10 Must-Visit Sites, Neighborhoods, and Attractions in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a vibrant city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. It has modern skyscrapers and historic neighborhoods all closely packed into a metropolis that is easy to cover on foot or with public transport. Of course, you have to see the top Tel Aviv attractions but there are also several must-see neighborhoods that will give you a unique insight into the soul of the city. 

Must-See Tel Aviv Sites, Attractions, and Neighborhoods

Serona

Serona is a peaceful haven in the bustling city, located not far from the Azrieli Towers. In 1871 members of a German Christian sect called the Templers, settled here and built a colony. Their goal was to hasten the coming of the Messiah by settling in the Holy Land. In 1941, the Templers and other Germans in Palestine were deported, leaving Serona abandoned. But their former homes have been preserved and restored along with lanes and gardens between the structures. The Templer buildings now house stores and restaurants while the outdoor areas are a popular hangout for locals. One of the main attractions at Serona is the indoor food hall where you can find a great selection of specialty foods. 

Jaffa

Jaffa stands on a cliff overlooking the sea at the southern end of Tel Aviv’s beachfront promenade. The two cities are now a joint municipality, Tel Aviv-Jaffa. Jaffa is one of the oldest port cities in the world. It is mentioned in the Bible as the port where Jonah departed for Ninivah. And for centuries it was the port that welcomed pilgrims to the Holy Land. Even Napolean spent time in Jaffa in 1799 when his army massacred 2,500-3,000 Ottoman Turks. Jaffa’s rich history can be seen with a walk through the old port city which has been restored beautifully. Highlights of Jaffa include the Crusader Church of St. Peter, the Jaffa Flea Market, and Nalaga’at (a center where deaf and blind actors perform in the theater, and you can eat in the dark, served by blind waiters). Take a walk along the narrow Zodiac Lanes that lead down to the edge of the water, and be sure to try some of the award-winning eateries in Jaffa like Dr. Shakshuka, The Fisherman and the Sea, Emesh, or the Abu Hassan restaurant.

Park HaYarkon

Tel Aviv’s green lung also offers many great attractions. It is a huge park covering 3.5km with the Yarkon River flowing through it to the sea. The park offers a climbing wall, static hot air balloon ride, playgrounds, row boats on the river, and exercise equipment. You can rent a bike from one of the bike-share stations, or visit the Rock Sculpture and Cactus Garden. There is a petting zoo, Zapari Bird Park, and a section of Tropical Gardens. On the edges of the park are several other attractions like the Meymadion Water Park, and an amusement park.

Tel Aviv Beaches

No visit to Tel Aviv is complete without spending time on the beach, or at least strolling along the promenade that runs the length of Tel Aviv’s shore from Namal Tel Aviv to Jaffa. The beachfront stretches for 14 km along the city’s Mediterranean coast. Among the most popular beaches is Gordon Beach, with a volleyball court, seawater pool, and beach bars after sundown. Alma Beach is a popular hipster hangout. Hilton Beach is made up of three sections - a gay beach, a dog beach, and a surfers beach. The Sea Center Club on Hilton Beach offers water sports and windsurfing lessons. Frishman Beach is popular with families, perhaps because of the shallow entry into the water.

Carmel Market

Tel Aviv’s most famous outdoor market is Shuk HaCarmel. It is one street lined with market stalls selling everything from fresh produce, fish, and meat, to clothing, toys, and household appliances. Here you can feel the true spirit of Tel Aviv, taste authentic Israeli food, and pick up some excellent bargains. Wander up the side alleys that spread out from the market street and discover Kerem HaTeimanim (see below) on one side and Nachalat Binyamin on the other. Nachalat Binyamin is a pedestrian street lined with beautiful Bauhaus buildings, with sidewalk cafes, trendy clothing stores, and quirky bars. While here be sure to check out some of the graffiti art on the side streets.

Namal Tel Aviv

At one time in the past, Tel Aviv port was a gateway to the Holy Land. It was built in the 1930s and used mainly for shipping, but also for passenger ships. It was from Tel Aviv port that the famous Jaffa oranges were shipped around the world. But as time passed the port was surpassed by bigger and better ports in Ashkelon and Ashdod, and eventually was closed in 1965, and fell into disrepair. Then in 2001 the location was given a 100 million shekel make-over and reopened as a commercial and entertainment hub. You can enjoy a walk along the seafront promenade, eat in outdoor cafes, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Shop in high-end stores, and visit the indoor farmers market. There are often free live music events and activities for families. 

ANU Museum

Explore the story of the Jewish people through various historic periods, and diverse Jewish communities from around the world. Learn about the different traditions, rituals, and challenges the Jewish People have faced, and take a look into the ongoing endeavors of Jewish people around the world. The exhibits delve deep into Jewish culture, even covering Jewish humor, Jewish heroes, and famous Jewish artists and performers. The museum uses the latest exhibition techniques with multimedia, as well as genuine artifacts to tell the story. In the museum’s Synagogue Hall, see models of the most beautiful and unique synagogues around the world. 

Bialek Street, Rothschild Boulevard, and the White City

If you take a walk along Bialek Street towards Rothschild Boulevard you'll see some of the most beautiful buildings in the city as well as several interesting sites. Start at the Bauhaus Foundation where you can learn about the International Style and Bauhaus architecture that earned Tel Aviv UNESCO statutes and the nickname the White City. With about 4,000 Bauhaus buildings, Tel Aviv has the highest concentration of this style of architecture in the world. Then set out for a walk along Bialek Street where you can see some examples of the architecture. In Bialek Square see the Bauhaus old town hall, Beit Ha’ír, and continue to Bialek House, the former home (and now a museum) of poet Chaim Nachman Bialek. A little further along and you’ll get to the Rubin Museum, housed in the former home of artist Reuven Rubin. Ultimately you will reach Rothschild Boulevard, a stunning, tree-lined boulevard with interesting stores, cafes, restaurants, and many fascinating buildings. One of the attractions on Rothschild Boulevard is Independence Hall where the Israeli Declaration of Independence was signed in 1948.

Kerem HaTeimanim Neighborhood

Kerem HaTeimanim or the Vineyard of the Yemenites is a neighborhood adjacent to Carmel Market. The original inhabitants were Yemenite Jews who immigrated to Israel in 1906. They established their small community here and built simple single-story dwellings that flanked narrow lanes. It was a poor neighborhood and many of the homes were simply shacks. Since the 1990s it has been gentrified but it still retains its unique atmosphere. Along the narrow lanes, you can hear music coming from the homes, and many of them now house popular eateries. In places, there are vines and bougainvillea that drip off of the historic houses. Stop for a meal in Kerem HaTeimanim, you’ll get to know locals and feel the friendly uplifting buzz of the neighborhood. With a local guide on one of the popular Tel Aviv tours, you’ll discover interesting street art, find unique galleries, and experience an authentic Tel Aviv neighborhood.

Neve Tzedek Neighborhood

Neve Tzedek or Äbode of Justice” was the first Jewish neighborhood built beyond the old city walls of Jaffa. In 1887, Sephardi Jews seeking a home outside of the overcrowded city of Jaffa moved to the area now located not far from Carmel Market. They built single-story homes along narrow streets, and as the years passed the buildings were rebuilt, many in the Bauhaus or Art Nouveau style. It became a neighborhood popular with artists, writers, and intellectuals, including the Nobel laureate Shai Agnon, the artist Nachum Guttman, and Rabbi Kook. Over the years the neighborhood deteriorated, but just before it was about to be demolished and replaced with high-rise buildings, it was declared a heritage site, and preserved for prosperity. In the 1980s Neve Tzedek was restored and gentrified. Today it is a fashionable, upmarket neighborhood but it remains popular with artists and you can find many small galleries, and one-off unique stores. There are also plenty of cafes, bars, and boutique hotels.  Points of interest in Neve Tzedek include Rockach House, the Nachum Gutman Museum, HaTachana, and the Suzanne Dellal Center for art and contemporary dance.

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