Tel Aviv is the former capital of Israel, a seaside city that literally never sleeps. Staying there for 48 hours, we characterized it as the small New York of Asia and definitely a “City of parties”. The Mediterranean megalopolis respects diversity, is very open and friendly to people in wheelchairs, cyclists and of course tourists. Anything different is welcome in Tel Aviv. It welcomes people at any time of the year, as long as you can bear the heat a little more during the summer season. We did not expect, Tel Aviv would surprise us so pleasantly that we would definitely go back again, in order to spend even more time. The multicultural and lively Tel Aviv invites you to discover it!
How to get to Tel Aviv
You hear Israel and you might think it is way too far. But it is not. In only 1 hour and 50 minutes we, the “famous” 4 (Iro, Manolis, Liana and Antonis), arrived with a direct flight from Athens. There are many ways to get from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport to the city center. The best thing to do is buy a local sim card and install the Moovit app. By typing your location and where you want to go, it informs you about the means of transportation. Alternatively, you can use the well-known and traditional way, by asking and receiving directions. You should know that everyone speaks English and everyone is willing to help.
Extra tip: For Israel the visa is free and you will receive it at the airport when you get there. They give you a piece of paper with a barcode, which you should not lose until you leave the country.
How expensive is the city?
Very! And always in relation to Greece and for a Greek with an average salary. Of course, there is always a way to have a good time and even at low cost. Their local currency is called the Israeli shekel. 10 shekels is equal to around 2.70 euros, with which you buy a bottle of water from the market or drink an espresso coffee in a cafeteria. You don’t even call it fair! Half a liter beer costs around 8.60 euros and pure drinks from 15 euros. You will definitely drink a beer or two, as the city bars are the best. Then, you will see many locals and tourists (we did the same) hanging out on the benches drinking beers or some bottle of alcohol, which they have bought from the nearest market.
What to eat in Tel Aviv
In Tel Aviv you can find everything from European to local cuisine. However, when you are in a foreign place, it is essential to try local food. Of course, the best places to eat can be found by asking the locals. As such, we asked the locals and ate, a take away, delicious pie with Kebab, that will not look up to your expectations as a facility, but definitely fills your stomach! It is called Jasmino in English, but we never got it in their own language. You will find it here and you will easily recognize it, as there is a huge amount of people who wait for the taste. Sure, you’ll wait more than 15 minutes to eat, but it’s so worth it! Also, we would suggest you to try their local dish “Shakshuka”. It is one of their most famous dishes which reminds us of Kayana or Strapatsada. We tasted delicious “Shakshuka” the first day we arrived in Jerusalem. Finally, be sure to try hummus and falafel in a pita bread! You will find wonderful hummus in every corner of Tel Aviv.
Extra tip: For an authentic street food experience, visit the noisy outdoor «Carmel Market»
Is it safe to travel to Tel Aviv?
We did not feel threatened or scared in Tel Aviv during our stay. We used public transport and moved around in the evenings, just like we do in Athens. Choosing a good neighborhood, like ours, will make you feel completely safe to browse. For the neighborhood we chose, you will read more information below.
The only advice we would give you is to go to Ben Gurion Airport earlier than usual. Don’t arrive at the last minute, even if you’re only traveling with one hand luggage and don’t need to check in. Airport control is quite strict. First of all, you will need to wait in a queue only to be asked very personal questions. Of course, it’s a good idea to answer them to get out the trouble quick so as to go through the standard airport check.
Extra tip: Go to Ben Gurion airport earlier than usual, their control is strict and takes a little longer than usual.
What to see in 48 hours
The best and most economical way to get around Tel Aviv is by bicycle. We rented our bikes from our place to save time. For 22 euros per person, we had the bikes at our disposal for 24 hours. Certainly, in Tel Aviv you can find more economical bicycles to rent for one day.
9 spots worth exploring:
- The beach of Tel Aviv. You will cross it from the north to the south and back (depending on where you stay of course). It’s just a great ride.
- Tel Aviv Museum of Art . For ticket information, visit the site
- The neighborhood with the white buildings “White City Buildings”
- «Flea Market», if you are a fan of old things
- «Carmel Market»
- «Dizengoff Square»
- «Habima Square»
- «Neve Tzedek»
- «Florentin»
- «Οld Jaffa»
Every neighborhood is different, every kilometer filled with images. In Tel Aviv you will be impressed by its light-colored sandy beaches, the architecture of the buildings, the picturesque streets, the colorful streets decorated with graffiti, the boutiques, the open-air markets, the cosmopolitan Rothschild Avenue, the hidden shops that challenge you to discover them.
Extra tip: If you have more days to spare in the city of Tel Aviv, you could have fun in one of the many impressive clubs or try surfing lessons.
If you are a lover of sunsets, do not even consider missing it at the Tel Aviv beach. The beauty of that sunset will enchant you!
Where to stay in Tel Aviv
For your stay in Israel, choose to stay near the old city of Jaffa. Accommodations there may be a bit more expensive, but this particular spot has many positives. You are close to the beach on foot and in the evening, you have many options in bars and restaurants. It is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv, as it is always crowded. In Tel Aviv you feel that it is a city that never sleeps. It is literally a nonstop city!
We stayed in a wonderful Airbnb apartment, RENA’S HOUSE between the famous Never Tzedek and Florentin neighborhoods. On our bicycle day we plowed all over Tel Aviv. We rented a bike for 22 euros/person for the whole day and started from the bicycle path that passed behind our apartment. In 5 minutes we were at the beach and by the evening we had explored a large part of Tel Aviv. The evening, we found ourselves exploring on foot most of the restaurants and bars of the city. We met locals, chatted and drunk with them!
Lehai as the Israelis also say! Let’s drink to life, then!
Read also: Trip to Israel: 6 important tips
