Tel Aviv is an incredible Israeli city, and is a hotbed of art, culture, great food, and historical significance. If you’re planning to visit Israel, or anywhere in the Middle East, we highly recommend a stop in Tel Aviv! But if you’re also wondering what to do while you’re there, then look no further. Viewcation presents, the best things to do in Tel Aviv, Israel!
The Tayelet
A perfect way to get a sense of the beauty of Tel Aviv is to walk or bike along The Tayalet. It’s a pedestrian-only road that goes from Jaffa to the Old Tel Aviv port. And perhaps more importantly, it runs along the Mediterranean, offering a stunning view of the sea as you walk. So you have the option of staying on the coastal side of the Tayalet and simply admiring the gorgeous scenery. But you can also talk more on the inland side and check out an array of great restaurants, hotels, shops, and more. Then there’s Gordon Beach, which is a prime spot for catching some rays and hanging out for a while. Renting a bike is a great option as well, as you can see more of the coastline than walking. But taking a leisurely stroll and stopping for incredible coffee is also a great option.
Jaffa
Speaking of Jaffa, it’s next on our list of the best things to do in Tel Aviv. Technically it’s a separate city just outside the boundaries of Tel Aviv, but it’s always considered a part of it when it comes to tourists visiting. It has historical and biblical ties, and because of that, it feels like you’re walking back in time to an ancient era. Jaffa was reportedly named after Japhet, son of Noah. In the Bible, Japhet helped construct the walls of the city after the flood that Noah built the ark for. Through the centuries Jaffa has also been inhabited by people from the Ottoman and Roman empires. And both Napoleon and Richard The Lionheart at one point claimed it as their own. In Jaffa you’re surrounded by a vast array of stone buildings that lend to the feeling of ancient historical importance. But unlike the olden times, these buildings have interiors full of modern amenities and stores. There are cafes and galleries inside them, and there are also vendors all over the streets selling things ranging from fruit to jewelry. And the main square hosts a large flea market, where you can pick up a souvenir or two to remember your trip.
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Carmel Market
For some great shopping, head to Carmel Market, which is the biggest open-air market in Tel Aviv. Locals and tourists alike descend on Carmel Market every day, selling their wares and searching for bargains. When visiting, you’ll be invigorated by the buzz of people and shops. Don’t be alarmed if shop owners try to engage with you, asking you to consider buying their wares, and boasting about their incredible prices. It’s all part of the ebb and flow of the open air market. There are stalls lining the marketplace, and you can purchase anything from clothing and sunglasses to candy and spices. Plus if you’re headed to the beach, it’s a great place to grab supplies. While the market is free to walk around, you’ll want to make sure to have some cash on hand to make a couple purchases!
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
When you’re ready to head inside for some culture, hit up the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. It’s been a mainstay in the city since it was built in 1932, and it boasts an impressive gallery of works from the 1500’s to today. It has a nice mix of local and international artists, and even has works by masters like Matisse and Streichman. Not only that, but the arcitechture of the building itself is a work of art as well, and many people come to admire it for a while before entering into the museum. It’s in the Mahane Rabin neighborhood of Tel Aviv, and it’s open every day except Sunday. Plus it’s less than $15 for an adult ticket, so it won’t use up your holiday spending cash.
White City
This area of Tel Aviv is referred to a White City because of the light, cream color of the buildings. And for anyone who is into design and architecture, it’s a must see. The buildings are all in the “Bauhaus” style, which emphasizes asymmetry and geometric shapes. It’s actually the biggest set of Bauhaus buildings on the planet, which is world considering it didn’t even originate in this area. It’s a German style of architecture, but was brought to Israel by Jewish immigrants from Germany. One great way to experience the White City is to hire a tour guide to take you around. The Bauhaus Center is centrally located and offers tours from around 22 bucks. But you can also pick up a guidebook and go on a self guided tour. Make sure you hit up Rothschild Boulevard while you’re there, as it has a lot of cafes and shops nestled inside these incredible architectural buildings.
Nahalat Binyamin Market
This is another great outdoor shopping experience you should definitely check out in Tel Aviv. The Nahalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall, for starters, is a great location for shops and and galleries. And then it turns into a huge outdoor market every Tuesday and Thursday. You’ll be able to walk around for hours, checking out over 200 vendors who are offering up their crafts, jewelry, and more. It’s actually Israel’s biggest arts and crafts market, and it is hugely popular with both locals and tourists. A heads up that because of this, it can certainly get a little crowded. But, just like with Carmel Market, you’ll likely enjoy the hustle and bustle of the crowd and the vendors. If you’re not someone who enjoys crowds, however, this might be one attraction to skip over.
Tel Aviv Beaches
We mentioned Gordon Beach earlier, but that’s far from the only beach option in the city. As a coastal paradise, Tel Aviv offers 16 beaches, despite not being a particularly large place. Visitors often rave about how the Tel Aviv beaches are gorgeous, clean, festive, and a great place to spend an afternoon. They all offer up outdoor showers and clean bathrooms available to the public, and there are usually indoor showers and rooms to change in as well. Orthodox Jews will often seek out the Nordau Street Beach, because it has different days of the week for men and women to visit. But for those looking for a co-ed experience, there are plenty more beaches for you. Gordon Frishman Beach is a prime stop for watersports like kayak and surfing. And on all the beaches, you’ll have the chance to relax, sunbathe, and even play matkot. Maktot is a popular Israeli beach game, similar to Kadima paddles in the states. With a full 9 miles of beaches along the city’s edge, you’ll never be too far from your chance to sit in the sand and swim!
Neve Tzedek
This is another small area that is technically just outside the city proper, but is definitely worth a visit. It’s one of the original settlements of Tel Aviv, and is a gorgeous place to walk around. It full of boutiques and incredible restaurants that surround fully restored buildings and houses. It’s sometimes even referred to as the SoHo of Tel Aviv, since it’s such a trendy and art-centered area. You can hit up the Suzanna Dellal Centre to see the Batsheva Dance Company, for starters. And the Rokach House Museum is one of the many spots we’d recommend in terms of art galleries in Neve Tzedek. And even walking around the area will allow you some great art viewing opportunity, as local artists hae been commissioned to pain murals along many of the town’s walls. Best of all, it’s super close to the center of Tel Aviv, so it’s a quick bike ride or a taxi there and back.
Old Tel Aviv Port
In the early days of modern Israel, the Old Tel Aviv Port was an essential part of the commerce of the country. It served as the main port to the sea, and ships came in and out daily, importing and exporting major goods. However, it closed operations in the 1960’s. But the city decided to completely revitalize it, and it’s now one of the premier places to visit for locals and tourists alike. It’s a perfect place to explore Israeli and Tel Aviv culture, and it hosts tons of cafes, boutiques, bars, and more. It has become a prime place for nightlife and live entertainment as well. Plus, it’s obviously on the water, so many of the restaurants and bars have incredible views out into the sea. You’ll likely want to have a mix of people-watching time, with shopping and eating tie. But regardless of how you spend your time there, you’ll love hanging out at the Old Tel Aviv Port.
So there you have it – the best things to do in Tel Aviv. Now it’s time to hear from you. Did we miss any of your favorite things to do in Tel Aviv? Let us know in the comments section below. And before you go, make sure to give this video a like, and subscribe to Viewcation if you haven’t already. Click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.