Tel AvivTravel Guide
If you’re visiting Israel, Tel Aviv is a destination not to be missed. It’s magic lies in contrasts and combinations, and the perfect blend of beach and big city. Sixteen beaches to be exact, and the most incredible blue ocean alongside skyscrapers, restaurants, bars and clubs. What makes Tel Aviv so remarkable is its contrasting energy, from sleepy, laid-back corners to the city’s thumping urban pulse just a block away.
The architecture of the Old City of Jaffa, more than 3 000 years old, is contrasted with 20th century buildings, bustling flea markets with high-end boutiques. In Tel Aviv, people of Jewish, Arab and European descent live side by side and the eclectic culinary scene is testament to this melting pot of cultures.
A holiday in Tel Aviv is guaranteed to anything but boring. Keep reading to find out more.
Tel Aviv quick facts
Language
National language
Hebrew
Beverages
Bottle of Coke/Pepsi (330ml)
GBP £2.21
Local time
Thursday
12:00pm
Currency
Israeli new shekel
GBP £1.00 = ILS ₪4.71
Eating out
Restaurant meal (casual dining)
GBP £15.89
Electricity
Plug type: H
3 pins • 230V
Explore Tel Aviv
Where to stay in Tel Aviv?
Pick your pleasure − is it lazing on the beach or exploring the city? Staying in a chilled suburb or in the most historic? There’s accommodation in Tel Aviv to suit all kinds of travellers and budgets.
If it’s the white sand, ocean views and dipping your toes in the warm waters of the Mediterranean you’re after, Tel Aviv offers a stunning beach district − the Tayelet (Promenade). For epic views, Renaissance Tel Aviv overlooks Gordon Beach and Frishman Beach and is close to Hilton Beach. For a more boutique vibe, The Savoy Tel-Aviv on Jerusalem Beach won’t disappoint. Jaffa to the south and Tel Aviv Port to the north also hug the coast and are good choices if you want a beach atmosphere that’s a bit more local. Jaffa’s gorgeous Market House hotel will deliver an authentic experience, and The Setai Tel Aviv is on the doorstep of Jaffa Market.
Lev Ha’ir is in the heart of the city and is also called the “White City” because of its many Bauhaus-style buildings (which earned it Unesco World Heritage Site status). There are also modern high-rises here, but the beach is still within easy walking distance. It’s an eclectic but convenient place to stay and get your bearings in Tel Aviv. Check out 65 Hotel, Rothschild to be centrally located.
Cobblestone streets, landmark buildings, chic boutiques, trendy cafés, art galleries and the village feel may be more your thing. The Neve Tzedek neighbourhood, one of the oldest in the city, is an excellent location near the beach, city centre and Carmel Market. Despite its central location, it’s surprisingly quiet. The David InterContinental Tel Aviv is the perfect place to base yourself here. If you’re looking for something more bohemian, you’ll find a younger, edgier crowd in Florentin, just a 10-minute walk away.
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Things to do in Tel Aviv
Although Tel Aviv is a small city, it’s full of history, culture and nightlife. From museums to lively bars and clubs, there’s something for everyone in Tel Aviv. Enjoying beach life in the summer is a no-brainer, but here are five other cool things to put on your to-do list in Tel Aviv.
The Old City of Jaffa is one of the oldest port cities in the world and is full of exciting sights, sounds and smells. The best way to explore it is to take a walking tour with a local guide or plot your own self-guided tour. A guide will be able to take you to the best places such as the Jaffa Clock Tower and Abu Hassan Restaurant and share the history and culture of this fantastic place.
Dizengoff Square is a beautiful area in Tel Aviv dedicated to the city’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff. The square houses and impressive fire and water fountain were designed by world-renowned Israeli artist Yaacov Agam. Around the square there are beautiful boulevards with cafés, restaurants and shops. Nearby is the massive Dizengoff Centre shopping mall.
Body art is a popular form of expression in Tel Aviv. Tattoo studios abound, and the city is full of people with beautiful ink. Vision Tattoos hosts some of the best tattoo artists in the city.
Tel Aviv is home to an impressive collection of Bauhaus architecture. This unique style was brought to Israel by German Jews and embraced by local designers. Most Unesco-recognised White City buildings are located in central Tel Aviv, making it the perfect place to enjoy a walking tour.
You won’t be disappointed with the nightlife in Tel Aviv – so many clubs, so little time. Among our favourites are the well-known Duplex Club with three big floors each with their own vibe, and Kuli Alma, an exciting art-focused space featuring street-art murals, live music and DJs.
Looking for an immersive experience? Then a tour is the way to go.
Tel Aviv food and drink
If you’ve never tried Israeli food, boy are you in for a delicious treat. Israelis love a good breakfast, so if you want to start your day in Tel Aviv like a local, do brekky. Order the shakshuka − poached eggs in a delicious, spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce. Landwer Cafe is a great place to enjoy an Israeli breakfast spread. Prices are reasonable and you can get a whole tray of delicious breakfast food. There are many branches throughout Tel Aviv.
To sample some authentic Israeli cuisine, go to the Yemenite Quarter. The best hummus in Tel Aviv is at Shlomo & Doron – and that’s saying something, for hummus isn’t taken lightly here. This quaint neighbourhood is older than the city itself and full of spice vendors, hipster cafés and simple restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the Yemenite Quarter has something for everyone.
Fine dining? Maysha is the spot if you want to up your foodie credentials. For seafood and ocean views, Manta Ray, just north of Jaffa, is the place to go. Looking for a market to intoxicate your senses? Then head to Carmel Market, one of Tel Aviv’s largest open-air markets. Here you’ll find some of the freshest produce and most delicious street food in the city.
Get a real taste for the local cuisine by booking a tour.
Tel Aviv through your eyes
Where to shop in Tel Aviv?
For a truly unique shopping experience, you should visit Shuk Hapishpishim – Jaffa’s famous flea market. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of clothing, jewellery and other Israeli treasures, all at reasonable prices if you’re willing to haggle. If you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs, head to the Dizengoff Center, which is popular with locals.
Neve Tzedek is a historic, eclectic and artsy neighbourhood of winding streets and unique shops, design studios and galleries. Fashionistas will delight in discovering local and international brands and little boutiques they won’t find anywhere else. There are also jewellery, food and Moroccan furniture stores. You could easily spend a whole day shopping up a storm here!
Looking for a safe and simple way to bring your money when you travel? Our Travel Money Card has you covered!
When is the best time to travel to Tel Aviv?
If you love the beach, there’s no better time to visit Israel than summer! From June to August expect blue skies and high temperatures, while the whole country hits the beaches and enjoys a variety of watersports. June is also when Tel Aviv Gay Pride takes place, and the festive atmosphere draws tourists from all over the world to celebrate with the locals.
Spring and autumn are recommended if you prefer things a little more chilled and less crowded. Prices are cheaper and this is a great time to catch a tour or do sightseeing on foot. Outdoor activities like hiking are also ideal to pursue during these months.
Winter tends to be quieter, apart from the Jewish holidays when locals let their hair down. Passover is in March/April and Rosh HaShana in September/October. It’s school holidays and businesses close but prices are high as travellers flock here.
In Tel Aviv, the average temperature ranges from 13°C (56°F) in January to about 28°C (82.5°F) in July and August.
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How to get around Tel Aviv
The best way to explore Tel Aviv is by bicycle. You can rent at any good hotel, but Tel-O-Fun bike rental stations are on every corner. There are bike paths everywhere in the city, so you can get around without any problem. Besides, it’s a great way to get some exercise!
While taxis are abundant and convenient, the cost adds up when you’re out and about in Tel Aviv. Public transport is definitely a more cost-effective option. The bus services are excellent, and although the routes can be confusing, many apps like Moovit now help visitors find their way easily.
You can also easily hire a scooter or rent a car by the minute – the Auto-Tel city cars to be exact. And how about sightseeing from a train? Faster than a bus, and comfier, it’s a popular mode of transport. Tel Aviv has four train stations on the Aylon Highway and for the partygoers among you, there are nightlines. This means you don’t have to fork out all your holiday money in the wee hours to get back to your hotel.
Let us help you organise your own wheels for exploring. Hire a car today.
What are the best beaches in Tel Aviv?
Haul out the sunscreen and pick your place in the sun. Tel Aviv’s coastline is 14 kilometres long and stretches from Herzliya to Bat Yam. It consists of 13 official Tel Aviv beaches, each with its own atmosphere.
This beach is the southernmost (it’s located in Jaffa) and is loved by locals for its rocky sections and palm trees, which give it an authentic Mediterranean feel. Here you can hang out with the surfers, windsurfers and paddle-boarders who frequent it.
This is one of the most popular beaches in the city, and it’s easy to see why. Here you’ll find a lively atmosphere and plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. It’s centrally located right below a number of hotels − perfect for a day by the water! If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach, check out Charles Clore Beach, Metzitzim Beach, or Tel Baruch Beach, and if you’re after a surf vibe and beach bars, try Banana Beach.
Looking for a stunning swimming spot? Then Jerusalem Beach is the place for you! Its bright white sand and shady cabanas make it the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day in Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv Frequently asked questions
Tel Aviv is known for its beautiful beaches, captivating cosmopolitan vibes, excellent cuisine, art culture, Bauhaus architecture and famed nightlife. While Tel Aviv is a relatively new city (officially founded in 1909), Jaffa – also known as the Old City – offers a taste of Israel’s historic heartland.
Israel is generally regarded as a progressive and relaxed country where casual clothing such as jeans, t-shirts, shorts and comfortable shoes are suitable attire. Do keep in mind that if you plan to visit religious sites, modest dress is expected.
If you like it hot, and we do mean HOT, aim for June to September. If, however, you prefer things a little cooler and less sweaty, aim for spring, which is from March to May, or fall, September to November.
Devour your body weight in hummus at one of the many (many) markets, soak in some vitamin ‘sea’ by the beach, snorkel, visit museums and art installations, eat seafood along the promenade, windsurf, walk Old City – the list is endless!
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If time is of the essence, three days in Tel Aviv is enough to get a taste of this incredible metropolis. To delve deeper into the city’s soul, consider staying a little longer – you won’t regret it.
Comfortable shoes are a must! An Israel power adapter, swimsuit and some heavy-duty mosquito spray would also be a good idea alongside all of your holiday essentials such as clothes, toiletries and travel documents.
For luxe beach resorts, the Tayelet boasts some of the best big name hotels in Tel Aviv. If you prefer trendy, boutique lodgings over large chains, White City is often referred to as the ‘Heart of the City’. For a taste of the old-world, Jaffa – also known as the Old City – is one of the oldest ports in the world dating back some 7,000 years.
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