Welcome to Tel Aviv, the most modern city in Israel. It is the Jerusalem of every party-goer – here, there is only one rule. You have to enjoy yourself. And trust us, Tel Aviv knows how to help you enjoy your time. From the wildest nightclubs in the world to the vibrant, multicultural and open-minded art scene, Tel Aviv is everything but boring. Apart from the parties, Tel Aviv offers beautiful beaches and some of the best restaurants out there, ensuring that everyone can find something for himself. Those interested in learning about the cultural and historical heritage of Tel Aviv will be delighted by the excellent museums and monuments, with Jaffa, Neve Tzedek and Florentin drawing thousands of tourists every year. Finally, when you’re tired of partying, working on your tan and exploring the museums and landmarks, the local parks offer a calm retreat from all the rush. Oh, and there is also the hummus – simply the best in the world!
A great way to save some money on visiting attractions is to get the Green Card while on your trip to Tel Aviv. The Green Card provides you with free admissions and discounts on tickets to over 65 attractions of your choice, and you can choose any six of them to enter for free within fourteen days.
Tel Aviv is generally a small enough city to rely solely on walking or public transport. The taxis in the city also tend to overcharge their passengers, especially if they notice you are a tourist. To avoid trouble with taxi fare, use one of the buses to get around the city quickly instead.
The hotels in Tel Aviv and in Israel, in general, are extremely expensive, charging astronomical fees from their customers while not providing an insanely luxurious experience. Instead, you can try one of the many smaller motels, or you can even find an offer on Airbnb which provides a cheap apartment.
While restaurants might want to entice with their advertisements showing traditional recipes and local cuisine, these specialties are often highly overpriced in such places. Instead, take a walk along the streets in search of street food and try various falafels, hummus dishes, or shawarmas.
A good way to find cheap accommodation is to look for a small hostel outside of the city centre. Such hostels are often run by a local family and not a big corporation, so the variety of services included is often much smaller, but so is the price, and you can often get a free breakfast and some advice from the owner.
If you are planning to stay for longer than just a couple of days, you should really think about getting a Rav Kav bus ticket. The Rav Kav is a smart card which allows you to recharge it with credit or daily passes, and there are even some discounts for using the card. The card is also issued free of charge.
Israel is known for its beautiful gardens in most of the larger cities. Many such gardens are present in Tel Aviv as well, and there are a couple of locals who organise themselves and take groups of tourists to show them these green areas during a free walking tour, often with English commentary.
A lot of attractions in Tel Aviv are located in bunches, with little walking distance from each other. Moreover, these attractions often provide discounted tickets if you buy admission to all of them, so if you are going to visit them all anyway, make sure to ask for a bundled ticket to save some money.
A good way to get some free knowledge about the city and to better find your way around it is to download one of the many free or inexpensive apps for your mobile phone. These apps give you a walking tour to follow, while often providing additional audio commentary in English.
If you are planning on eating out in a nice restaurant, make sure to check the hours during which it provides a lunch menu. The “business” lunch menu is often served somewhere between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in most places and offers a pre-selected set of dishes for a discounted price.
Peak tourist season in Tel Aviv falls for the summer months, when tourists storm the beaches, enjoying the high temperature. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, then spring and fall months are when they subside. Winter, surprisingly, brings the crowds yet again to Tel Aviv, as tourists from Europe visit it around that time.
From June to early October, Tel Aviv is the warmest, with around 30 °C highs in August. Shoulder months offer temperatures of around 24 °C. Winter is also very pleasant, with around 18 °C on average, and just 10 °C lows.
Summer is the most expensive season in Tel Aviv. Shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer some discounts but don’t count on any crazy deals. Winter is when the crowds return to Tel Aviv, and the prices surge again.
Tel Aviv Jazz Festival (February)
Tel Aviv Samsung Marathon (February)
Purim (March; varies by year)
Fresh Paint (April)
Yom Ha'atzmaut/Israel Independence Day (April)
Tel Aviv Pride (June)
TLVFest (June)
Laila Lavan/White Night International Festival (June)
The Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival (June)
There is a wide choice of apartments for rent in Tel Aviv, which are an excellent form of accommodation for large groups of friends and families. If you’d like to get a taste of how it is to actually live in Tel Aviv, then renting an apartment instead of staying in a hotel is the way to go.
It is possible to visit Tel Aviv on a budget. Accommodation usually eats most of the budget, so if you’d like to save money while still being able to enjoy all the attractions and things to do in Tel Aviv, consider renting a cheap, 1- or 2-star hotel.
Those of you who prefer a higher degree of comfort should focus on 3- and 4-star hotels in Tel Aviv. These hotels provide convenient facilities and are usually situated closer to the tourist attractions and spots of interest. Prices for such hotels in Tel Aviv start around $50 per night.
Luxury hotels in Tel Aviv ensure that your visit is truly one-of-a-kind. They offer sophisticated facilities, impeccable quality of service and excellent location, with the most popular tourist attractions right at your doorstep. If you don’t mind the higher nightly rate, then there is no better accommodation than the luxury hotels.
Since Tel Aviv is a small city and has quite a lot of dedicated cycling routes, a bike is a pleasant and quick way to travel around the city. If you want to drive around in order to exercise, make sure to visit the coastal promenade which is over ten kilometers long and provides quite a workout. There is even a bicycle sharing programme in the city with over seventy different docking stations, and a daily pass for using a bike costs only 17NIS, with a weekly pass costing 70NIS. You can also pay per time you spend on a bicycle, with the first thirty minutes free, but getting a daily pass is generally much, much cheaper. The service even has some electric bikes which go quite a bit faster than regular bikes and allow you to relax a bit more.
Buses are another great way of travelling around the city, especially if you have a good distance to cover. The buses start their services at 5:30 a.m. and work all the way up to midnight. There are both single tickets, which costs 6.90NIS each, and day-passes, which work both in Tel Aviv and in its surrounding suburbs, for 13.50NIS. If you plan on staying for longer than a few days, you might want to get a weekly pass for 64NIS.
There is also the Rav Kav travel card, which can be received for no additional fee. The card can be recharged and then swiped on the buses when you enter and leave, sparing you the hassle of buying individual single tickets. While you are sure to find a schedule at every bus stop, not all of them have ticket machines. The main bus hubs in the city are the Central Bus Station, the Arlozorov Bus Terminal, and the Carmelit Terminal, where you are sure to find ticket kiosks. Make sure to check the timetables of the bus routes 4, 5, 10, 18, 25, 56, and 129, as these are of the most importance to tourists. There is also a special tourist bus line with a number 100, which starts at the Old Port and spots at most of the renowned museums in the city.
While the city is small and compact enough not to have to use your own vehicle, you can still decide to do so if you wish without any major problems. You might run into some problems while looking for parking though, as finding a free spot can be difficult at times, and most streets require you to pay for a ticket in order to park there. Moreover, the streets are reserved for residents only during the night, so make sure you move or else you will get fined. Another problem is that most of the signs are not in English.
There should be no need to use a taxi in Tel Aviv unless you are coming back from a night of partying and need a quick ride. In such a case, the taxis are not as expensive, but the night fare is still quite a bit more expensive than the day one. You are probably going to spend around 50NIS for a trip in the centre and a bit more for outside. Make sure to check if your taxi driver runs a fare, as some of them tend to scam the tourists for some easy money.
This day trip will show you along the outskirts of Tel Aviv in the Dead Sea and Masada. Transportation is included with a hotel pick-up and a drop-off afterwards, so you will not have to worry about renting your own vehicle. An air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxing journey, during which a guide will provide commentary.
This comprehensive day tour packs a lot of attractions and sightseeing in just a single day, as you take off from Tel Aviv in a comfortable coach to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Visit the famous religious sites of the two cities very important to both Christian and Jewish history.
A great choice if you want to see more of Israel than just Tel Aviv but do not have your own way of getting around. This tour provides a hotel pick-up and drop-off and will take you along such sites as the Old City of Jerusalem, and after a hard day, you will have some free time to swim in the Dead Sea.
The aim of this tour is to show you some of the most important places of the New Testament with a convenient pick-up from Tel Aviv. You will be dropped off at your accommodation place after the tour, which has an additional option to get baptised in the Jordan River at Yardenit.
See the two very different part of Jerusalem during this day trip to the capital of Israel. The tour includes a professional guide commentary in English and visits to some of the most important landmarks and monuments to both Jewish and Christian history and religion.
This tour will take you along some of the beautiful historical sites located on the coast near Tel Aviv. You will be taken to the ancient ruins of Caesarea, as well as some of the sea grottos of Rosh Hanikra. Afterwards, you will get the opportunity to explore the Crusader tunnels in Acre on your own.
Visit one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Jordan with a comfortable flight included to Eilat from Tel Aviv and back. Inside the ancient site, a professional guide will show you along the narrow corridors as you visit the Siq, the Treasury, and other areas inside.
This trip takes you on a whole day of sightseeing for a very reasonable price. You will first climb Masada, very early in the morning to be able to enjoy a unique view of the gorgeous sunrise, which is unavailable to most visitors. Afterwards, you will explore Ein Gedi's trail and a private beach on the Dead Sea.
This walking tour aims to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as he travelled through Jerusalem. An air-conditioned coach will take you to the city from Tel Aviv as you first visit the Mount of Olive and proceed on your way to Via Dolorosa, hearing biblical stories and facts from a local guide.
If you are a vegan, this tour is a perfect choice of food tour without having to worry if you can eat what is served to you. Tel Aviv is famous for its vegan cuisine, as almost none of the dishes use any animal products, and this tour aims to give you a taste of some of the best vegan dishes in the world.
The Port of Tel Aviv is located in the northern part of the city. The port is now out of use but is still a fascinating site to visit with a rich history. Nowadays, the port serves as an entertainment hub, filled with a bunch of small-time hippie bars and clubs, but also street entertainers and events.
This port is located on the opposite side of the city to the Port of Tel Aviv. The Port of Jaffa stands in the southern part of the city and is yet another disused port of the city. The port is actually one of the oldest ports in the world, and there are some traditional ships often docked at the pier.
Make sure to take a walk around the ancient city which is a part of Tel Aviv, located in the south. The place is not only filled with ancient monuments and heritage sites, but it is also a place known for being a hub for artists who often open up their galleries to the public or show their works in a square or a park.
To get some of the best free guidance in the city of Tel Aviv, make sure to visit the Tel Aviv Walking Tour, which is organised by the locals to advertise their city among tourists. The guides who will show you through the tour are all English-speaking, so do not be afraid to ask them any questions.
The inconspicuously small size of the museum makes it easy to overlook, and so it is often missed by most tourists. Make sure to stop by the Ben Gurion House, as it was once the home of the first prime minister of Israel, and you can get some private insight into how he and his family lived.
Head on to this popular beach if you want to catch some waves or simply sunbathe while lying on the hot sand. The beach often gets filled with tourists and locals alike, especially during the weekends, but there is plenty of chairs and tables with umbrellas placed next to them for additional comfort.
If you are up to the fight for the last spot on this popular beach, make sure to come down, as it presents one of the most beautiful coastlines in the city. If you are especially brave, come to the beach on Friday or Saturday during the summer, as it gets filled with hundreds upon hundreds of tourists and locals.
This beach has quite a unique shape to it, making for some great photos if you are standing on a nearby viewing platform. Moreover, the beach has a free to use volleyball court and even a small saltwater swimming pool, and there are even some artificial grass lawns with chairs to relax on.
Not only is this place filled with locals, but it is also surrounded with a large complex of food stalls and eateries serving street food and local specialties. The beach itself is a great spot for people-watching, and you can even try to talk to a friendly local for some tips and advice on sightseeing.
Even if you are not in the mood for buying any souvenirs, make sure to come to the Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market just to look at the amazing handicraft made by the local population. The vendors set up their stalls every Tuesday and Friday to show a variety of colours and materials used in their work.
While this market is not filled with handmade jewellery and memorabilia, it is the largest fruit and vegetable market in Tel Aviv, making it a great place for making groceries. The variety of colours and smells makes the market an enticing place, definitely worth visiting.
This market is a little lesser known among the tourists and is often visited by the locals to catch the best prices. Since tourists overlook this one, the vendors are not trying to rise up their prices in order to catch unaware tourists, so you can safely browse through the items and get a souvenir for cheap.
The locals often compare this street to the famous Vegas strip, even nicknaming the street “the Strip”. The street, however, is not filled with casinos and luxurious hotels, but it instead is a favourite spot among the locals to grab something to eat and visit a pub to drink a beer, making it a great place to explore.
While this unique street of Tel Aviv is filled with mostly eateries and small-time cafés, you don't have to buy anything to still get some value out of the visit. Make sure to stop by one of the boutiques and souvenir shops in this hipster-run area of Tel Aviv to catch some unique sights.
For a tranquil walk in the afternoon or a relaxing jogging session, make sure to visit the Tel Aviv-Yafo Promenade. The promenade is a crowd-filled walkway which connects two bustling neighbourhoods of the city, but it empties during the afternoon giving you plenty of space for a calm stroll.
There is plenty of places filled with lush greenery in Tel Aviv, and Hayarkon Park is exactly one of those places. The whole place is filled with trees, flowers, and bushes, making it a green haven. You can also try some of the activities there, such as basketball, wall climbing, or joining a free yoga class.
While still being one of the oldest districts of the city, Neve Tzedek is the first neighbourhood to have been created outside of the Old City of Jaffa. The streets of Neve Tzedek are narrow with tight sideways, and the whole district is widely known for its exquisite restaurants and great art galleries.
While wandering around the city, you are sure to find remnants of the unique architectural style of Bauhaus, which dates back to the 1930s. It is this style that has made Tel Aviv a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it even earned the city its famous nickname – The White City.
The square is not only filled with vibrant flower gardens, displaying a variety of local and exotic flower beds, but also is home to the recently renewed national theater. The shows in the theater are of course not free, but you can still walk around the building to gaze at its gorgeous architecture.
An exciting phenomenon in the city of Tel Aviv is the group of rollerskaters and rollerbladers who show up every Tuesday night on the streets of the city and aim to travel across it. If you have your own pair of skates, you can join these people for free, but keep in mind that they ride at quite a fast pace.
Our list of the best hotels in Tel Aviv are: Herods Tel Aviv By The Beach, Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv by Isrotel Exclusive Collection, The Diaghilev Live Art Suites Hotel, Dan Panorama Tel Aviv Hotel and Leonardo Art Tel Aviv By the Beach. Discover the full list of best hotels in Tel Aviv.
The finest examples of luxury hotels in Tel Aviv include Hilton Tel Aviv Hotel, Leonardo Beach Tel Aviv, Hotel Rothschild 22, Shalom Hotel & Relax - an Atlas Boutique Hotel, Cinema Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel, Orchid Tel Aviv and Sea Executive Suites. Discover the full list of luxury hotels in Tel Aviv.
Those trying to visit Tel Aviv on a tight budget will find everything they need in hotels such as Olympia Hotel - by Zvieli Hotels, Maxim Design Hotel 3 Star Superior, De La Mer Hotel - by Zvieli Hotels, Arbel Suites Hotel, Hotel Gilgal, Sea Land Suites and Crown Sea Hostel. Discover the full list of Cheap hotels in Tel Aviv.
Taking factors such as weather, crowds and prices, the best months to visit Tel Aviv for a city break are June, July, August and September.
Tel Aviv offers plenty of exciting attractions and things to do. Must-sees in Tel Aviv include: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip, Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Highlights of Israel, Nazareth, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee Day Trip and Old and New Jerusalem Day Trip from Tel Aviv.
A city pass in Tel Aviv costs around €37.
24-hour ticket for public transport in Tel Aviv costs around €3.50.
The best night clubs in Tel Aviv include: The Block, Radio EPGB, The Breakfast Club and Milk Bar, Pasaz and Haoman 17.
Judging on the reviews and customer opinions, the best bars in Tel Aviv are: Bellboy Bar, Herzl 16, Sputnik, Mondo 2000 and BuXa.
Your choice of the best restaurants in Tel Aviv may vary depending on your taste, however, Claro, HaSalon, HaBasta and Shila are some of the most popular choices.
Top 5 restaurants in Tel Aviv include: Cucina Hess 4, Abie, Café Nordoy, Yaffo-Tel Aviv and Dok.
Sign up for our newsletter. Stay updated and find out about the latest city breaks.
