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Tel Aviv, ישראל - Things to Do in Tel Aviv

Things to Do in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, ישראל - Complete Travel Guide

Tel Aviv, Israel's vibrant coastal metropolis, seamlessly blends ancient history with cutting-edge modernity. Known as the 'White City' for its stunning collection of Bauhaus architecture, Tel Aviv pulses with energy from its bustling beaches, world-class dining scene, and legendary nightlife. The city serves as Israel's cultural and economic hub, offering visitors a unique Mediterranean experience where tech startups neighbor centuries-old Jaffa, and trendy rooftop bars overlook biblical landscapes. From the ancient port city of Jaffa in the south to the trendy neighborhoods of Florentin and Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv captivates with its diverse character. The city's beaches stretch along the Mediterranean coastline, providing perfect spots for relaxation, while the inland areas buzz with markets, galleries, and some of the world's most innovative cuisine. Tel Aviv's compact size makes it incredibly walkable, allowing visitors to experience everything from archaeological sites to contemporary art museums within a few city blocks.

Top Things to Do in Tel Aviv

Explore the Ancient Port of Jaffa

Wander through the narrow stone alleys of Old Jaffa, one of the world's oldest port cities with over 4,000 years of history. Visit the charming artists' quarter, browse unique galleries and studios, and enjoy panoramic views of Tel Aviv's coastline from the hilltop. The flea market offers vintage treasures and local crafts, while the restored Ottoman-era buildings house excellent restaurants and cafes.

Booking Tip: Most of Jaffa can be explored independently for free, though guided tours cost $15-25 per person. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Look for walking tour operators that combine Jaffa with Neve Tzedek neighborhood.

Relax at Tel Aviv's Beaches

Spend time at the city's beautiful Mediterranean beaches, each with its own distinct character. Gordon Beach offers family-friendly amenities and beach volleyball courts, while Banana Beach attracts a younger crowd with beach bars and music. Hilton Beach is popular with the LGBTQ+ community and dog owners, featuring a dedicated dog beach area.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but sunbed and umbrella rentals cost 30-50 NIS ($9-15) per day. Visit weekday mornings for the best spots. Beach restaurants and bars can be pricey, so consider bringing snacks and water.

Discover Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Tel Aviv's largest market, stretching along Carmel Street. Sample fresh Middle Eastern specialties, browse colorful spices and local produce, and hunt for unique souvenirs among the 350+ stalls. The market perfectly captures Tel Aviv's multicultural spirit with vendors from diverse backgrounds.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards. Visit Tuesday-Thursday mornings (9 AM-2 PM) for the best selection and atmosphere. Food tours through the market cost $40-60 per person and include tastings.

Tour the White City's Bauhaus Architecture

Explore the world's largest collection of Bauhaus buildings, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 'White City' features over 4,000 buildings constructed in the 1930s by German Jewish architects. Walk along Rothschild Boulevard and Dizengoff Street to see the best examples of this revolutionary architectural style.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free using city maps available at tourist centers. Professional architecture tours cost $20-35 per person and last 2-3 hours. The Bauhaus Center offers maps and guided tours - book online for discounts.

Experience Tel Aviv's Nightlife Scene

Dive into one of the world's most vibrant nightlife scenes, with options ranging from sophisticated rooftop bars to underground dance clubs. The Florentin neighborhood offers alternative bars and live music venues, while the beachfront features upscale cocktail lounges with Mediterranean views. Many venues don't get busy until after midnight, following the local party culture.

Booking Tip: Most bars are free entry, but clubs charge 50-100 NIS ($15-30) after midnight. Start with happy hour (6-8 PM) for better drink prices. Look for pub crawl tours ($25-40) that include multiple venues and skip-the-line access.

Getting There

Ben Gurion Airport, located 20km southeast of Tel Aviv, serves as the main international gateway with direct flights from major cities worldwide. The efficient Airport City train connects directly to Tel Aviv's central stations in 20 minutes for 13.5 NIS ($4), running every 30 minutes. Alternatively, shared shuttle services (sherut) cost around 65 NIS ($20) and drop off at hotels, while taxis cost 150-200 NIS ($45-60) depending on traffic. For those arriving overland, Tel Aviv is well-connected by bus and train to other Israeli cities, with the central bus station (Tachana Merkazit) serving as the main hub.

Getting Around

Tel Aviv's compact size makes it highly walkable, with most attractions within 2-3km of each other. The city's bike-sharing system, Tel-O-Fun, offers 24-hour access for 17 NIS ($5) with stations throughout the city - perfect for covering longer distances quickly. Public buses run frequently and cost 5.90 NIS ($1.80) per ride using the Rav-Kav card, available at kiosks and stations. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Gett are readily available, though traffic can be heavy during rush hours. The light rail system is currently under construction and will provide additional connectivity when completed.

Where to Stay

Neve Tzedek
Rothschild Boulevard
Florentin
Jaffa
Dizengoff Area
Beachfront/Marina

Food & Dining

Tel Aviv's culinary scene is among the world's most innovative, blending Middle Eastern traditions with international influences and farm-to-table philosophy. The city boasts numerous restaurants in the World's 50 Best list, alongside incredible street food and casual dining options. Sarona Market and Carmel Market offer excellent food halls with diverse vendors, while neighborhoods like Neve Tzedek and Jaffa feature high-end dining establishments. Don't miss trying sabich, shakshuka, and fresh hummus at local institutions, and explore the thriving vegan scene - Tel Aviv has more vegan restaurants per capita than any other city. Expect to pay 40-80 NIS ($12-24) for casual meals and 150-300 NIS ($45-90) for fine dining experiences.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Israel

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pastory Eilat

4.6 /5
(8458 reviews) 2

Amore Mio

4.5 /5
(7676 reviews) 2

Eataliano Dalla Costa

4.5 /5
(7169 reviews) 2

Vivino

4.7 /5
(4991 reviews) 2

Cicchetti

4.5 /5
(4096 reviews) 3

Roberta Vinci

4.5 /5
(3682 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Tel Aviv is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant (20-28°C/68-82°F) and rainfall is minimal. Summer (June-August) brings hot, humid weather and crowded beaches, but also the peak of the city's outdoor festival season and vibrant beach culture. Winter (December-February) sees mild temperatures (10-18°C/50-64°F) with occasional rain, making it perfect for exploring museums and indoor attractions while enjoying fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. The city's Mediterranean climate means outdoor activities are possible year-round, though summer afternoons can be uncomfortably hot for extensive walking.

Insider Tips

Many restaurants and attractions close early on Friday afternoon and remain closed Saturday for Shabbat - plan accordingly and make Friday morning reservations
Download the Moovit app for real-time public transportation information, and get a Rav-Kav card for seamless bus travel throughout the city
Tel Aviv's beach culture includes topless sunbathing at most beaches, and the city is extremely LGBTQ+ friendly with rainbow crosswalks and inclusive venues throughout

Explore Activities in Tel Aviv