Tel-Aviv is resting
In Israel, they say: Jerusalem prays, Haifa works, Tel Aviv rests! Everyone knows how to work, some know how to pray, but not many know how to relax properly! Let’s learn!
We arrive in Tel Aviv and …
No, let’s take it step by step. First, we need to fly to Israel! Then, from Ben-Gurion Airport, we need to get to Tel Aviv. You can take a bus, train, taxi (we’ll figure it out when we’re there), or you can arrange a transfer in advance. They will not only pick you up and take you there but also tell you what to see and where to go (the drivers in our company speak three languages: Hebrew, English, and Russian). You can also book individual car tours. Why do I recommend doing that? Because it’s easy to get lost in this vibrant city. To paraphrase a quote from a well-known movie, “Tel Aviv is a city of contrasts!” And what contrasts they are!
In South Tel Aviv, it’s better not to venture on your own. The sightseeing bus won’t take you to these slums, but with a private guide and a car, you can take the risk. And from there, it would be good to head straight to the North so that the splendor of the expensive neighborhoods quickly overshadows the impressions from the South!
If you’re only here for 2-3 days, you definitely can’t do without a car. What sights can you see in Tel Aviv in 2 days?
Skyscrapers, all of them different (apparently, there are architects here), boulevards with extraordinary benches and hammocks, an amazing waterfront and a beach for dogs, the Museum of Modern Art and the Habima Theater with its astonishing theater square, the Azrieli Towers, Sarona Market, the old Neve Tzedek district with its narrow streets and doll-like houses, and the ancient Jaffa district, which is unmatched in beauty and mystery! Shuk HaCarmel Market and the old flea markets, where there’s such an abundance of antiques and new things that your eyes will wander. And if you’re traveling with children, don’t miss Yarkon Park with its rides, boats, and hot air balloon, as well as the old train station near Neve Tzedek! I’ll tell you a bit about each of the mentioned places. Consider it a general overview, and when you arrive, you’ll see everything for yourself.
SOUTH TEL-AVIV
The area is considered unattractive, or rather, very dangerous. It is only recommended for daredevils and should be visited with an experienced driver. It is not advisable to go there alone. However, if you are interested in seeing some exotic sights such as the intercity bus station, which unfortunately resembles a gathering place for homeless individuals, drug dealers, brothels, and beggars, then this is the place for you. The municipality has struggled to definitively resolve the situation due to lenient laws and a lack of funds. Essentially, the situation remains as it is, much like in other places. You won’t find this area listed as a tourist attraction in travel agencies.
NORTH TEL-AVIV
North Tel Aviv begins in the north of the Yarkon River in the Kokhav HaTzafon neighborhood, which translates to “Northern Star ” in Hebrew. Further north is Ramat Aviv, perhaps the most renowned district in North Tel Aviv. The houses in this area are of high quality, and the university is conveniently located nearby. The area has a relatively exclusive feel, which adds to its prestige. It features a mix of apartment buildings and expansive private residential areas. Numerous schools, sports centers, and clubs are within walking distance from the sea. The older houses, commonly known as “Israeli Khrushchyovka,” are being demolished and replaced with high-rise buildings. After driving through North Tel Aviv, you will likely find yourself thinking, “I wish I could live like this!”
ROTHSCHILD BOULEVARD
The boulevard is situated in the southwest part of Tel Aviv, starting from the Neve Tzedek neighborhood and extending to the Habima Theater. On both sides of the boulevard, there are driving lanes and houses made of white stone. This area has been recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage site. While the houses may not be particularly innovative, they hold historical value as one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Skyscrapers rise in the second row from the boulevard, forming Tel Aviv’s bustling business center. The boulevard itself offers unique benches, children’s playgrounds, dog parks, hammocks, and a small pond—everything you need for relaxation, except for silence. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth visiting. People can be seen walking, sitting on the grass, and riding scooters and bicycles—Tel Avivians always find a way to unwind!
TEL-AVIV PROMENADE
The promenade stretches for 10 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea. As you can imagine, it is impossible to cover the entire promenade on foot. If you wish to explore more, it is recommended to hire a car with an experienced driver-guide. Locals refer to the promenade as “Promenade” or “Tayelet” in Hebrew. However, it officially bears the name Shlomo Lahat Promenade, named after the eighth mayor of Tel Aviv. Besides its stunning beauty, which will be discussed below, one of the most striking things about the promenade is the countless runners you will encounter. While you stroll, you will be passed by hundreds of people engaged in a healthy lifestyle (unlike the characters in South Tel Aviv). Along the promenade, you will witness a diverse range of architecture, from buildings dating back to the 1950s-1970s to modern skyscrapers. There are numerous cafes, bars, nightclubs, and shops, catering to various budgets. A dedicated bicycle path runs alongside the entire promenade, where people zoom around on electric scooters. With the exception of HaTzuk Beach, all the beaches in Tel Aviv are free. You are welcome to relax, lie down, or sit anywhere. Swimming is only allowed in designated areas for safety reasons, rather than at the discretion of the lifeguards. There is even a special beach for dogs! In the evenings, dogs of various breeds gather from nearby neighborhoods, accompanied by their owners. The entire promenade is adorned with children’s and sports playgrounds, exercise equipment, and chess tables. You can enjoy your time here during the day and at night. The sea is always beautiful, regardless of the weather..
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
It is not just a single building but a complex of buildings located on Shaul Ha-Melech Street 27, Tarsat Street 6, and Dubnov Street. Adjacent to the main building is a sculpture garden, which can confidently be called a landmark or architectural masterpiece! The museum houses the largest collection of contemporary art by Israeli and international artists and sculptors. The painting collection consists of over 40,000 exhibits. Alongside works by contemporary artists, you will have the opportunity to see paintings by renowned masters such as Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Jackson Pollock, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Amedeo Modigliani. The admission ticket includes access to both the main building and the sculpture garden. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! The paintings are displayed in a visually appealing manner, ensuring easy visibility. The ticket prices are affordable: 50 shekels for adults, 25 shekels for seniors, and children under 18 can enter for free, which is fantastic.
HABIMA THEATER
Habima Theater is the oldest repertoire theater in Israel, founded in 1917. While I haven’t personally attended any performances or seen the actors, the theater is definitely worth a visit for its impressive building and the theater square alone. It is located at the end (or beginning, depending on your direction) of Rothschild Boulevard. The building itself showcases modern architecture, occupying the entire area in a compact and cozy manner. It was designed by architect Kaufman. In front of the theater, there is a sunken garden, and beneath the entire square, there is a parking lot with glass entrances. People stroll around, mothers with groups of children, acrobats perform their acts, and musicians play and sing—creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere!
AZRIELI TOWERS
Azrieli Towers is the most famous landmark in the city, comprising three adjacent towers: a circular one (186m), a triangular one (169m), and a square one (154m). Together, they form the bustling business center of Tel Aviv. The towers offer an observation deck located on the 49th floor of the circular tower (182m), providing breathtaking panoramic views. On the same floor, there is a restaurant with equally stunning vistas. Access to the observation deck requires a ticket, while the entrance to the restaurant is free. However, it’s important to note that dining in the restaurant will cost more than the price of a ticket to the observation deck. The choice is yours to make!
SARONA MARKET
Sarona Market is a delightful European-style market. Its fully enclosed premises make it a comfortable place to relax, even on hot days. The market offers a wide variety of cuisines, with food prepared right on the spot, and everything is delicious. The place is usually bustling, especially during the day and lunchtime, as it attracts young soldiers and policemen for their meals. You might wonder, “Do soldiers eat while on duty?” Surrounding the market, there is a pleasant and shady park adorned with small, almost toy-like houses from the old German colony. Against the backdrop of the Azrieli towers and other skyscrapers, it creates an impressive sight!
NEVE TZEDEK DISTRICT
Neve Tzedek is the second oldest district in Tel Aviv after Jaffa, dating back to around 1887 when it was developed by European immigrants. Walking through this district feels like being transported to Prague or Krakow—it’s incredibly beautiful! The doll-like houses, balconies adorned with trees, old bridges, and remnants of a long-gone train or tram all contribute to a pleasant and unexpected impression. Pay special attention to the house with little clay figures crawling on the walls—it’s a must-see!!!
ANCIENT JAFFA
Superlative adjectives are the only way to describe Ancient Jaffa—it’s the most beautiful, the most interesting, and the most mysterious place! Here, ancient and biblical legends come to life, proving that they are not mere fairy tales. It is here that you can learn about Noah building his Ark, the story of Andromeda’s rescue, and the life of the apostle Peter when Jaffa was still a town. In this remarkable location, you’ll find the oldest Christian church in the region, built by the Crusaders, as well as an ancient mosque. The stone alley-stairs form intricate mazes where one can easily get lost without an experienced guide. Stone walls unexpectedly reveal doors resembling intricately crafted built-in cabinets. And have you heard about the hanging tree that bears fruit? Words cannot do justice to the experience—you simply have to witness it all! Additionally, there are artists’ workshops, art salons, and, as always in Israel, a wide array of delicious food in cafes and restaurants. However, it’s important to note that dining in Jaffa tends to be more expensive.
FLEA MARKETS
Descending from ancient Jaffa into the streets of a not-so-modern neighborhood, you come across an antique shop. Of course, it’s not just one shop, but several colorful stalls and shops where elderly Arabs sit, stitching carpets and selling them right there. There’s a huge variety of copper utensils, silver jewelry, vases and shawls, chairs and ottomans, paintings and candelabras – it’s impossible to list everything! And right there are modern trinkets with Israeli symbols, plastic prayer beads pretending to be antique, wind chimes, and more, and more, and more. The main thing is to be attentive and don’t forget to haggle! The East is a delicate matter!
CARMEL MARKET
Carmel Market, the most popular market in Tel Aviv, is also the largest, stretching across the entire Carmel Street and a couple of neighboring streets. It may not be as meticulously groomed as Sarona, but what it lacks in polish, it makes up for with an authentic Eastern bazaar atmosphere—boisterous, bustling, and vibrant. The market offers an extensive selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices, all displayed in a kaleidoscope of colors. Locals claim that prices here are cheaper than in stores, but be sure to haggle and carefully count your change, as some may conveniently forget or engage in lively debates about what they’ve given you.
YARKON PARK
Yarkon Park is a sprawling expanse, stretching from the sea to the heart of the city. As you wander through the park, you’ll encounter tranquil streams and pockets of solitude where nature reigns supreme. In the central section, you’ll find an array of attractions, including boating on the lake, delightful snacks, and the opportunity to ascend in an air balloon for 80 shekels. Children aged 3-8 can join the adventure for an additional 55 shekels. Prepare yourself for unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
MITZPE HATACHANA OLD RAILWAY STATION
The station is located between the promenade and the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. If you’re with children, you must visit it. The station was operational from 1892 to 1948. In 2000, the Tel Aviv municipality decided to reconstruct the station, and they did an excellent job! The square, the complex of buildings, and the carriages on the tracks – everything delights both children and adults. And, of course, the complex now includes restaurants and shops – from wine shops to children’s puzzles – in general, everything taken together is very beautiful and interesting. Admission to the station is free. In general, it’s time to stop and make a choice if possible. And, of course, these are not all the attractions you can see in this extraordinary city. But if you book a car with a Russian-speaking guide, you can try!!!
In our company, we will help you make your short stay in Tel Aviv unforgettable. By the way, for those who don’t know, the name Tel Aviv translates as “hill of spring.” Have a pleasant vacation in the city of eternal spring!
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