Things to do in Tel Aviv (Israel) – Top 7 plus a bonus

One of the best seaside destinations I have ever been to is Tel Aviv in Israel. Here’s my list of the 7 top things to do in Tel Aviv, plus a few tips on when to visit and where to stay. Don’t forget to read my post on traveling to Israel for the first time for a few useful tips and advice.

Best Things to do in Tel Aviv

1. The Beach

The beach in Tel Aviv is a long stretch of flour-like white sand. It stretches for more than 10 km on the Mediterranean coastline.

It is also well organized with clean bathrooms, cafes, restaurants, all at a regular distance from each other.

The weather is always great in Tel Aviv, with 300 days of sunshine every year. July and August are extremely hot, and in winter it can get a little chilly, but for the most part, the beach is an everyday thing for locals. From December to April you probably won’t be able to swim in the sea, but still, there are a lot of activities to keep you entertained on the beach.

Kayaking, paddle boarding, volleyball, and sunbathing are all popular year-round activities with both locals and tourists.

2. Tel Aviv Promenade

The promenade goes along the coast for 14 km from the North Marina to Jaffa Old Town. It’s a long walk you can take with a couple of breaks on the beach.

It is also the perfect place for a morning run or an evening stroll to admire the sunset.

Electric scooters like Lime are also quite popular here and you have to be careful not to walk on their designated area of the promenade.

3. Jaffa Old City & Port

Jaffa was an ancient port on the Mediterranean coast, long before young Tel Aviv was founded. Jaffa’s history goes back more than 4000 years. It was conquered numerous times until being unified with its neighbor in 1950 into Tel Aviv-Yafo.

Jaffa Old City is now a tourist attraction, one of the most popular things to do in Tel Aviv. The Old City is undergoing renovation, and parts of it are already restored and hosting small shops, art galleries, and cafes. Attention has been paid to the Islamic heritage too, by restoring the Hassan Bek Mosque and the Mosque of the Sea.

Jaffa Port might just be the oldest seaport in the world. It is a small fishing harbor with a pretty promenade full of fresh seafood and fish restaurants.

4. Jaffa Flea Market

Just behind Jaffa Old City, by the clock tower, is an area full of street vendors, small shops, and artists’ workshops. The place is called Jaffa Flea Market, or Shuk Hapishpishim by locals. The Market is open every day except Saturdays on the alleyways and streets in this area.

You can find old and new things here, as well as some artsy shops. Haggling is part of the fun. A lot of cafes and restaurants fill the streets around the bazaar.

5. Carmel Market

I love trying local food, taking food tours, and also exploring local markets in any new place I visit. Tel Aviv was no exception, and for me, Carmel Market was one of the main attractions in Israel.

Carmel Market is the perfect place to buy fresh and dried fruit, middle eastern typical sweets, as well as local food. You can also buy souvenirs or cosmetics with Dead Sea minerals.

While we’re on the subject, find out the best things to taste in Israel in my post on Israel street food and food markets.

6. Enjoy the Sunset

Sunsets over the Mediterranean are beautiful in Tel Aviv and you can admire them from any point of that long promenade I was talking about earlier.

7. Rothschild Boulevard

The boulevard is one of the oldest streets in the city and the most expensive at the same time. It’s a popular place for a walk, with its tree-lined central pedestrian area.

Bonus: Day trip to Jerusalem

Jerusalem is about an hour’s drive from Tel Aviv. A day trip to Jerusalem should be on your things to-do list while in Tel Aviv. Click on the link for the best things to do in Jerusalem.

Where to stay in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a pretty expensive city, and you should plan your trip carefully. There are a lot of good areas to stay in close to the beach and the other attractions of the city. Here are a few suggestions to choose your accommodation.

Melody Hotel is close to the beach, and some rooms have a great sea view. Breakfast also looks amazing here.

Artist Hotel is also perfectly located to enjoy the beach, as well as the city.

1000 nights apartment is 5 minutes from the beach and less than 15 minutes walk to Carmel Market.

Disclosure

Some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend companies, activities, or products that I use myself. Thank you for your support in keeping my blog live!