Tel Aviv

View looking north; Central Tel Aviv from bird's-eye view Full moon rising over the city and its skyscrapers Tel Aviv is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all. Tel Aviv (Hebrew: תל אביב, Arabic: تل أبيب) is the second largest city in Israel (after Jerusalem), and the largest metropolitan area. It is on the Mediterranean coast, about 60 km north-west of Jerusalem and some 100 km south of Haifa. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo (תל אביב-יפו), and reflects the fact that the city has grown beside (and absorbed) the ancient port city of Yafo (English: Jaffa, Arabic: يافا Yafa), to the south of the new city center, in addition to many other neighboring cities. Tel Aviv is home to most foreign embassies. Districts Tel Aviv is a rapidly growing city in the midst of an exciting transition from medium-sized urban center to bustling international metropolis. Its booming population, energy, edginess and 24-hour life style give the city a cosmopolitan flair comparable to few other cities in this part of the world. Tel Aviv is not really divided into districts, but rather into over 50 different neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods are really distinctive areas with different cultures (e.g. Neve Tzedek, Florentin, Ramat-Ha'Chayal), while others are simply indicating a geographical area. Tel Aviv grew mainly from the south to the north so the further you go to the north you will encounter newer buildings and wealthier communities. North - The wealthiest district of Tel Aviv and one of the wealthiest in entire Israel stretches from the north side on the Yarkon River. These neighborhoods have very few things in common with the rest of Tel Aviv and are partially treated as Tel Aviv's suburb rather than a part of the city. The entire district is very green in comparison to the rest of Tel Aviv and contains some big and important sites such as Hayarkon Park, Israel's Museum, Tel Aviv University, and more. Center - The city's center contains "The Heart of Tel Aviv" and "The old north". The main metropolitan area of the city contains tourists attractions and shopping areas. This is Tel Aviv as most people know it nowadays. The central area is confined by Allenby Street from on the south and the Yarkon river from the north. South - The original District of Tel Aviv contains the first neighborhoods that constructed Tel Aviv. It is the poorer district of Tel Aviv but has been developing noticeably while conserving its style and history as many of its neighborhoods have become young and trendy. It is also home to many foreign workers and illegal immigrants from south-east Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Jaffa — (Yafo in Hebrew, Yaffa in Arabic) is one of the world's oldest ports. It was here that the prophet Jonah started the journey that left him in the belly of a big fish (not a whale as is the common misconception!) and Andromeda was tied to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster, before later being saved by Perseus. It was also here where Peter the Apostle received a vision marking a significant ideological split between Judaism and Christianity (Acts 10). Understand The smallish gulf of Jaffa has been the site of a fortified port town for at least 4000 years. During the 19th century the town’s population grew from about 2,500 (1806) to 17,000 (1886). The old city walls could no longer contain the population, and they were destroyed in the 1870s. New, more spacious neighborhoods started to appear. Tel Aviv (meaning literally "Hill of Spring") itself was founded in 1909 by a group of distinguished Jewish residents of Jaffa. They envisaged a European-style garden suburb, with wide streets and boulevards. Leaving Jaffa wasn’t, however, only a question of an upgrade in lifestyle. Moving out of the Arab-dominated town also represented their belief in the Jewish national movement, their belief in Zionism. Before being a city, Tel Aviv was one of the many titles of Herzel's Zionist utopia - The Old New Land book. Setting out with a grand vision, the 60 Tel Aviv founders have started out by building the first mid-eastern urban center with running water, no small wonder in that part of the world in 1909. Tel Aviv grew steadily under Ottoman law until WWI. By the end of the war the British took over the Holy Land. An event the Jewish community saw as encouraging, while and the Muslim community viewed as a turn-for-the-worst from the previous Islamic ruler. In May 1921, an Arab mob attacked a Jewish immigration center, killing dozens of Jews. Another group broke the windows stores in the Jewish street in Jaffa and a mob armed with knives and sticks have made his way towards Tel Aviv. Before 1921 most Jews worked and lived in Jaffa, after the attack thousands of the 16,000 Jews of Jaffa moved north to Tel Aviv. The suburb had become a city and within a decade, Tel Aviv had become the center of culture, commerce and light industry for the entire Jewish population of the country as well as the British soldiers. 1938 marked the opening of Tel Aviv port, an important milestone marking the end of its dependency on Jaffa. By this time, Tel Aviv was already the biggest city in the country, with 130,000 residents. After Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948, Jaffa became a district of Tel Aviv and the city's name was officially changed to Tel Aviv-Yafo. Today, Tel Aviv-Yafo represents the heart of a thriving, Israeli metropolis - the greater metropolitan area comprises a number of separate municipalities with approximately 3.1 million people living in a 25 km long sprawl along the Mediterranean coast - with around 392,700 in Tel Aviv-Yafo itself making it the second largest city in Israel after Jerusalem(760,800 inhabitants). Bat Yam, Holon, Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Bnei-Brak, Petah Tikva, Rishon LeZion, Ramat Ha-Sharon, Rehovot and Herzliya are the other major cities in the coastal area commonly known as Gush Dan. Whilst Jerusalem is Israel's capital city where most government departments are located, Tel Aviv and its satellite cities form the economic and cultural center. It is known as "the city that doesn't stop" and indeed you will find that the nightlife and culture are on around the clock. In summer it is not unusual to see the beach boardwalk bustling with people at 4AM and the clubs and bars usually pick up around midnight until morning, giving Tel Aviv a well deserved reputation of being a party town. It is the pinnacle of secular life in Israel. In July 2003 Tel Aviv-Yafo was declared a cultural UNESCO World Heritage site for the many "International" style (also known as Bauhaus after the German school it originated from) buildings built in the city during the 1930s-50s. As this style emphasized simplicity and the white color, Tel Aviv is also called the White City. Orientation Tel Aviv lies alongside the Mediterranean coastline. With few exceptions, all points of interest for tourists are in a rectangle defined by the sea to the west, the Yarkon River to the north, the Ayalon highway to the east, and Salame Road to the south. This rectangle is separated into two long strips by Ibn-Gvirol Street, starting from the Yarkon River and changing its name to Yehuda Halevy. Most of the attractions are in the west of these strips. Tel Aviv developed from south to north. To the south-western corner of the rectangle you will find old Jaffa. To its north, is the first Jewish neighborhood outside Jaffa, Neve Tzedek (meaning "Oasis of Justice"). To Neve Tzedek’s east is Florentin, a 1920s light-industry quarter founded by Jews from Salonika in Greece that in recent years has turned into a trendy neighborhood for young people, albeit one with a large population of older and poor people; and then the Central Bus Station area, now home to foreign workers from around the world. To the north of Neve Tzedek is "Kerem Ha'Temanim" (the Yemenite Vineyard), a crowded but picturesque neighborhood dating to the early 20th century and east and north of here lies the city center, a chiefly residential area built in the 1920s and 1930s, where the majority of Bauhaus ("International") style architecture is to be found. Further north and east, the "old north" (not to be confused with "the north" on the other side of the Yarkon), is a more spacious residential area built during the 1940s and 1950s. Tel Aviv residents often speak of a north-south divide in Tel Aviv-Yafo. The north is usually associated with a continental, chic, and suburbanite lifestyle centered around Kikar haMedina and "Ramat Aviv". To the south, the city takes on a more working-class and eastern, albeit evermore trendy, urban feel. A crude divide would be that all neighborhoods north of the Yarkon River are considered "north"; the area between the sea in the west, Ayalon Highway in the east, Yarkon River in the north and Salame Street in the south is considered "central" Tel Aviv. The area south of Salame Street is generally south Tel Aviv, and Jaffa lies to the South-West. North Tel Aviv is generally more residential and family-oriented; central Tel Aviv is the hipper-younger area with many single people and couples in their 20s and 30s; south Tel Aviv is a rapidly gentrifying area with a mixed population - from older working-class people to artists to migrant African workers. Tel Aviv is likely the most liberal city in Israel and in the Middle East - as it is no-less liberal than Western Europe's liberally-inclined major cities. It has a bustling civil society and is home to many activist movements and NGOs. Its residents tend to have liberal attitudes towards gay and lesbian rights, and, in fact, Tel Aviv hosts the largest gay pride parade in Israel (the only country in the Middle East where homosexuality is not considered illegal). It is also a destination for gay Palestinian refugees, unable to pursue their lifestyle in the Palestinian territories. With its liberalism comes a dose of sophistication and some will say detachment, and Tel Aviv is often dubbed "The Bubble" or "Medinat Tel Aviv" ("The State of Tel Aviv") by residents and non-residents alike. Some ultra-Orthodox Israelis have even dubbed the city a modern day "Sodom and Gomorrah", due to its hedonistic lifestyle. Get in By plane Most international visitors to Israel pass through the Arrivals hall at Ben Gurion Airport Tel Aviv's (and Israel's) main entry point for the international traveler is Ben Gurion International Airport[1] (referred to by its Hebrew initials Natbag by locals). The airport comprises all the usual amenities expected from a first class airport and contains one of the world's largest duty-free shopping malls for an airport of its size. The airport is the hub for a number of airlines, most notably El Al. It's also one of the most secure airports in the world, given its location. Even though the airport is called TLV it's not actually in Tel Aviv, but rather 15km away in the town of Lod. A further 20 minute drive is needed to get to Tel Aviv. This trip can be done by train, or taxi from Ben Gurion airport. There is no bus or sherut taxi to Tel Aviv from Ben Gurion. By train: The airport train station is easily accessible at the lower level on Terminal 3 (one level below the arrivals hall). It offers good connection to many parts of the country, including the city of Tel Aviv, with a single-ride ticket to the city for only ₪12. Buy a ticket from the cashier or from an automatic machine, and use it to enter the platform area. Keep the ticket for use to exit the electronic gate at your arrival station. The train service operates around the clock on weekdays, with 3 trains per hour most of the day and one per hour at night. On weekends and Jewish holidays, from Friday afternoon till Saturday evenings, it doesn't operate (As of November 2007, the last departure from the airport on Friday is at 14.37, the first departure on Saturday at 19.35. During day-light saving time trains start 2 hours later on Saturdays). Trains stop at all four Tel Aviv stations, with the exception of late night trains that stop only at Tel Aviv Merkaz/Savidor station. The stations are, in order of arrival from the airport: Tel Aviv HaHagana (8 minutes travel), Tel Aviv HaShalom (13 minutes), Tel Aviv Merkaz/Savidor (18 minutes), Tel Aviv University (25 minutes). For most travelers, HaShalom or Merkaz/Savidor would be the place to disembark. Most stations are suitable for non-Hebrew speakers, nonetheless, passengers will often be glad to assist. By taxi: Working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this is the most comfortable and of course, expensive way to reach the city center, with a typical ride price of around ₪120. If you travel with a friend or two, it can be a good idea to share a taxi. It is not inappropriate to sit in the front seat in taxis in Israel. It is obligatory by law to use the taxi meter, unless agreed otherwise by the passenger and driver, and a typical ride to the city center should not take more than 15-20 minutes, without heavy traffic. Be sure not to accept fix-priced rides with taxi drivers unless you're sure of what you are doing; you will always end up paying more than you could have had you asked to use the meter. Tel Aviv has another airport, Sde Dov [2] (SDV). This is a primarily domestic airport, with frequent flights to Eilat [3] (ETH) and Rosh Pina (Galilee) [4] (RPN). By car Tel Aviv is the hub of the country's modern network of freeways. The city is easily accessible from Ben Gurion Airport via the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv freeway (freeway 1), from the north by Tel Aviv-Haifa freeway (freeway 2), as well as from Beer-Sheva and the southern parts of the country (freeways 4 and 20). Freeways' speed limit varies between 90km/h and 100km/h. On other intercity roads the limit is 80km/h. On urban roads the default speed limit is 50km/h. The city is divided west-east by the Ayalon Freeway (freeway 20), which is the main artery of the city. It is best to avoid commuter traffic in and out of Tel Aviv and its surrounding cities during rush hours (Sunday to Thursday, 7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00); especially to be avoided is the entrance to Tel Aviv via Ayalon Freeway in morning rush hour, as it is one of the most busy freeways in the world. Also, it is important to note that Israeli drivers are considered aggressive in comparison to their Western European or North American counterparts. Signage is is in English, Hebrew and Arabic. Navigation is difficult without GPS, and parking is expensive. If possible, avoid using a private car in Tel Aviv and use public transportation. Israeli highway police are strict and speed limits and driving laws are strictly enforced. All in all, driving conditions in Israel are much better than in the rest of the Middle East, though accident rates are considerably higher than in North America or Western Europe. Parking in Tel Aviv is very hard to find, and proves to be a challenge even for the locals. Parking lots are availabe, but expensive (usually around ₪25-30 an hour), and can also be full around busier times (i.e., a parking in a central area could be full on a friday night, when everybody in the area goes out to eat and drink in the city). Parking in the street (if you can find one) is allowed where there is no marking (grey) for free, where there is blue and white marking ("kachol-lavan") for an hourly fee (cheaper than lots) generally between 9-19 (street signs indicating that are usually just in hebrew), and there are usually no parking meters, meaning you need to get parking cards to put in your window in advance (usaully in a kiosk). Also, some areas of blue-white are reserved for locals with a zone sticker at certain times of day. It is forbidden to park where there are red and white markings, though sometimes only in certain hours, as indicated by signs (but those are usually in hebrew only as well). The inspectors in Tel Aviv are everywhere and merciless, beware as you can get a fine of ₪100-500! There are generally more parking spaces in the south and the north (north of the Yarkon river that is) than there are in the center. As parking is Tel-Aviv is a rather expensive mess, it is advisable to avoid coming into the city with a car. By bus The New Central Bus Station in southern Tel Aviv ("Tahana Merkazit") offers routes servicing most locations in Israel. It is located within a short walking distance of the HaHaganah Train Station. The building, which is a combination of shopping mall and bus terminal, is more than a bit confusing - in fact, it is almost unmanageable for the infrequent visitor; tourists might want to avoid it and instead take buses destined for the 2000 Bus Terminal (see below). Nevertheless, most inter-city bus lines depart from platforms on the north wing of 6th floor, except for buses to Galilee (Afula, Nazareth, Tiberias, Kiryat Shmona etc.) which are on the south wing on 7th floor (accessible by escalator from 6th floor). Most urban lines to Tel Aviv and its suburbs are on the north wing on 7th floor (which isn't connected to the south wing of the same floor), with several lines on 4th floor which is actually at street level (those are popular city lines no. 4&5, and 44&46 to Bat Yam via Yafo). To get to Ben Yehuda St. from the Central Bus Station, head to the 4th floor and catch line number 4. The fare is ₪6 (Feb. 2011). Get off at the intersection of Allenby and Ben Yehuda to find a slew of hotels including the Sky and Momos hostels. A good marker to find your bearings is the Mercure hotel (big lit up sign) on Ben Yehuda, get off around there. The Egged bus #405 from Jerusalem leaves about every 20 minutes, starting at 5:50 AM and ending at 23:45 PM, from Jerusalem CBS and arrives at Tel Aviv CBS. It takes 56 minutes and the fare is ₪20 (Dec 2011). Bus #480 leaves about every 10 minutes, starting at 5:45 AM with the last bus at 23:45 PM, for Arlozorov. It takes 1 hour and costs ₪20 (Dec 2011). Several urban lines stop outside the station building on Levinski street (north side of the station), and some others a block away to the west on Har Zion street. Sherut taxis depart from Tzemach David street outside the east side of the station. Check the electronic boards in departure halls for info on destinations, platforms and coming-up departures. If this doesn't help, ask at the information booths. For most intercity and some suburban lines you should go to Egged booth on 6th floor. Metropoline, a company which operates service to Beer Sheva (and destinations enroute), also has an info booth on that floor (on the right from Egged booth). For most bus lines within the metropolitan area of Tel Aviv you should go to the Dan info booth on 7th floor (they also handle info on lines operated by Kavim). Several intercity and many metropolitan destinations are also served from the more user-friendly 2000 Bus Terminal (AKA Arlozorov terminal), next to Tel Aviv Merkaz/Savidor Train Station. It is a good place to make connections between train and bus, and there are information desks. North-bound buses stop at Namir Road alongside this terminal, but at peak times they might be full when they get there. Most south-bound buses stop at Holon Junction. The above warning is also valid there. In general, buses follow the Fourth Commandment ("Remember the Sabbath day"), stopping on Friday afternoon, and only resuming service Saturday after sunset. Some services, however, may start earlier on Saturday afternoon. Minor services may not resume until Sunday morning. Tickets can be bought from the driver, or from the ticket counters in the main stations. For information, call 03-6948888, or *2800 from any phone within the country, [5]. A daily bus service is also available to and from Amman through the King Hussein Bridge. Call the operator (04-6573984) for details. By train Israel Railways +972-3-5774000, [6] operate train services within Israel. Train service has improved significantly during the last decade or so, and today they are a fast and comfortable alternative to buses for many destinations. Train services connect Tel Aviv to Haifa and Beer-Sheva, as well as numerous smaller towns whilst a direct train line connects Tel Aviv to Ben-Gurion airport. Note that the train ride to Jerusalem follows the 19th century path, and this scenic route is worth taking at least once, even though taking the bus on the modern highway takes half the time. A new high-speed line between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is currently being constructed, with eventual travel time of only 28 minutes. Trains do tend to be crowded during rush hours, especially on Sunday morning, when soldiers return to their bases and students to their universities. Train service also stops on Friday afternoons, and resumes on Saturdays after sunset, in observance of the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat). Tel Aviv has four train stations, all along the Ayalon highway. All trains to Tel Aviv stop in all four stations. For best access to the city center, use either "Tel Aviv Merkaz" (a.k.a. "Arlozorov" and officially named "Savidor"), or "Hashalom" (located next to a large shopping mall). "Tel Aviv Ha-Hagana" Station is close to the New Central Bus Station, but buses to most destinations in Tel Aviv and intercity buses (including to Jerusalem and Haifa) also leave from the terminal outside "Tel Aviv Merkaz" ("Arlozorov") train station. Get around By bus Tel Aviv has a modern, regular, cheap and widespread bus network run mostly by Dan [7]. Bus services start at 05:00 and stop at midnight, though some of the lines stop earlier, so do check. There are night buses that run until 3:30 (Thursday and Saturday nights all year, and in addition Sunday to Wednesday nights during the summer). Single tickets within the city and the close suburbs (Bat Yam, Holon, Ramat Gan, Bney Brak, Givatayim) cost ₪6.40. A daily pass called "Hofshi-Yomi" is also available, and cost less than the price of three rides. Note that this ticket is only valid from 9:00. There is also the new Rav-Kav chip card (free signup at Central bus or train station required) whose "e-wallet" can be charged up by paying a lump sum of your choice on buses, and resulting in a 20% discount on each ride. Free transfers within 90 minutes are available when paying with the chip card. Monthly tickets are also available and offer cost savings per ride. People visiting the city for longer periods would find the Hofshi-Hodshi the most economic transport ticket. Tickets can be purchased either at the driver of any bus line, or at the New Central Bus Station. Exact change is not necessary, but a driver may refuse payment by notes of ₪100 or ₪200. Suburban lines are operated by numerous companies. Multi-ride tickets are not exchangeable between companies, but the chip card e-wallet is common to several companies in greater Tel Aviv. The most popular bus route in the city is bus route number 5, which connects the Central Bus Station (departure from 4th floor, westernmost platform) in the south with the Central Train Station. It goes through Rotschild Boulevards, Dizengof Street (Including the Dizengof Center Mall), Nordau Boulevard, Pinkas/Yehuda Maccabi Street and Weizman Street or Namir Road. The number 4 bus is also convenient. It runs north from the Central Bus station through Allenby road and Ben Yehoda street. Another popular bus route is number 18, connecting the Central Train Station with the southern neighbourhoods of Jaffa and Bat-Yam. It also has a stop in Rabin Square. Like most Israelis, the bus drivers in Tel Aviv speak and understand English reasonably well, and in most cases will kindly answer questions about the destination of their bus and let you know when to get off, and other passengers are likely to be just as helpful. Do not forget the Sheruts. These minibuses run about the same route as nr. 5 and 4 buses. They cost about the same as the bus, and they run on Shabbat too. You pay when you have found your seat, by passing the fare to the man next to you whom will pass it along to the driver. Neat! if you sit up front be prepared to pass money to the driver and the change back to the passenger. By taxi You can hail a taxi ("mo-NIT", מונית) in the street or call one (with extra surcharge). Taxis are obliged to give you a metered ride unless you settle for a price, so insist that the driver use the meter ("mo-NEH" in Hebrew, pronounced like the painter "Monet"), unless you are sure what the price to your destination should be. And no, the meter is never broken. A local ride without meter should be ₪20-30 in the downtown core, and up to 50 or 60 to the immediate suburbs. If you go for a price fixed in advance, haggle with your driver a bit, you can generally knock a few shekels off the price. Cutting a deal in advance is especially recommended on Friday night and Saturday, when there is a surcharge. Plus, if you get stuck in Tel Aviv's notorious traffic, you won't sit there watching your money tick away. Hakastel taxi service, phone +972-3-6993322, Palatine +972-3-5171750 or Shekem +972-3-5270404 (add ₪3.30 charge for the call). In addition to normal (called "special") taxis, there are 6-12 person van-sized taxis that supplement some bus routes ("sheh-ROOT"). This alternative is often faster, slightly cheaper, and more frequent than taking a bus, and they operate 7 days a week. If requested, the driver will stop outside the designated bus stops. Such service is available on bus routes no. 4, 5 (but note that these taxis don't reach the train station), 16, 51 and 66. Tel Aviv after dark By bicycle Given Tel Aviv's flat and coastal geography, mild weather, and a growing number of bicycle paths throughout the city - bicycle travel in Tel Aviv is an ideal way to get around. Several shops through out the city offer bicycle rental, and cheap Chinese made bicycles can be purchased for several hundred shekels on longer stays. A relatively new service, called Tel-O-Fun lets you rent a bike in Tel Aviv. Tel-O-Fun offers hundreds of bikes for rent, at rental stations across the city, in a simple and convenient manner using a credit card.Tel-O-Fun An English language Google map of docking stations is available. Be sure to lock your bicycle at all times and don't leave it outside at night, even proper locks get cut by electric cutters in under 15 seconds. A free location-based iPhone app (Telobike) shows stations and real-time information. See Tel Aviv is a big place, and these listings are just some highlights of things that you really should see if you can during your visit. The complete listings are found on each individual district page alongside many more things to see in each district. Old Jaffa (יפו העתיקה). located in Jaffa is a must see for any visitor to Tel Aviv. This is the reputed point where Jonah boarded a ship and was later swallowed by a big fish. It is also one of the oldest ports in the world.  edit Nearby is Jaffa´s famous Flea Market Rabin Square. The biggest public square in Israel and site of PM Rabin's assassination in 1995 is in Central Tel Aviv  edit Azriely Lookout (מצפה עזריאלי), (by Tel Aviv Hashalom train station). Watch the entire Tel Aviv area from 200 meters high in Central Tel Aviv  edit Tel Aviv Port - a commercial area in Northern Tel Aviv with bars and nightclubs Jaffa's Railway Station a historic outdoor shopping area, Jaffa Dizengoff Centre - Israel's most iconic shopping centre with a very lively food market every Thursday and Friday, Central Tel Aviv Rothschild Boulevard - a lot of Bauhaus architecture, restaurants and cafes in Tel Aviv's prettiest street, Central Tel Aviv Neve Tzedek - an historical part of town with art galleries and restaurants, Southern Tel Aviv Florentin - a former working class neighborhood, now a bustling commercial zone keeping the working class character, Southern Tel Aviv Tel Aviv University - Israel's most lavish and beautiful university campus in Northern Tel Aviv. Joshua Gardens - Tel Aviv's central park, Northern Tel Aviv Shore Promenade, Central Tel Aviv Museums Eretz-Israel Museum. in Northern Tel Aviv  edit Tel Aviv Museum of Art, [8]. The biggest art museum in Central Tel Aviv  edit Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (Beit HaTefutsot בית התפוצות). located in Tel Aviv University in Northern Tel Aviv  edit Bialik Square - a beautiful Bauhaus Square including the following museums:Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv in Central Tel Aviv, Bialik House, The Museum of Town History, Rubin Art Museum Gutman Art Museum at Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv's Art Gallery District : A stone's throw from the famous Dan Tel Aviv hotel and Frishman beach, you will find the largest concentration of galleries in Tel Aviv. On Ben Yehuda street (North of Frishman) you will find the Bruno Gallery, the Eden Gallery, and Jojo Gallery. On Gordon street you will find the Stern Gallery. With a 20 minute walk you will run into more than 20 art galleries and are sure to find interesting works from Israeli artists. On Frishman, you will find some antique stores and Dylan's Art Cafe which promotes up & coming artists, and you relax for a meal and coffee in the garden. Do Azrieli Center towers; for a good view of the city, climb up to the circular tower observatory Small section of the beach at Tel Aviv There’s a lot to do in Tel Aviv. For the biggest selection, check out the individual district articles. These are some of the highlights. You can find an English up-to-date overview of events in Tel Aviv at the DIY Tel Aviv Guide. The Beach. A visit to Tel Aviv isn't complete without a dip into its fantastic beach scene which is at its best in summer, especially during Friday afternoons, when crowds of buff beachgoers converge to take in the Brazilian drums, the smell of barbecues, the thwock, thwock of "matkot" as the sun sets. In early summer be careful as there are jellyfish sometimes, ask the lifeguard or locals if there are any that day. When there are swarms of jellyfish (quite common at summer time), it's advisable to stay on the beach and keep clear from the water. Even if one isn't stung by a jellyfish, the water is full of small stings which cause slight burning sensation. A craft fair is held in the Nachalat Binyamin pedestrian zone in Central Tel Aviv Amusement and water parks Luna Park Tel Aviv is Tel Aviv's main amusement park. While the rides it has to offer are no competition to ones that can be found in other countries, it should still be considered for a visit by thrill-loving tourists, especially families with kids, since the park has a large number of child-friendly rides. The park has two rollercoasters. It is located very close to the Meimadyon water park. The Meimadyon is a large waterpark very close to Luna Park Tel Aviv. It offers a varied selection of waterslides, both for thrill seekers and for children. During summer vacations the lines get fairly long, so it is recommended to try and visit the park at a time other than summer vacation. "Superland" is a name of an amusement park within an hour's drive from Tel Aviv. It is in the city of Rishon Letzion and is often visited by people from Tel Aviv seeking better thrills than the ones at Luna Park Tel Aviv. While it has fewer rides, the rides it has to offer are often bigger and built more for the thrill seeker in the family. The park has two rollercoasters. "Yamit 2000" is a waterpark within a half-hour bus ride from Tel Aviv, located in the nearby city of Holon. It is a large waterpark, parts of which are enclosed in a building. The park operates 364 days a year(it is closed on Yom Kippur). During the winter when there is low attendance, or cold/rainy weather, many of the park's slides(usually the outdoor ones) open on rotation, whereas during warmer days with higher attendance all the park's attractions are operational. The park is both child and thrill-seeker friendly. Performing Arts Tel Aviv has the widest selection of performing arts in Israel. Fans of classical music might enjoy Israel's Philharmonic Orchestra [9] and the New Israel Opera [10]. The Barby (52, Kibutz Galuyot st., 03-5188123), and the Goldstar Zappa (24, Habarzel st., 03-6499550) present Israeli (and sometimes foreign) rock daily. For more alternative and indie music with occasional jazz shows and electronic parties, head to Levontin 7 [11] named after its street address or The OzenBar [12]. Tmuna Theater (8, Shontsino st., 03-5629462) alternates between local acts, both famous and unknown, and fringe theater productions in Hebrew. Dance can be enjoyed in Suzanna Dellal Center in Neve Tzedek [13]. Theater is mostly performed in Hebrew, naturally, but English interpretation is available is some of the shows for extra-fees in Habima National Theater (03-6295555) and HaCameri Municipal Theater [14]. Sports Football (European football - soccer) - The most popular sport in Israel. Tel Aviv has 3 major football clubs that are usually in Ligat Ha'al (Top division): Maccabi Tel Aviv'[15] Hapoel Tel Aviv[16] Bnei Yehuda[17] - Represents the "Hatikva" neighborhood. Basketball - While not as famous, Basketball is a much more successful sport in Israel in European caliber. Maccabi Tel Aviv[18] - The most successful club in Israel and one of the best in Europe, dominating the Israeli basketball league with over 40 championship seasons and 5 European titles. Hapoel Tel Aviv[19] Hapoel Ussishkin [20] - A Club founded by Hapoel Tel Aviv supporters frustrated by the management of their former team. The match between Hapoel and Maccabi Tel Aviv is a major event in the city as the teams are as huge rivals as they come. Martial arts - Good martial arts clubs abound ranging from modern fitness craze sports to traditional ones. Akban Academy - Combat oriented Ninjutsu and MMA [21] Maccabi Tel Aviv Judo club - Good solid dojo [22] 'BJJ tel aviv - Brazilian branch [23] Festivals Tel Aviv hosts many festivals and events. Something is going on almost every weekend so make sure you're updated! White Night Festival. This annual event, usually taking place late June or early July, is a celebration of Tel Aviv's White City's proclamation as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and organized by Tel Aviv's municipality. During the "White Night", cultural institutions, as well as commercial ones, are open to the public all night long, and many special events take place.  edit Tel Aviv Fashion Market, [24]. A highly recommended biannual event (Winter/Summer) where Tel Aviv's top clothing designers show and sell their stuff. Focused on urban clothing.  edit Night Flea, [25]. Every August, Jaffa's burgeoning flea market is active all through the night on weekends, with special events, shows and exhibitions taking place.  edit Docaviv, The Tel Aviv Cinematheque, 2 Shprintzak Street, [26]. Tel Aviv's International Documentary Film Festival. Every year in May, Docaviv presents the most innovative, provocative and important documentary films of the year from around the world.  edit The Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival, The Tel Aviv Cinematheque, 2 Shprintzak Street, [27]. Lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender film festival. Celebrating gender diversity. Happening in June.  edit The Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival, The Tel Aviv Cinematheque, 2 Shprintzak Street, [28]. One of the world's most important student film festivals. Happening in late May.  edit Ta'am Ha'ir, HaYarkon Park. 18:00-22:00. "Taste of the City", an annual 4-day food fair, which takes place in Hayarkon Park at the beginning of summer (late May of June). Top restaurants present and sell samples of their finest dishes for special prices.  edit Learn Tel Aviv University[29] - One of the largest universities in Israel, situated in Ramat Aviv. Tel Aviv-Jaffa Academic College[30] - A smaller college in Tel Aviv. Buy Markets Tel Aviv's markets are the best show in town, and they're bustling all day long. A Middle Eastern mélange of tastes, scents, sounds, colors – and lots of people. The Carmel Market - mostly fruits and vegetables The Flea Market - some antiques The Nahalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall - located behind the Carmel Market Creative Artists Fair Antiques and Secondhand items fair Levinsky Market in Florentin — the best place in Tel Aviv to buy spices, dried fruits, and different kinds of legume. This small market is stretched along Levinsky Street in southern Tel Aviv, between Hertzel and Ha-Aliya streets, ten minutes of walking from the Central Bus Station. Hatikva Market in HaTiqva — a good place for Jewish-Iraqi cuisine, in the south-eastern "Hatikva" neighbourhood. Malls Israel has the highest ratio of shopping mall sqm per capita, in the world. As malls are good places to catch some air-conditioning in the hot Israeli climate, they have quickly become a preferable place of entertainment for the locals. The variety is usually mid-range, mainstream, with both international and local brands. Tel Aviv has 6 major malls. Azriely, the biggest mall, Dizengoff Center, the first mall and Gan Ha'ir are located in the center. Ramat Aviv mall is a slightly more upmarket than your usual mall located in the north. Central Bus Station is a huge, mostly bargain stores mall located in the south. Ayalon mall is a mall located in the northern point of Ramat Gan, bordering with Tel Aviv. It has a large variety of stores and a big movie theater north. Shopping Streets The air-conditioned malls threaten to destroy the concept of shopping streets, but some of the more special ones still survive. Most of the shopping streets can be found in the center Dizengoff Street is popular with the shoppers as the street is peppered with numerous specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as the sprawling Dizengoff Center Mall. One of the cities best second hand clothing shops can be found at the corner of Dizengoff and Frishman Streets in the covered passageway. It's called Daffodil 11, and the shop sells modern, trendy clothing at unbelievably low prices. Second-hand clothing shops are getting very popular in Tel Aviv and you'll find them scattered all over the city. Daffodil 11 101 Dizengoff Hod Passage, Tel Aviv If you're lucky enough to be in Tel Aviv in February or August, you can find the city's most talented designers gathered together in one place with the best of their collections on display – and for sale. Twice a year, for three days each time, a giant fashion fair called City Designers' Market is held in Tel Aviv. Whatever you do, don't miss this colorful carnival of cutting-edge fashion! Books and music The country's widespread Steimatzky and Zomet Sfarim chains are a good source for current books. Almost every shop has at least a selection in English. Allenby St. has a number of second hand bookshops, most sell (and buy) English books. For music, check out Tower Records shop in the opera tower, on the corner of Alenby and Herbert Samuel. For the more alternative crowd, Krembo Records in Shenkin Street and Third Ear on King George Street will satisfy your needs. Sipur Pashut book shop. - Founded in 2003 by Neve Tzedek residents, the Sipur Pashut Book Shop is counted among Israel’s outstanding, independent bookshops. Sipur Pashut holds a vast English collection. For more details [31]  edit Art, Craft, Judaica, Jewelry Gordon Street is famous for its art galleries. Ben-Yehuda Street has several Judaica\Jewelery\souvenirs shops. You can buy jewelry from Michal Negrin, a world-famous Israeli designer, in her shops at the Azriely mall and on Sheinkin st. The prices are much better than abroad. For more original crafts and Judaica, try the Nahlat Binyamin craft market mentioned above. List of Art Galleries: Raw Art Gallery [32] which is in the southern part of Tel Aviv. 3 Shvil Ha'Meretz Street, Building 8 , 4th Floor. Tel Aviv, Israel. +972-3-6832559 Gordon Contemporary art by local artists. [33] 95 Ben Yehuda Street. Tel-Aviv ,Israel. +972-3-5240323 Sommer Young contemporary art by Israeli and international artists. [34] 13 Rothschild Blvd. Tel Aviv, Israel. +972-3-5166400 Chelouche Gallery for Israeli and international contemporary artists, located in the "Twin House"- a 1920's historical bulding. [35] 7 Mazeh Street. Tel Aviv, Israel. +972-3-6200068 - Antiques Shops: Egozi Gallery Gallery and an auction house for art and antiques. [36] 35 Shaul Ha'Melech. (America bldg, near the Tel Aviv Muesuem) Tel Aviv. Israel +972-3-5277282 Palestine 8 Oley Tzion- in the Jaffa Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Israel. +972-3-6812581 Ziva Tal Antique Shop 207 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv, Israel. +972-3-5275311 Eat This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink: Budget budget Mid-range midrange Splurge splurge Tel Aviv has an amazing variety of restaurants for every taste. There are plenty of fast food restaurants, both international and local which offer Israeli food. One can get a decent meal, including felafel or hummous (Try Mshwawsha on Bugrashov St. and Abu Hasan in Yafo) on every street corner, for less than $7. You can also eat a toast, sandwich or some other snack at one of the cafes around the city. Many fruit juice parlors are around. Cordelia, Catit, Raphael and Messa are considered to be Tel Aviv's most elegant restaurants, serving gourmet and unique plates, inspired both by local and foreign cuisine although not kosher. There are many good kosher restaurants in Tel Aviv including Lilliot, Meatos, Bruno and of course 2C which although pricey, offers gourmet food with amazing views of the city as its located at the very top of the Azrieli round tower. Finally, Tel Aviv's ice cream parlors offer much more than basic flavors, as the taste buds are eclectic and strive for new flavors, such as Halva, poppy seed, and even a touch of alcoholic liqueurs in the ice cream (Try these places: Iceberg, Gelateria Siciliana, Dr. Lek, Vaniglia and Aldo. Tel Aviv is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city. Tel Aviv Sea Port [37] The Salon 8 Maavar Yabok ($$$$$ but worth it) Whitehall [www.white-hall.co.il], 6 Mendele st. (opp. Dan Hotel), 03-5249282. Open every day 12PM-12AM. Noa Bistro Provides its guests with both a visual and a culinary experience. Sub Coch Milega[38], 22 Ha-Mashbir Street (Florentin), 03-6813412 - Popular budget Indian restaurant. One of the best places in Tel Aviv for vegetarians. The 11th Floor Restaurant, Crown Plaza City Center Hotel, Azrieli Towers, Tel Aviv (Azriely), [39]. Breakfast: Sunday – Friday: 6:30 am – 10:30 am.. The 11th Floor Restaurant has views of the cityscape of Tel Aviv. The spacious restaurant features parquet flooring and extensive use of white, brown and mustard. In line with the restaurant’s design, also the dishes served from the kitchen are surprisingly creative. The combination of style, excellent food, top-class service and views from above afford the restaurant the ambience of the finest New York restaurants. Chef Eitan Mizrahi has created an outstanding kosher menu.  edit ASIF, 18 Lilinblum, ☎ 03-5165198, [40]. Out of business  edit Dixie (Totzeret Ha'aretz st.), 03-696-6123 One of the first restaurants in Tel-Aviv famous for being open 24/7, serves American food, including steaks, hamburgers and an excellent side-dish named home-fries. Drink Tel Aviv is called "The city that never stops" by tourists and locals alike. It has a wide range of pubs, bars, clubs and it is known worldwide for its nightlife. The entire city is crawling with nightlife attractions and you would actually have to work pretty hard to find yourself further than 500 meters away from a place to have a drink. People from all the surrounding region come to Tel Aviv to have a drink or a party so on weekends traffic is hectic at late hours and finding a parking spot is somewhere between hard and impossible (so sticking to cabs is not a bad idea). Buses stop running at sundown on Friday and only start again after sundown on Saturday, so if you go out on Friday night you may find yourself forced to take a cab if you cannot walk! But any day is a good day to party in Tel Aviv, not just the weekends. New places are opening and closing every day and the "hottest spots" change every couple of months, so no internet guide will be able to direct you to the hippest place (even though some may try). Many places in Tel Aviv have minimum age limitations that vary from 18+ to 30+. Usually the limitation is different between males and females and while some spots may be flexible others will be as strict as possible. Israel has no unique drinking culture so any place with any self-respect will have the entire world wide alcohol selection available, from Wine and Beer to Tequila, Arak, Vodka, Whiskey and Cognac. One of the most popular drinks is the local Goldstar beer and at the moment (2010) the Arabic drink, Arak (it means "sweat" in Arabic) is all the rage in pubs and bars. Even though the entire city is full of spots to hang out, there are a few places that have an unusual amount of pubs/clubs: Tel Aviv seaport (Namal) - Located at beach side to the west of the Yarkon Park right between Tel Aviv center and north is the old seaport. The entire place is full of clubs, pubs and restaurants right next to each other door by door. Notable places: TLV Club, UpTown, Erlich, Shalvata, Seabreeze, Whiskey a gogo and more. Very busy in weekends during the summer and on warm days during the rest of the year, as this area attracts people from all around the city and the wider Gush Dan area. Dizengoff - Ben Yehuda St. - The north ends of these streets are full of chic bars that are packed almost every day with a 22+ crowd. Sometimes it's just hard to breath there. Notable: Friends, Bergman, Rosa, Yermiyahu.and "223" bar for more of the new york speak easy cool spoot The Boardwalk (Tayellet) - The entire beach area from the seaport in the north to Jaffa in the south is full of mainly cafes, restaurants and bars. Some are normal open bars while others actually spread to the beach with tables on the sand. This is the more "touristy" area of Tel Aviv's nightlife scene, that the "real Tel-Avivians" try to avoid. Allenby St. - Going from the Beach to the west all the way to the south-east of Tel Aviv, Allenby is one of the longest streets in the city. The western area is full of mainly pubs and dance-bars, not the hippest clubs but stable places that have been there for years and are occasionally full of tourists. Allenby Street may sometimes feel a bit dodgy but fear not. It's cheap but mostly not recommended to eat. Lilinblum - Levontine - Nahlat Binyamin st. - A few streets around the east side of Allenby with many trendy pubs with an extremely sophisticated crowd, and many dance bars that range from the bluntly commercial to the leftfield indie. Any arrivals to this area will ensure a good drink. Notable: Shesek, Lima Lima, Atara, Betty Ford, Bordel, Flame, Academia, Abraxas, Minus one and more. Ha'Masger - Ha'Rakevet St.' - Mainly a clubbing area for Tel Aviv's younger crowd (18-19) with huge clubs and dance bars. Notable: Dome, Vox and more. Florentin - Mostly small neighborhood bars for a cool fun night out in a chic area in Tel Aviv. Most spots in Florentin appeal to the artsy and indie crowd. Florentin has a "rugged" appearance, especially at night, but it is totally safe. Notable: Hudna (Abarbanel street), Comfort 13, Haoman 17 and all the little places on Florentine st. and Vital st. King George-Tshernechovsky (HaMelech George) - in the close to Shenkin st. upper side of King George you can find some alternative cafes and bars, like "Geatzel Shapira" on Almonit lane and "little prince" which is the center of the young poetry revival movement that connected to "Maayan" poetry magazine and others interesting poetry or art fanzines. On Tshernechovsky, not far from there, there are several cafes and cheap restaurants. close to Dizengoff Center, you can find "Bacho" cafe, a nice place with too-artistic atmohphere, "Hakosem Falafel" and the "Yemen Falafel", both recommended. Ibn Gvirol - A lately very developed pubbing area with some of the coolest pubs in Tel Aviv. During the day appeals to the many lawyers and businessmen working in the area. Notable: 2 clubs - Vila Sokolov and Landen, and the pubs-restaurants Dorothy Gale, Brasserie and Liliroz. Habarzel (Ramat Ha'Chayal) - Located at the north near the rich neighborhoods. This area has been developed to accommodate the vast high-tech industry around it, so one can expect somewhat commercialized and rather upscale spots. Notable: Leo Blooms, Molly's, Frame, Sushi Samba, Giraf, Black, Segev Express, Moses, Max Brener. Karlibach - A new clubbing area with pubs growing in every corner. Notable: ZiziTripo, Hachatul Ve'Hakelev. tepale', 87 king george, ☎ 972-50-3337095, [41]. A true Israeli experience !! Cheap.  edit Famous Tourists Spots Mike's Place, 86 Herbert Samuel (Next to American Embassy), [42]. An American style bar located right by the American embassy that features live music every night of the week. Also features outdoor seating in the more pleasant weather, pool table and televised sporting events. Mostly Anglo 20-30 something crowd, very good bar with several kinds of beer on tap.  edit Molly Bloom's Irish pub, 2 Mendele St.. The first Irish pub in Tel Aviv. The pub has a great atmosphere and reasonable prices, and is quite busy on weekends. Also, it's close to the hotels. Usually hosts many people from the UK and from the Republic of Ireland.  edit The English Bar, (Allenby st. near the beach). A UK based sports bar and if you happen to end up there during a Premiership game, you're in for a native UK experience.  edit Mendalimos, Hayarkon 102 (infront of the Dan Hotel), ☎ +972-508-464462 (yairneumann11@gmail.com), [43]. An Israeli pub and dance-bar. This is where a lot of the locals go to just to grab a beer or to enjoy the nightlife scene. Vintage design indoors, alongside outdoor balcony in which all the most important sports games are broadcast. Trendiest music from abroad and Israel.  edit Dancing Camel Brewing Company, Hataasiya 12 (corner Hamasger, ☎ +972-3-624-2783 (info@dancingcamel.com), [44]. Tel Aviv's only microbrewery and Israel's oldest continually operating microbrewery. Featuring 16 types of hand-crafted beers brewed on premises. Always an interesting seasonal beer or two (try the Golem - an Iced IPA at 11.3% on tap every full moon). Bar extends into the brewery so you can sit only a few feet from the copper brewhouse. Live Blues on Monday nights, Jazz on Tuesday nights. During Football season enjoy Sunday night football every week. Nice mix of Anglo-Israeli crowd; highest rated beer destination in Israel on ratebeer.com.  edit Tel Aviv Gay Scene Tel Aviv is home to the leading gay community in Israel and all of the Middle-East, and is a very friendly city towards gay people. The most popular gay bar in the city is the "Evita" on Yavneh street. There are many gay clubs and parties. Some of which have been running for several years already (Shirazi's FFF line, which is currently taking place in the 'Haoman 17' club. The electro 'PAG' line). Others are changing from time to time. There is also a gay accommodation (see the Sleep section). There is a gay beach in the city, next to Hilton Hotel (the gay beach called "Hilton Beach"). It is full of young gay Israelis, especially in the weekends. Next to Dizengof Center you may see gay couples walking freely all day long. Clubbing The Tel Aviv club scene is comparable to those in most European capitals. Top international DJs regularly perform in Tel Aviv, with clubs constantly vying to outdo each other with ever more extravagant parties. Up to date English language party listings are readily available online. The biggest and newest club (mimicking New York's Roxy) in the city is Haoman 17 (Florentin quarter). Other fantastic clubs are TLV, Dome (gay; Offer Nissim is the resident DJ), Vox, Powder and the "indie" Cafe Barzilay and Studio 46. Rock clubs, include Barbie Club, in Kibutz Galuyot St, or the Zappa Club, in the northeastern neighbourhood of Ramat haChayal, among others, host concerts almost every night of the week. Billiards (pool) clubs, include Gypsy on Kikar Atarim (Atarim plaza) in Hayarkon St. Dance clubs Block Club, 157 Shlomo (Salame) St, ☎ +972 3 5378002, [45]. Usually open Thur and Fri nights and featuring big name international DJs weekly. Salsa clubs Hazira Club, 45 Itzhak Sadeh St, ☎ +972 3 5623456 (Tue, Thur, and Sat, classes start at 9:15PM and party starts at 10:30PM, on Mon about 50% line dancing 30% ballroom dancing, 20% salsa). Bailatino Club, 29 Karlibach St, [46] (entry is a little difficult to find - its on the other side of the building) ☎ +972 3 6240186 (Su,Tu,W, classes start at 9:15PM and party starts at 10:30PM, Fridays no classes and starts at 12:30AM). Entry is ₪40 in both places and each day has a different style of Salsa music. There are other dance clubs with Latin/Brazilian music once a week. Galina Club. Saturday afternoon and the local club scene is buzzing. 6PM the doors will open. Outside deck is huge and located in front of the sea. Inside the DJ is blowing the roof in pure Galina style. The queue is long so best come early on the weekends. Prices are not cheap. Cafés Coffee shops have been an inseparable part of the Tel Aviv cultural lifestyle ever since the city was founded, as cafés were always the favorite hanging spots of the local bohemia. It is therefore no surprise that Tel Aviv boasts many cafés, which can be found everywhere in the city, offering aromatic Italian Espressos and Capuccinos (called "Hafukh", meaning upside-down, in Hebrew). Espresso-bar, Cafeneto, Café-café and arcaffé are some of the local chain-cafés. Aroma's the biggest among them. Feel free to spend hours in a coffee shop - no one will slap the check on your table or require you to order more stuff. Bohemian 'Puah' (located in the Jaffa flea market), Café Noah, Chic 'Le Central' (Rothschild Av.), and 'Tolaat Sfarim' (Rabin Sq.) are recommended for their very distinctive and Israeli café-drinking experience. Sleep Tel Aviv is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city. This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: Only primary business websites should be linked to. Prices should be listed in shekels (₪) instead of foreign currencies whenever possible. Tel Aviv has a wide variety of accommodation options, from camping and backpacker hostels right up to luxury 5-star hotels. The main area for a short term stay is in the center with a big hotels strip on the beach and many accommodation options all around. The center should be your default place to stay. Some places can also be found in the south and will usually be cheaper (except the David Intercontinental). Another option to cut expenses a bit is to sleep in the nearby towns instead of actually staying inside Tel Aviv. This is a very common practice for young Israelis that want the Tel Aviv lifestyle without the Tel Aviv cost. The most common options are Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Holon and Givatayim. Pink House TLV, 17 Raban Gamliel street, ☎ 972542330932, [47]. checkin: 4PM; checkout: noon. The only gay guest house in town. €50.  edit Center Gay b&b, 16 Bar Kochva street, ☎ 97236338333, [48]. checkin: 1000; checkout: 1200. Offers a fully equipped b&b gay guest house with bedrooms that are built in a great apartment on the third floor in the center of Tel Aviv - a different part of the gay guest house in Tel Aviv (Pink House TLV) - but this one offers in a shared apartment (Private unit, private bathroom). 50€.  edit Mid-range Pink-TLV Gay townhouse, 33 Alshekh st., 63427, ☎ 054-4592255, [49]. A modern, chic gay townhouse hotel in the central neighbourhood of Tel Aviv - five minutes walking from the beach, five minutes walking from the gay scene.  edit Brown TLV, 25 Kalisher st., 65165, ☎ 03-717-0200, [50]. A modern, chic hotel in the trendy neighbourhood of Neve Tzedek.  edit Artplus Hotel, 35 Ben Yehuda St, ☎ 03-797-1700, [51]. Boutique Hotel, steps from the Tel Aviv beach and the beachfront promenade.  edit Comfort Hotel, Ben Yehuda 38, ☎ +972-3-6020122, [52]. All rooms are equipped with 32-inch LCD TV, minibar, hairdryer, safe, air conditioning, high speed internet connection, iron and ironing board. Some of its facilities and services are computer station, designated smoking area, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, laundry service and concierge service. Rates start at 100.00 USD.  edit Dan Panorama Tel Aviv, Charles Clore Park, 68012, ☎ 03-520-2552, [53]. Sea-front hotel with Israel's largest conference centre.  edit Sea Side Hotel, 20 Trumpeldor, 49250, ☎ (+972) 3620 0513, [54]. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, all of which have cable television, free wireless Internet access, and a mini fridge. Some of its amenities are library, high-speed Internet access, and tour and booking assistance. Rates on official website start at USD 80.00.  edit Prima Tel Aviv (Prima Tel Aviv), Prima Tel Aviv, 105 Hayarkon St.Tel Aviv 61032, Israel,, Fax: 972-3-7604464 (Prima Tel Aviv is located on the sea shore promenade of the city of Tel Aviv.), ☎ 972-3-520666, [55]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. Prima Tel Aviv is a 4 star, boutique hotel located across from the beach. 80$-200.  edit Hotel Marina Tel Aviv Official Site (Hotel Marina Tel Aviv), Marina Tel-Aviv Hotel, 167 Hayarkon St. Tel Aviv 61032, Israel,, Fax: 972-3-5211770 (Marina Hotel Tel Aviv is located on the sea shore promenade of the city of Tel Aviv.), ☎ 972-3-5211777, [56]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. 80$.  edit I Love Tel Aviv, (South of tel aviv), [57]. not exist anymore.  edit Shalom Hotel & Relax, 216 Hayarkon St, ☎ 972-5425555, [58] Redone-much different than the modest hotel of the 1970s. Maxim Hotel Tel Aviv Official site, 86 Hayarkon St, Tel Aviv (Hayarkon, corner Bougrashov Street), ☎ 972-3-5173721 (reservation@telavivmaxim.com, fax: 972-3-5173726), [59]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Renovated in 2012 located by the beach, free WiFi, internet stations in the lobby, personal safes, minifridges in the rooms. Most of the rooms offer sea view.  edit Grand Beach Tel Aviv Hotel (Grand Beach Tel Aviv Hotel), 250 Hayarkon St. Tel Aviv, ☎ 972-3-5433330/1, [60]. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 12:00. The Grand Beach is uniquely known for its comfortable rooms. The exceptional blend of features offered, accompanied by an elegant atmosphere, make this Tel Aviv hotel the ideal accommodation to return to again and again.  edit Armon Hayarkon Hotel (Armon Hayarkon Hotel), Hayarkon 268 Tel Aviv, ☎ +97236055271 (info@armon-hotel.co.il, fax: +97236058485), [61]. Armon Hayarkon Hotel In Tel Aviv a business and pleasure hotel in Tel Aviv located on Hayarkon Street, in one of Tel-Aviv's most lucrative areas.  edit Splurge Carlton Hotel Tel Aviv (Carlton Hotel Tel Aviv), Eliezer Peri st. 10, ☎ 972-3-5201818, [62]. 280 guestrooms recently refurbished.  edit Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv Hotel (Crowne Plaza), HaYarkon St. 145, ☎ +972-3-5201111, [63]. Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv suits life in the big city with its espresso bar open 24 hours a day, Pacific Bistro gourmet and sushi bar restaurant and trips to Neve Tzedek and the Suzanne Dellal Centre for Dance and Theatre.  edit Dan Hotel Tel Aviv, 99 HaYarkon Street, 63432, ☎ 03-520-2552, [64]. Beach-fronting hotel with a unique, colourful facade. Ever popular with visiting celebrities.  edit West Boutique Hotel Tel Aviv (West Boutique Hotel Tel Aviv), 12 Herzl Rosenblum st., ☎ 972-3-7706666, [65]. New boutique hotel in Tel Aviv with 65 guest rooms. Perfect for single travellers and for families on vacation.  edit Contact Most coffee shops and fast food places have free wifi, however, some Israeli hotels (usually the big chains) can have extremely expensive Wifi service, but others do have free Wifi, checking the websites can provide you with more information. Taking your computer or mobile device to a cafe may be the more inexpensive route. Cope Medical Services Tel Aviv Doctor, Basel Heights Medical Centre - Room 204, 35 Basel Street (on the square), +972 (0) 549 41 42 43, [66]. Tel Aviv Doctor provides English speaking medical services that can be claimed back from travel insurance companies. Embassies Canada, Canada House, 3/5 Nirim Street, Tel Aviv, 67060, ☎ +972 3 636-3300 (taviv@international.gc.ca, fax: +972 3 636-3380). Monday to Thursday: 8:00 - 16:30 Friday: 8:00 - 13:30.  edit Egypt, 54, Rehov Basel, ☎ +972 3 5464151, +972 3 5464152 (fax: +972 3 5441615).  edit Greece, 3, Daniel Frisch, ☎ +972 3 695 3060, +972 3 609 4981, Emergency: +972 5 4304 4098 (gremb.tlv@mfa.gr, fax: +972 03 6951329).  edit Ireland, 3 Daniel Frisch, ☎ +972-3-6964166 (fax: + 972 3 696 4160), [67].  edit Macedonia (Republic of), Paz Tower, 5 Shohan St, Ramat Gan, ☎ +972 7 3715 4900 (telaviv@mfa.gov.mk, fax: +972 3 612 4789), [68].  edit Poland, 16 Soutine St, ☎ +972 3 72 53 111 (fax: +972 3 52 37 806), [69].  edit Serbia, 10 Bodenheimer St, ☎ +972 3 604 5535 (fax: +972 3 604 9456), [70].  edit United States, 71 Hayarkon St, ☎ +972 3 519 7475 (AMCTelAviv@state.gov), [71].  edit Mexico, 25 Hamared St, Trade Tower, 5th floor, ☎ +972 3 516 3532 (communication1@embamex.org.il, fax: +972 3 516 3711), [72]. Mon-Thu: 08:30-15:30 Fri: 08:30-13:30.  edit Netherlands, 14 Abba Hillel Street, Beitz Oz, 13th floor, ☎ +972 3 7540 777 (nlgovtel@012.net.il, fax: +972 3 7540 751), [73]. Mon-Thu: 08:00-17:00 Fri: 08:00-12:00.  edit Stay safe Tel Aviv remains a safe city to visit. The usual warnings regarding being alert for bomb threats also pertain to Tel Aviv - beware of suspicious packages in public places (though don't over panic), and suspicious behaviour on the part of people around you; if in doubt, report it! The local police are generally very friendly and many of the law-enforcers can speak understandable English. Also be aware of pickpockets, like in every big city, mostly in HaCarmel Market, Nachlat Binyamin market, the old and new central bus stations, the beach promenade and all of Jaffa and the flea market area. The beach is also a known place for bag and bicycle thefts (If the promenade is crowded, or if the beach isn't open for the public and requires a fee, your bicycle should be safe if locked properly). Nevertheless, regular crime rates are much lower in Tel Aviv (and in all of Israel) than in most other cities of similar size. Security control checks are a necessary annoyance when entering shopping malls, markets the central bus station, and most hotels, cafes and restaurant. You are frequently requested to let the guards look into your bag - this is a fairly common procedure. It is best not to find it offensive or intrusive, and this check shouldn't take more than 20 seconds and end with a smile and a green light. Thanking a security guard for inspecting your bags will make things easier the next time they see you. Given the amount of security checkpoints at commercial premises, the presence of military facilities and decent police patrolling, firearms carried in public by both servicemen and civilians are such an everyday occurrence that most people don't even notice them. Soldiers and home guard volunteers are required to keep their weapons with them at all times, so it is not unusual to see what appears to be a group of high school students, dressed like any other high schools students out on the weekend, all carrying weapons. As buses are the best (some might say the only) way to tour the city, it is advised not to think twice before using them. Despite their reputation as "terrorism targets", the city buses remain a very safe way to travel, where reality is far different than the image most tourists would have on them. They are safe at all times of day and night, frequent, cheap, reliable and easy to handle. You can always approach the driver with any relevant question and the passengers are usually keen to assist tourists. Although street crime is rare all around Tel Aviv, it would be best advised to avoid walking parks alone at night, or wandering alone in the southern neighborhoods, which are a bit more rugged (south of Salame/Eilat Street - except Florentin) late at night. If necessary, a companion would be a good idea. When going for a swim in the Mediterranean, stick to the patrolled beaches with lifeguards, marked with flags and signs - every year people drown off the Tel Aviv coast when strong currents get them into difficulties. Also, at the beginning of the summer, keep an eye out for jellyfish (called meduza in Hebrew, meduzot is plural). Remember that during the months of winter, though the weather may allow a bathe, the lifeguard service is inactive (Official bathing season begins on April 18th and ends late in October). Be mindful that Tel Aviv has hot, humid and long summers so be sure to drink a lot of water even if you don't feel thirsty and use lots of sunscreen. UV radiation near the beach is exceptionally high. This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!