Traveling to Tel Aviv

The White City never sleeps, it is a party oasis in the Middle East. Israeli’s don’t need an excuse to party, the city has many diverse nightclubs, bars, wine bars, cafes and restaurants. Thursday and Friday nights are the most popular party nights but the venues are generally open seven days a week. The parties get going relatively late in Tel Aviv so don’t consider arriving at a nightclub before 11pm or going home before 3am or 4am. Restaurants on the other hand usually stay open until 1pm except for a few popular “fast food” type places that locals can direct you to. Kiosks selling cigarettes and small items often stay open all night but they are not allowed to sell alcohol from 11pm to 7am. Drinking age in Israel is 18 but some clubs have an entrance policy of 21 or even 24.Cat and Dog Club, 23 Carlibach St.This “underground” club has a bit of a down-and-dirty reputation and the party really gets going at about 3am. The music is a mix of techno, house and electro. They have an excellent sound system and a lineup of top DJs. Sundays is casual, Mondays sees guest DJs and on Fridays the place is packed, loud and dynamic.HaOman 17 Club, 88 Abarbanel St.This mega-club has three levels of dance floors and they host DJs from around the world. The club hosts very popular gay events including the Shimon Shiraz FFF party line and Forever TLV party line. Of course even if you’re straight you will still be welcome and the gay events usually have dance performances, special effects and scenery.TLVnight, 33 Hen Blvd, Tel Aviv (Tel: 972 52 837 50 31)Trip advisor rates this as the top nightlife experience in Tel Aviv although it is not a club rather a pub crawl. Take one of the TLVnight tours to help you navigate the Tel Aviv nightlife led by a young local who knows where to find the best parties. They offer a pub crawl ($23); a culinary tour ($100); a complete party weekend ($170) and several other options. Not only will you be introduced to Tel Aviv nightlife but you will meet fellow travelers from around the world who are also taking the tour.Dream Exhibition, Ibn Gvirol 30This is a sophisticated club with luxury furnishings, 360° LED screens and state-of-the-art sound system. There is a 24 age restriction and the music is mainly rock, electro, main stream and house.Beer Garden, Sarona Center, Aluf Albert Mendler 3People come here to enjoy a superior experience of good food, good beverages and pleasant background music of main stream and world music. The décor is reminiscent of an upper class European pub with polished brass, soft lighting and wooden furniture. To accompany your beer there is a selection of small meals in the gastro-pub style. Patrons are allowed to smoke here as there is outdoor seating. This sophisticated venue opens at 4pm Sunday to Thursday and from 12 noon on Fridays and Saturdays. The Beer Garden stays open until the last customer leaves.Zou Bisou-Bar, Cocktails & Dinner, Ben Yehuda St. 186Tel Aviv’s ultimate cocktail bar also serves small dishes and provides great background music. The crowd here is generally over 26 and Zou Bisou is frequented by many English-speakers. The venue provides valet parking service to save you the parking headache. The décor and style is inspired by the glamour of the Mad Men TV series and New York 1950s clubs. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Here people come for intimate meals, long evenings nursing a drink and chatting with friends or to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.Valium, Nightclub and Rooftop, Ben Yehuda 1Marketed as the city’s most luxurious nightclub this venue is located on the 5th floor of the Migdalor Building offering views across the city. The spacious club covers a massive 10,500 square feet and the space has been filled with strategically placed lounge-like couches. Valium has two venues in one. There is the high-energy, state-of-the-art dance venue with techno, hip hop and house music played by top DJs. Then there is the quieter rooftop venue also with DJs and its own sleek style. They offer a full menu eating experience. The venue is closed on Sunday nights, Wednesday is Club House night, Tuesday is students night, Mondays are for over 26 year olds and Saturday nights are for over 24s.KTOVT, Mikvah IsraelKtovt (address in Hebrew) is one of Tel Aviv’s “underground” clubs. This alternative nightlife venue attracts an eclectic crowd of fashionistas, party promoters, LGBT and dedicated club-hoppers. Happy Hour is from 9pm-11pm when the drinks are cheap. The club DJs are both local and international and there is a 70s themed room, walls draped in hanging plants and strange décor. This club is for those who really want to dance the night away. The club opens at 9:30pm and stays open until 4am.Kuli Alma, Mikve Israel 10This is a relatively new club which has shot to fame for its dynamic multiple indoor rooms leading to an outdoor courtyard via a winding staircase. The club is devoted to dance, music and art. Night owls are introduced to the local artists through displays of their work as the club is owned and run by a collective of Tel Aviv DJs, artists and party celebs. A kaleidoscope of the arts encompassing vintage film, murals, art clips, visual arts and street art come together with the nightclub vibe. Patrons can view rotating exhibitions in the new cylindrical gallery space. Top musicians and DJs perform in the dance-conducive room while others retreat to the U-shaped bar area. The club serves an Israeli vegetarian menu, beer and cocktails.The Block, Salame 157This techno-trance club hosts leading international DJs and has won several awards for the best nightclub and best party lines. It was even given a shout-out by BBC Radio 1 for having one of the best sound systems in the world. The club has recently been renovated and boasts a dance floor, lounge room and intimate bar. The best parties take place here on Thursdays and Fridays.Pasaz, Allenby St. 94This is a popular spot for up-and-coming new artists. Each night a different local DJ, musician, singer or band performs. The venue is also known for its long hours. Patrons arrive early and leave late (or rather early in the morning). The music styles are diverse with everything from funk to soul and hip hop to electro.For more dynamic nightclubs and bars in Tel Aviv try Biggy-Z; Nanuchka; Dizzy Frishdon; Lima Lima. You’ll find clubs and pubs along Lilienblum Street, in the Port area, the northern end of Ben Yehuda Street. Along the beachfront and for trendy bars and restaurants just take a stroll down Ibn Gvirol Street.

Hipsters are always looking for cool unusual things to do no matter if they are in their local neighborhood or on vacation. Even Tel Aviv has its hipster hang-outs and hipster clubs, pubs, cafes and attractions. Here are some great ideas for hipsters in Tel Aviv.Hipsters love the urban vibe, melting pot of cultures, indie music, alternative styles, non-mainstream fashion from vintage to thrift stores and organic artisan food. These gentrified bohemians will feel right at home in Tel Aviv.Tel Aviv Hipster HotelsTel Aviv is full of hipster-friendly hotels like Brown Hotel TLV where there is a hot bar scene and worn leather wing chairs in the lobby. Mendeli Street Hotel is a chic beach-side hotel popular with solo hipster travelers who enjoy the integrated local art and the boutique feel of this remodeled 70s Brutalist building.Tel Aviv’s Hipster NeighborhoodsYou’ll find yuppie hipsters hanging out in cafes in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. This is a picturesque part of the city with many restored historic buildings. The neighborhood boasts quaint book stores, art galleries and trendy bars along Shabazi Street.Neve TzedekFlorentin is Tel Aviv’s ultimate Hipster neighborhood and it has been compared to New York City’s Brooklyn. Florentin took second place in a list of top international Hipster neighborhoods. The neighborhood even inspired a television series about the cool young residents of this area. If you ignore the more run down parts of Florentin you can enjoy the many cozy cafes, friendly bars and delicious food with local artists, students, foreign residents and up and coming entrepreneurs. Check out Taxidermy Bar with its unique décor or mellow at The Pasaz Allenby. Rothschild 12 is a good place for free live entertainment and urban-chic while Satchmo is the place to go for hip jazz. Tel Aviv has some innovative art museums and independent galleries; many are located on Gordon Street. In Holon hipsters will love the Design Museum and the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics. Hipsters should also check out Shenkin Street for bohemian chic, Rothschild Boulevard and the organic farmers’ market at Tel Aviv Port.Hipster Nightlife in Tel AvivFlorentin is also the neighborhood to head to when the sun goes down as the best nightclubs are here including Hoodna. Radio EPGB is a bar for trendsetters but it is not easy to find and so maintains some of its exclusive feel. You’ll hear great music like the Beatles, Don McLean and Radiohead and on Sundays there is a drag show. HaMinzar at Allenby 60 is one of the cool hipster bar/restaurants in Tel Aviv. It is an unassuming space but the food is delicious and the people fascinating.Tel Aviv is literally hipster heaven. Everywhere you look there is some cool individual trying something new or reinventing what already exists in the most hip and indie way.

It used to be that if you were an orthodox Jew, looking to keep kosher in Tel Aviv (which means observing the dietary laws) you’d be wandering the streets for hours, searching for hours for a place which kept their milk and meat dishes separate. The best kosher restaurants in Jerusalem were the place to head to if you wanted to eat well; in Tel Aviv, you’d have to settle for falafel and shawarma.Luckily, all that’s changed: Tel Aviv is a vibrant, international city, boasting not just amazing beaches, world-famous nightlife, and charming old neighborhoods full of tiny alleyways, but it’s also a city with a growing food scene. And, the reasoning goes, why shouldn’t those that keep kosher be able to partake?We’ve picked out the 7 Best Kosher Restaurants in Tel Aviv which we really think deserve applause - and the good news is that you don’t have to be religious (or even Jewish!) to eat in them. Go on and try one when you visit the city, whether you're on a Tel Aviv Tour or just exploring on your own.Gourmet Dinner and Kosher as well? You've come to the right place1. Regina - Meat, MediterraneanThe Old Railway Station complex, situated between the Neve Tsedek neighbourhood and Old Jaffa, is a great place to visit whilst in Tel Aviv, and many of the restaurants there are really worth a visit. Set up in a 19th-century building, which is beautifully preserved and boasts original features, Regina, which serves a range of tasty, ‘homestyle kitchen’ tasty meat and fish dishes in a gorgeous setting, is a good place to head if you like relaxed dining.Meat eaters will love the chopped liver, veal kebab and Hungarian goulash and those craving fish should try the salmon or tilapia (which is served with roasted beans). Veggies and vegans will love the seitan burger and meat-free shawarma, not to mention the beetroot carpaccio.As for dessert, you can’t go wrong with their apple strudel or coconut malabi (an classic Middle Eastern pudding, made of milk - or in this case a non-dairy option - topped with sweet syrup or rosewater)Accompanied by one of their famous cocktails (we’d recommend ‘Malka’ which consists of mango, run, mint and orange sorbet), you’re guaranteed to walk out happy.Location: Old Railway Station (close to the Charles Clore Park and the parking lot on Kaufman street), Tel: 03 736-7474Great food, great atmosphere2.Pankina - Dairy, ItalianIf you’re hankering for a taste of Bella Italia, then head to trendy Dizengoff Street and the corner of Gordon. There, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv, you’ll stumble upon Pankina, serving pasta (and a few other dishes besides) that’s almost as good as the bowls you’d find in Rome.Where should we begin? Well, for starters, it’s owned by an Italian so you're in safe hands. The atmosphere is welcoming and cosy, and will make you nostalgic in a heartbeat. The food is incredibly fresh, and a lot of love is put into it - just the right amount of flavoring, balance, and dressing…it’s kosher dairy heaven!What to eat? The focaccia is super yummy, the pistachio-crusted tuna steak is to die for, the blue cheese gnocchi is heavenly (and they have gluten-free pasta options too) and the sea bass comes with grilled vegetarian vegetables and buttery mashed potato that’s perfection. There are plenty of veggie and salad options and the deserts? Well, the tiramisu is a must: not too sweet, very creamy, and with just the right hint of coffee.The staff are so helpful and pleasant, the atmosphere is unpretentious and warm and all we can say is book a table, otherwise, you might have to stand outside and wait quite a while.Location: Gordon 39 Street. Tel: 03 644-9793The gnocchi will please every pellet3. Nini Hachi - Meat, Sushi, AsianThis kosher Asian-Japanese fusion restaurant, in the ‘Old North’ of Tel Aviv (close to the port) is a great favorite with the locals, which should tell you everything about the place before you even walk through the door. The combination of stylish decor, excellent food, and an intimate atmosphere inside is already enough, but the fact that it serves kosher sushi is an even bigger plus.The menu is diverse and the chefs (who are really skilled) use high-quality ingredients, producing dishes so creative you won’t feel compromised by the kosher element at all. Dishes that come highly recommended include the Teppan Yaki chicken, the sushi platter (which is a work of art and looks so lovely you almost won’t want to tuck into it), and the futomaki.The salmon caterpillar rolls are also excellent and veggies can feast on sweet potato maki, and coconut curry. spicy tofu and pad thai. If you’re looking for some ‘quick bites’ their gyoza and wontons are also yummy. As for the desserts - well, who doesn’t like a plate of mochi to round off their meal? And if you don’t care for mochi, then try the tapioca with coconut…or just enjoy a cocktail (their creations with ginger are stand-out).Something else about Nina Hachi is the incredible staff - they are so thoughtful when it comes to recommending dishes and accommodating individual needs (they have a special menu for pregnant women, by the way), whilst being incredibly professional the entire time they’re working.Location: 223 Ben Yehuda Street. Tel: 03 624-9228Yes! Sushi can be Kosher. And fabulous4.West Side TLV - Meat, NYC-style eaterySat inside the upscale Royal Beach Hotel, overlooking the Tel Aviv shoreline, West Side TLV really is high-end in every sense of the world, serving up excellent meat and fish dishes in a relaxed and elegant setting, with a beautiful terrace for good measure!What to eat? Well, for meat-eaters, try the Nebraska sirloin with Jerusalem artichoke, oxtail gnocchi, red tuna tartar, goose liver, or beef carpaccio. Veggies will love the mushroom risotto and the tomato salad with citrus dressing - the superb chef Omri Cohen sends out plates that are beautifully balanced.As for the deserts, you will find it hard to believe there’s no dairy in them. Highly recommended is their version of the British dessert ‘Eton Mess’ - with strawberries, meringue, and cream - but the chocolate mousse and their millefeuille, served with raspberry sorbet gives it a run for its money.Designed in typical ‘NYC style’ - spacious, comfortable, and contemporary - the service is exceptionally professional. This is not going to be a cheap night out, but it really will be worth it.Location:Royal Beach Hotel, 19 Hayarkon Street. Tel: 03 740-5054A meat-lover's dream5.Florentina - Dairy, MediterraneanThis fancy yet quite affordable kosher dairy restaurant located in the hipster neighborhood of Florentin, inside an old stone building, hits the spot in every way you can imagine, with a varied menu selection, generous portions of food, a buzzy, trendy atmosphere, low-key music and an owner and staff who always go the extra mile to accommodate their clientele.What to eat? The salads with halloumi and also goat cheese are fantastic. The ravioli with eggplant comes highly recommended, the stone oven-baked pizzas are yummy and the arancini - well, you won’t be disappointed. They also offer plenty of good fish dishes, a fine risotto and a ‘tapas plate’ selection.. In the spring or summer, you can sit outside in their lovely outside area, and soak up the atmosphere.The desserts are an experience in themselves - anything with choux pastry will leave you smiling, and their chocolate cake - well, it’s extremely good! This is a really special place that is guaranteed not to disappoint.Location: Abarbanel 56 Street. Tel: 03 605-0061The Arancini is great!6.Ca Phe Hanoi - Meat, AsianIf you’re craving the taste of the Far East, then head to Rabin Square (just a 10-minute walk from Gordon Beach) in the direction of Ca Phe Hanoi, where you’ll soon be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Vietnam.Ca Phe serves all the typical South East Asian food this country is famous for, including Bo buns (with beef and lemongrass or chicken and ginger), traditional salads, and, of course, the country’s signature dish, Pho. All served in traditional bamboo baskets, you can compliment your food with a range of delicious cocktails, served up at their Moo Shoo speakeasy bar.Those who don’t eat meat won’t suffer either - there are veggie spring rolls, hot-cold noodle salads, and a few dishes with tofu and eggplant that are truly delicious! Ca Phe Hanoi believes in offering a ‘multi-sensory food experience’ and the fact that they import quite a few of their ingredients from Vietnam means you’re getting the real deal.Fun fact: the decor is festive, fun and fabulous and - yes - you really should visit the restrooms, to see what all the fuss is about (we will not say more…)Location: Malkhi Yisrael 3 Street. Tel: 03 677-1184Traditional Pho meal7.Fish Kitchen- Dairy, MediterraneanLooking for a gourmet, kosher restaurant in Tel Aviv that really knows how to serve up great plates? Then look no further than Fish Kitchen, the sister restaurant to Meatos, which offers fish, vegetable, and pasta dishes (some gluten-free) in a vibrant Mediterranean environmentThe appetizers are good, the salads tasty and the cheese platter is excellent. As for the fish, we’d have to recommend the sea bass, which is perfectly cooked and utterly succulent, as well as the tempura battered whitefish. Their fish tartare with tabbouleh also comes recommended. For dessert, it’s got to be the malabi or something with chocolate.Fish Kitchen is not cheap but the food is good quality and, even better, it’s close to both the Tel Aviv Opera House and Tel Aviv Art Museum, so makes for a good place to grab dinner after a cultural outing…Location: Shaul HaMelech 33 Street. Tel: 03 693-2002Quality Fish Dish Don't forget: Great culinary is just one part of the celebration that is Tel Aviv: if you'd like to see every special historical spot and learn about the city's art and culture, you can do as many other visitors and pick a guided Tel Aviv Tour. And If you want to make the most of your visit to the holy land, just take a classical Jewish Israel Tour Package.

Once you’ve arrived in Tel Aviv, it’s easy to stay put - with its sandy beaches, endless independent cafes and hipster neighborhoods, many tourists never venture outside the city. But that’s a pity because there’s plenty to do just a short distance away from the White City. So if you’re looking for a few hours away from the hustle-bustle, here are a few suggestions.RamleMost tourists never venture to Ramle, and that’s a shame because it’s really worth a visit. Just half an hour south-east of Tel Aviv, this working-class city is ethnically diverse - Jews, Muslims and Christians co-exist comfortably (with the city’s 60,000 Jews coming from over 50 different countries, including Ethiopia, Argentina and India). Ramale also has a fair few attractions, including a bustling market, a beautiful church, an old tower and - wait for it - the chance to take an underground boat ride!Yes, indeed. In the 1960s, in the midst of constructing a nearby highway interchange, workers stumbled upon Ramle’s Old City (dating back over 1000 years). And what they found was astonishing - colorful mosaics, ceramic jars (with inscriptions in Arabic) jewelry and gold bars and coins (which are on display today at the local museum).Most impressive of all - arguably - were the deep cisterns and drainage canals. Today, a highlight of any tour of Ramle is a visit to the Pool of Arches, an outstanding example of Muslim architecture. Built in 789 CE by the Caliphof Baghdad, it was originally a large aqueduct, with an almost square basin. Today, you can take a gondola ride (well, a rowing boat!) through this underground lake, sailing past stone columns which hold up a beautifully- arched ceiling.It is astonishing to think that this Pool or Arches has survived almost 1,200 years (in which time there was an enormous earthquake in Ramle, which destroyed much of the city).Our tip: eat lunch at Maharaja, an authentic and cheap Indian eatery close to the market. You can also pick up spices and Indian sweets there.Alexander WineryFounded in 1996, this family-owned boutique winery in the heart of the Sharon region has won international awards for its cellars, and is a wonderful place to sample wines. Their guides are known for being friendly, engaging and knowledgeable and the winery itself is set in beautiful surroundings.The tasting room itself has plenty of space and for 100 NIS you will receive a selection of wines, olives (marinated in their own olive oil), bread and cheese. Yoram Shalom, the charming proprietor, left his job as a photographer with Israeli television to open the vineyard and is often around to show visitors around and answer questions about the business.This family regard wine-making as a labour of love and when you take a tour here you learn just as much about the people involved in the process as you do the wines themselves. Only 30 minutes drive from Tel Aviv, it’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours.Derech Hefer 15, Beit Yitzhak-Sha'ar Hefer.Design Museum, HolonOpened in 2010, this intriguing museum is the first of its kind in Israel devoted exclusively to design. Dreamed up by the acclaimed architect, Ron Arad, the Holon Design Museum aims to act as an engaging experience both for children and adults, as well as those who have no background in the subject.Divided into two spaces (the Design Lab and the Collection Windows) it showcases objects as diverse as chairs, eyeglasses, jewelry and a do-it-yourself sundial for the kids! The exterior of the museum is particularly striking - comprised of five sinuous bands of red Corten weathering steel, these ‘ribbons’’ both support the structure and give it a ‘flowing’ feel.Ben Shemen ForestAn oasis of greenery in Israel’s center, this forest is only 30 minutes drive from Tel Aviv (about half-way to Jerusalem). Full of pine trees and cyclamen, it is the perfect place for a family day out, since it has picnic areas, bicycle trails, and beautiful scenic trails too. Around the forest are observation points, as well as areas of archaeological interest (eg. graves from the era of the Maccabees).If you’re feeling ambitious, head off on the Anava Trail, 25 kilometers long (and circular) which passes the Monks Valley and gives you great look-out opportunities across the surrounding area.Moreover, if you visit on Friday or Shabbat, whilst it will be busy you’ll also have an opportunity to pick up food and drink first from one of the stalls at the main parking lot - freshly-baked laffas and some local beer are a great way to begin a hike! Directions: From Highway 1, turn East at the Ben-Shemen Interchange to Maccabim and Re’ut (route 443).Shefayim Water Park, NetanyaShefayim Water Park is about a 30-40 minute drive north of Tel Aviv and the ideal place to bring the kids in Israel’s long hot summer months. It boasts 22 different slides, (including a slalom), a wave pool or tubing track. There is also a large pool and a separate pool for young children.Shefayim has quite a few numbers of cafes and restaurants (moderately to expensively priced) but you are allowed to bring your own food and drink, so why not think about a picnic? Please note, however, that glass bottles are not allowed into the park. There’s plenty of shaded areas (and astroturf to sit on) as well as a paintball area, if you get tired of splashing around on the slides!The park is open daily from May to October but it’s advisable to call ahead as occasionally it is booked out for private group events. Also, take into account that it’s a very popular attraction so it can get very crowded.Our advice? Buy your tickets online, in advance, and arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the park opens. Then when you walk in, head straight to the large pool and grab a sunbed with an umbrella! Once that’s bagged, you’re set for the day.Directions: Drive north towards Netanya on Highway 2 and exist at Kvish HaHof, ten minutes north of Herzilya.

This years Tel-Aviv Gay Pride Parade will take place on the 7th June 2013, tens of thousands of spectators and participants are expected from Israel and abroad. This will be Tel-Aviv’s 16th annual parade which is part of a week-long celebration of the LGBT community in Israel. The Pride Parade was originally called the Love Parade and when it began there was much disagreement and controversy due to the large religious community in Israel and conservative viewpoints. At the time many of the participants were prominent political and cultural figures who helped to promote equal rights and freedom of expression. Today the atmosphere is much more liberal, the gay community is embraced by most Israelis and the parade is no longer a political issue. The huge celebration of love, equality and freedom is attended by gay and straight people alike and an incredible party atmosphere prevails. The Tel-Aviv Pride Parade was the first in Asia and there are now other Pride Parades held (on a smaller scale) in other Israeli cities, like for example Eilat. Tel-Aviv’s parade is also the largest in Asia, in 2012 150,000 people participated.

Vegans visiting Tel Aviv won’t go hungry. In fact the city is considered one of the best vegan-friendly cities in the world. Israel has about 200,000 vegan residents, most of who live in Tel Aviv. Vegan in Hebrew is “tivoni” and the concept is generally understood so feel free to ask in restaurants if they have anything tivoni. Here are just few of the many vegan restaurants in Tel Aviv.Tel Aviv Vegan RestaurantsNanuchka, 30 Lilienblum Street – One of the most interesting additions to the vegan family is Nanuchka, a traditional Georgian cuisine restaurant. For many years the popular restaurant served meaty Georgian dishes until the owner became a vegan in 2014 and converted the restaurant to vegan-only. Now they continue to serve Georgian food but all vegan. The restaurant has a great atmosphere with Communist Era memorabilia and poetry adorning the red walls.Falafel Banin Johnny, 2 Tchernikhovski Street – This is your chance to taste traditional Israeli fast food. Falafel is made primarily from humus beans but this restaurant offers the dish with the usual frills like salad and fries plus some gluten-free options.Buddha Burgers, 86 Ibn Gvirol and 21 Yehuda HaLevy– This eatery is a veteran vegan establishment. They serve made-to-order veggie burgers made with a mix of beans, quinoa and rice. You can have soy cheese added to your burger which is rare in Israel because of the kosher laws.Taste of Life (Taam Hachaim), 35 Ben Yehuda – This vegan (and mostly organic restaurant) is run by the Hebrew Israelite community, also called the Black Hebrews. They are a group of African Americans who believe they are descendents of the ancient Israelites and have a thriving community in Israel. They are usually English speaking and the menu is in Hebrew and English. There is a wide selection of light meals like salads, sandwiches and desserts.Zakaim, 20 Simtat Beit HaSho’eva – This Persian inspired vegan restaurant is often voted the best vegan restaurant in Tel Aviv. The dishes on offer are based on classic Persian cuisine and the menu is ever changing. The relaxed yet chic décor and open kitchen with eclectic furniture make this a unique and inviting restaurant.Café XoHo, 17 Gordon – This is a popular hangout for Tel Aviv’s expat community. It is a cozy café with a laid back atmosphere where you are welcome to bring your laptop and use their free WiFi. The food is all natural and all homemade daily. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options – but a lot of vegan options. The menu is labels so that you know which dishes are vegan and which are vegetarian.HaShawarma HaTivonit (Vegan Shwarma), 81 King George Street – Try the American-style pizza, Middle Eastern classics, Israeli food and fast food, all vegan. This establishment used to be called The Vegetarian Shwarma before turning completely vegan. You can get vegan schnitzel, vegan burgers, fries and other fast food.Hatol HaYarok (The Green Cat), 7 Levontin Street – This is a vegan pizza and Italian food joint dishing up delicious pizza which uses cashew-based “mozzarella cheese” which is prepared on the premises. The pizzas are topped with things like yam, seitan, olives and vegetablesHerzog, 48 Ibn Gabirol Street – This restaurant has only recently opened and serves vegan tapas and Mediterranean food prepared by one of Tel Aviv’s top chefs, the owner of Maavar Passage. They are open Monday to Friday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm.Miss Kaplan, 18 Eliezer Kaplan Street – This is a completely vegan eatery in the gorgeous Serona shopping complex. They serve modern dishes and many flavorsome dishes. It is headed by well known vegan blogger/chefs – Orit Shavit and Shirel Berger.Rainbow Pitta, 88 Ibn Gvirol Street – Typical Middle Eastern and Israeli food is served here – vegan-style. This is vegan fast food and they serve take-out. They are closed on Saturdays.Anastasia, 54 Frishman Street – This vegan café serves small meals, great breakfasts, drinks and cakes. They make their own almond, rice and soy milk and serve strictly no junk food. There are also gluten-free items on the menu and raw food items. The café also has a little store selling vegan foods.The Green Roll, 30 Montifiori Street – Try the vegan Japanese food here including sushi, and organic freshly squeezed juices. Vegan sushi is something really special and worth trying. Also try their raw desserts.Tevaleh, 106 Bograshov Street – This restaurant serves Middle Eastern classics and Israeli food as well as freshly squeezed fruit juices. They have a seated area plus they sell take-out. It is the second of two branches of this restaurant (the first is in Kfar Saba). Among the popular juices is a wheatgrass drink.Greek Shack, 18 Yedidya Frenkel – This vegan bar is located in the hipster/bohemian neighborhood of Florentine in South Tel Aviv. They serve American-style food including sloppy joe, philly cheese steak, schnitzel, cheesecake and kebabs – but all vegan.Tenat, 27 Chlenov Street – Here you can try Ethiopian vegan and gluten-free food. There is a great ambiance in this eatery with Ethiopian and jazz music playing in the background. On Monday nights there are live jazz performances.Alegria, 165 Ibn Gavirol Street – this is a specialty vegan store and restaurant where you can find vegan artisan cheese like cashew-cheddar and other mouthwatering delights. There are daily specials, vegan burgers, salads and sandwiches. There are also spreads, breads and pastries on offer. This restaurant is closed on Saturdays.Seeds, 97 King George Street – Try a vegan pizza or one of the Middle Eastern dishes. This is also a bakery where you can get a variety of pastries. Also find frozen foods and pre-packed frozen vegan meals for take-away. One of their most popular items is iced coffee.Dosa Bar, 188 Ben Yehuda Street – Great Indian street food; one of the most popular dishes served is South Indian dosa, a gluten-free pancake with different savory fillings. The dosa comes with soup, a salad and chutney. There are also several delicious desserts. This restaurant is closed on Saturdays.

Anyone who chose tovisit Tel Aviv will tell you it’s a hard city not to fall in love with. Young, vibrant, and fun, there’s so much to do that you could spend more than a few days here, exploring its museums, galleries, beaches, coffee shops, and cocktail bars.And that’s before you’ve even sampled the amazing nightlife, taken a Bauhaus architecture tour, or headed to Old Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world.Get ready for the Non-Stop City!So what’s the best way to get the most out of 24 hours in Tel Aviv? OK, here you go. Set your alarm and be prepared to put in some steps because it will be a long day - but one you’ll enjoy no end!1. Breakfast in styleThe great Israeli breakfast is much talked about and when you try it, it’s bound to live up to your expectations. Tel Aviv is known for its amazing cafe scene - whether you want eggs, cheeses and salads, waffles, wraps and paninis, muffins, and croissants, or even a tofu scramble, you’ll find it here.Don't forget to order Shakshuka. You won't be sorrySo start your morning with a good spread. Locals are loyal to their neighborhood joints and they’ve all got a great charm, but breakfast places in Tel Aviv we’d highly recommend include Cafe Xoho - between Gordon and Frishman beaches - which services health-conscious fare, Benedicts (an American haunt, with fantastic homemade bread, eggs served in all kinds of ways and wonderful stacks of pancakes) or Dallal (famous for its pastries).2. The Tel Aviv promenadeOnce you’re fuelled up, head off to the beachfront. Tel Aviv’s a compact city, so you can easily walk all the way from the ‘Old North’ (home to ‘Metzitzim’ and ‘Hilton’ beaches) all the way to Jaffa, in an hour. The best beaches in Tel Aviv are legendary, and very beautiful - white sand, blue sea, and beautiful views.Green grass, golden sand, blue sea: Tel Aviv's beaches are wonderful!Stroll along the promenade, take a Tel Aviv Bike Tour, hop on an electric scooter, or kick off your sandals and walk along the sand, next to the Mediterranean. If you need a coffee or juice, there are cafes everywhere, not to mention workout stations, and built-in seating areas along the promenade. Once you get down to Jerusalem Beach. head through the backstreets of the Yemenites Quarter towards the Carmel Market.3. Take a tour of the Carmel MarketThe Carmel Market is one of Tel Aviv’s most famous and exciting attractions - it’s full of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to clothes, souvenirs, and sunhats, and there’s a buzzing, fun atmosphere every day, but particularly on Fridays when everyone is doing their shopping in anticipation of Shabbat.Art, food, and fun at the marketThere’s plenty of street food to grab, as well as fresh juices. You can stop in Cafe Yom Tov for a coffee or the Beer Bazaar for a craft ale and if you love to cook, consider taking a Carmel Market food tour.4. Walk the Magical Backstreets of Neve TzedekContinue by foot just a few minutes to Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv’s most charming and picturesque neighborhoods. The first Jewish city built outside Old Jaffa, it was neglected and left in disrepair for years. Today, however, it’s totally gentrified and the beautifully renovated buildings and charming side streets are an Instagrammers delight.Blue buildings, tiny streets - Neve Tzedek is a true gemShabazi, the main street, has lots of small stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, as well as an excellent local gelateria called Anita, should you need a sugar fix. Meaning ‘Oasis of Justice’ in Hebrew, it’s peaceful and tranquil and utterly charming to spend an hour or so in, before heading south to Jaffa.5. Explore JaffaOld Jaffa is a must-stop on any trip to Tel Aviv - it’s one of the oldest cities in the world and with its vibrant port, picturesque Artist’s Quarter (complete with tiny streets and narrow alleyways), and vibrant Flea Market, it’s hard not to fall in love with this city. The old Jaffa PortBegin in the port (where you’ll see musicians playing and fishermen throwing their rods in the sea) before heading up to the Franciscan church and then continue onto the Artist’s Quarter. After admiring the beautiful buildings and stopping into some of the small galleries, head across Yefet Street, towards the Jaffa flea market, or the Shuk haPishpeshim’ as the locals call it.The Jaffa Flea Market is the best in IsraelA veritable treasure trove, full of second-hand clothes, Israeli memorabilia, jewelry, and vintage items, pick yourself up a bargain before stopping for a late lunch in one of the many bars and cafes around. If you want to make sure you won't miss any of this spot's special magic, just take a Jaffa Flea Market Tour.6. Cocktails and Dinner on Dizengoff StreetIf you need a quick rest, head back to your accommodation for a power nap; otherwise take a bus or taxi back to King George Street and walk up towards Dizengoff, the city’s most famous street.Before dinner, stop for a drink in one of Tel Aviv's world-class cocktail bars - Spicehaus serves themed creations in thermos beakers and the wait staff wear white lab coats for good measure. There’s also Concierge, which has a very hip vibe, and Double Standards, where the Bloody Mary you order will actually come in an IV bag!Great drinks, great atmosphere. Cocktails in IsraelThere are so many top restaurants in Tel Aviv that you will be spoilt for choice and the only thing we’d advise is making a reservation beforehand. La Shuk serves modern Israeli fare, Goocha is famous for its fish and Cafe Popular is a chef-restaurant that serves creative dishes in trendy surroundings, but one thing is for sure - the dining scene here is so good, few leave Tel Aviv unhappy.7. End your day in the White City on Rothschild BoulevardRothschild Boulevard is one of the most beautiful streets in the city - it’s located in the historic old quarter, with many beautifully restored Bauhaus buildings at which to gaze. There are bars and cafes at which you can stop, or you can just stroll around, drinking in the charm of the area.By now you’ll probably be exhausted but with luck, you'll have a ‘flavor’ of this wonderful city and be dying to come back and explore it a little more.A lovely spot to think about the great day you just had!Of course, Israel’s more than just Tel Aviv and so if you do have a bit more time, consider making a day trip to Jerusalem, a city that’s ancient, beautiful, evocative, and - home to three major world religions - a huge pilgrimage site.There’s also the Galilee and the Golan Heights, in the north, which are perfect for those seeking nature and hiking trails, as well as the Negev desert, for anyone who wants some solitude.Feel free to contact us by email or phone, if you’d like further information about any of the package tours, day trips, or privately-guided trips we offer around this incredible country.