Since 1948, Israel and therefore the city of Tel Aviv has been declared independent. From that period, the city started to develop into what we can now call a metropolis. From an economic point of view, the city has already proven itself. But Tel Aviv has long been no stranger to being a tourist destination either. Tel Aviv has more than beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants, many shopping areas and is above all a city with very versatile architecture. On Saturday it is very clear that you are in a predominantly Jewish country. The Sabbath, which takes place on Saturday, shows that on this obligatory day of rest the city is put to sleep. The shops and museums are then almost all closed. On other days, the Jewish religion is a lot less present. Tel Aviv is a diverse city with multiple faces with a high tolerance level in terms of orientation and where drinking alcohol does not have to be a problem. The living climate scores quite high and that is clearly reflected in the streetscape.
Tel Aviv ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
#1. The Promenade
The Tel Aviv Promenade is located directly on the Mediterranean Sea. This part of the city is very popular with both locals and tourists. Especially during the sometimes exceptionally warm days, you can experience some cooling from the sea on this long boulevard. The Promenade consists of several parts that together form about fourteen kilometers. For example, at Tel Baruch Beach in the north, the Tel Baruch Promenade is located. Near the harbor is the part known as Port Promenade. Between Gordon Beach and Tel Aviv is the most famous promenade, Shlomo Lahat Promenade. And the area between Metzizim Beach and the Hilton Hotel is known as Metzizim/Hilton Promenade. The latter is also known as a popular gay beach in Tel Aviv. Near the old Jaffa harbor are the promenades Sha’ar Le’Yafo and Khomot ha’Yam.
According to BRIDGAT.COM, the Shlomo Lahat Promenade is closest to the center of Tel Aviv and is therefore often the busiest. The boulevard is ideal for a walk along or on the beach, a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants or enjoying a terrace. There are also nice restaurants, bars and terraces on the Port Promenade.
#2. Sarona
The Sarona district in Tel Aviv is known for nice boutiques, varied art galleries, skyscrapers and trendy cafes. This part of the city has recently been largely renovated and has since turned into a green oasis. In the past Sarona was mainly a place where German Templars stayed, followed by the British. When the British left Sarona was then used to station army units there. It was not until 2006 that the district was thoroughly tackled and renovated into what we today call a modern part of the city of Tel Aviv. The food market ‘Sarona Market’ and the range of good restaurants, among others, attract many visitors to this pleasant district every day.
#3. Hatachana
The old train station, which is located between the Neveh Zekek district and the coast of Tel Aviv, is known as Hatachana. The train connection between the city and Jerusalem was an important means of transport at the end of the nineteenth century, so that fewer camels were needed. Many goods were then transported by boat via the Jaffa Port. Hatachana was deactivated at the end of World War II and has been vacant for a long time. It was not until 2010 that plans were realized to breathe new life into the magnificent building. Hatachana is now a household name in Tel Aviv, which is synonymous with culture, entertainment and fun. You can now enjoy concerts, shows.
#4. Jaffa
The old quarter of Jaffa still has several historical sites that tell a story from the past. For example, the port ‘Jaffa Port’ has served an important function for many years, in which transport to and from Tel Aviv played a major role. Now it is mainly a place where you find a lot of fun. Other places of interest of Jaffa are St. Peter’s Church, St. Nicholas Church, Kikar Kedumim Square, which also houses a visitor center on historical architecture, archeology and exhibitions of local artists. The Jaffa Flea Market is also a popular place to visit.
#5. Bauhaus architecture
The ‘White City’ in Tel Aviv was built sometime in the 1930s. It is a legacy from the period when Tel Aviv belonged to the British Mandate of Palestine. At that time, Bauhaus architecture was a progressive architectural style that was mainly found in Europe. Because many architects were trained in Europe at the time, the style was later also introduced in Tel Aviv. Originally Scottish Sir Patrick Geddes developed the idea of the White City, which we can still enjoy today. The typical Bauhaus style is clearly visible in streets such as Allenby Street, Ibn Gvirol Street and on and around Bialik Square and Rothschild Boulevard.
#6. Carmel Market
Tel Aviv’s largest market is undisputedly the Carmel Market on HaCarmel Street. Since 1920, there has been a lot of trade here in fresh products, clothing, household items and of course souvenirs. At the market and around the ‘Shuk HaCarmel’, as the market is originally called, you can enjoy all kinds of local and international dishes or have a drink. If you are looking for some adventure, we can offer you the ‘ HaCarmel Bites Card’ to recommend wholeheartedly. With the purchase of this card you will receive a map, audio guide and various receipts with which you can discover all kinds of delicacies from the market. Other fun markets in Tel Aviv are: Levinsky Market, Jaffa Flea Market and Shuk HaNamal.
#7. Independence Hall
The Independence Hall is located on Tel Aviv’s Rothschild Boulevard. In this building, Israel’s Declaration of Independence was signed on May 14, 1948. Today, the building is turned into a museum focusing on this event, as well as the history of Tel Aviv. The top floor is furnished as a Bible museum, in which various archaeological finds and objects with biblical themes are exhibited.
#8. Israel Defense Forces History Museum
The military history of Israel runs like a thread through history. In the Israel Defense Forces History Museum on Kaufmann Street, every effort has been made to transfer history in a special way. By means of vehicles, weapons, uniforms and photo material you get a clear picture of what it was like during the wars. The exhibitions include the army, the air force and the navy.
#9. Azrieli Center
East of the Sarona district is the Azrieli Center. This part of Tel Aviv is characterized by three high-rise buildings that together form the Azrieli Towers. This mainly contains many shops in the Azrieli Mall, restaurants, a cinema, offices and the Azrieli Observatory. The Azrieli Center was built around 1997 on an area of approximately thirty-four thousand square meters. The architect who has this complex to his name is David Azrieli. He was assisted in this by Eli Attia and later by Moore Yaski Sivan. From the Azrieli Observatory on the 49th floor, you have an astonishing view of the region.
#10. Tel Aviv Museum of Art
The artistic and cultural Tel Aviv Museum of Art has long been a popular museum. Enthusiasts can enjoy beautiful Israeli art from the twentieth century to the present here. The international collection covers a period between the nineteenth century and the present. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art also regularly hosts changing exhibitions, workshops, concerts, lectures and, of course, guided tours. The museum was founded in 1932 and has been located in its current building on Shaul Hamelech Boulevard since 2011. This beautiful building was designed by the American Preston Scott Cohen.
