Tel Aviv-Yafo, the city that never sleeps! The Miami of the Mediterranean, one of the most interesting cities to visit with amazing beaches, high-tech culture, bohemian neighborhoods and endless nightlife. Oh and let's not forget 4000 year-old Yafo to throw in some history. Whether you're a tourist visiting Israel, or you're Israeli planning a trip to Tel Aviv - this guide is for you. For over five years I've been living and working in Tel Aviv, uncovering the best insider tips! All the best coffee places & restaurants (lots of vegan goodness included), creative things to do, hidden gems and of course - the best places to stay.
Top places to stay
Trieste Neve Tsedek
Luxury, bohemian style suites in the middle of Neve Tsedek with private jacuzzi and balcony and/or patio. Have you ever heard of the famous funky loft in Brooklyn, New York? This is the Tel Aviv version! Highly recommended, it's a perfect base for a Tel Aviv break. Israel's most famous vegan, farm-to-table restaurant is right next door for breakfast and the beach is about a ten minute walk. Click here for more info and bookings!
The Shell House
If you're looking for more of a self-equipped apartment, only a few minutes' walk from the sea - this is your place! The Shell House is located in one of Tel Aviv's best neighborhoods, the picturesque Kerem Hateimanim - literally a two minutes' walk to the shuk haCarmel and lots of great bars & restaurants and a five minute walk to the beach. They have fully equipped, gorgeous apartments, some with private or shared terrace/patio. Click here for more info.
Ruby Tel Aviv
Another urban gem, right off Rothschild Boulevard located in one of Tel Aviv's fabulous mansions. It's one of our favorite places to stay in Tel Aviv, stylish, comfortable and sparkling clean. We love that Ruby is sort of a mix between a boutique hotel and an Airbnb apartment - with four hotel rooms sharing a communal kitchen & lounge, so it's perfect for longer stays too. There's a shared garden too and some rooms have a balcony. Click here for more info!
What to do?
Half-day trip to Old Yafo
Since Tel Aviv was originally a new neighborhood of Yafo, if you think about it, the city's name should be Yafo-Tel Aviv! Yafo is not only famous because of the Israeli oranges, it is one of the oldest working port cities in the world - it is over 4000 years old. Do you know the Bible story of the prophet Jonah and the whale? He set sail at - you guessed it - Yafo. It's one of the most photogenic places in Israel, which is why I wrote an Instagram guide about Yafo with all the most photogenic places. Visiting Yafo from Tel Aviv is great by taxi, electric scooter or my personal favorite - by walking all along the Tel Aviv beaches. A boardwalk will take you straight into the port of Yafo, a really gorgeous walk. Stop at Cafe Vista for the best coffee with a view in town!
From the port you have stairs taking you up into the old city, a photogenic walk of about ten minutes until you reach Kikar Kdumim, the main square with the famous zodiac fountain. Thirsty or hungry? Bell Cafe is one of the best kept secrets in town, with a balcony overlooking the sea and famous Andromeda rock. Next door is also Tel Aviv's best Greek restaurant Kalamata. They tend to be busy on weekends, so make sure to plan ahead. Next to sqaure you can visit another gem, the Ilana Goor Museum. If you still have time to explore Yafo, head over to the Shuk Hapishpishim for some of Israel's best flea markets, designer boutiques and second hand stores. And of course, lots of great bars and restaurants! My personal favorite is Cafe Puaa, a low-key cafe with vintage vibe where the furniture is for sale and they serve the best shakshuka in town.