Posted 30 July 2024 in Travel wanderlust

Everything to do in Israel’s Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps

Nicknamed ‘The Miami of the Middle East,’ Tel Aviv gets the name because of its carefree and fun-loving atmosphere. Located in Israel, it was built only a mere century ago over unimaginably rugged dunes. In a short period, Tel Aviv has risen to be one of the greatest and richest cities as the economic, political, and financial hub of Israel.

The city thrives and supports scientific, technological, cultural and artistic growth, and innovation, while also promoting a creative, welcoming and relaxed population. Fashion, art, nightlife, and beaches prevail in Tel Aviv. It boasts of an inclusive society that hosts regular pride parades.

Tel Aviv as a city is a party in itself. With life so flamboyant and colourful, any tourist who visits Tel Aviv will surely fall in love with the vibe and acceptance of the place. Overall, Tel Aviv is a jolly, colourful, and striking city to visit.

Places to visit in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv beaches: Most tourists from all over the globe come here to bask in the beauty of these beaches with the scenic view of the skyline. Out of the hundreds of beaches in Tel Aviv, the most populated as well as the most popular beaches are Banana Beach, Frishman Beach, and Gordon Beach. The paved boardwalk also known as the Tayelet, is an evening spot for most people to walk and spend their time in one of the umpteen cafés and restaurants here. The Tayelet runs along the beach between central Tel Aviv and Jaffa.
Jaffa: Also known as the Old Town, Jaffa is a short walk south of downtown Tel Aviv, which makes tourists revel in its beauty of stone architecture, artisan boutiques, and old-school cafés. Unlike the glitz and glamour of Tel Aviv with its skyscrapers, Jaffa as an old port lies calmly with its beautiful flea market and souks. Its tranquillity brings tourists down from the high that Tel Aviv makes them feel.
Yemenite Quarter: This is part of the old city, a place where the first Yemenite Jew stood in the 20th century. Packed with close-meandering streets and old architecture, this area sells local produce at cheap rates. If you wish to eat something affordable, yet tasty, Yemenite Quarter is the place to head to.
Bialik Street: This little Bialik Street holds the abode of three important places in its proximity, the house of artist Reuven Rubin, Bialik house, and the original town hall of Tel Aviv which is now known as Beit Ha’ir.
Rothschild Boulevard: This picturesque street is a great place to take a stroll, especially during the evenings. This street is also the home of two museums, built in two admirable and inspiring buildings. One is the Independence Hall and the other is the Haganah Museum.

Places to stay in Tel Aviv

Being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Tel Aviv has a selection of hotels known for their spectacular view, impeccable food, and outstanding service to their guests:

Dan Tel Aviv: One of the most expensive and exquisite places to stay in Tel Aviv, this hotel has the facility of a Royal Suite with a spectacular beach view.
David Intercontinental: Fashion meets elegance at David Intercontinental for guests who do not like to compromise with comfort. With an uninterrupted ocean view, the presidential suite features a dry sauna and marbled jacuzzi.
Herod Hotel: The hotel emits glamour and charm that is sure to sweep every guest off their feet. This hotel is situated moments away from the beach and features a gorgeous view of the water and the setting sun. There are 324 unique rooms with splendid views to choose from.

Other budget-friendly hotels and accommodations to choose from in Tel Aviv are:

Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv City Centre
Tel Aviv Hotel Gilgal
The Spot Hostel Tel Aviv
Hermitage Hotel
The Savoy Hotel Seaside Tel Aviv
Sea-Land Suites

Food and Cuisine in Tel Aviv

Falafel: The most recognisable Israeli food in Tel Aviv for any foreigner is falafel. A refreshing snack to eat and beat the heat in Tel Aviv.
Shakshuka: Another common Israeli street food, the main ingredients in a shakshouka are eggs and tomatoes. Onion, capsicum, and feta cheese can also be added. Some other shops make their variations, all are equally delicious.
Schnitzel: Schnitzels are thinly sliced chicken breasts given an egg wash and put in breadcrumbs before deep frying. Traditionally, they are served with pita bread.
Houmous: Israel as a country is very serious about their houmous and they serve it with almost every other dish. Houmous is essentially chickpeas ground to different textures according to taste. This makes hummus high in protein.
Israeli salad: The main ingredients of making Israeli salads are tomatoes and cucumbers, along with seasonal vegetables like carrots, radishes, and bell peppers. The addition of onions, lemon juice, various mixed herbs, and a dash of olive oil to mix it all up gives the salad its unique taste. Many Israelites begin their day with this salad. Some restaurants serve it with their variation by adding feta cheese or chicken.

Travel tips for visiting Tel Aviv

Plan your visa and other documentation well before the time of your trip. Once in the city, keep your documents with you at all times. Be mindful of the currency, the Israeli Shekel. Carry enough cash with you and exchange your hometown currency with that of Israel before you arrive.
Pack light and breezy clothes. Tel Aviv is a beach place so avoid packing anything woollen.
There are many modes of public and private transport like buses, cabs, taxis, and Sheruts (mini yellow-coloured buses) that are available. But you can also walk for short distances or hire bikes.
Since Hebrew is the official language, it is best to learn a few exchange words or a few words before coming to the city.
There is no Uber in Tel Aviv; so your app may not work.
The country is obsessed with hummus and is practically served with everything. Don’t be impolite and throw it away. If you are not in it for the taste, politely refuse when served.

How to reach Tel Aviv?

By road: Taking the road route to reach Tel Aviv from India is not plausible. However, if you wish to make the road journey and cross the border by road, the best way to do so is by taking a flight to Egypt or Jordan. From there, crossing the border is fairly easy. There are four crossings, one at Egypt and three at Jordan to enter Israel.
By rail: Once you reach Israel, using the train services can be very helpful to get about the city, especially if you are visiting Tel Aviv for the first time. Once you get off at the airport, you will find train services that run between Central Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Akko, and Beer Sheva. The trains arrive at an interval of half an hour to a maximum of two hours. The trains are well-maintained with free Wi-Fi and restroom facilities.
If you are in Tel Aviv for the first time, you should know that three types of trains run in the city, red double-decker trains, which are the most frequent ones; blue single-deckers; and Danish-designed trains. These are the only trains that you would want to hop on if you want to travel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and vice versa.
By air: Ben Gurion Airport is Tel Aviv’s main domestic and international airport, connecting the city with the rest of the world. It is the busiest airport in the country and is also one of the five best airports in the Middle East because of its high security. Several IndiGo flights, both connecting and direct, carry passengers to and from Tel Aviv daily.

Weather in Tel Aviv

The climate of Israel as a whole can be divided into two distinct seasons, a cold, rainy winter that lasts from October to April and a hot, dry summer that lasts from May to September. Tel Aviv has a warm Mediterranean climate as it is located between the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the deserts of West Asia.

The summer season in Tel Aviv is sweltering, while winters are cooler and much more suitable to be out on the streets. Tel Aviv gets the maximum temperature of 32°C in May, while January records the lowest temperature of 15°C. Tel Aviv has rarely recorded temperatures below 10°C. The summers are warm with clear skies and direct rays of the sun; while winters are cool and breezy from the sea.

Best time to visit Tel Aviv

The ideal time to visit Tel Aviv is from March to April, or September to November. Even in the sweltering and scorching summer heat, many tourists visit Tel Aviv to have fun at the beach and return home with a glorious tan.

May, June, July and August are the months when the prices of flights, tickets, and everything else in Tel Aviv are inflated. Hence, it is advisable to steer clear of these months if you are a budget traveller. During the winter months, many tourists, especially from European countries, visit Tel Aviv to bask in the beach sun.

Summer: Summer in Tel Aviv is balmy with sunny beaches, bustling markets like Carmel Market, and vibrant nightlife along Rothschild Boulevard. Enjoy outdoor cafes, cultural events, and the energetic Mediterranean atmosphere.
Monsoon: Tel Aviv experiences a Mediterranean climate with a dry summer and occasional winter rains. During monsoon season, locals enjoy cooler temperatures and a brief respite from the region's usual dryness.
Winter: Winter in Tel Aviv is mild and pleasant, with temperatures typically ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Enjoy outdoor activities, and cultural events, and explore the city's vibrant culinary scene year-round.