15 Things not to Miss in Tel Aviv

15 things not to miss in Tel Aviv

If you are planning a trip to Israel soon, a stop in Tel Aviv should be on your list of things to do. The city has so much to offer tourists. It has grown in the last few years to become an exciting city that will delight and amaze you, living you wanting more. There is so much to do and see in this city.

This list is a compilation of only the best things to do here, but there is even far more. The town has ten miles of beautiful sandy beaches and enjoys sunshine 300 days a year. Besides that, the locals have a lot of culture, art, and good times to offer. There is a handful to see in Tel Aviv if you plan to visit Israel. Here are 15 awesome things you cannot afford to miss:

1. A Visit to Neve Tzedek

Neve Tzedek is considered the city’s version of SoHo. It is one of the oldest districts in the city and was built just outside Jaffa’s Old City. While the district is old, the vibe in this area is quite young. Thus, if you would want to do some shopping and enjoy some excellent cuisine while in the city, this is the place to visit. It is a bit like a throwback to the old SoHo before flocks of tourists started flooding in.

The best streets to visit in Neve Tzedek is Shabazi Street. Here you will find galleries, boutiques, cafes, and gourmet restaurants. The area is often a favorite of the hip crowds in the city. While it may be popular, its popularity is not overwhelming. Thus, you will still get to enjoy the vibe of SoHo without the large crowds. While there is much to see and do in Neve Tzedek, there is no rush. Do it at a pace of your liking. The city is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

(http://www.spanevetzedek.co.il/)

2. Head to the Beaches

Tel Aviv has a 10-mile stretch of beautiful white sandy beaches. These beautiful beaches have led to the city being called the Miami Beach of the Mediterranean. No matter which beach you choose along this strip, you can never go wrong. One of the most famous beaches in Tel Aviv amongst tourists is Gordon Beach. It attracts locals, tourists, joggers and those who just want to busk at the beach.

If you love folk dancing, be sure to visit the beach on Saturday mornings in the winter on the evenings in summer to watch performers if Israel folk dancing and probably join in. Banana Beach, which is found on the southern edge, close to Jaffa, is a favorite of the bohemian crowds who gather here in the evenings on Fridays. They engage in singing, dancing, and drum circles. The other beach to visit in Tel Aviv is Metzizim Beach, which is attractive to people of all ages. There is even a playground located here for those that have kids.

(https://www.timeout.com/israel/attractions/the-best-beaches-in-tel-aviv)

3. Enjoy the Architecture

Tel Aviv has excellent architecture than any city in the Mediterranean. It is also home to the most Bauhaus style buildings in the world. Most of the buildings in Tel Aviv have quite a fascinating story to them. One of the most iconic buildings you should visit in the Design Museum. The building is quite a marvel to behold. If you would like to enjoy all of this architecture, a walking tour is what you will need. These tours cost about $30 per person, and they ensure you do not miss any of the marvelous structures located within the city.

(https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293984-Activities-c42-t183-Tel_Aviv_Tel_Aviv_District.html)

4. Visit Hayarkon Park

The park is known as the city’s green lung. Every year, over 16 million people visit this fantastic park to relax and enjoy the scenery. The park has an area of 3.8 square kilometers. Within it, you will find biking paths, walking paths, play areas for children, artificial lakes, a pair of mini zoos, botanical gardens and even sports centers.

There are also paid entertainment venues for those who would like to relax especially while in the city. Here you will find paddleboats for hire, a children’s train, a water park, an aviary, and a water park. If you love boating, you can follow the Yarkon River that runs through the park all the way up the point where it joins the Mediterranean.

(https://www.touristisrael.com/hayarkon-park/1098/)

5. Old Jaffa

A visit to Tel Aviv would be incomplete without a tour of Old Jaffa. It is one of the oldest surviving cities on earth. It is also home to the oldest known seaport on earth. However, Old Jaffa has undergone something of a revolution in recent years. It is now home to many modern artists, designers, and gourmands. If you like food, here you will find it in great abundance.

Make sure you visit the flea market, the Clock Tower, designer stores, galleries, museums, and the Old Port. You should also make it a point to visit the NaLaga’at Center, which is operated by the deaf and blind community of the city.

6. The Carmel Market

It is not just any other market; it is the beating heart of Tel Aviv. Here you will find clothing and produce in great abundance. If you do not want to shop, you can just come here for the sites and sound. At the market, you will find many colorful stalls with vendors composing melodies to announce the prices of their wares.

They sell everything ranging from souvenirs, fresh produce, and dried fruits to spices and fish. There are also many trendy cafes and food stands found within this market. It is open daily from 7 to evening. Only on Fridays does it close on the hour early as the Sabbath arrives.

7. Enjoy the Nightclub Scene

Tel Aviv has one of the best nightlife scenes in the Mediterranean. Some of the top clubs in the world are found here in the city. Clubs like The Block, which are world famous are located in the city. Whether you are looking for a relaxed nightclub or a hipster hangout where you can go wild all night, you will find one in Tel Aviv.

If you like to visit a cool little bar instead, you will be spoilt for choice. There is never a slow night in the city. In the morning, you can always trace your way back to bed and breakfast in Tel Aviv where you were staying. It is in part thanks to the excellent quality transportation network within the city.

(https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293984-Activities-c20-t109-Tel_Aviv_Tel_Aviv_District.html)

8. A Day Trip from Tel Aviv to Petra

If you would like to enjoy 2000 years’ worth of history, a trip to Petra from Tel Aviv is an excellent way to do it. Companies operating out of Tel Aviv will take you on a flight to Eilat. From there, you will go through the Jordanian desert and arrive at the beautiful Petra, a UNESCO heritage site. Here you will find rose-red builds hewn out of the rock. The monuments include the Treasury, theater, streets, and tombs of the rulers of Petra. After, shop for some souvenirs before finally heading back to your bed and breakfast in Tel Aviv.

A tour to Tel Aviv is not complete without a visit to Petra. The best way to enjoy Petra is to have a guide with you. He or she will guide you through a narrow entrance galley into the city. He will also tell you about the rich history of this once magnificent city that way a melting pot of art and culture in the ancient world.

9. The Eretz Museum

This historical museum is located in the Ramat Aviv district of the city. The foundation was established in 1953 and is home to many historical, archeological, and anthropological artifacts. The artifacts are neatly organized in various pavilions within the museum. After finding accommodation in Tel Aviv, you should make your way to the museum. This gallery also doubles up as a planetarium.

One of the most exciting areas of this museum is the “man and his work” section. Here you will find people doing live demos of the ancient methods of jewelry making, weaving, grain grinding, and bread baking. Another is the Tell Quasile area, where archeologists have unearthed 12 different layers of culture.

(http://www.eretzmuseum.org.il/e/)

10. The Yitzhak Rabin Center

To learn a bit of Israel’s history, you should visit this center. It is a memorial to the legacy of Yitzhak Rabin, a former PM of Israel. The center is home to one of the newest museums in the city. It is the only one of its kind as it explores the development of the modern state of Israel. You will also find breathtaking architecture at this center and Panoramic views of the city. The tours to this center are offered in Russian, Arabic, French, Spanish, Hebrew, and English.

(http://www.rabincenter.org.il/Web/En/Default.aspx)

11. Banias Nature Reserve Tour

North Israel is one of the most beautiful places for anyone wanting to explore nature in Israel. Here you will find beautiful rivers, forests, and waterfalls. However, there are also numerous nature reserves in this area. One of the most important of these reserves is the Banias Nature Reserve, home of Caesarea Philippi. It is an essential place for Christians, which was built by Philip, the Son of King Herod.

During the tour, you will also visit other nature reserves such as the Dan National Reserve with many beautiful forests and brooks, and home to a well-preserved Jewish Temple. There is also the Nimrod National Reserve, which is well-preserved citadel that overlooks the Golan Heights. Tours start in the morning; you are picked from your accommodation in Tel Aviv from amongst the many cheap hotels in Tel Aviv and driven back there in the evening.

(http://www.israelsite.net/north-israel/israel-places-to-visit-banias/)

12. Room Escape Games

If you escape rooms, you will be spoilt for choice in Tel Aviv. It is especially so if you have already taken parts in all the games in your hometown and are looking for a new challenge. There are about 40 escape rooms in Tel Aviv from which to choose. Thanks to the cheap hotels in Tel Aviv and the ease of transportation in the city, you can visit almost all of them. Merely leave you B&B in Tel Aviv in the morning and visit the ones you like.

(https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293984-Activities-c56-t208-Tel_Aviv_Tel_Aviv_District.html)

13. Dizengoff Street

The street is the main artery of Tel Aviv, it is found within the tourist district of this city. Here you will find bars, small shops, and restaurants. There are many hotels in this area and is a great place to find a B&B in Tel Aviv. The street has some exciting shopping malls where you can do some shopping. If you would like to take part in the nightlife, this place is quite remarkable.

(http://www.dizengof-center.co.il/)

14. The Israeli Opera

The Israeli Opera is the primary opera company in Israel. It was founded in 1985. Are looking for an excellent way to relax in a peaceful setting? You should think of visiting the Opera. Almost all the seats are perfect for you to spectate. The hall is also projected quite well. The seats are comfortable, and the acoustics are amazing. If you are visiting Tel Aviv for about three days, a visit to the Opera House should be on your list of things to do.

(http://www.israel-opera.co.il/eng/)

15. Ben Gurion House

It is one of the smallest museums in Israel and is often overlooked by most tourists. It is a historical museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the first prime minister of Israel. Visitors to this tin museum will get to see where the family of the PM slept, where he worked and where he studied. You will also get to visit the library. It is a great way to grow your knowledge about the history of the modern day democratic state of Israel. The visit is also a great way to kill time.

(http://www.bg-house.org/).