From the street’s vibrant cafés and Mediterranean beaches to the tops of the Bauhaus buildings dotted around, there is no city that screams “Live life!” more than Tel Aviv. So much so, it recently left a huge imprint on singer Robbie Williams and Guns and Roses who performed concerts in the immense Hayarkon Park. Should you find yourself on a short visit to this enchanting and raucous city, we have created an itinerary packed with the city’s must-sees, so you get the best experience of two days in Tel Aviv.

With an unrivaled crop of historic and cultural attractions, first-rate Israeli, Ethiopian, and Arabic restaurants, and the diversity of music and nightlife associated with London, Paris or New York, the challenge in a short time is to narrow it down. Here, we do so, to give you a strong flavor of the city and leave with some of your own personal “Only in Israel” memories, and fortunately, the three Dan Hotels in Tel Aviv are as ideal urban landmarks as they are relaxing, luxurious getaways.

Travel Tips for Navigating Tel Aviv

With a full two-day Tel Aviv itinerary, after leaving Ben Gurion Airport, head towards the sign for the train and purchase from the automated machine a temporary RavKav, a travel card you can load and use on buses and trains while you are in town, or you can learn more and load it via the app. There are a further few apps that will serve you well:  Moovit/HopOn – after setting it to Tel Aviv, this will be your godsend wherever you are, showing you bus numbers, nearby stops, train times, and live updates, enabling you to plan the best way of getting anywhere in the city, at any time; Lime/Wind – these e-scooter apps are perfect for the promenade and a fun and stress-free experience to take you from Tel Aviv Port (HaNamal) in northern Tel Aviv, all the way down to Jaffa in the south; Gett for taxis-on-demand. While WiFi is reliable everywhere, if you are roaming around and have no data plan, download and save a Google Map of the city. Rest assured, all is close by, so put on some comfortable walking shoes and get to know this incredible city.

Learn to navigate Tel Aviv like a local >>

Day 1 in Tel Aviv: From Morning Coffee to Evening Markets

Morning:
Wake up early, grab a coffee and start your day with a visit to the bustling Tel Aviv Port area, known as “HaNamal”. Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoy the sea breeze, and grab a coffee or breakfast at one of the trendy cafés overlooking the water. Close by is Secret Beach and Tel Baruch Beach, among the quieter beaches, fully equipped with green lawns, outdoor workout areas, and tranquil waves, away from the more popular central beaches. After a few hours of rest and relaxation, walk or jump on one of the many south-bound buses along Dizengoff Street, jumping off at the renowned public square, Dizengoff Square, named after the wife of the city’s first mayor. Built back in 1934 and renovated many times, the square-with-the-fountain is an outdoor hub of relaxation, a roundabout at the meeting of six streets and a perfect meeting point, spidering out to a large number of coffee shops and restaurants.

Afternoon:
Continue walking down Dizengoff Street, passing the Dizengoff Center, Israel’s first shopping mall, and turn right onto King George Street, about 15 minutes, towards the lively Carmel market. Having first opened in 1920, just over a decade after the establishment of the city, it is an integral part of the history of Tel Aviv. The top end of the Carmel Market is traditionally focused on clothing, electronics and tourist souvenirs, the lower part is mainly food and fresh produce stalls, with a walk down the narrow street a particularly special experience on Thursdays and Shabbat, which starts Fridays at sundown. A growing number of boutique stalls and eateries have sprung up in the crisscrossing alleyways, selling boutique beers, a range of halva, and a variety of international cuisines.

Evening:
Exiting the market on Allenby Street, one of the principal north-south thoroughfares, head south to explore the Florentin neighborhood, an industrial zone-turned-artist enclave and one of the popular local neighborhoods in the city. Visit the open-till-late Levinsky Market, where the exotic smells of local spices fill the air, and although smaller than the nearby Carmel Market, here you will find some great dining options to round off the day, as well as snazzy little wine bars, coffee establishments and takeaway establishments, such as Sabich Frishman, dishing up the most flavorful sabich and falafel.

Day 2 in Tel Aviv: From Ancient Jaffa to Modern Art and Cuisine

Morning:
Rejuvenated and fulfilled after day 1, put on those sneakers or pick up an e-scooter from just in front of the rainbow façade of the Dan Tel Aviv, and head south along the promenade (or “tayelet”), passing the different beaches en route to the ancient port city of Jaffa, a rich part of the city’s urban tapestry. Explore the courtyards and narrow passageways, filled with art galleries, jewelry shops, and charming cafés, visit and haggle at the famous Jaffa Flea Market, known for its antiques, vintage clothing, and unique souvenirs, and take in the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and watch the fishermen at work.

Afternoon:
A 20-minute stroll from the Jaffa Flea Market, passing the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv, will bring you to Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv’s first neighborhood. Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of a district known for its picturesque streets, boutiques, art galleries, Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater, and quaint streetside cafés. As you emerge from the top of Shabazi Street, make your way to the tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard. Grab an ice cream or frozen yogurt and people-watch as locals, tourists, strollers, dog-walkers, and families mix, mingle and go about their business under a lush canopy of poincianas. Pensioners relax by playing boules in the center of a busy street while a tourists relax in deckchairs reading from a street library near Habima Square at the top of this special boulevard.

Evening:
With your batteries recharged, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art is a stunning building containing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned Israeli and international artists. Open late Tuesdays and Thursdays, the museum is just a five-minute walk from the young and fresh LINK Hotel & Hub and a 15-minute walk to Sarona Market, Israel’s largest indoor culinary complex, a gourmet market and a foodie’s heaven. On 8,700 square meters, almost 100 shops of all categories, stalls and restaurants offer you some of the best local produce – fruit and vegetables from Emek Hefer and the Arava, lamb and veal from the Golan Heights, fresh fish from the Mediterranean Sea, local wines, boutique beer, chocolates and hand-made pastries.

After just two days in Tel Aviv, you will board your plane, having had your taste buds stimulated by an innovative culinary scene, brain challenged by a thriving arts and cultural scene, and heart warmed by friendly and direct locals, all leaving you wanting to come back for more.

Tel Aviv is a city of contrasts. A modern city in an ancient world; vibrant and innovative, yet chaotic and relentless; secular and open-minded, but passionate and forthright. It is part of the package that makes your time here special. With a thriving art scene, hypnotic architecture, glorious Middle Eastern food, and the unwavering warmth of the people, you will find an ‘at home’ feel you might not have expected.

Located on 15km of shoreline along the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv traces its history back to April 11, 1909, recently celebrating its 114^th birthday. The U.S. was already welcoming William Howard Taft as its 27^th President. On that day, a new neighborhood called Ahuzat Bayit, later known as Tel Aviv, was formed when a lottery in which 66 grey seashells and 66 white seashells were paired together and allocated to families looking to move out of overcrowded Jaffa. From those origins, sprang Tel Aviv, which grew – rapidly in the 1930s, with a peak wave of Jewish immigration from war-torn Europe – and the city slowly emerged as the entertainment, cultural and business center. Theatres were established and the first trade fair took place in the early 1930s. Jaffa was amalgamated with Tel Aviv in 1950, and the united municipality became officially known as Tel Aviv–Yafo. Today, the engine of the Israeli economy and innovation, Tel Aviv is the backbone of Israel’s largest metropolitan area, over two-fifths of Israel’s population, with Tel Aviv-Yafo itself surpassing 460,000.

In this Tel Aviv neighborhood guide, we look at popular neighborhoods with vibes as diverse as the residents who live there. From the busy to the calm, the eclectic to the edgy, Tel Aviv neighborhoods have it all. The very first neighborhood – the charming and civilized Neve Tzedek – was established by a group of families in 1887, also as an escape from crowded Jaffa, which today is renowned for the smell of fresh fish and sea air, and the familiar sound of the call of the muezzin. The oldest seaport in the world, Jaffa has been a port city for over 4,000 years and is believed to be where Jonah (of ‘Jonah and the Whale’ fame) set off from. By contrast, south Tel Aviv’s Florentine neighborhood has emerged as a bohemian hipster ‘hood, decorated with some of the most fascinating street art in Tel Aviv, a long way from its founding by Greek Jews from Thessaloniki almost a century ago. More modern art and culture can be found in the center, at, and close to, Habima Square, which branches out into the iconic Rothschild Boulevard and Dizengoff Street, among others. North of the historic city center is the Old North, whose focus is Tel Aviv Port (“Hanamal”), today, one of the largest cultural and entertainment centers in the country. Developed in the 1930s and 1940s, it was called the “Old North” to distinguish it from the New North – built after the establishment of the state and which stretches eastwards to Kikar HaMedina, the largest plaza in Tel Aviv and home to many high-end stores stocking the global super brands.

Neve Tzedek: You’ll love Tel Aviv’s first neighborhood
A short walk from one of the best hotels in Tel Aviv, the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv, you will discover the artsy neighborhood of Neve Tzedek: a cluster of cobbled streets, a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of central Tel Aviv, just to the north. Stroll down the enchanting Shabazi Street, lined with designer boutiques, classy wine bars, romantic cafés and ambient restaurants from where you can people-watch. Nearby, the Nahum Gutman Museum, once the meeting place for Tel Aviv writers, today holds the collection of works by Tel Aviv artist Nahum Gutman. Take in a show at the Suzanne Dellal Centre, before popping into the Anita on the way home, for one of their classic gelatos.

Jaffa: a hybrid of the ancient and the modern

South of the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv is the fascinating ancient port city of Jaffa, whose narrow alleyways usher you through a long and unparalleled history. Jaffa’s timeless attractions lie among the dynamic and lively mix of art galleries and workshops. Make sure you take a daily walking tour from the Jaffa Clock Tower, sample the street food, and explore the legendary Jaffa Flea Market (“Shuk Hapishpeshim”), to take home one of the colorful rugs, authentic Middle Eastern antiques, “hamsa” lucky charms, and more. By night, there is a hive of activity around the area’s restaurants, many with a splendid view of the sea and Tel Aviv to the north.

Florentine: The definition of urban cool
This industrial zone-turned-artist enclave is the perfect place to spend the day. A short bus ride north from Jaffa, and 20 minutes south from the Dan Tel Aviv, Florentine has become one of the best neighborhoods in Tel Aviv. Start your visit at the Levinsky Market, where the exotic smells of local spices fill the air. Though smaller than the nearby Carmel Market, here you will find a more local feel, some of the best Yemenite food, and the most flavorful sabich and falafel. Take in the youthful vibe of this authentic ‘Tel Avivi’ neighborhood, and, with a walking tour, you can learn more about the creative street art plastered all over many walls and shutters.

Habima to Dizengoff Square: The center of the action
A ten-minute walk east from the Dan Tel Aviv will bring you into the heart of Tel Aviv, one of the main public squares, Kikar Dizengoff. Named for the wife of Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff, the square – with a fountain and outdoor seating – is actually a roundabout at the intersection of six streets. Keep heading south to discover Dizengoff Center, Israel’s first mall, completed 30 years ago, and straight down Dizengoff Street brings you to the back of Habima Square, home to Israel’s National Theater and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Walk down the center of Rothschild Boulevard, next to dog-walkers clutching multiple leashes, families mingling under a lush green canopy, while pensioners play boules in the center of this beautiful street.

The Old North: The place to relax
Walking or scootering north along the promenade in front of the Dan Tel Aviv, you will reach the Tel Aviv Port, located in the Old North. Laid out on a sprawling wooden deck, the Tel Aviv port is buzzing with leisure, entertainment, shopping outlets and a Farmer’s Market. As the daytime crowd retreats, the port becomes one of the most popular drinking and partying spots. Nearby, Hayarkon Park draws in many runners, Tai Chi fanatics, and yoga-lovers who come to enjoy the picnic spots here, or party in the summer with the global bands performing concerts to the public. Further north, you have the Eretz Israel Museum and the ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, both well worth a visit.

Best way to get around Tel Aviv

With four main train stations and Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, Tel Aviv is the country’s main transport hub and easy to reach from Ben Gurion airport, and to navigate when here. The best way to explore, is to choose a neighborhood and walk. An extensive bus network will get you anywhere you need to go, as well as small yellow taxi (“sherut”), bike, or e-scooter. Buy a Ravkav travel card at any of the train stations or city’s kiosks for use on public transport, and download the Moovit app for lines and live schedules.

This city that never sleeps runs on an adrenalin and an energy like few others, with residents living life here at 100%. The mix of western and Middle Eastern culture is quite unlike anywhere else, and while each of the city’s neighborhoods beat to the sound of a different drum, Tel Aviv’s heart would not be the same without them.

Quick-fire Q&A about Tel Aviv:

Why Tel Aviv is so famous?
With spectacular beaches, first-rate dining, the ideal climate, and a buzzing outdoor culture, this city’s magic will leave a memorable imprint on you, long after you depart.

Why is Tel Aviv called the White City?
Tel Aviv is nicknamed the ‘White City,’ referencing the approximate 4,000 white buildings built in the early 20th-century German style, Bauhaus. Tracing its roots back to 1919 Germany, this architectural movement found a home in Tel Aviv, and central Tel Aviv has more 1930s Bauhaus-style buildings than any other city and it was designated one of the first ‘modern’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world in 2003. Look for structures characterized by trademark horizontal lines, flat roofs, white walls and an almost complete lack of fancy decoration or learn more on a walking tour from Bauhaus Center, at Dizengoff 77.

Where should I stay in Tel Aviv?
With three hotels in Tel Aviv, the Dan Tel Aviv, the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv and the cutting-edge LINK Hotel & Hub, you are close to all the action, and have access to some of the most luxurious and relaxing facilities around.

What are the main neighborhoods in Tel Aviv?
From the Old and New North at one end of the city, and Florentine, Neve Tzedek and Jaffa at the other, you will always be within walking distance of the sea. The outer lying suburbs include Ramat Aviv, Ramat Gan and Givatayim, all a bus ride away if you want to explore a little out of the city.

How many days do you need in Tel Aviv?
Seven days in Tel Aviv should give you a flavor of how the city breathes, lives and loves. You will be able to cover the majority of the principal attractions, but then there is Jerusalem, Haifa, Eilat and more, as well!

Do they speak English in Tel Aviv?
While it is always good to master a few basic sentences, such as “hello,” “how much is this?” and “thank you” (“shalom” “ka-ma ze o-le?”) and “todah”), the vast majority of people you will encounter in Tel Aviv will understand and speak English.

What is the most beautiful street in Tel Aviv?
Cutting through the heart of Tel Aviv, from Allenby at the bottom end to Habima Theater at the top, the colorful jacaranda-lined Rothschild Boulevard never fails to dazzle. Flanked by restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors, you can meander carefree down the center of the boulevard.

With Tel Aviv the 3rd dog-friendliest city in the world, we look ahead to the lesser known National Dog Day on August 26.

Dogs have been winning our hearts forever. Whether you are fans of the millions of pictures uploaded to Dogs of Israel and Dogs of Tel Aviv on Instagram, or have loved watching man’s best friend on the big screen, taking center stage in movies like Wizard of Oz (with Toto), Lady and The Tramp, Turner & Hooch, Marley & Me, there is a timeless bond between man and dog. To celebrate all breeds, and shine a spotlight on the continued need for canine adoptions and rescues, National Dog Day will be honored on August 26.

2020: Tel Aviv ranks third best city in world for dogs
And nowhere are dogs arguably more celebrated than across Israel, and in particular Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa is renowned as an animal-loving city. With its warm climate, friendly urban policy and wide range of related services, the city is truly unique in its approach towards men’s best friends. It was ranked the 3rd best city in the world for dogs in 2020, according to a German research study, which looked at a range of factors: from the number of dogs to infrastructure, such as pet-supply stores, dog parks and dog-friendly restaurants, ‘doggie daycare’ to the costs and responsibilities of dog ownership. It is easy to see why.

As temperatures climb in the summertime, water bowls are left outside multiple stores across the city, from pet stores to supermarkets, fashion chains to coffee shops, restaurants to ice cream shops, such as Anita and Golda. The public’s warm acceptance of dogs is visible everywhere, from stores and malls to buses and trains.

Since the establishment of the National Center for the Registration of Dogs by the Veterinary Services in the country’s own Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development 15 years ago, there were almost 500,000 dogs registered in Israel in 2019. The National Center’s aim is to regulate the monitoring of dogs in the State of Israel and to create a single nationwide database containing the details of all the dogs registered in Israel, out of the concern for the health of the public and the animals.

According to the Ministry’s own data, popular breeds including the Shih Tzu, Pomeranians and German Shepherds, and the most popular names including Louis for males and Lola for females. While Rishon LeZion, Haifa and Beer Sheva perform very well, it is in Tel Aviv where the dog culture shines brightest.

Kelaviv
Tel Aviv – or Kelaviv (a mix of Kelev, Hebrew for dog, and Tel Aviv) is home to over 20,000 domestic dogs and 70 well-kept dog parks. Visitors will be amazed by how often they will spot dog walkers strolling down main thoroughfares, such as Tel Aviv’s glorious tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard, taking out for walks dogs of vastly different sizes and heights to any of the city’s many dog parks, such as the widely popular Gan Meir and Hayarkon Park.

Unique dog parks and beaches
And boy is there much for them to bark about. There is more than one dog park every square kilometer, and on Tel Aviv’s golden Mediterranean coastline, a short walk from the Dan Tel Aviv, you have a dedicated beach for dogs and their owners, sandwiched adjacent to the religious beach. Here you find a spacious cove where all breeds leap and frolic on the sand and in the waves, under the watchful eye of their owners. There are also fantastic dog-friendly beaches all along the coast, including at Charles Clore Park further south to Tel Baruch in the north, all the way to Herzliya.

In 2017, the smart city of Tel Aviv launched Digi-Dog, a mobile app created specifically for dog owners, alerting them to pet-friendly events and businesses nearby, and it also sends reminders about vaccinations. During 2020’s lockdowns, the number of dog adoptions soared and then fell back dramatically in 2021, according to statistics published by the Let the Animals Live foundation.

All the more reason, as this National Dog Day approaches, we take a look at some of the organizations that can help. On the first Friday of every month, the urban animal shelter for dogs and cats holds an adoption day in front of the Reading Arena, Tel Aviv-Yafo between 10:00 am and 13:30 pm. Others include “Haver Li” (my friend in Hebrew), a nonprofit organization for dog adoption, as well as “Adopt an Animal,” a one-of-its-kind project initiated by the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality to enable animal lovers to adopt abandoned dogs. It is through these organizations, among others, that some of man’s abandoned friends find a new and nurturing home.

It can often feel like dogs come first. They should. They deserve it.

A guide to the best places to shop in Tel Aviv

For some, shopping is an art; for others, it’s a sport. In Tel Aviv, it is an experience. In addition to the markets dotted around the city, Tel Aviv’s shopping scene is constantly growing. Set against the challenges of the pandemic, the city has bounced back. From high-end shopping malls to local streets with unique boutiques, there is a shopping experience for all tastes and budgets.

The iconic Azrieli Mall looms large.
Just 10 minutes on foot from the Link Hotel & Hub, one of three Dan Hotels in Tel Aviv, is the Azrieli Mall, one of the most popular shopping meccas in Tel Aviv. Meander through three floors of more than 150 stores, including Israeli retail chains, toy shops, cosmetics, and electronics stores, stopping off to refuel at any of the 30 restaurants in the Food Hall. Take the elevator up to the 46th floor of the Round tower, one of the three iconic skyscrapers, for a panoramic view of Tel Aviv and the surrounding area.

One of Tel Aviv’s central fixtures is the Dizengoff Center, Israel’s first mall that opened in 1977. Straddling both sides of Dizengoff Street, and connected by skywalks, take your time exploring this multistorey shopping experience – where you can visit over 400 stores, including specialty shops offering comic books, posters, video games and gadgets – and savor the food fair on the ground floor every Friday. Put the shopping bags down and take in a movie at the Lev Dizengoff cinema or head up to the roof to witness the mesmerizing urban sustainability center, filled with a butterfly garden and beehives.
If Dizengoff is the oldest mall, TLV Fashion Mall is one of the newest around, situated in the triangle formed by Hahashmonaim, Carlebach and Menachem Begin Streets, close to all of Tel Aviv’s cultural institutions and in the heart of the city. Countless high fashion brands, including high-end designer wear by Calvin Klein, Armani and Hugo Boss, rub shoulders alongside independent and flagship stores selling local designers.

Sarona Market – Tel Aviv’s stylish shopping complex
A short walk across from Azrieli Mall is Sarona Market, the largest enclosed culinary market in Israel since it opened in 2015. On the southerly edge of the city’s ancient Templar Colony, this area today boasts high-end shops, outlets and fashion stores – such as L’Occitane, idigital store, SOHO Outlet and Story Sarona – surrounded by playgrounds for children. Meanwhile, i nside, dozens of stores invite you to sample and buy gourmet products, such as local wines, boutique beers, and halva – a flaky, tahini-based confectionary.

Unique Gifts at Nachalat Binyamin market
You should check out the famous Sheinkin Street, which contains some of the most popular and trendiest stores, such as the chic Belle & Sue, one of Israel’s first online retailers and colorful brands from Sweden, Denmark, and many others. Just to the west, and in central Tel Aviv, though, is the Nachalat Binyamin Art Fair, one of the biggest in Israel and certainly one of the oldest since it was established in 1988. Set against a backdrop of many historical buildings adorned in fascinating street art, this is one of Tel Aviv’s magical shopping experiences. Open every Tuesday and Friday, there are more than 200 stalls that showcase art and handmade products, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, glass, puppets, toys, games and Judaica.

Bargains at Tel Aviv’s Port; Boutiques in Neve Tzedek
At both ends of the long Tel Aviv promenade are two of the best places to shop in Tel Aviv. At the northern end of the city, the Namal (Hebrew for Port) is a vibrant boardwalk for tourists and locals alike. With retail outlets casting an eye towards the Mediterranean, this is a terrific spot to buy sportswear, home decor and electronics. At the other end of Tel Aviv, close to the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv, there is the quaint neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, awash with old homes, galleries and high-end shops with international brands. Among them, don’t miss Numéro 13, a concept store showcasing clothes by European designers and home décor, and also pay a visit to Fine Lab which sells clothes and home accessories.