Always wanted to see all the attractions in Israel but never had the time? then make the time, because Mini Israel in Latrun will most definitely not help you with that. In one of the most awful tourist traps I’ve ever visited, Mini Israel is everything a tourist attraction of this sort should NOT be. It’s a flawed & misrepresentative view of Israel, taking a generally good idea of showing Israel’s beauty in miniature and turning it into a complete disaster. The really sad part is that although I know Israel is a beautiful place to tour and visit, Mini Israel makes Israel look ugly and unattractive, and that’s a sin I will never forgive them for.
While I get that this tourist attraction is mainly aimed at domestic tourism that maybe – just maybe – wants to see what’s familiar, but there’s absolutely no excuse what so ever for highlighting ugly shopping malls, plain hotels that overtake our beach-front, disgusting over-polluting view-destroying factories and army bases as major Israeli landmarks. The few that are deserving look plain at best and mainly uninteresting. Is this what Israel is about? It’s not.
The atmosphere is best described as a complete mess, starting from the 45 minutes lines of loud, aggressive and impatient Israeli families dealing with tired and un-friendly cashiers, to the extremely noisy and annoying kiddy activities at the entrance, to the main nothingness and an insult on our intelligence of how the miniatures described and presented by the accompanying signage and the few occasional tour-guides I did the mistake of eavesdropping on.
If you insist that you have to see what’s there, I attach a few photos. But I have just one thing to say about this place – Don’t.
In the next week or so, I’ll try and show you the real side of Israel, covering my very short visit home during the last Easter. You don’t need miniatures for that.
Love your stuff — just wanted to say that Ancient Siam outside Bangkok does well what this place fails to. I was boggled by its hundred or so relocated authentic buildings and careful reproductions built by craftsmen from different parts of the country to preserve intricate building styles.
The merchandising and food are well away from most of the historic buildings. They don't insult visitors' intelligence with constant intrusive “entertainment” either — the best part is walking around (it's almost too big without the shuttle provided) and lounging shoeless in these amazing mostly wooden structures…
Val – haven't been to that place. Will keep it in mind next time I'm in Bangkok.
the most awful place i hav ever been to. waste of money and a con for tourists. it needs work doing. the water was filithy the boats sunk. and water features where broken. dont go!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachel – glad to see I'm not the only person who feels that way 😛