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Jan
11
Tel Aviv Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Israel
A trip to Tel Aviv
A young city that is quickly shooting to the top as Israel’s cultural and business capital, Tel Aviv is an energetic urban centre primarily situated along the Mediterranean coast. The modern excitement of this city is balanced by the long history of Old Jaffa, an ancient port city that now makes up part of Tel Aviv.
Flights to Tel Aviv
Israel’s main international airport, Ben Gurion, is easily accessible from Tel Aviv and offers both domestic flights and international flights to Europe and North America. Security at this airport is extremely tight. Travellers can reach Tel Aviv by train, bus or a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. Within the city, you can travel around on the convenient bus system, by taxi or by foot. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Tel Aviv try Thomas Cook.
Tel Aviv
Sightseeing in Tel Aviv
The strip of Mediterranean beaches in Tel Aviv is the city’s most unique attraction, with year-round entertainment attracting a constant stream of international and local visitors. The Diaspora Museum offers a glimpse into Jewish history around the world, while a taste of culture can be found at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Historic Old Jaffa is a must-see for all visitors as it reveals a very different side of largely modern Tel Aviv. Tour the 3rd century BC catacombs and visit the Franciscan Church of St Peter, which was built atop a medieval fortress in the 19th century. Rabin Square is an important public landmark for Israelis, marking the site of Prime Minister Rabin’s assassination in 1995. Yarkon Park, another large public space, is located right in city centre.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
An impressive selection of international restaurants leaves visitors with countless dining options. Cheap local food is also widely available, as are restaurants with more of a fine dining experience.
Tel Aviv also boasts an endless array of entertainment options to suit every taste. Old Jaffa has a number of more low-key nightspots, while Allenby Street and its surrounding areas are jam-packed with cosmopolitan bars, nightclubs and restaurants that would rival any European capital city. The streets by the beach are also popular nighttime destinations.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
The sprawling Carmel Market is an explosion of fresh fruit, meat, vegetables, baked goods and every imaginable culinary delight. Open every day except Sunday, this is a must-see market where you can lose yourself for hours.
Fashionistas will find that Tel Aviv is making a name for itself in the world of cutting-edge fashion, visible in the designer boutiques and haute couture shops springing up around the city. All types of visitors will enjoy immersing themselves in the Jaffa flea market, a treasure trove of clothes, odds and ends, and exotic home decorations. Many other markets are scattered about Tel Aviv selling arts and crafts, spices and just about anything you can imagine.
Although Israel has been known to be afflicted with secular violence, Tel Aviv is largely a safe city to visit where residents go on with their daily lives as in any urban metropolis. To be cautious, tourists should check the news regarding current safety conditions in Tel Aviv.
Daytrips
Several great locations can be easily reached by road from Tel Aviv. The Alexander River National Park is home to turtles and several reptile species. Featuring a pretty eucalyptus grove and picnicking area, the park is a pleasant place to spend a day. The ancient ruin of Huryat Samra sits on a small hill overlooking the park, and each spring time the area is carpeted with colourful flowers.
If time is of the essence then head to mini Israel, where more than 350 of the country’s religious, historical and archaeological sites have been replicated in miniature. The site can be reached by car from Tel Aviv, and is the perfect way to see the whole country in less than a day.
The incredible Ramat Gan Safari Park can be reached by bus from the city, and being home to more than 1,500 species of animal, it is a great place for the family to enjoy. For something a bit quieter, head to the beautiful rural area of Zichron Yaakov, where visitors can enjoy the cool temperatures and views of the Mediterranean.
Must-see attractions
Most people come to Tel Aviv for its glorious beaches. Hatzuk Beach is the city’s northernmost beach and is far less crowded than other ones due to the fact that visitors have to pay a small entrance fee. It is a great place to spend a relaxing day, but if you don’t want to spend out then try the more popular stretch of Gordon and Frishman, where parties are often held in the summer.
Dance lovers will appreciate the Susan Dellal Centre, which hosts some of Israel’s most important events, including the world-renowned Summer Dance which takes place in July and August and showcases the best local artists as well as performers from all over the world.
Regarded as Tel Aviv’s most beautiful area, Neve Tzedek is a must-see. The crumbling yet glorious architecture dates back to the 1880s and the old buildings now house modern apartments, stylish restaurants, galleries and chic shops.
Best time to go
Tel Aviv is a place that can be enjoyed at any time of year although it is most popularly visited outside of the winter season, which tends to be cool and damp. Temperatures rarely drop to below 5°C and sunny days are the norm. Film buffs should try and visit in April, when the annual International Documentary Film Festival takes place.
Rainy day suggestions
Although Tel Aviv does not experience much rain, it can be a good idea to have a few indoor attractions lined up to escape from the hot humid weather of the summer months.
The Azrieli Observatory, situated in Israel’s highest building, features panoramic views over the city through its 84 windows. The Ben Gurion House, previously home to the nation’s first prime minister, makes for a fascinating and free attraction while the Bet Rubin and Bet Bialik museums are also worth visiting.
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