Ideal as a destination to live at any time of the year, Tel Aviv is one of the most multi-ethnic and avant-garde metropolises in the Middle East , full of points of interest scattered throughout the urban fabric. From flea markets frequented by locals, to clubs for young people with trendy atmospheres, to kilometer-long beaches populated by surfers and tourists looking for a little relaxation, Tel Aviv has a wide range of facets just waiting to be discoveries.
In this article, we take you to discover what to see in Tel Aviv , the best attractions and things to do to better enjoy this destination!
Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv
We have selected the best deals on Booking.com for you.
1 – Promenade
Among the most widespread images of Tel Aviv, the one that each of you will probably have seen hundreds of times on the web and the one that depicts the beautiful city promenade that stands between the beaches and the skyscrapers .
More than 14 km long, it is probably the most popular place in the whole metropolis : here, in fact, you will find outdoor gyms, ice cream kiosks, restaurants with direct access to the beach, green areas dedicated to lovers of running or yoga, hammocks, palm trees and, finally, beautiful beaches where you can relax or face the waves on a surfboard.
In this case, we recommend that you go to Hilton Beach,the most popular beach with local surfers . If, on the other hand, you are looking for the day and night city life, head without hesitation to Gordon Beach, the liveliest beach in all of Tel Aviv .
Discover it by bike : the best way to discover it all! Rent a bike and ride it early in the morning, then, more calmly, enjoy it in a completely different atmosphere at sunset. Reach the most beautiful beaches and relax with a cool drink in one of the many bars present.
2 – Rabin Square
Photo by Ron Henzel. If Habima Square is the liveliest square in Tel Aviv, the larger one in size is important from a historical point of viewand Rabin Square instead. Once the square of the Kings of Israel, Rabin Square and today dedicated to the Israeli prime minister (Yitzhak Rabin, in fact) murdered here in November 1995. In memory of him, there is in fact a small wall with a commemorative plaque.
In addition, the square also hosts a memorial for the victims of the Holocaust , several relaxation areas and a small swimming pool on which many lotus flowers float. To take a break after a lot of walking, Rabin Square is the perfect place!
It is located 1.1 km from Habima Square, reachable in just over 10 minutes on foot via Sderot Chen; alternatively, if you opt for public transport, you can take bus line 26 or 126 to the Ibn Gvirol / David HaMelekh stop. The square is home to the Tel Aviv City Hall – Get Directions
Shopping at the City Garden : after visiting the square, take some time to shop in this large shopping center, also ideal for taking a break from the heat of the city. Inside there are numerous shops but also many restaurants to eat.
3 – Bauhaus Center
Photo of Mujaddara. For lovers of the Bauhaus style, Tel Aviv is a real paradise ! In fact, it is said that there are over 4,000 Bauhaus houses in the city, built between the 1920s and 1940s.
To learn more about the architectural history of this neighborhood, a visit to the Bauhaus Center is strongly recommended, a small center, with an adjoining boutique, which offers a small selection of period photos and an interesting video.. Access is free and you can participate in one of the many guided tours that are organized. Due to its importance, it is a Unesco Heritage site. Periodically, exhibitions on Bauhaus architecture and design are hosted in the gallery space, which are then presented around the world.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: at 77 Dizengoff St., 950 m from Habima Square (11 min walk); also reachable by public transport (bus line 39), Dizengoff Center / Dizengoff stop – Get directions
- Hours: Sun-Thu 10: 00-19: 00, Fri 10: 00-14: 30, Sat closed
- Ticket cost: free
4 – Museum of Art
Photo by Yair Haklai. In addition to street markets and beaches, Tel Aviv also has a significant cultural side . Among the main museums of the city, we recommend you to absolutely visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art: founded in 1932, inside it are preserved works by Israeli artists of the centuries between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries , as well as artists known to world-class and temporary photographic exhibitions.
Among the most popular artists, the museum houses paintings by Picasso, Miro and Klimt, as well as a collection of 36 abstract and surrealism works , including the name of Pollock. But that’s not all: the architecture of the building itself is a real attraction! It is a truly modern structure, white in color that will already attract your attention from the outside.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: at 27 King Shaul Blvd, Golda Meir Complex, inside The Golda Meir Cultural and Art Center. About 3 km from Jaffa. Numerous bus lines serving the area (18, 28, 9, 70, 90 or 111), reference stop Ha’Opera / Sha’ul HaMelekh Blvd – Get directions
- Hours: Mon, Wed and Sat 10: 00-18: 00, Tue and Thu 10: 00-21: 00, Fri 10: 00-14: 00, Sun closed
- Ticket price: full NIS 50.00 (€ 12.90), reduced NIS 40.00 (€ 10.30), seniors NIS 25.00 (€ 6.40), under 18 free
5 – Sarona Market
Photo by Ted Eytan. Located in the homonymous area, the Sarona Market is a real paradise for street food lovers . This beautiful indoor market, in fact, is characterized by a wide choice of shops and kiosks where you can eat at an affordable price, but above all by choosing from various proposals of local and international cuisine.
You will find dishes from all over the world : Israeli, Japanese, Chinese, American, Thai, Greek and, if you miss the motherland, even Italian (all strictly quality). Furthermore, outside the market, a well-kept green area will allow you to rest in the shade of palm trees and skyscrapers, to have a coffee in one of the many trendy bars or to attend a performance by a street artist.
A real meeting point : not just food, various thematic events are often organized at the Sarona Market. You can consult the calendar on the official website.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Aluf Kalman Magen St 3. 1.5 km from Rabin Square, reachable in 20 min on foot via Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St and Eliezer Kaplan St. By public transport, bus line 56, stop Kaplan / Aluf Mandler – Get indications
- Hours: Sat-Thu 10: 00-22: 00, Fri 9: 00-15: 00
- Ticket cost: free
6 – Habima Square
Photo of Deror Avi. Undoubtedly the most important square in the city , Habima Square is a very popular meeting and entertainment place of metropolitan life, both day and night. Perfectly connected to the waterfront thanks to a beautiful tree-lined pedestrian boulevard with hammocks, reading areas and play areas for children, Habima Square is a large open space overlooked by some of Tel Aviv’s best-known buildings , including the National Theater and the Auditorium.
In the center of the square, there is a beautiful garden with colorful flowers and a nearby reflecting pool, but it is a sculpture composed of three circles that attracts much of the attention: it is precisely the Three Circles, the sculpture more than 15 m high.built between 1967 and 1976, in memory of the country’s economic crisis , which took place precisely in those years.
It is located in Tarsat Ave 2, easily reachable in 20 minutes on foot from the seafront; otherwise by bus (line 63,16, 236 or 304), reference stop Habima / Ben Zion Blvd. Nearby the Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv (900 m, 12 min) – Get directions
Green lunch break from Loveat Habima : we recommend a break from Loveat Habima, a place that only makes vegan and vegetarian food. Healthy but very tasty!
7 – Carmel Market
Photo of רונן מרקוס. Speaking of markets, Tel Aviv’s other large market that enjoys a certain reputation is Carmel Market. Of a completely different kind compared to the Flea Market, the Carmel Market efocused mostly on Israeli cuisine , although there are still stalls selling clothes, jewelry and local handicrafts (in addition to the ubiquitous fast fashion products, of course).
The market is divided into areas by type of goods , which makes it very easy to explore, depending on the type of purchase you want to make. However, we recommend that you absolutely go to the area dedicated to street food and typical local dishes : the sweet tooth among you will go crazy for the honey sweets typical of the Middle East, or the Halva, a dessert par excellence of the Israeli tradition, a real delicacy. ! There is no shortage of falafel and other delights that will make you discover Tel Aviv from another side!
SEE ALSO : 10 Things to eat in Tel Aviv and where
Ideal for a lunch break, but avoid Friday : particularly crowded on Fridays during Shabbat, and the ideal place to stop for lunch, especially for the cheap prices and tasty food. But try to arrive early to avoid long lines.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: on HaCarmel St 48, south of the city center. Less than 3 km from Jaffa, it can be reached on foot with a walk of about 30 minutes via Jerusalem Blvd; otherwise, the area is served by buses (lines 18, 25, 125), reference stop HaCarmel Market / Allenby – Get directions
- Hours: Sun-Thu from 8:00 to late afternoon, Fri 8:00 to 15:00
- Ticket cost: free
8 – Gal Gaon Gallery
Gallery based on a private collection of Israeli works . Founded in 2008 by the well-known architect and designer Gal Gaon, known for “edgy aesthetics”, this gallery looks like a real apartment.
It is a pioneering house of art and design , which commissions and produces luxury items created exclusively for the collection by leading Israeli artists and designers. Over time it has been recognized for the production of iconic pieces that embody passion and daring creativity. In fact, innovation and far-sighted design are the key principles of the gallery .
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Nachami Street 22, 1 km from Habima square, reachable with a walk of about 12 minutes along Rothschild Blvd; by public transport, you can take the bus (5, 64, 142), reference stop Rothschild Blvd / Nahmani – Get directions
- Hours: Sun-Thu 11: 00-18: 00, Fri-Sat closed
- Ticket cost: free
9 – Indipendence Hall
Photo of Deror Avi. More interesting from a historical than an aesthetic point of view, the Independence Hall in Tel Aviv is a seemingly anonymous building but which houses one of the most significant museums in the metropolis: the Museum dedicated to the history and independence of Israel. . Indeed, in its halls, Davin Ben Gurion declared the independence of the State of Israel in May 1948, eight hours before the British Mandate in Palestine finally expired.
At the entrance, a short introductory film retraces the salient moments of the day, in addition some exhibition panels tell through old photographs the moment of the signing of the document for the independence of the country. Upstairs, however, some rooms are dedicated to the Museum of the Bible with artifacts and works inspired by themes present in the Old Testament.
Currently closed for restoration : the works will last until 2023 and at the moment a part of the exhibition has been moved to the Visitor Center at the Shalom Mayer Tower. Visitors Centers opening hours: Sun-Thu 7: 00-19: 00, Friday 7: 00-14: 00, Sat and holidays closed. Currently free admission.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: on Eastern Wing-Ground Floor, Ahuzat Bayit St 4, just 800m from Carmel Market, 10 min walk via Nahalat Binyamin St. Reference bus stop Rothschild Blvd / Allenby (lines 2, 21, 23 and 64) – Get directions
- Hours: Sun-Thu 9: 00-17: 00, Friday 9: 00-14: 00 / Currently under restoration until 2023
- Ticket price: full 24.00 NIS (€ 6.20), reduced 16.00 NIS (€ 4.10) / Currently under restoration until 2023
10 – Rothscjild blvd and Neve Tzedek
Photo by הרווי ספיר. Walk along Rothscjild blvd towards the sea until you enter the Neve Tzedek district. Also known as the French Quarter , because at its center there is the French Center, it is one of the oldest districts in the city .
It was in fact the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the walls of Jaffa and constitutes a small oasis of peace in the chaos of Tel Aviv . Between narrow streets, sophisticated shops and art galleries, you will be spoiled for choice on where to take a break, thanks to the numerous bars and clubs with wrought iron tables. This area, in fact, is very reminiscent of the atmosphere of the alleys of Paris and that of the hipster neighborhoods of New York.
The neighborhood is located about 2 km from Jaffa, reachable in 25 minutes on foot via Jerusalem Blvd; by public transport, take bus 88 to the Textil Center / HaMered stop. The area is still served by several bus stops and lines – Get directions
Tel Aviv’s best ice cream : there’s nothing better than battling the heat with good ice cream. And at Anita’s you can enjoy the best ice cream in Tel Aviv!
11 – Jaffa Flea Market
The picturesque Jaffa Flea Market deserves a separate mention: almost as old as the area in which it is located, it is the most popular event in Jaffa, appreciated by both locals and curious tourists .
Similar to a flea market, the Flea Market is characterized by stalls and boutiques with a vintage charm, where goods of all kinds (jewelry, clothes, tools, maps, etc.) are arranged in bulk. This is undoubtedly the ideal place for those who love to get lost for hours in search of treasures of the past , but it is a particularly beautiful destination even for those who do not intend to indulge in the shopping sprees. If you intend to take home an original souvenir, however, do not hesitate to browse through the various stalls, something very interesting could come up!
Always bargain to shop: If you want to buy something, you’ll have to show off all your bargaining skills to get the best price. Then treat yourself to a lunch break at Kandinof, a very special place where it is also possible to get a tattoo!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: follow the signs from Jaffa, the market is well signposted, moreover most of the tourists present will flock right there. If you are coming from the center, bus 18 or 10, Shivte Israel / Tajar reference stop – Get directions
- Hours: open Sun-Thu 9: 00-17: 00, Fri 9: 00-14: 00, closed Sat
- Ticket cost: free
12 – Jaffa
Among the most characteristic districts of the metropolis, Jaffa is actually a sort of city apart: with an ancient history of 4,000 years, it is in fact the oldest nucleus in the area , which is why many define it as the Old City of Tel Aviv.
Now inhabited mostly by the minority of Arab origin , this area can be pleasantly visited on foot: here, you will not find skyscrapers or wide tree-lined avenues, but rather cobbled alleys, small shops of local artists and a beautiful marina overlooked by several fish restaurants. (a little touristy, but with an exceptional view!). Among the main attractions of Jaffa, we point out the Immanuel Church of clear European influence, but also the Monastery of San Pietro and the manicured gardens located in the upper part of Jaffa.
The Old Town is located in the inner part of the city, reachable by a nice walk of about 25 minutes along the Tel Aviv seafront or by bus (line 18 or 10), reference stop Shivte Israel / Tajar – Get directions
Make a wish at Wishing Bridge : through a stone staircase you reach a panoramic terrace where the Ponte dei Desideri is located. According to the legend, once on the bridge, you have to place your hands on your zodiac sign and make a wish while looking at the sea. The wish will come true!
13 – Holon Design Museum
Photo by אילנה שקולניק.The most famous design center in all of Israel . Made by the famous Israeli architect Ron Arad, the external structure has fluid shapes and was made mainly of concrete, whose appearance is marked by 6 large Cor-Ten steel strips. Worth a visit if only for its wonderful architecture , which makes it one of the most photographed places in Tel Aviv!
The permanent collection offers a set of unique objects such as industrial products, furnishings, lamps, graphic and communication projects, fabrics and jewels. Divided into 4 main thematic areas, dedicated to design in Israel from the 1930s to 2000, to contemporary Israeli and international design from 2000 to today, to projects commissioned by the museum itself, and to the works of students of various design schools in Israel.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Pinhas Eilon St. 8 Holon, 5845400, about 40 min by bus from Tel Aviv (lines 46,86,89), Holon Mall / Golda Meir stop – Get directions
- Hours: Tue and Thu 11: 00-18: 00, Wed 10: 00-16: 00, Fri 10: 00-14: 00, Sat 10: 00-18: 00, Sun and Mon closed
- Ticket price: full 35.00 NIS (€ 9.00), reduced 11-17 years 30.00 NIS (€ 7.70), reduced 5-10 years 20.00 NIS (€ 5.15)
14 – Park HaYarkon
Photo of Utrecht1. Tel Aviv is not only a seaside city or an avant-garde metropolis, but it is also a very green city full of parks and well-kept green areas . One of the largest parks in the urban fabric is Park HaYarkon, which extends over 3,500 hectares.
Opened to the public in 1973, this green lung of Tel Aviv is home to several attractions: a water park, some ponds, sports facilities, botanical gardens, two large concert halls and even a river, from which it takes its name. In addition, a beautiful hot air balloon, known as TLV Baloon, will allow you to admire the park and the surrounding city area from above. If you want to escape from the metropolitan chaos to take refuge in a quiet corner or if you are looking for an alternative to sunsets on the beach, Park HaYarkon is the one for you!
Main entrance on Rokach Blvd, 2.5km from Rabin Square, reachable in 30 minutes on foot via Remez St; otherwise by public transport (bus lines 25, 89, 125), reference stop Yehuda HaMaccabi / Namir Road – Get directions
Visit with children: attraction not to be missed if you are traveling with your family! Numerous educational activities are organized for children on the internal farm. More info on the official website.
15 – Old Port of Tel Aviv
Photo by deror_avi. We started this list of must-see attractions close to the sea, with the wonderful waterfront, and we conclude it in the same way: visiting the Old Port of Tel Aviv, in the local language Namal Tel Aviv. It is one of the most evocative places in the city , to be admired especially at sunset!
But not only that, this is a real meeting point for locals and tourists alike: in the port there are numerous shops and clubs, where you can have a coffee or a cold drink with a wonderful view of the sea. We recommend that you take a tour of the covered market Tel Aviv Port Market, the farmers’ market, with fresh products every day. And if you want to enjoy a nice day at the beach , just a few steps away you will find the beaches of Metsitsim Beach, Nordau Beach and Hilton Beach.
It is located north of the waterfront, a 10-minute walk from the Ha-Banim Garden. Area served by several lines and bus stops, reference stop Dizengoff / Zidon (lines 4, 13, 104 and 445) – Get directions
Visit at sunset: the best time to enjoy the seafront is definitely at sunset! Developing on the west coast of Israel, in Tel Aviv you can admire unique sunsets, perhaps sipping a cocktail in one of the many bars on the shore!
Other attractions to visit
For shopping lovers , in addition to the typical characteristic markets, we recommend: Art Factor which offers antiques in Jaffa; the Uma Gallery, where you can find jewels in colored stones, prints and ethnic objects; the Vintage original sunglasses, a paradise for lovers of sunglasses with a retro charm; and Belinki, an oriental-style clothing store. For a relaxing break , treat yourself to some pampering at Shevet, a wonderful spa and hammam.
In the city there arenumerous neighborhoods to discover ! The HaTahana district is built around a former historic railway and offers boutiques, art galleries, food markets, restaurants and fairs. If you like contemporary art , visit Kiryat Hamelacha, an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood where renowned contemporary art galleries are based, such as Rosenfeld and Raw Art.
As for the religious side , Tel Aviv is home to some important places of the Christian culture; we remember the Church of San Pietro of the seventeenth century, the Franciscan Monastery, the House of Simon the tanner and the Tomb of Tabitha, the woman whom Peter raised from the dead.
10 things to do in Tel Aviv
Stroll along Rothschild Boulevard
Relax on the beaches of Tel Aviv
1/9
- Stroll along Rothschild Boulevard : one of Tel Aviv’s iconic streets, a beautiful tree-lined boulevard full of boutiques and cafes ideal for a relaxing stroll
- Take a picture in front of the Suspended Orange Tree : this tree is located in the Jaffa neighborhood, outside the market, and its name immediately clarifies its peculiarity. The tree is in fact suspended from the ground thanks to steel wires, unmissable
- Relax on the beaches of Tel Aviv : the promenade is a succession of beaches, more or less suited to your needs. Take at least half a day of relaxation
- Breakfast at Abulafia : during your stay you certainly cannot miss the most famous bakery in all of Tel Aviv! A 14-minute walk from Jerusalem Beach, it churns out tons of sweet and savory delicacies every day
- Discover street art : discover the neighborhoods of Florentine or Nahalat Binyamin, 2 of the hippest and most colorful urban areas, where many street artists live! Info and costs on the guided tour here
- Night life in Tel Aviv : the city is also known for its lively nightlife! So do not miss the most famous pubs, for an evening full of fun. Info and costs here
- Learn to cook typical dishes : immerse yourself in Mediterranean flavors, thanks to a cooking lesson dedicated to shakshuka, a typical baked egg and tomato based dish. Info and costs here
- Discover the architecture : Tel Aviv blends old and new, with historic neighborhoods and stunning, almost futuristic buildings. Do not miss the most characteristic places from an architectural point of view. Info and costs here
- Visit of Jerusalem : consider a day trip to Jerusalem, between Israel and Palestine. Bring your passport and discover this city with a thousand-year history. Info and excursion costs here
- Madasa and Dead Sea Shore Excursion : Tel Aviv is the perfect starting point for exploring the whole area! So don’t miss a day in Masada and the Dead Sea, two of Israel’s most famous resorts. Info and costs here
Plan your stay in Tel Aviv: useful information and advice
- Languages : Hebrew, English, Arabic
- Local currency : New Israeli Shekel (NIS) / € 1.00 = NIS 3.80
- Climate : Mediterranean type, with mild and often rainy winters and hot and sunny summers; the average temperatures are around 27 ° in the warmer months and 14 ° in the cooler months
- Vaccinations : no vaccinations required
- Entry requirements : passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry; visa not required for stays of less than 90 days, at the time of entry a small coupon is given with the traveler’s data and the terms of the visa, to be kept until returning to Italy
- Distance from Italy : 2,250 km (3/4 hours of flight)
- How to get there: Several low-cost airlines operate routes to Tel Aviv, so it’s not difficult to find some good deals (compare flights). The ideal period for bathing life are the months from mid-May to mid-October.
- When to go : it is enjoyable all year round, but for “life by the sea” we recommend the months between May and October.
- Getting around : Tel Aviv is served by an efficient bus system. In order to use the service, you will need to have a rechargeable card (which can be purchased at any box office) costing 5.00 SIN (approximately € 1.30), while a single journey costs 5.90 SIN (approximately 1.50).
- Where to sleep: As for accommodation, the promenade and the area to be preferred for those who want to live on the beach, otherwise, for a cultural visit and especially if it is the first time in the city, we recommend the Neve Tzedek district (compare the accommodation on booking)
- What to do in the evening : it is a very lively and “open” city, full of nightlife. Rothschild Avenue is lively at night, but the hottest spots are the intersections with Allenby Street and Hertzel Street; in Shabazi street, in the Neve Tzedek district, there are many cafes and bars. Maximum fun also on the sea, in the harbor area and near the beach, where there are numerous pubs. The Florentine district, in the student area, is full of clubs open all night.