About

When people start thinking about possible cities to visit for a long-weekend, more often than not, Tel Aviv does not feature in their top 10 choices of destinations. However, this would be a gross oversight to any traveller’s list of must visit cities. Tel Aviv is not only much easier to reach than people think, but it also offers an intriguing mix of buzzing, cutting edge nightlife, golden beaches minutes from the city centre, year round sun (while at the same time rain clouds gather over Europe!), as well as the proximity to some truly important world heritage sites; including Jerusalem, within an hour of Tel Aviv.

Things to see and do

Tel Aviv is the perfect location for anyone who wants to stretch the summer and minimise the effects of the harsh US and European winter. It’s enviable position, washed by the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, in the heart of the Middle East, means that the weather is favourable and the sea is clean and pleasant to swim.

The long promenade that runs along the length of the city’s coast makes the sea accessible to everyone. It’s very a pleasant place to stroll in the evening, bike or stop off for a drink at one of the many bars and café’s along the way. The beaches are sandy and there are beaches for everyone, from the café del mar-type of bar with funky lounge music and beautiful people around the Hilton hotel, to the more down to earth beaches further down such as the Gordon beach.

Such is the city’s desire to party that nightlight does not centre in one place; instead it branches out into many places, from the new cool clubs in Old Jaffa which has amalgamated with Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv port which houses upscale shops and clubs, without forgetting traditional hotspots such as clubs and bars around the Dizengoff centre.

After years of monopoly by the major airlines, the low cost airlines have made an appearance on the scene finally flying to Israel and Tel Aviv in particular from major European cities. A mere 4 hours from London for example; Tel Aviv is comparable to flight times to the Canary Islands.

Tel Aviv also has a thriving art scene as well as offering some great independent shops. Jaffa flea market on Amiad street is a great place to find artist studios, antiques and find some interesting bargains.

Tel Aviv also has some architectural gems – the city is one of the few places in the world to have a number of streets with original, preserved 1920s Bauhaus style buildings which stand out from their surroundings. For those interested there is a Bauhaus Museum and the city organises free city tours which include some Bauhaus streets en route.
The old port is also now a place to eat along the renovated boardwalk, with excellent, world-class restaurants.

The city of Tel Aviv exudes a self believe and confidence were its inhabitants get on with their everyday lives; the troubles in the Middle East seem a world away in this progressive city that could easy be mistaken for a European city transplanted in the Middle East.

Tel Aviv is also a great base to explore other parts of Israel, all of which can be reached in a couple of hours thanks to the small size of this country.

Getting to and from

Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International airport is located 19km from Tel Aviv and is the main airport serving all of Israel. It is easily accessible via road, bus, train and public transport. Travellers should be aware that upon departure security procedures can be significantly more stringent and time consuming than other international locations. It is in fact recommended to allow a minimum of 4 hours to clear security prior to flight departure. Arrival procedures are usually straightforward. There is a “Metropoline” service from Terminal 3 to the city centre as well as regular Egged Shuttle buses.