Welcome to Tel Aviv
Cooler, hipper, and much younger than neighboring Jerusalem (an hour away by car), the coastal city of Tel Aviv promises visitors a good time with fine dining, nightlife, and plenty of culture. Home to the Museum of the Jewish People (Beit Hatfutsot), white-sand beaches, and a bevy of artfully dilapidated art nouveau and Bauhaus buildings, it’s no wonder the so-called White City is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. See why locals love Israel’s second-largest city by touring the charming neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, typically packed with groups eating sabich (fried eggplant and hardboiled egg pita sandwich) at sidewalk cafes; taking in art and history at world-beating museums; and sampling specialties such as hummus and falafel at Carmel Market. At the heart of Tel Aviv lies the old city of Jaffa, a mixed Jewish and Muslim neighborhood with views of the Mediterranean Sea and 8,000-year-old roots. Easily include a visit to Jaffa on a half-day tour, or opt for day trips that take you to Israel’s other famous sites, such as the Dead Sea, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Masada, Bethlehem, Jericho, and Petra—most return to Tel Aviv in time for you to hit up the city’s famed bars and restaurants. Because Ben Gurion International Airport is located just outside of Tel Aviv, you can easily squeeze in a visit at the beginning or end of your time in Israel, or base your trip out of this 24/7 city and take advantage of the numerous day trip opportunities.