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
herbertsamuelvip@gmail.com
PARTY
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.