Tel Aviv
By Militsa, Milena & our local guide Maya
Welcome to Tel Aviv, where everyone seems to be getting around on two electric wheels, owning a dog or both!
Read about our experiences in the 5 days we spend in Tel Aviv & the local tips you won’t find anywhere on the web, specially curated by Maya!
Where to stay?
This beautifully designed boutique hotel is located in the heart of the city and it was born out of the dream of local entrepreneurs, who want to give the authentic experience of Tel Aviv.
The Mayer house impressed us with its prime location, being in close proximity to the beach and its on-site restaurant and rooftop bar. The Mayer cafe offers a French dining experience, while upstairs, the rooftop bar boasts a pool with a city view and serves delicious cocktails!
What to see?
Carmel Market
Also known as Shuk HaCarmel, which is a bustling open-air market that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and local snacks.
For a glimpse into Tel Aviv's history, visit the Old City of Jaffa, which is home to charming cobblestone streets and a variety of art galleries and shops. Also a great sunset spot!
If you are up for a treat, the Neve Tzedek neighborhood is a great place to explore quaint cafes, boutique shops and some of the best parfumeries!
For a more bohemian atmosphere and street art visit Florentin. The neighborhood is home to a number of art galleries, showcasing the works of local artists, vintage shops as well as a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and live music venues.
The best way to truly experience Tel Aviv is by indulging in its delicious and diverse food scene, explore eclectic bars and cafes, and immerse yourself in a vibrant nightlife scene!
With so many options to choose from, it can be easy to get lost in the diversity of it all. Here are some tips to help you navigate the scene and make the most of your visit.
Coffee ☕️
Our favourite was Cafelix. It has multiple locations in the main areas of the city, great babka and of course the best coffee we had in Tel Aviv!
Other recommendations include: Mae Café & Coffee Shop 51!
Brunch 🍳
As we enjoy going with the flow, we sometimes find ourselves at a place that we didn't plan to visit, such as Benedict. We found the Shakshuka to be particularly delicious and the White Chocolate Pistachio Pancakes were a delightful surprise - highly recommended!
Our local guide favourites: Café Dizingoff, CafeXoho, Cafe Yom Tov & Dallal
Where to Dine? 🍽
In Tel Aviv food is served everywhere, even in nightclubs (convenient, right)! So, the options are tons, below are our best picks for dining:
Radler is situated in the heart of the city, the restaurant was founded by a famous Israeli chef and boasts fantastic food offering contemporary cuisine, seafood and meat dishes. Right next door is the Radler bar featuring not your typical selection of cocktails, which we totally fell for!
Similar concept you will find in Cafe Popular in a less vibrant neighbourhood but with some of the best food we tasted during our stay!
Other top local picks: Cafe Poaa (Jaffa), La Shuk, Bar 51
International restaurants: The Thai House, Chicetti (Italian), Men Tenten (Japanese)
Bars 🍸
If you're searching for the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitivo, visit Château Shuál. With a good selection of natural wines and tapas style food, it's a great place to unwind and savor the flavors of Tel Aviv. For an even better deal, visit during happy hour when everything is offered at half-price.
For a more alternative atmosphere, craft beers and Israeli style pizza, try out Teder.fm to experience the city's vibrant arts and music scene!
Other must sees: Bushwick, La Otra, 223, La Bar, Esperanto
Night out 🚀
We celebrated New Year's Eve in Tel Aviv and while the celebration may not be as grand as in other cities, the nightlife scene in Tel Aviv is always lively. Here's a rundown of what we experienced:
Mondo 2000, described as an upper-underground restro-club and rooftop, offering 360-views. Hands down, the place is great for a party but we found the crowd on NYE a bit underwhelming.
Sputnik and Kuli Alma are both trendy venues with an eclectic atmosphere, featuring multiple rooms and catering for your different moods! You can find everything from creative cocktails and a laid-back vibe to darker rooms with electronic music and an interior full of surprises!
Onebar is popular for the after hours and better known with the locals. We recommend it for a more authentic experience!
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