Overview to Tel Aviv: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
Tel Aviv is a thoroughly modern, cosmopolitan city that, from its bustling markets to its bouncing nightlife, positively bursts with energy. And when you add year-round sunshine to the mix, it’d be only fair to say that the city has an enormous amount to offer backpackers in the Middle East.
The Port of Old Jaffa (or Yafo) is the city’s remarkable 4000 year-old core. Not quite as old but equally fascinating, the quarter of Neve Tzedek is a compelling mixture of artisans’ shops, trendy boutiques, cafés and attractive old buildings.
But the New Town is no less impressive. Considered of such architectural importance that it was given UNESCO protection, the White City of Tel Aviv is a marvel of modern city planning and striking Bauhaus design.
The city is also home to places of enormous importance to Israelis – the Beth Hatefutsoth museum (which focuses on the Jewish Diaspora) and Rabin Square, a memorial to the former Israeli Prime Minister who was assassinated in 1995.
But Tel Aviv also puts having a good time as priority number one. The coast is lined with gorgeous sandy beaches, around which – particularly during the summer months – a fair amount of city life is centered.
Its various districts are also packed with bars and clubs – with Allenby St and Hayarkon St having perhaps the largest concentration. Before and afterwards, the food stalls of Etzel St in Hatikvah serve cheap and tasty falafels and schwarmas to hungry clubbers.
Tel Aviv is also a shopper’s paradise. Amongst its many markets, malls and bazaars, Jaffa Flea Market and (to the south of the center) the Carmel Market both stand out as great places to pick up a bargain, as well as vibrant urban spectacles.
Tel Aviv and its neighbor Jerusalem complement each other perfectly, with the former as fun-loving and frivolous as the latter is timeless and solemn. And together they make Israel a perfect travel double-act.
