Boho Guide to Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is one of Israel’s most popular cities and after spending only a few days here, it’s easy to see why so many bohemian travelers adore Tel Aviv.
Art
In the center of Tel Aviv is the Carmel Open-Air Market, brimming with local fruit, spices, street food, clothes and souvenirs. The market is inexpensive, allowing you to try a little bit of everything. On Tuesdays and Fridays Tel Aviv’s Art & Craft Fair takes place along Nachalat Benjamin Street. Here you will find examples of local art, cafes and street performers. This area is a great starting place for anyone visiting Tel Aviv.
Nightlife
Tel Aviv is known for its lively nightlife scene and while I didn’t make it to every single bar, club and lounge, I can recommend a couple worth a drink. Rothschild 12 is a bar with both a performance stage and an outdoor patio space. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for chatting with friends and listening to music. Radio E.P.G.B is an underground bar (both literally and figuratively) playing classic punk and indie-electronica tunes. For a bit of role reversal, head to Nanuchka, a lively venue where the men dance and sing on the bar.
Outdoors
Tel Aviv has an excellent bike system which basically involves buying a rental card and picking up/dropping off your bike in one of the many designated areas around the city. I highly recommend taking a bike ride along the beaches of Tel Aviv. It’s a great way to observe local life while enjoying the scenic view. Although sidewalks are not intended for bicyclists, many locals and tourists frequently bike along these paths,making for a non-threatening bike experience.
Jaffa
The port of Jaffa is the perfect place for the avant-garde traveler on the hunt for a vintage bargain. Here you will find antique markets with just about any item you can imagine. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit, as this is common for vendors. The street food in Jaffa is inexpensive and delicious so make sure to try a few different dishes as you walk along the graffitied streets. The Ilana Goor museum is located in Jaffa and has an extensive collection of the famous artists’s quirky artwork plus a view of the beach from her rooftop.
Holon
Technically its own city, Holon is located just outside from Tel Aviv and is home to the Design Museum. The exhibit changes about four times per year and often showcases local Israeli designers. The current exhibit is one that features artists creating work that calls attention to both function and more abstract elements. The museum’s exterior is a remarkable example of modern architecture and design.
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20 Comments
Wow I didn’t expect Tel Aviv to be like that. I’ve always wanted to visit because I heard it was a fun party beach city. But I’ve never heard much else. This makes me want to go even more. The bars/lounges look so cool and I love that market. I didn’t know the city had this much going on! Hopefully I’ll get there soon.
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..Top 5 dive sites near Malapascua, Philippines
Thanks Bobbi! I didn’t really know too much about Tel Aviv myself so I was just as surprised. The city is brimming with art, culture and a lively nightlife. Lots to keep me entertained haha.
Megan recently posted..Boho Guide to Tel Aviv
I remember Tel Aviv being pretty hip when I was there years ago.
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently posted..How NOT to Get Locked Up Abroad
I guess not much has changed then!
Megan recently posted..Boho Guide to Tel Aviv
How cool!! Unfortunately I was only in Tel Aviv for a day or two, and attached to a massive group, so I missed out on this kind of scene…next time
Naomi recently posted..a wander in the bamboo forest: the damyang bamboo festival
I wasn’t there long enough either! Could have used another week or two
Megan recently posted..Boho Guide to Tel Aviv
You make it so tempting to visit Isreal!
Jade Johnston – OurOyster.com recently posted..The Best Way To Discover The Pinnacles
haha you should go there Jade! I’m already eager to go back.
Megan recently posted..Boho Guide to Tel Aviv
I got to spend time in Jerusalem about 10 years ago and dream of going back to visit more of the country. This reminds me how much I love the country!
dtravelsround recently posted..Dude, don’t get Locked Up Abroad …
It really is! I hope I can make it back there in the next few years.
Megan recently posted..Boho Guide to Tel Aviv
What a beautiful city! I definitely want to take a trip to Jaffa and see how good my bargaining skills are.
Alexa Meisler recently posted..Texas Hospitality: Massages, BBQ, Wine Tasting and the Kimber Modern
Jaffa is a perfect place to practice!
Megan recently posted..Boho Guide to Tel Aviv
Wow, I had no idea Tel Aviv was such an artsy city!!
Dani | Globetrottergirls recently posted..A taste of Cambodia… our first impressions
It really is!
Megan recently posted..Dead Sea Mud Fashion
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Tel Aviv — it looks like my kind of town. I actually just met someone from Holon and had no idea where it was. Now I know!
Abby recently posted..Champagne Campaign
I really loved Tel Aviv! I think we went to to Holon….it was a whirlwind trip – still recovering
Megan recently posted..Historical Highlights from Israel
This just puts Tel Aviv higher up on my list! The nightlife there sounds so fun!
Christine recently posted..Bilbao’s Best Pintxo
It has a great nightlife scene – I was impressed!
Megan recently posted..Historical Highlights from Israel
Good stuff on your list! I was living in TLV when Radio EPGB opened for the first time and it was one of my favorite places to go out. The Design Museum is also really cool.
Seems we have a similar taste as I’ve got a lot of the same stuff on my guide to Tel Aviv, too: http://travelsofadam.com/hipster-tel-aviv-travel-tips/
oh Awesome! I’m checking out your guide now
Megan recently posted..Local Life Along the Elbe