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Visiting Tel Aviv? How great! This bustling city has been my home for almost 2 years now, and I’m here to share ALL the best things to do in Tel Aviv from a local’s perspective!
Since I’m technically a tourist in the country, I can totally understand the type of information you’re looking for! I’ve got you covered with the top sights, museums, falafel eateries, and markets, but also the best hotels, SIM card deals, and tips for getting around!
I promise this will be the only guide you’ll need for visiting Tel Aviv! So, let’s get the party started!
If you are in a hurry
Here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: The Drisco Hotel (luxury), Dizengoff Garden Hotel (mid-range), Rena’s House (budget)
1. Appreciate the aesthetics of Bauhaus architecture
New York has Art Deco skyscrapers, Paris has Haussmannian buildings, and Tel Aviv has Bauhaus architecture.
Architects who escaped Nazi Germany from the 1920s to the 1940s designed more than 4,000 buildings in Tel Aviv in Bauhaus, a Modernism-based style characterized by flat roofs, simple colors (mostly white), and asymmetry. I decided to list it as the first thing to do because it is a good general way to explore the city and see how unique it is.
Bauhaus defines modern Tel Aviv, and it’s a starting point for understanding the architecture, culture, and life of Israel’s most vibrant city!
FUN FACT: The area around central Tel Aviv is called White City because it has the highest concentration of Bauhaus architecture examples. This area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Here are the top Bauhaus buildings you can marvel at in Tel Aviv:
As you explore these buildings, you’ll be walking around the heart of the city. This means you’ll do a good portion of sightseeing, passing next to the Great Synagogue, Dizengoff Center, Allenby Street, and other city hotspots.
If you don’t want to walk alone or would like an insightful experience, The Bauhaus Center in Tel Aviv organizes tours of the White City (90 ILS per person) that you can check out here.
P.S. If you want to sleep in a Bauhaus building, Norman and Rothschild hotels are great choices!
TOUR PRICE: from 90 ILS (US$24)
2. Relish the scents and tastes of Carmel Market
My absolute favorite place to shop for groceries and one of the most vibrant parts of the city, Carmel Market (map) is a treat for both locals and tourists. Mingling crowds, fresh fruit and veggie stalls, Middle Eastern delicacies, souvenirs, and clothing – you can find it all here!
Fresh produce and grocery stop by day and a party corner by night, Carmel Market is a pleasure to visit any time of the day! It’s surrounded by dozens of bars, restaurants, and charming cafes (some are even open during Shabbat!), so you’ll always find something to do, eat, or drink here.
I LOVE the Davga Gorme cheese shop here; they let you try all these exotic types of cheese for free. It’s the best!
There’s even this fun food-tasting tour starting from US$122, where you can try Israeli food and meet local chefs!
As you walk around the market, stop by the Nachalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall nearby to support local artists and get handmade souvenirs!
TOUR PRICE: from $122
3. Get lost in the Old Jaffa
Ah, the Old Jaffa! This ancient port city (now a Tel Aviv area) where I currently live is also one of the world’s longest continually inhabited cities (for over 4,000 years). I absolutely love the area and consider myself lucky living here!
Jaffa used to be a separate city until 1950, when it was united with Tel Aviv, and the whole city was renamed to Tel Aviv-Yafo.
Start your visit by taking a selfie in front of the Clock Tower, then explore the charming Old Town by walking through its narrow alleys and visiting local art shops. Stop by the Jaffa flea market for coffee and souvenirs, explore nearby cool street art, then catch the sunset in the Old Jaffa port.
You can also add a stop to the Wishing Bridge (map) and admire the view of the city from the nearby amphitheater, then descend towards the Kikar Kedumim Square to admire St. Peter’s Church. It is believed that the church is built on the spot where St. Peter resurrected Tabitha, a Jaffa local and one of Jesus Christ’s disciples!
Finish the tour by grabbing dinner at Old Man and the Sea right by the port, and then, if there’s any room left, grab a knafeh (a delicious Middle Eastern dessert with spun pastry, cheese, and sweet syrup) at Jaffa Knafeh, a must-try delicacy shop for dessert lovers.
You can even join this free walking tour of Jaffa for a fully immersive experience!
Join a FREE Jaffa walking tour
Tel Aviv is one of the most walkable cities I’ve ever been to. If you enjoy long walks, you can literally see all the best sights in less than 4 hours!
If you start from the City Center, you can pass by major boulevards like Bograshov or shopping streets like Dizengoff and Allenby, then either (1) descend on the beach and stroll along the Promenade or (2) walk down the Rothschild Boulevard until you hit Florentin and Neve Tzedek. And from there, you’ll be in Jaffa in less than 20 minutes!
All the picturesque neighborhoods, Bauhaus buildings, best eateries, and local cafes will be on your way!
It’s no wonder why walking tours are some of the most popular things to do in Tel Aviv for tourists! This free walking tour of Jaffa is a perfect journey through Tel Aviv’s oldest suburb, while this tour starting from US$89 has got you covered with Neve Tzedek, Florentin, and other beautiful neighborhoods + insider stories!
5. Be inspired by the Tel Aviv Museum of Art
I’ve visited dozens of museums worldwide, but hardly any museum had more unique exhibitions than the Tel Aviv Museum of Art! I’m also not an artsy person, but this museum has done its magic on me!
Most of the exhibitions consist of local and international art, but you’ll also find 16th-19th century European artwork, sculptures, and temporary exhibitions from foreign artists.
The museum is also conveniently located in central Tel Aviv, unlike other large museums that are much further away. So, if you’re short on time, this is the museum you should visit! It’s also a great thing to do with kids in Tel Aviv, especially in the summer heat!
You can buy tickets online on the official website or at the counter on-site.
NOTE: The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is closed from Sunday to Tuesday.
PRO TIP: If you’re into contemporary art, make sure to visit the Helena Rubinstein pavilion that is also part of the TLV Museum of Art!
PRICE: 45 ILS (US$12)
6. Enjoy the vibrant beachfront
There’s hardly any place better to soak up the authentic Tel Aviv atmosphere than its sandy beaches and The Promenade (Tayalet) that borders them!
Hit Gordon Beach (my favorite), Tel Aviv Beach (hotspot for matkot, the Israeli version of beach tennis), Bograshov Beach, or any other beach along the 12 km stretch of sand!
Bring your chairs and umbrella, rent the available ones for around 15 ILS per chair (just grab a seat, and local beach workers will come to you), or catch a free spot under the wooden shades available on most beaches!
Public restrooms, surfing equipment rentals, volleyball nets, table tennis, kids’ playgrounds, and workout spaces are available across beaches, so you won’t have to worry about staying entertained!
7. Indulge in the best street food
Street food is one of the best things in Israel! It’s based on fresh ingredients (plenty of veggies and protein), it’s cheap, and it tastes delicious! Hummus, shakshuka, and falafel, to name a few, are must-tries in Tel Aviv!
Here’s an overview of the places known for serving the best street food (with a link to Google map for each of them):
- Hummus (mashed chickpeas + tahini and lemon juice) – Abu Hassan (we used to eat here every week when we first discovered it; it’s so cheap and delicious!)
- Shakshuka (simmering tomatoes, onion, eggs, garlic, and spices) – Shakshukia
- Sabich (sandwich with fried eggplants, salad, hard-boiled egg, tahini, and parsley) – Sabich Frishman
- Falafel (deep-fried balls made of chickpeas, herbs, and spices) – HaKosem (a legendary place, highly recommend)
8. Capture Tel Aviv’s skyline from the Azrieli Observatory
Here’s one of the latest things to do in Tel Aviv that I checked off my to-do list! Probably the coolest view of Tel Aviv I’ve ever seen is from here!
Getting to the Observatory can be tricky, so I’ve created this small step-by-step guide for you:
- Enter the Azrieli Mall and take the elevator to the last available floor (should be 3rd).
- Exit the elevator and look for a hallway that has a “49” sign on it. The “49” refers to the floor but also the name of the restaurant and observatory.
- Buy your ticket at the small desk in the hallway (they only accept cards).
- Take the elevator to floor 49 (it takes you there automatically).
- The entry to the observatory will be to your left, and the restaurant will be to the right. If there’s no one to open the door to the observatory area, ask someone from the restaurant for assistance.
I know this may sound complicated, but trust me, it’s more than worth it in the end! I totally recommend staying for the sunset so you can catch the Tel Aviv skyline both during the day and night!
For the ultimate romantic experience, book a table at the restaurant beforehand and enjoy stunning views while fine dining. Plus, with a restaurant reservation, you don’t have to pay the ticket for the observatory!
PRICE: 22 ILS (around US$6)
9. Stroll in the bohemian Neve Tzedek
Neve Tzedek is the first Jewish neighborhood outside of Jaffa, and from here, Tel Aviv started getting its current shape and size! I guarantee this will be your favorite area in town if you like romantic walks!
You’ll come across beautiful old but renovated buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, quirky shops, art galleries run by local artists, and cozy eateries.
You can walk to the Promenade, City Center, Jaffa, or other cool districts like Florentin and German Colony (a MUST-VISIT, too) in less than 20 minutes!
It’s no wonder why most tourists choose this area as their base! In fact, in our Where to Stay in Tel Aviv article, we totally recommend Neve Tzedek as the best area!
10. Be amazed at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People
ANU Museum of the Jewish People is a well-invested institution in the Ramat Aviv area that tells the story of the Jewish people, their culture, and history. It’s one of the museums that best serve as a bridge to connecting Jews to their Homeland.
I loved one person’s description that this museum is like a rabbit hole and that once you’re in, you never want to get out!
The history of Jewish people is narrated through music, films, artifacts, religion, and other spheres through time.
The “ANU” in the museum name is actually a Hebrew word “אנו” meaning “us” or “we,” referring to the Jewish people, including those in the diaspora.
What I loved most about this museum were the replicas of ancient synagogues. Their attention to detail is spectacular!
NOTE: Open every day from 10 AM to 5 AM, but on Fridays until 2 PM
PRICE: 52 ILS (US$13.50)
Getting there: The museum is located at the Tel Aviv University campus on Klausner Street. You can enter through gates 2 and 7. Paid parking is available on the Museum Parking lot (across Gate 2). Available bus lines 7, 25, 45, 222, 271, 289, and 572.
PRO TIP: Combine this museum visit with the Eretz Israel Museum located nearby to round up the experience of learning about Jewish history!
11. Rent a bike or scooter
Bikes and electric scooters are my favorite means of transport in Tel Aviv!
Tel Aviv is not that big, so using bikes and scooters, you can get from any point A to point B in less than 30 minutes! A true lifesaver when you have to get somewhere quickly, and the buses or taxis are stuck in traffic jams.
The city has a really well-developed public scooter and bike rental system. You’ll find the stations across the city, so just download an app (I use Yango Wind, but there are many more like Bird, Lime, and more), scan your passport, connect your credit card, and get going!
Do note that scooters can be a bit pricey. I pay around 17 ILS (US$4.50) for a 20-minute ride, while a bus ticket is 5.9 ILS (US$1.5).
You can also find numerous bike rental places like Yalla Bikes that offer daily, weekly, and monthly rentals. Their daily rental is 100 ILS (US$26), and you also get a helmet and a lock!
If you don’t want the commitment of renting a bike or scooter but still want to explore the city in this way, you can join this 3-hour bike tour that takes you around some of the hotspots for US$62!
RENTAL PRICE: from 15 ILS (US$4)
12. Explore the vibrant Sarona Market
Sarona Market is the new urban hub of the city in the Sarona area, with a variety of restaurants, fast food chains, and specialty food shops spreading across 8,700m2.
I love walking around Sarona and grabbing draft beer at the bar in the center of the market. It’s a great place to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of all the shops and mingling crowds.
The whole area is actually quite new, and now it’s even better connected with the City Center thanks to the light rail that passes here.
I recommend the Whiskey Bar for whiskey-tasting in a unique setup comprising a whiskey museum + bar restaurant! Plus, their steak is out of this world!! You will have to make a reservation in advance, but you can do it quickly on their website.
Other than food tasting, the area is perfect for leisurely strolls and Insta-perfect photos, especially around this spot near the market’s main entrance!
13. Try artisanal coffee in the urban Park HaTachana
Park HaTachana makes for a perfect stop when you’re strolling from the City Center to Jaffa or vice versa! It’s this small park where the old train station from the 19th century used to be (its remnants are still visible).
You’ll find the most authentic souvenir shops as well as Nahat Coffee Roastery, a brand-new local coffee shop serving the best hot and cold options!
Nahat has a free coffee matchmaker on their website, where you can answer a few questions and get matched with the brews that best suit your taste! How cool is that!
Now, all that’s left to do is grab your best coffee match and start walking from HaTachana towards the City Center through the lovely Park HaMesila. You’ll get a true taste of how the locals in Tel Aviv spend their free time! Personally, this stroll is one of my favorite things to do in Tel Aviv as a local.
14. Enter the hall in which Israel declared its independence
Head to the central Tel Aviv and enter a hall in which, on May 14, 1948, Ben Gurion declared Israel’s independence!
You can explore educational audio and video material that will show you how the country of Israel came to be, as well as other documents related to the history of Tel Aviv.
The Hall has been closed for extensive renovations since 2019 but is set to open soon in 2024! We’ll update this post with the latest pricing and tour information as soon as it becomes available!
15. Have a unique Shabbat dinner experience
Shabbat, or Sabbath, is a holy day for religious Jews that starts at sunset on Fridays and lasts until the next sunset on Saturdays. It’s a day for prayer, family, and reflecting upon one’s connection with God. For most Tel Aviv residents, however, it’s time when you hit the beach and public spaces to relax!
Did you know that Orthodox Jews don’t even use electricity, including the fridge or any buttons, during Shabbat? But don’t worry, no one will be expecting you to respect these strict Shabbat rules while in Israel!
Attending a Shabbat dinner is a great, authentic experience where you can learn all about the customs related to this tradition. Tourist Israel organizes Shabbat dinners with 5-course meals for groups of up to 12 people. The price is US$149, but you have to book in advance!
PRICE: from US$149
16. Learn about Tel Aviv’s captivating street art
Tel Aviv is packed with street art everywhere! My personal favorite and probably the most popular neighborhood for exploring street art is the Florentin! This hip area, and notably the streets around the old synagogue, are a must-visit.
The shop stalls and walls of the buildings around the Jaffa market also hide beautiful, colorful art. I pass by them every day, and honestly, they always make my day!
You can check out this street art graffiti tour starting from $55 that takes you across Florentin and Nachalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall (another hotspot for graffiti) or explore on your own.
Here’s a quick overview of top-notch street art destinations:
TOUR PRICE: from US$55
17. Try the best sushi in the Middle East
Did you know Tel Aviv has the third-most sushi restaurants per capita, only behind Tokyo and New York?
As a sushi aficionado, I couldn’t be more thrilled to live in Tel Aviv! I’ve tried sushi in probably 10 restaurants so far, and I’m not even close to finishing the list! Here’s my short overview of the best sushi places in the city:
- Moon Sushi – this one’s on a higher end price-wise, but it’s also the best sushi place in Tel Aviv; I promise you, sushi here tastes like small bits of heaven!
- Jasia – we have sushi in Jasia probably once every two weeks, as the place is just next to my home; try their sashimi salad, it’s so good!
- The Green Roll – vegan sushi lovers rave about this place, so if you’re one of them, you know where to eat!
- Chooka – similar to Moon Sushi, Chooka has super fresh sushi and delicious sushi sandwiches.
18. Join a free dance class at Gordon Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches in Tel Aviv, and it’s no wonder why! A beautiful beach, shops, fancy restaurants, surfboarding schools, a marina, AND free dance classes are all within reach!
I was pleasantly surprised to walk around the area during one of the classes, as it comprised a large group of probably around 50 people of all ages who were dancing like it was the last day of their lives!
This YouTube video perfectly depicts the atmosphere organized by the Israeli Folk Dances Association! They are dancing an Israeli folk dance called Rikudai Am, which was created in the 1930s by the pioneers of the pre-Israel state. It’s super fun and relaxing, and it’s easy to catch up if you’re a newbie!
NOTE: Lessons take place from 11 AM to 3 PM every Saturday. From June to September, they are held from 7 PM to 11 PM because of the heat. You don’t even have to book in advance. Just show up on time!
19. Go bar hopping
You may remember the Florentin district from the street art section, but that’s not the only thing this district is known for! One of the best things to do in Tel Aviv at night is bar hopping in Florentin!
This hip neighborhood is one of my favorite places to grab a beer and enjoy the lively atmosphere, and it’s just a short walk from both Jaffa and Neve Tzedek! You must try Shuffle Bar and Berlin in Florentin for draft beers!
Honestly, I don’t know which area I love more for its bars, Rothschild Boulevard or Florentin! The Rothschild clubs are probably more catered to youngsters. There’s even this pub crawl (starting from US$26) you can join that takes you to the best pubs and treats you with one beer + 5 shots in each place!
My overall favorite bar in Tel Aviv is Mike’s Place. It’s located right next to the U.S. Embassy on the Tel Aviv Promenade, and it was initially designed as a place for the staff to relax. Today, it’s become a local gem with the most delicious fajitas and great Mediterranean Sea views!
20. Visit the home of Ben Gurion, Israel’s first president
David Ben Gurion proclaimed the independence of Israel in 1948 and is today one of the most loved and respected politicians in Israel. Many streets in the country carry its name, and even the main airport is named after him.
His home in the center of Tel Aviv was turned into a museum, and it’s one of the top things to do in Tel Aviv for anyone who admires his work.
You’ll learn about this great leader’s life, explore the amazing library featuring official documents and letters Ben Gurion exchanged with world leaders, and many more fun artifacts.
You can go independently or join a group tour, but for the latter, you should check the details on the official website. The only way to buy a ticket at the moment is at the cashier.
NOTE: Entrance is free on Fridays and Saturdays
PRICE: 20 ILS (US$5)
21. Cycle on the green Rothschild Boulevard (Lev Ha’Ir)
Rothschild is awesome for bar hopping but also for cycling! The most beautiful boulevard in Tel Aviv has large trees everywhere, bicycle lanes, pedestrian areas, and hip coffee places and fast food restaurants across its 1.5 km stretch.
We always walk here on our way from Jaffa to the City Center, and the lively atmosphere and greenery that surround this boulevard have proven as an instant mood booster when I’m having a bad day.
You can also walk from Jafa or Neve Tzedek to Habima Square along this boulevard, and I promise you, it’ll be one of the most scenic pedestrian routes in Tel Aviv.
22. Learn how to make iconic Israeli dishes
Israeli cuisine is so delicious you may even want to learn about its secrets while you’re visiting! Why not join a cooking class that’ll teach you how to make hummus, shakshouka, and other legendary meals?
Citrus & Salt is a great culinary school in the Florentin district where you can attend group workshops or come up with your own menu in individual classes!
I recommend the Citrus & Salt Classic Israeli workshop, where you’ll learn how to make all the staples of traditional Israeli food, like pita, hummus, falafel, and shakshouka!
The teachers are super friendly, the classes are in English and are targeting tourists too (duration is around 3 hours), so you won’t have to worry about the language barrier!
PRICE: From 180 ILS (US$47)
23. Get oriental at Levinsky Market
Levinsky is another legendary market in Tel Aviv, only this one is inspired by Greek and Persian markets, so it has very special vibes! It’s mostly known for its spices and delis, but you can also find tons of shops and cafés for a complete bohemian atmosphere.
The ideal time to visit Levinsky is after exploring Carmel Market! Just go down the Nachalat Binyamin pedestrian street, cross the Rothschiled Boulevard, and you’ll hit Levinsky in no time!
Honestly, the Levinsky market (Gmap link) is more popular among locals than tourists (Carmel and Jaffa market are usually tourist hotspots), so if you’re interested in exploring where locals shop, you’re more than welcome to visit!
24. Satisfy your sweet tooth
Israelis sure know how to make ice cream and chocolate! You can choose from a variety of local ice cream and chocolate shops in Tel Aviv, but I’ll present to you 2 of my favorite ones.
Anita is a must-visit for ice cream lovers, while Max Brener is a safe haven for chocolate aficionados! At Anita, they let you taste different ice cream flavors for free on small sticks until you decide on the perfect taste for you!
Max Brener has the best chocolate waffles and milkshakes with chocolate-making technology from France, although it is considered kind of pricey among Israelis. Totally worth it, if you ask me!
I tried both Anita and Max Brener (I only eat Anita’s ice cream in summer; the salty caramel is my favorite flavor), and I wholeheartedly recommend them to travelers with a sweet tooth!
25. Swim at Gordon Pool, one of the city’s few saltwater pools
Gordon Pool is like an institution among Tel Aviv residents. This Olympic-size pool has been around since 1956, and it has been recently renovated, so it looks super nice and modern.
You can lounge at the comfortable beach chairs, swim in dedicated lines, take swimming lessons, and let the kids play in the children’s pool!
The water at Gordon Pool doesn’t contain any chlorine; they pump the water in directly from the Mediterranean Sea every other day!
PRO TIP: visit during the week (Sunday-Thursday) to avoid crowds! Definitely avoid on Saturdays unless you want to compete with local families and their kids for your spot in the shade.
PRICE: 69 ILS (US$18), Saturdays 79 ILS (US$21)
26. Explore Tel Aviv nightlife
Partying in Tel Aviv has its own vibe! The clubs don’t open until late at night (past 10 PM), and the partying goes until the early morning hours!
Gagarin Club TLV and Haoman 17 are some of the best nightclubs you’ll find! Check their websites in advance for live events! The tickets are around 150 ILS (US$38).
As I mentioned earlier, Rothschild Boulevard is where the main nightlife venues are. I’m not much of a party maniac myself, but if you visit some of the local clubs, let me know in the comments below how they were!
Tel Aviv is also known for its liberal spirit and thriving LGBT community, with gay nightlife being one of the best in the world. Shpagat is the most popular gay bar in the city, and you’ll often find tourists here! So feel free to check it out; you’ll feel immediately welcomed.
27. Connect with nature in HaYarkon Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Tel Aviv for kids or for couples, look no further! Park HaYarkon is a huge park in Northern Tel Aviv, ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics, sports, and kayaking (there’s a nice pond!)!
Here, you’ll find the only hot air balloon in the city (map), and the cost is 80 ILS per person. To avoid long lines, it’s best to visit during the week (Monday-Thursday).
TLV Balloon takes you up to 100m in height, from where you can marvel at the beautiful skyline, the sea, and the surroundings for 15 minutes!
PRO TIP: Plan a day out in ParkHaYarkon in combination with visits to the Eretz Israel Museum or Palmach Museum, both of which are dedicated to the history of Israel and are just outside the park!
28. Spend an afternoon in the new TLV Namal district
Tel Aviv’s brand new Namal district is located in the far North of the city, just near Tel Aviv port. In fact, “namal” means “port” in Hebrew!
The Namal Tel Aviv become a top spot for culture, entertainment, and nightlife, with plenty of local and international stores, art galleries, and a huge promenade in the shape of a wooden deck (spreading over 14,000 square meters!).
We walked here a couple of times on our way to Park HaYarkon, and I remember seeing all of the modern Israeli stores and restaurants along the promenade. It was also jammed with people, but that’s kind of expected wherever you go on Saturdays.
The sea view from the wooden promenade is pretty cool; it almost feels as if you’re standing on the deck of a ship.
29. Try surfing!
Tel Aviv is a top destination in the Middle East for surfing! You’ll find dozens of surfing schools and plenty of surf rental companies along the stretch of the coast. Whether you’re an expert or just a beginner, you can find a good opportunity to test or gain your skills!
I’ve recently chatted with the worker at the Galim Surf School at Gordon Beach, and it turns out they have all these activities targeting tourists with classes in English for all levels, as well as equipment rentals.
You’ll find tons of surf schools along the coast, so I recommend you choose the one closest to your hotel. They are all great, and most offer classes in English!
PRICE: From 200 ILS (US$52) for 1-hour lessons; rentals start from 50 ILS (US$13) per hour
NOTE: The prices above were given to me by the Galim Surf School representative and may differ from one school to another.
30. Go for a wild escape at the Ramat Gan Safari
Ramat Gan is a suburb of Tel Aviv in its larger metropolitan area known as Gush Dan, and you can get there in less than 30 minutes by car (buses and the light rail also go there). One of the top attractions in this neighborhood is the Ramat Gan Safari, where you can get in close contact with zebras, flamingos, lions, tigers, hypos, antelopes, and many other wild animals!
The Safari also has a Zoo area where you can walk for a typical Zoo experience.
If you’re traveling without a car, they have bus trips across the Safari, so you can see the wild animals from your typical school bus window! The kids will surely love it!
PRO TIP: Book your ticket in advance on the official website and get a 10 ILS discount!
PRICE: 99 ILS (US$26)
31. Explore other museums
Tel Aviv is home to more than 20 museums; I just didn’t want to end the article without mentioning a few more of the most interesting ones.
- Palmach Museum – a museum dedicated to pre-state Israel’s underground defense organization that later became the Israel Defense Forces.
- Yitzhak Rabin Center – a research center and museum dedicated to Israel’s devoted prime minister Yitzhak Rabin assassinated in 1995 by an Israeli right-wing activist
- Ilana Goor Museum – a museum of artwork painted and collected by Illana Goor, a celebrated Israeli artist
- Beit Ha’Ir Museum – Beit Ha’Ir Museum is set in a former town hall building, and it showcases exhibits and guided tours of Tel Aviv’s development through history
- Suzanne Dellal Centre – not really a museum, Suzanne Dellal Centre is certainly an important institution for contemporary dance with shows going on every week
| 🏛️ Best museum: | Tel Aviv Museum of Art |
| 🎢 Top paid attraction: | Azrieli Observatory |
| 🚶🏽♂️ Best free activity: | Beach and Promenade walk |
| 👧 Best attraction for kids: | Ramat Gan Safari |
| 🕺 Nightlife: | Rothschild Boulevard |
| 🥟 Must try food: | Hummus |
Where to stay in Tel Aviv
I’m determined to make your trip planning to Tel Aviv as easy as possible, so I handpicked the best centrally-located hotels and separated them by budget.
For a more detailed description, check out our article about the top areas where you can stay in Tel Aviv!
Luxury (US$350 and up)
- The Drisco Hotel – Luxury, style, and sophistication are only some of the words to describe this 5-star heritage-landmark hotel nestled in the picturesque American-German colony.
- Carlton Tel Aviv – A different kind of 5-star experience with an outdoor pool and rooms overlooking the sea, a rooftop terrace, and a beachfront location.
Mid Range (US$150-US$350)
- Dizengoff Garden Hotel – It’s all about urban comfort in this stylish 3-star hotel, offering a great location and all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay.
- Maxim Design Hotel 3 Star Superior – This 3-star hotel is affordable, offers a good breakfast, and is located just opposite the beach.
Budget (up to US$150)
- Rena’s House – Be within walking distance of all the important sights without spending a fortune in this intentionally created aparthotel.
- The O Pod Capsule Hotel – A capsule hotel near the beach ideal for short-budget stays.
Practical Information
As I promised in the beginning, this guide has also got you covered with practical tips on public transportation and SIM cards.
How to get around
Public Transport
Tel Aviv has an excellent network of buses and, from very recently, light rails that connect the whole Gush Dan area (meaning Tel Aviv and the surrounding neighborhoods).
Buy a Rav-Kav card (available at kiosks across the city, in tourist info centers, airports, and train stations), as this is a re-fillable public transportation card you can use to pay for buses, light rails, and trains across the country.
Just press it against the reader inside the bus and wait for the green light to appear to validate your ride. For light rails, you’ll see the card readers at the station entrances, so you have to validate your ticket before entering the light rail.
You choose how much credit you want to top to your RavKav card but bear in mind that one ride costs 5.9 ILS (around US$1.5). Plan accordingly. You can load the card at the same location where you purchased it.
As per the official website of the Tel Aviv municipality, RavKav is the only acceptable way to pay for your tickets inside the bus. I remember using my credit card to pay on the bus, but the reader didn’t accept it every time.
Wave your hand at the bus to give it a sign to stop! If you don’t do this, and you’re the only person at the bus station waiting for that specific bus, the driver can just drive past you!
Moovit is the best app for planning your journey. Just enter your starting point and destination, and it’ll suggest the fastest route in all public transport means. You can also use Google Maps, but Moovit is more reliable from my experience, especially when it comes to waiting times.
Taxis/Ride Sharing
I’d say take a taxi in Israel only when you have no other option or for getting to the airport if you have large baggage. Otherwise, it’s not worth it, especially if you’re traveling light and on a budget.
Common ways to get a taxi include waving your hand at the taxis passing by (locals do it, but it’s less recommended) or ordering one via app (I use Gett, it’s the most popular one).
NOTE: Uber isn’t available in Israel anymore, nor are there any major car-sharing companies currently operating.
It usually takes us 20-30 minutes to get from the Old City of Jaffa to the airport, and we pay around 140 ILS (US$37) whether or not we have luggage.
Always make sure the driver turns on the taxi meter when you start the ride! Or agree on a price beforehand, but there’s no way to know if the driver is giving you an honest price.
My experience with taxis in Tel Aviv is mostly hectic. Sometimes the taxi never arrives despite I booked it on the app; sometimes, they charge too much when I stop them on the street, and sometimes it’s all just fine, and I have a smooth ride.
All about SIM cards
So before you think about getting a tourist SIM card at the airport, let me tell you this: DON’T! They are too overpriced, and you can find far better deals with Airalo or by purchasing a local SIM in town.
My recommendation is to hit local phone stores (like this one on Carmel Market) or Pelephone shops (it’s like the most popular network provider, they have stores across town, including malls) and get a far better deal.
I use my SIM card that I bought in a regular kiosk. Here, you can find plans that start at around $30 for 10 days of data-only plans, or you can get full plans with international calls and messages for slightly more money.
Although, if your phone supports eSIMs, I totally recommend Airalo. It’s much easier to set up a plan, and you can do it from the comfort of your phone (and home)! Their plans are super flexible and start from $US5.5 for 7 days, including 1 GB of internet.
FAQs about things to do in Tel Aviv
🥳 What is Tel Aviv best known for?
Fabulous beaches, top-notch cuisine, street food, and friendly people are highlights of Tel Aviv. Of course, the city is also the commercial capital of the country, so it’s where the big business is.
👍 Is Tel Aviv worth going to?
Definitely, Tel Aviv is worth going to. It’s a city that never sleeps, it has a young people vibe and the best restaurants, and there are so many fun things to do for tourists, from exploring cultural sights, sunbathing, surfing, and partying to tasting local dishes and learning how to make them.
🗓️ How many days is enough for Tel Aviv?
Plan at least 2 days for your Tel Aviv stay. This will give you enough time to visit the top spots like the Promenade, Old Jaffa, City Center, and the nearby neighborhoods.
💸 Is Tel Aviv expensive?
Yes, Tel Aviv used to be the most expensive city in the world for a few years and now is among the top 5. So staying here does require good planning if you’re not looking to spend too much.
🏖️ What do locals do in Tel Aviv?
Being a local in Tel Aviv is so fun! We chill at the beach and local cafés (with our pets!), cycle around the parks and boulevards, visit local theaters, chill at each others’ homes, party on the rooftops, and so much more.
🤔 What are the best unique things to do in Tel Aviv?
The most unique things to do in Tel Aviv include taking a hot air balloon ride in Park HaYarkon, going on an Israeli dish cooking workshop, taking a picture with the Suspended Orange tree in Old Jaffa, or checking out Tel Aviv Bauhaus buildings.
🌃 What are the best things to do in Tel Aviv at night?
Partying in Rothschild Boulevard, fine dining in some of the restaurants, or simply strolling by the beach are all great things to do in Tel Aviv at night.
✅ Is Tel Aviv safe?
Tel Aviv is a very safe city! Thefts and crime are much lower than in most U.S. and European cities. Honestly, I feel much safer walking alone in Tel Aviv at night than I did in many cities in Europe.
Conclusion
Well this was fun! *plays Omer Adam’s Tel Aviv song in the background*
Hopefully, I gave you a pretty good idea of things to do in Tel Aviv for your upcoming visit!
I’ve meticulously picked these 31 things that I’m sure will be of interest to a general audience, but I also included some specific things like surfing because I’m sure there are high-level adventurers among you!
The important thing about planning your trip is booking both your stay and any tours you may be interested in on time. And Tel Aviv is super expensive to sleep in, so the sooner you book, the better price you’ll get!
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or are looking for recommendations for your Israel trip!
Safe travels,
Darija
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