Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the hardest city to describe to someone who hasn’t been there, and to someone who has, there is no need to explain. It is not classically beautiful like Paris, not deep like Jerusalem, not quiet like Bergen. But it is alive in a way that few cities in the world manage to be. Our real problem as guides is that tourists come for 2 days and leave without understanding it. Although it is not as big as Tokyo or Paris, it has so much to offer. If you love great food, interesting events, and unique attractions, It is the place for you.

Here, you can see our Tel Aviv city guide, for the best experiences in the unique liberal city.

The Story of Tel Aviv

The city of Tel Aviv is the true fulfillment of Theodor Herzl’s Zionist vision. After its establishment, the city was nicknamed “The first Hebrew city” and became, over the years, one of the two largest and most important cities in Israel, alongside Jerusalem. The year of the city’s official establishment, 1909, marks the year in which the lots were drawn and the first houses were built in what would later become the central part of Israel. The city has also been known by its nickname “The White City”.

In the past few decades, the city has become the economic and cultural center of Israel, as most of the big high-tech companies have their offices in the city. Today, it is considered to be a major center of attraction for young people, as a big part of the young Israelis’ dream of living one day in Tel Aviv, thanks to its liberal vibe, open-mindedness, nightlife, and endless possibilities. On the other hand, Tel Aviv is also one of the most expensive cities in the world, as it was recently ranked the third most pricy, after New York and Singapore.

Best Areas to Visit in Tel Aviv

Central Tel Aviv

A very walkable part of the city, which includes most of the renowned landmarks and famous streets, like Rothschild Boulevard, the Carmel market, Habima Square, and so much more. You can tour Central Tel Aviv for days, always discovering new, cool alleys, and hidden beloved cafes. Visiting this area is also a great opportunity to enjoy the city’s culture, with many galleries, theaters, and handmade jewelry shops, displaying the city’s artistic side. It is best to explore Central Tel Aviv on foot, or by renting a bicycle, a Segway, or an electric scooter.

Must-Stop Spots In central Tel Aviv

Rothschild Boulevard, The “Boulevard” Four kilometers of tree-lined paths, benches, bicycles, and cafes. The beating heart of central Tel Aviv. Beautiful at any hour—perfect in the morning.

Habima Square Home to the National Theater, the sunken “Music Garden,” and the Philharmonic. The square itself is worth a 30-minute sit—people-watching, pigeons, and street performers.

Independence Hall (16 Rothschild Blvd) The site where the State of Israel was declared in 1948. A small but profound museum—not enough tourists actually go inside. It’s a must.

Shalom Meir Tower Israel’s first skyscraper (1965). A landmark even if you don’t step inside—a symbol of Tel Aviv’s boom years.

Meir Park (Gan Meir) A lush, quiet public park tucked away from the noise. On Friday mornings, there’s a charming little organic market. It’s the quietest corner in the area.

Sheinkin — The Street That Connects It All Running parallel to Rothschild, it’s a bit more “neighborhood” and less “corporate.” Independent shops, chef restaurants, and an effortlessly cool vibe.

Neve Tzedek

The year was 1887. A group of 66 Jewish families from Jaffa looked north, at a stretch of empty sand dunes and decided to build a home. That was Neve Tzedek. Not pioneers on the Gilboa, not a kibbutz, but merchants and tradesmen who wanted Jewish neighbors and a quiet street. Twenty-two years later, their neighbors founded Tel Aviv just to the north. Neve Tzedek is the opening chapter of the entire story.

This neighborhood is located in the southern part of the Tel Aviv Promenade, not far from Jaffa, and is considered by many to be the most beautiful neighborhood in the city, with unique architecture and vibe.

To the question we hear most from tourists—“Why is everything so expensive here?”—the professional answer is classic gentrification. In the 1980s, the neighborhood was completely neglected. Property prices were low. Artists and cultural figures moved in, renovated, and created an “atmosphere.” Then, the big money arrived, pushed out the artists and the original neighbors and fixed the prices in the stratosphere. This isn’t a uniquely Israeli phenomenon; it happened in Brooklyn, Berlin, and Lisbon. In Neve Tzedek, it just happened very fast.

Our top tip for couples: Come to Neve Tzedek for the evening. After 8:00 PM, when most of the tourists have left, the streets empty out and you can actually hear the crickets. The alleys look completely different under the glow of the old streetlamps. This is the authentic neighborhood.

If you’re coming to Neve Tzedek, you absolutely have to stay at Ruby. beautiful hotel. very nice atmosphere. staff despite not having a desk were available and friendly.

A recommended itinerary in Neve Tzedek begins at the Suzanne Dellal complex — home to the world-renowned Batsheva Dance Company and a year-round stage for dance and theater performances. From there, make your way to the Nachum Gutman Museum, explore the neighborhood’s boutique shops, and stop at one of its many intimate cafes. Save time to simply wander: in Neve Tzedek, the best discoveries often happen in a quiet courtyard or along a sun-drenched alley between the old pastel-colored houses.

Florentin

The colorful Florentin neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the south of the city.  It isn’t “pretty” in the conventional sense, with its yellowing graffiti and car-lined alleys. But it possesses something that Neve Tzedek, the Boulevard, or even the Carmel Market can’t offer: the feeling that Tel Aviv hasn’t finished surprising you yet.In the last decade, Florentin has established itself as the bohemian-artistic area of ​​Tel Aviv. Walking through the streets of the neighborhood, you will discover lots of street art, cafes and restaurants, home decor stores, galleries, and the mouth-watering Levinsky market, which also allows you to enjoy special small restaurants, stock up on delicacies and enjoy the middle eastern sun.

What we show every group—that isn’t written in any guidebook:

The moment we love most on our tours is when we lead a group from Neve Tzedek into Florentin. Crossing over from Shabazi Street with its polished plaster, flowers in the windows, and 22 NIS lattes straight into Florentin. Three buildings. A ten-second walk. And a completely different world. Suddenly, the walls are talking, the scent of the street shifts, and the city’s tempo feels different. This is the moment people truly understand gentrification—not as an abstract concept, but as something they are standing right inside of.

On Florentin’s graffiti—seriously: This isn’t just “pretty pictures on walls.” This is a cohesive, deep street art scene featuring artists, some of whom are internationally renowned. Any conversation with a good local graffiti guide peels back layers of politics, identity, and Israeli culture that you simply won’t find in any museum.

The warning we give: Experience Florentin now. The arrival of boutique cafes, skyrocketing rents, and increasing tourist attention are all signs that the clock is ticking. In ten years, it might just become the next Neve Tzedek. We emphasize—might. We hope it doesn’t.

If you’re looking to stay in Florentin, we highly recommend Albi Florentin – Traveler’s Choice 2025.  Albi Florentin in Tel Aviv offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a kitchenette, work desk, and city views.

Best things to do in Tel Aviv

Enjoy the Tel Aviv beach

One of the most unique features of Tel Aviv is the proximity of the Tel Aviv beach to the city center. Within a few minutes walk, you can go from the most busy streets to the city’s beautiful beaches, featuring their unique vibe, and offering numerous activities. Here, you can relax and sunbathe, sit in one of the several beach bars, walk on the Tel Aviv Promenade, or get active and join a spontaneous beach volleyball or soccer match. In any case, make sure you stay for sunset, and see the impressive city lights from the beach.

Go to the market

Tel Aviv features several unique and popular markets throughout the city, with the most popular one being the Carmel Market. Every day, except for Saturday, the long and narrow market boasts a variety of food and vegetable stalls, housewares, and other offerings at attractive prices. If you get here, it is highly recommended to try the delicious food, either in the market or in the nearby family restaurants in the Kerem Hateimanim neighborhood, whose charming streets connect right to the heart of the market.

Experience the Nonstop City’s nightlife

Of course, you can’t talk about Tel Aviv without mentioning the city’s world-class nightlife. Here, you can find bars, dance bars, cocktail bars, and clubs, all at the highest level with an energetic and fun vibe. It is also very well-known for its LGBT scene, with several queer bars, clubs, and parties, in the most liberal city in the middle east. The different bars and clubs can be found in different locations around the city, but mostly around Florentin, Dizingoff Street, or Carmel Market.

Local Tips

Morning at the beach: 06:30 AM–08:30 AM — the quietest, the most beautiful, the most Israeli. After 10:00 AM, the beach becomes crowded and noisy.

Tel-O-Fun: The most useful app in the city. Cheap public bicycles, available on every corner. Much faster than a bus during rush hour.

Authentic Israeli breakfast: Don’t eat at the hotel. Look for a neighborhood cafe in Florentin with eggs, salad, and bread — 40–55 ₪ compared to 90+ at the boulevard restaurants.

Nightlife: Tel Aviv starts at 11:00 PM. Anyone who arrives at a bar at 9:00 PM sits alone. The peak is between midnight and 3:00 AM.

Overlooked Jaffa: 90% of tourists arrive in Jaffa, take pictures at the flea market, and leave. Those who go to Abu Hassan for hummus at noon and wander around the port plaza at sunset — understand. The Light Rail: The Red Line changed the city — from the city center to the south and north without the stress. Most tourists still don’t know about it.

Humidity: July–August are months of extreme humidity. Light clothes, water, and planning activities for the early morning or evening. Noon — indoors with AC.

Saving money: The Carmel Market for food, buses/bicycles for getting around, bars in Jaffa/Florentin for beer. Half the price of what you pay in Neve Tzedek.

Tel Aviv Hotels

Leonardo Gordon Beach Tel Aviv

A vacation at Leonardo Gordon Beach Tel Aviv features a unique hospitality experience for couples or families. Along with a magical view of the promenade, the marina, the beaches, and old Jaffa, you will enjoy the hotel’s spacious rooms and suites for couples or families, excellent meals, an elegant business lounge overlooking the sea, and a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
The unique vacation experience includes a spectacular rooftop pool from which you can look out for a beautiful panoramic view of the promenade and the sea and an exhibition of about 300 selected works of art that you can see all over the hotel.

Dan Panorama Tel Aviv Hotel

The hotel is a luxurious international-level hotel located in Charles Clore Park on the beach. The hotel has 500 spacious rooms, most of which overlook the sea. Ideal for family vacations and offering activities for all ages, the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv Hotel is known for its impressive selection of foods and delicacies offered in the hotel’s restaurants. The hotel is within a short walking distance of the best attractions in the city such as Old Jaffa, the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, Nachalat Binyamin pedestrian street, and more.