Tel Aviv is fast-paced, vibrant, and full of party people.
Boasting 14km of urban beaches spanning the Mediterranean coast, and countless after-dark attractions, Tel Aviv promises a good time.
The city is also a gateway to Israel’s natural wonders and revered sites, making it an ideal travel destination for history lovers.
Icelandair offers regular flights to Tel Aviv from the USA. Come and explore the beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, vast desert and the Dead Sea.
The best time to go to Tel Aviv
The best time of the year to visit Tel Aviv is during its shoulder seasons (April – June and September – October). At this time of year, it will still be warm but you will avoid the harsh heat and humidity of the summer, as well as those summer crowds.
Winter (December – March) can get pretty wet, and the city is no stranger to a spot of rain and a little frost. But as long as you don’t mind those cooler temperatures, visiting Tel Aviv in the winter is likely to be the cheapest time of year to travel.
No matter what time of the year you plan your trip, we recommend booking your Tel Aviv flights in advance to secure the best deal.
Places to visit in Tel Aviv
If you’ve come for more than sand and sea, there are bustling neighborhoods offering character and creativity in abundance, as well as museums, galleries and cultural events offering insight into this history-loaded part of the world.
Jaffa is older than the city itself – it’s the ancient port city that Tel Aviv grew from. It’s perfect for wandering, and the narrow alleys and buildings of the Old City are worlds away from modern Tel Aviv.
Check out the flea market and the Old Port, then hunt out some stellar street food.
The city also has one of the world’s best collections of Bauhaus architecture, and the White City area was named a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its multitude of preserved buildings.
Wander down tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard, the city’s most beautiful avenue, to admire the impressive collection of architectural gems on display.
Places to eat in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a true melting pot of cultures, and the city shines with a diverse range of Middle Eastern dishes and some of the Mediterranean's finest fare.
Top of the list of must-tries: falafel, hummus, shawarma (a variation of doner kebab) and shakshuka (baked eggs in tomato sauce, often served for breakfast).
There are mountains of fresh produce too, so salads, juices and smoothies are always a hit. In fact, Tel Aviv has been dubbed the ‘vegan capital of the world’.
Carmel Market is the city’s largest market, filled to the brim with spices, fabrics and fresh produce. It’s also the best place to go in search of cheap and delicious street food, from hummus to halva, boureka to bagels.
The Sarona Market is another crowd-pleaser, but more sleek and modern in tone. This culinary hot-spot houses around 100 businesses, including specialty food shops from all around the world and numerous eateries headed by popular local chefs.
Things to do in Tel Aviv
Nothing beats walking or cycling along Tel Aviv’s seaside promenade (locally known as the Tayelet).
It’s bookended by Old Jaffa Port in the south and Marina in the north, and along the way are countless beaches, bars and cafes. This is prime sunset-viewing territory.
If you prefer a sand-free option, check out Gordon Pool, right by the marina on the promenade. This is a 50-meter open-air pool filled with seawater, and it’s a great place to relax with your travel companions.
Another urban oasis is Hayarkon Park, a large green space that’s ideal for picnics, biking, activities, and outdoor events.
Tel Aviv can be bustling and hot, so escaping to recharge can be a good idea.
One of the best day trips is to Masada, an ancient mountaintop fortress in the desert. Hike the winding trail up (we recommend you do it at sunrise, before the heat sets in), or take the cable car. Finish a memorable day with a float in the salty waters of the nearby Dead Sea.
Jerusalem is only 50 minutes by train from Tel Aviv, and you could easily fill a few days exploring the sacred sites of one of the world’s spiritual capitals.
Getting around Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a relatively flat city and a lot of the attractions are within close proximity to each other. This means a good way to get around is on foot or by bicycle. The city offers an affordable and casual bike rental service with stations all across the city, ideal for travelers.
However, if you’re traveling between districts or a little further afield then you may want to take the bus or hail a cab. You won’t have any trouble finding either in Tel Aviv.
