Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-largest city, sits on a flat stretch of the Mediterranean coastline. The State of Israel was founded in the mid-20th century, but parts of the area, have a history stretching back thousands of years. Along the seafront, you’ll find around 14 kilometres of well-kept beaches next to a lively metropolitan city, home to one of the world’s oldest ports as well as a modern business district built in the 20th century. The neatly kept neighbourhoods around the port of Jaffa, the Bauhaus White City district, and Neve Tzedek, the first Jewish neighbourhood built outside the old port, are the areas Tel Aviv is best known for around the world.
In Tel Aviv, a lot of the appeal comes from the food, the nightlife, and the city’s cultural scene, along with its Bauhaus architecture, with over 4,000 buildings built between the 1930s and 1950s. Here are some practical tips from Hostelling International Slovenia, so you can get to know this lively, unstoppable city.
The ancient city of Jaffa dates to around 1800 BC, when the area was part of the region of Canaan, home to Semitic-speaking peoples known as the Canaanites. Jaffa started as a fishing harbour and was later used by traders, sailors and nomadic migrants travelling from place to place.
Today, the port is a popular spot for visitors, known for its rich history and lively cultural scene, while local fishermen still carry on their trade alongside it. The oldest part of Jaffa’s port is full of cultural spots like the Nalaga’at Center, Dvir Gallery, the Jaffa Museum and the Ilana Goor Museum, alongside historic buildings and stone streets with bars, restaurants and nightclubs with unforgettable parties. Around the port, you’ll come across places like the Jaffa Clock Tower, the Wishing Bridge and the 17th-century St. Peter’s Church.
Carmel Market is the largest market in Tel Aviv, where you can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, along with baked goods like baklava, halva, Druze pita, bourekas and bread, best enjoyed with locally made hummus. You’ll also find a wide range of goods here, from electronics and toys to clothes and shoes, as well as handmade jewellery in silver and gold, often set with semi-precious stones. Shuk HaCarmel has been running since 1920 in the Kerem HaTeimanim neighbourhood.
Jaffa Flea Market is lined with shops where you can pick up Persian rugs, tiles, coins, jewellery and all sorts of antiques. The range includes Jewish and other goods, alongside stalls selling local specialities and freshly prepared dishes. The flea market is made up of narrow streets with open galleries selling local and imported pieces, as well as antiques from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. You’ll also find many bars and restaurants here that serve local dishes inspired by Asian and European cuisines.
Tel Aviv Port Market is an indoor market focused on food, with a range of produce sourced from local growers. Alongside fresh fruit and vegetables, you can also pick up spices, pasta, meat and seafood, as well as alcoholic drinks, some of which are produced internationally. Since 2008, local farmers have been bringing organic food and other goods to the market every morning, which made it easy for residents to buy local.
Sarona Market is the largest indoor market in Israel, with many stalls offering everything from freshly prepared meals to high-quality food products. You can pick up fresh meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, a range of cheeses, wine, spices, sauces and spreads, or grab something ready to eat from the restaurants on site. At Sarona Market, you’ll also find food from all over the world.
Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair is the place to go if you’re after a gift or a unique souvenir for yourself. You can choose from handmade ceramics, pottery, jewellery, and personalised decorative pieces made from wood, glass and other materials. The market is open twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. It started back in 1987, when a small group of artists first set up along Nachalat Binyamin street to sell their handmade work.
Tel Aviv is a great base for day trips to nearby places, and when you’re back in the city, there’s plenty going on in its bars and clubs for anyone who’s up for a night out.
Tel Aviv, with a population of around 418,000, has many different sides to it. The North, Centre, South and East districts each feel distinct, while Jaffa and its more than 50 neighbourhoods add another layer of character. Modern high rises, historic buildings, secular lifestyles and religious traditions all exist side by side.
In Tel Aviv, you can visit more than 20 museums or take a break in one of the city’s 75 parks and gardens. Life here moves at a fast pace, often compared to New York, the city that never sleeps, but it’s just as easy to step outside the city and explore the area. With a few trips you can get a better sense of Israel’s history and how it has developed over time.
Day trips often include some of the most popular places to visit, such as Jerusalem and Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Jesus, as well as the ancient fortress of Masada.
Trips to Masada, the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and the Dead Sea give you a clearer picture of the region and its history. From there, you can carry on to places like the ancient port city of Caesarea, Haifa, the country’s third-largest city, and Acre, known for its striking architecture.
A full-day trip to Petra in Jordan takes you to a city carved into the rock as early as the 5th century BC, where you can see palaces, temples, tombs and a Nabataean theatre with around 7,000 seats, built in the 1st century AD.
Great food, well-kept beaches and striking architecture are just some of the reasons to head to Tel Aviv, a city that also works well if you’re travelling on a budget with only a backpack. Travelling this way, with lower costs for accommodation, food and entry tickets, can also mean a smaller carbon footprint and a more mindful approach to exploring the city.
HI Hostel Tel Aviv – Bnei Dan is an affordable place to stay, with a focus on sustainable practices. Their approach has earned them the HI-Q certificate, recognising low energy use and a reduced impact on the environment. You can travel to Tel Aviv with us affordably, with current offers that help you make the most of your time in the city. Guided tours with food and drink tastings are a great way to experience Tel Aviv and make some unforgettable memories.
During the day, you can explore the city with a guide, who will show you the coastline around Jaffa and the city itself. You’ll also explore the old port with its markets and small shops, the neighbourhood of Neve Tzedek, and the city’s well-known architecture.
You can also take a guided graffiti tour in the south of Tel Aviv, where the street art reflects different ideas and political views, and where you can meet some of the artists and buy their work.
At Carmel Market, the largest market in Tel Aviv, you can try traditional snacks made with local ingredients and recipes, while also learning more about the market’s history.
And if you love to party, don’t miss out on the guided tour of Tel Aviv’s club scene, with VIP entry to a range of bars and clubs included. A night tour around Tel Aviv with four underground venues is a good choice if you’re after something a bit different.
Planning for a trip to Israel and its second-largest city, Tel Aviv, is an important part of getting to know your destination. To help with that, you can look at our practical tips for Tel Aviv in the Cities Around the World – Tel Aviv guide for independent travel.
The guide covers both the cultural sights and the natural spots you can explore while you’re in Tel Aviv. You’ll find out which beach hosts open-air film screenings in the evening, and where to go when you feel like slowing down and taking a break. You can also make things easier by setting up an eSIM for mobile data, so you stay connected throughout your time in Tel Aviv.
Try to plan your trip in a more sustainable way. Pick the activities you enjoy most and that suit your style of travel.
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