Despite the global recession, Israel‘s economy is booming. Tel Aviv-Yafo, often referred to as just Tel Aviv, is also called The City That Never Stops. It has an influx of 3 million international visitors every year. The city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast is a cacophonous mixtape of heritage that offers an exciting melting pot of cuisines, cultural traits, accents, and worldviews. We can promise it will amaze, delight, and have you begging for more with its variety of high-end restaurants, cool bars, trendy cafes, wild nightlife, fantastic architecture, white sand beaches, and crystal blue water. This seaside cultural and commercial Headquarters in Israel, the city offers a warm Mediterranean climate, making it known as a sunny tourist destination. Whether you come during summer or the rest of the year, there are plenty of things to do in Tel Aviv Israel, including tasting the local cuisine.
Table of contents
- Nachlat Binyamin Art Market
- Architecture Tour
- Sarona Market
- Tel Aviv Beach
- HaCarmel Market
- Neve Tzedek Neighborhood
- Azrieli Center
- The Tel Aviv Port & Market
- Museum of Art
- Hayarkon Park
- Old Jaffa
- Dizengoff Center Food Fair
- HaTachana
- Levinsky Market
- Tayelet
- Just So You Know…
- Recommended Restaurants in Tel Aviv
- Recommended Bars and Clubs in Tel Aviv
Nachlat Binyamin Art Market
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Wondering about what things to do in Tel Aviv? Then, include Nachlat Binyamin Art Market in your tours while in this town. The Nahalat Binyamin market is one of Israel’s biggest arts and crafts markets, specializing in all sorts of beautiful arts and crafts from all corners of Israel. It’s an excellent place to browse for original Tel Aviv souvenirs, all handmade and sold by their creators, such as ceramics, toys, paintings, framed photos, and Judaica pieces.
Located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv, the market runs every Tuesday and Friday. You can visit the market for most of the day. However, we suggest you see this one of the top-rated tourist attractions earlier to avoid the crowds.
Architecture Tour
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Tel Aviv’s 4,000 Bauhaus buildings are collectively called the White City and are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. For more info, go to the Bauhaus center Tel Aviv website. They were constructed between 1920 and 1940 by German-Jewish architects who immigrated to the region. We would urge those interested in architecture or Tel Aviv history, in general, to sign on for the tour: ‘Tel Aviv Architecture Walk’ with Yigal Gawze for things to do in Tel Aviv Israel.
Yigal is an Architect and a photographer and provides a constant stream of insight into the inter-relationship between modernist architectural design, historical development patterns, and the cultural forces which shaped the growth of Tel Aviv. As a Tel Aviv resident, he also shares his observations regarding current development trends and the city’s struggle to respect its architectural legacy. Altogether a fascinating and invaluable experience to see in the top-rated tourist attractions in Tel Aviv.
Sarona Market
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What used to be a German Templer colony during the 19th century is becoming one of the newest, freshest, and most happening places in the heart of Tel Aviv. A complex that combines culture, entertainment, and leisure with many boutiques, restaurants, cafes, green areas, cultural centers, chill-out areas, and street performances is Sarona Market.
It’s a 1,500-meter (4930 ft) long covered market, which is the highlight of the complex. It’s also the largest indoor food complex in Israel. Sarona Market is located on the southern edge of Sarona and opened in 2015.
In Sarona Market, you can have a picnic, take lots of photos, and do some people-watching. Also, the food and drinks are diverse, so you should try Tel Aviv food. If you’re planning for shopping, there are plenty of luxury brands, such as Fred Perry, Liebeskind, and Tommy Hilfiger. You’ll also find plenty of hotels and places to stay near Sarona Market.
Tel Aviv Beach
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One of the greatest things about Tel Aviv is its proximity to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, which gives the city a Miami or Rio-style sense of ease and openness. Surely, visiting beaches is a must do in Tel Aviv. The unmatched Tel Aviv beaches’ magnificent blue water and white sand attract thousands of bathers from Israel and abroad from April to September.
There are 8 major beaches you shouldn’t miss, each with its own crowd and character. For example, Jerusalem Beach for hipsters and hippies, Nordau Beach for religious people, Dog Beach for animal lovers, Gordon & Frishman Beach for tourists, and Hilton Beach for the gay community. Don’t miss visiting the city’s beaches as your things to do in Tel Aviv.
HaCarmel Market
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The Shuk HaCarmel, or Carmel Market, is the largest and busiest market in Tel Aviv. It’s a large, lively marketplace that spreads all over Carmel Street that sells a variety of goods, making this one of the things to do in Tel Aviv Israel, you shouldn’t miss. You’ll see the shouting vendors and colorful stalls, adding a lovely atmosphere.
When you’re visiting the market, keep in mind that it gets crowded, where thousands of locals and visitors stroll around the stalls buying food supplies, fish, meat, cheese, vegetables, fruits, flowers, pastries, souvenirs, fake t-shirts, and even dead sea products. Established in the 1920s, it opens daily except for Saturday.
Neve Tzedek Neighborhood
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Neve Tzedek was built in 1887 and was the first Jewish neighborhood outside the old port city of Jaffa. Located in southwestern Tel Aviv, it’s home to major cultural areas, such as the Frederic Mann Auditorium, Helena Rubinstein Art Museum, and Israel’s Habima Theater.
Probably Tel Aviv’s prettiest neighborhood in the town, it regularly attracts swarms of visitors. All are keen to stroll the many narrow winding streets and marvel at the fantastic architecture of the area. There are also some great galleries, shops, and cute little cafes and restaurants to check out. You’ll also find plenty of street art, graffiti, and urban art pieces in this neighborhood.
Azrieli Center
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The Azrieli Center is a group of three buildings on the east side of Tel Aviv. Located at the major intersection in Tel Aviv city, it’s the largest center in the Middle East. It serves primarily as a business center and also offers one of the biggest shopping centers in Israel and an Observatory. The shopping center is overwhelming with its many shops, but you’ll see the excellent selections.
There are plenty of coffee shops and small snack stands, but if you are in for a meal, you could try the 2C restaurant in the Azrieli Observatory. People will find the mall very accessible, with direct access to the Israeli railway system and stops for major bus lines. Also, it offers over 3,500 parking spaces.
The Tel Aviv Port & Market
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Next on our list of things to do in Tel Aviv Israel is the Port & Market. Not an active port, the port is a commercial and entertainment district along the Mediterranean Sea in northwest Tel Aviv. Namal Tel Aviv, in Hebrew, hosts some of the city’s wealthiest and trendiest cafes, restaurants, bars, and stores. Enjoy the Port Markets: An outdoor farmer’s market with local products every Friday and an indoor market (Open daily) that provides imported and locally manufactured for different culinary aspects.
Visitors will find various kinds of things, such as food stalls of the best chefs in the country, plus cooking classes and wine tasting. There’s also a professional library and cookware shop. This place gives you completes the experience and turns into an Israeli culinary scene. Open daily from 08:00 to 20:00, you’ll enjoy a bit of everything in one place: the blue sea, bustling markets, kid stuff, bustling markets, and a lively night scene.
Museum of Art
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It’s one of the attractions in Tel Aviv visited by hundreds to million of visitors. The new museum was opened in 2011. It was designed by architect Preston Scott Cohen and Amit Nemelich. It’s a dynamic structure made of 430 polished cement panels and is Israel’s largest art museum. The building hosts visiting exhibitions and a permanent collection of highlights spanning 100 years of Israeli art.
The Tel Aviv Museum is part of the city’s main cultural complex and neighbors the Cameri Municipal Theatre and the Israel Opera. This museum showcases a rich collection of art from both Israeli and international artists from the 16thand 19th centuries, impressionism, post-impressionism, and 20th century.
Hayarkon Park
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Tel Aviv’s green sanctuary amid the big city stretches for hundreds of acres along the tranquil Yarkon River. With 6 landscaped gardens and a pond, it’s located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. As one of the main attractions in Tel Aviv, the park attracts families, joggers, youngsters, and almost anyone who feels like a breath of fresh air.
Beautifully tranquil, this park has sixteen million visitors in a year. Rent a bike, take a boat or just take a walk. The park has hidden beauty spots where you’d never believe the busy city is so close. Inside, Tourists will also find one of Israel’s largest water parks, a petting zoo, and a bird sanctuary.
Old Jaffa
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Thousands of years of history come together in Jaffa, one of the world’s oldest cities and the birthplace of Tel Aviv. Old Jaffa, with its Old Port, markets, restaurants, and unique atmosphere, is a top destination for visitors to explore the city. Include the incredible Old Jaffa in your top things to do in Tel Aviv Israel, and enjoy shopping at the Jaffa Flea Market, tasting legendary hummus, or browsing through galleries and museums.
Most impressive is the Old Port, which is one of the oldest active ports in the world. Jaffa is mentioned in the Old Testament as the port from which the prophet Jonah embarked on a ship before being swallowed by a fish.
In modern times, the port served as the region’s main export and import hub, including the famous Jaffa oranges. Today, local fishermen still use the harbor. The main hangars of the port have been restored. They include art galleries, cafés, restaurants, shops, and the famous NaLagaat Center, a unique artistic complex operated by the deaf and blind community.
Dizengoff Center Food Fair
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Next on our list of things to do in Tel Aviv Israel, is the Dizengoff Center Food Fair. An indoor market located in Dizengoff Center, it opens every Friday morning for over 15 years. Dizengoff Center Food Fair provides a meeting place for cultures that have converged from around the world and gives a chance to sample a range of Middle Eastern and other far-flung cuisines such as Moroccan, Yemeni, Persian, Tunisian, Druze, Israeli, Iraqi, Asian, Italian and more.
More than 50 stalls offer authentic food and other wide variety of cuisines from around the world. Located at the intersection of Dizengoff Street and King George Street in the town of Tel Aviv, it brings together what you’re looking for under one roof.
HaTachana
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Hatachana is the Hebrew name for the historic Jaffa railway station built in 1892. When the railway closed and fell into decay, it was transformed into one of Tel Aviv’s smartest public spaces outside ancient Jaffa. Since the transformation, it has become a trendy and lively spot.
Located between Tel Aviv Beach and Neve Tzedek, it offers a brilliant selection of cafes and restaurants. Also, there are plenty of exciting boutiques ranging from fashion and wooden games, all in an enviably realistic historical setting. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy different unique events in this public space.
Levinsky Market
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We recommend you visit some attractions in Tel Aviv while traveling to this city. Levinsky Market is one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv Israel. Named after the Jewish-Russian writer Elhanan Lev Levinsky, it’s a wholesale market for nuts, spices, dried fruits, and fusion cuisines. Located along Levinsky Street, it’s also a vibrant culinary hotspot with fine cafes, shops, and restaurants.
This market is easily accessible by public transportation, only a 10-minute walk from the New Central Bus Station of Tel Aviv. If you have more time, you can opt for a one-day trip tour from Tel Aviv.
Tayelet
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Tel Aviv’s promenade, or the Tayelet in Hebrew, is one of the top things to do in Tel Aviv Israel. It stretches over 14 km from Jaffa in the south to the beach in the north. This promenade is an incredible place for strolling around, with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, open parks, and bike lanes. It’s even very accessible for the disabled in general and for wheelchairs. Enjoying the sun rising or the beautiful shining lights of old Jaffa in the background should be a must do in Tel Aviv.
Just So You Know…
- Take a Full-Day Tour From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Dead Sea & Bethlehem.
- Go to Dizengoff Square, a large plaza at the confluence of six streets with antiques and a second-hand vintage market.
- Check when is the next Tel Aviv Street Party it’s fun and free.
- Every late June, enjoy the Tel Aviv White Night festival and see hundreds of fabulous events throughout the night across the city.
- Take the Tel Aviv Graffiti Tour in Florentin Neighborhood and feel the captivating combination of residential and industrial, young and old, trendy and poor.
- Tel Aviv is a very gay-friendly city; it has one of the largest gay communities per capita and one of the most colorful Gay Pride Parades in the world that takes place every June.
- Make your visit unforgettable by staying at the best hotels in Tel Aviv.
Recommended Restaurants in Tel Aviv
- Brasserie is sophisticated but with a neighborhood feel and is open 24/7
- Tony Vespa is the best and closest to the authentic Italian pizzeria in Tel Aviv
- Dallal is a converted 19th-century house linked by courtyards and an open-air bar
- Manta Ray with seafood in a rustic-chic setting beside the beach
Recommended Bars and Clubs in Tel Aviv
- BuXa is an underground art gallery and bar hosting DJs and live bands every night till the sun comes up
- Levontin7 is an indie dance club/venue
- Kuli Alma music and art-focused nightlife institution with live Dj’s and a vegetarian menu
- Port Said is extremely popular for its good drinks and delicious, unpretentious food
What is Tel Aviv best known for?
This most populous city and metropolitan area in Israel is world-renowned for its vibrant nightlife, amazing beach, world-class café culture, and high-quality restaurants.
Is Tel Aviv expensive?
According to a global research group, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Tel Aviv was named the most expensive city in the world to live in in 2021. Also, it’s ranked in sixth place as the most expensive city in the world according to an annual ranking published Wednesday by global consultancy firm ECA International.
What is the best month to visit Tel Aviv?
March to April and September to November are the best time to visit Tel Aviv. The weather in spring and fall is incredibly pleasant, and prices are affordable during these months.
We decided to go to Tel Aviv, Thanks for great article
I was there and you really need to see. The pictures do not give this effect
a must see to believe. lol