3-Day Family Adventure: Tel Aviv's Hidden Gems, Eats, & Outdoors

Tel Aviv, Israel

3 days

Old town and port of Jaffa
Tel Aviv skyline
Sunrise panorama of the city taken from the beach
Modern glass and metal architecture
The Clock tower of Jaffa at night

About Tel Aviv, Israel

Experience the vibrant energy of Tel Aviv, Israel's cultural and financial hub. This cosmopolitan city boasts a mix of modern skyscrapers, historic architecture, bustling markets, and serene parks. Explore the ancient port city of Jaffa, stroll down Rothschild Boulevard with its unique Bauhaus architecture, or relax on the sun-kissed beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. Tel Aviv's nightlife is legendary, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The city is also a gastronomic paradise, offering a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Don't miss the Eretz Israel Museum and the Palmach Museum for a glimpse into Israel's rich history. Tel Aviv, a city that never sleeps, promises an unforgettable travel experience.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Carmel Market and Jaffa

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Carmel Market, Tel Aviv's largest and most famous market. Here, you can sample local delicacies, fresh produce, and aromatic spices. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and get a taste of the city's vibrant food scene.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Yitzhak Rabin Park. This park offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city and has plenty of shaded areas for a relaxing meal.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the ancient port city of Jaffa. Walk through the narrow, winding streets, visit the flea market, and take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Dinner

For dinner, head to one of the city's local eateries that serve traditional Israeli cuisine. Try dishes like falafel, shawarma, and hummus.

Evening

End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Tel Aviv promenade. The promenade stretches along the city's coastline and offers beautiful views of the sunset.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Eretz Israel Museum, where you can learn about the country's history and culture.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local café in the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood. This area is known for its charming streets, boutiques, and art galleries.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Palmach Museum, an interactive museum that tells the story of the Palmach, the elite fighting force of the Haganah, the underground army during the British Mandate for Palestine.

Dinner

Dine at a local restaurant that offers a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.

Evening

Enjoy a performance at the Habima Theatre, Israel's national theatre. It's a great way to experience the country's vibrant arts scene.

Morning

Start your final day with a visit to the Yitzhak Rabin Center, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachfront café. Tel Aviv is known for its beautiful beaches, so take this opportunity to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea views.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its collection of over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings.

Dinner

For your final dinner, try a seafood restaurant that offers fresh, locally sourced dishes.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Azrieli Observatory, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Attractions in Itinerary (10)

Carmel Market

1
Carmel Market

One of the most famous markets in Tel Aviv, offering a wide variety of foods, spices, and local products.

Shopping
Food and Drink
Yitzhak Rabin Park

2
Yitzhak Rabin Park

A park named after the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, featuring a monument in his honor.

Parks
Jaffa

3
Jaffa

One of the oldest port cities in the world, Jaffa is now a trendy district of Tel Aviv, known for its historic sites, art galleries, and flea market.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Religious Sites
Eretz Israel Museum

4
Eretz Israel Museum

A multidisciplinary museum that focuses on the history and culture of Israel.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Artifact
Neve Tzedek

5
Neve Tzedek

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv, known for its charming old-world atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene.

Neighborhoods
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Palmach Museum

6
Palmach Museum

An interactive museum that tells the story of the Palmach, the elite fighting force of the Haganah, the underground army during the British Mandate for Palestine.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Habima Theatre

7
Habima Theatre

Habima Theatre is the national theatre of Israel and one of the first Hebrew language theatres. It is located in Habima Square in the center of Tel Aviv.

Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Yitzhak Rabin Center

8
Yitzhak Rabin Center

A museum and research center dedicated to the life and legacy of Yitzhak Rabin.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
White City

9
White City

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique collection of Bauhaus-style buildings.

Architecture
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Azrieli Observatory

10
Azrieli Observatory

Located on the 49th floor of the Azrieli Center, the observatory offers panoramic views of Tel Aviv and the surrounding area.

Attractions
Landmarks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Hummus

Hummus

A creamy chickpea spread, hummus is a staple in Israeli cuisine. It is often served with fresh pita bread and is a must-try when in Tel Aviv.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a popular breakfast dish in Tel Aviv. It consists of poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, often spiced with cumin.

Falafel

Falafel

Falafel is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas. It is a common street food in Tel Aviv and is often served in a pita with salad, pickled vegetables, hummus, and tahini sauce.

Sabich

Sabich

Sabich is a traditional Israeli sandwich. It consists of pita bread stuffed with fried eggplant, hard boiled eggs, salad, parsley, and tahini sauce.

Bourekas

Bourekas

Bourekas are a type of baked or fried filled pastry. They are made of a thin flaky dough and filled with cheese, spinach, or mashed potatoes.

Bamba

Bamba

Bamba is a popular Israeli snack. It is a peanut butter-flavored puffed corn snack and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Shawarma

Shawarma

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern meat preparation, where lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, veal, or mixed meats are placed on a spit and may be grilled for as long as a day.

Malabi

Malabi

Malabi is a popular dessert in Tel Aviv. It is a creamy milk pudding that is usually flavored with rose water and topped with a sweet syrup and nuts.

Israeli Salad

Israeli Salad

Israeli Salad is a chopped salad of finely diced tomato, onion, cucumber, and bell or chili peppers. It is a common accompaniment to many meals in Tel Aviv.

Jachnun

Jachnun

Jachnun is a traditional Yemenite Jewish dish that is popular in Israel. It is a slow-cooked pastry that is typically served for breakfast on Shabbat.

Goldstar Beer

Goldstar Beer

Goldstar Beer is a popular Israeli beer. It is a lager style beer and is often enjoyed in the bustling nightlife of Tel Aviv.

Limonana

Limonana

Limonana is a type of lemonade made from freshly-squeezed lemons and mint. It is a popular refreshing drink in Tel Aviv, especially during the hot summer months.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Tel Aviv, Israel is during the spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm with less humidity, making it perfect for sightseeing and beach activities. These periods also avoid the high tourist season of summer, offering a more relaxed experience. However, if you're interested in cultural events, consider visiting in May for the Docaviv Film Festival or in September for the Tel Aviv Night Run.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

April 23

Tue

Passover (Day 1)

April 29

Mon

Passover (Day 7)

May 14

Tue

Yom HaAtzmaut

June 12

Wed

Shavuot

October 3

Thu

Rosh Hashana

October 4

Fri

Rosh Hashana (Day 2)

October 12

Sat

Yom Kippur

October 17

Thu

Sukkot (Day 1)

October 24

Thu

Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Tel Aviv has an extensive bus network operated by several companies, with the main one being Dan Bus Company. Buses are a popular way to get around the city and they cover most areas. You can pay for your bus fare with a Rav Kav card, which can be topped up with money or travel passes.

Israel Railways operates train services in Tel Aviv. The city has four main stations: Tel Aviv Savidor Central, Tel Aviv HaHagana, Tel Aviv HaShalom, and Tel Aviv University. Trains are a convenient way to travel between cities and to the airport.

Tel Aviv is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes. The city operates a bike-sharing program called Tel-O-Fun, where you can rent a bike for a short period of time. It's a great way to explore the city at your own pace.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to travel outside of Tel Aviv. However, traffic can be heavy and parking can be difficult in the city center. Most international car rental companies have offices in Tel Aviv.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Gett are available in Tel Aviv. They can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're not familiar with the local public transportation system. However, note that Uber operates differently in Israel - it connects riders with licensed taxi drivers rather than private car owners.

Taxis are widely available in Tel Aviv. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or found at taxi stands. All taxis in Israel are metered, and it's customary to tip the driver.

Sheruts are shared taxis that operate on fixed routes, similar to buses. They can be a cost-effective way to travel, especially on Shabbat when many other forms of public transportation do not operate.

Tel Aviv is a walkable city, especially in areas like the White City, Jaffa, and along the beach promenade. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city, especially in good weather.

Electric scooters are a popular way to get around in Tel Aviv. Several companies, like Bird and Lime, operate scooter-sharing services in the city. You can rent a scooter using a smartphone app.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency₪ ILS

Time zoneUTC+2

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 101; Fire: 102; Police: 100

Drinking waterYes, but many opt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type H

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Tel Aviv, Israel as a first time visitor

1

Tel Aviv is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant nightlife and a diverse food scene.

2

The official language is Hebrew, but English is widely spoken and understood.

3

The local currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.

4

Tel Aviv is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing.

5

The city is very walkable, and there's also a reliable public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and a bike-sharing program.

6

The weather in Tel Aviv is Mediterranean, with hot, humid summers (June to September) with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C), and mild, rainy winters (December to February) with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 66°F (10°C to 19°C).

7

Dress code is generally casual, but modest attire is recommended when visiting religious sites.

8

Tipping is customary in Tel Aviv. It's usual to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants.

9

Israel operates on the standard Israeli time (IST), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).

10

The standard voltage in Israel is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type H.

11

Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available if you prefer.

12

Israel has a universal healthcare system, but travel insurance is recommended for unexpected medical costs or emergencies.

13

Israelis are known for their directness and honesty, which can sometimes come off as rudeness to foreigners. It's important to not take it personally.

14

Friday evening to Saturday evening is Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. Many businesses close during this time, especially in more religious neighborhoods.

15

Tel Aviv is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere and hosts a large Pride parade every year.

16

The city has a 'White City' area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its collection of over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings.

17

Tel Aviv has a vibrant street art scene, especially in the Florentin neighborhood.

18

The city is known for its tech start-up scene and is often referred to as the 'Silicon Wadi'.

19

Tel Aviv has a 'siesta' culture similar to Spain, with many businesses closing for a few hours in the afternoon.

20

The city is very dog-friendly, with many parks, beaches, and restaurants welcoming four-legged friends.

Basic Hebrew to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

שלום

Shalom

Greeting someone

Goodbye

להתראות

Lehitraot

Saying goodbye

Please

בבקשה

Bevakasha

Making a request

Thank you

תודה

Toda

Expressing gratitude

Yes

כן

Ken

Agreeing or confirming

No

לא

Lo

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

סליחה

Slicha

Getting attention or apologizing

I don't understand

אני לא מבין

Ani lo mevin

When you don't understand something

Do you speak English?

אתה מדבר אנגלית?

Ata medaber anglit?

Trying to find someone who speaks English

I need help

אני צריך עזרה

Ani tzarich ezra

When you need assistance

Where is the bathroom?

איפה השירותים?

Eifo ha'sherutim?

Looking for the bathroom

How much does it cost?

כמה זה עולה?

Kama ze oleh?

Asking for the price

I would like to order

אני רוצה להזמין

Ani rotze lehazmin

Ordering food or drink

Water

מים

Mayim

Asking for water

Beer

בירה

Bira

Ordering a beer

Wine

יין

Yayin

Ordering wine

Check, please

חשבון, בבקשה

Heshbon, bevakasha

Asking for the bill

Where is...?

איפה...?

Eifo...?

Asking for directions

Help!

עזרה!

Ezra!

In an emergency

Call the police

קרא למשטרה

Kra lemishtara

In an emergency

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Swimwear

  • Beach cover-up

  • Sandals

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Sunglasses

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size shampoo

  • Travel-size conditioner

  • Travel-size body wash

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor

  • Shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • After-sun lotion

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Prescription medications

  • First-aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash and coins

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and/or car rental reservations

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Travel adapter

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • Sleep mask

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Books or e-books for leisure reading

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

  • Travel-size wet wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

Weather Conditions

Tel Aviv, Israel, is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. If you're planning to visit during the summer months, which are from June to September, expect temperatures to range from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C). It's advisable to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the intense sun. Also, remember to stay hydrated, especially if you're planning to explore the city on foot. The winter months, from December to February, are much cooler with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 66°F (10°C to 19°C). Rainfall is also more common during this period, so packing an umbrella or raincoat would be wise. Despite the rain, winter can be a great time to visit if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November), offer more moderate temperatures. In spring, temperatures range from 60°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C), while in autumn, they range from 66°F to 82°F (19°C to 28°C). These periods can be an ideal time to visit, as the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Also, remember that Tel Aviv is a coastal city, so conditions can change quickly, and it can get quite windy, especially in the evenings. Enjoy your visit to Tel Aviv!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

18° / 8°

January is the coldest month in Tel Aviv, but it's still relatively mild with occasional rain.

February

19° / 9°

February is slightly warmer than January, with a mix of sunny and rainy days.

March

21° / 11°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures rising and rain becoming less frequent.

April

25° / 14°

April is a pleasant month with warm temperatures, making it a good time for outdoor activities.

May

28° / 18°

May is the start of the summer season, with hot days and warm nights.

June

30° / 21°

June is a hot month, with plenty of sunshine and almost no rain.

July

32° / 24°

July is one of the hottest months, with high humidity and very little rain.

August

33° / 24°

August is the peak of summer, with high temperatures and humidity.

September

31° / 23°

September is still quite hot, but temperatures begin to drop slightly towards the end of the month.

October

28° / 19°

October is a comfortable month, with moderate temperatures and less humidity.

November

24° / 15°

November sees the start of the cooler season, with mild temperatures and occasional rain.

December

20° / 11°

December is a mild winter month, with cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain.

Did you know?

Did you know that Tel Aviv, Israel is also known as 'The White City' due to its collection of over 4,000 Bauhaus or International style buildings, the largest number in any city worldwide?

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