Tel Aviv has earned the unofficial title of ‘the second capital of Israel’, and for good reason. There are so many attractions in Tel Aviv that one can easily get lost with all the choices Tel Aviv can offer.
The city is considered the business and nightlife center of Israel, is branded as ‘the city that never sleeps’, is fast-paced and hosts festivals and celebrations all year round.
With urban landscapes alongside Mediterranean architecture, everything within walking distance, including sunny beaches and a swim in the Mediterranean – Tel Aviv is the perfect city to visit in Israel.
In order to keep it simple, we collected for you the attractions in Tel Aviv you must see!
Jaffa – Tel Aviv goes hand in hand with Jaffa. Located in the southern part of Tel Aviv, Jaffa was an ancient port city and is mentioned in a letter dating back to 1440 BCE. The area is well preserved and offers visitors the experience of an ancient Mediterranean seaport. With wonderful fish restaurants and pampering hotels, visitors to Jaffa will not be disappointed. Jaffa provides an authentic experience of old alongside the new, with alleys from the days of the Ottoman Empire alongside new entertainment venues. Jaffa also boasts a bustling flea market, the perfect place to find a unique and memorable item to bring home from your visit to Israel. Jaffa’s flea market was listed 16 in Time Out magazine’s 2018 list of the “The 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world”, described as a “gobsmacking juxtaposition of old and new”.
Neve Zedek is a colorful and famous neighborhood of Tel Aviv. It was in fact the first neighborhood built by the Jews outside the walls of ancient Jaffa in the 19th century. The founders of the city at the time were impressed by the new neighborhoods of Jerusalem built outside the walls of the Old City, and decided to bring this model to Tel Aviv. The model worked again, and Neve Zedek was a flourishing success story. Over the years many important figures in Israeli society lived in the neighborhood, including Rabbi Kook and Nobel Prize laureate Shay Agnon. Neve Zedek is currently a popular cultural and fashion center and home to the Suzanne Dellal Centre for Dance and Theatre. Within short walking distance you can enjoy numerous art galleries, designer boutiques, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Tel Aviv would not be the same without Rothschild Boulevard. There are many attractions in Tel Aviv, but this street is one of the famous and iconic streets in Tel Aviv. It is located in the heart of the White City and is one of the main financial and cultural venues in Israel. The boulevard is currently the beating heart of the Tel Aviv ecosystem where many start-ups chose to open their offices. The center of the boulevard is lined with green trees and benches along with pedestrian and bicycle paths. Rothschild Boulevard underwent a preservation effort of the great collection of Bauhaus style buildings, known as the White City. Also preserved is the first kiosk in Tel Aviv that opened more than 100 years ago and still sells beverages and snacks. On both sides of the boulevard, you will find tens of top restaurants, cafes and pubs where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and a good meal. At one end of the boulevard, at Habima Square is the famous Habima Theater, the national theater and one of the first Hebrew language theaters.
Innovation in Tel Aviv – Tel Aviv is considered the innovation capital of Israel, which is known as the Startup Nation. In Tel Aviv you can find one of the highest ratios of startup companies to population size in the world. The Tel Aviv ecosystem is unique owing to its informal, open and pleasant atmosphere. Tel Aviv is also considered the high-tech center of Israel, home to some of the leading high-tech companies in a range of fields, including Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple, and many others.
Taglit Center – For those who want to learn about cutting-edge innovation in the Startup Nation, we recommend a visit to the Taglit Center for Israeli Innovation. The center offers an interactive display of over 100 leading Israeli companies, and is a journey of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
We recommend a visit to the Independence Hall that is near the Taglit Center in Tel Aviv - the place where it all started. If you want to learn about Israel’s founding, Independence Hall is the perfect place to start. In this building located on the famous boulevard, members of the Jewish National Council and other leaders convened on May 14, 1948, proclaimed the founding of the State of Israel and signed Israel’s Declaration of Independence. The building’s inner design and most of the items from that historic day take you back in time. Stand in the hall where the historic decision was made, listen to an original recording of the ceremony and see the declaration signed by David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, alongside the other leaders of the newly born state.
The Eretz Israel Museum – If you want to learn about the culture and history of the Land of Israel, this museum is for you. Many tourists consider it a must-see attraction, owing to the amazing array of exhibits in archaeology, ethnography, folklore, traditional crafts and practical arts. You can see artifacts from the Land of Israel dating back to the 12th century BC, mosaics and ceramics from the ancient times, and houses and utensils used by those who lived in the area hundreds of years ago, including ancient Jewish communities.
Tel Aviv Port – Reading the word ‘port’, you might imagine a large seaport with ships entering and exiting – however this is not the case when it comes to this restored port. Tel Aviv port was indeed a small port where ships moored and unloaded their cargo. It ceased operation in 1965 and is now one of the leading leisure venues in Israel. Spread over a large area, visitors will find a wide range of restaurants, cafes, fashion shops, event halls and activities for children. There is also an open farmer’s market where you can enjoy the best fresh fruits and vegetables Israel has to offer. Our recommendation - stroll along the wooden-decked promenade, order a glass of freshly squeezed juice and watch the waves of the Mediterranean literally under your feet. Of course you are welcome to stay and enjoy one of the city’s most popular nightlife venues.
Sarona Complex - Originally a German Templar colony built last century, this complex was preserved and renovated, and is now a venue of shops, business and entertainment, and of course restaurants and bars. Between the buildings, you will find stretches of green lawns, benches, playground facilities for children and shaded areas. You can also visit Sarona Market, offering visitors a market experience in a closed space with numerous booths, restaurants and merchants offering their goods. Adjacent to Sarona Market is Sarona Tower, home to many young startups that share work spaces, as well as large international companies, such as Facebook, Amazon and Dropbox.
Tel Aviv Promenade – Nothing beats walking along the 14 km (8.7 miles) seaside promenade that has become one of the most famous symbols of Tel Aviv. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Mediterranean and the sea breeze while strolling or bicycling along the promenade or sitting at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the way. You can also sit on a bench and watch beach-goers playing paddle ball, the popular Israeli beach sport. You can even find one of the locals playing ‘matkot’, one of the attractions in Tel Aviv you have to try by yourself, so ask to join the game. After that you will already be half Israeli!
Segway – Segway Tel Aviv is an experience we warmly recommend. Take advantage of this convenient means of transportation to ride through the streets of Tel Aviv, enjoy the urban landscape of the city that never sleeps, or feel the Mediterranean sea breeze while crossing parks and beaches.
Tours of Tel Aviv - When visiting Tel Aviv, we recommend one of the many available tours of the White City. We will be happy to provide a professional tour guide certified by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for a private tour or to recommend several specific tours.
Urban tour - An urban tour of Tel Aviv with a tour guide combines history, culture and much more. Gain a different and new perspective of the city, exploring it from a different vantage point. Tours are usually 2-3 hours in length.
Tel Aviv Graffiti Tour – This is one of the popular tours we offer, visiting graffiti sites in Tel Aviv with a guide who specializes in this art form. Through colorful, moving, and innovative artwork, see how graffiti artists in Tel Aviv express themselves about Israeli society, life in Tel Aviv, and life in general.
Tel Aviv Nightlife Tour - The last tour we recommend, and one that we particularly like, is a tour of the city’s nightlife. Your tour guide will have in-depth knowledge about the vibrant nightlife venues in the city that never stops celebrating. Visit bars and pubs and learn to have fun like the locals. At every bar, celebrate and dance while having a different drink and tasting the local cuisine. We’re sure you will still be smiling many hours after the tour ends. Lehayim!
Tel Aviv Bars – A bar tour in Tel Aviv is an experience you should definitely consider before leaving Israel. Tel Aviv is renowned for its unforgettable nightlife, including hundreds of bars and pubs. The atmosphere differs from one bar to another, but the magic remainsIn Tel Aviv, you can find the cocktail bar ranked among the World’s 5 Best Cocktail Bars.. So tour the bars, enjoy a drink and make a toast!
Tel Aviv Restaurants – You can’t speak about Tel Aviv without speaking about food - and about the restaurants in Tel Aviv. The city has become a global culinary center that attracts not only chefs from all corners of Israel, but also from the world over. As a major metropolitan city with an ethnic variety, you can find cuisines from all culinary origins - and with the Israeli magical touch – Middle Eastern and Mediterranean, fresh and at the highest standards. At G&S Travel-WeRIsrael, we are familiar with numerous restaurants and chefs throughout Tel Aviv. Our team is comprised of loyal foodies who will be glad to assist you and to recommended restaurants that suit your palate.
