above all For several years, I worked in Jaffa. One of the world’s oldest port cities – you’ll even find it mentioned in the Bible! It’s fascinating to think of all the pilgrims and traders who’ve passed through these streets. At dawn, I’d watch fishermen unfurl their nets along the harbor, their silhouettes etched against the golden sky. The air would fill with the intoxicating aroma of fresh bagels from Abulafia bakery, drawing early risers from their homes. Come midday, I’d wander through the labyrinthine alleyways of the flea market.

But my favorite moment in my Jaffa routine? Lunch at Abu Hassan – where I firmly believe is the best hummus in the world. That first creamy, garlicky bite was always worth the wait. These daily rituals – from dawn’s quiet industry to the hectic market and that perfect midday meal – they wove themselves into the fabric of my Jaffa experience.

Located just southwest of Tel Aviv, Jaffa is a diverse and unique city, with a special vibe and rich history. With many sites to visit and things to do, it is one of the most beloved cities in Israel, and for good reason. Here’s everything you should know for the ultimate Jaffa experience.

The History of Jaffa

Best sites to visit in Jaffa

Jaffa Promenade

Often unknown to visitors, is the fact that the Tel Aviv Promenade goes through Jaffa as well. Here, it passes through the Jaffa port, the small Hamidron Park at the edge of the Ajami neighborhood, and ends at Givat Aliya beach. If you walk here from north to south, at the beginning of the trip, you will be able to view the old city overlooking the sea, in what looks like a postcard with a sweet view. Afterwards – you will see colorful fishing boats in the harbor, a green slope with play facilities between Ajami and the sea, and at the end, you can bathe in one of the beautiful beaches of the city, which, like Jaffa as a whole, are places where people of all religions and cultures enjoy the sand and the water side by side.

The Mosaic House

Artist Yossi Lugasi has transformed his apartment in Jaffa into the Mosaic House Museum, an amazing Jaffa treasure that displays his decades of mosaic work. Every wall, balcony, and corner is now covered with mosaic creations, showcasing the immense effort, precision, and patience invested. The displays feature portraits of Israeli prime ministers and presidents, singers, cultural heroes, biblical characters, rabbis, and even a model simulating Israel as seen from the Hubble space telescope. Altogether – The figures not only closely resemble the originals but also convey human emotions.

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church bell tower rises above the houses of Old Jaffa, becoming a defining feature of the city’s iconic skyline. While countless visitors pass by the great church, only a few venture inside. Those who do are often surprised by the splendor reminiscent of baroque churches in Italy. Inside, colorful glass windows, statues, and icons fill the impressive space, crowned by a vaulted ceiling. The church also showcases works of art depicting scenes from the life of Peter, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles.

Jaffa Flea Market

The Flea Market is a vibrant, colorful, and special part of Jaffa, and is the most popular part of the city. Here you can find good coffee, pastries, freshly squeezed orange or pomegranate juice, vintage shops, home items, colorful alleys, and wonderful photo-shooting spots. It is also the best place to enjoy the beloved cuisine of Jaffa, including Knafeh, Malabi, and much more. In the nighttime, several bars operate here, giving the market a completely different energy.

Jaffa Clock Tower

Built in 1901 at the center of Jaffa’s main square, the clock tower has become a symbol of the city. It is one of seven clock towers constructed in the Land of Israel and part of the hundred built across the Ottoman Empire to mark the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s rule. These towers were part of the Sultan’s modern reforms, aimed at aligning the empire with precise, Western timetables.

According to local tradition, Yosef Moyal, the wealthiest Jew in Jaffa, requested the clock tower’s construction to prevent passers-by from interrupting him in his shop to ask for the time on their way to the train station.

Recommended hotels in Jaffa

Market House – An Atlas Boutique Hotel

As a recent guest, I fell in love with this hotel! Its location is perfect – right next to Jaffa’s market, the sea and the charming Flea Market. The staff went above and beyond, anticipating my needs and fulfilling every request with genuine warmth. Their attentiveness created a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that made me feel right at home.

The rooms impressed me with their thoughtful design, blending comfort with a unique, nostalgic charm. Above all – everything was impeccably clean, adding to the overall sense of luxury.

Breakfast was a highlight each morning. I indulged in a diverse spread of delicious options, including plenty of healthy choices. The hotel’s generosity extended throughout the day with complimentary drinks – from coffee to cocktails!

I took advantage of the free bicycle rentals to explore the area. When I headed to the beach, the front desk provided a thoughtful beach kit with towels and water.

The exceptional service truly set this hotel apart. The entire team was incredibly attentive, always eager to help and ensure I had the best stay possible. I want to give a special shout-out to Avi, who went the extra mile to make guests feel welcome. Finding out he’s a fellow resident of the valley made the connection even sweeter!

Check out Market House – An Atlas Boutique Hotel

Margosa Boutique Hotel Tel-Aviv Jaffa

I recently stayed at the Margosa Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, and it was a fantastic experience. Located just a short walk from the heart of Old Jaffa and near the vibrant flea market, the hotel offers a perfect blend of history and modern comfort.

The rooms are spacious, ranging from 20 to 35 square meters, and each comes with a balcony offering beautiful views of Old Jaffa. The rooms are thoughtfully designed, featuring high-quality beds, luxurious showers, flat-screen TVs with IPTV, small refrigerators, safes, and coffee/tea sets with an electric kettle. Plus, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, which was really convenient.

One of the highlights of my stay was the breakfast buffet, which offered a wide selection of local oriental dishes alongside more familiar options. It was the perfect way to start the day.

Moreover,  he hotel also offers paid parking, though it’s on a space-available basis, so I’d recommend checking ahead if you’re driving. They have a newly designed meeting room as well, ideal for conferences or social events, which adds to the hotel’s versatility.

I loved how the hotel incorporates the history of the area, with design references to the famous Jaffa orange orchards that were here 90 years ago. The blend of modern-minimalist and traditional oriental design creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. Overall, my stay at Margosa Boutique Hotel was an excellent mix of comfort, history, and style.

Check out Margosa Boutique Hotel Tel-Aviv Jaffa