15 Dec Tel Aviv
Welcome to Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the most populated and vibrant city in Israel’s Gush Dan metropolitan area. It is located on the Israel Mediterranean coastline and is the economic and technological centre of the country. Tel Aviv is renowned for its high-quality restaurants, superb nightlife, and world-class cafe culture, a splendid city filled with energy, art, culture, and great food. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, world-renowned cultural offerings, or just soaking up the sun on its famous beaches, Tel Aviv has something to offer everyone.
How To Get There
There are many flight options to Ben Gurion International Airport, located 28 miles northwest of Jerusalem and 12 miles the Southeast of Tel Aviv. El Al is Israel’s national carrier, but you will find many international airlines fly into Ben Gurion. Explore great airfares through WayAway or Skyscanner.
Getting Around Tel Aviv
Once you are in Israel, getting around is a breeze, with plenty of buses, trains and car rentals options. The light rail and bus are convenient and information is available in English and Hebrew.
By Train: Israel Railways provides regular train service to and from other cities in Israel, including Jerusalem and Haifa.
By Bus: The Egged and Dan bus companies provide regular bus service to and from Tel Aviv and other cities in Israel. Jerusalem buses have a standard bus fare of 5.90 ILS. We used the bus and found it affordable and convenient.
Paper tickets are unavailable for buses, replaced by the ‘Rav Kav,’ which has a smartcard chip. Before your trip, you must buy the card from kiosks and other points of sale like the Central Bus Station or Super-Pharm.
By Car: This option is available at the airport and in the city, but it’s worth noting that traffic in Tel Aviv can be heavy, and parking can be challenging to find.
By Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Tel Aviv, and it’s accessible to flag one down on the street or order one through a ridesharing app.
By Bicycle: Biking is becoming a popular mode of transportation in Tel Aviv. Several bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes are available on many city streets
** Tip ** SHABBAT
While in Israel, you may find yourself in the middle of “Shabbat”, the day of rest that happens each week from sunset on Friday to sundown on Saturday. During Shabbat, the rail and bus system shut down on a Friday. Note, buses will stop after an hour before sunset, and the light rail shuts down some hours before that, resuming after sunset on Saturday.
Places Of Interest
Take a city walking tour to learn about Tel Aviv; there are many hidden gems to explore. You will get a good feel of the culture of Israel by seeing the locals and how they live. Start at the Carmel Market, amongst a bustling mix of tourists and locals shopping. Neve Tzedek and Old Jaffa is a perfect place for you if you like street art or the Levinsky Market with less hustle-bustle and perfect for souvenirs and keepsakes that you can take back home.
An ancient port city just south of Tel Aviv. It is known for its charming old town, with narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and a beautiful beach. Visitors can explore the Jaffa Flea Market and the Jaffa Museum or climb the hill to the Jaffa Clock Tower for fantastic panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean. In the evening, the streets of old Jaffa come alive with a bustling scene of music, arts and an incredible array of restaurants to indulge your taste buds! Book tickets here.
Also known as Shuk HaCarmel, this outdoor market is bustling in the heart of Tel Aviv. It offers various goods, including fresh produce, spices, clothing, and handmade crafts. Visitors can sample local street food, haggle with vendors, or soak up the lively atmosphere. Book tickets here.
An historic building in Tel Aviv where the Declaration of Independence was signed on May 14, 1948. Today, the building is a museum that tells the story of the past days of the State of Israel.
Tel Aviv is known for its extensive collection of Bauhaus-style buildings constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. Take a walking tour of the bustling city to see unique buildings and learn about the history of the Bauhaus movement.
With a welcoming coastline, Tel Aviv encapsulates sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast, great for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Several cafes and restaurants line the beach where visitors can grab a bite to eat or drink. Alternatively, stroll along the coast and watch stunning sunsets or sunrises. Book tickets here.
Where To Stay
When choosing accommodations in Tel Aviv, many options suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular options depending on budget and desired location:
Luxury Hotels
A luxurious hotel located on the beach with a range of high-end amenities, including a spa, rooftop pool, and gourmet restaurant.
Mid-Range Hotels
A chic hotel in the heart of Tel Aviv, with a range of comfortable rooms in a central location close to many of the city’s top attractions.
Budget Hotels
Centrally located, you will find a budget-friendly hostel in central Tel Aviv hosting a range of private rooms and dorms with a lively social atmosphere.
A stylish hotel located on the beach with a range of upscale amenities, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and a magnificent gourmet restaurant.
A stylish hotel in the Carmel Market area hosting a range of contemporary rooms and a convenient location for exploring the city.
The O Pod Hotel in Tel Aviv offers a unique and innovative concept of compact yet stylish pods that maximize space and comfort, located in a prime beachfront location.
Where To Eat
Tel Aviv is renowned for its vibrant food scene, offering various dining options for different tastes and budgets. Here are some popular places to eat:
Shuk HaCarmel: This lively outdoor market is a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide range of street food and produce stalls. Be sure to try the falafel and hummus.
Shila: A seafood restaurant specialising in fresh fish and shellfish, with a daily menu based on new and in-season.
Ouzeria: A casual Mediterranean-style eatery that offers a range of dishes inspired by the region’s flavours, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetables.
Taizu: A popular Asian-inspired restaurant that serves a range of inspired dishes by the flavours of Southeast Asia, including stir-fries, noodle dishes, and curries.
Shaul’s Kitchen: Immerse yourself in a cosy, intimate eatery serving traditional Jewish and Middle Eastern dishes such as shakshuka and kubbeh.
These are just a few of the many dining options available in Tel Aviv. Whether looking for street food, high-end cuisine, or anything in between, you can find something to suit your taste in this vibrant city.
Trips From Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv serves as a great starting point for any day or weekend trips, including getting to Jordan. For history buffs or people interested in the Bible, consider tours to Northern and Southern Israel.
Northern Israel
Spend a day seeing the northern coast of Israel, including Haifa, Caesarea and Akko. Explore the ancient port city of Caesarea, a town on the Mediterranean coast known for its archaeological site, the Caesarea National Park, which has a large Roman amphitheatre and a historic harbour. You will witness an archaeological park with pillars and sculptures and the remains of a hippodrome, with frescoes and stone seating, built by King Herod in the first century. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes to visit the traditional site of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a beautiful serene place.
As you travel to Nazareth, stop at the Basilica of the Annunciation, where you will witness an impressive Gallery of Madonnas. The stunning mosaics of the Madonna and child are placed there with different cultural lenses. Head to Capharnaum, Jesus’s town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and enjoy Israel’s panoramic views and lush greenery.
Visit Tiberias, the gateway to the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights regions, where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit yearly. For a spiritual encounter, head to the Jordan River, a 251-kilometre-long river that flows through the Sea of Galilee onto the Dead Sea.
Southern Israel
Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is located between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea and is considered amongst the oldest city in the world for the major religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Be intrigued by the Old city’s Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters.
From here, you can visit the Western Wall and the inspirational Via Dolorosa (the way of the Cross) to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and, of course, the Dome of the Rock. Visit the historic city of Bethlehem and the Church of Nativity at Manger Square, a Palestinian town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. It is the biblical birthplace of Jesus and a major Christian pilgrimage destination.
Final Thoughts
Israel is truly a unique and captivating place to visit, combining people with different religious beliefs and living harmoniously. The divine vibes of the area are blissful, and the historical and cultural aspects of the country will leave you in awe.
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