City break destination: Tel Aviv (Israel)

Tel Aviv is a blossoming and full-fledged modern city. From endless dining options to an incredible nightlife scene, Tel Aviv today is known as the perfect spot for leisure and also as a hub for start-up companies. Almost a world unto itself, Tel Aviv, also known as the White City, is an urban playground attracting international visitors and Israelis alike to its lively beaches and businesses. 

Today, the city is more vibrant than ever and has truly earned its place among global cities as a thrilling hub of commercial, social and cultural activity. Popular travel guide Lonely Planet ranked Tel Aviv among the world’s top most action-packed and vibrant cities. It also marked Tel Aviv as one of the world’s most “bicycle friendly” locations.

Here is a list of top must-see places in Tel Aviv:

Rothschild Boulevard

The seeds of Tel Aviv were planted mode than 100 years ago in the area surrounding Rothschild Boulevard, Herzi Street and others within their vicinity. “Little Tel Aviv”, as this area is known today, is still the beating heart of a town that has since expanded in a very significant way. Rothschild Boulevard, a well-maintained, lofty green road is the most exemplary of Tel Aviv’s main pedestrian thoroughfares. Serving as the main artery of the area, it’s the most beautiful and famous boulevard in the city. As one of the first 4 streets in Tel Aviv, the boulevard was initially named Rehov HaAm (“the people’s street”), but changed its name to Rothschild Boulevard in 1910, in honor of the benefactor Baron de Rothschild.

Neve Tzedek neighbourhood

One of the most beautiful areas in Tel Aviv, Neve Tzedek is not only the city’s oldest neighborhood, today is also one of the trendiest and priciest. With many buildings renovated to befit the original architectural style of the area, the charming mix of classic-quaint with modern design has made this small enclave a major draw for artists who live side by side this working class residents who’ve been living there since day one. Aside from the quality boutiques and restaurant, there are also some cultural establishments worth exploring.

Jaffa

The existence of Jaffa dates back to the Bronze Age. The ancient port city is mentioned in the Bible, in both the Old and the New Testament, on numerous occasions. Jaffa also has a place in Greek mythology. Legend has it that on the rock of Jaffa’s shore the beautiful Andromeda was chained by Poseidon and subsequently rescued by Perseus. Andromeda’s Rock can still be seem in Jaffa Harbour. Nowadays, Jaffa has been deservedly restored and is a unique site bursting with historical treasures, exclusive shops and residential properties with numerous cultural centers. Young talents, artists, celebrities and families from Jewish, Muslim and Christian backgrounds all call this ancient city home. Jaffa’s status has progressively escalated in recent years among Tel Aviv’s yuppies, history lovers and foodies. Restaurants, cafes and bars have appeared in the vicinity of the Flea Market. It’s become a place that integrates the old and the new, cheap and expensive.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art (https://tamuseum.org.il/en/) was established in 1932 in a building that was the home of Tel Aviv's first mayor, Meir Dizengoff. The Helena Rubinstein Pavilion for Contemporary Art opened in 1959. The new museum moved to its current location on King Saul Avenue in 1971. This museum houses a comprehensive collection of classical and contemporary art, especially Israeli art, a sculpture garden and a youth wing.

Where to stay in Tel Aviv: THE DIAGHILEV - LIVE ART SUITES HOTEL

The Diaghilev Live Art Suites Hotel (http://www.diaghilev.co.il/) is named after Sergei Diaghilev (1872 – 1929) - a Russian art critic, publisher, patron, and the founder of the Ballets Russes. Diaghilev was a peculiar and colorful character. His most exceptional ability was combining different artists and creative disciplines into a total sensory experience. Diaghilev has worked, inspired, supported and collaborated with an astonishing number of influential individuals from all fields of creation such as: Coco Chanel, Picasso, Matisse, Joan Miró, Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Ravel, Sergei Prokofiev, Jean Cocteau and more. Like its source of inspiration, The Diaghilev Hotel continues the tradition of combining different art forms. The hotel always changes and develops, taking on new layers of content and creating diverse, one-of-a-kind experiences. With its fresh concept-varied style, ever changing art exhibitions, and exclusive cultural events, every visit to The DIAGHILEV becomes a unique, unforgettable experience.

Where to eat in Tel Aviv:

Kitchen Market

Kitchen Market (http://www.kitchen-market.co.il/) is a contemporary fusion restaurant above the farmers' market in Tel Aviv's famous port Namal which is a popular destination for foodies. The market is a source of the finest ingredients, brought up straight to the kitchen. Pure flavors, made with passion by talented Israeli chef Yossi Shitrit, for people that love food. Overlooking the lively harbor and food market you can enjoy a great and bustling atmosphere while eating dinner, ending your evening with a stunning and romantic ocean view sunset.

The Old Man and the Sea

Ernest Hemingway's 1952 novel The Old Man and the Sea depicts the world of a poor Cuban fisherman who fights the wild sea. These elements of sea, fish and noble nature have also inspired the establishment of the well-known restaurant on Jaffa's Kedem Street - The Old Man and the Sea.

 Shila - Sharon Cohen's Kitchen & Bar

Shila (https://en.shila-rest.co.il/) is the bar with the best food or the restaurant with the hottest bar, since Shila was established ten years ago it became a Gastronomic home for people that like to eat and have fun. Sharon Cohen, the chef, manages his kitchen with laughter and humour behind the Flame, Seasoned with grace and serves with love.