TEL AVIV
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv — the city that never sleeps — is the modern heart of Israel. It's full of life with lots to explore such as, museums, festivals, and night long parties.
Tel Aviv originated as a small town next to Jaffa — an ancient city with stone houses and narrow streets. Today, Jaffa is a popular spot for tourists, who visit for the art galleries and all around cool vibes.
Much of the architecture in Tel Aviv is ‘Bauhaus.’ Due to this Tel Aviv is famously known as the "The White City" around the world.
Tel Aviv is also a great place for art lovers. The city has over 20 museums, an orchestra, an opera house, and lots of dance and theater companies.
If you're looking for shopping head to the Carmel Market. Here you can buy fresh food for a picnic at the beach or snacks for your hotel room. Next door is Neve Tzedek, a trendy neighborhood with cafes, shops, and art galleries.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, there's a street fair in Nahalat Benyamin where you can buy handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Tel Aviv is known for its nightlife. There are nightclubs, restaurants, bars, and cinemas, all open late. It's even considered one of the best cities in the world for parties!
South of Tel Aviv is Jaffa, the older part of the city. Jaffa has a rich history even going so far back as to be mentioned in the Bible. There are old churches, a nifty port, and a big flea market on Fridays.
Public Transport in Tel Aviv
Trains
Trains: are a convenient option for longer distance travel, as well as, for reaching Tel Aviv from Ben Gurion Airport. Trains are user-friendly and offer a comfortable ride.
Ticketing similar to buses, fares are paid using the Rav-Kav smartcard.
Time of Operation: Trains generally run from around 6:00 (am) until midnight, with reduced schedules on weekends and holidays.
Important Tip: Stations have ticket machines that accept the Rav-Kav card.
Buses
Buses : Tel Aviv's public buses are your best bet for getting around the city. Operated by Dan and Metropolitan companies, they're frequent, clean, and air-conditioned. Fares are affordable and paid using a Rav-Kav smartcard. Downloading a travel app like Moovit provides real-time bus information and directions in English.
Tickets are paid using the Rav-Kav smartcard, purchasable, and reloadable at kiosks around the city or the Moovit app. Single fares vary by distance, but multi-day passes are available and provide decreased fees per ride.
Times of Operation: Buses run from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until late at night (around midnight), with reduced schedules on weekends and holidays.
Consider purchasing a travel pass for unlimited rides within a specific timeframe for frequent travelers.
Taxis
Taxis: While not the cheapest, taxis are available 24/7 and handy for late-night journeys, as well as, navigating with luggage.
Rates: try to travel with metered taxi companies and avoid unlicensed cabs.
Taxis can be more expensive, especially at night and should be considered mostly for specific occasions.
Transportation
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Moovit
Public Transit Guide
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Israel Airports Authority
Airport Information
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Israel Railway
Schedules and Updates
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Egged Bus Company
Schedules and Updates
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Dan Bus Company
Schedules and Updates
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Bus.co.il
Public transportation information
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Cfir
Light Rail Jerusalem
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Rav-Kav
Transportation Card
Get to know the region
All of Israel’s regions are special in their own way. Here are a few things that are unique about this one.
Tel Aviv Beach:
Hit the Beach: Tel Aviv's beaches are legendary, boasting golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. Popular options include Hilton Beach, known for its lively scene, and Gordon Beach, perfect for families. Public beaches are free to access. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented on spot .
Tel Aviv Museum of Art:
Tel Aviv Museum of Art: art enthusiasts will love the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, home to an impressive collection of Israeli and international modern and contemporary artwork. Explore exhibits showcasing works by renowned artists like Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh, alongside fascinating displays of Israeli art movements. Open Sundays to Thursdays from 10:00 to 17:00, Tuesdays until 20:00, Fridays and Saturdays till 16:00.
Ticket Price: Adult - 50 NIS, Children - 18 NIS
Jaffa:
Located just south of Tel Aviv, Jaffa is an ancient port city steeped in history. Explore the charming Old Jaffa, with its narrow alleyways, historical sites like the Jaffa Clock Tower, and lively art galleries. Jaffa offers a beautiful getaway from the bustling city center.
Carmel Market:
Carmel Market: immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Carmel Market, a bustling marketplace overflowing with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handcrafted souvenirs. Sample local treats like knafeh (cheese pastry) and sabich (eggplant sandwich), browse unique hand made crafts, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Open Sunday through Thursdays from early morning until the afternoon, with shorter hours on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays.
Sarona Market:
Sarona Market: for a sophisticated culinary experience, head to the Sarona Market. Housed in a beautifully restored templar colony complex, this upscale market features gourmet food stalls, trendy restaurants, and artisanal shops. Sample delicious international cuisine, enjoy live music performances, or simply relax amid the elegant surroundings. Open Sundays to Wednesdays from 8:30 to 22:00, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 to midnight, and Saturdays from 9:00 to 23:00.
Rothschild Boulevard:
Rothschild Boulevard: is Tel Aviv's main artery, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. Stroll down the boulevard, people-watch, grab a drink at a sidewalk cafe, or do some shopping at the trendy boutiques. The boulevard is especially lively in the evenings and on weekends.
Neve Tzedek:
Neve Tzedek: step back in time in Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv's oldest neighborhood. This charming area boasts narrow streets lined with restored Ottoman-era buildings, trendy art galleries, and chic boutiques. Explore the neighborhood at your own pace, stopping to admire the architecture, browse the shops, or grab a bite at a cozy cafe.
Bauhaus:
Bauhaus: Tel Aviv is famous for its Bauhaus architecture, a modernist style characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and functional design. Learn about the history of Bauhaus in Tel Aviv, admire iconic buildings like the White City Complex, and gain insights into this unique architectural movement.
Tel Aviv Nightlife:
Enjoy the Nightlife: Tel Aviv is renowned for its energetic nightlife scene. From rooftop bars with stunning city views to underground clubs pumping out the latest beats, there's something for every night owl. Popular areas for nightlife include Rothschild Boulevard, Florentin, and Neve Tzedek.
Tel Aviv Port:
Don't be fooled by the word "port"! Tel Aviv Port isn't the busy shipping hub it used to be, with boats coming and going, but now it's all about fun! This huge area is packed with restaurants, cafes, shops, event halls, and even activities for kids. Additionally, there is a nice market with the freshest Israeli fruits and veggies imaginable.