view.

The menu here suits all times of the day: High-quality coffee, refreshing summer drinks like lemonade and summer shakes, fresh salads such as the summer lettuce and Greek salad, diverse sandwiches and toasts, healthy bowls, and a nut bar for those seeking something wholesome. There’s also frozen yogurt, challah snacks, borekas, and homemade cakes to complete the experience.

Opening hours: Wednesday & Thursday 8:30–14:00, Friday 6:20–17:30, Saturday 8:00–19:30.

Waze: Shalosh Bacafe, Lapid Promenade.

Let’s be honest—most museums make children (and many adults) start looking for the exit after ten minutes. But this museum in central Modiin solves that eternal problem cleverly.

Instead of glass cases with broken artifacts and long signs that no one reads, this place invested in technology that brings stories to life. There’s a film with moving seats and special effects that takes you on a time tunnel from the modern city back to the Hasmonean era, working both for children as young as four and parents who thought they’d endure a boring hour.

The interactive room with four different activities is where you really understand the connection between past and present. Kids enjoy the technology, adults discover things they didn’t know about the region, and everyone leaves feeling that time flew by.

Prices: Adult NIS 60, Child (from age 5) NIS 25, Family package (2 adults + 2 children) NIS 99.

Address: 24 Dam Hamaccabim Street, Modiin.

More info: 08-9737344.

If someone told you that climbing walls are only for professional athletes or brave teenagers, this place will prove them wrong. They established a facility that manages to challenge professionals while remaining accessible for families who want to try something new.

There are four types of walls suitable for all levels: A 17-meter-high wall for those seeking a real challenge, a lower bouldering wall perfect for beginners, a speed wall to make you feel like athletes, and, of course, a kids’ area where even the little ones can participate. The staff are professional and friendly, helping you feel safe.

Entrance fee: NIS 65, children under 9: NIS 55.

Hours: Sun–Thu 10:00–23:00, Fri 10:00–16:00, Sat 10:00–23:00.

After all that activity in the heights, you can take a few steps and cool off in the water. Modiin’s water park is a place that will help you slow down while awakening children to life.

The area called “Children’s World” is simply a little paradise for anyone under 10. The giant facility includes five slides at different speeds, and a huge water bucket that empties every few minutes, splashing 700 liters of water in all directions. There’s also a shallow beach pool with fountains and water cannons, and built-in benches that allow you to sit in the water and watch the children enjoy themselves.

For challenge enthusiasts, there’s also a surfing practice pool (additional fee). For adults, there’s an infinity pool—a pool for adults with an amazing view, located at the higher part of the park. The pool is partially shaded, so you can enjoy it even during the hottest hours.

Entrance fee: NIS 100 (NIS 50 for Modiin residents).

After a full day of activities, a short fifteen-minute drive through the beautiful Modiin region brings you to a special place. BeerBazaar Brewery in Kfar Daniel is like a small secret hidden in the pastoral forest. This brewery produces a wide variety of craft beers, ciders, and recently even canned cocktails, and there are also boutique pizzas to help balance the alcohol level.

The space is covered and air-conditioned (important in the Israeli summer), with 12 fresh beer taps that change constantly. There’s music, games for kids, and occasional live performances. It’s the perfect place to sit with the whole family, meet new people, and celebrate a successful day. You can also join guided tours (by registration) showing how the beer is made and buy beers to take home.

Hours: Sun–Thu 18:00–00:00, Fri 10:00 until one hour before Shabbat, Sat from one hour after Shabbat ends until midnight.

Waze: BeerBazaar Brewery.

So what did I learn from that night in the Modiin area? Sometimes the most surprising places are the ones closest to home. For years, we passed by Modiin on our way to other places, never giving it a second thought. It turns out we missed out.

The new hotel is not just a place to sleep—it’s the perfect base for a weekend full of activities suitable for the whole family. Sometimes, it turns out, you don’t have to travel to the end of the world to spend a special weekend. Sometimes it’s right in the middle of the way, waiting for us to stop and give it a chance.