Tel Aviv Travel & Vacation Guide

Al-Bahr Mosque is the oldest mosque in Old Jaffa, built in 1675. People arriving by boat used to enter the city via Jaffa's old port. To take in the view of the city's historic centre, use the mosque as your vantage point and enjoy the panorama. Al-Bar Mosque is located right on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea.

In Greek mythology, the stunning Andromeda was chained to a rock along the shore as a sacrifice to a sea monster. She was saved by the hero Perseus, and the two eventually married. According to legend, the rock where Andromeda was once bound still remains today.

The Azrieli Towers were built between 1996 and 1999, which makes them a relatively new addition to Tel Aviv's cityscape. Visit this complex of skyscrapers and take the chance to shop at one of the largest shopping malls in the country (located at the ground level of the towers).

Charles Clore Park, situated along the Mediterranean Sea, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon with friends or family, offering opportunities for barbecuing, playing ball games, biking along the scenic promenade, or simply relaxing in the sun. The park was established on the site of the former Al-Manshiyya neighbourhood, a historic Palestinian area that was demolished in the 1960s to make way for the development of the new central business district (CBD).

The Jaffa Clock Tower, dating back to the Ottoman period, is one of seven clock towers that were constructed in Ottoman Palestine. Positioned at the entrance to the Old Jaffa district, it serves as a popular meeting point for city tours and is one of Tel Aviv's most recognisable landmarks.

The Cymbalista Synagogue and Jewish Heritage Center in Tel Aviv serves as a prominent cultural institution dedicated to fostering mutual understanding among diverse local communities. It achieves this through a range of events, lectures, and educational programs. The building itself, with its two bulky towers, is a sight to behold.

If you are in Tel Aviv and would like to know more about the country's history and culture, Eretz Israel Museum is the place for you. The museum not only has exhibits but also a planetarium, lecture rooms and workshops for its visitors.

Located just outside Tel Aviv, the Givatayim Observatory provides an opportunity to explore the night sky and its stars. The observatory offers educational lectures and courses for both children and adults. With a knowledgeable and friendly staff, visitors can get answers to their questions about astronomy and the cosmos.

Bellboy Bar has a unique vintage-style vibe and excellent service. Guests enjoy a fun laid-back atmosphere. Try their award-winning cocktails and creative Mediterranean cuisine. Happy Hours everyday between 6 pm and 8 pm.

BuXa is a bar, gallery, performance venue and a general gathering space for the artistic and alternative crowds of Tel Aviv. Grab a drink and enjoy the art hanging on the walls, browse through books and records or if you're lucky, catch a performance.

A fun night out with excellent drinks and friendly staff is what Dizzy Frishdon has to offer. It's divided into 3 different bar areas, in- and outdoors. Spending your night out in this lounge-bar is not only fun but an entire experience. Locals and visitors mingle here freely.

Duplex Club is one of the largest party scenes of Tel Aviv. The building has two floors for all those who decide to party and keep dancing from dusk till dawn to music played by some of the best DJs.

Haoman 17 is perhaps one of the most spectacular and visually stunning clubs in the city, with gorgeous indoor and outdoor areas, a huge stage for all manner of events and performances and plenty of room for hundreds of people. It has been consistently rated one of the top night clubs in the world.

Chill outside on the outdoor terrace, spend the night firing up the dance-floor, or simply marvel at the awesome graffiti on the walls — all to tunes spun by an ever-changing line-up of local and international Djs. See website for schedules. The labyrinthine Kuli Alma also hosts art exhibitions and serves vegetarian Israeli food.

Levontin 7 consists of not only a small and quirky bar-restaurant, but also a mini club and live music venue, as well. Talented local bands play covers and original songs. Enjoy their delicious vegan pizza!

Mila is the right place to go if you'd like to take advantage of a 1+1 happy hour special in the area of Dizengoff. Every day from 5 pm to 9 pm — the happy hour — the bar gets fully packed with customers, the crowd spilling out from the bar's insides onto the street. Serves food alongside drinks.

Located in one of the most popular areas of the city, Adina Plastelina is a great place to stop by and pick some handmade jewellery, colourful earrings, necklaces or bracelets for your significant other, your friends or family members or even for yourself.

Carmel Market is one of Tel Aviv's most iconic and bustling markets, where locals come to do their daily shopping and tourists flock to experience the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a sensory delight, offering a wide range of fresh produce, baked goods, spices, and street food. As you stroll through the market, you can shop for a delicious breakfast, discover your favourite fruits, or enjoy a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed juice. While it has become a popular attraction for tourists, Carmel Market retains its authentic charm, making it a delightful spot for anyone to explore the lively culture of Tel Aviv.

Dizengoff Centre is the perfect place to stop by to do your shopping, go to a spa, have lunch or even spend some time with your kids at the indoor play centre. The mall has more than 400 shops to choose from, as well as a cinema and other facilities.

Jaffa Flea Market, known locally as Shuk HaPishpeshim, is a vibrant and eclectic market in the heart of Jaffa. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a wide variety of antiques, vintage items, handmade crafts, and unique treasures. The market is an ideal place to explore if you’re looking for something special or simply enjoy the atmosphere of an authentic Middle Eastern market. Even after the market stalls close, the surrounding area remains lively. The nearby streets are filled with trendy restaurants, cafés, and bars, making it a great spot to unwind in the evening.

Levinsky Market is a Tel Aviv institution, a bustling Greek and Persian-inspired street market since the 1930s packed with stalls selling spices, nuts, dried fruits and fragrant herbs from around the world alongside delis and cafés. The market runs along Levinsky Street, from HaAliya Street to HaMashbir Street.

Stop by this little treasure chest and find yourself an antique map to hang up at home. Not only maps but rare books, prints and original prints can all be found at M. Pollak — a great place to find truly unique items.

Maskit is one of the most beloved luxury brands among women in Israel, with a long history to support it. Launched back in 1954, it has consistently provided cutting-edge fashion items for over 60 years.

The Nachalat Binyamin Art Fairt is a huge arts and crafts fair, the largest of its kind in Israel and one of the most beautiful in the world. Within the spacious area, you can find hand-made goods and designs, live music and great places to stop for a coffee.

The best months to visit Tel Aviv are March through April and September through November, as spring and fall bring reasonable and pleasant temperatures as well as the lowest prices. Moreover, during this period, you will avoid the tourist crowds. However, if you are heading to Tel Aviv for your summer holidays, then May to August is your time. The sun is bright and warm and the Mediterranean is perfect for a swim. Remember to book at least two months in advance, as this is the peak tourist season.

To visit Israel, your passport should be valid for at least the duration of your stay. While Israel recommends six months of validity, it's no longer a strict requirement as long as your passport remains valid during your visit. Most visitors from countries with visa exemption agreements, including the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, can enter Israel for up to 90 days without a visa. However, as of August 2024, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) must be obtained online at least 72 hours before travel. For those from non-exempt countries, a visa is required in advance. In addition, Israel issues an entry card instead of stamping passports, which helps avoid complications when travelling to certain Arab or Muslim countries. Carry your passport if you plan to visit Palestinian territories, as it may be required at checkpoints.

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main international gateway, is located approximately 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv's city centre. The journey to the city typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travellers can reach the city centre via several convenient options: the train, which runs frequently and takes about 18-20 minutes; buses, which offer a more economical choice though the journey might take longer; and taxis or private transfers. The official taxi rank is located in front of the Terminal on Level G, near the exit through Gate 1. Non-authorised taxis should be avoided to prevent potential scams or overcharging.

Buses: The main public bus operator in Tel Aviv is called Dan, with the national operator Egged also serving some routes. Most buses do not operate on Shabbat (from Friday mid-afternoon until Saturday night). However, shared taxis called 'sherut' continue to run during this time. Trains: Tel Aviv-Yafo has four train stations along the Ayalon Highway: Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Savidor Merkaz (Arlozorov), Tel Aviv HaShalom, and Tel Aviv HaHagana. All trains serving Tel Aviv stop at these stations. For easy access to the city centre, Tel Aviv Savidor Merkaz and HaShalom are the most convenient, with HaShalom being directly connected to a major shopping mall. Public transport In Tel Aviv operates using the Rav-Kav smart card, which can be used for buses, trains, and the light rail. Single rides, daily, and monthly passes can be loaded onto the Rav-Kav. Tickets can no longer be purchased directly from the driver; instead, they must be obtained at vending machines, kiosks, or via the Rav-Kav app.

In Tel Aviv, taxis are readily available, especially in busy areas and near major hotels. All taxis are metered, and drivers are required to use the meter for each journey. Ride-sharing apps, such as Gett, operate widely in the city, allowing passengers to book taxis directly through the app with transparent pricing and the option to pay by credit card.

In Tel Aviv, the electrical system operates on a voltage of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The common types of electrical plugs used are Type C and Type H. Type C plugs are the standard European two-round pin plugs, while Type H plugs are unique to Israel, featuring three flat pins arranged in a triangular configuration.

The main pharmacy chains you'll come across in Tel Aviv include Super-Pharm (the largest and most widespread pharmacy chain in Israel) and Good Pharm.

Country code: +972 Area code: 3