After spending 4 days in Jerusalem, we headed to Tel Aviv to spend the next 3 days there. Tel Aviv is an hour away from Jerusalem. While Jerusalem represents the heritage of Israel, Tel Aviv signifies the new, fresh and liberal personality of the country. The vibrant city brings togetherdelicious fusion dishes, exciting night life, golden stretch of beach along the Mediterranean coast. Tel Aviv is also known as the gay capital of the Middle East. It hosts one of the leading gay pride parades in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from Both Israel and abroad. The city offers a spirited nightlife, a municipal LGBTQ center in the bustling heart of the city, and gay-friendly beaches. Hilton Beach was named the best gay beach in the world.
With so many incredible things to do in Tel Aviv, we spent a full day visiting several significant attractions.
Old Jaffa
Tel Avi’s most visited tourist attraction. Jaffa is believed to be the most ancient working port in the world, famous for its connection with the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon and Saint Peter, as well as the Greek Myth of Andromeda and Perseus. It is known worldwide for its unique multicultural human fabric, colorful markets and old city alleyways.
Jaffa Clock Tower
This is one of the seven clock towers that were built when the region was under the role of Ottoman Empire.
Flea Market
The city’s main flea market, where you can see shopkeepers selling antiques, second-hand furniture and works of art.
Jaffa Port
One of the oldest ports in the world from which Jonah set sail in the famous Biblical story of Jonah and the Whale. The port is still used by local fishermen and has many popular restaurants and galleries.
St. Peter’s Church
This Catholic Church sits on the hilltop of Old Jaffa and has been an important Christian site for over two thousand years. Beneath and to the side of the church, there are remains of a Crusader fortress, under which remnants of a Byzantine church are also buried.
Abrasha Park
The park at the top of the hill from the port in Jaffa. It offers an amazing view of the Mediterranean and Tel Aviv city.
The Wishing Bridge
According to ancient legend, if anyone who stands on the Wishing Bridge holds onto a zodiac sign while looking out to sea and making a wish will have their wish come true.
Beaches
The city of Tel Aviv stretches along the Mediterranean coast. Each of the 13 beaches has unique features and facilities. All beaches in Tel Aviv are “Blue Flag” certified beaches that meet the standards for water quality, safety and public environmental education.
If you have been to Tel Aviv before, what other places did you enjoy visiting?