Where to go in Tel Aviv

 Tel Aviv is the largest metropolitan area in Israel, loved for its mild climate throughout the year which makes it an ideal vacation destination, attracting tourists not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its rich history and culture, typical cuisine and lively nightlife. There are many things to see and do in Tel Aviv but five are truly essential even if you only have a few days. 

 

In this article, we discover what not to miss to get to know the city in its various peculiar aspects, from cultural to landscape and naturalistic, to delicious cuisine and lively entertainment.

 

 

Jaffa is the ancient port city of Tel Aviv with its port being one of the oldest in the world dating back thousands of years. Jaffa is located on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, in the southern part of Tel Aviv, and is interesting to explore, walking along the narrow cobbled streets starting from the Clock Tower square up to the famous Jaffa flea market passing through historic buildings, monuments, art galleries, shops, and markets. In the highest area of the old port, you can admire the Church of St. Peter, the Bridge of Wishes, the Museum of Old Jaffa, and the Ilana Goor Museum. To better enjoy the panorama of the city, you can climb up to Ha'Pisga Park and contemplate the view from the top of the hill.

 

 

 

The "White City" of Tel Aviv, so called for the white color of the Bauhaus-style houses, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003 as an example of 20th-century architecture and hosts one of the largest groups of International-style buildings, known as Bauhaus. Built between 1920 and 1930, it has been restored to enhance this invaluable architectural heritage that counts more than 4,000 buildings inspired by the essential design conceived by the German architect Walter Gropius. The Bauhaus buildings are located along Rothschild, Dizengoff, and Bialik streets. Architecture and design lovers can continue the tour by visiting the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Design Museum Holon designed by Rad Arad, or the Florentin neighborhood rich in colorful murals.

 

 

Tel Aviv's beautiful sandy beaches, lapped by the warm and transparent sea, have made it one of the world's top tourist destinations. The Tel Aviv coast has 13 beaches, each with a different panorama and experience to live, from the crowded and trendy ones to the quieter and more relaxing ones. Each beach has its own characteristics, and some are ideal for specific activities, such as Dolphinarium beach known for windsurfing and percussion shows, Gordon Beach for volleyball, Hilton beach frequented by surfers, the one next to the Marina is quiet and uncrowded while Aviv Beach is for kitesurfing and volleyball. The north side of the city hosts the Tzuk, Tzuk north, Metzizim, and Hilton beaches accessible to people with disabilities. The official bathing season to fully enjoy the beauty of the beaches and the warm sun runs from May to October.

 

 

In Tel Aviv, street food is a must. To taste typical products, just take a tour of the Carmel Market or Shuk HaCarmel, the famous and large open-air market for fruits and vegetables, well-known for Israeli street food where you can taste traditional dishes such as fried vegetable and spice-based falafel meatballs, pita bread with chickpea hummus, shakshuka with eggs, peppers, and tomato or borekas pastry rolls filled with cheese or meat and vegetables, but also sabich sandwiches made with eggplant and eggs or watermelon with feta cheese. Around the market, there are several bars where you can try the best Turkish coffee in the country and restaurants that cook dishes with fresh market products. Tel Aviv is also a vegan-friendly city for its rich vegan cuisine that offers fresh seasonal vegetables grown locally in numerous vegetarian restaurants where you can enjoy creative salads, legume bowls, fruit smoothies, kebab, and vegan burgers.

 

 

Tel Aviv is commonly referred to as the city that never sleeps. Recently restored, the Tel Aviv port area at night is really super trendy. If during the day the Tel Aviv port is a meeting point for strolling among hangar-style spaces, boutiques for shopping or having lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea, at sunset, the atmosphere transforms with its trendy bars and clubs, becoming an ideal location for those who love nightlife. The four most frequented clubs in the city center are Kuli Alma, The Block, Jimmy Who?, and Sputnik Bar. Beach parties are also very popular, which continue until late at night on the popular Gordon Beach, Alma Beach, Hilton Beach, and Metzitzim Beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tel Aviv tour to admire street art and graffiti through the streets and alleyways of the city. Discovering the history of graffiti and urban art with its different styles. Tour available in two routes: Florentine Quarter (Tel Aviv's graffiti hub) and Nachlat Binyamin (open-air street gallery). Duration 1.5 hours. Guide: English, Hebrew. Info: Street art and graffiti tour in Tel Aviv.