TEL AVIV: You Really Need to Visit
THE NORMAN TEL AVIV
THE OTHER CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
From the moment you arrive in Tel Aviv you feel a buzz- the people, as well as the city, are seriously fast paced! There is an abundance of EVERYTHING (and everyone) packed into this tiny city (52 km2)- you will literally hear a different language being spoken by every person you pass.
Tel Aviv is often considered the Miami Beach of the Middle East thanks to the beautiful beach and the wild nightlife. With us as your trusted guides, you can be sure that you won’t miss a beat!
WHERE TO STAY
The Cool One
THE NORMAN TEL AVIV
The Norman is a boutique hotel located right off of the city’s main street- Herbert Samuel Boulevard. The lobby is pretty with a laid-back vibe and has the main restaurant where you can eat breakfast and lunch (if you don’t know about Israeli breakfasts, you’re in for a treat!). The rooftop pool is the perfect place to spend an entire day or quickly unwind before a spa treatment. The hotel fills up really far in advance because there are only fifty rooms and guests often make reservations for the following summer when they check out (no that was not a typo- check out in June 2020 and book for June 2021). If you are a fancy sushi lover, world-famous Dinings is on the third floor and it’s amazing (more on that in our “Where to Eat” section). Yes it’s the same one that Beyonce and Jay-Z go to when they are in London.
The OG
Anyone that has been to Tel Aviv within the last forty years knows of The Dan. This hotel opened in 1953 and was the first luxury hotel in the city- it’s an institution. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, this is the hotel for you- the hotel has direct access to Gordon beach and overlooks the seafront promenade. Every celebrity, diplomat, and other VIP has stayed here from the Clintons, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, to Lady Gaga. The hotel close to both Jaffa and The Tel Aviv Port where you can find tons of restaurants, stores and café’s.
On the Water
Another great option if you are looking for a beachfront hotel is The Hilton or The Vista at The Hilton for an upgrade. The Hilton has incredible views of the Mediterranean and comfortably sized rooms and The Vista has all of that as well as private balconies, and a lounge where you can go for snacks and refreshments throughout the day! The hotel has a Thai spa, pool, five restaurants to choose from, shops, and a gym. Insider tip- register yourself for the Hilton rewards program and get breakfast included!
The Getaway
THE SETAI TEL AVIV
Away from the fast paced Tel Aviv, The Setai is located in the old city of Jaffa. The building has been left as the original structure (five buildings that meet in a central courtyard) with upgraded with modern touches. This is the place to stay if you’re looking for a high-end getaway that is still close enough to the action. Make sure to visit the Turkish Hammam spa and the rooftop infinity pool that overlooks the entire Tel Aviv skyline!
Fun fact: the hotel used to be an Ottoman prison.
WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY
Arts and Culture
THE CARMEL MARKET TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @LIBRESCU
Markets are a big thing in Tel Aviv (and Israel), with some selling specific items and others selling a bit of everything. Carmel Market is the biggest, and busiest, market in the city where you can find anything- fruit, vegetables, clothing, bread, cheese, dried fruit, spices (get the za’atar), you name it. The vendors love to chat and will be happy to give you a few samples . For those looking for spices and oils with less of a crowd, check out Levinsky Spice Market.
On Tuesdays and Fridays in one of the oldest areas in Tel Aviv you can find Nahalat Binyamin Market where local artisans line the streets and sell their handcrafted goods- jewellery, candles, furniture, stained glass… the list goes on! The market doesn’t allow just anyone to sell their goods, a committee has to approve your work before you are allowed to sell and the artist has to be the one selling their items!
You might notice a lot of white buildings while walking through the city, and no they didn’t run out of colored paint, it was on purpose. The White City Walking Tour is available almost every day and a great way to learn about the history of Tel Aviv through its architecture and UNESCO world heritage sites.
BENNY’S HADAYAG TEL AVIV
Most of the action, especially in the summer months, is along the port. You can take a walk along the boardwalk and stop at the pier for a snack, meal, swim, anything! There are tons of international and traditional Israeli restaurants where you can find typical lunch foods such as salads, pitas, falafel, we like Benny’s HaDayag. Be sure to go there hungry because the meals are MASSIVE!
If you’re looking to go for a jog or a picnic, Park HaYarkron is your spot. Along with grass, trees, and lakes, the park has basketball courts, climbing walls, and trampolines!
OLD CITY OF JAFFA
Even though it is within walking distance from Tel Aviv, Jaffa is only now starting to get the attention it deserves. The main attraction is the Jaffa Flea Market where you can find vendors selling fresh fish, spices, vintage clothing, furniture etc. There is definitely a mix of quality- not all the stalls are diamonds in the rough, some are just…rough… but it’s worth examining. On Saturdays the stalls are closed, but the cafes and bars are still open. On your way back to Tel Aviv make sure to stop at Alma Beach, aka the “cool beach”.
FIRE AND WATER FOUNTAIN TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @SALLY_RYDER
Dizengoff Street is one of the main streets in Tel Aviv and was originally supposed to be like any European grand boulevard. Over time, the crowd became a bit seedy, but the Tel Aviv government has done an incredible job restoring it to its original glory and the Dizengoff Fountain, Fire and Water, is worth a look. Also worth a visit is the Dizengoff Centre aka the biggest shopping mall in the city with over four hundred stores to choose from.
TEL AVIV MUSEUM TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @BAUNITA
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is the largest museum in Israel and the structure alone is wow-worthy. You can see works by Israeli artists and international masters in permanent and temporary exhibits. When you go for a visit, make sure to take advantage of the access to the Helena Rubenstein Pavilion that comes with your ticket- you can see lots of up-and-coming Israeli artists showing their new work.
Day Trips
Although Tel Aviv is just one city, it’s a great home base. It would take you about nine hours to drive the entire length of Israel from north to south, so day trips are super easy. Jerusalem and Eilat are the easiest choices, but trying to see those cities in just one day would be a crime.
THE DEAD SEA ISRAEL
INSTAGRAM: @ERUBES1
The Dead Sea is about three hours away from Tel Aviv and is a can’t-miss. You’ve for sure seen pictures of people there covered in mud (their mud works miracles for the skin) and floating in the water (the high concentration of salts in the water causes bodies to float. Be warned- if you have ANY open cuts, its gonna burn!!!) Before you go to the Dead Sea, you can hike (or take the cable car) up to the ancient fortress of Masada. Getting to the Dead Sea and Massada is super easy- you can take the bus, shuttle, or rent a car!
Petra is one of the seven world wonders and although it is a six hour drive, it’s definitely worth exploring. You might recognize it from Indiana Jones The Last Crusade, but know that however incredible it looked to you on the screen, it’s even more spectacular in person. This is a trip that requires early planning as most people will need to a visa to enter Jordan and unless you rent a car, you will need to arrange for local transportation on each side of the border.
PETRA JORDAN
NIGHT LIFE
Tel Aviv really comes alive at night, you can find cool laid back bars, pubs, nightclubs that keep the party going ALL NIGHT LONG.
Cocktails
BELL BOY TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @BELLBOYCOCKTAILS
Some of our favourite bars to get a cocktail and relax are Double Standard (great drinks in… interesting glasses) and Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar (award-winning bar with a constantly changing menu). If you’re looking for a place to drink with the hipsters and listen to live electro-funk music, Beit Ramona is your spot. For a fun and quirky night, go to Bell Boy- from the time you enter the lobby at the Berdichevsky Hotel until you leave will leave you wanting more! Phi Garden bar is the place to go for that super cool vibe (like you know what you’re doing) and has a really pretty Japanese style interior. The drinks are meant to be…. healthy? Yeah, we know how that sounds, but they’re not bad and you’re going for the vibe!
Clubs
DRAMA TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @DRAMA.TLV
Now onto the serious stuff, the clubs! While you are in Tel Aviv, you have to experience a nightclub at least once. Some of the busiest and most popular clubs include DRAMA, The Block, and Teder. If you’re ever in a situation where you are in the mood for a bit more of a laid back night but your recently single bestie wants to go wild and neither of you are willing to compromise, we’ve got the place for you! Sputnik caters to both a night of casual drinks and conversation or busting some of your new TikTok moves on the dance floor.
SHOPPING
One of the most interesting areas in Tel Aviv to go shopping is Neve Tzedek, which was once a hub for artists and creatives and then got really run down and has now been restored back to its glory. Now you can find lots of local boutiques, galleries, and design stores lining the winding streets.
RAZILI TEL AVIV
WEBSITE: WWW.TIMEOUT.COM
BELLE & SUE TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @BELLEANDSUE
For high-end international brands, you go to The White City. Belle & Sue offer a fun mix of expensive-casual men’s and women’s clothing and home accessories. Verner and Scorcher are two other options that stock high-end international brands (R13, Acne, Comme de Garcons, Alexander Wang etc.) Razili is more than just a store, it is an experience in top notch customer service- the staff will do anything to help you find whatever it is you are looking for- clothing, jewelry, purses, shoes. You can find local as well as international designers. From the time you step into Helga Design, you know you’ve hit gold. Helga has stocked EVERY new season designer item to the point that there is an almost overwhelming number of options to pick from. Helga herself is in the store most of the time, and you are guaranteed to have a fun and memorable experience with her around.
WHERE TO EAT
SARONA MARKET TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @SARONAMARKET
Israeli’s take their food VERY seriously- whatever the cuisine, they master it and add their own spin. The mixture of international cultures in the city brings variety to the number of cuisines available. The Sarona Market is the perfect example of the multicultural food society in Tel Aviv- you can find anything there: sushi, spaghetti, baos, kebab, any halva (sesame flour and honey) flavor you can imagine, croissants, cookies, burgers…literally anything! Max Brenner (a local chocolate focused dessert chain) has a location at the Sarona Market where you can satisfy any sort of chocolate craving- hot chocolate, milkshakes, chocolate cocktails, fondues, baked desserts, ice creams…the list goes on!
Food/Drink: 7.3
Vibe: 7.8
CLARO TEL AVIV
Claro is a super cool spot in the Sarona area that is farm-to-table with a focus on fresh local ingredients. High-ceilings and exposed brick make the space feel really open and spacious. The menu has a bit of everything: meat, seafood, fish, veggies, pasta, and lots of freshly baked bread. Make sure to save room for dessert- the mille-feuille was one of the best we’ve had!
Food/Drink: 8.8
Vibe: 8.5
Usually when we hear the word fusion we run the other way- it’s usually a weird mix of spices and ingredients that don’t work together…. but Taizu breaks that mold. It is one of the most awarded restaurants in Israel and is a fusion of Vietnamese, Cambodian, Indian, Chinese, and Thai and somehow everything works- you must try the paneer tikka buns, Shanghai dumplings (OMG), and the roasted short ribs.
Food/Drink: 8.7
Vibe: 8.3
POPINA TEL AVIV
Popina is a small and sophisticated restaurant in Neve Tzedek. The chef, Orel Kimchi, was trained at world-class restaurants (Joel Robuchon in Paris and Arzak in San Sabastian) so you can go in with high expectations. The concept behind the food is perfectly executed simple food, and that is exactly what you get. The shrimp burger was one of our favourite dishes in all of Tel Aviv! The wine list has a number of European and Israeli wines and the staff are more than happy to make recommendations!
Food/Drink: 9.1
Vibe: 8.4
HASALON TEL AVIV
How often do you find a restaurant that has incredible food and also turns into the most fun party as the night continues? The answer is almost never. HaSalon manages to be both one of our favourite restaurants and our favourite place to spend the night when we are in Tel Aviv. Only open on Wednesday and Thursday nights, reservations book up VERY far in advance… even if you do have a reservation, you might not make it because you won’t be able to figure out how to get in (kidding, it’s around the back through a sketchy looking door). The menu focuses on fresh and local ingredients and always has with a beautiful display of fresh produce on the counter of the open kitchen!
Food/Drink: 9.1
Vibe: 9.5
Ha’achim is a family run restaurant that makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive. There is a focus on fresh salads, kebabs, and vegetables and whether you go for lunch (which is what we suggest), dinner or post-dinner cocktails, you are guaranteed to have a good time.
Food/Drink: 7.7
Vibe: 7.8
HA’ACHIM TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @HAACHIM_RESTAURANT
Another great lunch spot is HaKosem. Yes, you can find pitas with falafel and shawarma on almost every corner, but the product that comes from HaKosem is exceptional. Don’t ask us what they do to it that makes it so different, but wow! Also if you are looking for a good spot to grab a Middle Eastern breakfast sandwich (if you aren’t looking, you should), this is your place.
Food/Drink: 8.4
Vibe: 7
DININGS TEL AVIV
Dinings in the Norman is a world class Japanese restaurant with an indoor section as well as a gorgeous outdoor terrace where you get a panoramic view of Tel Aviv. You can’t go wrong with the tasting menu or the a la carte menu, but be warned…it is very expensive. Some of our favorite dishes were the mini burgers, the soba noodle salad, and the soft shell crab roll.
Food/Drink: 9.3
Vibe: 8.8
SNACKS
ANITA TEL AVIV
INSTGRAM: @ANITA_GELATO_ISRAEL
If you are ready to line up for… let’s just say for a little bit, Anita has the best gelato in town. All of the flavours are made fresh and change every day!
Middle Eastern baked goods are generally very different from European and North American baked goods. For one, you generally find more honey is used as a sweetener rather than sugar. Dried fruits and nuts are also a lot more common.
You know you are close to Lehamim when you can smell the aroma of fresh baked bread coming from down the street. They bake over twenty different types of breads that are inspired by techniques and ingredients from all over the world. How cool?!? Some our fav dishes were the bourekas and babka! If you don’t know what babka is, it’s basically a twisted sweet bread loaf filled with chocolate and is sensational.
LEHAMIM BAKERY TEL AVIV
INSTAGRAM: @LEHAMIMBAKERY
Coffee fanatics can get their morning cup from Nahat Café where you can choose from a wide variety of both roasted in house as well as imported beans. Their coffees can be ordered through multiple brewing methods-something only real coffee lovers would know about.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tel Aviv is a small city that more often than not feels like its own country. The beautiful beaches, amazing food, buzzing nightlife, and abundance of culture is sure to guarantee you an amazing stay!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Tel Aviv is in the summer when the city, cafes, restaurants, beaches are operating at full capacity.
HOW TO GET THERE
Ben Gurion International Airport is located in Tel Aviv and easy to access.
