Tel Aviv travel guide
Tel Aviv Tourism | Tel Aviv Guide
You're Going to Love Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a modern metropolitan area that absorbed the older port city of Yafo. This international city is a financial, technological, and tourist hub with a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
While the northern portion of the city is more chic and suburban, the southern portion of the city has retained all the charms of the old port of Yafo. Most of the city's tourist attractions are located in the Center area.
Tel Aviv is a city that will surprise you with its busy street markets, modern nightlife, and Bauhaus architecture. This is the only place in the world where you can see one of the oldest Mediterranean ports right next to modern dining and shopping options.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Tel Aviv
1. Tel Aviv Was Designed with Pedestrians in Mind
The more modern areas of the city were designed to accommodate pedestrians with large boulevards. You are going to love walking through the green and luxurious promenades of the northern area, exploring the older and more intricate streets of the southern portion of Tel Aviv, or taking a stroll through the Joshua Gardens.
2. The Museums Will Keep You Busy
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Nachum Gutman Museum of Art will satisfy art enthusiasts with their incredible collection of paintings and sculptures. You can learn about history at the Museum of the Jewish People and the Museum of the History of Tel Aviv-Yafo.
3. The Festivals Make Tel Aviv Come to Life
Visit Tel Aviv in late June or early July for the White Night festival. There is live music, special events, and a lot of cultural attractions are open throughout the night. The Night Flea-market at the Jaffa market in August is also an incredible experience with shows and live music.
4. The Markets Are a Quintessential Mediterranean Experience
You could spend hours strolling through the many markets of Tel Aviv to shop for food and souvenirs or just to people watch. The Levinsky Market on Levinsky Street is the best place to shop for dried fruits and vegetables and the flea market near the Jaffa port is the best place to shop for souvenirs, antiques, and Judaica.
5. The Beach and Water Parks Are Incredibly Fun
The beach is a very popular activity during the summer, especially on Friday afternoons, with a lot of locals heading to the coast. You can also splash in the water at the Meymadion Water Park or at the Yamit Water Park.
What to do in Tel Aviv
1. Gordon Beach: Relax and Play
Perfectly located on the Mediterranean, Tel Aviv draws many tourists for its delightful weather and gorgeous stretches of sand. Gordon Beach is the greatest gem in town, located to the south of the Marina and surrounded by restaurants and shops to satisfy every need. The fun extends for miles, all the way to the equally renowned Frishman Beach. Resources like the outdoor gym and salt water pool make this spot especially enticing, and water sports abound as well for when sunbathing gets old.
2. Old Jaffa: Antique Harbor
This ancient Mediterranean port has been in use for thousands of years, mentioned even in ancient scripture as a place of importance. Though it retains its air of historical importance today, the waterside wonder is now a popular recreation zone filled with restaurants and cafés. Indulge in seafood, enjoy the sea breeze alongside the harbor, and visit shops and galleries to heart's content. For some history, alk around the area to find St. Peter's Church, as well as the Clock Tower.
3. Neve Tzedek: "Oasis of Justice"
One of the prettiest districts of Tel Aviv is also its oldest, although today the streets are lined with contemporary digs. The artistic neighborhood is filled with inviting cafés, trendy galleries, boutique shops, and chilled-out vibes. Visit the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater to see innovative, world-class performances. The historic train station HaTachana is also a highlight, now converted into a cultural center full of unique stores and good eats.
4. Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Modern Art for a Modern Country
A world-renowned collection of art is displayed at Tel Aviv's foremost museum. When you arrive in the vast lobby of the beautiful building, you will be confronted by a unique Roy Lichtenstein, created especially for this epic space. Beyond, expansive galleries highlight the progression of Modern Art through the 20th century. The spectacle seems endless, as the halls go on to boast key works by beloved artists - from Picassos to Pollocks. Plus, it's only a short walk to the Opera House.
5. Dizengoff Square: Public Spaces
This central point in Tel Aviv is one of the city's most social public places. At the end of the lively shopping street of the same name, Dizengoff rises above the traffic into a modern centerpiece that draws visitors from every direction. The "Fire and Water Fountain" is a kinetic sculpture by a native artist, creating optical illusions with its colorful sculptural elements. Not far is the more laid back Bialik Square, surrounded by Bauhaus architecture.
1. Gordon Beach: Relax and Play
Perfectly located on the Mediterranean, Tel Aviv draws many tourists for its delightful weather and gorgeous stretches of sand. Gordon Beach is the greatest gem in town, located to the south of the Marina and surrounded by restaurants and shops to satisfy every need. The fun extends for miles, all the way to the equally renowned Frishman Beach. Resources like the outdoor gym and salt water pool make this spot especially enticing, and water sports abound as well for when sunbathing gets old.
2. Old Jaffa: Antique Harbor
This ancient Mediterranean port has been in use for thousands of years, mentioned even in ancient scripture as a place of importance. Though it retains its air of historical importance today, the waterside wonder is now a popular recreation zone filled with restaurants and cafés. Indulge in seafood, enjoy the sea breeze alongside the harbor, and visit shops and galleries to heart's content. For some history, alk around the area to find St. Peter's Church, as well as the Clock Tower.
3. Neve Tzedek: "Oasis of Justice"
One of the prettiest districts of Tel Aviv is also its oldest, although today the streets are lined with contemporary digs. The artistic neighborhood is filled with inviting cafés, trendy galleries, boutique shops, and chilled-out vibes. Visit the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater to see innovative, world-class performances. The historic train station HaTachana is also a highlight, now converted into a cultural center full of unique stores and good eats.
4. Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Modern Art for a Modern Country
A world-renowned collection of art is displayed at Tel Aviv's foremost museum. When you arrive in the vast lobby of the beautiful building, you will be confronted by a unique Roy Lichtenstein, created especially for this epic space. Beyond, expansive galleries highlight the progression of Modern Art through the 20th century. The spectacle seems endless, as the halls go on to boast key works by beloved artists - from Picassos to Pollocks. Plus, it's only a short walk to the Opera House.
5. Dizengoff Square: Public Spaces
This central point in Tel Aviv is one of the city's most social public places. At the end of the lively shopping street of the same name, Dizengoff rises above the traffic into a modern centerpiece that draws visitors from every direction. The "Fire and Water Fountain" is a kinetic sculpture by a native artist, creating optical illusions with its colorful sculptural elements. Not far is the more laid back Bialik Square, surrounded by Bauhaus architecture.
1. Gordon Beach: Relax and Play
Perfectly located on the Mediterranean, Tel Aviv draws many tourists for its delightful weather and gorgeous stretches of sand. Gordon Beach is the greatest gem in town, located to the south of the Marina and surrounded by restaurants and shops to satisfy every need. The fun extends for miles, all the way to the equally renowned Frishman Beach. Resources like the outdoor gym and salt water pool make this spot especially enticing, and water sports abound as well for when sunbathing gets old.
2. Old Jaffa: Antique Harbor
This ancient Mediterranean port has been in use for thousands of years, mentioned even in ancient scripture as a place of importance. Though it retains its air of historical importance today, the waterside wonder is now a popular recreation zone filled with restaurants and cafés. Indulge in seafood, enjoy the sea breeze alongside the harbor, and visit shops and galleries to heart's content. For some history, alk around the area to find St. Peter's Church, as well as the Clock Tower.
3. Neve Tzedek: "Oasis of Justice"
One of the prettiest districts of Tel Aviv is also its oldest, although today the streets are lined with contemporary digs. The artistic neighborhood is filled with inviting cafés, trendy galleries, boutique shops, and chilled-out vibes. Visit the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater to see innovative, world-class performances. The historic train station HaTachana is also a highlight, now converted into a cultural center full of unique stores and good eats.
4. Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Modern Art for a Modern Country
A world-renowned collection of art is displayed at Tel Aviv's foremost museum. When you arrive in the vast lobby of the beautiful building, you will be confronted by a unique Roy Lichtenstein, created especially for this epic space. Beyond, expansive galleries highlight the progression of Modern Art through the 20th century. The spectacle seems endless, as the halls go on to boast key works by beloved artists - from Picassos to Pollocks. Plus, it's only a short walk to the Opera House.
5. Dizengoff Square: Public Spaces
This central point in Tel Aviv is one of the city's most social public places. At the end of the lively shopping street of the same name, Dizengoff rises above the traffic into a modern centerpiece that draws visitors from every direction. The "Fire and Water Fountain" is a kinetic sculpture by a native artist, creating optical illusions with its colorful sculptural elements. Not far is the more laid back Bialik Square, surrounded by Bauhaus architecture.
Where to Eat in Tel Aviv
Make sure you try hummus and falafel, sold on most street corners and at outdoor markets. You can try these traditional street foods for only ₪7. Falafel Hakosem and the Abu Hassan Restaurant are the best places to try Israeli fare. Lillyot and Bruno are excellent choices if you want a more traditional kosher dining experience. Raphael is among the best upscale restaurants, offering a more modern cuisine with international influences. Book a table at 2C for some amazing gourmet kosher food and an incredible view from the top of the Azrieli tower. A fast food meal should cost ₪40, a mid-range restaurant should cost ₪60, and upscale places can cost ₪150 or more.
When to visit Tel Aviv
You can expect colder temperatures and even rain from December through early May, which is not ideal if you want to enjoy the beach, but traveling to Tel Aviv during the winter is ideal if you want to avoid crowds. The busy season typically lasts from June to mid-September.
How to Get to Tel Aviv
Plane
The Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is located nine miles away from Tel Aviv in Lod. You can take a shuttle from the airport to Tel Aviv for ₪17, take the train for ₪16, or take a taxi, which could cost anywhere from ₪140 to ₪175. You can also drive from the airport to Tel Aviv by taking the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv freeway.
Train
Israel Railways has several routes that lead to Tel Aviv. Getting from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv by train is an amazing experience because of the scenic route. Train fare from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv costs ₪23 and you can take a train from Haifa or from Beer-Sheva to Tel Aviv for ₪30.
Car
There are a lot of well-maintained freeways in Israel. You can drive to Tel Aviv by following the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv freeway from the east, the Tel Aviv-Haifa freeway from the north or the Beer-Sheva freeway from the south.
Bus
There are two main bus stations in Tel Aviv, including the New Central Bus Station and the 2000 Bus Terminal, which is a lot smaller and much easier to navigate. Bus fare from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv should only cost ₪18 and you can catch a bus from Haifa to Tel Aviv for ₪24.
Airports near Tel Aviv
Airlines serving Tel Aviv
Where to stay in Tel Aviv
Center - this area stretches from Allenby Street to the Yarkon River. This is where you will find most of the touristic attractions, shopping, and dining options. Go to the Azrieli Lookout point to see the entire Tel Aviv area from above.
Popular Neighborhoods in Tel Aviv
South - the southern portion of Tel Aviv is the original city. This area is less developed and has conserved all the charm of an old Mediterranean port. Visit the Neve Tzedek neighborhood if you like art galleries and traditional restaurants.
Jaffa - this is one of the oldest ports in the world. Make sure you spend an afternoon at the flea market near the port.
Where to stay in popular areas of Tel Aviv
Most booked hotels in Tel Aviv
How to Get Around Tel Aviv
Public Transportation
There is a very reliable bus network that will take you anywhere in the metropolitan area. A bus ticket should cost between ₪5 and ₪6 but you can buy a daily pass for approximately ₪20, or charge a card to get a 20% discount on bus fare.
Taxi
You will easily find taxis near hotels and in the Center area. Taxi fares should be between ₪20 and ₪30 if you stay within the Center area, while being dropped off in a nearby suburb should cost ₪50 to ₪60. Expect to pay a surcharge if you take a taxi on a Friday or Saturday night.
Car
You can rent a car for ₪150 to ₪200 a day, which includes insurance. There are many car rental agencies near the airport, including Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. The downside of renting a car is that finding parking space can be difficult.
The Cost of Living in Tel Aviv
Shopping Streets
There are many options for shopping in Tel Aviv. You will find traditional markets at the flea market near the Jaffa Port and at the Jaffa railway station. The Nachalat Binyamin Zone in the Center is a pedestrian zone with a craft fair and a more modern mall. Head to Azrieli to shop at the largest mall in Israel, or go to the Central Bus Station to find bargain stores.
Groceries and Other
The many outdoor markets are the best places to buy fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. You can purchase groceries at any of the AM:PM locations throughout the city. Expect to pay ₪7 for a loaf of bread and ₪12 for a dozen eggs.