Is Tel Aviv worth visiting?
Busy, vibrant, current, and modern Tel Aviv emerges as an elegant and effervescent metropolis on the edge of the Mediterranean. It's hard to imagine the permanent state of war while strolling through its flower-filled streets or along the seafront.
Amid a region marked by ancient religions and traditions, Tel Aviv, on the Mediterranean coast, stands out for being a liberal city in several aspects. Tel Aviv embraces diversity and tolerance.
Full of cafes, fashion boutiques, clubs, art galleries, cultural events, and a lively nightlife, the city never seems to sleep. Modern and technological buildings contrast with the preserved or restored old ones.
The ancient and the modern, in a unique and fascinating combination! It is a city constantly reinventing itself, maintaining its history and tradition while embracing modernity.
In this definitive guide, you will find everything you need to know to plan your trip to Tel Aviv. I like to say it's a mix of Rio de Janeiro and New York.
Let's go and discover the best attractions, museums, art galleries, and beaches! We'll also give you tips on how to get around the city, where to stay and where to eat.
Tel Aviv is simply unmissable!
The Best Beaches in Tel Aviv
Each of Tel Aviv's coastal beaches has a different character. All with their charm.
Hilton Beach: opposite the hotel of the same name, there are three tribes. It is the only part of the coast where dogs are allowed. GLS meeting point and where you get the best waves for surfing. Of course, in well-defined spaces.
The beach is also well equipped, with showers, toilets, and beach chairs available for rent.
There is a very modern bar on the sand. The atmosphere, good food, and delicious drinks make it crowded! It's a perfect place to watch the sunset.
But get there early, especially during the summer. The beach can get crowded, especially on weekends.
Fishman-Gordon Beach: the most popular beach in Tel Aviv, its saltwater pool is a great attraction. It is a meeting point for modern people who enjoy lying in the sun and practicing sports.
It has good infrastructure and amenities, soft white sand, crystal clear waters! You will find several bars in this area, each with its atmosphere and specialty.
Try lunch at El Greco, which offers a variety of classic Greek dishes such as moussaka and souvlaki.
Banana Beach is the name of the local cafe where you can sit, drink, and enjoy the view. Quieter than Gordon, it attracts a more mature crowd, around 40, looking to relax.
The beach infrastructure is complete, with showers, bathrooms, beach chairs, and umbrellas available for rent.
Alma Beach- One of the most beautiful, almost on the border with Jaffa, and with a spectacular view of the port of Old Jaffa. A place to relax, a quiet and silent beach. The beach has no cafes, sun loungers, or even lifeguards – so be careful when swimming there.
The best museums in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a culturally rich city with a vibrant arts scene. The city is home to museums, which offer an insight into the history, culture, and art of Israel and the world.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
It is Israel's most important art museum. The museum houses a collection of more than 200,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and archaeological artifacts. The collection includes works by Israeli and international artists, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
Tel Aviv's art museum hosts a series of concerts throughout the year, including classical, jazz, rock, and world music. Concerts are held in a 400-seat hall. I attended several Jazz shows, always of very high quality.
If you have kids, this is a great place. It has a space designed for children aged 2 to 12 and offers a variety of activities and interactive exhibits.
The space features rotating exhibitions that explore themes related to art, culture, and history. Exhibits are engaging and educational for children.
The space offers a variety of hands-on activities that allow children to explore art in a fun and creative way. Activities include painting, sculpture, music, and dance.
The museum also has a café and a pizzeria open until late. The café offers a variety of drinks and snacks, while the pizzeria serves delicious pizzas. It has an open space in a beautiful garden.
Eretz Israel Museum
The Eretz Israel Museum is a natural history and cultural museum that explores the history and culture of Israel from prehistory to the present day. The museum houses a collection of more than 500,000 objects, including fossils, archaeological artifacts, ethnographic objects, and art.
Natural History Museum
The museum opened in 2018 and is the first natural history museum in the Middle East.
The museum houses a collection of more than 5 million specimens of flora and fauna, including animals, plants, fossils, and minerals.
The museum's exhibits explore the natural history of Israel, from the beginning of life on Earth to the present day.
One of the most striking features of the museum is its architecture. It has the shape of Noah's ark. The museum's roof is made of glass, allowing visitors to see the animals on display from all angles.
The museum offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults. Exhibits are interactive and include features such as videos, games, and hands-on exhibits.
Museum of the Jewish People
The Jewish Museum was established in 1978, focusing on Jewish culture and history.
The museum houses a collection of more than 400,000 objects, including archaeological artifacts, historical documents, Jewish art and literature.
The museum's exhibits explore the history of the Jewish people from antiquity to the present day.
A Tour of the main markets and shopping areas
Carmel Market (Shuk Carmel) is the largest open-air market and sells everything. Clothes, toiletries, meat, fruits, and vegetables? Go there! Tip: haggling is mandatory!
Nahalat Binyamin: open-air promenade, street fair, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, sculpture and paintings. It welcomes thousands of visitors each week to view and purchase the work of Israeli artisans and designers.
Neve Tzedek is in the south of the Yemeni neighborhood. It is a yuppie and bohemian area, elegant, a place with shops, culture, restaurants, galleries, and designer stores. Note the beautiful old houses restored by modern architects and designers. Take a stroll to Shabazi Street! You will find many galleries and restaurants.
Dizengoff: in the center of Tel Aviv, it is one of the most emblematic streets in the city. In the past, it was the "Champs-Élysées of Tel Aviv". It lost its charm but was recently reborn with cafes and restaurants, clothing boutiques, and design stores.
Bograshov: Fun, eclectic with attractive shops and cafes.
Ha, Medina Square - "Rodeo Drive" in Tel. Aviv is home to the most elegant collections of designer stores.
The Levinsky market is a food lover's paradise with its flavors, spices, nuts, dried fruits, and fusion cuisines.
Florentin is a bit dirty, but you can find some of the best bars in Tel Aviv. The bartenders are not notoriously good-looking. But it's still a trendy neighborhood, with graffiti and nightlife.
Other Cultural Attractions
Great Synagogue - One of the city's monuments built in 1910 on Allenby Street is a cultural and religious center.
Rothschild Boulevard: in the heart of the White City, it is one of the most beautiful streets in Tel Aviv. Along the avenue are gardens, shade of beautiful trees, and cycle paths.
Walking there is a delightful experience. Stop along the way to observe the building's architecture. Or grab a coffee or meal at one of the many restaurants.
At the north of the boulevard stands the Habima Theater, Israel's national Theater and home of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
Rabin Square (Yitzhak Rabin Square) – Named in honor of the murdered Yitzhak Rabin, it is the main square in Tel Aviv. There is the City Hall building. It is the stage for demonstrations, political rallies, public events, dance performances, shows, and other events such as book fairs.
Sarona: newly renovated complex in the heart of Tel Aviv. Originally a German colony, nowadays a new central business district of the city. Thirty-three buildings, dating back over 140 years, have been restored in a landscaped complex surrounded by offices and apartments.
Nowadays, there are boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and some of the most refined restaurants and bars in the city. It has a reputation as one of the hottest spots in Tel Aviv. In the background, you can see Azrieli Towers.
Jaffa (Yafo): The historic city (Old Jaffa) is where Arabs and Jews coexist. Known for the Flea Market (Shuk Hapishpeshim) and the city's old port, recently restored. It is an open-air shopping center, buzzing around the Flea Market, small, narrow streets, and stunning viewpoints.
The architecture of the region, which today hosts cultural events by local artists and urban renewal projects, contrasts sharply with modern Tel Aviv in the city center.
The Port of Jaffa (Yafo) – is considered one of the oldest ports in the world. They remodeled it and transformed its warehouses into restaurants and art galleries.
Port of Tel Aviv - Welcomed Jewish immigrants in the 1930s, now restored, houses restaurants and yoga studios. It is an area of cultural activities, leisure, and vibrant nightlife with countless options.
How to get around the city
Tel Aviv is a relatively small and flat city, which makes it easy to get around on foot, by bike, or even by scooter. There are cycle paths everywhere, especially along the entire length of the beach to the neighboring cities of Bat Yam and Herzliya.
Public transport is also well developed and is a viable option for those who want to travel to more distant places.
The bus network is extensive and covers the entire city. Purchase the tickets from automatic machines at bus stops or metro station counters. The ticket price is 7 NIS.
The Tel Aviv metro is under construction and should open in 2025. When completed, the metro will be a quick and efficient option for getting around the city.
Sheruts are shared vans that travel around Tel Aviv and other cities in Israel. They are cheaper than taxis and an alternative to public transport at peak times. The cost of the ride is 6 NIS (about R$2.55).
Note that Saturday (Shabbat) is the day of rest, and buses and trains do not run from Friday night onwards!
The best restaurants in Tel Aviv
The city offers a variety of restaurants, from traditional Israeli cuisine to international cuisine. Chefs have become celebrities, and the food there is as good as in any capital worldwide.
We recommend our favorites there!
HaSalon is a fine dining led by chef Eyal Shani, one of Israel's most respected chefs. The menu changes seasonally and features fresh, local ingredients. HaSalon has units spread across New York, Miami, and Paris.
Shila was founded in 2014 by chef Sharon Cohen and is known for its modern and creative cuisine. Dishes are inspired by Israeli cuisine but with a modern twist. It is a gastronomic experience!
Port Said: hidden behind the large synagogue. Worths more for the hustle and bustle than the food.
Claro was founded in 2021 by chef Ran Shmuel, known for its modern and sustainable Mediterranean cuisine. It has influences from countries such as Spain, Türkiye, and Greece. The restaurant is spacious and well-lit, with a modern and elegant design.
Goocha is a chain founded in 2015 by chef Eyal Shani. Goocha's menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. The dishes are Israeli cuisine but with a modern touch. Never disappoints!
Don't forget to try the typical falafel, Shawarma, and hummus at countless places around the city.
Some bars, restaurants, and markets close on Saturday and reopen on Sunday.
Tip: if you have time, go to Eilat, the paradise on the Red Sea in Israel. From there, it is possible to go to Petra and discover its ruins and mysteries!
Day-trip: from Tel Aviv to some of Israel's most important Christian sites such the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth.
Where to stay: hotels
Tel Aviv offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The best option will depend on your budget, travel style, and what you are looking for in accommodation. Plan in advance to have a perfect trip!
However, prices are on the high side.
David Kempinski, a new 5-star hotel. Beachfront and very close to bars and restaurants.
Near Jaffo, check the Drisco. Its architecture merges with the original of Jaffo.
A cheaper option is Prima Tel Aviv, on Frishman Beach. It has a great location, facing the sea, with small but cozy rooms.
Find other hotels here.
The best time to visit
The months from December to February are cold and rainy. If you can, avoid it. The rest of the year is fantastic. But be careful, who doesn't like hot weather! In July and August, it can be hot, with temperatures reaching 40o Celsius!
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