Tel Aviv is a very nice city for a city trip of a few days. There is much to see and do and you can eat fantastically well. In addition, it is also a very nice city to just wander around. Curious about what to see and do in Tel Aviv? Take a look at the best sights and the best tips.
Tasting delicacies with the Tasting Card
Are you, like me, fond of good food? Then the Tasting Card is definitely for you. In fact, with this card you do a food tour, but without a guide. Tasting Cards are on sale for four major food markets in the city: the Carmel Market, the Levinsky Market, the Jaffa Flea Market and the Shuk HaNamal. With this card you can try four snacks at different sellers on the market. You also get access to an audio tour that explains more about the market and the snacks. A super fun, accessible way to taste many different things!
Strolling on the Rothschild Boulevard
The city’s most famous street is Rothschild Boulevard and walking along it is a must-do in Tel Aviv. The Rothschild Boulevard is on the Unesco World Heritage List because there are a lot of original Bauhaus buildings on both sides. Here you will find the largest collection of buildings in this style in the world! Between the two motorways is a green strip that you can walk through. In addition, there are many fine restaurants along the boulevard.
Eating in the oldest harbor in the city
The oldest port in Tel Aviv is the Jaffa Port and this part of the city breathes history. In the port of Jaffa I really felt like I had stepped into a fairy tale of 1001 nights. Our accommodation was close to the harbor and so we ended up here for our dinner the first night. I thought it was super cozy and cozy. The sense of the big city had completely disappeared and locals and tourists are represented here about equally. Tip: at restaurant The old man & The sea you can eat a menu for 69-89 NIS. This is not expensive by Israeli standards.
Exploring the city on a scooter
The electric scooters that are scattered throughout the city are a real godsend. You download the app from Lime, the most common scooter brand, and put some credit on it via your credit card. There are scooters scattered throughout the city and via the app you can see where there is a free scooter in your area. Once you have found it, scan the QR code and it will be unlocked. Now you can get on. When you have arrived at your destination, you put the scooter down somewhere, take a picture of it via the app and log out. Super simple and very handy. I found it a very convenient, cheap and fun way to get around the city.
Cycling in Tel Aviv
If you find the scooter a bit clumsy or exciting, you can of course always choose to take the bike. Especially if you don’t have that much time, it is recommended to do a bike tour with a guide. This way you immediately learn everything about Tel Aviv and you pass the most important sights.
Spotting Street Art in Florentin
Florentin is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Tel Aviv and an increasingly popular spot for hip shops and restaurants. On our last night we stayed at Rena’s House, a beautiful hotel in the middle of Florentin. From here we explored the neighborhood and I understand where the growing popularity comes from. Florentin is a bit rougher, a bit grubby even, but also very cozy and original. I definitely recommend you to spot street art here. It is bursting with street art and graffiti. There are even special street art tours that you can book, so you can get to know the stories behind the art. A great way to spend an afternoon in Florentin!
Surfing and strolling
Tel Aviv’s coastline is 14 kilometers in total and the Tayalet promenade runs along about 5 kilometers of this. I myself walked up and down the entire promenade and on the way back I felt it in my legs. I would advise you to walk all the way down one side and take a scooter for the way back. Anyway, walking the boardwalk is a lot of fun. There is something to see everywhere and there are countless nice places where you can eat or drink something on or on the beach. Are you more of the action? Then you can also surf very well in Tel Aviv. I mostly saw surfers at Jaffa Beach, but there are surf shops all along the coastline.
Visit Jaffa Flea Market
The Jaffa flea market is open Sunday through Friday and is pretty much treasure hunters heaven. The market is bursting with crazy shops full of knick knacks, interspersed with trendy clothing stores, art galleries and restaurants. Admittedly, a lot of tourists come here, but this doesn’t make it any less atmospheric. Hunt for souvenirs or just wander around, there’s plenty to see at the Jaffa flea market.
Chilling among the locals on Ben Yehuda Street
Ben Yehuda Street is a household name in Tel Aviv. This wide street seems nothing special at first glance, but you soon understand why locals like to stay here. There is a cozy terrace on every street corner and the restaurants with good reviews cannot be counted on two hands. I advise you to take a seat on one of the many terraces and eat and have a drink among the locals for an afternoon.
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Whiskey or gin tasting at Tel Aviv’s only distillery
An extra tip that I unfortunately didn’t have time for during my visit, but which is really cool to do: visit Tel Aviv’s only whiskey and gin distillery! The Milk & Honey Distillery offers various tours where you learn everything about making whiskey and gin. At the end you can of course also taste some. Nice to do on a less sunny day.
Take a Tel Aviv city tour
If you want to make sure that you have seen all the highlights and sights of Tel Aviv, a guided city tour is recommended. You spend a whole day on the road and admire the most beautiful art, culture and architecture that the city has to offer. In addition, your guide will also take you to the Carmel Market, where you will have the chance to taste all kinds of goodies. A very complete and fun day is guaranteed!
Are you especially interested in Tel Aviv’s special architecture? Then opt for a 2-hour architecture walk with a professional guide.
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Day Trips Outside Tel Aviv
If you have more time to spend in Tel Aviv, it is recommended to spend a day outside the city. Jerusalem is only 1.5 hours away and so it is really worth the effort to go up and down for a day. In addition, Masada, a citadel on top of a rock near the Dead Sea, is also only 2 hours away.
Because you probably do not have your own transport, it is smart to book an organized day trip. You will be picked up from your accommodation in Tel Aviv and then take a coach to the most beautiful places outside the city. It really enriches your city trip as far as I’m concerned!
Practical information
How do you travel to Tel Aviv?
Transavia flies directly from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv. The flight takes about 4.5 hours in total. This makes the city also great to visit for a few days. Note: you need a passport to fly to Israel. An ID is not enough.
Accommodation in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is not a cheap city to stay. In fact, I was quite shocked by the prices of hotels and apartments. I recommend that you book accommodation as early as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely the somewhat affordable rooms are already gone. I myself slept the first nights in an Airbnb in Jaffa. The last night in Tel Aviv I stayed at Rena’s House. Rena’s House is a beautiful and very affordable option in the Florentin district. Highly recommended!
Other tips for accommodations
Hostel: Old Jaffa’s Penthouse Boutique Hostel. There are spacious rooms with private bathroom and swimming pool.
Apartment: 13 Rock Apartments. This is a private studio with roof terrace in the heart of Tel Aviv.
Hotel: The New Port Hotel TLV. This is a modern hotel located on the new harbour.
Tel Aviv is a wonderful city where I could easily have spent a few extra days. The combination of a huge beach, lots of good food and cozy neighborhoods make this a super cool destination for me. In addition, there is of course also a lot to see and do in Tel Aviv.
