Hip, buzzy and achingly cool, there’s a reason Tel Aviv’s a popular tourist destination year-round. White sandy beaches with turquoise blue Mediterranean waters have sun-lovers drooling, fusion cuisine (part European and part Levantine) is to die for and the 24/7 nightlife of the city is nothing short of legendary.
But Tel Aviv’s more than just a beach and party city, and here’s our list of some of the most fun and unique attractions to put a smile on the faces of both adults and children. So put on your comfy shoes, grab your water bottles, don’t forget your sunhat and - with that - get ready for a city break you won’t forget in a hurry.
Beach activities
With a sun-drenched coastline and wonderful weather for much of the year, no wonder many visitors head straight to the beach. If you’re feeling lazy, just rent a sunbed and umbrella and chill out, cooling off with the occasional dip in the sea.
● The Gordon Pool - the beautiful saltwater Gordon Pool (historically a hub of social activity and recently renovated, with an Olympic-sized facility) offers day passes so that you can get in shape!
● Matkot - For the more energetic, try your hand at Israel’s unofficial national sport - it’s paddles and a ball that you hit back and forth between two people for as long as possible. For 30 NIS or so you can buy them at a local store and have hours of fun in return.
● Water Sports - with its tremendous coastline, there’s no end of water sports to try out in Tel Aviv, including:
○ Surfing - Tel Aviv has two great beaches where you’ll see surfers tackling the waves - the Hilton in the north (you can rent equipment there and take lessons) and Ajami Beach in the south, close to Jaffa. At Surf Academy at the Hilton, they also offer lessons.
○ Stand-Up Paddleboarding - Super School at Trumpeldor Beach r offers lessons for beginners in SUP, teaching you how to stand correctly and sail alone - private lessons start at 380 NIS and all you need is a bathing suit.
○ Kayaking - The Sea Centre Club at the Tel Aviv Marina offers kayaking with a guide and private lessons for all levels. Adjacent to Gordon Beach, it’s open from 6 am until sundown, daily.
Exploring Local Neighborhoods
Tel Aviv has some extraordinarily charming neighborhoods, all with their own beauty and character, and because the city’s so flat, they’re easily walkable.
● The Yemenite Quarter - situated next to the city’s famous Carmel Market, here where you can wander cobbled streets, filled with tiny houses and a real community feel.
● Nachalat Binyamin - Home to a bi-weekly arts and crafts market (everything made by hand by local artists), this beautiful pedestrianized street is full of cafes and bars, and is also renowned for its quirky street art.
● Jaffa - ancient, historic and picturesque, this magical part of town is home to an ancient port, a lively flea market (perfect for those who like to rummage for treasures and haggle with merchants), endless art galleries and jewelry studios. Climb up to Abrasha Park, where you can visit St. Peter’s Church, marvel at the ‘Gates of Faith’ statue and take in beautiful Mediterranean views from atop the hill.
● Neve Tzedek - one of the city’s most beautiful and gentrified areas, Neve Tzedek is crammed with restored houses, chic boutiques and upmarket restaurants on its main street, Shabazi.
● Sarona - close to Tel Aviv’s business district, which was once home to German Templars, Sarona has undergone extensive renovations and as well as its indoor food market has all kinds of bars, cafes and small stores to visit.
And whilst all of these spots are easily explored alone, if you really want to understand the history behind them, it’s worth taking a guided tour with a reputable travel company such as Bein Harim Tours.
Activities for children
Days can be long when you have little ones but Tel Aviv has plenty to keep children entertained.
● Lake TLV - Why not have your kids take water-skiing lessons at a man-made lake in the south of the city? At Lake TLV, After a short instructional video, and a safety lecture, they’ll be in their costumes, jumping right in for some adrenaline-fuelled fun (parents can sit by the lake with a cold drink, safe in the knowledge that the little ones are having a ball). Group lessons begin at 250 NIS and private classes at 350 NIS (which includes equipment hire).
● The Namal Port - located in the city’s north, here you’ll find well-equipped playgrounds, a carousel and the famous Sky Jump (home to trampolines, basketball hoops, foam pits, a climbing wall - the perfect place for young kids to let off steam!) Afterwards, you can stroll along the boardwalk and grab a bite in one of the many restaurants and cafes,
● Yarkon Park - ten minutes walk from Namal you’ll find the beautiful Yarkon Park, Tel Aviv’s own ‘Green Lung’. With its pretty lake (rowing boats are for hire) and green, shady spots, it’s the perfect place to take respite from hot summer days and watch locals walking their dogs, jogging the quiet paths, or strolling peacefully.
Safari experience, all the fun of the fair and the Azrieli Observatory
● Ramat Gan Safari - for anyone interested in exotic wildlife, the Ramat Gan Safari Ramat Gan Safari hits the sweet spot. Either take your car and drive through the park yourself (there are over 1.600 animals to gaze at) or use the shuttle service (which runs on Fridays/Saturdays) which will take you straight to the African Savannah. Tickets start at 109 NIS, which is pretty good value when you consider that you can easily spend a few hours there.
● The Luna Park - As night falls, there’s nothing like a funfair for some old-fashioned amusement. Close to Park HaYarkon, Luna Park is an attraction perfect for families, with rides such as dodgem cars, an ‘Anaconda’ roller coaster, a rifle range and the iconic Ferris Wheel, which affords stand-out views of the city. Tickets cost 125 NIS and the park is open every day in the summer and on Saturdays in other months.
● Azrieli Observatory - situated on top of the largest shopping mall in Tel Aviv, here you can stand on a viewing platform and have 360-degree views of the city! Perfect for those who like a bird’s eye view or a magnificent sunset, tickets cost 30 NIS and can be purchased at the bottom of the tower.
Dining in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv’s nothing short of a paradise for foodies, with flavors from around the world (think Hungarian goulash, Austrian schnitzel and German poppy seed cake hailing from Europe, married with Moroccan baked fish, Yemnite Kube and Tunisian couscous. And this is before you factor fine dining establishments across the city (where celebrity chefs take traditional dishes and put modern Middle Eastern spins on them), tasty kosher eateries and fabulous street food at the Carmel and Levinsky markets.
● HaKosem - a stone’s throw from the Dizengoff Centre you’ll find Ha Kosem, meaning ‘the Magician’ in Hebrew. Known for serving the city’s best falafel and shawarma, the queues are long but definitely worth it. Sit at a table outside and rub shoulders with the locals, whilst washing your meal down with their famous ‘rimonada’ (a pomegranate and lemonade drink).
● Sabich Frishman - ten minutes walk down Dizengoff, on the corner of Frishman Street, close to the beach, there’s the famous ‘Sabich’ stall, where you can tuck into a tasty Iraqi sandwich, which includes fried aubergine, egg, potato and a spicy amba sauce.
● Hummus Caspi - up near Hilton Beach, Hummus Caspi is the place to head if you want a plate of Israel’s most famous dish - hummus. Freshly made each day and super creamy, the garlic/lemon sauce that accompanies it will tickle your tastebuds.
● Meshek Barzliay - Vegetarians and vegans will not go hungry at Meshek Barzilay, a trendy, upmarket vegan restaurant in Neve Tzedek that puts a creative spin on plant-based food. Not cheap but very special.
● ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ - for those who crave fish, head to Jaffa to this Hemmingway-inspired restaurant, where the mezzes are so delicious that very few can finish off the fish, once it arrives!
● Meat Bar - not far from elegant Rothschild Boulevard you’ll find Meat Bar, a top-tier restaurant that serves beef carpaccio, gourmet burgers and NY-style steaks that will have you salivating before you even take a bite.
● Fu - on Tel Aviv’s famous Dizengoff Street, this sushi restaurant has a reputation for fresh nigiri and maki, fantastic cocktails and exemplary service. Oh, and their creme brulee lollipops are a must-order!
● Anita - Round off your dinner with something sweet at Anita. On Shabazi Street in Neve Tzedek, it’s a tried and tested favorite for ice cream lovers, with all kinds of flavors and servers who never get tired of suggesting what might suit your palate.
Tel Aviv is a city that never ceases to surprise, offering an incredible mix of activities that cater to every interest and age group. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring the charm of its historic neighborhoods, or indulging in its diverse culinary scene, Tel Aviv promises a memorable experience that will leave you longing for more. So pack your bags, embrace the city’s vibrant energy, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in this dynamic urban playground.
- This article is courtesy of Bein Harim Tours. Bein Harim Tours is a licensed travel company that offers custom-made guided tours all over Israel. For details, click here.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone:
First published: 13:15, 11.05.24