Tel Aviv Israel
Tel Aviv the city that never stop!
Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel situated on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. It was originally founded on the outskirts of the ancient port city of Jaffa in 1909 but was later on merged with Jaffa upon the establishment of the State of Israel.
We traveled all around Tel Aviv and created the perfect tours for you.
Its progress throughout the years has earned for Tel Aviv the title of economic hub of Israel. Many corporations, especially those involved in research and development for high-tech industries, hold their offices in Tel Aviv. Its beaches and 24-hour lifestyle has made it a popular tourist destination. Its “White City”, a collection of over 4,000 buildings built in the Bauhaus style, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Planning your Trip to Tel Aviv
A visit to Tel Aviv is both a scenic trip down memory lane through the Ancient Port of Jaffa and an adrenalin rush to the 21st century with skyscrapers and modern technology of the city of Tel Aviv. Whatever suits your fancy, be it the old or the new, you’ll certainly find something for you in the many diverse attractions of Tel Aviv.
How to Get There
The first stop for international travelers on their way to Tel Aviv is the Ben Gurion International Airport. It is 30 minutes away from the city center and can be reached by train, bus, rented car or taxis.
By Train
The train is a good alternative for sightseeing in Tel Aviv. It moves at a leisurely pace, just enough to get a scenic tour around the city. It is also a convenient way to get to the airport because there’s a direct train line to it.
By Land
Buses are run by Dan Bus company (main bus network) and Egged Bus Cooperative (intercity connections). You may get daily free-pass tickets (which are your cheapest alternative) from the driver, bus line or at the Central Station.
By Taxis
Taxis are always available but you’ll have to expect to pay relatively expensive fares compared to those of the trains and buses.
There are so many attractions and activities that will fill your Tel Aviv itinerary. These are just some of the more popular choices though you’re still free to explore Tel Aviv on your own.
The train is a good alternative for sightseeing in Tel Aviv. It moves at a leisurely pace, just enough to get a scenic tour around the city. It is also a convenient way to get to the airport because there’s a direct train line to it. Buses are run by Dan Bus company (main bus network) and Egged Bus Cooperative (intercity connections). You may get daily free-pass tickets (which are your cheapest alternative) from the driver, bus line or at the Central Station. Taxis are always available but you’ll have to expect to pay relatively expensive fares compared to those of the trains and buses.
Historical Landmarks
A trip to Tel Aviv will not be complete without a visit to Old Jaffa, one of the oldest seaports in the world. It was believed to have been originally built by one of Noah’s (of Noah’s Ark fame) sons. It’s also linked to the city of Joppa, where Andromeda from Greek Mythology was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to the Titan Kraken. Nowadays, Jaffa is an artist’s haven filled with ancient churches (St. Peter’s Catholic Church), winding Zodiac alleys filled with colorful art galleries and The Clock Tower which was built in 1906.
A focal point in your visit to Tel Aviv is its “White City”. This was a group of 4,000 buildings designed in the Bauhaus style which came to fruition from the desire of the town’s planners to build a functional, economical yet aesthetic style to relieve the town’s demand for new housing. Rothschild Boulevard has the greatest concentration of the surviving Bauhaus buildings. This innovative design for building houses has earned Tel Aviv a listing under the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
You can’t miss Rabin Square while you’re in Tel Aviv. Aside from it being the biggest public square in Israel, it also has a historical significance – it is where Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in 1995.
The Hassen Bek Mosque was built in 1916 as a means of blocking Jewish development in Tel Aviv. In the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, this was the outpost for snipers targeting the Jewish populace nearby.
Explore Tel Aviv
Since Tel Aviv is located right on the Mediterranean coast, it is graced with 14 kilometers of sandy beaches and relatively warm weather. The Promenade features dozens of restaurants that attract people from all walks of life. To complement your trip to the beach, there are many water sports activities and surfing schools that you can try out.
What you should see in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
contains a collection of the best classical and contemporary art from leading artists
Beaches
Since Tel Aviv is located right on the Mediterranean coast
Anu
Museum focuses on the history and traditions of Jewish people
Carmel Market
A vibrant market every day and especially on friday morning
Arts and Culture
Three of the largest museums in Israel are all located in Tel Aviv.
The Eretz-Israel Museum or Land Of Israel Museum is a group of different museums that together showcase history and archaeology exhibits related to the Land of Israel.
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art contains a collection of the best classical and contemporary art from leading artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet etc.
The Jewish Diaspora Museum focuses on the history and traditions of Jewish people.
If you’re a patron of the arts, you’ll feel at home at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. Classical music fans can enjoy performances of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Film festivals are usually held at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque and you have several multiplex cinemas to enjoy your favorite movies at.
Child-friendly attractions
Aside from enjoying themselves at the beach, children have many fun activities in store for them at the various parks and gardens in Tel Aviv.
Park HaYarkon is the largest public park in Tel Aviv with the River Yarkon flowing through it. There is an artificial lake, a miniature children train, playgrounds and bike trails.
Families can also enjoy a round of miniature golf, take a trip on the river using paddle boats, or for the thrill-seekers, a few rounds on the rollercoasters of the Luna Park, Tel Aviv’s largest amusement park. For sports enthusiasts, the Sportec provides basketball and rollerblades courts and wall climbing facilities.
Mini Israel Park – Kids will also love to stroll through a park filled with miniature models of Israel’s famous sites. To complement the park, there are souvenir stores, cafeterias and activity centers to entertain the public.
Tel Aviv is notorious for its late night entertainment. Pubs, cafes and nightclubs are favorite destinations for the party crowd even up to the wee hours of the morning. Music is mostly House/Trance/Techno with many top international DJ’s performing. Districts that are crowd magnets include Allenby Street and those streets parallel to the beach. You have choices among rock clubs, trendy bars and lounges.
As Tel Aviv has more or less defined itself as a tourist destination, you will have your hands full with your shopping choices. If you’re looking for the Middle Eastern flavor, a visit to Carmel Market is just for you. It offers exotic, fresh food products and several clothing and fabric shops. Jaffa’s flea markets offer great bargains for those hidden treasures. The Nahalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall is your source for unique, locally-made products, from jewelry to ceramics and home decors. You may even encounter street performers, musicians and palm readers on certain days.
If you’re more inclined to the airconditioned shopping experience, there are also different malls in the city. Azriely Center is the largest mall and highest building in the city. You may view the whole city from the top of the building for free. Dizengoff Center is also another huge mall with additional specialty shops and 7 movie theaters. The Opera Tower is located near the Promenade and sports a very modern design. You’ll find 3 floors of commercial space for jewelry shops, furniture, restaurants and cinemas. It’s air-conditioned so it’s also a good spot to rest from the heat of the beach.
If you’re looking for the exclusive boutique stores, you’ll find them on Dizengoff Street which is mainly an avenue of Israeli fashion designer shops. The Medina Circle is your target if you’re looking for haute couture fashion. The best art galleries deserve a visit in Gordon Street. If you’re interested in the latest trends in furniture, lighting and fashion, then you may check out Florentin Neighborhood. Last but not the least, you can’t miss walking along Rothschild Boulevard whose shady, tree-lined boulevard served as the main street in the city. Its heritage buildings are the perfect backdrop for street art and street performances.