iBestTravel Local Dan Savery Raz has been living in Tel Aviv for almost 10 years. Initially attracted by the beaches, bars and general bustle of Tel Aviv, he stayed for the freewheeling, spontaneous lifestyle and family-friendly atmosphere. Moreover, the Middle East’s most diverse culinary scene might have also influenced his decision.
On Saturdays, I… head to the beach like the rest of Tel Aviv. My favorite is Hilton Beach, located on the city’s northern coast, which includes TLV’s unofficial gay beach and a dog-walkers’ beach. Off-season, it’s a tranquil stretch of sand perfect for walking my dog, Boots, and during the season, it transforms into a lively party hub filled with sun-worshippers and locals tossing frisbees. Right behind this beach is Independence Park, an often overlooked green space that offers spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean and even Old Jaffa to the south.
My children love going to… Park HaYarkon, where they can run around grassy parkland and play to their heart’s content at one of the many playgrounds with slides, wooden climbing frames and swings. For a grand day out with the little ones, we venture out of town to Safari Ramat Gan, known for its drive-through area and zoo.
No trip to Tel Aviv would be complete without… indulging in a messy falafel. Although believed to have originated in Egypt, this fried chickpea ball, typically served with salad in pita bread, has become synonymous with Tel Aviv. Falafel stalls are prevalent on nearly every major street corner, and a manna (‘portion’) costs less than 20NIS. Other popular street food options include shawarma (kebab meat in a large wrap) and sabich (fried aubergine with egg) – all of which can be found at HaKosem.
The best way to cool down is… by sampling the world-class ice cream at Arte, which serves authentic Italian gelato, including a wide range of vegan varieties on Nahalat Binyamin Street. Additionally, the frozen yogurt at Tamara on Rothschild Boulevard offers healthier sweet options like tapioca or granola with fruit.
When my parents are in town… we take a stroll around the city’s markets, including the Jaffa Flea Market (home to antiques, jewelry, and carpentry), Carmel Market (a bustling food market that serves as the city’s main artery), and Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Market (my mom’s go-to place with its handmade artifacts and paintings). After some leg-tiring shopping, we’ll take a break in the quiet quarter of Neve Tzedek, the city’s oldest neighborhood, boasting a selection of cafes and wine bars.
Breakfast means just one thing… Benedict. Whenever friends or family visit, we have a tradition of taking them for a magnificent breakfast at this 24/7 breakfast cafe. Much more than just bacon and eggs (although they also offer fine ‘un-kosher’ pork), I typically indulge in the ‘Royale’ with poached eggs, salmon, salad, an all-you-can-eat bread basket, and a mimosa cocktail – now that’s a stylish way to start the day.
One thing I love about Tel Aviv is… its atmosphere of freedom. Unlike its older sibling, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv is an open, cosmopolitan city. Each summer, it hosts the largest Gay Pride party in the Middle East. In the grungy neighborhood of Florentin, you’ll discover inspiring graffiti and underground pubs playing Arabesque music. Politicians and religious leaders are often viewed with suspicion by locals, who prefer to discuss topics openly over a cappuccino or beer.
One thing I hate about Tel Aviv is… the pollution caused by litter and excessive food packaging. Fortunately, Tel Aviv offers numerous restaurants, but this convenience comes with the downside of messiness. The city’s beautiful beaches, peaceful parks, and bustling street corners can be marred by overflowing trash bins, and recycling options are not always readily available. If visiting, please respect the environment and carry your rubbish with you if a bin is not accessible.
I know I’m a real Tel Avivian… because I reach a state of bliss when I find a parking space in town. Unfortunately, driving in Tel Aviv can be chaotic, and parking is hard to come by, meaning you’ll likely hear drivers beeping their horns in frustration. In summary, it’s best to hire a bicycle and explore Tel Aviv on two wheels.
For a fun night out with friends… I’ll visit a few bars in the center of town, including Bicicletta, a lively patio garden bar; Port Sa’id, the hotspot for hipsters; and Rothschild 12 – a venue with live music that also serves great breakfasts if it’s getting near dawn.
