In December 2018 I was road tripping for 10 days in Israel with two friends. We started and finished our road trip in the hipster city Tel Aviv.
Before we hit the road with our rental car, we explored Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is an amazing city and oh my god, the food here is amazing too! We were very unlucky to have the wettest week of the year in Tel Aviv (it was raining cats and dogs and most of the streets turned into rivers), so unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy a full day on the beach. Only on the very last day of our trip the sun came out in Tel Aviv and we spent an afternoon at the beach.
Despite the rain, we visited many hotspots in Tel Aviv. Here is my list of not to miss activities and – of course – hip and happening restaurants and bars in Tel Aviv:
Tip: Click the layers on and off in this map with the square button (with the arrow) on the left in the grey beam.
- To do
1. Explore Old Jaffa
2. Tel Aviv Museum of Art
3. Levinsky market
4. Art Deco walk
5. Cycling over the boulevard
6. Beach day - Where to eat
- Drinks
- Hotels
Heads up: In Israel the weekend is on Friday and Saturday because of the Jewish “Sabbath”. Most shops are closed on Saturday and it’s much quieter on the streets. The real party night is on Thursday.
To do
1. Explore Old Jaffa
Old Jaffa (or: “Jaffo”) is a very old part of town in Tel Aviv. Documents and archaeology show that Jaffa has been a port city for more than 4,000 years and that makes it the oldest seaport in the world. The stories tell that Jonah (of Jonah and the whale) set off from Jaffa. In this vibrant multicultural community of Tel Aviv all cultures and religions come together: Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Get lost in the small, winding alleys in the Old City and let yourself be seduced to enter the beautiful craft shops, antique stalles and art galleries. The shop owners tell you stories about what happened on that spot in the ancient times or you can take a look at the archaeological finds, like a very old water well. Defy the many stairs of Jaffa and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views at Jaffa, the harbour and the white buildings of Tel Aviv in the background.
The streets in Old Jaffa are narrow and include many stairs and steps. This might cause you some trouble if you’re mobility impaired (but it’s still possible to visit some parts of Old Jaffa!)
Have lunch, drinks or dinner at the hipster restaurant “Container” in the harbour. There is so much to see in this old factory building, where it is immediately clear where the restaurant gets the name “Container” from. Graffiti, art and bizarre objects are everywhere.
Transport: It’s easy to go to Old Jaffa by bus. If the weather allows it, it’s also a great idea to cycle to Jaffo along the boulevard.
2. Tel Aviv Museum of Art
You could easily spend days in the huge Tel Aviv Museum of Art. So much art to admire! The Tel Aviv Museum of Art holds the world’s largest collection of Israeli art. But the museum also comprises a lot of modern and contemporary international art, photography, sculptures, videos, installations and architecture. There are different temporary exhibitions and performances. Especially for children the museum composed interesting programs and there are frequent shows; a great way to interest kids at a young age for arts. This museum should be on your list if you’re visiting Tel Aviv, even if it’s not raining.
Tip: Buy your entrance ticket online via the museum’s website before your visit to skip the line.
Enjoy a delicious (healthy) snack at Miznon after your visit to the museum. It’s just around the corner.
3. Levinsky market
The Levinsky market (or: ‘shuk’) is a fantastic, cultural experience in the heart of the trendy neighborhood of Florentin in southern Tel Aviv. The first market stalls were established in Levinsky Street around 1930. And the good thing is that not many tourists found this hotspot yet. Buy your exotic spices here or eat your way through the market’s widespread culinary history, sampling pastries like bourekas, halva, roasted nuts and dried fruit, and sipping Ouzo.
NB: The market is closed early afternoon on Friday through Saturday.
Tip: Another great (indoor) market is the Sarona market. You can find the colourful halva, nuts and dried fruits here too. Shop some Dead Sea Salt to extend your kitchen herbs or nice scented and sustainable beauty products.
4. Art Deco walk
Tel Aviv is also known as ‘The White City’, because of the many white buildings innArt Deco and Bauhaus-architecture. You can easily find most of the art-deco buildings if you’re exploring the centre of The White City. Admire the architecture in the area of Rothschild Boulevard, Nahmani street and Mazeh Street.
Tip: Check this website for a walking tour itinerary along many architectural highlights in the centre of Tel Aviv and background information about the buildings.
5. Cycling along the boulevard
Rental bikes are very popular in Tel Aviv. Tel-O-Fun docking stations to rent a bike are scattered all over the city. The system is simple: go to a ‘Service Terminal’ at the docking station, swipe your credit card, decide how long you want to rent the bike for and choose a bicycle to discover the city. Return your bicycle at any docking station in the city after your ride.
Cycle along the boulevard towards the north of Tel Aviv and take a coffee or lunch break with sea view or cycle all the way to the harbour in the north for fresh fish.
6. Beach day
Put your beach towel somewhere at the long stretched sandy beach of Tel Aviv or rent a beach bed (including umbrella) at one of the beach clubs. Order a delicious lunch or snack at one of the beach clubs and enjoy refreshing cold drinks. We spent our last afternoon in Israel at Hilton Bay on Hilton Beach.
Locations:
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
The Golda Meir Cultural and Art Center, Sderot Sha’ul HaMelech 27, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-607-7020
WebsiteLevinsky market
Hashuk St 12, Tel Aviv-Yafo, IsraelSarona market
Aluf Kalman Magen St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-624-2424
WebsiteHilton Bay
Hilton Beach Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6801294, Israel
Tel: +972 3-957-0555
Where to eat
The Container
I have already mentioned The Container in my tip about Old Jaffa, but because I liked this place so much, I just mention it again. This old factory building, where it is immediately clear why the restaurant is called The Container, is also an art house. It’s colourful and bizarre. The fresh fish dishes (of course paired with a crispy white wine) are outstanding!
Miznon
Miznon is a chain from the famous Israeli chef Eyal Shani. “Miznon” means “cantine” in Hebrew. It looks a little like a cantine, but then it’s festive and warm, people with some edge and different personalities behind the counter, an open kitchen and cheerful Israeli songs blaring from the speakers.
And besides that, it’s véry tasty and healthy. A dozen different stuffed pitas, lots of vegetables, kebab and lots of tahini (a kind of sesame paste). Or order a whole grilled cauliflower, grilled sweet potatoes or falafel served with sour cream, tomato steak, chillies, onions and pickles.
It’s not a surprise that Miznon’s chef has opened outlets in New York, Paris, Vienna, Melbourne and recently in Singapore (I’ll try this one soon!).
Tip: Combine your lunch/snack at Miznon with a visit to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, just around the corner.
Romano
Hidden behind an enormous garage door is this super hip foodcourt/bar/lounge. At first sight it looks like a pimped parking lot with balustrades along the stories. You can order drinks and food in the different areas, like charcoal cauliflower, and combine it with a homemade cocktail or beer.
Romano is a hotspot for a bite and drink, but also to spend the late night listening to great local dj’s, the decor and the hipster crowd. This foodcourt is also the brainchild of the famous Israeli chef Eyal Shani (see: Miznon).
Anastasia
Although I’m not vegan myself, I like to taste vegan recipes in restaurants. At Anastasia you could eat for example very good vegan shakshuka. Israeli wat shakshuka for breakfast, but I like it better for lunch or dinner.
Italkiya Bapishpishim
“Italkiya Bapishpishim” in Hebrew means “Italian in the Flea market”. The tables are set out on the street restaurant, surrounding the heart of the flea market (a Bauhaus building). If it’s too cold, you could also sit inside and enjoy the kitchen show from the bar.
They serve very tasty Italian inspired food: Italkiya Bapishpishim represents the new Israeli kitchen with an Italian twist, but there are also more traditional Italian dishes on the menu. The food in the is made out of the best products and all dishes are made on the spot. If you like Italian food and dare to experiment, go for it!
Locations:
Container
Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-683-6321
Website
Heads up: The website mentions that the restaurant will relocate soon, so check the website if you want to visit the restaurant for its new location.Miznon
Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St 23, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-716-8977Romano
Derech Jaffa 9, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 77-275-9605
WebsiteAnastasia
Frishman St 54, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-529-0095
WebsiteItalkiya Bapishpishim
Yehuda Margoza St 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-682-9678
Website
Drinks
Tel Aviv is well known for its abundant nightlife. Be sure to spend a Thursday night in this hipster city for a great night out.
Concierge
Concierge is a very popular cocktailbar. The bartenders make a party out of every cocktail they serve. The names of the cocktails are very literal. I recommend the ‘Brain Freeze’, ‘Jungle Boogie’ and ‘Smelly Cat’!
Concierge als serves tasty bar food Israeli style, like smoked and charred artichoke, eggplant in tahini, tabouleh and tuna sashimi. Besides the fact that it’s great food, eating is also a good way to make your hangover a little less harsh the next day 😉
Sputnik Bar
Sputnik is a big discotheque with different areas with bizarre themes and interiors. Party on the very loud music, or choose the somewhat less loud and crowded area in the central area downstairs. Dance the night away in this club.
Jasper Johns
A fun speakeasy bar serving very good cocktails and a nice varied crowd. You just have to know where the entrance is 😉
NB: Minimum age to enter is 27 years.
Dizengoff street
This street is full of hipster bars and restaurants. One is even more hip and happening than the other one. It’s just a matter to decide what you want for that night (and if there is a table available). You’ll definitely find a bar to your liking.
Locations:
Concierge
Dizengoff St 95, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-522-3340
WebsiteSputnik Bar
Allenby St 122, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 52-642-6532Jasper Johns
Dizengoff St 190, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-949-7020
Website
Hotels
Our first hotel in Tel Aviv was the Dizengoff Avenue Boutique Hotel and we spent our last night in the Gordon Inn. Dizengoff Avenue Boutique Hotel is a nice hotel at a great location. The room for 3 guests was quite spacious. The (free of charge) happy hour is a great way to get to know the other guests and exchange some information about the places to be.
Gordon Inn is a fine hotel for one or two nights because of the reasonable price and location. But we definitely preferred Dizengoff Boutique Hotel.
Locations:
Dizengoff Avenue Boutique Hotel
Dizengoff St 133, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Book via booking.comGordon Inn
Ben Yehuda St 77, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6343801, Israel
Tel: +972 3-523-8239
Website
I’ll write more about this road trip in Israel soon. Did you ever make a road trip? Which country or countries did you go to and what is your ultimate tip for an unforgettable road trip? Please let me know in the comments below!
Are you inspired by this destination with all its delicious food, culture and beach? Please continue reading my blogs about Thailand, Bali and Colombia.
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