Most people who visit Israel head straight to Jerusalem, as it is the main attraction in the country. They can’t be blamed, really. It is an incredibly beautiful city that has a lot to offer, and there are so many things to do in Jerusalem that one could easily spend weeks exploring it without ever getting bored.
But don’t rule out a visit to Tel Aviv. It has many attractions and things to do, this is another city in Israel you will fall in love with.
Check out all the things to do in Jerusalem.
Why Visit Tel Aviv
Ask anybody who spends time in the country and you’ll see that people tend to fall in love with Tel Aviv – at first almost unwillingly, and eventually quite openly.
- I arrived in Israel almost reluctant to visit Tel Aviv.
- I had visions of it being just a shiny party town.
- I ended up leaving thinking that I could easily live there.
After feeling somewhat of a cooler vibe in Jerusalem, I found Tel Aviv to be incredibly warm and welcoming.
It had a friendly vibe that I haven’t felt in the capital.
Surprisingly, Tel Avivians feel that their city doesn’t deserve half of the attention that Jerusalem receives.
In my time there, the ones I befriended kept insisting that Jerusalem is more beautiful and that Tel Aviv is crumbly and a bit run down.
I fell in love with Tel Aviv.
What to do in Tel Aviv
I recommend anybody going to Israel to spend at least a couple of days there. The reasons to visit Tel Aviv are different from those that draw people to Jerusalem.
It’s by the sea
There’s something special about cities by the sea. The Sea gives a soothing effect of the waves crashing on the shore with a marine breeze offering that iodium that is so good for you.
Pair that with walking barefoot on the sand, or playing in the waves, surfing, or having that well-deserved drink at sunset and it makes for a perfect vacation destination.
Not only that, the beach in Tel Aviv actually is nice.
Even this picky Sardinian who has been spoiled with the most amazing beaches one can think of, enjoyed the Tel Aviv beach.
Jaffa is a lovely, historic enclave by the sea
Jaffa, the oldest and most southern part of Tel Aviv is gorgeous from every angle.
The views of Old Jaffa from the waterfront are amazing especially at sunset. Jaffa itself consists of a bunch of narrow lanes to get lost in.
There is a square with a clock tower and a few lovely cafés and a mosque overlooking the sea.
There are art parlors everywhere and a beautiful port with trendy restaurants that are perfect for dining.
Rumor has it that you will find the best hummus in the country in Jaffa.
Even the views of Tel Aviv from the hills of Jaffa are stunning, as they open up to the beach and the skyscrapers, and the occasional plane landing.
It is modern yet full of history
One of things that make Tel Aviv so interesting is the contrast between the modern and the historic.
It is easy to spot. There are shiny skyscrapers that stand right next to historic buildings.
Many of them are under renovation so Tel Aviv will change a lot in the coming years.
Tiny, narrow alleyways intersect long and modern boulevards.
Not to mention the street art hidden in various parts of the city, including Old Jaffa. It’s a very interesting sight for anybody who enjoys a bit of quirkiness.
There’s a lot of cats in Tel Aviv
There are a lot of cats in Jerusalem too.
In fact, I think there’s lots of cats in the entire country, with animal shelters working hard to spay and neuter the strays to control their numbers.
Cats on the Water of Tel Aviv
The main difference between Jerusalem cats and the ones in Tel Aviv is that in Tel Aviv they also hang out by the waterfront, posing for the “perfect sunset by the beach” picture. Nothing better for a sea-lover-cat-lady like yours truly.
Delicious Food
Whether it is a falafel with all the stuffing and sauces that you grab on the go at the Carmel Market or a gourmet burger at America Burgers.
There’s something for everyone. Try a full kosher meal in one of Tel Aviv restaurants for a true authentic experience.
Food is always delicious in Tel Aviv – there’s no such thing as ever going hungry here.
The nightlife is thriving
There’s simply no point in visiting Tel Aviv without experiencing its incredible nightlife.
From jazz bars to sophisticated clubs and discos, Tel Aviv is the perfect place to spend at least a sleepless night, going from bar to bar, dancing the night away.
Tel Aviv is known as the party capital of the Middle East with several areas to party the night away.
From Central Tel Aviv, South Tel Aviv, Jaffa and the beach, you’ll be sure to find a bar to suit your needs.
The vibe is incredibly friendly
Tel Avivians love going out and meeting people. Whether it is at night, at a bar, or during the day to walk their dogs along Rothschild you will find them open and welcoming.
The people of Tel Aviv love being outside and you’ll often see them biking along the waterfront.
They enjoy life and work hard during the day, then relax and have a good time once they are out of the office.
They look happy, and this happiness is contagious and gives the city an incredibly friendly vibe.
Sure enough, I fell in love with Tel Aviv and I can’t wait to visit again!
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Sunil says
Your 6 reasons made me jump on the hype train to TLV! I already made up my mind on India to go there, but now I am just ultra excited 🙂
cheers for this mouth watering blog!
Sheree @ Our Honeymoon in Israel says
You’re spot on about the contrast between the old and the new, I noticed the same thing! I would add as well, in addition to the cats everywhere (their rodent population must be zero), I also noticed that just about everyone seemed to be walking a dog! As a dog-lover, Tel Aviv was *heaven* for me – so many gorgeous puppers to pet and play with, everywhere I went 🙂
Bruna says
great article, thanks for sharing this experience with us
Stephanie Craig says
Looks lovely! I’ll be in Israel next week, I need to set aside time for Tel Aviv!
Dave and Deb says
Have a great time. We were supposed to be in Israel next week also, but plans fell through. Enjoy for us!
Kelly says
great article, thanks for sharing this experience with us