Tel Aviv’s beautiful beaches, international food scene, vibrant nightlife and chilled atmosphere have earned her a reputation as an hedonistic destination. Visitors will also fall under the spell of its fascinating history, atmospheric neighborhoods and distinct architecture. Here is a selection of Tel Aviv’s top attractions for a cultural, relaxing and fun vacation.
Bauhaus architecture in White City
Along and around the elegant Rothschild Boulevard you’ll see some of the 4,000 buildings designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, Tel Aviv’s emblematic Bauhaus constructions dating to the 1930s and 1940s.
Some are particularly well preserved and renovated, giving a clear vision of the architectural style the German exiles imported to the young Mediterranean city.
Jaffa and Jaffa flea market
No visit to Tel Aviv would be complete without a few hours spent in the ancient port of Jaffa, in the south of Tel Aviv. The beautiful old district is a charismatic ensemble of historic buildings, art galleries, and meandering streets. Wandering through Jaffa flea market (Shuk HaPishPushim) will make for a memorable experience.
Neve Tzedek
Neve Tzedek is the first Jewish district built on the outskirts of Jaffa at the end of the 19th century is arguably Tel Aviv’s most charming area with its colorful low-rise houses, enchanting alleyways, and vast array of historical and cultural attractions, among which the world-famous Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the house in which David Ben Gurion declared the creation of a Jewish State in the Land of Israel on May 14, 1948 offers the opportunity to learn about the context of this decisive event.
For further exploration of such historical moments, you can join the Israel Heritage Day Tour or The Visionaries of Tel Aviv Day Tour.
Shuk HaCarmel Tel Aviv
An explosion of colors, scents and flavors — not to forget the raucous and jovial sellers — Tel Aviv’s main Shuk HaCarmel market is a must to experience the bustle of the city, sample Israeli specialties, buy food presents, or have a bite at one of the food stalls.
Nachalat Binyamin market
Running on Tuesdays and Fridays, the Nachalat Binyamin arts and crafts market on a pedestrian stretch by the Shuk HaCarmel is a popular spot with tourists and locals alike.
A treasure trove of original hand-made decorative items and jewelry, this is a wonderful location to purchase gifts and souvenirs.
Levinsky market & Florentin
The trendy area of Florentin in southern Tel Aviv is where you’ll have the chance to discover graffiti artists and contemporary art galleries. Head to nearby Levinsky market to admire the rich displays of spices and local delicatessen.
Museums in Tel Aviv
Discover the history of the city at the Shalom Tower that hosts the Museum of Tel Aviv, a fantastic collection of photographs to travel back in time to the city’s founding years.
If you want to see the works of some of the finest Israeli artists, the stunning Tel Aviv Museum of Art is the place to go. Its spacious exhibition halls also welcome internationally renowned creators.
Meanwhile the Museum of the Jewish People (Diaspora Museum) offers an informative presentation of Jewish life around the world through a beautifully curated display including artefacts, paintings and temporary exhibitions.
Rabin Square
Tel Aviv’s main square named after the former Prime Minister Itzchak Rabin(s’l) who was assassinated there in 1995 is a great place to sit and relax during a busy day touring and to find excellent restaurants and lively bars at night.
Tel Aviv Beaches
With almost year-round sunshine and a Mediterranean coast stretching over 10 km (6 miles), Tel Aviv is a dream for beach and water sports lovers.
Centrally located and well appointed with restaurants and bars, Gordon and Frishman beaches are the most popular, while there’s also a separate beach for men and women (on alternate days) and one for dogs.
Words: Sonia Esther Soltani
