The Israeli city of Tel Aviv, situated on the Mediterranean coast, is known worldwide for its renowned museums, architecture, and rich local culture. Tel Aviv is a vibrant and dynamic city, and this guide will highlight where to stay and what to do in Tel Aviv.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Best Areas to Stay in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is full of small neighborhoods and areas that each have a unique charm.
The city’s beach strip, known as the Tayelet, is ideal for couples who want romantic waterfront views during their Tel Aviv holiday. This area is known for its luxury hotels and outdoor areas where tourists can soak up the sun.
White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is great for families who want to dive into local history. This area of Tel Aviv is full of shops, cafes, and museums, making it a popular cultural hub.
Solo travelers will enjoy staying in Florentin, a quirky Tel Aviv neighborhood popular among artists for its bars and nightlife.
QUICK TIP: Book your tickets for museums, attractions, and tours with Abraham Travel
If you want to have a complete travel experience that includes tours, events, bars, and accommodations, check out Abraham Travel where you can enjoy many cultural experiences such as graffiti exhibitions, alternative book week, and many special projects!
Must-Visit Attractions and Activities in Tel Aviv
Some of Tel Aviv’s most popular attractions include museums where tourists can learn about local history, like the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Palmach Museum.
History buffs can also tour the city’s famous landmarks like the Old City neighborhood and city ports.
If you feel like doing some shopping, explore Tel Aviv’s countless spice and flea markets, including Sarona Market and Jaffa Flea Market.
Many of these locations can be explored independently, but guided tour options are available if you want to learn even more about these cultural sites.
Unwind at Tel Aviv’s Beautiful Beaches
In addition to incredible history, art, and culture, Tel Aviv is also home to some gorgeous beaches.
Hilton Beach, situated beneath the Hilton Hotel Tel Aviv, is popular among tourists because it’s clean and safe, with lifeguards monitoring the water. Here, you can try kayaking or surfing in the Mediterranean waters or stay on land and play a game of volleyball. Middle Hilton Beach is also known for being one of the most gay-friendly areas in the city.
Another top beach in Tel Aviv is Gordon Beach, a bustling area where locals and tourists gather to walk, run, bike, and swim. Many hotels and companies along the beach offer lounge chair, umbrella, and equipment rentals, letting guests try water sports like boating and paddle boarding.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Israel Tours: Click here to check out the top Israel tours
Best Israel Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Israel
Best Israel Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Israel
Explore Tel Aviv’s Nightlife and Best Bars
You can’t take a trip to Tel Aviv without venturing out after dark to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife scene!
Bellboy is often considered the best bar in Tel Aviv and is well-loved for its vintage decor and eclectic cocktail menu. The Prince is another popular choice that offers rooftop seating and a cozy atmosphere with frequent events and live music performances.
There are also many clubs throughout Tel Aviv, including The Block, located in the city’s Central Bus Station, and Barby, which has been entertaining guests for decades.
Getting to Tel Aviv: Airlines and Transportation
Tel Aviv is easily accessible from locations around the world, and there are plenty of options for choosing an airline to Tel Aviv.
Delta and United offer direct flights from major cities in the United States, while British Airways and easyJet are popular choices for traveling from the United Kingdom.
Walking and biking are the best ways to explore Tel Aviv, because the road system can be confusing and overwhelming. Thankfully, buses, trains, and taxis offer transportation to and from Ben Gurion Airport and around the city.
Luxury Hotels in Tel Aviv
1. The Norman Tel Aviv
The Norman Tel Aviv is one of the top luxury hotels in Tel Aviv, with a 9.2 out of 10 rating on Booking.com. The Norman offers elegant rooms and suites to ensure an upscale and comfortable Tel Aviv holiday.
This luxury boutique hotel is in the heart of Tel Aviv’s White City, a historic site of 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings.
With three dining options, a rooftop infinity pool, and health and wellness programs like massage treatments and yoga classes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at The Norman.
2. The Rothschild Hotel Tel Aviv – An Atlas Boutique Hotel
Another top pick for upscale hotels in Tel Aviv, Israel, is The Rothschild Hotel Tel Aviv – An Atlas Boutique Hotel. You can also find The Rothschild Hotel in White City, making it a great place to experience Tel Aviv’s top cultural attractions.
This boutique hotel is known for its romantic accommodations that are popular among couples.
With a Booking.com rating of 7.7 out of 10, The Rothschild is a solid choice when staying in Tel Aviv, though you won’t have as many amenities to enjoy in comparison to other luxury hotels.
3. The Setai Tel Aviv
The last luxury hotel in Tel Aviv I recommend is The Setai Tel Aviv, which is rated a solid 9 out of 10 on Booking.com.
The Setai is located in Old Jaffa, an artistic neighborhood that’s popular with tourists for its countless shops, galleries, and cafes. This boutique hotel overlooks Clock Square and the Mediterranean, creating an elegant ambiance.
The Setai property consists of historic buildings from the Ottoman era and is known for its exceptional culinary experiences.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Tel Aviv
1. Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv
Are you looking for cheap hotels in Tel Aviv that won’t break the break? I’ve got you covered!
The Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv has an impressive 8.4 out of 10 rating on Booking.com and offers a budget-friendly yet comfortable stay. From dorm-style rooms to private suites, Abraham Hostel offers a variety of accommodations for your specific needs.
Despite being an affordable hotel, Abraham Hostel doesn’t compromise on amenities, boasting a lounge, bar, rooftop, and more. Abraham Hostel is centrally located near many top Tel Aviv attractions in the bustling area of Electric Garden.
As a bonus, the hostel also has an entire page of special offers so you can find the best deals possible.
This is where we stayed on our trip to Tel Aviv and I really can’t recommend it enough. It was in an amazing location and super child friendly.
2. Florentin House
Another top-rated, budget-friendly stay in Tel Aviv is Florentin House, an eco-friendly hostel with a trendy urban design.
Situated in the free-spirited neighborhood of Florentin, Florentin House provides a unique atmosphere where travelers from around the world can connect.
Florentin House is rated 9 out of 10 on Booking.com, and accommodations range from dorms to suites. Dorm-style rooms are one of the best ways to save money during your trip to Tel Aviv, and the experience is ideal for couples or solo tourists looking to meet new people.
3. Gordon Inn
The 2-star Gordon Inn is a solid option for a more traditional hotel stay that won’t hurt your wallet. While the Gordon Inn isn’t the most chic hotel in Tel Aviv, it offers a safe and clean environment to rest your head after long days of adventuring.
One of the best things about Gordon Inn is its location, just a quick walk from Dizengoff Center, a large Israeli shopping mall.
With daily cooked-to-order breakfast, a fitness center, and the option of rooms with a balcony and kitchenette, the Gordon Inn has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Tel Aviv.
Israel Travel Guide Planning
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance. I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise, Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight-searching platforms.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Israel?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options available! You can also check Abraham Travel for more information about tours, events, and bars.
🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?
I strongly recommend using RentalCars. They are available in more than 60.000 locations and customer service support in more than 40 languages.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Conclusion
Make sure to save this Tel Aviv guide next time you plan a trip to make the most of your stay! Tel Aviv is an incredible city that everyone should visit if given the opportunity, and there’s no shortage of activities and landmarks to explore throughout the city. Whether you splurge on a luxury hotel or opt for a budget-friendly hostel stay, you’re sure to have an incredible experience in Tel Aviv.
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