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Jaffa’s Old City and Port

Jaffa is the old city that Tel Aviv grew from, and was built on the slopes of hills facing the Mediterranean sea. Dating back to the Bronze Age and it’s famous for its association with biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon and Saint Peter. Currently home to around 18,000 Palestinian citizen of Israel. The town is home to a rich multicultural community of people from different religions and backgrounds.

The town has still maintained so many of its original characteristics, with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful stone architecture. Well known for its vibrant art scene you will find an abundance of independent art galleries inside the old buildings.

While exploring Jaffa also be sure to check out:

Jaffa Port - The oldest port in the world, that is now a fishing and yacht harbour and offers a variety of culture and food options

Ilana Goor Museum - Unique art works in a historic home - Its eclectic collection has been called an "artistic jungle"

St. Peter's Church- Franciscan Roman Catholic order, and commemorates specifically the visit and miracle of St. Peter in Jaffa; St. . located on a Jaffa hill it also offers great views of Tel Aviv and the port below

The Clock Tower - A tower dating back to the Ottoman era in Palestine

Gay Pride Parade

Tel Aviv is frequently referred to as one of the most gay friendly cities in the world, and is extremely famous for it’s gay pride. Tel Aviv's pride involves a week-long series of events that usually takes place in the second week of June every year. The main event, the pride parade takes place on the Friday and attracts over 250,000 people from all over the world, making it the largest pride event in the whole of the Middle East and Asia.

If you don’t happen to be in Tel Aviv during their Pride Festival, don’t worry, all year round there is an abundance of gay bars and clubs to choose from.

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Tel Aviv Museum

Tel Aviv Art Museum is considered one of the greatest museums of modern art in the world. It hosts a large collection of works by both Israeli and leading international artists. It has a highly renowned collection of impressionism and post impressionism art pieces, as well as a cinema that shows foreign films. The new Herta and Paul Amir Building, itself is a stunning piece of modern architecture, inside and out.

A ticket to the museum also includes entry to the Helena Rubenstein Pavilion, a space that showcases the cutting edge of the Israeli contemporary art scene. Its exhibitions include political and social messages expressed through art that shouldn’t be missed.

Yarkon Park

Named after the Yarkon river that flows through it. Yarkon park is Tel Aviv’s main urban park, and welcomes over 16 million people every year. The park, located in Northern Tel Aviv extends from the Mediterranean sea deep into the city.

This vast and beautiful green land is also packed with things to do, extensive lawns, sports facilities, botanical gardens, an aviary, a water park, two outdoor concert venues and lakes. If you have the time, spend a day relaxing here and exploring everything the park has to offer.

The Dead Sea

You can visit the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv in about 2 hours. So if you have the time I would strongly advise taking a day trip out there, as there really is nothing like it.

The Dead Sea is a Salt Lake that is bordered by Jordan and Israel. Sitting at 430.5m below sea-level, it is the earth's lowest elevation on land. It’s famous for its mineral-rich mud and high salt concentration that are considered to have healing effects, particularly of certain skin conditions. The high salt concentration also makes the water extremely buoyant, and no matter how buoyant I tell you it is you won’t believe it until you’ve gone into the Dead sea yourself.

The best way to do this trip is to book onto an organised tour, and there’s plenty to choose from. Alternatively you can get a bus to Jerusalem, then to the Dead sea and buy a hotel day pass once you arrive.

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Day trip to Golan Heights

If you are in Tel Aviv for more than just a few days a great things to do is take a day trip out to Golan Heights. Golan Heights is a mountainous region located about 2 hrs from Tel Aviv, with breath-taking landscapes and nature reserves.

It is bound by the Jordan river, the Sea of Galilee, Mount Hermon, and the Yarmuk River. This is a great spot for hiking enthusiasts, as the region offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of ability. If you’re lucky enough to be there during the spring, and the flowers bloom and light up the landscape. If you are there in the winter Mount Hermon is also a great local spot for skiing.

Party it up near the Great Synagogue

One of the top things to do in Tel Aviv at night is to dance the night away near the Great Synagogue. Yes you read that right, the streets surrounding the great synagogue is where it’s at in this super cool city. Tel Aviv’s Great Synagogue, a majestic building built in 1926 and still used today, looms over a busy and vibrant courtyard surrounding it, full of great eateries and bars.

If you are looking for a guaranteed, great night out in Tel Aviv, head here. A great choice for guaranteeing a great night out in Tel Aviv. it

Some of the best restaurants and bars to choose from are:

Restaurants: Port Sa’id, Thaiat Har Sinai & Santa Katarina

Bars: Sputnik Bar, Shpagat, Buxa and Bellboy Bar (Slightly further out)

Fisherman Beach

Tel Aviv’s highest rated beach, and located in the heart of the city. The beach has long stretches of fine white sand, with wave defending structures extending out into the sea. The clear waters paired with the buzz of sports and restaurants on the waterfront make this a great beach to choose for a day of relaxation.

Azrieli Observatory

Azrieli tower was one of the first skyscrapers constructed in Tel Aviv, and is an important landmark in the Tel Aviv skyline. On the 49th floor you’ll find the Azrieli observation deck, that offers 360 degree views of Tel Aviv.

The observatory is technically a restaurant but you are able to get in and admire the view without booking a table or buying food.

In order to reach the observation deck you have to go through a shopping mall, and travel to the top of the tower in specific elevators, so look out for the right ones to take you to the observation deck.

Tel Aviv Architecture tour

Tel Aviv, often referred to as ‘The White City’ is widely known for its array of architecture, modern and eclectic. In fact the city boasts the largest collection of international style buildings in the world.

It also has a collection of over 4,500 Bauhaus style buildings, the largest of it’s kind and is recognised by UNESCO.

An architectural tour is a great way to gain insight into this city's array of buildings and styles but also to learn about the History of Tel Aviv and how the city and it’s architecture have evolved over the years.

Some of the best building to see include: the crazy house, Dan Tel Aviv hotel, The Marganit Tower, and Tel Aviv opera tower

Regular walking tours depart daily and usually last 2-3 hours. You can also pair some tours with a food tour. On these tours, that usually take most of the day, you can explore the famous Carmel Market, and try fresh local food, with vibrant flavours.