Don’t Miss in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is one of the big cities in Israel, situated on the Mediterranean coast. While Tel Aviv prides itself on the reputation of a “city that never sleeps”, for many visitors it is just a beach resort. However, there can be more to Tel Aviv that just beaches — from pretty parks to the vibrant nightlife scene. Here are a few things to try when you fancy a change from the beach.

Jaffa (Yafo)

Jaffa is reputed as one of the oldest ports in the world; it is also known as Namal Yafo. It’s so old, that in fact it is mentioned a few times in the Bible. It is notable for being a port in the Biblical tale where Jonah set off on his trip to meet the whale. Today Jaffa is a restored old town and port, full of sea views, charming alleys, restaurants and shops. Perfect place to visit both by day and by night – see An Introduction to Jaffa, Jaffa Walk & Old Jaffa Album

The Beach Tayelet

The Beach Tayelet runs for over five kilometers between Jaffa & the Tel Aviv port. Take a stroll and check out the different beaches and areas. See The Tayelet & Tel Aviv Beaches

Visit Tel Aviv Port

Tel Aviv Port is a fantastically restored “happening place” day and night; although not many boast in evidence any more. The Tel Aviv Promenade is a nine-mile promenade (“tayelet” in Hebrew) that runs along the Mediterranean coast. It’s a great place to do jogging, rollerblading, fishing or just strolling while admiring the sea and the environs. If you want you can go north over the new bridge to the New Tayelet, or walk along the banks of the Yarkon. See Tel Aviv Port.

You can also visit the “New Tayelet” — a very different beach walk just north of the port. See The “New” Tayelet & Tel Baruch

Yarkon Park

The Yarkon is a large park named after the Yarkon River, which flows through it. It meets the sea just north of the port and the banks are a great green park. People can walk, jog, sit picnic, ride swings, go boating and go to the zoo. It is also a popular venue for concerts, with both local and international artists having performed there. See Yarkon Park

Ganei Yehoshua & The Boating Lake

The continuation of Yarkon Park is Ganei Yehoshua – a much bigger area complete with a boating lake and the popular Seven Mills area. See Yarkon Park

Neve Tzedek

Neve Tzedek one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv and a base of culture. It is now being extensively renovated and going very upmarket. It has become a wonderful place for a stroll and to soak in some of the early history of Tel Aviv. As you go along, enjoy the diverse architectural styles and visit the trendy shops and boutiques. See A Walk in the Historic Neighborhoods of Little Tel Aviv

The Shenkin Area

The Shenkin Area is one of the coolest and most happening streets in Tel Aviv to stroll down. With trending shops and cafes and tree-lined sidewalks, you should definitely give a place a visit. The renovations and improvements last 2012 have even made the area an ultimate pedestrian paradise! Combine it with a visit to the Carmel & Nahalat Binyamin & at the other end of Shenkin is Rothschild Boulevard. See Shenkin Area

Bauhaus Architecture

Tel Aviv is the global powerhouse of the Bauhaus. Over four-thousand Bauhaus-style buildings were constructed in Tel Aviv from the 1920s to the 1940s by German-Jewish architects who immigrated in Israel after the rise of the Nazis. The Bauhaus architectural style features the typical elements of Modernism. Whether you’re an architecture student or just a casual design aficionado, learn to recognize and appreciate the distinctive style.

Azrieli Tower

The round tower of the Azrieli Center is the tallest building in Tel Aviv. There is an indoor observation deck and a highly regarded kosher restaurant. The Azrieli Mall is one of the largest malls in Israel (entrance to the observation deck is from the mall.)

Catch a Museum

Makes for a change of pace and offers indoor relief from the heat. See Tel Aviv Museums

HaTachana

HaTachana is Tel Aviv’s newest historical neighborhood. The Old Jaffa station has been renovated and is now a great place to walk around, shop, eat and enjoy the museums and events. It is located on the border between Tel Aviv and Jaffa, just off the Tayelet (sea front) and near the hotels. See HaTachana