2. For bagging a bargain
Rummage through the jumble of Jaffa Flea Market / Image: Getty Images
The flea market in Jaffa – also known as Shuk Hapishpishim – mixes new Tel Aviv with old-time Middle Eastern vibes, selling everything from vintage treasures to classic vinyl records. Bric-a-brac stalls stand alongside pricier antique shops, galleries and enticing eateries, so you can work up an appetite buying pre-loved haute-couture at Love Me Two Times then order a whole bowl of masabacha to yourself at hummus joint Abu Hassan. If you want to shop a real bargain at the market, make sure to bust out your haggling skills.
Jaffa Flea Market, Olei Zion Street
3. For a friendly tipple
Drinks at the elegant Imperial Cocktail Bar / Image: Ben Yuster
It may be hidden inside a not-so-swanky hotel, but the old-school glam Imperial Cocktail Bar is the perfect spot for making buds at the bar – especially between Sunday and Thursday, when the drinks are 2-for-1 from 6-8pm. The cocktails here are delightfully creative and taste as good as they look. Don't get too attached to your favourite tipple, though, as the menu changes every few months to keep things fresh.
66 HaYarkon Street, City Centre
4. For a little ‘me’ time
City meets seaside at Banana Beach / Image: Getty Images
The beach is practically a religion in Tel Aviv – and after a long day, there’s no better respite. Head down to Banana (it’s the best one) to lay out, watch the sunset and reboot. If you're still up for socialising, though, you can still make some friends at the Banana Beach Bar, on the volleyball court or at the surf school.
Lower Retsif Herbert Samuel Street, Nachalat Binyamin
5. For the hipsters
Hipster bars and restaurants fill the streets of Florentin / Image: Guy Yechiely
Often dubbed ‘the Kreuzberg of Tel Aviv’, the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Florentin in south Tel Aviv is the city’s artistic enclave. Explore its graffiti-covered alleyways or see street art inside (gasp) at Israel's first ever street art gallery Pachot M'Elef, before grabbing a beer at one of the many friendly watering holes. Top off your solo hipster day by heading to gig venue Levontin 7 to check out some live music.
Florentin Street and surroundings
6. For a spot of art
Tel Aviv Museum of Art / Image: Amit Geron
Need something to break up all that tanning and hummus scoffing? The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is the place to get your culture fix. The striking building itself is worth a long look, while work by the likes of Reuven Rubin, Ariel Schlesinger, Gustav Klimt and Pablo Picasso dazzle inside. Make sure to take a wander through the Sculpture Garden too. With all that top-shelf art, you won’t miss company.
27 Sderot Sha’ul HaMelech, Hakirya
7. For a little adventure
The rooftops of Jerusalem / Image: Adobe Stock
Israel is so tiny, it’s easy-peasy to take day trips. From the central station you can hop on a short bus to capital city Jerusalem, to visit magnificent holy sites like Temple Mount and the Garden Tomb and to explore its many markets. Haifa, with its stunning beaches and eye-popping Bahai Gardens, is only about a 90-minute ride away and is well worth a visit.
Corner Levinsky and Tzemach David Street, Nave Sha’anan
Book flights to Tel Aviv
Book holidays to Tel Aviv
