About Tel Aviv
Israel, with its longstanding reputation as the “startup nation,” has the unique position of a dynamic global technology hub and is known to be an innovations accelarator.
Ranked one of the world’s leading innovative cities, Tel Aviv is at the heart of the global startup scene. With its vast resources, renowned professionals and the highest level of venture capital per capita, Tel Aviv is a top meeting destination.
Modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan, Tel Aviv will exite you. The city is located on the Mediterranean Sea and has a sun-bronzed strip of coastline. No matter if you are a heritage explorer, an architecture admirer or want to feel the social and culture spirit of the city, Tel Aviv is the place to be.
Check out some of the city highlights:
Old Jaffa & Jaffa Port
A short walk from Tel Aviv downtown along the coast brings you to the old Arab port town of Jaffa, with its preserved acropolis remains and well-restored stone architecture. Jaffa (or Yafo) is one of the oldest ports in the world, and allegedly, the port from which Jonah left in the story of Jonah and the Whale. The port is still used by fishermen but it also offers lots of tourist attractions – art galleries, shops and restaurants. To feel the atmosphere in the Old City of Jaffa, you might like to go for a walk in the narrow streets and small alleys. Take your time to admire theancient buildings and landmarks or experience the local cuisine.
Rothschild Boulevard
Go for a walk down Tel Aviv’s most beautiful tree-lined boulevard and enjoy the classic Bauhaus architecture. Rothschild Boulevard has it all – from charming cafes and lively late night clubs to historical museums and numerous places to sit and relax, it is the perfect central Tel Aviv spot to explore. At the end of the Boulevard, you reach the Culture Square, where three of the city’s most important cultural institutions meet: The Habima National Theatre, the Mann Auditorium and the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion famous for its the contemporary art exhibition. The square is designed by the artist Dani Karavan and is a lovely place to sit, relax and listen to classical music.
Carmel Market
Shuk HaCarmel is the biggest and main market in Tel Aviv where traders sell anything from clothing to spices, fruit and electronics. The hustle and bustle, the colors and smells, as well as its reputation of the largest authentic Middle-Eastern style shuk in Tel Aviv make the Carmel Market a favorite place for anyone from first time visiting tourists to locals who come here to get the freshest fruit and vegetables, and some of the cheapest products in the city. You can explore it by starting from King George/Allenby Street and walking all the way to the Carmelit Bus Station, or vice versa.
Beach & Sport
National Geographic included Tel Aviv in its ”10 best beach cities in the world” list, and for good reason! Tel Aviv’s coastline is comprised of 13 unique beaches and all of them reveal splendid views and offer different experience. The most popular sandy stretches are centrally-located and include Gordon Beach, Frishman Beach and Banana Beach. Beach and water sports are very popular here. Surfing, sailing, rowing, swimming, supping, diving or volleyball, the options are endless. And if you’re more into walking, running or cycling, The Tayelet (paved boardwalk) offers a glorious view.
Getting to Tel Aviv
Getting to and from Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international airport, is generally an easy task with many options available including the train, shuttles, taxis, sheruts (shared taxis) and car rental. By far trains are the most cost-effective and convenient way to get to and from the airport. Trains leave each half an hour from 6 am to 12 am, and each hour from 12 am to 6 am. The only inconvenient aspect of the train is that it does not run from late Friday afternoon to Saturday evening due to Shabbat.
Check out the other options here.
Moving around Tel Aviv
Getting around Tel Aviv and Jaffa can be a challenge with all the bustling streets and the sprawling nature of the city but to ensure your comfortable stay you will have to get familiar with variety of transportation options and routes. The city area is flat, so cycling and walking might be your preferred choice or you can still take a car, bus, taxi or Uber.
Travel documents & visas
The two mandatory travel documents for anyone traveling to Israel are: Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your arrival in Israel. If it’s not, make sure to renew your passport before traveling to Israel.
Departure Ticket – You must also have a valid departure ticket out of the country within 3 months, unless you have a longer term visa before you arrive.
Israel has visa exemption agreements with many countries for visits of up to 90 days. Check out whether you need to obtain a visa to visit Israel here.