monocle travel guide tel aviv

Tel Aviv Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Latest update: July 13, 2023

In this guest post, Naomi shares everything you need to know when planning your trip to Tel Aviv, the best restaurants and accommodation, things to do, and spending your time there like a local.

My name is Naomi Bubis and I’ve lived in Tel Aviv for twenty years. I grew up in Frankfurt, studied in Paris, and worked as a journalist for German television.

I got to know Israel during my summer vacations and fell in love with Tel Aviv at first sight. The metropolis on the Mediterranean is fun-loving, cosmopolitan, and lively. A bit like New York, but fun-sized and right by the sea.

It takes some insider knowledge to really get the most out of a trip to ever-changing Tel Aviv.

I write about life in Tel Aviv on my blog Telavivnotes. You can also download a free guide there with the best areas for Airbnb accommodation.

Tel Avivians live for the moment, day in and day out. In this guest post, I’ll show you how to spend your time there like a local.

Ten interesting facts about Tel Aviv

• Tel Aviv has at least 300 days of sun per year.
• Tel Aviv is also known as the City That Never Sleeps.
• The old town of Tel Aviv is called Jaffa.
• With over 200,000 attendees, Tel Aviv boasts the largest gay pride parade in Asia.
• National Geographic lists Tel Aviv as one of the top 10 beach cities in the world.
• 30,000 dogs live in Tel Aviv, and the city is considered the world’s most dog-friendly metropolis.
• Tel Aviv is a paradise for vegans.
• The culinary scene in Tel Aviv is considered one of the most creative in the world.
• There are over 100 sushi restaurants in Tel Aviv.
• The Meier-on-Rothschild Tower is the tallest residential building in the city at 155 meters.

Travel tips for Tel Aviv

The best time to travel to tel aviv.

No question, the off-season. In July and August, Tel Aviv is overrun with tourists. Plus it gets really hot in the summer months. Temperatures rise to 31-34 degrees, and the humidity reaches over 80 percent. That means you’ll be sweating. A lot.

If you like hot weather, then you’ll really enjoy yourself here because the heat shows no mercy, not even at night.

The positive thing about these months is the general mood in the city. The people live outside. Even at night. Eating a watermelon at a beach café at three o’clock in the morning has a lot of charm.

But the best time to travel is in spring or fall. In September, October, and November, when it starts getting cold in Europe, you can still swim in the sea in Tel Aviv at temperatures of around 30 degrees. And unlike in August, you can go for a walk without having to cool off in air-conditioned stores.

April, May, and June are also good months for traveling. Tel Aviv literally means “Spring Hill”, and the season sees the city coming out in full bloom.

25 degrees in the shade is just the right temperature to explore the city. And no one will step on your towel at the beach.

How much time should you plan for Tel Aviv?

You should schedule at least one week. But in order to really immerse yourself in the vibe of Tel Aviv, you’ll need even longer. Fast-forwarding through city life would be a real shame.

Tel Aviv is a young city and was founded in 1909. It has almost 450,000 inhabitants, but many Israelis work in the economic and cultural center, so upwards of three million people fill the streets during the day.

The best way to get around Tel Aviv is on foot. The distances aren’t that great and there’s plenty to see.

How to find cheap flights to Tel Aviv

All major airlines fly to Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. Several Lufthansa and ELAL flights arrive daily from Frankfurt and Munich; and EasyJet and Airberlin fly here from Berlin. The latter two are the cheaper options. It’s a four-hour flight from Central Europe to Tel Aviv.

You’d be well-advised to book early as tickets aren’t cheap and flights are often fully booked. If you want to buy a last-minute ticket, you’ll be quoted horrendous fares of 800 euros and upwards. Ideally, you should to compare flights on Skyscanner and book six months in advance.

The best way to get through security at the airport

Flights to Israel are subject to special security precautions – not unlike flights to the US, but even stricter. You should make sure to be at the airport three hours before departure. If you’re flying with the Israeli airline ELAL, the security check is even more thorough.

Try to remember that you’re being questioned for your own safety. Stay calm. If you have visas from Arab countries in your passport, you may want to think about applying for a second passport from your passport office before your trip.

Stamps from Arab countries won’t bar you from entry per se , but the questioning will be a lot more rigorous.

Answer the officials’ questions as politely and calmly as possible. Questioning upon departure is even more meticulous. You may be asked where you stayed and whom you met during your time in Israel. It helps to keep a phone number for your hotel or an Israeli friend in your pocket just in case.

Tel Aviv: Getting from the airport to the city

Ben Gurion Airport is located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. You can get from the airport to the city center by taxi in 20 minutes. The taxi rank is on level G of Terminal 3. Prices for long-distance trips are fixed, so you should ask the driver for the current rate.

Normally, the fare should come to around 140 shekels, which is about 35 euros. Taxis are much cheaper than in Germany. In Terminal 3, you’ll find ATMs and bureaux de change.

Buses are the most common means of transport in Israel. But to get to Tel Aviv by bus, you first have to take the shuttle bus to the Airport City. The shuttle bus stops are located on the second floor, at gates 21 and 23.

From the Airport City, take Egged bus number 475 to the central bus station in Tel Aviv. You can buy your ticket directly from the driver.

Alternatively, you can also take the train to the city straight from Terminal 3, on level S, for just 16 shekels. In fact, that’s probably the best option.

If you’d like your trip to be a bit more comfortable, you can also book a private airport transfer ahead of time. You can find more information here: Private airport transfer Tel Aviv .

Important : There’s no public transport on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening).

What to pack for Tel Aviv

Flip flops, shorts, swimming trunks, bikini, bath towel, sunglasses, sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, headgear, T-shirts, jeans, sweatshirt, sneakers, summer dress.

When you go to Tel Aviv, you can pack light. Only during the winter months from December to February do you need to take a rainproof jacket and a thick sweater.

Tel Aviv is a laid-back city. The New York Times crowned TLV the ‘capital of cool’. You can walk around dressed any way you like without people giving you weird looks.

It’s totally normal to walk your dog in your pajamas and slippers in the morning or to sit on a park bench with curlers in your hair. Tel Aviv has an urban hippie flair.

You’ll hardly see any men in suits or women in pantsuits. Eight months a year, the dress code primarily consists of: flip-flops, sleeveless T-shirts, shorts, airy dresses.

In the winter, Tel Avivians exchange their flip-flops for boots and put on layers upon layers of sweaters because 15 degrees are already considered freezing cold.

You’ll also need a power adapter for Israel, such as this universal adapter .

Is Tel Aviv expensive? Tips on saving money

Tel Aviv is definitely an expensive destination. The cost of living is high. Rents have reached New York or Paris levels.

You’ll be shocked by the prices at the supermarket. Sometimes, they’re as much as double that in Germany.

Tip #1 : Buy fruits and vegetables in the markets.

Tip #2 : Tel Aviv has a free WiFi network. This means you can surf the Internet for free on a park bench or at the beach.

Tip #3 : Get your coffee at Cofix. Everything only costs five shekels here (about 1.20 euros): cakes, cookies, beverages, and coffee. Cofix also operates six supermarkets in Tel Aviv where all products cost five shekels.

Tip #4 : Eat street food such as falafel, hummus, and sabich. One portion costs around 5 euros.

Tip #5 : Keep your eyes peeled for business lunch deals and happy hours at restaurants.

Getting around in Tel Aviv

This mostly flat city is great to explore on foot or by bicycle. In recent years, 40 kilometers of cycle paths have been paved. So go ahead and grab a green Tel-O-Fun Citybike . The 150 rental stations are scattered throughout the city. You have the following options:

• A day ticket for 17 shekels
• A 3-day ticket for 48 shekels
• A 1-week ticket for 70 shekels

You can just cycle from A to B and park your bike at any station. Riding into the sunset down the beach promenade to the old town of Jaffa: now that’s something you have to try.

Tel Avivians love their e-bikes. The street scene has completely changed over the past few years. Nowadays, pedestrians need to watch out that they don’t get run over by e-bike-riding teenagers.

If you’d like to experience Tel Aviv with the wind in your back, then hire a battery-powered bike. An e-bike costs 100 shekels a day. Pole Position is a decent rental service – you can book a guide for a city tour by bike here too. They also provide city maps with bike paths drawn in.

Another popular rental service is O-Fun – e-bikes here cost 120 shekels a day.

Tip : Take shared taxis. The yellow and red minibuses stop at the wave of a hand and are a quick and reliable way to get through the city.

Is Tel Aviv safe?

Israel is always in the headlines, and perhaps you’re one of those people who are concerned about traveling to Tel Aviv because of the security situation. But since terror attacks have gone global these days, a trip to the Mediterranean metropolis is no more dangerous than a trip to any other major city.

You can feel safe in Tel Aviv. Before you enter shopping centers, cinemas, hotels, and clubs, a guard will search your bag. Be nice to him – after all, he’s being paid (poorly) to ensure your safety.

Don’t be frightened when you see soldiers with machine guns eating a falafel at lunchtime. The guns aren’t loaded. You can walk through the city without fear.

Just never leave your backpack out of sight. Not because of thieves. But because Israelis have a short fuse when it comes to abandoned bags. Suspicious items are blown up by special units.

Tel Aviv is a safe place for women traveling alone. The city is alive at all hours. So you don’t have to worry about walking through the city after dark as a woman.

Even in Hayarkon Park, the Central Park of Tel Aviv, you’ll see women going for a solo run late at night. Still, use some common sense – don’t go through dark alleyways on your own.

The best Tel Aviv city tours: My tips

Tip #1: book a bauhaus tour.

Tel Aviv is also known as the White City because around 4000 houses here were built in the Bauhaus style. UNESCO has registered the White City as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Every Friday, there’s a group tour in English. The meeting point is the Bauhaus Center on centrally located Dizengoff Street where you can buy high-quality books and souvenirs.

More infos on the Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv

Tip #2: Book Florentin street art tour

The tour guide will take you on a stroll through the trendy southern quarter of Florentin. The tour is in English and takes 2 hours.

The experienced guide knows all the stories behind the countless graffiti that adorn the walls of Florentine. Explore the hidden gems of the underground art scene.

More infos on the Florentin street art tour

Tip #3: Book the TLVEG tour

TLVEG organizes vegan culinary tours through Tel Aviv. The metropolis is a mecca for anyone who’s chosen to forgo animal products. The tour will take you to the vegan hot spots of Tel Aviv. And there are lots of them.

You should start the tour on an empty stomach because there’ll be plenty to eat on the way. The tour of the city’s vegan scene is a culinary adventure where you’ll get to meet cool people and try creative food.

Highly recommended, and not just for plant-eaters.

More information on the TLVEG Tour .

Tip #4: Read the alternative city guide DIY Tel Aviv

I wholeheartedly recommend the alternative city guide DIY Tel Aviv. It’s available as a paperback or an e-book.

To the travel guide

Ten Hebrew words for beginners

1. Toda – thank you 2. Bevakasha – you’re welcome 3. Café Hafuch – café latte (but milkier) 4. Yam – sea 5. Malon – hotel 6. Alaan – <em>slang for</em> hello 7. Eifo – where? 8. Kesef – money 9. Monit – taxi 10. Shalom – hello, bye, see ya, peace

Where to stay in Tel Aviv

Cheap hotels in tel aviv.

Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv is the coolest guest house in town. Lots of digital nomads hang out here. It’s got it’s finger on the pulse of Tel Aviv’s nightlife: just two minutes from Rothschild Boulevard and right next to the legendary Levontin 7, the best live music club in Tel Aviv.

The hostel has 350 beds, a great roof terrace, and a bar where locals like to relax with a cool beer. You can book a dorm bed (for around the 100 shekels) or a private room (for 300 shekels).

Another option is The Spot Hostel . Here you’ll find tastefully decorated rooms, a sun terrace, and stylish lounges where you can play pool, for example.

The hostel is a stone’s throw from Hilton Beach, Hayarkon Park, and the Gordon Swimming Pool at the marina, with its 50-meter saltwater pool.

Hotels in Tel Aviv for mid-range budgets

A cool hotel right on the beach is the Embassy Hotel . It’s located in the heart of Tel Aviv, just a 15-minute walk from Carmel Market. The colorful rooms, decorated in 1950s style, are particularly striking.

The funky Yam Hotel is located in the quieter north of Tel Aviv. From there, it’s just five minutes to the sea and the Namal. The renovated warehouses along the wooden deck boast cafés, restaurants, and shops with a view of the sea.

The rooms at the Yam (Hebrew for sea) have a surfer flair. They’re small, but cool. The perfect choice for beach lovers.

Boutique hotels in Tel Aviv

Besides all the major hotel chains by the beach, Tel Aviv also has a variety of tasteful boutique hotels. There’s a lot to choose from. Here are my favorites:

The classic is the elegant Norman Hotel in a side street off Rothschild Boulevard. The Norman resides in two renovated historic buildings from the 1920s. The 50 rooms and exclusive suites each have a unique individual design. The highlight is the infinity pool and the Japanese restaurant on the roof. If you really want to pamper yourself, then this is the place for you.

The Shenkin Boutique Hotel is located on Brenner Street, Off-Sheinkin. Sheinkin Street’s glory days as Tel Aviv’s answer to Soho have faded somewhat in recent years, but the area still has its charm.

The location is central and the hotel is a perfect retreat from the hectic hustle and bustle on the streets. The 30 rooms have been furnished with great attention to detail, and on the roof terrace, you can relax in a hammock after a massage in the mini-spa.

The Dizengoff Avenue Boutique Hotel is located in the very center of Tel Aviv, on the lively Dizengoff Street. It couldn’t be closer to the pulse of the city! It’s also close to several great beaches.

In the unique rooms of the hotel you will find details of the famous sights of the city. Here you will get a taste of Tel Aviv’s attractions, which are located right outside the door.

The Market House Tel Aviv Jaffa is located in the old town of Jaffa, right next to the flea market. The hotel runs the Milk Bakery, one of the best bakeries in the city. So it’s no surprise that breakfast here is a veritable feast for palate.

In the lobby, the remains of a Byzantine church are preserved under the glass floor. Boutique hotels generally know how to pamper their guests and this one is no exception.

The Lily & Bloom is yet another of Tel Aviv’s hidden gems. The hotel is a declaration of love to the Bauhaus style of the city. It’s centrally located on Lilienblum Street with its cool bars and restaurants.

The boutique hotel serves a delicious breakfast, and boasts a terrace and a bar with a happy hour. If you’re looking for a stylish intimate hotel, then this is the place for you.

More great places to stay in Tel Aviv

Mendeli Street Hotel with the award-winning Mashya Restaurant Cucu Hotel – colorful, young, urban The Poli House Hotel – a brand new hotel by star architect Karim Rashid

Tel Aviv experiences you have to try

TIP #1 : Browsing the ‘Shuk Ha’Pishpishim’ flea market in Jaffa TIP #2 : Strolling along the wooden deck of the renovated harbor, the Namal TIP #3 : Drinking a cup of coffee at a kiosk on Rothschild Boulevard TIP #4 : Eating a bowl of ramen soup at the delicatessen market in the Sarona district TIP #5: Taking a break from it all in Hayarkon Park by the river

My food guide for Tel Aviv

If you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat in Tel Aviv. You’d have to be spectacularly clueless to have a bad dining experience here. Creative chefs characterize the restaurant scene.

The food in Tel Aviv is among the best in the world. The ethnic influences in this melting pot of over 70 nationalities are particularly pronounced in the culinary world.

Tel Aviv has a wealth of sensational restaurants, making it difficult to pick out a handful of favorites. But I’ve given it my best shot.

Tip : Make reservations as soon as possible.

Tel Aviv restaurant tips

Star chef Yossi Shitrit runs three restaurants in Tel Aviv, all of which are among the top ten: Mashya, Kitchen Market, and Onza.

Mashya was recognized as the best restaurant in town in 2016: modern cuisine with a Moroccan touch, sensory ecstasy for the eyes and the palate. Perfect for a romantic evening.

Kitchen Market is on the first floor right above the Farmers’ Market at the Namal Tel Aviv. In the evening, you’ll feel the full vibe of the city, as the locals end their day feasting on brick oven pizzas, tapas, and gourmet fish dishes.

Onza boasts the coolest location in the middle of the flea market in Jaffa. The old town with its Jewish-Arabic inhabitants is home to many a trendy restaurant.

Onza’s motto is “Food & Vibe”. Two young talented chefs cook Ottoman dishes here with a modern twist. The food is sensual, the music loud, and the audience exuberant.

The Thai at Har Sinai is located in a nightlife hot spot. Scattered around the Great Synagogue on Allenby Street are some of the best bars and restaurants of Tel Aviv. The Thai at Har Sinai is located right next to the legendary Port Said and serves authentic Thai dishes every night of the week. The atmosphere is young, with live DJs and lots of alcohol.

Santa Katarina right next door is also pretty great. Mediterranean cuisine doesn’t get any better than this. Sitting outside in the summer, surrounded by crowds of people in the bars and restaurants nearby, the magical energy of Tel Aviv is almost palpable.

When Taizu opened, it was like a revelation to the spoiled foodies of Tel Aviv. Rarely was a new restaurant received with such unanimous praise. Taizu combines Asian street food from different parts of the continent to create high-end dishes. The ultimate culinary experience.

Every Sunday, the Taizu celebrates Indian cuisine. The confectioner Ana Shapiro was recognized as the best in Tel Aviv in 2016. You know what that means: You’d better leave room for dessert!

More great dining experiences in Tel Aviv

Brasserie : An institution in Tel Aviv, open all hours. Yaffo-Tel Aviv : The flagship of Israeli cuisine by chef Haim Cohen. Romano TLV : Lounge restaurant with a live DJ by crazy cook Eyal Shani. Ramesses : Mediterranean hipster bistro bar in Jaffa with live DJ. LaShuk : Open kitchen with local delicacies. HaBasta : Located in a side street of Shuk Ha’Carmel. Daily changing menu inspired by seasonal produce at the weekly market.

Tel Aviv street food – My tips

Miznon : Gourmet fast food by star cook Eyal Shani. All the dishes are served in pita bread. The all-time classic: pita with roasted cauliflower. The Miznon has branches in Paris and Vienna. Hakosem :  The best falafel in Tel Aviv. Right around the corner from the Dizengoff Center, a popular shopping mall. Pasta Basta : The cheap pasta bar has several branches all over town. The pasta is homemade, the service quick, the customers young. Sabich Frishman : This unassuming snack bar has the best sabich in Tel Aviv. Sabich is the sister of falafel: pita bread stuffed with hummus, tehina, roasted eggplant, hard-boiled egg, tomato and cucumber salad, and pickles.

The best cafés in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is teeming with coffee shops. That’s because Tel Avivians are communicative people, love good coffee, and appreciate their local barista.

Bucke has two cafés in Tel Aviv: uptown in the north and midtown near the Habima Theater. Its breakfast buffets with colorful salads, dips, and vegetable creations are renowned throughout Tel Aviv. Bucke only serves vegetarian dishes.

Loveat  has the best organic coffee in town. The cafés of the Loveat chain, scattered all over the city, have delicious sandwiches and lunch deals with lots of vegetables, tehina, quinoa, wild rice, tomatoes, and chillies.

Nahat Cafe is just the place for coffee lovers. It smells of freshly ground beans and panini. A great place to open up your laptop and take a seat next to the locals.

Café Xoho is an international meeting place for students and tourists. You’ll hear a great many languages ​​spoken here. Enjoy gluten-free chocolate cakes, matcha tea, and kale salad.

Cafelix is another coffee bean paradise. The coolest branch is located in lively Levinsky Market, nestled in between spice merchants and hipster bars.

Tel Aviv’s hidden gems : The best vegan restaurants in Tel Aviv

Fact: Tel Aviv is among the top five vegan destinations in the world. You can find vegetarian options on the menu in almost every café. And no, not just a side salad, I’m talking full-blown dishes. Cappuccino with almond or soy milk is available everywhere.

Here are my recommendations for 100% vegan restaurants:

Herzog on lively Ivn Gvirol has a daily changing menu featuring dishes that chef Roey Herzog calls ‘mountains’: rice mountains, quinoa mountains, lettuce mountains, buckwheat mountains, topped with vegetables, tehina, chilli.

Roey knows how to conjure up delicious food with vegetables. The best (but rather pricey) place for a quick lunch. Recommended: zoodles with tehina spirulina dressing.

At peak times, you’ll have to join a long line if you want to eat at Marketlv on Dizengoff Street. It serves different stews and soups every day: Indian, Mexican, Moroccan, and more. The food is cheap and tastes great.

The Dosa Bar is a wonderful place to go for lunch. The South Indian street food is vegan, gluten-free, and, most of all, delicious. Dosas are a kind of pancake, which are varied with spicy fillings.

Zakaim , a self-styled vegan boutique, plays in the culinary big leagues. The restaurant is run by the Zakaim siblings. The menu is Persian-Israeli-vegan. This very hip and stylishly furnished restaurant is located right in the middle of the nightlife district surrounding the Great Synagogue on Allenby Street. Essential eating: the potato wedges.

Tel Aviv’s beaches: The most beautiful beaches

Gordon Beach has everything a beach-lover’s heart desires. A laid-back beach café called LalaLand, volleyball nets, fitness equipment, and lots of sun worshipers. Right next door is the Olympic-grade Gordon Pool and the Topsea Surfing Center.

Mezizim Beach is located at the northern tip of the beach promenade. A bay bordered by the religious beach (yes, that exists too) and the harbor (Namal). The 9Beach lounge café is located on Mezizim Beach. It’s especially lively in the evenings. And if live football matches are being broadcast live on the big screen anywhere in town, it’s sure to be here. A nice hangout for a beer with your feet in the sand.

Hilton Beach is located in a bay right next to the dog beach and the gay beach. This is the place to be for water sports enthusiasts. You can hire SUP boards, kayaks, or surfboards at the Sea Center Club. Lots of kids and teenagers come here every Saturday morning to learn how to surf.

Banana Beach is located closer to the old town of Jaffa and stands out with its characteristic yellow beach chairs. A beach without an attitude, laid-back, fewer tourists. It also has a surfing school.

Tip : On Friday afternoons, Banana Beach morphs into Drum Beach. Standing on the cliffs, the drummers get out their bongos and congas to welcome Shabbat with a drum session.

Do you have some great tips for a city trip to Tel Aviv?

Have you ever been to Tel Aviv want to share a tip of your own? Then leave us a comment and tell us all about it.

Also read our other posts: 

Amsterdam Travel Tips + Best Sights & hidden gems What to see in Tallinn! Our favorite sights + travel tips What to do in Hamburg! 7 Fun Things you need to try

Things to do in Tel Aviv: a travel guide to the coolest city in the Mediterranean

Pssst. Are you on a larger trip through Isreal?

Check out our other posts for inspiration:

• How to see the best of Jewish and Christian sites with 2 days in Jerusalem
• Glamping in Israel's Negev Desert and road tripping past the Dead Sea

Cool off at the amazing beaches

Spot street art in Florentin

Have a vegan brunch

Get your hipster vibes up at Neve Tzedek

Explore Jaffa’s Old City and Port

Enjoy a rooftop spa at Brown TLV Urban Hotel

Sample Israeli street food at Carmel Market

Learn how to catch a wave

Day Trips from Tel Aviv

The best Cafayate wineries: a guide to Argentina wine tours

The call of the Negev Desert: the ultimate Israeli desert road trip

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Tel Aviv Travel Guide – How to Plan a Trip to Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a super lively city with great nightlife, an excellent art scene, colourful markets and gorgeous Mediterranean beaches.

I was born and bred in Tel Aviv, but these days I call myself a “part-time Tel Avivian”.

That’s because I spend about 6 months a year travelling and the rest of the time in my hometown.

Every time I come back to Tel Aviv I’m amazed at how fast the city changes. It’s so dynamic and it’s got a strong urban culture of its own.

Tel Aviv is a pretty unique travel destination in the Middle East. It’s a modern city (just over 100 years old) with a very open, liberal vibe.

People of all kinds are attracted to Tel Aviv, from Bohemian types to tech entrepreneurs.

It seems to welcome everyone and has tourists visiting all year round.

As I write quite a lot about Tel Aviv, I made this resource page to gather all the different guides and articles in one place.

If you’re planning a trip to sunny Tel Aviv, start here:

First time in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv doesn’t require a huge amount of preparation, but there are some things you need to know before you go.

I made this handy guide for first timers in Tel Aviv , covering frequently asked questions such as:

– How to get from the airport to the city?

– How long to spend in Tel Aviv?

– Where to stay in Tel Aviv?

Plus many more useful tips.

What you need to know before you visit Tel Aviv for the first time

Saving money in Tel Aviv

While it’s one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the world, there are ways to save money in Tel Aviv and make your trip affordable.

Follow the tips in my budget guide to Tel Aviv about flights, food, accommodation, nightlife and more.

Tel Aviv on a budget – insider tips

Discounts in Tel Aviv

I’ve put together a list of discounts you can use to save money when you visit Tel Aviv:

• Get a discount on 10 taxi rides with Gett – Save 100 shekels! Code: GTFJFTA
• Get a discount on your flight to Tel Aviv
• Bubble (shuttle service) – Your first ride is free with code hayoun.tal4m9
• Wolt (food delivery) use the code 0XMZK to get 20 shekels off your first order.
• The Ultimate Tel Aviv Guide – Get 10% off with code TLV10 (and get discount coupons for Tel Aviv attractions).
• Hotels.com – Get a free night for every 10 nights booked

The Ultimate Tel Aviv Guide

The Ultimate Tel Aviv Guide was published very recently by two of my fellow travel bloggers.

After reading it I can tell you they did a really excellent job 🙂

It’s a very comprehensive guide that goes into great detail, and at the same time it’s quite compact and user-friendly.

It includes:

• A full city guide
• A 5-day itinerary
• An interactive map
• Discount coupons for attractions and restaurants

When you use the discount coupons, the guide will pay for itself.

On top of those coupons, I’ve arranged for a special discount for my readers on the Ultimate Tel Aviv Guide . Use code TLV10 at checkout to get 10% off.

If you’re planning a trip to Tel Aviv, I definitely recommend this guide, because it simply has everything you need.

Tel Aviv is a great city for foodies

Foodies love Tel Aviv. It’s got everything from top level fine dining restaurants to delicious Middle Eastern street food.

When you visit, you’ll soon notice the strong cafe culture and the huge range of bars and bistros.

Vegans and vegetarians have a lot of choices in Tel Aviv. It’s been called “vegan capital of the world” and boasts about 400 vegan-friendly eateries.

If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just like good food, I recommend you take a vegan Tel Aviv tour.

You can take a self guided tour with the Bitemojo app that guides you to restaurants around the city, where you sample their dishes (pre-paid on the app).

You can also take a guided vegan food tour , which is very informative and takes you to some of the best vegan restaurants in Tel Aviv

Street Art in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv has a vibrant street art scene. I recommend you take a guided tour to find all the gems…

I took a street art and graffiti tour and discovered gorgeous murals, eccentric paste-ups, strong statements and some very cute animals ?

Tel Aviv’s unique architecture

Tel Aviv is famous for its 20th century architecture, mainly for the Eclectic Style and the International Style (also called Bauhaus).

These days, the city if full of glass towers and it’s easy to miss out on its old architectural gems.

I wrote a guide on how to spot Bauhaus buildings in Tel Aviv and you can also take a guided tour to learn about it in a historical context.

What else would you like to know about Tel Aviv?

Let me know in the comments below if there’s anything else you’d like to know about Tel Aviv and I’ll do my best to find answers for you.

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The Ultimate Tel Aviv Travel Guide – Where to Go, Eat, and Stay in Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is the one destination I find myself returning to over and over again. It is one of, if not the most diverse, inclusive, and cosmopolitan city in the Middle East. Not only that, some of the greatest advancements in technology, health, and agriculture have come out of Israel and are headquartered in Tel Aviv. This complete and ultimate Tel Aviv travel guide will show you everything you need to know to make the most out of your trip.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission on bookings or purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, please see my  Disclosures  page.

The ultimate tel aviv travel guide.

I remember the first time I visited Tel Aviv as an adult. I remember seeing the little silhouettes of surfers in the Mediterranean Sea, as I took awe over the sunsets that would make Santorini cower. I remember being amused by the way the streets spilled out with young Tel Avivians on sidewalk cafes every Friday afternoon, sipping coffee or Gold Star beers with their baby carriages blocking the walkways. I remember smelling the aromas of the shuk, how it’s somehow always perfectly equal parts spicy and sweet; and the unforgettable energy that could only come from a city that is so unlike its neighbors, in a country that is so unlike its neighbors.

Tel Aviv quickly became my comfort destination. The only place in the world where I didn’t feel the need to explain myself or my identity as an eclectic, Middle Eastern, Jewish woman — and I never stopped coming back.

Over the years I’ve collected my experiences and put them in this guide for you to have the ultimate trip to Tel Aviv. I hope you love this city as much as I do.

…the unforgettable energy that could only come from a city that is so unlike its neighbors, in a country that is so unlike its neighbors. Tel Aviv quickly became my comfort destination…and I never stopped coming back.

Top Things to do in Tel Aviv

You’ll never run out of fun things to do in Tel Aviv. By day, you’ll be wandering the shuks, spending time on Tel Aviv’s best beaches, and eating the city’s most amazing food; and by night, you’ll get to experience the famous Tel Aviv nightlife which comes alive until the early morning hours. Rinse and repeat as you wake up to a lavish spread of an Israeli breakfast, recover on the beach with a arak-spiked limonana (mint lemonade with anise liquor), and then do it all over again. Here are the top things to do, see, and eat in Tel Aviv.

Best Beaches in Tel Aviv

As a coastal destination that enjoys plenty of sunshine, beach culture in Tel Aviv is eminent. Weekends are spent lounging on the warm golden sand, playing volleyball or matkot (Israeli beach tennis), or simply taking a stroll down the boardwalk. Sunsets in Tel Aviv are especially not to be missed! Here are some of Tel Aviv’s best beaches:

Gordon, Frishman, and Bograshav are the most popular beaches lined up along the main pedestrian walkway of beachfront hotels. You’ll find travelers and locals at these beaches and the famous Ben Gurion hand-stand statue.

Hilton Beach is known as the “Gay Beach” (and was named Best Gay Beach in the World) however this LGBTQ+ friendly beach is a beautiful one in its own right that peoople of all kind enjoy and is also a popular surf spot. The stylish beach club that sits above it, Beluga Beach Bar , is a great place to have a sundowner.

For a more laidback beach away from the crowds, Metsitsim beach is perfect.

I should note that while the beach is lined with restaurants, the best food in Tel Aviv is typically found elsewhere as many of these establishments err on the side of tourist trap. That said, if you’d like to grab a drink or a snack, I’d recommend the locally-frequented LaLa Land .

Enjoying a hookah/shisha on the beach may also be a treat, so for that, I recommend Banana Beach for a toes-in-the-sand experience.

The Shuks & Best Markets, Tel Aviv

The shuks of Tel Aviv (outdoor markets/bazaars) are the epicenter of Israeli culture. These Tel Aviv street markets are where you’ll find a hodgepodge of souvenirs, fresh produce, sweets, fresh-squeezed juices, and the best street food in Tel Aviv. The following are the top shuks and marketplaces you need to know.

Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) – The most famous outdoor market in Tel Aviv. It should be one of your first stops when visiting! Whether eating, shopping, or simply just browsing you’ll get a feel for authentic Israeli culture as Shuk HaCarmel is a Tel Aviv must see. Some foodie highlights at Carmel Market include a spot simply called Shakshuka if you’re there for breakfast, HaBurika Shuk HaCarmel for a hearty kosher burika, and for a kosher schnitzel on challah sandwich from Ishtabah . (You’ll see this type of sandwich all over the shuk, but make sure to get it from Ishtabah!) If you prefer a sit-down meal of trendy Mediterranean dishes, Habasta , is located just outside the shuk and is one of Tel Aviv’s greatest restaurants. Lastly, a fresh fruit smoothie from Etrog Man is a very welcomed refreshing treat!

Nahalat Binyamin – Just outside of Carmel Market, every Tuesday and Friday is an outdoor craft fair. You’ll find the most unique and one-of-a-kind hand-made items here which are perfect for souvenirs and directly support the local artists.

Sarona Market – Israel’s largest indoor contemporary culinary and shopping market selling gourmet and consumer products as well as housing some wonderful eateries.

Lavinsky Market – A gourmet food market with many imported and local goods near the hip Floretin neighborhood. This market is especially great for Mizrahi/Middle Eastern goods and probably my favorite shuk. Arrive on a Friday afternoon and make sure to enjoy a Gazoz at Cafe Lavinsky , a bubbly probiotic drink made from herbs and fermented fruit.

Namal Food Market – A fully-covered shuk and farmers market near the port which turns into a happening nightlife spot when the sun goes down.

Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPishpeshim) – is where you’ll find antiques, art, handmade crafts, and secondhand furniture, as well as trendy bars, restaruants, and cafes.

More Shopping in Tel Aviv

Outside of the shuks, Tel Aviv is home to some amazing local designers and boutique shops. Not to mention, some of the top wedding dress design houses are from Tel Aviv such as Galia Lahav and Inbal Dror . I like to shop for clothes any chance I get in Tel Aviv because I always leave with unique pieces that can’t be found at home. Some of my favorite places to go shopping in Tel Aviv include:

Neve Tzedek – This trendy neighborhood is known as the “Soho of Tel Aviv.” You’ll find tons of trendy boutiques here with a mix of local and international designers.

Malls in Tel Aviv – Dizengoff Center is one of Israel’s largest and most popular shopping malls offering over 400 stores. TLV Fashion Mall is Tel Aviv’s newest mall with over 200 stores of international and local name brands.

Top Restaurants / Best Food, Tel Aviv

If food isn’t a significant part of your trip to Tel Aviv, you’re doing it wrong! Tel Aviv has some of the best food in the world. It is no wonder why restaurants across the globe are incorporating these Israeli and Mediterranean-inspired dishes onto their menus. If you are looking for kosher restaurants only, I have indicated them with an asterisk (*). It is also helpful to know even if you are not kosher, as kosher restaurants are not open on Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath, Friday night – Saturday night).

Best Israeli/Middle Eastern – Israeli restaurants are naturally some of the best and most popular restaurants in Tel Aviv! Top eateries include Miznon by celebrity top chef Eyal Shani, which serves street food specializing in Israeli pita sandwiches. Another popular spot also by Eyal Shani, Port Sa’id , offers a daily-changing menu of Middle Eastern dishes meant to be shared. When in Jaffa, Old Man and the Sea is the place to go, serving fresh seafood and meat dishes. Lastly, Itzik Hagadol also in Jaffa is one of the most loved Israeli steakhouses in Tel Aviv, where you’ll be served millions of salatim (small side dishes/salads/dips) — the true Israeli way! Best Hummus – Abu Hassan . Not only is it the best hummus in Tel Aviv, but it’s also probably the best hummus in the world — you’ll definitely want to prioritize eating here. (Not certified kosher but not open on Shabbat.)

Best Falafel – Hakosem * without a doubt has the best falafel in Tel Aviv.

Best Shawarma – The best shawarma in Tel Aviv is always up for debate. Do you like your shwarma made with chicken? lamb? turkey? beef? veal? These are all things to take into consideration. Turkish style shawarma is having a moment in Israel currently, and for the best, you can find it at Turk Lahmajoun *.

Best Vegan – Tel Aviv is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world, and the best and most popular vegan spot in Tel Aviv is Anastasia . Even non-vegan eaters love it too.

Best Italian – The best italian restaurants in Tel Aviv for pasta dishes include Pankina * and Rustico . For the best pizza in Tel Aviv, Papi Chulo is most loved, along with the Napolian-style pizza at HaPizza *. Lastly, I personally also love Cena for their awesome Southern Italian menu and great drinks.

Best Burger – The Best Burgers in Tel Aviv can be found at Bodega American Kitchen * which serves kosher American-style burgers (think kosher bacon cheeseburgers.) The non-kosher crowd favors Vitrina , citing it as the best burger in Israel.

Best Asian – Ca Phe Hanoi * a Vietnamese and Asian-fusion restaurant with a fun atmosphere; and FU Sushi for some of the best sushi in Tel Aviv.

Best Kosher Restaurants – In Tel Aviv, it is not hard to find great kosher-certified restaurants of all cuisines, from Asian, to Italian, and beyond, as you can gather from this list. Aside from what I have already starred(*), Some of the best kosher restaurants include West Side , Darya, and Whiskey Bar & Museum for high-end dining. For sushi lovers, Kanki Sushi is the best kosher option in Tel Aviv. For something a bit more relaxed, Azura is an acclaimed restaurant born out of Jerusalem serving home cooked Middle Eastern comfort food.

One of my personal favorites is Malka , an incredible restaurant serving modern Israeli cuisine by Israeli Top Chef Eyal Shani, and their little sister restaurant Dvora is also a hit. (Any restaurant by Eyal Shani is bound to be good!)

Best Breakfast – The best breakfast in Tel Aviv can be found at the Hotel Montifoire, which offers a lavish breakfast and brunch in a luxury setting. For another great Israeli breakfast, Bucke Cafe is a must. For something a little more casual, Cafe Xoho is loved by locals and expats alike and serves breakfast all day.

Best Brunch – For the weekend, The best brunch in Tel Aviv includes The Norman , which is one of Tel Aviv’s top boutique hotels, and for more local options, The brunch at The Jaffa is another great hotel option. Mashya , Ha’achim , and Bellboy do fantastic brunches as well.

Best Shakshuka – There are so many different options when looking for the best shakshuka in Tel Aviv. Some of the most loved spots include Shakshuka in Carmel Market , Shakshukia on Ben Yehuda or Dr Shakshuka in Jaffa.

Best Upscale – Topolopompo  is an Asian-fusion upscale restaurant. It is omakase-style, meaning the chef chooses the dishes for you! Another gastronomic experience can be found at OCD Restaurant , which offers a tasting menu served in front of an open kitchen.

Best Coffee Shops – In Tel Aviv, there is no shortage of coffee shops and cafes. The best cafes in Tel Aviv for a strong cup of coffee include Nahat , Cafelix , Origem , HOC House of Coffee , and Mae . Of course, you also shouldn’t visit Tel Aviv without enjoying this classic treat — an iced (blended) coffee from Aroma! (Kind of like what Starbucks is to the US.)

Best Dessert – You can’t visit Tel Aviv without a stop at Yaffa Knafeh in Jaffa. This Middle Eastern dessert is super unique is sweet yet slightly salty and best served with ice cream on top. For a proper Ice cream shop, stop by Golda, Israel’s favorite Gelato chain. Lastly, Alexander Bakery is the best pastry shop you’ll find in Tel Aviv!

More restaurants to check out: Dalida for Middle Eastern fusion, Mapu * for elevated Mediterranean, Sabich Frishman * or Sabich Tchernikhovski * for the best sabich sandwiches, Ewa Safi * for Moroccan, and Saluf & Sons * for Yeminite.

* Indicates kosher however please confirm certificates before dining as information may change.

Nightlife & bars in tel aviv.

Of the best things to do in Tel Aviv at night, going out is definitely it. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back bar with live music, a swanky lounge, or a nightclub to go dancing, Tel Aviv has endless options for night owls.

Where to go Bar-Hopping in Tel Aviv:

Rothschild Boulevardx and Allenby are the two most popular streets in Tel Aviv, lined with bars, clubs and restaurants. Just taking a stroll down the streets at night will ensure you’ll find something fun and lively to do.

Kuli Alma near Allenby is one of Tel Aviv’s most loved bars. There’s 3 different rooms to enjoy, including one with live music as well as an outdoor patio.

Another local favorite is Sputnik , found in an alley off Allenby close to Rothschild. This bar gets packed early, so book a table in advance or be prepared to wait in line.

Dizengoff is another popular street that comes to life every night with several options for bars on every block.

Spicehaus (The East Jaffa Perfume Company) on Dizengoff is one of the most unique concept bar experiences. It’s also one of the largest! The venue is a self-proclaimed “bar pharmacy” where bartenders are dressed in lab coats and cocktails are served in beakers.

Floretin is another one of the areas of Tel Aviv to know. This hipster neighborhood is not only filled with restaurants and cafes, but offers an eclectic mix of alternative and underground nightlife options compared to the mainstream areas mentioned above.

Hoodna is one of the preferred local watering holes in Floretin, with live music in a laidback atmosphere.

Jaffa Old Port / Flea Market – The old city of Jaffa comes to life at night with bars flooded with people as string lights hang from above.

Best Clubs in Tel Aviv

The Block is one of Tel Aviv’s largest, most popular nightclubs. With 3 different rooms of sound, parties here go on late into the morning.

Another late-night and after-hours favorite is Breakfast Club . EDM DJs (usually house and techno) are there to keep the dancing going all night long.

A third for top clubs is Alphabet , which has a dark and intimate vibe with a great rotation of DJs.

Best Rooftop Bars in Tel Aviv

For sunset, a pregame, or summer nights with great weather, a drink on one of Tel Aviv’s best rooftop bars is always a pleasant time.

Haiku Skybar on top of the LightHouse hotel offers some of the best city views in Tel Aviv.

Another nice spot for views and cocktails is Surame , a trendy rooftop with great pizza.

Speakeasy on Rothschild can be rather exclusive (book a table in advance), but if you get in you’ll get to enjoy their delicious cocktails and small bites.

Best Area to Stay in Tel Aviv & The Best 4 and 5 Star Hotels in Tel Aviv

I have 3 main areas for the best places to stay in Tel Aviv. They are as follows:

• By the beach – If you are a beach person, undoubtedly this should be your first choice for areas to stay in Tel Aviv. The closer, the better! There is a stretch of hotels along the coast to choose from. Below are the best hotels in tel aviv near beach.

Best Beach Hotels in Tel Aviv:

The Sheraton Tel Aviv – I like to stay at Marriott-Bonvoy hotels whenever possible (to book with points) and the Sheraton Tel Aviv is the nicest option available. It is a great hotel in general, just steps away from the beach with great views, and as far as location goes, it’s perfectly situated next to some of the best beaches. I also got the best massage in Tel Aviv at their spa! Moreover, if you’re looking for kosher hotels in Tel Aviv, The Sheraton is perfect.

David Intercontinental – Another hotel I enjoy, located on the south end of the beach strip right next to Neve Tzedek, which is a more upscale neighborhood with great shopping. Some may even refer to Neve Tzedek as the best neighborhood in Tel Aviv! If you’re looking for Tel Aviv beach hotels, 5 Stars, with kosher dining, and a great location, the Intercontinental is a fabulous choice.

2. Jaffa / Yafo – If you are looking for something a little more laidback, with beautiful historic architecture and a vibrant and unique mix of Israeli, Arab, and Christian culture, Jaffa (Yafo in Hebrew) is where you need to be. Jaffa is known to be one of the oldest working ports in the world, dating back to Biblical times. Compared to modernized Tel Aviv, you’ll experience the Old City feel in Jaffa.

Best Hotels in Jaffa:

The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel – One of my favorite hotels in all of Israel and one of the best 5-star hotels in Tel Aviv – Yafo. It is also part of Marriott Bonvoy. This luxury property seamlessly blends historic with contemporary design, has a beautiful outdoor pool, and incredible food. Their eggplant shakshuka is probably the best I’ve ever had. If you don’t plan to spend a lot of time at the beach or if visiting in cooler months, The Jaffa is my number one choice of hotel. (Photos of The Jaffa above.)

Soho House Jaffa is another incredible hotel set in a historic castle-like building built in 1883, however, it is only open to members or guests of members.

3. In the city / Downtown – Staying in the heart of the city of Tel Aviv ensures you will have a lively and exciting time. You’ll be within arms reach of the best dining and nightlife, and feel the essence of the vibrant city.

Best Tel Aviv City Hotels:

The Norman – Located in the historic Bauhaus district known as “The White City”, The Norman is one of the chicest and best boutique hotels in Tel Aviv. Stylish rooms, amazing food, and a gorgeous infinity pool are what you can expect from staying at the Norman. As far as Tel Aviv luxury hotels go, The Norman is top tier. The White City is also deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the world’s most architecturally distinct urban areas.

Hotel Bobo – This hotel is a great affordable-luxury option, with stylish, artful, and modern decor and a fun rooftop pool and bar called Meli Melo. The hotel is just steps away from Rothschild Boulevard, so if you’re the type to go out at night and wish to crawl back to your hotel room, Hotel Bobo is especially perfect for you!

Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv

The country of Israel is small — basically the size of New Jersey. This means that taking day trips to other cities is a breeze. To take day trips, you can either rent a car, take the train, or a “share-route” which is a shared taxi. You can also choose to join an organized tour. Here are the top Tel Aviv Day Trips:

Wine Tasting – There are over 300 wineries in Israel spanning from the upper Galilee down to the Negev desert. There are so many different great wineries to choose from, and Wine on the Vine offers unique winery tours all over the country. One of the most note-worthy experiences is their winery tour in the Negev Desert. To see the expansive vineyards growing in the backdrop of a desert landscape while tasting their incredible wines grown straight from desert soil is a rare experience one can only find in Israel.

Two standout wineries in the Negev are Nana Winery , a picturesque estate with unique offerings like their Cloudy Pet Nat, and Ramat Negev Winery , a charming family-run operation with some stand-out reds.

Images taken at Nana Winery

Another one of my favorites is Tishbi Winery in the Mount Carmel region, which offers wine and chocolate tastings, a great on-site kosher dairy restaurant, as well as the most incredible BBQ offered only on Fridays.

Looking for an overnight. in the Negev Desert? Six Senses Shaharut is one of Israel’s top hotels and an experience that shouldn’t be missed!

Dead Sea & Masada – No trip to Israel would be complete without visiting the Dead Sea to float in its salty waters. It is one of the most unique experiences you can have! The Unesco World Heritage Site, Masada, is also nearby, so if you’re up for a sunrise hike you can combine the two (or you can take a cable car to the top.) Approximately 2 – 2.5 hours from Tel Aviv.

Bahá’í Gardens – This Unesco World Heritage Site located in the city of Haifa is the beautiful “Hanging Garden” terraces built on Mount Carmel belonging to the Bahai faith. There are 9 terraces and over 1,500 steps ascending the mountain. Approximately 1 hour from Tel Aviv.

Jerusalem – Israel’s capital and #1 destination. A visit to Jerusalem should entail visits to holy sites such as the Western Wall in the Old City and eating your heart out at the Shuk, Machane Yehuda, and watch it turn into a party destination at night. Approximately 1 hour from Tel Aviv.

Rosh Hanikra Grottoes – Near the border of Lebanon, where the off-the-beaten-track Rosh Hanikra kibbutz lies is where the grottoes of Rosh Hanikra are found. These beautiful cavernous rock formations are the result of thousands of years of the power of the sea. Take the cable car down and witness the beauty of these grottoes of the western Galilee. Approximately 1.5 hours from Tel Aviv.

The Salad Trail – Another off-the-tourist-track activity, The Salad Trail is a hands-on farm-to-table experience unlike any other. Despite Israel being a desert, agriculture thrives. Visitors have a chance to tour and learn about this farm in the Habsor region of the northern Negev while getting to pick and sample plenty of seasonal veggies.

As the most dynamic city in the Middle East, with the most tolerance, diversity and advancements, there is truly something for everyone here. A beach paradise, a buzzing city, and a culinary delight are all what make Tel Aviv in my eyes, the perfect place to be.

A special thank you to the Tel Aviv Institute who sponsored my trip to Tel Aviv. The Tel Aviv Institute is a non-profit and multidisciplinary laboratory focused on uplifting and defending Jews and other marginalized communities on and offline. As always, all opinions and experiences expressed in this post are strictly my own.

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Share this:, 6 thoughts on “ the ultimate tel aviv travel guide – where to go, eat, and stay in tel aviv, israel ”.

Thanks for giving me an insight into Tel Aviv. A great guide.

Thanks for stopping by!

I love Tel Aviv and cannot wait to return, thanks for sharing such an informative guide!

So glad to hear you also love it! Hope you get to return soon!!

Tel Aviv looks like it has so much to offer! I’m also in awe of the day trip options, especially those amazing hanging gardens!

It sure is a dynamic city and the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa are one of Israel’s top sites 🙂

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Enjoying Israel in Tel Aviv

• 1. Tel Aviv
• 2. The Shenkin Hotel
• 3. Herbert Samuel
• 4. Kuli Alma
• 5. Carmel Market

Some say that Tel Aviv is the Miami Beach of Israel, with its idyllic beach-side location along the Mediterranean Sea, and the first-class hotels that line it. Others say it’s an unsafe place to visit, rife with danger and terrorism.  To that we say:  danger schmanger ! Despite what you may have heard, Israel is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. With citizen-solders on every corner and a population attuned to even the slightest hint of danger, you’ll have no trouble feeling secure in this centuries-old city. In fact, you’ll forget all about the region’s problems once you settle in and strike up a conversation with a local.   

Here’s our guide to Tel Aviv Travel. 

STAY The Shenkin Hotel If you want to get away from the tourists on the beach, head to the Shenkin Hotel in the heart of the White City, where you’ll be surrounded by Bauhaus architecture in this authentic neighborhood. Add the hotel’s minimal, modern decor, and you’ll feel right at home. 21st Brener St. Tel Aviv +972 3-600-9400

EAT Herbert Samuel Located just across the street from the Mediterranean with stunning sea views, Herbert Samuel is one of Tel Aviv’s trendiest and tastiest restaurants.  With small plate, tapas-style dishes, Herbert Samuel serves eclectic fare ranging from Santa Fe Tartare to fresh calamari and crab dumblings, to sea bass and sashimi. Committed to local and seasonal ingredients (often sourced in Tel Aviv’s open-air markets), Herbert Samuel offers up an inspired menu and wine that will have you saying shalom ! 6 Koifman St. Tel Aviv [email protected]

Kuli Alma If culture is what you’re after, this is the place to go. Kuli Alma comes complete with walls covered in street art, its own gallery and a dance floor where you’ll find some of the coolest DJs in Israel. We couldn’t stop dancing once we found ourselves in this cooler-than-thou night spot. Mikveh Israel St 10 Tel Aviv-Yafo +972 3-656-5155

GO Carmel Market To get all the sights and sounds of Tel Aviv in one excursion, go to Carmel Market, where you’ll discover the city’s rich cuisine. Sample some halva, have a falafel sandwich and just soak in all the scenery. HaCarmel St 11 Tel Aviv-Yafo

This piece was originally published on August 29, 2015 and updated August 1,2016 by Chase McPeak .

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Tel Aviv Luxury Real Estate

Tel Aviv Featured in Full Color in Monocle Magazine

Everyone knows that Tel Aviv is quickly becoming one of the globe’s hottest destinations for business, pleasure, and everything in between. Our beautiful city has been featured in a number of publications over the past year ranging from Departures Magazine, Travel & Leisure, and Time. This month, however, Tel Aviv has been given the spotlight in the July/August issue of Monocle,   Tyler Brûlé and his team did a fantastic job with showing Tel Aviv to the public, focusing on the city’s vibrant culture, business, nightlife, and architectural scenes. As Tel Avivians we are so proud and humbled by the job that the editorial team did to showcase our city to a wider audience, continuing their trend in showing Tel Aviv’s true character, vibe, and spirit to the world. If you haven’t picked up the newest issue of Monocle Magazine yet, be sure to head to your news seller to read this enlightening article and get a glimpse of some fine Tel Aviv shots.

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Travel Guide to Tel Aviv, Israel – what is there to see and do

This beachfront city with its high rises and high octane vibe, makes for a fun long weekend..

I defy anyone to be bored during a short break to Tel Aviv. The high-octane vibe is almost tangible and urges you to walk its streets and explore. Do so and you’ll find this is a moody city: beautiful chill-out beaches hemmed by high-rise hotels and lapped by the blue Mediterranean sea and a fantastically beautiful promenade. So check out our guide to Tel Aviv:

Tel Aviv Jaffa (c) israeltourism

At its commercial centre the high rises look like a New York mini-me while the ancient port of Jaffa in the south exudes charm in its yellow stone architecture and winding hilly alleyways.

Then there’s museums, markets, shopping and above all, a simply sensational foodie scene. This city has it all and, unbelievably, all packed into a compact area of just 52 km² (around 20 miles).

Check out the beaches

Grab your fiip flops because Tel Aviv is a seafront city with a Tayelet (promenade) that hems a gorgeous stretch of 12 soft sand beaches, each with its own – if somewhat insouciant – personality.

Metzizim in the north is a superb family beach with shallow waters and a life guard. It’s followed by the Religious beach with allocated days for men and women.

Tel Aviv beach (c) Gil Silberman

Further along is the gay beach in front of the Hilton Hotel right off Independence Park. It has become a trendy hotspot because of its fun vibe. During Pride Week it’s the busiest place in the city.

Three popular beaches Gordon, Frishman and Borashov cover the central stretch of the coast. This is where locals and tourists hang out sometimes playing matkot (paddleball).

Guela beach has its own al fresco gym while bizarrely, Drum beach is where anyone can turn up at the weekend and beat their drums.

The stretch ends with a dog beach followed by Alma (home to the wonderful Manta Ray restaurant) and Jaffa beaches in the south of the city much loved by surfers because there are no wave breakers which means huge waves on a windy day.

The Markets

Shuk hacarmel – carmel market.

Carmel Market (c) israeltourism

Oh the joy of a vibrant market and Carmel Market is just that. It’s been there since 1920s when it was just a humble Yemenite market, but today it’s colourful, aromatic, noisy and THE place to buy all sorts of bric-a-brac and food such as local vegetables, nuts, fruit, dates, halva – a sweet flaky, dense, tahini based candy – and street food to go.

Food on the go

Pick up a Cuba bulgur (cracked wheat and minced onions), or a spicy beef cigar to eat on the go but save space for the Humus restaurant at 11 HaCarmel Street. It’s easy to miss so keep an eye out for for a doorway flanked by Judaic Hebrew text behind a couple of fruit vendors. Go straight to the counter and point to what you want on your plate of humus; pickles, boiled egg, onions, that kind of thing, and you’ll get freshly made pitta to dip into it.

Shuk HaPishpishim – Jaffa’s Flea market

Tel Aviv street bazaar (c) Israeltourism

This is where you find the carpet makers, furniture restorers, cobblers, one-man jewellery makers and second-hand goods as well as alleyways full of beguiling, colourful and sparkling middle eastern souvenirs.

Nahalat Binyamin Craft Market

Nahalat Binyamin market (c) Israeltourism

The talent is awesome and coming away with a trinket or artwork is going to be hard. Furnishings, art, ceramics, jewellery, gifts, photography and items that defy description, all created by individual local artisans.

Sarona Complex

Sarona Complex is the new boy on the block. It surrounds the restored German Templar village built in 1871 on what started as swampy land bought from a Greek Monastery. There are several quaint two-story buildings complete with shutters and tiled roofs, some new retails outlets, around paved squares and a gorgeous lilly pond. There’s also a huge indoor market whose 8,700 square meters is filled with 91 shops, stalls and restaurants – a culinary complex if you like.

Templar tunnel

It is worth doing a tour through the nearby Templars Tunnels which connected the two village wineries. When the Templars left, the tunnels were used to reconstruct “stolen” planes in pre-state days. Air force veterans dismantled, smuggled, renovated and reassembled 15 planes that were used before and during the War of Independence. You might say this was the beginning of the Israeli army.

Tel Aviv Museum

Tel Aviv Museum of Art (c) Israeltourism

Though there are several really worthwhile museums the Tel Aviv Museum of Art  on Sderot Sha’ul HaMelech, is the most beautiful. The futuristic building is in itself an architectural spectacle and inside its wide open spaces you’ll find sculptures by greats such as Degas and Auguste Rodin and artworks by Chagal, Cezanne, Dali, Monet, Henri Moore, Archipenko, Picasso, Klimt, Kadinsky. Seriously, if you only have time for one museum, make it this one.

Go for a walk

seaside promenade at sunset (c) Selvaggia

Rothschild Boulevard

For a stylish yet cultural walk make time to saunter along Rothschild Boulevard. This tree lined boulevard is home to the “White City” – a clutch of world-famous UNESCO German Bauhaus architecture known for straight lines and no-nonsense design.

Rothschild Boulevard is also where the Israeli Independence museum is located (number 16) and its worth droppin in as this was the very place where the state of Israel was born.

Jaffa port and its flea market

Head south to the impossibly quaint ancient fishing port and city of Jaffa. Jaffa (or Joppa) dates back to biblical times and the architectural style hasn’t changed. Artists hang their artworks on the yellow stone walls of their studios and within the twisty stone passageways almost hidden doorways that lead the way to tiny shops selling Judaica.

The Wishing Zodiac Bridge which depicts the 12 zodiacs along its stretch leads to the red-bricked Franciscan St Peter’s church which, they say, hosted Napoleon is 1799.

Jaffa has its own Flea Market where Middle Eastern trinkets, cobblers, carpet makers and small jewellery designers ply their trade.

Where to Eat and Drink in Tel Aviv

falafel (c) Israeltourism

This city has a most spectacular foody scene. From Master chef curated dishes to midnight munching and everything in between, this city has it all.

Chilled out Breakfast at Casino San Remo , Nehama Street 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo

This casual yet hip restaurant is located on an intersection marked out by a pretty fountain. Chill out with other trendies and enjoy simple décor with plenty of plants and a hard-to-miss pink flamingo and flavoursome food.

An easy-going lunch North Abraxas , Lilienblum St 40, Tel Aviv-Yafo

This trendy restaurant by Eyal Shani is also an entertaining treat. While seated on a high chair by the open kitchen has a nonchalant style. Ditch niceties such as plates and instead you eat off brown paper table clothes and bread is delivered in brown paper bags. Rock salt is thrown onto the table while several little plates such as tehini and creme fresh turn up.

Green beans from Jericho, roasted cauliflower, melt-in-the-mouth lamb, juicy hamburgers all curated by chef Eran Cohen. Every now and again Eran will fill a pan with sage put it on fire to cleanse the air.

Everything is freshly cooked and it has to be because there is no freezer. They buy it, they cook it. At night it’s all go with loud music and dancing on the bar.

Sunset Dinner at Manta Ray , Alma Beach

Located right on Alma beach, there is no better place to enjoy a sunset dinner than in this round-shaped restaurant. It’s an extensive menu which is all the more delicious with a sun setting backdrop.

Manta ray tapas c avi ganor169

Start with a range of tapas – you get to choose the ones you want for a large platter they present to you – then move on to lamb, vegetarian or fish dishes. It’s mad busy at night yet the staff maintain a fun demeanour. Make sure you book.

Whiskey Dinner: Whiskey Bar and Museum , 27 David Elazar St, Sarona

Over 1000 whiskeys

If you love whiskey do not miss a night out at this bar-restaurant-museum. Located in an underground Templar cellar the walls are lined with 1,000 whiskeys from Ireland and Scotland of course, but also from far flung places such as Taiwan and India.

Take a seat by the bar for a more personal experience – especially if you are a newbie. You will be served by waiters dressed in black who look elegant against the wall of orange hued bottles. You get to taste several whiskeys served in 25-ml tasting doses in Glencairn glasses highlighting the aromas and flavours of the tipple. The bartender has the mission of finding one to suit your palate. For the uninitiated, the mellow Haig Club is a good starter.

Whiskey food matching

Food is stylish yet simple; smoked meats, fresh fish and vegetable entrées and often comes with whiskey notes. Ask about the right whiskey to match your meal.

Go international at Oasis, 17 Montefiore Street

At Oasis, American chef Rima Olvera ditches food trends because she has her own ideas about cuisine all created in an open kitchen. Hers is not fusion cooking but a thoughtful working of ingredients to create her take on international dishes. These are labelled with airports that depict the country they hail from. As ingredients come and go with the season, the menu changes regularly but staples include a tangy zuchini salad and a salmon gravallax.

But also expect octopus, sea wolf and other seafood delicacies and even a Fake Porcinis – giant mushrooms with porcini essence, salt and Italian parmesan. The ambience is somewhat minimalistic with a backdrop of browns and muted colours. Behind there is an appealing garden restaurant with an ancient olive tree and lovely water feature.

Intrigue and Cocktails at The Bellboy ,  Berdyczewski St 14

Taking your order at Bellboy

Located discretely in Hotel Berdichevsky punters wait in a small reception till someone comes to take you in. Inside it’s dark much like a speakeasy might have been. There’s not much of a menu but there are 16 speciality cocktails served by eccentric waiters while swing music plays in the background. Every now and again a waiter will pass with a pram carrying booze you get a vodka shot that you drink out of an oyster shell. It’s gritty, superficially grungy and still stylish and chic.

Midnight munchers

A night out drinking could end with the munchies and Tel Aviv has its selection of simply sensational eateries. Tony Vespa on 140 Rothschild Boulevard (in the White City) offers ready-made pizza by the weight, so you can choose a several different types of slices. Otherwise its Vitrina’s on Lilienblum St 40 for truly delicious hamburgers or stuff a pitta with street food at HaMiznon on King George street or Ibn Gvirol. And you won’t be alone, there will be queues.

Where to Stay

Dan tel aviv hotel, israel.

Our review: “A stylish, upright hotel in a slightly quirky building, in a central location close to everything the city has to offer.” [ read more ]

Carlton Tel Aviv Hotel, Israel

Our review: “Of course it is a matter of taste but those seeking to stay in a large luxury hotel by the sea would do well to spend a few nights here. A unique roof top pool, an fabulous executive lounge and all round good service makes this one a winner.” [ read more ]

Getting around

There are plenty of taxis and a frequent bus service. There’s also a shirut service which you can hail down. These small buses carry round 12 people and if there is room they will stop for you.

There are plenty of bicycle stations and this is a popular way to get around. If all else fails, the city is compact and you can walk.

Getting there

Virgin Atlantic

Both offer direct flights from all major airports.

Ski Guide: Abruzzo, Italy

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• Contents 37

No more secrets

Inventory no. 37, monocle travel guide, it’s arrived, nordic soul, gianni riotta, observation, baku to the future, pole new world, europe briefing, asia briefing, americas briefing, africa/middle east briefing, oceania briefing, defence briefing, in for a round, moral fibres, business briefing, sharing nicely, talk of the town, art market briefing, culture briefing, media briefing, living the art, expo 37: kings of the hill, home at the office, the model maker, design/architecture briefing, prime number, get dressed.

Travel edits / Global

This month’s tips for travellers include foodie havens in Jerusalem and Miami, and beautiful places to lay your head in Santiago, Copenhagen and the Italian countryside. We also profile Japan’s one-plane airline, Amakusa.

Tucked away in a small alley near Jerusalem’s main fruit and vegetable market, Machneyuda restaurant has become a draw for food lovers – even attracting crowds from Tel Aviv. Its rustic charm and high-quality Mediterranean cuisine have made it a foodie destination, with different recipes each day. Starters include creamy polenta topped with perfectly crisp asparagus, mushroom ragu and shaved Parmesan served in a storage jar, followed with a main course of sea bass in buffalo yoghurt, onions and roast tomatoes. Desserts include specialities such as tahini ice cream. Exceptional service includes dancing waiters, extra liquor if you sit at the bar and quality tableware.

10 Beit Yaakov Street + 972 2 533 3442 2eat.co.il/eng/machne-yuda

Empório Central

Designed by Brazilian architect Jayme Lago Mestieri, this gourmet emporium spreads over 250 sq m and is the newest addition to the famous Cidade Jardim shopping centre in São Paulo. The retail division of Empório Central offers a refined selection of high-quality food products and wine, while the bistro serves food by cordon-bleu chef Douglas Van Der Ley.

cidadejardimshopping.com.br emporiocentral.com.br

Note: Try the entrecôte ao molho mostarda – a premium steak with mustard sauce – and the queijo canastra, a traditional cheese from the Serra da Canastra region.

Fotografiska

Surprisingly for such a photogenic folk and camera-friendly culture, Sweden didn’t have a comprehensive photographic museum until earlier this summer. At the end of May, Jan and Per Broman opened Fotografiska, a 2,500 sq m gallery with an Annie Leibovitz retrospective. This September, it presents fashion photography from Man Ray to Mikael Jansson. At the end of August Fotografiska also opened Galleriet, a commercial space selling work by emerging Swedish artists.

fotografiska.eu

Miami’s new vice

Soho beach house, miami:.

The Soho House Group will open a private members’ club in Miami this autumn. With two pools, 44 guest rooms and six suites, it will occupy the site of the Sovereign Hotel. sohobeachhouse.com

Punta Tresino holiday cottage

If you want to holiday like an Italian, this back-to-basics cottage nestled in the protected Parco Nazionale del Cilento, just below Naples, is the perfect spot. Set amid four hectares of vineyards in the lesser-known region of Cilento, the house is run by young couple Ida and Mario Corrado who gave up their day jobs as an architect and a lawyer to create a vacation spot with a focus on good wine.

“There is nothing more to do here than drink and eat fabulous food while sitting under a carob tree,” says Corrado, who has been producing wine for over a decade for local restaurants and clients who come to taste and buy. A regional must is a glass of white wine made from the local fiano and greco grapes, and the robust aglianico variety for a delectable red.

agricolasangiovanni.it

This unusual Chinatown brasserie in Ann Siang Hill is named after the 40 different types of sake and espresso shots on offer. Owner Edward Loh decided on an “East meets West” concept and the food is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine. Only here can lasagne partner sake fermented by a 350-year-old brewery. For a lighter snack, opt for the peanut butter banana – a tasty rendition of a local favourite.

shots.com.sg

Signature drinks

Café Coretto: A shot of Bottega coffee with liqueur or Yamazaki whiskey Café Sakeretto: Organic coffee accompanied with Hakushika sake Café Sakegatto: Light and sweet sake served with vanilla ice cream

Stay is a new hotel concept located in Islands Brygge, a fast developing residential area five minutes’ drive from the centre of Copenhagen. Stay has 178 serviced apartments with 15 different layouts, ranging from one-bedroom 75 sq m spaces to an Atelier XL at almost 150 sq m. The design is typically minimal throughout.

Although the rooms have kitchens, guests are served breakfast downstairs and can meet in the evening in the lounge to enjoy a glass of wine with views over the city. Stay is located in the old A House building which was once a hub for Copenhagen’s creative elite. While Walls, the property developer behind the project, was waiting for a building permit, it rented out the space to local artists, designers and musicians. You can still find traces of this creative past in some of the apartments in the form of writing on the concrete walls or small splashes of colour in the black and white interiors.

staycopenhagen.dk

Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam:

The Alrov Luxury Collection has purchased the historic Conservatorium Building in Museum Square and will turn it into a 130-room hotel. It is set to open next spring. conservatoriumhotel.com

No introduction needed

Mandarin oriental, paris:.

Mandarin Oriental’s Paris outpost will open its doors next June. With the appointment of Philippe Leboeuf as general manager – previously at Claridge’s and the Crillon – we know we’ll be in good hands. Also, look out for a 2011 opening in Marrakech.

mandarinoriental.com

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

This Greek-Turkish taverna located in the heart of Miami’s design district was set up by husband and wife Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis, with business partner Erhan Kostepen. The dishes are simple and authentic, and were inspired by the family cookbook. Favourites include homemade pide (Turkish flatbread), shrimps cooked with ouzo, and grilled lamb chops served with orzo pilaf. “This was the food we grew up eating at home – some personally created, most stolen from the matriarchs in our families,” says Koutsioukis. Located in a renovated 1940s home (get there early to grab a spot on the patio), Mandolin is expanding with a market in January. Locals will be able to buy dips, bread, pastries and imported olive oil.

mandolinmiami.com

Menu highlights

1 Accompany mezze with a pitcher of white-wine sangria infused with rose water – a house speciality. 2 What we’re eating – fresh fish grilled with olive oil, lemon and oregano. A classic. 3 Round everything off with a Turkish coffee and some homemade baklava.

Santiago, Chile

Perched in the foothills of Santiago’s bucolic Cerro San Cristóbal mountain sits the Chilean capital’s first boutique hotel, The Aubrey. In its former incarnation, this chalk-white mansion was home to a prominent family who hosted famous political lunches where Chile’s future was plotted in heated debates. A half-century later, though, the property fell into disrepair. It was then that Australian Mark Cigana and UK native Will Martin purchased it and spent the next two years transforming the structure into a 15-room inn. It now has a terraced pool that overlooks the emerald mountainside, and one of the city’s better restaurants – Pasta e Vino, which makes its own pasta by hand and has a selection of over 50 wines.

theaubrey.com

Will Martin, co-owner

What is your favourite outdoor spot in Santiago? I love biking to the top of the Antilén peak on the Cerro San Cristóbal mountain. From there, you have views of the Andes and the city.

Where do you head for a taste of Chilean cuisine? In the heart of the city is Mercado Central, a bustling fish market.

Where’s best for after-hours drinks? For good artisanal Chilean beers I go to Cuatro & Diez in the Bellavista arts district.

Where do you buy Chilean wine? A shop called Wain [pronounced ‘wine’] has a wonderful selection of independent local retailers, and upstairs there is a premium tasting room.

Best bedroom: The San Cerro Cristobal Suite, with views of leafy hilltops from the balcony, an Italian Bisazza shower and an oversized bathtub in the centre of the room.

Best feature: with its integrated jacuzzi and 360-degree views of the mountain and city, the outdoor pool is the aubrey’s most alluring sanctuary., favorita hotel.

Located in Porto’s historical centre between the Palacio de Crystal park and the decorative arts Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, Pensão Favorita is a seven-room hotel recently reimagined by owner Ema Xavier, local interior architect Nuno Sottomayor and French designer Sam Baron.

Blending geometric tiling with contemporary furniture sourced by Baron, Favorita also sports a garden where residents can sunbathe or grab a bite to eat and a glass of Quinta de Tourais wine at the property’s restaurant, La Bombarde. There’s also a massage room, library and personalised stationery for visitors to recount romantic frivolities to envious folk back home. Favorita is friendly, focused and above all outstanding value. pensaofavorita.pt

The drawings on the wall

Soho grand suites, new york:.

With more than 900 retail boutiques to his name, including Bottega Veneta, interior designer Bill Sofield has now revamped the 16th floor of the Soho Grand. We like the wallpaper in the bathrooms of each suite by illustrator Saul Steinberg. sohogrand.com

Amakusa, Japan

Preface For the residents of the Amakusa islands, its airline is a lifetime. But soon it could also be ferrying tourists to the remote windswept archipelago.

Writer: Danielle Demetriou

A climb of five small steps on a contraption that is more ladder than staircase followed by a squeeze through a little doorway is routine for passengers on Amakusa Airlines – it’s small but perfectly formed.

The airline is as remotely located as it is tiny. Even among some native Japanese, mention of the name “Amakusa” elicits the raised eyebrow response “Ama-where?”

Set in Kumamoto Prefecture in the southern Kyushu region, Amakusa comprises an archipelago of 120 mostly uninhabited windswept fishing islands.

The region is famous for producing white pearls and has some of the nation’s most stunning sunsets along its western East China Sea-facing coastlines. But its biggest claim to fame? The dubious distinction of having been a refuge for the nation’s persecuted Christians, who sought sanctuary in its hills when the religion was banned hundreds of years ago.Today, Amakusa is keen to reinvent itself as a tourist destination – and so the existence of its own bijou Amakusa Airlines is handy.

Operating since March 2000, the one-aircraft-airline flies from Amakusa to Fukuoka and Kumamoto, and provides an additional Kumamoto to Kobe flight. There are 10 flights a day on board its aircraft – a 38-seater de Havilland DHC-8-103 – and the airline has also launched internet booking services.

With many flights blink-and-you-miss-it fast, in-flight services are kept simple with refreshments served only on the Kobe to Kumamoto journey.

Free green tea quotas aside, the airline is clearly a blessing for residents: with no train services or direct ferries from Kumamoto, most passengers are locals and business travellers.

Kenji Ueda, a spokesman for Amakusa Airlines, says: “The most frequently used route is between Amakusa and Fukuoka. The reason mostly is due to transport conditions in the Amakusa area.” He adds, “We see ourselves as a daily- life airline.”

As Amakusa Airlines this year celebrates a decade of flying, here’s hoping that it continues to provide its trusted services – and that more people work out where Amakusa is on the map. amx.co.jp

Amakusa Airlines facts:

1 The fleet consists of one de Havilland DHC-8-103, emblazoned with dolphins.

2 The fastest flight on the route is Amakusa to Kumamoto, which takes only 20 minutes.

3 Amakusa Airlines sells T-shirts, neck-straps, tumblers and plane models.

4 In the summer, staff wear uniforms by Kumamoto-based designers Takemoto.

5 In-flight entertainment consists of a folder with photocopied tourist pamphlets, including a manga on the Christian heritage of the islands.

6 The airline is owned by local government (more than 80 per cent) and the private sector (nearly 20 per cent).

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English Travel Travel Books Editors: gestalten & Mr Hudson Release date: April 2019 Format: 17 × 22.5 cm Features: Full color, hardcover, stitch bound, 320 pages  ISBN: 978-3-89955-974-3 Mr Hudson is a pioneering travel site for discerning gay men, it offers curated guides for carefully selected global destinations, backed-up by in-depth features. It is the brain-child of Bastiaan Ellen, a seasoned digital marketing expert, who has held senior international positions at various travel brands.

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English Travel Travel Books Details Editors gestalten & Mr Hudson Release date: April 2019 Format: 17 × 22.5 cm Features: Full color, hardcover, stitch bound, 320 pages  ISBN: 978-3-89955-974-3 Mr Hudson is a pioneering travel site for discerning gay men, it offers curated guides for carefully selected global destinations, backed-up by in-depth features. It is the brain-child of Bastiaan Ellen, a seasoned digital marketing expert, who has held senior international positions at various travel brands.

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BestofAthens.gr

Athens: the monocle travel guide series.

Think of Athens and the first things that spring to mind are ancient ruins and camera-toting crowds (before they hotfoot it to the island-bound ferries at the port of Piraeus, that is). It’s true, the Acropolis is ever present and during summer the city thrums with schools of holidaymakers. But there’s much more to the Greek capital than temples and tourists.

The team behind Monocle magazine looked beyond the admittedly awe-inspiring Parthenon and explored the city’s modernist marvels, from circular school to colonnaded embassy. They ’ve combed the cobbled streets for independent boutiques offering straw hats, hand-thrown ceramics and golden jewellery – all proudly “Made in Greece”. When you’re feeling peckish, choose between traditional family-run tavernas and contemporary restaurants spicing up classic Greek dishes.

Attica is a region of riches and, of course, some of the nearby islands are simply too good to miss – so they’ve included a short and sharp list of our top stopovers. For now, though, strap up your sandals and allow them to introduce you to this chaotic but ever-so-charismatic city.

About The Monocle Travel Guide Series: Monocle reports from around the globe in print, on radio, and online. As its editors and correspondents dart from city to city, they get to know the best places to rest their heads, stretch their limbs, and kick back with a contact in a hard-to-find cocktail bar. That information is now available in Monocle’s Travel Guide Series: a line-up of titles that speaks to you in an informed but informal way about everything from architecture to art, late-night bars to early-morning markets.

These are books that go beyond the traditional tourist beats to make sure you get the best out of a city—no matter how short your stay. Designed to be compact and collectable, they are also discerning; Monocle’s team won’t list a hundred places to eat but they will tell you where’s best for everything from some tasty fast food to something truly celebratory.

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Boarding, Baggage & More: A Brief Guide To Delta Air Lines' Military Travel Benefits

• Delta offers perks for US military including free baggage and pre-boarding, benefiting active duty members and veterans.
• Military personnel can bring pets on Delta flights, but there are restrictions and fees based on the destination.
• Delta provides a special discount for military members through Delta Vacations, allowing savings on flight and hotel packages.

Several airlines offer different benefits for active duty US military personnel, veterans, and their families. While the perks may vary during different times of the year, they can be a big help for those currently serving or who have served regarding their travel plans. Some military personnel may fly home after duty or head to duty. Regardless, Delta Air Lines has a plethora of benefits, including through its all-inclusive vacation branch, Delta Vacations.

The Atlanta-based US legacy carrier offers benefits for active members of the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. As the airline’s way of expressing gratitude to those who protect and serve the US, Delta has special policies for military personnel, such as pet travel and early boarding. Most checked baggage is also free of charge, whether on travel orders or leisure trips. The benefits also extend beyond the flight, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows members of the US Armed Forces to receive expedited security screenings via TSA PreCheck at the airport.

Honoring those who have served or currently serve

Delta allows active duty US military members with an ID to pre-board flights, meaning they can board the aircraft before Delta One or first-class passengers. The perk is beneficial, especially if the flight is completely full. It allows military personnel to settle into their seats and relax before the hustle and bustle of the other travelers fills the cabin.

Pre-boarding is also available for passengers needing assistance getting on the aircraft or additional boarding time. Active duty members are also “allowed more free bags than civilian customers.” According to Veteran.com , Delta awards as many as five free checked bags with a limit of 100 pounds each to military personnel when on travel orders. This is incredibly accommodating if they bring a lot of equipment or personal belongings should their duty last several months. If they are traveling personally, two free checked bags are allowed with a limit of 50 pounds each.

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The baggage benefit is undoubtedly a perk, considering Delta recently raised its checked baggage fees to civilian passengers. Following several other airlines increasing their fees, Delta now charges its Comfort+ and main cabin travelers $35 each way for the first standard checked bag under 50 pounds, while one free carry-on bag and a personal item are still allowed.

For passengers checking a second bag under 50 pounds, it will cost them $45 each way. Of course, military personnel, as well as Delta One or first class passengers, are exempt from these charges. Travelers with the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card or Medallion Status are also not subject to baggage fees.

Medical emergency flights

Travel privileges are also extended to war-injured immediate family members or domestic partners. According to Delta, those individuals are classified under its Medical Emergency policy, which offers flight discounts. To book a medical emergency flight, the person must provide their name and relationship to their injured family member or domestic partner. Additionally, they would need to provide the name and phone number of the military hospital where their relative or loved one is recieving care. Delta defines immediate family members as:

• Domestic partners
• Stepsiblings
• Stepchildren
• Grandparents
• Grandchildren
• Father-in-law
• Mother-in-law
• Sister-in-law
• Brother-in-law
• Daughter-in-law

The carrier's website lists more information on the prices of its medical emergency flights. Immediate family members will need to call the airline to book a flight.

Pet travel & Delta Vacations

Military personnel can also travel with their pets. Delta only accepts animals as checked baggage for US military or active duty US State Department Foreign Service Officers and their spouses with active transfer orders. However, checking their pet does come with a fee, and it depends on where the individual is traveling. On flights within the US, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, the cost is $200 to check their pet. I

t is also $200 for international flights to and from Canada or the Caribbean. Travel to and from Brazil is a $150 checked pet fee. All fees are charged each way. Checked pets are prohibited on flights to Australia, Barbados, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, Senegal, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

There is a variety of acceptable pets, but there are some restrictions. According to the airline, military personnel may transport two crates per flight. However, larger crates may only be shipped as cargo, which could result in additional restrictions depending on the aircraft and class of service. Cats are permitted, except for snub-nosed cats. Dogs are allowed as well, minus pug breeds or other snub-nosed dogs. Other acceptable animals only within US domestic flights include household birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters.

Other animals are allowed but must be shipped as cargo. These include reptiles and primates – lemurs, monkeys, orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The fee is charged each time the pet is checked in at the airport and will be assessed at each stopover point. Delta says exceptions may apply to flight itineraries with connections over six hours. However, animals are not included with the free baggage privileges granted to military personnel or eligible Delta SkyMiles members.

Lastly, the airline honors military personnel by offering a special discount on Delta Vacations. This perk can allow individuals to save up to $200 per flight and hotel vacation package to any of its 300+ destinations worldwide. Here are the current discounts offered:

• $25 off vacations that cost up to $1,499
• $75 off vacations priced between $1,500 and $3,999
• $125 off vacations that cost from $4,000 to $6,999
• $200 off vacations priced at $7,000 or more

All eligible personnel are encouraged to contact the airline for more details about all of its military perks.

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