Tel Aviv Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Your Trip

Why a Trip to Tel Aviv Is Absolutely Worth It

I first got to know Israel during summer vacations, and Tel Aviv was love at first sight. This Mediterranean metropolis is fun-loving, cosmopolitan, and buzzing with energy. A little like New York by the sea, but smaller.

It takes insider knowledge to truly enjoy a trip to the ever-changing Tel Aviv. I write about life in Tel Aviv on my blog Telavivnotes. Tel Avivis live in the moment, every single day.

In this guest post, I’ll show you how to spend your stay like a local.

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Ten interesting facts about Tel Aviv

1. Tel Aviv has at least 300 sunny days a year.
2. Tel Aviv is also known as the city that never sleeps.
3. The old city of Tel Aviv is Jaffa.
4. With 200,000 participants, Tel Aviv hosts the largest gay pride parade in Asia every year.
5. National Geographic ranks Tel Aviv among the top 10 beach cities in the world.
6. Tel Aviv is home to 30,000 dogs — the city is considered the most dog-friendly metropolis in the world.
7. Tel Aviv is a paradise for vegans.
8. Tel Aviv’s culinary scene is considered one of the most creative in the world.
9. There are over 100 sushi restaurants in Tel Aviv.
10. The Meier-on-Rothschild Tower, at 155 meters, is the tallest residential building in the city.

Helpful Travel Tips for Tel Aviv

The Best Time to Visit Tel Aviv

Without a doubt, the off-season. In July and August, Tel Aviv is overrun with tourists. On top of that, the summer months get seriously hot. Temperatures climb to 31–34°C (88–93°F), with humidity above 80 percent. That means non-stop sweating.

If you love hot weather, you’ll have a great time in the height of summer — the heat shows no mercy at night either. The upside of those months is the vibe in the city.

People live outdoors. Even at night. There’s something charming about eating a slice of watermelon at three in the morning at a beach café.

The best time to visit is spring and fall. In September, October, and November, when temperatures are dropping elsewhere, you can still swim in the sea in Tel Aviv with temperatures around 30°C (86°F).

Unlike in August, you can walk around without having to duck into air-conditioned shops to cool down.

April, May, and June are also great months to visit. Tel Aviv means “Spring Hill,” and during this time the city is in bloom. With 25°C (77°F) in the shade, it’s ideal for exploring. And no one will be stepping on your beach towel yet.

How Much Time You Should Plan for Tel Aviv

Plan for at least a week. To really soak up the vibe of Tel Aviv, you need to take your time. Rushing through the city would be a real shame.

Tel Aviv is a young city, founded in 1909. It has just under 450,000 residents, but many Israelis work in this economic and cultural hub, so during the day the streets can easily be filled with three million people. The best way to explore Tel Aviv is on foot. The distances aren’t large, and there’s so much to see.

How to Find Good Flights to Tel Aviv

All major airlines fly into Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. Lufthansa and El Al operate multiple daily flights from major European hubs; budget carriers like EasyJet offer more affordable options. The flight time is around four hours.

It’s worth booking early, as tickets aren’t cheap and flights are often sold out. If you want to buy a ticket spontaneously, you’ll be looking at outrageous prices starting at €800 and up. Your best bet for comparing flight prices is Skyscanner, and you should ideally book six months in advance.

How to get through airport security as smoothly as possible

Flights to Israel are subject to special security measures — similar to flights to the US, but even stricter. You should arrive at the airport three hours before departure. If you’re flying with the Israeli airline El Al, the security check is even more thorough.

Keep in mind that the questioning is for your own safety. Stay relaxed. If you have visas from Arab countries in your passport, it’s worth getting a second passport issued before you travel.

Stamps from Arab countries aren’t a barrier to entry, but you will be questioned more thoroughly. Answer the officials politely and calmly. The questioning on departure is even more meticulous.

You may be asked where you stayed and who you met during your time in Israel. It helps to have your hotel’s phone number or that of an Israeli acquaintance on hand.

Tel Aviv: Getting from the Airport to the City

Ben Gurion Airport is located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. By taxi, you can reach the city center in 20 minutes. The taxi stand is on Level G of Terminal 3. Fares for intercity rides are fixed, so be sure to ask the driver about the price.

Depending on the rate, the ride costs around 140 shekels, which is approximately €35. There are ATMs and currency exchange offices at Terminal 3.

In Israel, buses are the standard mode of transportation. To get to Tel Aviv by bus, you first need to take a shuttle bus to Airport City.

The shuttle stops are on the second floor, gates 21 and 23. From Airport City, you can take Egged bus line 475 directly to Tel Aviv’s central bus station. Buy your ticket from the driver.

You can also take the train into the city, directly from Terminal 3, Level S, for just 16 shekels. This is the best option.

If you prefer more comfort, you can book a private airport transfer in advance: Private Airport Transfer Tel Aviv.

Heads up: On Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening) there is no public transportation.

Tel Aviv Packing List: What to Bring

Flip flops, shorts, swim trunks, bikini, beach towel, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, T-shirts, jeans, a sweatshirt, sneakers, a sundress.

You can travel to Tel Aviv with light luggage. Only in the winter months of December, January, and February should you pack a waterproof jacket and a thick sweater.

Tel Aviv is a laid-back city. The New York Times crowned TLV the “Capital of Cool.” You can walk around however you like without getting any strange looks.

It’s perfectly normal to walk your dog in pajamas and slippers in the morning, or to sit on a park bench with curlers in your hair. Tel Aviv has an urban hippie vibe.

You’ll rarely see men in suits or women in business attire. For eight months of the year, the standard outfit looks like this: sandals, sleeveless T-shirts, shorts, breezy dresses.

In winter, Tel Avivis swap their sandals for boots and layer sweater upon sweater, because 15°C (59°F) already feels freezing cold here.

For Israel, you’ll also need a power adapter — ideally a universal one. You can find more packing advice in the city trip packing list.

Is Tel Aviv Expensive? Tips for Saving Money!

Tel Aviv is definitely an expensive destination. The cost of living is high. Rents have settled at levels comparable to New York and Paris.

You’ll be surprised by supermarket prices — they can be double what you’d pay back home.

Tip #1: Buy fruit and vegetables at the markets.

Tip #2: Tel Aviv has a free Wi-Fi network. That means you can surf the internet for free on a park bench or at the beach.

Tip #3: Have your coffee at Cofix. Everything here costs just five shekels (€1.20): cake, cookies, drinks, and coffee. Cofix also runs six supermarkets in Tel Aviv where every product costs five shekels.

Tip #4: Eat street food like falafel, hummus, and sabich. A portion costs around €5.

Tip #5: Keep an eye out for business lunch deals and happy hours at restaurants.

Getting Around Tel Aviv

The flat city is wonderful to explore on foot or by bike. In recent years, 40 kilometers of bike lanes have been paved. Your best bet is to grab a green Tel-O-Fun city bike. The 150 rental stations are spread widely across the city. Here are your options:

• A day pass for 17 shekels
• A 3-day pass for 48 shekels
• A weekly pass for 70 shekels

You can then ride from A to B and drop your bike off at any station. Cycling along the beachfront promenade to the old city of Jaffa at sunset is an absolute must.

Tel Avivis love their e-bikes. In recent years, the street scene has changed completely. Watch out as a pedestrian — you really don’t want to get run over by a teenager on an e-bike.

If you’d like to explore Tel Aviv with a little extra boost, rent a battery-powered bike. An e-bike costs 100 shekels per day. A great rental shop is Pole Position, where you can also book a guided city tour by bike. They also have city maps with marked bike routes.

Tip: Take shared taxis. The yellow-red minibuses stop when you wave them down and whisk you through the city quickly.

Is Tel Aviv Safe?

Israel is constantly in the headlines, and you may be concerned about the security situation when considering a trip to Tel Aviv. Since terrorist attacks are unfortunately a universal reality these days, visiting this Mediterranean metropolis is no more dangerous than going to other major cities.

You can feel safe in Tel Aviv. Before entering shopping malls, movie theaters, hotels, and clubs, a security guard will search your bag. Be friendly — they’re looking out for your safety.

Don’t be startled if you see soldiers with machine guns eating falafel on their lunch break. The guns aren’t loaded. You can walk through the city relaxed.

Never leave your backpack out of your sight. Not because of theft — but because Israelis have a short fuse when it comes to unattended bags.

Suspicious objects are handled by special units.

Tel Aviv is a safe place for women traveling solo. The city is lively around the clock.

As a woman, you don’t need to worry about walking through the city after dark.

Even in Hayarkon Park — the Central Park of Tel Aviv — you’ll see women jogging alone late at night. That said, you should still avoid walking alone through dark alleyways.

The Best Tel Aviv City Tours

#1 Florentin Graffiti Tour

Your tour guide takes you on a stroll through the southern hipster neighborhood of Florentin. The guide knows the stories behind the countless graffiti pieces that adorn Florentin’s walls. Let them show you the lesser-known spots of the underground art scene.

Book the Florentin Graffiti Tour

#2 Street Food Tour

Tel Aviv is seriously one of the world’s great food cities. A street food tour works whether you eat meat or are fully vegan.

Start the tour on an empty stomach, because there’s a lot to eat. The walk through the city’s culinary scene is a delicious adventure where you’ll meet cool people and sample creative dishes.

On this tour with an English-speaking guide, you’ll stroll through the old city, visit the market to try typical dishes, and check out a cool flea market.

Book the Street Food Tour with Old City and Flea Market

#3 Bauhaus Tour

Tel Aviv is also known as the White City, because around 4,000 buildings were constructed in the Bauhaus style. UNESCO has listed the White City as a World Heritage Site.

Book the Bauhaus & Bohemian Vibes Tour

#4 Alternative DIY Tel Aviv City Guide

If you’re after a great English-language travel guide, I can warmly recommend the alternative city guide DIY Tel Aviv. You can get it as a paperback or as an e-book.

Check out the DIY Tel Aviv travel guide

Ten Hebrew words for beginners

1. Toda – Thank you
2. Bevakasha – Please
3. Kaffee Hafuch – Café latte
4. Yam – Sea
5. Malon – Hotel
6. Alaan – Hello in slang
7. Eifo – Where?
8. Kesef – Money
9. Monit – Taxi
10. Shalom – Hello, bye, peace

The Best Hotels and Accommodations in Tel Aviv

You’ll find our top picks in our where to stay in Tel Aviv guide. There you’ll also learn which neighborhoods we recommend for your hotel in Tel Aviv.

But here are a few hand-picked hotel recommendations to get you started.

Budget Hotels in Tel Aviv

Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv is the coolest guesthouse in town. It’s one of the most popular spots for digital nomads in Tel Aviv. It’s right at the heart of the nightlife: two minutes from Rothschild Boulevard and next door to the legendary Levontin 7, the best live music club in the city.

Another great option is The Spot Hostel. Here you’ll find tastefully renovated rooms, a sun terrace, and stylish common areas where you can enjoy a great game of billiards.

Mid-Range Hotels in Tel Aviv

A cool hotel right on the beach is the Embassy Hotel. It’s located in the heart of Tel Aviv, just a 15-minute walk from the Carmel Market. What really stands out are the colorful rooms, decorated in a 1950s style.

The funky Yam Hotel is located in the quieter northern part of Tel Aviv. You’re five minutes from the sea and the Namal. In the renovated warehouses along the boardwalk you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and shops with ocean views.

More Tel Aviv hotel tips:

Cucu Hotel colorful, young, urban

The Poli House Hotel a brand-new hotel by star architect Karim Rashid

Beautiful Boutique Hotels in Tel Aviv

Beyond the large hotel chains along the beach, Tel Aviv has a seriously impressive selection of stylish boutique hotels. Here are my top picks:

#1 The Norman

The classic choice is the elegant The Norman, tucked away on a side street off Rothschild Boulevard. The Norman is housed in two beautifully restored historic buildings from the 1920s.

The 50 rooms and exclusive suites are individually designed. Highlights include the infinity pool and the Japanese restaurant on the rooftop. If you want to truly pamper yourself, this is the place.

#2 Jacob Shenkin Hotel

The Jacob Shenkin Hotel is located on Brenner Street, just off Sheinkin. The glory of Sheinkin Street as the SoHo of Tel Aviv may have faded a little, but the neighborhood still has its charm.

The location is central and the hotel is a perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of street life. The 30 rooms are lovingly furnished, and on the rooftop terrace you can relax in hammocks after a treatment at the mini spa.

#3 Dizengoff Avenue Boutique Hotel

The Dizengoff Avenue Boutique Hotel is right in the center of Tel Aviv, on the lively Dizengoff Street. You can’t get much closer to the pulse of the city! Various great beaches are also just a short distance away.

The hotel’s unique rooms feature design details inspired by the city’s famous landmarks. You’ll already get a taste of Tel Aviv’s highlights, which are practically right on your doorstep.

#4 Market House Tel Aviv Jaffa

In the historic quarter of Jaffa, right next to the flea market, you’ll find the Market House Tel Aviv Jaffa. The hotel runs Milk Bakery, one of the best bakeries in the city. Breakfast here is accordingly a treat for the taste buds.

In the lobby, the remains of a Byzantine church are preserved beneath a glass floor. As with all boutique hotels, the team knows how to make guests feel truly spoiled.

#5 Our under-the-radar pick: Lily & Bloom

The Lily & Bloom is still a local favorite that many visitors overlook. The hotel is a love letter to the city’s Bauhaus style. It’s centrally located on Lilienblum Street, lined with cool bars and restaurants. The boutique hotel has a delicious breakfast, a terrace, and a bar with happy hour. If you’re looking for a stylish, intimate place to stay, this is it.

Tel Aviv Insider Tips

• Tip #1: Browse the flea market “Shuk HaPishpishim” in Jaffa
• Tip #2: Stroll along the boardwalk at the renovated harbor, the Namal
• Tip #3: Have a coffee at a kiosk on Rothschild Boulevard
• Tip #4: Eat a bowl of ramen at the deli market in the Sarona neighborhood
• Tip #5: Unwind by the river in Hayarkon Park

Food Guide for Tel Aviv

As a foodie, you’re going to love Tel Aviv. You’d really have to try hard to eat badly here. Creative chefs define the restaurant scene, and the food is honestly among the best in the world. The ethnic influences in this melting pot of over 70 nationalities are especially felt in the culinary world.

Tel Aviv has an abundance of sensational restaurants, which makes it all the harder to pick just a handful. Here are my favorites.

Tip: Make a reservation well in advance — seriously, don’t skip this step.

Tel Aviv Restaurant Tips

Star chef Yossi Shitrit runs three restaurants in Tel Aviv, all of which rank in the top 10: Mashya, Kitchen Market, and Onza.

Mashya was named the best restaurant in the city in 2016: modern cuisine with a Moroccan touch, a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfect for a romantic evening.

Kitchen Market is located on the first floor above the farmers market at Namal Tel Aviv. In the evening you can feel the city’s vibe here, as locals wind down over wood-fired pizza, tapas, and gourmet fish dishes.

Onza has the coolest location, right in the middle of the Jaffa flea market. The old quarter with its Jewish-Arab residents is home to many trendy spots. Onza follows the motto “Food & Vibe.” Two young, talented chefs cook Ottoman dishes with a modern twist. The food is sensual, the music is loud, and the crowd is lively.

Thai at Har Sinai is located in a nightlife hotspot. Around the large synagogue on Allenby Street you’ll find some of Tel Aviv’s best bars and restaurants. Right next to the cult hangout Port Said, you can enjoy authentic Thai food every evening at Thai at Har Sinai. The atmosphere is young, with a live DJ and plenty of drinks.

At the same location you’ll also find Santa Katarina. Mediterranean cuisine at the highest level.

In summer, sitting outside surrounded by the crowds from the neighboring bars and restaurants, you’ll feel the magical energy of Tel Aviv.

Taizu was like a revelation for Tel Aviv’s discerning foodies. Rarely has a restaurant been so unanimously praised in such glowing terms.

At Taizu, Asian street food from various regions of the subcontinent is combined into high-end culinary creations. The ultimate taste experience.

Every Sunday, Taizu celebrates Indian cuisine. Pastry chef Ana Shapiro was named the best in Tel Aviv in 2016. So: leave room for dessert.

Even more restaurant recommendations for Tel Aviv

• Brasserie: An institution in Tel Aviv, open around the clock.
• Yaffo-Tel Aviv: Flagship of Israeli cuisine by chef Haim Cohen.
• Romano TLV: Lounge restaurant with a live DJ by the wild chef Eyal Shani.
• Ramesses: Mediterranean hipster bistro-bar in Jaffa with a live DJ.
• LaShuk: Open kitchen with local delicacies.
• HaBasta: Tucked down a side alley off Shuk HaCarmel. Daily changing menu inspired by the seasonal produce of the weekly market.

Food Guide for Tel Aviv

Miznon: Gourmet fast food by star chef Eyal Shani. Every dish comes in a pita bread. The perennial favorite: pita with roasted cauliflower. Miznon has branches in Paris and Vienna.

Hakosem: Best falafel in Tel Aviv. Just around the corner from Dizengoff Center, the popular shopping mall.

Pasta Basta: This affordable pasta bar has multiple locations across the city. The noodles are homemade, the service is quick, and the clientele is young.

Sabich Frishman: This unassuming little food stand serves the best sabich in Tel Aviv. Sabich is the sibling of falafel: pita stuffed with hummus, tahini, roasted eggplant, hard-boiled egg, tomato-cucumber salad, and pickles.

The Best Cafés in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is dotted with coffee shops. That’s because Tel Avivis are sociable people who love good coffee and really appreciate their barista.

Bucke has two cafés in Tel Aviv: uptown in the north and midtown near the Habima Theater. The breakfast platters with their colorful salads, dips, and vegetable creations are known throughout Tel Aviv. Bucke serves only vegetarian dishes.

Loveat serves the best organic coffee. The Loveat chain’s cafés, scattered around the city, offer tasty sandwiches and lunch options loaded with vegetables, tahini, quinoa, wild rice, tomatoes, and chili peppers.

Café Nahat is a spot for serious coffee lovers. It smells of freshly ground beans and paninis. A great place to set up with your laptop among the locals.

Café Xoho is an international meeting point for students and tourists. You’ll hear many languages spoken here. Enjoy gluten-free chocolate cookies, matcha tea, and kale salad.

Cafelix is another coffee bean paradise. The coolest branch is on the lively Levinsky Market, between spice vendors and hipster bars.

Tel Aviv Insider Tip: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Tel Aviv

Fact: Tel Aviv is among the top five vegan destinations in the world. You can find plant-based options on the menu at almost every café. And no, not a sad side salad — actual standalone dishes. Cappuccino with almond or soy milk is totally standard.

Here are my recommendations for 100% vegan restaurants:
Herzog on the lively Ibn Gvirol Street has daily changing dishes that chef Roey Herzog calls “mountains”: rice mountains, quinoa mountains, salad mountains, buckwheat mountains, topped with vegetables, tahini, and chili. Roey has a knack for turning vegetables into brilliant dishes. Best (though not exactly cheap) spot for a quick lunch. Recommended: zoodles with tahini-spirulina dressing.

At Marketlv on Dizengoff Street, you’ll be standing in line during peak hours. Every day there are different stews and soups: Indian, Mexican, Moroccan, and more. The food is affordable and tastes amazing.

Dosa Bar is a wonderful place for lunch. The South Indian street food is vegan, gluten-free, and above all delicious. Dosas are a type of crepe that come with a variety of spiced fillings.

Tel Aviv Beaches: The Most Beautiful Beaches

At Gordon Beach you’ll find everything your heart desires. A relaxed beach café, LalaLand, volleyball nets, fitness equipment, and plenty of sunbathers. Right next door is the Olympic-sized seawater pool at Gordon Pool and the Topsea surf school.

At the northern tip of the beachfront promenade lies Mezizim Beach. A cove tucked between the religious beach (yes, that exists too) and the harbor (Namal).

At Mezizim Beach you’ll find the 9Beach lounge café. It’s also lively in the evenings. And if soccer games are being broadcast live on big screens anywhere, it’s here. A great hangout for a beer with your feet in the sand.

Hilton Beach is tucked in a cove right next to the dog beach and the gay beach. This is where you’ll find everything related to water sports. At the Sea Center Club you can rent a SUP board, kayak, or surfboard. On Saturday mornings, you’ll find lots of kids and teenagers learning to surf.

Banana Beach is closer to the old city of Jaffa and is recognizable by its yellow beach chairs. An unpretentious, relaxed beach with fewer tourists. There’s a surf school here too.

Tip: On Friday afternoons, Banana Beach transforms into Drum Beach. On the cliffs, drummers unpack their bongos and congas to welcome Shabbat with a drum session.