A Perfect Day in Tel Aviv-Jaffa

Nothing beats walking – or cycling – along the seaside promenade, breathing in the fresh, salty air of the Mediterranean. With Old Jaffa stamping the horizon to the south and the city’s skyscrapers to the north, Tel Aviv boardwalk is pumping with nonstop energy. Sit on a bench and watch city life unfold before your eyes with beach-goers, paddle players, and joggers doing their thing as the sounds of the Mediterranean waves gently crash on the shore.

One of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean basin, the Old City of Jaffa stands on a cliff that protrudes from the water, puncturing the Tel Aviv skyline. The sheer range of attractions in Old Jaffa is startling, from mosques and churches to ancient clock towers; wishing bridges; sculptures; yoga classes; museums; galleries; trendy restaurants and bars, the list of things to do in this new-old city is never ending. 

The Charles Clore Garden perfectly complements Tel Aviv’s shoreline. After undergoing a two-year renovation, this seaside park has it all. The green lawns juxtaposed with the sand and sea make it a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. Spread over 30 acres, the park, named after the British Jewish philanthropist who originally established it in the 1970s, is located just south of the Dolphinarium and stretches until Jaffa. It also makes for the perfect getaway for beach-going families who are sick of the sand or matkot (lethal Israeli beach game involving paddles and speeding balls). The park has a great playground apparatus that includes a rope pyramid and has fountains that jet forth from the concrete that kids – and adults – love to dart around in. While the kids are splashing around, Mom and Dad can also exercise at the yoga platform or on one of the “machines” in the outdoor gym. The park is also decked out with barbecue areas. If you fancy injecting a little culture into the day have a wander round the park’s sculpture garden which includes work by renowned Israeli artist and sculptor, Ilana Goor. Alternatively, you can always pay a visit to The Etzel Museum located in the south area of the park near Alma beach. The museum features one of the three military organizations that led Israel to independence.

As the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside the old city of the ancient port of Jaffa, Neve Tzedek still retains its charm today. The neighborhood is great for picking up something different. The main drag of Shabazi Street is filled with boutique clothing stores and quaint furniture and trinket shops. Head over to the elegant HaTachana train station complex for some of the city’s best souvenir offerings.

Located in the enchanting Neve Tsedek neighborhood, this cozy bakery is known as one of the very best in town. Incredible French pastries with Israeli twists line the vitrine, boasting a selection of perfectly shaped eclairs, mini-size cakes and colorful sandwiches. Opt for savory quiches or the fluffy croissants—this place is the ultimate destination for quality hand-made pastries and classic cakes made to perfection.

Specializing in fresh veggies and fruits, spices, souvenirs, and even clothes, the Carmel Market is Tel Aviv’s largest and busiest market. With dozens upon dozens of stalls selling fresh meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables, you can take in all the sights, sounds, and smells the Carmel Market has to offer while hunting for the cheapest bargain. The market is especially busy on Fridays, so be sure to get there early for your Shabbat fixin's.

Gracing the walls of this museum are Israel’s most comprehensive collections of modern, contemporary, and Israeli art. The museum boasts an impressive collection of the old masters, diverse temporary exhibitions, displays of photography, design & architecture, a performance hall, and a beautiful, calming sculpture garden to wander around or relax in. When visiting, don’t miss the newest addition to the museum, the Herta and Paul Amir Building, which was designed by professor Preston Scott Cohen. Built around a spiraling, 90-foot high atrium, the Herta and Paul Amir Building is an architectural wonder. The interior space provides a unique setting for the display of contemporary art, a center for architecture, and a gallery.

After months of nail biting and stewing in a pool of urban anxiety, Herzl 16, the promising successor to R2M's Rothschild 12, opened its doors…just a few days after the doors of Rothschild 12 closed for the very last time. In terms of the vibe, Herzl 16 will preserve the old spirit of Rothschild 12 - both in terms of sound, music, performances, and design. The food will be similar, but with a Japanese twist. Dishes will fly out of the complex's central kitchen, which is located in the connecting "Disco Tokyo" restaurant, led by chef Ido Lev. The large and open kitchen is well-stocked with all of the necessary gizmos and gadget: a Yakitori grill, Gyoza pans, a special Japanese tempura fryer, wok, noodle vaporizer, plus soya sauce, sake, and rice vinegar, cooking dishes for rice, and beautiful Japanese serving dishes - handmade by Hanna Pollak, and Guy Pollak – the head chef of the R2M group's mom. He explains, "At Herzl 16, there will be an evening menu with bar snacks, and lighter, simpler dishes." However, the morning menu at Herzl 16 will remain identical to Rothschild 12's menu. In the afternoon, business lunches will be served with a Japanese flair.

Located just across from the largest synagogue in Tel Aviv, you won’t find anyone praying here. With a massive vinyl collection, the hippest waitresses, and a food menu created under the supervision of iconic Israeli chef, Eyal Shani (of Miznon and Beit Romano), you’ll understand why Port Said has been successfully serving the young communities of Tel Aviv for years. Featuring innovative Israeli dishes, there is always a new menu addition to savor. While the wait may be long and the energy intense, no visit to Tel Aviv is complete without an evening at this iconic spot. So grab a Goldstar, some delectable food, and spend your night chilling under the stars with the locals at Port Said.

This is the go-to bar for the cool and beautiful hipster crowd of Tel Aviv’s preeminent hipster kingdom. DJs play sets fusing funk and reggae, electro and hip-hop – and never tire until the early hours of the morning. With plenty of beer on tap and a real groovy crowd, this is a must-visit if you have even an ounce of bohemian blood bubbling inside of you.