Tel Aviv is the main city of Israel but not the capital. Things to do in Tel Aviv include;
- Old City of Jaffa
- Clock Tower
- St Peter’s Church
- The Wishing Bridge
- Tel-Aviv Port and Nightlife
- Parks in Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv Promenade and Beaches
Israel declared Jerusalem its capital in 1950 but most countries have their embassies and consulates in Tel Aviv. It’s easy to find a place to stay in Tel Aviv, there are hotels for all budgets.
Old City of Jaffa
Before visiting Jaffa, I had heard of Jaffa from the oranges. As a matter of fact, the reason they are called Jaffa oranges is because they came from here. I distinctly remember a Jaffa Cakes tram in Sarajevo, Bosnia and it exists today because of this place. However, the city of Jaffa dates back long before the Jaffa Cake. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and dates back over 9000 years. The buildings you see today are more likely from the Ottoman era but it’s still rewarding walking around the narrow streets of Old Jaffa.
Clock Tower
The Jaffa Clock Tower was built at the start of the 20th century. During this time, Palestine was under Ottoman rule. The Ottomans built 7 clock towers throughout what was then Palestine. There was one in Jerusalem but it was destroyed. For this reason, there are only 6 remaining, with another one of them in Nazareth.
St Peter’s Church
St Peter’s church dates back to the 17th century. However, it was destroyed by the Ottomans before being rebuilt with Baroque architecture in the 19th century. It’s located in the center of Old Jaffa and is the symbol of this historic part of Tel Aviv.
Wishing Bridge
The wishing bridge is located in the old town of Jaffa. On this wooden bridge you’ll find all the zodiac signs. Legend has it that if you stand with your hands on your zodiac sign looking out to the Mediterranean and make a wish, this wish will come true. I am a Libra so stood with my hands on the Libra sign. I did make a wish and I will update when and if it comes true.
Tel Aviv Port and Nightlife
At Jaffa Port you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants, you can visit for a meal, a coffee or a few beers. I’m not a foodie but being British I do appreciate fish and chips and there is a popular fish and chips restaurant in the port. Finally, Jaffa Port is a great place for nightlife with several popular bars, especially in the evening.
Things to do in Tel Aviv – Parks
There are several well kept parks in Tel Aviv and they make for fantastic photo opportunities. Tel Aviv is a huge city, bigger than the capital Jerusalem, for this reason, there are several skyscrapers. If you’re a fan of taking landscape pictures of skyscrapers then there are countless angles to do this around the city. In addition, there are several water features in the various parks which make for perfect reflection shots of the surrounding skyscrapers.
Promenade and Beaches
It’s possible to walk from Jaffa Port through the old city of Jaffa, then along the Tel Aviv promenade. Along this route you’ll come across thousands of photo opportunities. You can also visit a beach when you get far enough along the promenade. A photo with ‘I love Tel Aviv’ sign on the beach is one of the top things to do in Tel Aviv.
Azrieli Center – Tallest Building in Tel Aviv
The Azrieli Center is the tallest building in Tel Aviv and you can see it from almost everywhere in Tel Aviv. It is possible to visit the Azrieli Center observation deck on the top floor of this building. From the observation deck you’ll be able to make fantastic photos of the city of Tel Aviv as well as the Mediterranean. In the basement of the building is one of the best shopping malls in Tel Aviv. Adjacent to the Azrieli Center is the Hashalom train station where you find trains to most locations in Israel including Jerusalem and the airport.
How to get from Tel Aviv to Nazareth
From Tel Aviv I waited at a bus stop on Namir Road and asked the locals how to get Nazareth. I took bus 825 and the bus driver told me where to get off and change, I then took bus 750 to the center of Nazareth. As the locals speak English it’s incredibly easy to use the local bus service. An easier option to get to Nazareth would be an organized shuttle with Abraham Tours, this is a similar price to the bus and they’ll take you direct to your desired hotel in Nazareth. Enjoy your trip from Tel Aviv to Nazareth.
For a city tour, tel aviv must be a very good one. though Bangladeshis are not permitted in Israel, thanks for sharing.
I have never considered going to Israel so far and it was nice to read the different things you can see in Tel Aviv. The Wishing Bridge sounds like a really interesting place, I would like to put my hands of my zodiac sign and make a wish. I would also like to walk on the promenade, along the seashore, and take photos.
Seems like there is loads to do and to take photos of! The fish and chips actually look delicious so I laughed when you said they might taste better after a few beers although that might just be true for anything!
There’s certainly some interesting points of interests for tourists. Thanks for the great list. The food looks good too.
We have heard a lot about Tel Aviv and its lively aura, and its neighbor Jaffa with its old world charm in contrast with Tel Aviv is awe-inspiring. How long does it take from Tel Aviv to Nazareth? Abraham Tours sound reasonable enough of it costs you same as the public transport. Israel is high on list hope to make it sometime soon.
You must have so many cityscape photos. The view is so good. And ending your walk at a beach sounds just about perfect. I had no idea there were so many interesting things to see and do in Tel Aviv. And I definitely wouldn’t have expected fish and chips to be on the menu! They look good!
Did you find that Tel Aviv was very commercialised or catered to tourists? I really didn’t expect it to look as it does in your photos. Sounds like you had a great time.
Tel Aviv seems to have become so popular in the last few years. The beach looks indeed inviting. Hope to visit one day!
These photos make the city look so great, it is one of my ‘hopefully soon’ future destinations, so these tips are really welcome! Jaffa an Tel Aviv both seem incredible!
the very moment I knew that the city offers some picture perfect spots..i was sure I am gonna love it…the skyscrapers were so amazing shining golden….and I hope your wish comes true soon