What Modern Tel Aviv has to Offer
April 2nd 2012
Modern Tel Aviv & Ancient Jaffa
Often considered the modern face of Israel, see what Tel Aviv has to offer by spending a day exploring its beaches, boutiques, cafes, and markets. Nicknamed “The White City” for its abundance of Bauhaus architecture, Tel Aviv was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2003. A tour to Israel is incomplete without a visit to this gorgeous, cosmopolitan urban center right on the Mediterranean Sea.
Mingle with bohemian locals who frequent popular Sheinken, Dizengoff, and Rothschild Streets for their cozy
cafes and hip boutiques. Go shopping and discover talented Israeli designers who create impeccable shoes, clothing, jewelry, and more. Or relax in one of the many coffee shops with a cappuccino and some delicious Israeli food.
Anyone who loves food will want to experience the Carmel Market, Tel Aviv’s large open air food market. Open every day except Saturday, Shuk HaCarmel, as the locals call it, is an unbeatable place to drool over Israel’s gorgeous produce and observe the local color. It is also a great location to buy souvenirs and enjoy some famous Israeli street food.
The neighborhood surrounding the Carmel Market is well worth exploring as well. The Nachlat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair, which is held adjacent to the markets on Tuesdays and Fridays, is particularly worth a stop. Twice a week the pedestrian street bursts to life as hundreds of craftspeople and artists sell their handmade work. This is an unbeatable place to find unique Israeli gifts, from ceramics to jewelry, to bring home.
On a beautiful day, nothing beats a walk along the beach. The Tel Aviv-Jaffa Promenade runs the entire length of the city (14 kilometers), all the way from southern Jaffa to the northern Tel Aviv Port. Whether you walk the whole thing or just go for a leisurely stroll through certain segments, you’ll have the sea breeze to cool you and a stunning view of both the Mediterranean and the Tel Aviv skyline.
If you head north then you’ll hit the newly revitalized Tel Aviv Port, which is home to a stunning indoor market, a 
weekly farmer’s market, impeccable restaurants, cool shops, and more. Enjoy a laid back meal made with fresh seasonal ingredients overlooking the water, or come in the evening to experience some of the nightlife that Tel Aviv is so famous for.
No matter how you spend your time in Tel Aviv, you are sure to have a good time. With so many options, there truly is something for everyone and to suit every mood.
