This must-read guide to the best things to do in Tel Aviv covers it all – food, art, architecture, nature, activities, and history!
Tel Aviv is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a lot to offer tourists and travelers. From world-class museums and historical sites to delicious food and beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in Tel Aviv.
Whether you’re traveling with your family, partner, or friends, here are 15 of the best things to do in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Israel’s largest art museum, is home to an impressive collection of permanent and temporary exhibits. The Museum was established in 1932, years before the state of Israel was established. Then in 2011, the museum added a new architecturally stunning wing.
The museum’s collection includes both Israeli and international artists, with pieces from the impressionism and post-impressionism movements. Some notable works on permanent display include those by Cezanne, Kandinsky, Chagall, Rodin, Picasso, and Dali.
For any art lover, this is a must-visit destination.
Dizengoff Street is one of Tel Aviv’s central streets. This street is always lively, with restaurants, shops, and other businesses that are almost always full. Window shopping on Dizengoff is a fun way to spend an afternoon exploring Tel Aviv.
But some say Dizengoff is even better in the evening. Eateries, shops, and bars stay open late, so you can always find something to do here. So if you’re looking for a drink to wind down in the evening, be sure to make your way here.
Habima Square is a beautiful, central square located in the heart of Tel Aviv next to the city’s main streets, Dizengoff Street and Rothschild Boulevard.
The word ‘Ha Bima’ means ‘stage’ in Hebrew. So Habima takes its name from the theater on the square, but it also refers to the public space that becomes a live theater of city life.
The square is a popular meeting spot for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the unique sunken garden in the center of the square. The garden is a popular destination for all types of people. You can often find solo visitors relaxing and reading, young families spending quality time together, and kids playing in the sandpit.
It’s the perfect spot to engage in some people-watching! Recently I saw some free yoga and breathwork classes taking place on the square, so you never know what you might come across.
Tel Aviv is often called “the white city.” This is because of the large number of Bauhaus-style buildings that were built in the city in the 1930s. The style is characterized by its simplicity and functionality. And the buildings are primarily white.
In fact, Tel Aviv has become a World Heritage site because of its best-preserved examples of the Bauhaus style.
Today, many of these buildings are still in use and have been adapted to meet the needs of modern life. Tracking down these fascinating buildings can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.
If you want to learn more, The Bauhaus Center in Tel Aviv is a great place to take a deep dive into the Bauhaus style of architecture and its history.
Visits to Independence Hall at 16 Rothschild Boulevard won’t be possible again until 2024 due to the extensive renovations currently taking place, but its history is well worth exploring.
On May 14, 1948, at 4 PM, in the presence of members of the Jewish National Council and Yishuv leaders, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of Israel in the main hall of the building on Rothschild Boulevard.
When learning about Israel’s modern history, this is a can’t-miss stop.
Tel Aviv is known for its great food scene. You can find just about any type of cuisine here, from Israeli to Ethiopian to Thai. And of course, there are plenty of great places to get traditional falafel.
Some of my personal favorites include Caffe Kaymak, which serves vegetarian, Middle Eastern food (49 Levinsky St. Tel Aviv, 66526), and Mifgash Rambam (Rambam 3, Tel Aviv) for some gourmet street food.
No trip to Tel Aviv would be complete without a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. From May through October, the water is warm and perfect for swimming. But even in the winter, you won’t want to miss the beautiful seaside views.
You can find beaches all along the Mediterranean coast of Tel Aviv. Some of my favorites include Gordon Beach, which is great for families, and Frishman Beach, which is popular with young people.
You’ll see people surfing, playing volleyball, and soccer, and, of course, sunbathing and enjoying the incredible views.
Jaffa, also known as Yafo, is an ancient port city located in modern-day Tel Aviv. The old narrow streets and courtyards have become a must-see destination for anyone visiting Tel Aviv. Stroll through the winding alleyways, admire the beautiful architecture, and stop for a refreshing cup of coffee in one of the many cafes.
The Old City–with its narrow passageways and ancient buildings–feels like a world away from the modern landscape of Tel Aviv.
Jaffa’s flea market is a well-known attraction in the area for its unique offerings, selling anything from Turkish carpets to original art.
And if you want to dive deeper into this rich history of Jaffa, consider joining one of the many walking tours offered in the area. You won’t regret it!
The Carmel Market, or “Shuk HaCarmel” in Hebrew, is a great place to buy fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs. You’ll find almost anything you could want here, from clothes to housewares to meat, fresh fruit, spices, and sweet treats.
Just remember, like most stores in Israel, Carmel Market closes before sundown on Friday and will remain closed until the start of the work week on Sunday in observance of Shabbat.
Shabazi Street, the main street of Tel Aviv’s Neve Tzedek neighborhood, is lined with chic local and international brands, designer boutiques, and restaurants.
This picturesque district was Tel Aviv’s first-ever neighborhood back in 1887, but its real estate has soared in value in recent years, making it one of the city’s most exclusive shopping destinations – and a hub for French expats.
A trip to Neve Tzedek would not be complete without a visit to the Nachum Gutman Museum of Art. The museum features both static and interactive exhibits, which perfectly capture the artsy vibe of this serene neighborhood. After visiting the museum, you can also explore other nearby galleries and ceramics studios.
Yarkon Park is the largest park in Tel Aviv and is perfect for a stroll or picnic with friends. The park also contains an amphitheater where you can catch a concert or show, enjoy the Yarkon river, and several beautiful lakes.
Think of it as Tel Aviv’s version of Central Park.
If you’re looking for a special activity for a fun day in the park, consider renting a paddle boat to enjoy the beautiful park views from the river.
Rothschild Boulevard is the perfect place to experience all that Tel Aviv has to offer.
This picturesque boulevard stretches from Habima Theater to the Neveh Tzedek neighborhood and is shaded by ficus and poinciana trees with pleasant benches scattered at their feet. Rothschild is not only Tel Aviv’s very first boulevard, but also the city’s cultural center.
The boulevard is lined with beautiful Bauhaus architecture, top-notch restaurants, charming kiosks, and chic cafes. Visitors can enjoy a stroll down the pedestrian-only path or take a bike down the boulevard.
Be sure to take note of the many landmarks along the way, such as The beautiful Founders Monument and Fountain across from Independence Hall, constructed on the 40th anniversary of Tel Aviv, and the very first food kiosk!
The Nahalat Binyamin Art Fair, open every Tuesday and Friday, is a source of inspiration for artists and art lovers alike.
For more than 30 years, the fair has been showcasing the best in Israeli art, with stalls featuring everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and textiles.
The fair is also known for its commitment to supporting eco-friendly and recycled art, with several stalls dedicated to upcycled materials.
Whether you’re looking to purchase a unique piece of artwork or simply admire the creativity on display, the Nachlat Binyamin Art Fair is well worth a visit.
For theater lovers, the Cameri Theater is a must-visit destination in Tel Aviv. This world-renowned theater has been entertaining audiences since 1944 and stages an average of 10 new productions each year.
Notably, the theater offers simultaneous translations into Russian, English, and Arabic so that everyone can enjoy the shows.
The theater’s repertoire includes a mix of classics and contemporary works, so there is something for everyone.
There is no better way to end a perfect day in Tel Aviv than by watching the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
If you don’t want to get your feet sandy, one of the best places to see the sunset is at Charles Clore Park, where you can take in the stunning views of the sea, Jaffa Port, and the Tel Aviv skyline.
When it comes to deciding when to visit Tel Aviv, there are a few things to keep in mind. The weather is one of the most important factors, as you’ll want to be comfortable during your stay.
Early fall or spring are the best times to visit, as the weather isn’t too hot but you can still enjoy the beach. If you come in the summer, be prepared for temperatures in the 90s. Don’t forget to pack a sunhat to protect yourself from the heat and wear comfortable walking sandals.
Read more: Israel Travel Guide & Packing Tips: Everything You Need to Know
Another thing to keep in mind is that Tel Aviv gets very busy during the Jewish holidays, so if you’re looking for a quiet trip, it’s best to avoid these times. The holidays fall on different dates each year, but a quick Google search will point you in the right direction.
Many people who visit Israel come for the historic and spiritual sites. But Tel Aviv is an amazing city with so much to see and do no matter what your religion is.
From world-class museums to delicious food and beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in Tel Aviv.
One of my favorite things about the city is that there’s always something new to discover. From trying new restaurants, walking through a new neighborhood, and discovering beautiful Bauhaus buildings, to finding a new park or beach spot. Each time I come to Tel Aviv, I find that I always walk away with new memories and experiences.
I hope this list has inspired you to start planning your trip to Tel Aviv!
Author Bio: Alisa Goz is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and passionate life-long learner. Join Alisa at AlisaGoz.com for the best tips for stress-free travel. Before starting her blog, Alisa worked as a non-profit fundraiser at top New York cultural institutions. She carries her passion for building community through everything she does.
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