A Guide to Beit Shean National Park in Israel
Read our travel guide on Beit Shean, one of the best Roman and Byzantine ruins in Israel. Includes tips on what to see and do, opening hours, entrance fee, directions, and when to go.
Visiting Beit Shean in Israel is for sure a treat for all history lovers and buffs, but even visitors without a profound knowledge of the past times and historical events will have a great time there.
The Holy Land offers so many incredible locations and unique looks into the history of humankind that it's quite a challenging task to decide what places are worth visiting and which are not.
Well, that might be pretty harsh to say, but the cold heart truth is that most of us have only a certain amount of time for vacations.
In this blog post, we'll try to figure out whether Beit Shean (sometimes spelled Beth Shean, Beit She'an, or Bet Shean) should make it to your Israel itinerary or not.
We can already say that we really enjoyed our Beit Shean visit, so we'll be slightly biased here. And hopefully, we'll convince you to visit one of the less-traveled places nearby that we liked so much.
So here's everything you should know about Beit Shean ruins before you go.
Why Visit Beit Shean
Beit Shean is one of the best places to visit in Israel if you like Roman and Byzantine ruins, architecture, and ancient history.
And by ancient, we mean 5000 BCE. And that's not a date that you hear every day.
Sure, Beit Shean can't compete in terms of popularity with its more famous counterparts such as Masada or Caesarea, but that might be one of the advantages and reasons why to make it to the Northern District of Israel to see these ancient ruins.
Located on the crossroad of the Jezreel Valley and Jordan River Valley, Beit Shean is often lying under the radar of international travelers.
And if something is not as popular as something else, you can expect for sure a less crowded site.
Plus visiting less-traveled places is always a valid reason as it allows you to enjoy a new destination without crowds.
Lastly, Beit Shean is very close to other more or less famous tourist sights such as Mount Tabor, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, or Beit Alfa Synagogue.
Once you're in the area, why not give Beit Shean a chance?
History
Before we dive into the standard practical information about Beit Shean, we need to make a brief introduction to the area you're about to visit.
The history of Beit Shean starts between 6000 BCE and 5000 BCE, so we can say with a clear conscience that this areas' history reaches into ancient times.
It's not that surprising when you take into consideration that Jericho, the oldest settlement in the world, is located only 100 kilometers south of here.
The town had a strategic location near trading routes, so the area saw many different rulers and civilizations troughout the course of history.
The Canaanite period in the 16th to 12th century BCE brought new rulers to Beit Shean, the Egyptians.
Egypt and Israel were tied troughout ancient history, and you might also see the proof of their presence in Timna Park in the Negev Desert.
Also, Beit Shean is mentioned several times in the Bible.
You might have already heard the story of King Saul with his sons being hanged from the walls by the Philistines, though there is no real evidence to prove it.
Later on, King David took the city, and Beit Shean became an important city during King Solomon's reign.
During the Hellenistic period, the city was known as Nysa-Scythopolis.
The city saw a massive development during the Roman period, and according to the evidence, about thirty to forty thousand people lived during the Byzantine Era.
Beit Shean was destroyed by a massive earthquake in 749 CE, and you can see the results of this tragic event to this day.
Even the Crusaders had a fortress here at one point, but do not expect here to see similar things like Knights' Halls in Akko.
As you can clearly see, Beit Shean offers a lot in terms of history and architecture.
And while the Roman ruins dominate the area, there are many additional layers that shaped Beit Shean throughout the time.
Things to Know About Beit Shean
Be prepared to do some walking in Beit Shean. Even a short hike to the small hill awaits you there, but it's not very long or hard.
There are plenty of structures and areas to see and explore, so make sure to take your time while there.
It makes sense to spend a couple of minutes planning the direction you will walk around the complex, so you don't need to retrace your steps to places you've missed.
So what else can you expect from Beit Shean?
The complex is pretty open, and it's sometimes harder to guess which area is okay to explore and which is off the limits.
The best approach to enjoy the site is to use common sense.
This is probably due to the fact that not that many people go there as to other more popular sites in Israel, so you'll have a bit more freedom here.
What to See and Do in Beit Shean
Beit Shean is home to many fascinating ruins, structures, columns, and even mosaics.
The city had everything you would think of, bathhouses, colonnaded streets, stores, temples, nymphaeum, amphitheater, or fort.
The ancient history radiates from the site on every step, and that's probably all that you need to know about it before you go.
Okay, if you still need some convincing, then we'll take a closer look into Beit Shean.
Visiting Beit Shean
We arrived at Beit Shean on a quiet Shabbat morning, and the parking lot was completely empty. We spent the day before exploring the Sea of Galilee and couldn't wait to see these beautiful ruins.
The guys working there were entering the site together with us at exactly 8 AM, which eased our anxiety about whether the site will be open on time or not as it was Shabbat.
By the way, one of the most important things to know about Israel is that Shabbat plays an important part in the life of Israelis, but it's not very convenient for tourists.
Luckily, the National Parks in Israel are open, so if you struggle to plan your Friday or Saturday itinerary, then don't forget about this option.
We visited the top structures in Beit Shean in the following order, but you might come up with a different one (that will probably make more sense).
Beit Shean Ruins
Before we went down the stairs that connect the entrance area and the complex itself, we stopped at the Beit Shean miniature model.
While you often hear that the Beit Shean was much larger than what's left of it today, it's pretty hard to imagine it without any aid that would put it in some perspective.
Seeing this detailed model of the settlement in its full glory helped us finally grasp the fact why Beit Shean is the largest archaeological site in Israel.
The platform also offers some lovely views of the entire complex.
Theater
It was hot even though it was still early in the morning in the middle of autumn, so we decided to see the theatre first before more people entered the complex and then we wanted immediately climb the mound.
Even though we saw almost identical theaters in places such as Caeserea, Amman, or Jerash, we still couldn't grasp the fact that this one had about 7000 seats.
The fact that only the lowest third of the theater remains standing is pretty mindblowing.
Despite the fact that the other two stories are missing from the theater, it's still probably the most impressive structure in Beit Shean.
Palladius Street
Our plan was bulletproof, except for one tiny flaw. We had to walk through Palladius Street first to get to the Tel Beit Shean trailhead.
We knew that the 150-meter street is not the longest promenade in the world, so it shouldn't take us long to get from one end to another.
But the combination of basalt stone slabs that were used for paving, the massive columns that are lining the street, and the adjacent structures made sure that we didn't get to the other side as quickly as we wanted.
Our curiosity was simply stronger than our plan.
While the Byzantine Agora on the right side is badly damaged, the lefthand side features an interesting semicircular concourse known as Sigma.
The rooms still have some mosaics, and the most famous one depicts the city's guardian goddess, Tyche, wearing a crown and holding a cornucopia.
On the other side is Byzantine Agora, which was the commercial center of the city. Most of the area is still pretty badly damaged, but you can find some beautiful animal mosaics here.
Nymphaeum
The nymphaeum was a public water fountain, but it's currently in a desolate state, waiting for future restorations.
Nymphaeum is always a highlight of every Roman site, so hopefully, one day Israel Nature and Parks Authority will have enough funds to restore it.
Tel Beit Shean
If you want to see the place where the story of Beit Shean started six thousand years ago, you need to climb the Fortress Mount.
It's the hill that's directly in front of you when walking Palladius Street, and while it might seem like a hike, we got to the top in a few minutes, and anyone in decent shape will make it there in a similar time.
The entire hill area is open, so we wanted to avoid the heat as it was getting hotter and hotter, so that's where we headed next.
The hill offers not only excellent views of the valley in the east, but this is the area where you can see the remnants stretching from the neolithic period to medieval times.
Even though there is not that much to see and do as in the main Beit Shean complex, the ancient history is breathing and living from every inch of the plateau.
Simply put, the hill guarding the city on the north side is worth the extra effort, so make sure you don't miss it.
Silvanus Street
The northeast part of the complex has another collonade, Silvanus Street. The street had massive columns on one side and a marble pool on the other.
Once we returned from the hill back to the ruins, we walked through Silvanus Street to get to the eastern part of Beit Shean.
Eastern Bathhouse
While the Western Bathhouse had warm and tepid water, the Eastern Bathhouse had cold water and served as a frigidarium, which was a large cold pool.
If you arrive in Beit Shean in summer, you might only wish the Eastern Bathhouse was still functional.
The eastern part also hides Lavatories and the Sacred Compound with a temple, altars, and nymphaeum. Strangely, these structures are located right next to each other.
Western Bathhouse
The Byzantine bathhouse that is located in the western part of the complex is another place you shouldn't miss.
As the Western Bathhouse offers even some shade, we left it as the last stop on our visit. However, most visitors will probably head to the bathhouse directly from the theater.
Either way, the bathhouse had bathings halls with an ingenious heating system and floors decorated with mosaics.
If you've already seen the bathhouses in Avdat National Park or Tzipori National Park, then this one is very similar.
Shean Nights - The Sound and Light Show
Admiring the amazing structures is not the only worthwhile thing to do in Beit Shean.
From Monday to Thursday, Beit Shean hosts every evening an audiovisual show that will take the visitors back to ancient times and show them the once-vibrant city in a different light.
By the way, staying at Beit Shean after the sunset is also a great way to escape the intense heat.
The entrance fee to Shean Nights is 55 NIS ($17), and the show begins right after it gets dark.
By the way, Beit Shean is not the only place to see Sound and Light Shows as Tower of David in Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Masada have their own variations as well.
Do I Need a Guide?
No, you don't need a guide to visit Beit Shean. Getting to and around Beit Shean is easy on your own, which is great if you travel on a budget and trying to save money on the road.
However, a good and knowledgeable guide can bring the ancient ruins back to life.
And as there are not that many English signs that would answer all your curious questions, hiring a guide might be an excellent idea.
If you're visiting the site independently, make sure to get the slim Beit Shean brochure with the ticket or read something about the site upfront.
The brochure you get has short descriptions of essential structures and areas and includes a map of the Beit Shean, making navigating easier.
How Much Time Do You Need for Beit Shean
Allow yourself at least 2 to 3 hours for Beit Shean, though it's not uncommon to stay here even longer.
Beit Shean is a relatively large complex with many interesting structures to see, so it's not worth rushing it.
If you don't have a guide, make sure to read as many informative signs as possible to get the most of this place.
When to Go
You can visit Beit Shean year-round, but there are a few things you should know about the local weather first.
Beit Shean lies in the Galilee region, which is very hot in the summer. Like really hot.
We believe that the best time to visit Beit Shean is either in spring or autumn, but winter might be an interesting option as well.
It's often recommended not to visit Israel in summer, and we can clearly see why as it was really hot there even in mid-November.
We arrived in Beit Shean just before 8 AM, and the parking lot was pretty much empty, except for a couple of cars of the employees who let us in right away.
Arriving early in the morning at the site allows you to avoid the crowds and the heat, so make sure to take advantage of that if possible.
If you're not sure when is the best time to visit Israel, make sure to read this blog post that includes plenty of helpful information on this topic.
And one more thing.
Unlike the Snake Path to Masada, the Tel Beit Shean hike is pretty short, so it's not that challenging even on a scorching day.
What to Pack
You don't need many things to carry with you when visiting Beit Shean.
Wear comfy shoes, bring a comfortable daypack that can contain your water bottle, snack, or sunscreen, and don't leave your camera at home.
Make sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day. There is a drinking water station within the complex, so make sure to fill up your reusable water bottle often.
We probably don't need to mention that a hat or scarf to protect your head against the intense sun is another must-have item.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Beit Shean is 28 NIS ($9) for an adult.
As usual, Israel Pass is valid in Beit Shean National Park. There are a few different versions, so make sure you get the right one before you go.
If you're not sure which one is right for you, check out our guide on Israel Pass.
You can use the pass to all Nature and National Parks around Israel.
So one day you explore the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and the next day Beit Shearim National Park or Tel Hazor, and then come to Beit Shean still using the same pass.
In our opinion, Israel Pass is a great way to save money, especially if you visit Israel on a budget.
Opening Hours
Beit Shean is open from 8 AM to 5 PM from Sunday to Saturday in the summer (Fridays and holidays 8 AM to 4 PM).
In winter, Beit Shean is open from 8 AM to 4 PM from Sunday to Saturday (Fridays and holidays 8 AM to 3 PM).
Also, try to avoid major Jewish holidays as they affect the opening hours as well.
How to Get There
Beit Shean is located in the northeast of Israel near the West Bank. There are several ways to get to Beit Shean.
We drove to Beit Shean by car from Tiberias, where we stayed after exploring the Golan Heights, and before our trip to the Dead Sea area.
Nevertheless, your steps to Beit Shean might lead from different corners of Israel, so we'll try to outline the directions from the most popular cities that are nearby.
Car
Tel Aviv is about 120 kilometers southwest of Beit Shean, and you should get there in about two hours, depending on the traffic.
Haifa is only 70 kilometers west of Beit Shean or an hour's drive.
By the way, this site might be worth considering when looking for the best day trips from Haifa as it's so close.
Nazareth is only 40 kilometers from Beit Shean and halfway between Haifa and these Roman ruins.
Tiberias lies directly north of Beit Shean, and it shouldn't take you more than 45 minutes to cover those 40 kilometers by car.
Jerusalem is 130 kilometers south of Beit Shean when traveling through the West Bank or 160 kilometers when using Highway 6 instead.
Driving in Israel is easy, but there are two things to consider. Firstly, Highway 6 is not free and has an electronic toll.
Secondly, make sure that your rental company allows you to drive in the West Bank and that you have proper car insurance. Or use Highway 6 instead to avoid this area
Here, you can find the best deals on rental cars in Israel.
Bus
Direct bus 28 (Superbus) from Tiberias Central Bus Station to Beit Shean Terminal Byniamin Mall frequently runs every day, though the service is postponed on Shabbat.
Another option is to take bus 961 or 967 that goes directly from Jerusalem to Beit Shean, but this service doesn't run that often.
There is no direct bus from Haifa to Beit Shean.
So you need to take the 910 or 947 bus from Haifa to Hadera Olga Station and from there the 843 bus to Beit Shean.
By the way, bus 843 is a direct bus from Tel Aviv to Beit Shean.
Train
If you've taken the train between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, then you already know that it's an excellent way how to get around Israel.
And while you might not consider the train as your first option, it might be a better alternative to the bus.
A direct train from Haifa to Beit Shean runs reasonably frequently, but if you arrive from Tel Aviv (or even Jerusalem), you need to transfer to another train.
Tours
Most of the Beit Shean tours usually include the other top attractions from the Sea of Galilee area, so you need to figure out on your own which one is right for you.
You can also take an on-site guided tour if available.
Taking Beit Shean Tour is a great way to get to the site without worrying about driving in a foreign country or making sense of the public transport schedules.
This private Jezreel Valley Tour from Tel Aviv includes Beit Shean and other top attractions in this area.
Parking
Beit Shean National Park has a free parking lot with plenty of spaces, so finding an empty one shouldn't be a much hassle.
By the way, you need to follow the exit sign when leaving the parking lot as it's a one-way road.
Where to Stay
While you can stay directly in Beit Shean, most travelers usually find a hotel either in Tiberias or Nazareth.
Both cities offer a large selection of hotels, so every type of traveler can find a decent hotel room there.
Of course, you might want to avoid these cities for your personal reasons.
In this case, you should be able to find a more intimate place to stay overnight in the countryside. Local kibbutzim offer reasonably good and interesting options to spend the night outside large cities.
And we believe that staying in one of them is also part of the Israel travel experience.
Here's our choice of the best hotels near Beit Shean.
Beit Shean | Whether you decide to stay in family-owned Simush's Zimmer or Gilad's View, you will find there everything you need. Moreover, both places are located directly in Beit Shean, which means that you can stay in bed a bit longer and still arrive in the national park on time and before everyone else.
Tiberias | Caesar Premier Tiberias Hotel - If you're looking for some luxury hotels, then you need to stay in Tiberias. Caesar Premier Tiberias Hotel is close to the beach and offers spacious rooms with AC, balconies overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Nazareth | Ramada Olivie Nazareth - Nazareth can be busy, but that's exactly what you might be looking for. In Ramada Olivie Nazareth, you can expect clean rooms with AC units, a rich breakfast, a refreshing wellness area, a heated indoor pool, or a rooftop bar with superb views of the city.
Beit Alpha | Pina Bagilboa - Another quiet alternative to busy cities can be this country house in Beit Alfa. It's a perfect place to stay overnight if you want to visit the popular synagogue or the ruins. You'll find here BBQ facilities, a living room, kitchen, private bathroom, and a terrace.
Is It Safe to Visit Beit Shean?
Beit Shean is a top tourist destination in Israel, and visiting the ruins is quite safe.
Still, you're in Israel, so we would recommend following the local news to know firsthand if something bad is about to happen.
Staying safe in Israel is not that difficult though there are some rules that you should know.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Beit Shean Worth Visiting?
We'll discover probably nothing new when we say that Beit Shean National Park is worth visiting.
If you've time and still looking for places to incorporate in your travel itinerary, then a trip to Beit Shean should be a no-brainer.
Whether it's worth it to visit the site instead of the much more famous UNESCO counterparts then that's another story.
And only you can crack this puzzle as it all depends on your preferences and planned route.
But again, you won't find that many wonderful Roman ruins in Israel, so we believe Beit Shean is definitely worth a visit.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
