A Perfect Day in Tel Aviv

Wander down Tel Aviv’s most beautiful tree-lined boulevard and embrace the classic Bauhaus architecture. You’ll feel like the ultimate Tel Avivian. With everything from charming cafés, incredible ice cream parlours, and lively late-night clubs to historical museums, boutique hotels and endless charming places to sit and relax, Rothschild Boulevard is the perfect central Tel Aviv spot to explore. We’ve got the low-down on the must-see sights along the infamous street.

Amongst its many attributes, there is one quintessential, citycentric element of Tel Aviv - its kiosks ­­- that just may top even some of its European counterparts, given that ours are open and active year-round. When we say kiosks, we're referring to the small wooden structures that passersby will undoubtedly notice going to and from – the pit stops are conveniently peppered across the grassy swaths of the city's wide boulevards, wafting intoxicating whiffs of freshly-brewed coffee and artisanal pastries. Some of these kiosks have progressively become landmarks and are not-to-be-missed when strolling on a lazy weekday morning or afternoon, where you can grab a quick bite and take a breather all in one blissful swoop.

There is something so whimsical about looking at old photographs; the colours (or lack thereof), the fashions and trends, the expressions of people you will never meet but who may be connected to your ancestry somehow. Thankfully, Israel's impressive progression has been well documented; The Photohouse's archives are here to prove it. First opened on Allenby Street in 1936, the Photohouse has a massive collection of negatives numbering close to a million images, and today the shop houses one of the country’s most monumental private archives of historical photographs, recounting the story of Israel's past, and bursting with nostalgia. For those searching for a unique gift, the images can be blown up into huge posters, magnets, coasters, and more. Plus, framing is also available on-site. This store is a must-visit for anyone who loves photography and history. 

Few are the areas in Tel Aviv that can produce such a concentration of culinary delights with an equally delicious ambiance. Yet, the Levinsky Market is the perfect place to refuel your pantry, body, and soul. The street style, entertainment, and overall mood is alternative and easygoing. Enjoy a glass of arak and a sniff of all the spices, and you'll be seamlessly transported to the Levinsky State of Mind.

The vibrant stretch of coastline from Jaffa in the south to Tel Aviv's port in the north awakens all the senses with a feast of colors, sights, songs, and smells. 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, this is the all-time best spot to catch the local vibes whizzing by. Sit on a bench and witness first-hand how Tel Aviv life unfolds before your eyes with beach-goers, paddle players, sunset buskers, magicians, and more doing their thing as the waves gently crash on the shore.

Founded over a decade ago, the Milk & Honey Distillery is Israel’s first-ever distillery producing high-quality, single-malt (and kosher!) whisky. As a proud player on the local spirits and culinary scene, the international award-winning distillery also boasts an impressive visitors' center. If whiskey's your poison, this eventful space is fit with interactive tours, tastings, and all the answers to your burning questions. Get a little buzz on and test your whisky knowledge (i.e., how does the Israeli climate actually affect the flavors of the whisky?)

Annual holidays and Fridays are all celebratory at M&H and they know how to party with the best of them. Think toasting the Jewish New Year with a premium whisky aged in a pomegranate wine cask or heavily indulging in a whisky and artisanal chocolate pairing. Grab your best drinking mate, drag your family along, or simply go solo and load up on bottles to bring home. M&H spirits are sold in 40 countries around the world, including Germany, the Benelux, France, UK, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, South Africa, and the United States. Visitors to the distillery can take private or group tours and participate in various workshops held on-site, but you must reserve online in advance.

By day, the Carmel Market, one of the best markets in all of Israel, is a carnival scene: a clash of curious tourists taking their sweet time and impatient locals just trying to buy dinner. As fish guts and fruit peels are thrown into the main street and water washes away after a long day of work, the shuk becomes void of all shoppers and signs of human existence. Nightfall is when the magic happens. Nestled down the alleyways of the market are some of the best restaurants and hidden bars in Tel Aviv. Bring some friends to Carmel Street, but remember, the more on the down-low you keep these establishments, the less crowded they’ll stay.