Welcome to Tel Aviv
1. Arrival & Getting Around:
- Arriving: Upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport, the most convenient way to reach the city is by taxi—a 30-minute drive. Be sure to use only the authorized taxi line.
- Gett App: Download Gett for a reliable taxi service throughout your stay, starting from the airport. Unlike street taxis, Gett offers card payments, price transparency, and route tracking, essential for newcomers. (Note: Uber only books you Taxi’s that are slightly more expensive)
- Scooters & Bikes: Use Lime or Bird scooters, or Tel-O-Fun bikes for short distances. Helmets are mandatory, and sidewalk riding can result in fines. Prioritize bike lanes and pedestrian safety.
- Light Rail & Buses: The Red Line light rail is an efficient travel option. Extensive bus routes can be accessed with a credit card, through apps like Moovit or Pango, or with a Rav-Kav card for convenience.
Walking: Tel Aviv is very walkable, ideal for exploring its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant atmosphere.
2. Where to Stay:
Tel Aviv is tiny compared to most other cities, so you can't really go wrong. Here the three relevant areas
- North Jaffa (Yaffo): Close to Shuk Hapishpishim and our Building Blocks 25, offering bars and an authentic Yaffo vibe.
- Beachfront: Stay near central beaches like Gordon and Frishman for classic Tel Aviv vibes.
- Florentin/Lev Ha'ir: These trendy neighborhoods offer easy access to cafes, bars, and galleries.
3. Local Etiquette:
- Weekend: The Israeli weekend is Friday-Saturday. Many businesses close early on Friday and reopen on Saturday evening.
- Tel Aviv has a relaxed pace, but it's wise to plan accordingly.
- Tipping: A standard 10-15% is expected in restaurants for good service. Rounding up taxi fares is also appreciated.
- Dress Code: Casual attire is the norm. T-shirts, shorts, and sandals are acceptable almost everywhere.
4. Must Dos:
- Beach Time: Visit popular spots like Gordon, Frishman, and Hilton Beach.
- Cafés & Breakfast:Tel Aviv is renowned for its all-day breakfast culture. Whether you're craving classic dishes like a shakshuka or innovative brunch bowls, the city's cafés offer a range of options along with freshly squeezed juices to start your day refreshed.
- Neighborhood Strolls: Explore charming Neve Tzedek, Bauhaus-lined Rothschild Boulevard, and historic Old Jaffa Port. Don’t forget the Flea Market for antiques and street food—visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
5. Nightlife & Chill
Thursday / Friday night is when things pop off, and there's really no bad areas.
- Nachalat Benyamin: Experience Tel Aviv’s vibrant atmosphere with bars and restaurants sprawling into the streets.
- Florentin Street: Known for its trendy bars, younger crowds, and street art.
- Dizengoff: A hotspot for local youth, ideal for relaxed evening hangs.
6. Tips
- Just talk to people, Tel Avivians are super friendly
- Weekends: Plan for early closures on Fridays, typically around 2:00-3:00 PM. The workweek begins on Sunday.
- Security: Be prepared for security checks at public places.