Here are, according to us and our local team, the things to do and see in Tel Aviv in order to get the real vibe, real essence of the city.
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1. Of course you could do all of the following or just register to our cultural scavenger hunt!
2. Take a look at this map of the city to have a real idea on how it is built and organized.
3. Jaffa
A short walk south along the coast from downtown Tel Aviv brings you to the old Arab port town of Jaffa, with its preserved acropolis remains and well-restored stone architecture. Much of the original bazaar area is now home to restaurants and artisan boutiques. It's particularly lively in the evening when the old town throngs with diners. The flea market here is the major attraction for visitors, full of the hubbub of a genuine souk, while St. Peter's Monastery and the Old Port area itself are also not to be missed. Compared to the big-city hustle of Tel Aviv, Jaffa is a wonderfully tranquil place for a stroll that, despite serious gentrification, still retains its old-fashioned charm.
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4. Yemenite Quarter
One of Tel Aviv's most atmospheric neighbourhoods, the Yemenite Quarter is full of meandering alleyways lined by old-style architecture that has withstood the area's gentrification. It was first settled by Yemenite Jews in the early 20th century, and the original feel of the closely-packed streets is still very much alive. The neighborhood backs onto Carmel Market - busy, colorful, full of fresh produce, and Tel Aviv's answer to Jerusalem's famous Mahane Yehuda Market. If you're hungry in Tel Aviv and want a cheap meal, this is the place to head.
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5. Dizengoff Circle & Surrounds
The hub of Tel Aviv is this central plaza, laid out on two levels with a raised area for pedestrians above the carriageway and topped by the peculiar modern-art Fire and Water Fountain, designed by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam. The plaza and the street running off it are named after Meir Dizengoff, Tel Aviv's first mayor after the city separated from Jaffa. From the circle, Dizengoff Street runs southeast to Habima Square, Tel Aviv's cultural center and home to the Habima Theater, built in 1935. This is also where you'll find the excellent Helena Rubinstein Pavilion of Contemporary Art, which hosts a program of temporary art exhibits.
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6. Tel Aviv Museum of Art
A leading light in Israel's contemporary art scene, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art contains works by Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, Henry Moore, Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and the world's largest collection of work by Israeli artists. A particular highlight is the collection of Alois Breyer early 20th-century prints and architectural renderings of Ukrainian wooden synagogues, all of which were destroyed during World War II. The ultra-modern building, with its sophisticated architecture, houses and highlights the artworks perfectly. As well as the permanent collection, the museum hosts regular temporary exhibits and other events. Get Google maps directions>
7. Neve Tzedek Quarter
The funky Neve Tzedek Quarter is the city's oldest neighborhood, with European-Jewish settlers first building houses here in the 1880s. These lovely old buildings have been well preserved, and many now house arty boutiques, cafés, and some of the city's hippest restaurants. Snuggled within the quarter on Rochkach Street, you'll find two of its major points of interest: the Rockach House, home to a small sculpture gallery, and the Nachum Gutman Art Museum, which displays the artwork of this Israeli painter. In the district's southwest corner is the old Ottoman railway station called the HaTachana. This has been restored and reopened as a rather stylish complex of cafés, restaurants, and designer boutiques. Get Google maps directions>
8. Bialik Street
Little Bialik Street is home to three historical houses that will interest history and culture lovers. The House of artist Reuven Rubin is now a museum dedicated to his work, full of paintings as well as old photographs of Tel Aviv. Further along the street, Bialik House used to be the residence of poet Chaim Nachman Bialik and is now a tribute to his life and works. Next door is Tel Aviv's original town hall, now known as Beit Ha'ir. It contains displays documenting Tel Aviv's history.
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9. Namal: The Old Port Area
Tel Aviv's old port area (known as Namal) has been slickly rejuvenated and is now a hip waterfront hang-out strip full of shops and cafés. The boardwalk here is a favorite for promenading youngsters, while families flock to the area on weekends. The area is home to small private art galleries and an excellent indoor market. During the weekends there are often free live music concerts and other events and family friendly entertainment. This is a great place to come if you have kids in tow as there's usually plenty to keep them occupied. Get Google maps directions>
10. Eretz Israel Museum
The Eretz Israel Museum (Land of Israel Museum) occupies a complex of buildings that also takes in the Tell Qasile archaeological site. The complex includes a planetarium as well as pavilions with displays on ceramics, glass, the history of writing, science, ethnography, and folklore. In the center of the complex is Tell Qasile where Israeli archaeologists have identified 12 settlement levels dating back to the 12th century BC. Stratum XII and Stratum XI are attributed to the Philistines, while Stratum X dates from the 10th century when the kings of Israel had a port here. Later strata show that the site was still occupied during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras and was only finally abandoned in favor of nearby Jaffa during the Islamic period. Get Google maps directions>
11. Beit Hatefutsoth
Beit Hatefutsoth (the Diaspora Museum; also known as the Museum of the Jewish People) illustrates the life and culture of the Jewish people across the world, throughout history. The museum displays a wide variety of exhibits, including film recordings and models, to document the world's Jewish population through the centuries. In particular, the highlight of a visit here are the exhibits devoted to the Ethiopian Jewish community and the Bob Dylan exhibit. There is also an excellent new children's section with interactive multimedia displays. Get Google maps directions>
12. Yitzhak Rabin Center
The Yitzhak Rabin Center (named after the former prime minister of Israel) is home to the Israel Museum, which includes a wealth of information about Israel itself, and about Yitzhak Rabin - who was assassinated by Jewish terrorists after making peace with Jordan in 1995. The museum's highly detailed exhibits include a multitude of archived films and photographs. They take visitors through Israeli history from the early 20th century while focusing on the biography of Rabin from his early years, through his life as a soldier, and then in the government and as leader of the country, right up to his assassination. Get Google maps directions>
13. Rothschild Boulevard
This central city street is home to some of Tel Aviv's finest Bauhaus architecture and is a great place for a stroll, particularly in the early evening. Along the road are two museums where you can make stops between admiring the preserved buildings. The Independence Hall (Beit Dizengoff) is the former residence of Tel Aviv's first mayor and is where David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the state of Israel on May 14th, 1948. Inside, a display of mementos from this event is exhibited. Also along the road is the house once occupied by Haganah Commander Eliyahu Golomb, now home to the Haganah Museum, which documents the Haganah guerrilla force that actively attacked British Mandate rule. There are weaponry exhibits and information on the Haganah's activities inside.
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14. Tel Aviv Beaches
Tel Aviv is defined by its coastal position. The beaches attract tourists and locals alike. On weekends, Tel Aviv's strips of sand are crowded with sun-worshippers, posers and people just chilling out. The most popular sandy stretches are centrally-located Gordon Beach, Frishman Beach, and Banana Beach where you'll find excellent facilities such as fresh-water showers, sun loungers and sunshades for rent. The Tayelet (paved boardwalk) that runs along the beach between central Tel Aviv and Jaffa is prime evening promenading territory and is lined with plenty of cafés and restaurants allowing an easy entire day at the beach. Get Google maps directions>
Vered is our Tel Aviv local representative, we asked her what an ideal day of leisure in Tel Aviv could look like, what would she'd suggest doing from early morning to late at night?
Here is what she suggests. Don't hesitate to contact Vered on Twitter @bigcitychase #Vered #questionforVered if you have questions for her, we may publish your conversation in this blog if she thinks it might be useful to other Tel AViv visitors.
Vered from Tel Aviv for Big City Chase Tel Aviv :
"Hello, my name is Vered, I was born and raised in Israel, in Afula and moved to Tel Aviv to study and work. I love living here and I will help you getting the most out this leisure day in wonderful Tel Aviv.
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