Heading to Tel Aviv? Click here for our favourite spots to visit, from stunning viewpoints to foody haunts.
Tel Aviv is an incredible city to experience for yourself. True, the pictures make it look incredible – as they should – but there’s something that just doesn’t translate onto a screen – an ambiance that you just won’t get in any other city in the world.
The city is relatively young, at just 113 years old. Nevertheless, it represents an incredible amalgamation of architectural movements and technological development. Like Tokyo or Dubai, it gives you a sense of existing at the very edge of the present moment – dipping your toe into a bright, beautiful future.
But that’s not to say you can’t experience some of Israel’s fascinating history here. The city is surrounded by life-affirming experiences which will take you back in time – or transport you to a world you’ve only ever seen on the big screen…until now.
For that reason, we’ve put together three of the very best adventures you can have in and around Tel Aviv, so you can catapult them to the very top of your bucket list.
1. Sarona Market
One of the most appealing things about any city is that vibrant hustle-and-bustle going on all around – the constant movement, the distinctive sounds that will remind you whether you’re in New York or Hong Kong, Tel Aviv or London, the smells of food and perfume, the heat and the thrum of the crowds.
Modern cities enjoy plenty of quieter spots, too, but if you want to immerse yourself in the very heart of Tel Aviv, then Sarona Market is the place to be.
Come to the market with an empty belly and an open-mind, and you will leave with a new appreciation for Tel Aviv’s signature cuisines.
3. Tel Aviv Museum of Art
You don’t have to be an art snob to appreciate an opportunity like this one. Showcasing an incredible array of pieces from historic and contemporary artists, Tel Aviv’s headline art museum is simply unmissable. See works from artists born in Israel, and half the world away, and enjoy the feeling of meeting history face-to-face.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Israel’s thriving art scene. From smaller art galleries dotted across Tel Aviv to the Israeli Center of Judaica site, familiarising yourself with the country’s distinctive style is never a wasted effort.
2. Masada National Park
Located just a two-hour drive from Tel Aviv, Masada National Park is a must-see for any intrepid explorer. Masada is the site of an ancient fortress and palace, which dates back to 35BC – more than 2,000 years in the past.
Masada also offers incredible views of the Dead Sea – another ‘must’ for anyone travelling in the area. You’ll also spot the Judaean Desert – a location that will no doubt prove familiar to anyone who has studied the Bible.
You’ll find plenty of highly rated companies offering tours that take you from Tel Aviv to the national park, and back again. Night-time visits can be particularly stunning but, for your first time, we recommend you take it all in during the day.
