The Tel Aviv Port, located just south of Tel Baruch Beach and north of the popular Hilton Beach, is one of the best sites to visit in Tel Aviv, with a multitude of great things to do, hip atmosphere, and of course, stunning sea views. But since it’s one of the busiest places in Tel Aviv and in Israel, you need to plan your trip carefully and prepare in advance to choose the most interesting spots at the port. Here, we have summed up the best recommendations from our own experiences in TLV port:
The Story of Tel Aviv Port
In the first years of Tel Aviv, which was founded in 1909, the city’s Jewish residents, who were dependent on the port of Jaffa, wanted to establish their own port, through which new Jewish immigrants would be able to arrive in the country. However, the British, who ruled the country from 1917 to 1948, did not permit the establishment of a port in Tel Aviv.
In 1936, as part of the Arab Revolt, the Palestinians declared a general strike and shut down the port of Jaffa, which served as an entry gate for Jewish immigrants and a major port for imports and exports. Following this strike, the British had to authorize the Jews to establish their own port, and so the Tel Aviv port was quickly built.
The British government established the port in the north of Tel Aviv in 1936, near the confluence of the Yarkon River and the Mediterranean Sea. Just days after receiving approval for its construction, a Yugoslav ship docked there, unloading sacks of cement as thousands of Tel Aviv residents gathered to welcome its arrival.
Soon after, the port began welcoming new Jewish immigrants arriving in Israel from around the world but shut down entirely during World War II. Following the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, during the War of Independence, the port resumed operations and played a crucial role in the conflict, facilitating the arrival of Jewish immigrants from Europe and the transport of weapons.
A few years after Israel’s establishment, it became clear that the Tel Aviv port was too small and shallow for large ships. Attempts to deepen it artificially failed, prompting the government to establish a new port in Ashdod. Shortly after the Ashdod port opened in 1965, the Tel Aviv port ceased operations entirely.
For over 20 years, the Tel Aviv port area remained neglected and largely unused. However, in the 1990s, an extensive restoration transformed it into the vibrant entertainment hub it is today.
Unique things to do in Tel Aviv Port
Take a Segway tour
Touring the Tel Aviv Port area offers various options, from renting a bike or electric scooter to enjoying a leisurely walk along the port. However, the most unique experience is joining an organized Segway tour that covers the port and northern parts of the city.
Riding a Segway through the port and streets of Tel Aviv, with the refreshing sea breeze and the thrill of this personal transporter, ranks among the best activities in the city and creates lasting memories.
Visit the Museum of Illusions
Entrance fee: 99 ILS
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday: 09:00-21:00
Fridays and holiday evenings: 09:00-16:00
Saturdays and holidays: 09:00-21:00
The visit to the museum lasts about an hour, and In order to create a pleasant experience for all visitors to the museum, the number of visitors is limited.
Best restaurants in Tel Aviv Port
Delicious Deli Bar
The bar located in the heart of the port market is simply the perfect place to eat for meat lovers. The successful menu of Delicious Deli Bar offers a variety of high-quality meats, hamburgers, and sandwiches that are simply delicious. Among the best dishes here are the hamburger, which is made from fresh entrecote and is served in a sweet bun, and the mouth-watering corned beef sandwich, which has gained its popularity thanks to a unique cooking method and generous amounts of meat.
Beni the fisherman
Every meal at the old fish restaurant located right on the port starts with about 15 types of great appetizers, but this is just the beginning here. The specialty of the place, as its name may suggest, is fish and seafood, as the place is most famous for its huge seafood platters. However, if you’re searching for meat instead, you won’t be disappointed here, as the menu has an impressive section of meats, as well as great children’s dishes.
Meat and Eat
Meat and Eat is a great kosher restaurant that connects the worlds of meat and baking, with unique dishes that represent the Israeli taste such as hamburger, siniya, and lehmacun. Seating areas in different styles make it a great place for groups, families, or couples, who all sit around the Tabun oven, which is the place’s center of attraction.
Best clubs in Tel Aviv Port
Shalvata
Shalvata, which means “her serenity”, is located in Hangar 28 in the port, and is one of the most beloved and crowded bars in all of Tel Aviv, which is mainly popular among young people. The uniqueness of the place lies in the fact that during the day it operates as a restaurant that offers a rich and varied menu, and in the evening it completely changes its atmosphere and becomes a vibrant club, known for rhythmic and happy music.
Reading 3
Reading 3 is a large and well-designed club that is mainly intended for live performances. The club is located in the north of the Tel Aviv Port at HaTa’arucha St 3.
Ever since Reading 3 was established, it attracted some of the best Israeli artists, who routinely hold great concerts here. Beyond that, when there isn’t a live concert here, it features some of the best DJs and parties in Tel Aviv, helped by the club’s huge venue, which consists of 3 different platforms and covers an extremely large area of about 980 square meters.
Lite Club
The club is located at Reading 23 in Tel Aviv Port. Lite Club offers a variety of programs, as every day of the week there is a different line here, including hip hop on Sundays, a student line on Mondays, and more, creating a club that fits any age and style. Beyond the music, this popular club includes a beautifully designed interior and a pleasant outdoor lounge to sit and relax in.
Where to stay in Tel Aviv?
Herbert Samuel Opera Tel Aviv
The hotel has clearly undergone renovations, as everything looks new and beautifully designed, which was a pleasant surprise given the age of the original building. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Tel Aviv’s promenade, with the beach just a short road-crossing away. It was such a fun experience to be so close to the sea!
This spot is perfect for exploring the nearby areas, like Nachalat Binyamin, Neve Tzedek, and other must-visit sites in Tel Aviv-Yafo. The beach right in front of the hotel is fantastic, adding to the overall appeal.
The room was spacious enough, although you do have to lean over the balcony railing to get a view of the sea. The breakfast was nice and offered a good variety to start the day.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and though the spa is small, it’s excellent for a relaxing break.
Check out Herbert Samuel Opera Tel Aviv.
The Drisco Hotel Tel Aviv – Relais & Châteaux
The hotel is situated in the heart of Tel Aviv, in the gorgous American-German Colony, an area known for its quiet, picturesque streets and beautifully preserved historic homes.
The hotel offers a range of excellent facilities, including a 24-hour front desk and concierge service, spa treatment, a rooftop with stunning sea views, the cozy Mark Twain Lounge, a beautiful garden, and a TechnoGym. Guests can also enjoy the renowned George and John restaurant, as well as a complimentary mini-bar (alcoholic beverages available only in suites).
Surrounding the hotel, there are numerous attractions, such as cafes, restaurants, four markets, Old Jaffa, the Mediterranean Sea, boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy neighborhoods like Neve Tzedek and Florentin.
For exploring Tel Aviv and Jaffa, two light rail stations are conveniently located within walking distance. Additionally, Ben Gurion Airport is just 21 km away.
