The magazine Condé Nast Traveler has named Jerusalem one of the best cities in the world as part of its Readers’ Choice Awards. The airline El Al, as well as hotels in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Eilat were chosen as among the world’s best in their respective categories.

“Long a place of religious pilgrimage for Christians, Jews and Muslims, Jerusalem is now drawing a different sort of pilgrim: the global traveler. In addition to its significant sacred and religious sights, the city boasts modern architecture, a cutting-edge light-rail transit network, and a growing number of notable restaurants,” read the blurb on why Jerusalem ranks 11th in the readers’ survey. “Head to the Israel Museum for an exploration of the country’s culture, and stop for a bite at Machneyuda for authentic Mediterranean cuisine.”

Condé Nast readers chose El Al as the 18th best international airline. “It’s no secret that El Al has gourmet-level kosher meals. But food preferences aside, there are plenty of great reasons to fly El Al, including an iPad rental program, an app that allows you to choose in-flight entertainment options ahead of time, and a range of Israeli wines that will put the Manischewitz to shame. The airline is also working with tech startups through its Cockpit entrepreneurship program, so be on the lookout for even more tech innovations soon,” the magazine proclaimed.

The Dan Eilat Red Sea Hotel took third place in ‘Resorts in the Middle East,’ behind two destinations in the United Arab Emirates. The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, Mamilla Hotel, King David Jerusalem, Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, Hilton Tel Aviv, and David Citadel Hotel were all included in the top 15 hotels in the Middle East.

(via Israel21c)

[Photo: Nati Shohat / Flash90 ]