Tel Aviv and Jaffa
Tel Aviv
Stretched along the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is Israel's largest city and commercial center. It is an exciting city of entertainment, shopping, markets, culture and arts with a unique atmosphere of excitement and fun both during the day and night.
Tel Aviv was founded in 1909 and was built on the sand dunes north to the ancient port city of Jaffa. Its style was tailored to the needs of its residents and the climatic conditions of the region.
In 2003 UNESCO, the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, pronounced "The White City" an area located between Allenby Street in the south and Ibn Givrol in the east, the Yarkon River in the north and the Mediterranean Sea in the west, as a World Cultural Heritage Site. By this announcement, the world recognized the special architectural qualities of the building and streets of Tel Aviv which were designed by Jewish architects, who had studied in Europe before immigrating to Palestine, which later became the State of Israel.
Things to See and Do:
Tourist Sites
Architecture lovers should walk around the streets of Tel Aviv to discover just why the
White City is a world heritage site featuring over 1,000 Bauhaus buildings.
Visit the Nachalat Binyamin Art and Craft Market which is next to the colorful Carmel
Fruit Market, with street theatre, musicians, and palm readers (open Tuesday and Friday).
The Neve Tzedek neighborhood was the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of
Jaffa at the beginning of 1887, 22 years before the establishment of Tel Aviv. A tour of the
narrow lanes and winding streets is a memorable experience with its unique shops, restaurants and cafes, museums, and the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater. Visit the memorial to the memory of the assassinated Israeli Prime Minister,
Yitzhak Rabin, at the Tel Aviv Municipality Building. Some of the graffiti, written on the night of the assassination, are displayed at the site. The Yehoshua Gardens at situated on the banks of the Yarkon River offering plenty of recreational facilities for the whole family including Tropical Gardens, Bird Park and a Water Park (open during the summer months). Opposite the Park is one of Israel's largest funfairs. For the best view of Tel Aviv, go to the Azrieli Observatory rising 49 floors over the city.
Museums
You will find in Tel Aviv three of Israel's largest museums offering contemporary and classical art to archaeology, history and sciences.
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art showing permanent and changing collections and exhibitions. Some of the best of Israeli art and sculpture as well as European impressionism and post impressionism art and European and American art of the 20th century can be found at the museum. The Eretz Israel Museum (the Land of Israel Museum) is actually a large collection of museums in one area. Visit the glass museum, the museum of ceramics, coins and copper museum.The Planetarium is also situated in the grounds of the Museum.
The Jewish Diaspora Museum (Beit Hatefusoth) situated in the grounds of the Tel Aviv
University, is the first museum devoted to the history of the Jewish people. The permanent exhibition informs the visitor of the story of the Jewish nation in the Diaspora by means of drawings, video clips, movies, etc. Independence Hall Museum, on May 14th, 1948 David Ben Gurion read here Israel's Declaration of Independence. The hall where it happened looks exactly as it did in 1948. There are a number of other small museums around Tel Aviv including Ben Gurion House, the Rubin Museum, the Palmach Museum and many more.
Shopping
Tel Aviv is famous for its fine shopping. If you are looking for young urban fashion, visit Shenkin Street opposite the Carmel Market or Dizengoff Street. More exclusive designer shops can be found at Kikar Hamedina. There are a number of shopping malls throughout Tel Aviv.
Beaches
Tel Aviv offers miles of beautiful golden Mediterranean beaches with a bustling promenade and during the summer months the beach attracts thousands of visitors. The beaches offer a huge range of water sports and kite and wind surfing addicts will find excellent conditions.
Over the past years, the promenade was renovated and today dozen of restaurants, clubs and entertainment places have opened. Another popular site along the beachfront is the marina, which is used as an anchorage by boats and yachts.
Nightlife in Tel Aviv
Known as the city that never sleeps, Tel Aviv is a late-night metropolis. People waiting in
line for a table at a restaurant or a bar, are a common sight at the city's nightlife areas.
Tel Aviv nightlife focuses on bars, pubs, cafes and nightclubs. The city is busy every night of the week but at weekends is even more active. The main nightlife centers are the Old Port of Tel Aviv, Allenby Street and the Sea Area. The city boasts some of Israel's cuisine or just a falafel or pizza - you will find something for every taste in Tel Aviv.
The home of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra which is based at the Mann Auditorium.
Jaffa
According to Christian Legend, Jaffa was named after Noah's son, Japhet, who built it after the flood. A Greek legend associates the city with Andromeda, a beauty that was chained to a rock at the port's entrance.
From archaeological discoveries and documents, we have learnt that Jaffa existed as a Port city some 4000 years ago. Historians believe that Jaffa is the only port in the world which can boast uninterrupted inhabitation throughout its existence.
Old Jaffa is one of Israel's popular tourist attractions. The town has been rebuilt and renovated. Visitors can enjoy dining in some unique and excellent restaurants or simply wandering around its romantic paths and gardens.
What to See:
The Archaeological Museum in the center of the Old Town holds archaeological finds and a comprehensive history of Jaffa from the time of the Bible.
The Zodiac Alleys, walking through the narrow alleys, visitors will see studios and art galleries, shops catering for Judaica, jewelry and archaeology. Continue towards Jaffa's Old Sea Port and Fishing Harbor and view the ancient wall and a beautiful authentic wharf.
St. Peter Church, a Franciscan Church, built in the 19th century on the remains of a Crusaders' Fortress. It is said that Napoleon stayed at the Church when it served as a hostel
Mahamoudia Mosque was built by Abu Nabut, the Governor of Jaffa in the 19th Century and includes a water fountain for Pilgrims.
The Libyan Synagogue known as Beit Zunana was purchased by a Jewish landlord in the 18th century. During the 19th century it became a hostel and later a soap factory. In 1995, the synagogue became a museum
The Clock Square and Old Clock Tower built in 1906 has become the centerpiece for Jaffa. Not far from the Square, you will find the Jaffa Flea Market, a bazaar style market offering antiques, jewelry, clothes and a lot of second hand merchandise. This is a unique place to visit and buy oriental or antique items.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is Israel's largest city and commercial center stretched along the Mediterranean Sea.
Key words: Tel Aviv, White City, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Carmel Market, Tel Aviv Nightlife, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Tel Aviv Promenade
Jaffa
Old Jaffa is one of Israel's popular tourist attractions
Key Words: Jaffa, Old City of Jaffa, Zodiac Alleys, Clock Square, Jaffa Flea Market, St. Peters Church, Jaffa Archaeological Museum