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The sun sets on Jerusalem Beach in Tel Aviv.

Explore Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv has the best beaches in the world. Not that I’ve been everywhere in the world, but somehow I’m confident in this. The tayalet, or boardwalk, is full of people running, scootering, playing music, and just enjoying themselves and the water is beautiful and great for swimming. I’ve been lucky enough to spend seven trips in Tel Aviv (most of them organized tours, plus a summer spent living there), and I’m *hopefully* returning in January.

This past April was a special Tel Aviv trip for me and my best friend Rikki – our first time planning the entire itinerary ourselves. We were both abroad in Madrid and flew in for Spring Break. After spending a few nights with family and friends in other parts of Israel, we headed to Tel Aviv and had the absolute best time. Some highlights included shopping at Shuk Hacarmel (a big outdoor market near the beach with food and souvenirs), eating shakshuka (my favorite Israeli food!), relaxing on the beach for nearly four hours and picnicking on a big lawn overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We kept saying that we felt like we’d opened a bottle and poured out a day of summer. Perfect doesn’t begin to cover it.

My strongest recommendation is to remember sunscreen! Rikki and I ended up so sunburnt, and it took weeks and bottles of aloe to relieve the burns. But it was more than worth it. I can’t wait to return to this amazing city and country.

TLV Recommendations

Public transportation

  • You can use the bus, bike or car to explore the city. You can pay with cash or use a Rav-Kav card, which is a smart card that you can load with money or passes.

Hostels

  • Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv: A spacious and social hostel in the heart of the city, near Rothschild Boulevard. It offers free breakfast, free walking tours, free pub crawls, free bike tours, free yoga classes, free Wi-Fi, free lockers and free towels.
  • Florentin House: A chic and sleek hostel in the trendy Florentin neighborhood. It offers an onsite restaurant and bar, a rooftop terrace, a steam room, a laundry service, a luggage storage, a Wi-Fi, lockers, towels and linens.
  • Selina Tel Aviv Beach: A beachfront and vibrant hostel in the popular Tel Aviv Port area. It offers a coworking space, a wellness center, a surf club, a restaurant and bar, a laundry service, a luggage storage, Wi-Fi, lockers, towels and linens.

Restaurants

  • Falafel Hakosem: Israelis drive from all over to eat at this legendary falafel and shawarma restaurant in the heart of Tel Aviv. Prepare for long lines, but it’s worth it: many crown Hakosem the best falafel in the country.
  • Cafe Schneor: A five-minute’s walk from the beach sits an adorable and delicious cafe. Schneor offers amazing coffee, cocktails, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their green shakshuka is particularly popular. What’s not to love?
  • Old Man and the Sea: On the historic Jaffa port in Southern Tel Aviv, pay $20 for pita and dips with unlimited refills. This is the perfect spot for large group meals and a great excuse to venture to Jaffa.

Nightlife

  • Kuli Alma: A hip and artsy nightclub in Tel Aviv that features live music, DJ sets, art exhibitions, and graffiti walls. It also has a patio, a lounge, and a pizza bar.
  • Dizzy Frishdon Bar: On Sunday nights, visit this bar on Dizengoff for the bottomless wine special.
  • Concierge Bar: A cocktail bar with funky drinks that come in even funkier presentations, such as a garbage can, skeleton and penguin. Go for dinner and happy hour.

Excursions

  • Jaffa Port: Go to the ancient port that is now a vibrant cultural hub, and wander through its narrow alleys, art galleries and flea market.
  • Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Visit this modern building that houses a collection of Israeli and international art, as well as temporary exhibitions.
  • Tel Aviv Beach: Stretching along the Mediterranean coast, the beach offers a variety of activities, such as surfing, volleyball or sunbathing.
  • Shuk Hakarmel: Shop for souvenirs and delicious food at this open-air market. Locals and tourists alike enjoy strolling through on the way to the beach or as a meal stop.

Safety

  • Stay alert for any signs of trouble, such as sirens, explosions, or protests. Follow the instructions of the authorities and seek shelter if necessary.
  • Avoid traveling to the West Bank or Gaza Strip without proper guidance and permission.
  • Respect the local culture and customs, especially during religious holidays such as Shabbat or Yom Kippur. Dress modestly when visiting holy sites and do not take photos without permission.