Tel Aviv – it’s a great city where everything is mixed. It’s landscapes are so diverse that sometimes it seems that all this just can not exist in the same city. А modern metropolis with skyscrapers, the oldest port in Israel, ancient streets, authentic souvenir shops, bohemian center and clean beaches. You can fall in love with at first sight and then never forget it. If it happened that you have not been to Tel Aviv, we feel sorry for you and strongly advise you to go there.
1. Awesome beaches
Thousands of tourists come every year to Israel to enjoy the hot climate and stay on the Mediterranean coast. Tel-Aviv is perfect for a beach holiday – there are more than 10 free beaches that are as good as private.
The city government is carring about the coastal zone and all the beaches are clean, have the infrastructure, sometimes space for sports. Each beach has its own characteristics – there is a beach for men and women, there is a beach where you mostly can see teens, there is a beach for dog lovers and LGBT beach. It is safe for you and your children — there is a lifeguard which controls the safety of tourists and sometimes screams where you need to move to be in their vision. If there is a sea storm it will be forbidden to swim. By the way, June – a period of jellyfish, so be careful.
2. Tel-Aviv – the most tolerant and partying city of the Middle East.
Tel-Aviv is often called the antithesis of Jerusalem, it has more freedom from religious prejudices. Usually people go to Jerusalem to see the the cultural heritage of the city and visit the holy places, and in Tel-Aviv they are looking various night activities.
It can be described as a place that is free from intolerance and fully open to new experiences. Representatives of the LGBT community feel there absolutely freely and comfortably, while the number of clubs can please even the most discerning traveler. “The city that never sleeps” – as it is called, and it is 100% true. To verify this, we recommend you to go on Thursday night journey on the night embankment, wear your best look and take a lot of money.
3. Tel-Aviv is not cheap
Tel Aviv is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Prices are really high and the trip there can not be called a “budget”. Be prepared for the fact that you will spend more money than in Europe, or at any other resorts. This is not the best part but it is totally worth it. There are many beautiful and interesting places that you can visit for free.
For example, as we mentioned, beaches in Te- Aviv are free. You can not spend a lot of money for transport — Tel-Aviv is not a very big city and you can just walk and enjoy. Food markets are cheaper than in supermarkets. Portions in restaurants are literally huge and you can buy a dish and divide it into 2 or 3 persons. Be prepared for the fact that the salad will be served in the impressive deep plate, and the waiter will bring you free oriental snacks.
4. Tel-Aviv is perfect for cyclists
The city was laid with 45 kilometers of bicycle paths, some of which is right next to the sea. Imagine how nice it is to get to the beach, dip in the warm water, and then ride you bike. There are also services of renting bikes and it’s definitely one of those services, which you should use. Roads in the city are full of cars, parking is expensive, so that the bike – it is the best and eco-friendly solution.
5. Tel-Aviv is very safe
The city is famous for its high standard of living and security for residents and tourists. Parents can let children walk at night, and that says a lot. Of course, extra caution can not hurt, but you can feel safe. And most importantly – you’ll be able to prove all the people who think that traveling to Israel is life-threatening that this is not true.
6. Some things may not work on Saturday
For those who are not familiar with Jewish culture and the concept of “Shabbat,” we can explain briefly: the period after sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday is sacred and during this time it is forbidden to work. Of course, as a tourist city, Tel Aviv is usually can ignore it, but, for example, public transport will not function.
7. Tel-Aviv is actually Tel-Aviv Jaffa
Jaffa – the oldest part of the city, it existed before the appearance of the modern city, which we are use to see. In fact, it is two cities that function as a single unit. Jaffa is incredibly beautiful and if you want to look for ancient Israel, you should definitely go there.
8. People love dogs in Tel-Aviv
You can easily go to any coffee shop with a dog, and anyone will not dare to kick you out. Also there are 4 beaches for dog lovers, where pets can play without leash in the sand and splash in the sea.
9. A huge variety of food
Israel is known for its cuisine, which is a mix of Eastern, the Mediterranean and European. Just remember words such as hummus, falafel, tahini and shakshuka and when you will try all of this, you can start gastronomic experiments.
Seafood in Israel is in a huge variety and incredibly tasty. Lots of fruits and vegetable, and, for example, mango, is not exotic at all in Israel. Almost everywhere you can find carts that sell fresh juices for the ridiculous price. Pomegranates are also cheap and you can buy a fresh almost anywhere – it is very refreshing. And as we have said – be careful in restaurants and cafes: it is impossible to eat one dish by yourself.
10. Everyone speaks English
In Israel, the English language is a must for everyone, even for children. Tel Aviv is a big and developed city and it is not a problem for people to use english. Sometimes pointers in the city are written only in Hebrew and Arabic. The same situation you can find out in the shops – all the names written in hieroglyphics that are unknown to us. You can not hesitate and ask people anything you do not understand – they will be happy to answer and help, because the Israelis are very kind and helpful.
And the last – Tel Aviv is always beautiful in any season, You need to book an apartment!