Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv’s “WHITE CITY” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because the city is home to more Bauhaus, modern and “International” architecture than any city on earth.

Tel Aviv was founded in 1909 as a garden suburb of the crowded port city of Jaffa. Very quickly it grew into a bustling metropolis so that by 1929, it was a flourishing city that was the apex of the Zionist dream. With the rise to power of Hitler in 1933, dozens of German Jewish architects escaped to Palestine – many of whom were students or graduates of the legendary Bauhaus school of design. The burgeoning of Tel Aviv required more and more buildings, and the arriving architects very quickly adapted their northern European Bauhaus design to the needs of the eastern Mediterranean heat. A walk through central Tel Aviv will bring you face to face with dozens of these extraordinary office buildings, apartment buildings and stores.

TEL AVIV PORT VS JAFFA PORT

Jaffa Port offers an ancient history, stone buildings and cobbled lanes while Tel Aviv Port is a contemporary cultural, recreational and commercial hub.

The modern city of Tel Aviv had its humble beginnings in the port of Jaffa where immigrants, armies and traders docked their ships. The port is famed as one of the oldest in the world and today it is still used by local fishermen while the historic surrounding area has become a popular tourist destination.

Haim Yafim
The waterside hangers have been converted into galleries and cultural spaces like the Nalaga’at Center operated by the deaf and blind community and the Dvir Gallery. From the waterfront the ancient cobbled alleyways wend their way up through stone buildings reminiscent of old Jerusalem. In among the historic buildings are galleries, specialty stores and excellent restaurants. As you reach the upper levels of the Old Port area you can see St. Peter’s Church, the Wishing Bridge, the Old Jaffa Museum and the Ilana Goor Museum.

Tel Aviv Port
In contrast to Jaffa Port Tel Aviv has a more commercial and contemporary feel. The port operated from 1938 to 1965 and has undergone renewal and restoration to convert it into a shopping and entertainment district. The port area consists of converted hangers and a long wide waterfront promenade. It is popular with families visiting the Dyada Center for children’s activities and others visiting the yoga center, center for women, conference venue and the Cavim Institute of Design and Architecture. The promenade is always alive with street performers, musical events and outdoor markets. The port is a contemporary and dynamic area for creative and cultural expression. When the sun goes down the Tel Aviv Port becomes a popular nightlife destination with bars and clubs.

NON STOP MARKETS

Check Out The 24/7 City’s Must visit Markets

A tour of the markets in Tel Aviv, with their unparalleled human tapestry and never-ending variety of delicacies is probably one of the best ways to get to know the true local spirit of Tel Aviv.

Here are some of the markets that are definitely a must, when visiting the sunny city:
Carmel Market: The city’s most famous market, renowned for its colorful spirit and food stalls, featuring fresh local delicacies and excellent restaurants serving fresh food straight from the market. You can also find hidden food placed behind the stalls and around the area. They are really worth finding.

The Flea Market: Located in Jaffa, packed with fantastic authentic antiques from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, a joy to bargain hunters. This market is also home to many fashionable and excellent cafés and restaurants of all varieties of cuisines: from Greek, to Italian, to Arabic.

Nahalat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Market: Open on Tuesdays and Fridays, this is a ‘fair-like’ artists’ market, rich with creative and original ideas for gifts. It is just the place to pick up that perfect souvenir you won’t find in any store.

Sarona Market: Offering a unique and fabulous culinary adventure, Sarona Market is located in the Trendy Sarona Complex, and is home to a modern and vibrant “food court” which offers a huge assortment of culinary options. Sarona is also extremely family friendly, filled with outdoor activities and fantastic playgrounds.

Tel Aviv Port Market: With more of a Farmers Market feel, this seaside Market is packed with tasty treats and specialty produce which you can enjoy, on the spot of take home as culinary souvenirs.

TEL AVIV STREET FOOD

It is no wonder that Tel Aviv was named one of Saveur Magazine’s “Outstanding Culinary Destinations

Tel Aviv, home to sandy beaches, non-stop action and a raging nightlife, is also chock-full of unique restaurants and bars, making the seaside city a trendy foodie destination. The Tel Aviv food industry is truly the city’s heart and soul and while plenty of high-end eateries can be found throughout Tel Aviv, it is fresh local street food that has taken the city by storm.

Taking traditional street food to a whole new level
Say goodbye to the days where Tel Aviv street food was mostly limited to the scrumptious, yet singular concept of crisply fried falafel stuffed into a freshly baked pita. Today, the Tel Aviv street food scene is just that – a scene, with gourmet and specialty treats being served to the masses on local street corners. Take a walk down Ibn Gvirol, Ben Yehuda or Carmel streets and choose from a myriad of high-end meats, fish, prepared vegetables and sauces, all artfully inserted inside pita bread, between slices of toast or other casings. Nibble on the succulent delicacies inspired by the four corners of the world – sabich and tahini in laffa bread, unique herring sandwiches and more, as you continue to wander throughout the city, a taste of Israeli culture on your tongue and a pleasant sense of satisfaction in your belly.

Restaurant quality meals for the foodie on the go

What more could a bustling city full of hurried business professionals and excited tourists want than easy access to flavorful and trendy dishes that can be eaten on the go? With more and more unique streetside quick-stop eateries popping up throughout the city and serving dishes like entrecote-stuffed ciabatta bread and cornflour arepas, it is no wonder that Tel Aviv was named one of Saveur Magazine’s “Outstanding Culinary Destinations.”

Foodies delight: Tel Aviv and its hip street food scene, with countless delectable choices on every corner, is the ultimate culinary travel destination and a must-visit stop on your next Israel trip.

TEL AVIV ADVENTURES

Cool things to do in the hot city

Tel Aviv is world famous for being the city that never stops, renowned for its amazing nightlife, the fabulous beaches, the fantastic culture and art and much more. But here are a few lesser known things you can do in the summer in the city.

Check out the Bracelet bars
Bracelet bars are a great way to drink the night away on a budget. Simply wend your way to one of the many bars in Tel Aviv which let you pay a fixed price in advance and drink as much as you want or as much as you can…

Friday afternoons drum circles
Make your way to the famous Banana beach on Friday afternoons and treat yourself twice – enjoy the awesome drum session on the beach and check out the gorgeous sunset – both completely free of charge!

Rooftop fun
Maybe it’s the weather; maybe it’s the view – one thing’s for sure, Tel Avivians love the outdoors, especially with a drink in hand. During the summer you’ll find most bars and pubs raise the roof (literally!) and turn into outdoor venues, while many bars pop up on rooftops of commercial and office buildings. To find these awesome places all you need to do is simply follow the sounds of music and fun.

Outdoor fitness
Nothing’s more important than your health, and one of the best things you can do for your body is to give it some exercise. Tel Aviv offers some great ways to do just that – from swimming in the sea, running along the promenade, bicycling through the fabulous city streets and even getting some gym action on in any of the outdoor (free) exercise stations located around the city.

Epic Summer Events
From world famous international artists to amazing tech, art and beer festivals, gallery openings, exhibitions, live street music, to open cinemas and beach parties that last all night, Tel Aviv in the summer is an endless source of fun and entertainment not to be missed!

Colorful History and Irresistible Levantine Charm

The smells of the sea flavored with black coffee and spices from the markets, Levantine culture combined with European, ancient mixed with new – this is Jaffa. One of the oldest port cities in the world whose history dates back to the great flood, today’s Jaffa is a vibrant city that never ceases to surprise and innovates. Picturesque alleys, art galleries, unique boutiques, ancient building, wonderful landmarks and an abundant of authentic middle-eastern restaurants – a trip to old Jaffa is a must-have multi-sensory stimulating experience for anyone visiting Israel. Prepare to fall in love.

Discover the magic of a vibrant Port City
Situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, in the southern part of Tel-Aviv, Jaffa has been the center of historical events for thousands of years. Still an active port today the Jaffa Port is a great place to explore. Wander through the art galleries, shopping boutiques and gourmet food markets. Stroll by the old docks, listen to live music, drink, eat and absorb the special atmosphere.

To get a better view of the city, climb up the hill to Peak (Ha’Pisga) Park overlooking the bay and gaze at the beautiful city below. On your way down, make a wish at the Wishing Bridge. Who know, it may come true.

Go on A Romantic urban adventure
Jaffa streets are full of surprises. Stroll in the narrow stone-paved streets of old Jaffa, discover hidden courtyards and notice the small details – painted ceramic tiles, small sculptures and upper open terrace. See the people, enter the art galleries, artists’ studios and unique boutique.

Keep exploring. From the Clock tower square at the heart of the city continue to the well-known Jaffa Flea Market and weave your way through daily basics and hidden treasures. It’s time to test those bargaining skills. Enjoy the small quaint cafés, middle-eastern authentic restaurants, great bar and some of best hummus you ever tasted. Guaranteed.