| 4 mins read
One of the most visited cities in the Middle East, Tel Aviv is a bustling commercial, cultural and social hub. The second most populated city in Israel, this major metropolis draws in 2.5 million international visitors every year. Why are so many tourists heading to this Israeli city for their hard earned holidays? Here are a few reasons why.
Famous Sections of the City
Tel Aviv is home to a series of famous neighborhoods and historic quarters which are a highlight for many visitors. The Old Jaffa section of Tel Aviv once existed as a separate port city altogether. One of the world’s oldest cities and seaports (of biblical origins), Jaffa is home to some picturesque ancient streets and alleyways, seaside mosques, restored buildings and other great tourist-friendly sites. A stroll through this seaside part of town is an absolute must.
Neve Tzedek is another notable area of Tel Aviv, and perhaps its most famous neighborhood. The original Jewish neighborhood outside of Jaffa, this southwestern corner has modelled into one of the city’s most beautiful, fashionable and well to do parts of the city.
The Markets and Shopping
Tel Aviv boasts a variety of different marketplaces. Selling everything from designer fashion to spices of the world- you’ll be able to find whatever it is you’re looking for somewhere in the city. Carmel Market can be found along Carmel Street; this market sells food, produce and home goods all week long, as well as handicrafts, art and unique souvenirs on Tuesdays and Fridays. (Look for Nachalat Binyamin Street)
Located along Levinsky Street, Levinksy Market sells mostly spices from around the world and deli products from neighboring countries. Whether you’re looking for cheeses, wine, fish or even special Indian saffron- you can find it here.
The Arts
Tel Aviv is home to a great number of artistic attractions. From world-renowned art galleries, the UNESCO World Heritage ‘White City’ and a vast number of performing art centers, there are plenty of artistic options to choose from, from the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, Culture Palace and Habima Theatre for Performing Arts to art galleries like the Sommer Contemporary Art Gallery, Noga Gallery and the Dvir Gallery.
Architecture: Home to the “White City”, Tel Aviv boasts over 5,000 modernist Bauhaus-style buildings in and around the city’s center. An iconic look of the city, these Bauhaus buildings are hard to miss.
Tel Aviv’s Great Outdoors
Tel Aviv is a beautiful, outdoor type of city with loads of green spaces to explore many of which are free!
Yarkon Park: One of the city’s most visited parks, Yarkon has acres of greenery, a water park, aviary, sports areas, world-renowned open-air concert venues and peaceful lakes. If you’re looking for some quiet time in the city, this is the best spot to go!
Botanical Gardens: Located inside the Tel Aviv University, this free garden visit is home to medicinal plants, endangered species as well as Israel’s largest collection of tropical plants.
The Beaches: Voted the 9th best beach city in the world, Tel Aviv hosts both public and private beaches (even religious gender segregated beaches) lining the pristine Mediterranean shoreline.
The City That Never Sleeps
The final, and most famous reason to visit Tel Aviv is for its nightlife. Internationally known as a party destination, Tel Aviv runs 24/7. Whether you’re looking for nightclubs, laid back bars, dance parties, chill cafés or any other forms of night entertainment- this party capital has it. Also home to some of the world’s finest accommodation options (quite high end!), you’ll never have to look to far to comfortably rest your head.
Want to make the most out of your journey? Find a great Tel Aviv Tour Guide to discover the best sites, top attractions, hidden gems and all the information to go alongside them. If you’re going to do Tel Aviv, do it right!!
Image Details and Licenses: https://flic.kr/p/5sJps1 (Astrid Van Wesenbeeck, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), Neve Tzedek Scupltures - Tel Avivby David BerkowitzCC BY; https://flic.kr/p/7jhs6x (upyernoz, CC BY 2.0); https://flic.kr/p/dkGT1w (StateofIsrael, CC BY-SA 2.0), Tel-Aviv_Bauhauseby Architecture, Food and One Little Beautiful GirlCC BY-SA; https://flic.kr/p/6RHf88 (Ghenady, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), Tel-Aviv beachby Yaniv Ben-ArieCC BY-SA;https://flic.kr/p/5NSuD1 (y____, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)