Discover Tel Aviv

Discover Tel Aviv

Israel, with its longstanding reputation as the “startup nation,” is uniquely positioned to serve as a global, dynamic technology hub and accelerator to high-potential innovations addressing the crisis of brain disease. Ranked one of the world’s leading innovative cities, Tel Aviv is at the heart of the global startup scene. Through its vast resources, top talent, highest level of venture capital per capita, and non-stop culture, Tel Aviv is the place to be.

Tel Aviv is modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, it is a sun-bronzed strip of coastline where coffee and culinary creativity are the local obsessions, where residents speak every language under the sun, and where life is lived outdoors and to the fullest.

Check out some of the city’s highlights:

Old Jaffa & Jaffa Port

A short walk south along the coast from downtown Tel Aviv brings you to the old Arab port town of Jaffa, with its preserved acropolis remains and well-restored stone architecture. Jaffa (or Yafo) is one of the oldest ports in the world, and legendary, the port from which Jonah left in the story of Jonah and the whale. The port is still used by fisherman but is also offering lots of touristic attractions in the form of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The Old City of Jaffa offers a picturesque feel when you walk the narrow streets, climb small alleys, and enjoy ancient buildings and landmarks. It’s particularly lively in the evening when the old town throngs with diners.

Rothschild Boulevard

Wander down Tel Aviv’s most beautiful tree-lined boulevard and embrace the classic Bauhaus architecture. With everything from charming cafes and lively late night clubs to historical museums and endless charming places to sit and relax, Rothschild Boulevard is the perfect central Tel Aviv spot to explore. At the end of the Boulevard, you find the Culture Square, where three of the city’s most important cultural institutions meet: The Habima National Theatre, the Mann Auditorium, and the contemporary art exhibition in the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion. The square is designed by artist Dani Karavan and is a lovely place to sit, relax, and listen to classical music.

Carmel Market

Shuk HaCarmel is the biggest and main market in Tel Aviv where traders sell everything from clothing to spices, and fruit to electronics. The hustle and bustle, vibrant noise, colors and smells, as well as its reputation as the largest authentic Middle-Eastern style shuk in Tel Aviv, all make the Carmel Market a favorite place for everyone from first time tourists visiting the city, to locals who come here to get the freshest fruit and vegetables, and some of the cheapest products in the city. Start from King George/Allenby street and walk all the way to the other and at the Carmelit Bus Station, or vice versa.

Beach & Sport

National Geographic included Tel Aviv in its ”10 best beach cities in the world” list, and for good reason! The Tel Aviv coastline is comprised of 13 unique beaches that each gives a different view and offers a different experience. The most popular sandy stretches are centrally-located Gordon Beach, Frishman Beach, and Banana Beach. Beach and water sports are very popular here. Surfing, sailing, rowing, swimming, supping, diving or volleyball, the options are endless. And if you’re more into walking, running or cycling, The Tayelet (paved boardwalk) that runs along the beach between central Tel Aviv and Jaffa offers a glorious view.

Getting to Tel Aviv

Getting to and from Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international airport is generally an easy task with many options available including the train, shuttles, taxis, sheruts (shared taxis), and car rental. By far trains are the most cost-effective and convenient way to get to and from the airport. Trains leave every half hour from 6 am to 12 am, and every hour from 12 am to 6 am. The only inconvenient aspect of the train is that it does not run from late Friday afternoon to Saturday evening due to Shabbat.
Check out the other options here.

Moving around Tel Aviv

Between the bustling streets and sprawling nature of the city, the prospect of getting around in Tel Aviv and Jaffa can be daunting at first, but a bit of familiarity with the various modes of transportation will go along way in ensuring that you have pleasant experience. The city has a flat terrain, so cycling and walking are definitely possibilities, but the most common modes of transportation are still car, bus, taxi and Uber.

Travel documents & visas

The two mandatory travel documents for anyone traveling to Israel are:
Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in Israel. If it’s not, make sure to renew your passport before traveling to Israel.
Departure Ticket – You must also have a valid departure ticket out of the country within 3 months, unless you have a longer term visa before you arrive.
Israel has visa exemption agreements with many countries – for visits of up to 90 days. Check whether you need to obtain a visa to visit Israel – click here.