Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting In 2025? Best Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile

If you’re wondering, “Is Tel Aviv worth visiting”? The answer is a resounding, absolute YES… actually, I would say it’s more of a must-visit location that should top your travel goal list – and in this post, I’m going to tell you why with this list of things to do and reasons why Tel Aviv is an experience you need to have!

Why listen to me about how to make your trip to Tel Aviv worthwhile? I lived in Israel for 2 years, most of the time in Tel Aviv. I also visit Israel quite a bit (and do a lot of archaeology), and have traveled pretty much all over the country. Plus, I worked at a hostel in Tel Aviv and experienced tourism in Israel first-hand.

So, without further ado, here’s my list of top things to check out while soaking up this most amazing Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv!

Tel Aviv Things To Do Map

What is Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv, also known as Tel Aviv-Yafo, is one of the largest two cities in Israel, with Jerusalem (whether or not it’s the largest depends on if you’re counting East Jerusalem). It’s the economic center of Israel, and currently has the highest cost of living in the world – but don’t let that stop you from visiting, because it’s more affordable to visit than to live there.

Where is Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv is a major city in Israel that is located on the Mediterranean coast around 40 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

Pros of Tel Aviv

✔️ Perfect beach-meets-city, sunny and positive vibes

✔️ Amazing weather

✔️ Modern with tons of culture and art to discover

Cons of Tel Aviv

✔️ Gets really hot in the summer and rainy in the winter

✔️ Can be difficult to figure out public transit on weekends (doesn’t run on Shabbat except the Sherut, which can be hit or miss – but there is the Gett app for taxis, plus lots of electric bike and scooter rentals)

✔️ Expensive

1. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you check out all the beaches

Tel Aviv has 16 beaches to explore, and each one has its own character! Tel Aviv has the perfect beach : city ratio – the beaches are mostly clean (I mean this in comparison to other big cities – people in Israel do litter and it’s a problem, and there are always beach cleanups you can find to participate in).

When I first visited Tel Aviv as a solo traveler, and when I first lived there, the beach helped me know how to get back to wherever I was staying if I got lost. The beach is also populated at night in the non-rainy months, which is another thing in and of itself that I love about this city!

Here are all the beaches to explore in Tel Aviv:
🏖️ Jaffa Beach
🏖️ Gordon Beach
🏖️ Aviv Beach
🏖️ Frishman Beach
🏖️ Hilton Beach
🏖️ Jerusalem Beach
🏖️ Bugrashov Beach
🏖️ Tel Aviv Beach
🏖️ Metzitzim Beach
🏖️ Tel Baruch Beach
🏖️ Nordau Beach
🏖️ Charles Clore Beach and Park
🏖️ Trumpeldor Beach
🏖️ Banana Beach
🏖️ Alma Beach
🏖️ Dog’s Beach

2. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you admire the Bahaus Architecture

With its Bauhaus-style architecture, much of which is white, Tel Aviv is known as the White City (it was even designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the early 2000s). There’s even a night dedicated to this (because TLV is full of energy), called Laila Levan (white night in Hebrew), where everything stays open all night.

🇮🇱 Go on this City Tour of Tel-Aviv-Yafo

3. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you experience the unique and fun Holidays and Festivals

Tel Aviv has festivals, concerts, their world-famous pride parade, and more throughout the year going on.

More festivals include the aforementioned Laila Levan (White Night), TLV Fest (Film Festival), and more.

Holidays include Purim, when everyone dresses up (similar to Halloween) and there are a lot of street fairs and parties – people get really into it (also in Haifa)! Other holidays are monumental as well, so check your calendar and what’s going to be happening while you’re there.

Other holidays include Hanukkah, Rosh Hashana, Sukkot, Yom Kippur, Passover, Israel Independence Day, and Shavuot.

4. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you explore Neve Tzedek

Neve Tzedek is a REALLY cool neighborhood that is a favorite because of its amazing art galleries, shops, restaurants and cafes. Its upscale fashion and French-style cafes make it popular with French expats and tourists. The neighborhood is also a great photoshoot spot.

🇮🇱 Go on this Neve Tzedek & Yafo Walking Tour

5. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you hang out in Florentin

Florentin is the hipster neighborhood in Tel Aviv, and a fun place to explore! You’ll find plenty of vegan food here, as well as Tel Aviv in general, and a lot of street art.

🇮🇱 Go on this Tel Aviv Street Art & Graffiti Tour

6. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit the American German Colony

Many cities in Israel have old German colonies from the time of the Templar Knights from Germany in the 1860s when Israel was overtaken by the Ottoman Empire. The Tel Aviv German Colony is fun to explore and has some great restaurants. It’s also right next to Sarona Market and Neve Tzedek.

7. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you get ice cream at Hatachana

Hatachana is the old train station that’s been converted into a pedestrian shopping center. It’s right across from the beach, right outside of Yafo and next to the IDF history museum.

8. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you go to Rothschild Boulevard

Rothschild Blvd is a central Tel Aviv spot for Bahaus architecture, amazing nightlife, and restaurants. You can stroll along the tree-lined street (the middle is a pedestrian area):

Watch the video below to see the beach and Rothschild Boulevard in action!

9. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you chill in nature at Hayarkon Park (Yarkon Park)

Yarkon Park is like the Central Park of Tel Aviv. It’s a huge park located in northern TLV near Tel Aviv University. It contains the Yarkon River Springs, as well as more unique parks and nature! It also contains the Tel Gerisa archaeological site.

10. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you explore the old port city of Yafo (Jaffa)

Yafo is located at the southern end of Tel Aviv, right before the town of Holon, and it existed before Tel Aviv. It is an essential and historical part of the city. Yafo is my all-time favorite area in Tel Aviv because of:

🌴 The old port city
🌴 The beach
🌴 Amazing shops and restaurants
🌴 Nightlife bars
🌴 Archaeological remains, including an Egyptian arch and a museum
🌴 Summer events at night like outdoor movie screenings and dancing
🌴 Art galleries
🌴 The Jaffa Flea Market

🇮🇱 Go on this Private Tour of Jaffa with Passionate & Experienced Guide

11. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you tour the Museums

From ancient history to modern history, you’ll find it all in the Tel Aviv Museums, which makes it an ideal place to learn more about understanding Israel! Then there’s the amazing art museums and other things that make Israel, Israel.

🖼️ Ilana Goor Museum

The Ilana Goor Museum in Yafo features this artist’s work, and it’s really creative (there’s also a really cool gift shop). There are all sorts of mediums, plus indoor and rooftop displays of the pieces. Being here felt like an adventure. It’s close to the Yafo port, and I remember vividly the hot summer day I went here after chilling at Basma coffee across the way.

🖼️ Eretz Israel Museum

The Eretz Israel Museum is an Israel museum must-see, as it has all kinds of history and art. You can learn both archaeological ancient history and the history of the modern state of Israel here.

🖼️ Independence Hall

Independence Hall, located on Rothschild Boulevard, is the place where Israel’s independence was declared in 1948, so it’s a great place to learn about the history.

🖼️ Old Jaffa Museum of Antiquities

The Jaffa Museum of Antiquities is easily missed, because it’s underground! Most people I talk to don’t even know it exists, because it’s located under a huge platform in the center of the tourist area of the upper old city (where you can find people dancing some summer nights).

It’s worth a visit because it’s interactive, with a story about ancient Romans in the location – using holographic life-size characters in front of a long screen, that changes… and it does things like spew water at you!

🖼️ The Hagana Museum

The interactive Hagana Museum, located on Rothschild Boulevard, tells the story about the modern state of Israel and the war in 1948 through one of the defensive forces that was important in the war.

🖼️ Ben Gurion House

It’s really interesting to see the home of one of the founders of the modern state of Israel, with all the displays of important papers and personal items, as well as his vast library, plus learning about his life story. Not to mention the super cool floor tiles.

🖼️ Israel Defense Forces (IDF) History Museum

This is self-explanatory… plus the IDF Museum is made up of a number of buildings/warehouses including outside areas, so it’s massive. A great place to learn about the IDF and its history.

🖼️ Etzel Independence Museum

The Etzel Independence Museum is right by the beach near Yafo, and tells the story of an underground organization in Israel that fought for the Jewish state during the 1948 war, as well as a memorial for the warriors who fell during the Battle of Jaffa.

🖼️ Lehi Museum

This is about Avraham Stern, a rebel and led an independent group during the war of independence and was captured by the British police… super interesting. It’s located in Florentin at Stern’s apartment.

🖼️ Beit Hatfutsot Museum of the Jewish People (ANU)

This museum is located at Tel Aviv University, and it has recently re-opened after a major renovation. They always have new, exciting exhibits besides the permanent ones, all about the Jewish people throughout history with all their diversity. One that would always make me smile when I walked by was the exhibit on Leonard Cohen.

🖼️ Steinhardt Museum of Natural History

The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History is located right next to Tel Aviv University and is the natural history museum of Israel, so it includes things from nature to archaeology and more.

🖼️ Jaffa Art Salon

I love to drop by the Jaffa Art Salon, which is an art gallery in a warehouse, whenever I’m in the port area. In fact, I would go walking/running and drop in for a break regularly and to check for new displays. They also sell books and other cool art finds, so I’ve picked up some fun gifts here.

🖼️ Other Tel Aviv Museums to check out include:

🇮🇱 Yitzhak Rabin Center (history)
🇮🇱 Reuven Rubin Museum (art)
🇮🇱 Bauhaus Foundation (architecture)
🇮🇱 Bauhaus Center (architecture)
🇮🇱 Palmach Museum (history)
🇮🇱 Israeli Cartoon Museum (cartoons, obviously!)

12. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you stroll around at the outdoor Markets

Every market is unique, so it’s worth going to as many as you can!

🛍️ Sarona Market: indoor market and food hall
🛍️ Jaffa Flea Market: this is the best for souvenirs (also food and other shopping)
🛍️ Tel Aviv Port Market
🛍️ Shuk HaCarmel
🛍️ Bezalel Market
🛍️ Hatikva Market
🛍️ Levinsky Open-Air Market

🇮🇱 Go on this Tel Aviv Food Tour of the Carmel Market

🇮🇱 Go on this Levinsky Market Tasting Tour

13. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you get involved in the world-class nightlife scene

Tel Aviv is known for its nightlife, for good reason! You can find pub crawls, restaurants, things at the beach, and so much more here. There are a lot of fun bars. My favorite places for these are on Rothschild and in Yafo, but of course there are many places you can go and you’ll find fun vibes and lots of people. But Tel Aviv has so much more going on at night than just bars, from outdoor movies to events.

🍹 Kuli Alma has dancing, different themed rooms, art and more
🍹 Sputnik also has dancing and art
🍹Clavis Speakeasy: You’ll need to befriend Israelis who can take you here because it’s well hidden inside a Mexican restaurant!
🍹Old Yafo has a whole street that is packed with people sitting at outdoor tables at night!
🍹 D-TLV Pub Crawl is a super-fun way to get a taste of it all!

🇮🇱 Go on the D-TLV Pub Crawl Night Tour

14. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you love Mediterranean, vegan and global food options

There are so many options of great places to eat in Tel Aviv and Yafo, with local Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine to International cuisine, including Thai, Mexican, Sushi and much more! Tel Aviv is also considered the vegan capital of the world.

🇮🇱 Go on this Tel Aviv Vegan Culinary Tour

Here are a few favorites:

The Old Man & The Sea

If you go to one restaurant in Tel Aviv-Yafo, make it The Old Man & The Sea! This tourist favorite has a ton of really excellent salads with pita that keeps coming… you don’t even need to order a meal. But, you might want to because their food is amazing – especially the fish.

Cafe Yaffo

Cafe Yaffo, in Yafo, is a great place to go for breakfast, because they have a buffet that lets you get a taste of a lot of types of Israeli cuisine.

Benedict

Benedict on Rothschild Boulevard is amazing for breakfast and also has a nice bar.

Dr. Shakshuka

Dr. Shakshuka is in Yafo and is great for – you guessed it – shakshuka!

Hummus Abu Hassan

I don’t have a photo of this one but it’s the best hummus. Just try it for yourself! It’s been there forever and is highly recommended by everyone, as far as I know.

Local Israeli Chains

Aroma, Roladin, Landwer, and other chains are great and you should check them out! Also make sure and get sufganiyot at Roladin if you’re there during Chanukkah.

Fresh juice shops

One of my all-time favorite things in Israel is the fresh juice stands. My recommendations: pomegranate, carrot-orange or green juice.

15. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you love being active and outdoors

Tel Aviv has so much to do outdoors, and you’ll find people being active outside everywhere you go. There’s beach activities (like beach volleyball, swimming and sunning), running and biking on the promenade along the beaches, parks and outdoor gyms, and water activities like SUP, kiteboarding, surfing and kayaking.

Israel is a popular place for electric bikes, regular bikes and scooters, and there are a lot of apps you can use to rent these to get around.

🇮🇱 Go on this Guided Bike Tour of Tel Aviv-Yafo

🇮🇱 Get a Professional Surfing Lesson in the heart of Tel Aviv Here

16. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you want to experience the modern side of Israel

Tel Aviv is basically the foil to religious, conservative Jerusalem – it’s full of fun-loving, secular Israelis who are tolerant and liberal, yet also treasure their deep ties with their various cultures and history.

You’ll find a lot of protests going on for political issues, lots of beach volleyball during the day and parties at night, and much more. Tel Aviv is, literally, the life of the party. As they say, “While Jerusalem prays, Tel Aviv plays”!

17. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you love meeting new people – especially if you’re a solo traveler

Tel Aviv is very friendly, and it’s easy to make fast friends in hostels, at the beach, at parties and even day-to-day places! It really is a solo traveler’s paradise, and Facebook is your friend, too.

18. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you want a center from which to explore Israel

Israel is about the size of New Jersey, and Tel Aviv is an amazing hub for doing day trips all over the country. Check out this guide to the best 20 day trips from Tel Aviv.

Some places to go and things to do in Israel from Tel Aviv include:

• Volunteer on an Archaeological Excavation
• Jerusalem Day Trip
• Haifa Day Trip

You can also go to nearby countries easily from Tel Aviv, like:

• Jordan and Petra Day Trip
• Egypt detour
• Istanbul detour

18. Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? Yes, if you love big shopping malls

• Azrieli Mall
• Dizengoff Center (if you haven’t been before beware: you will get lost in this maze of a mall)
• TLV Fashion Mall
• Ramat Aviv Mall

Where to stay in Tel Aviv on any Budget

✅ Budget Option: Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv

Abraham Hostel is arguably the best hostel in Tel Aviv – and, it’s a chain with other locations around Israel! They also have a bar, game room, and events, plus a fantastic location around a lot of Tel Aviv hot spots.

You can book a dorm, private room, double room or apartment.

🛏️ Check Current Prices at Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv Here

✅ Mid-Tier Option: 65 Hotel Tel Aviv (an Atlas Boutique Hotel)

65 Hotel Tel Aviv is a classy boutique hotel is located on Rothschild Boulevard, which is one of the most famous and has a lot of restaurants, bars and sites to check out. The hotel’s design is part of the draw, with postcolonial and modern retro. There’s also a cafe with free breakfast, a bar where you get your first drink free, and a garden.

🛏️ Check Current Prices at 65 Hotel Tel Aviv Here

✅ Luxury Option: Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv (an Isrotel Hotel)

Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv is a luxury hotel right on the Mediterranean beachfront. There’s a bar, restaurant, pool and spa, and so much more to discover.

🛏️ Check Current Prices at the Royal Beach Tel Aviv Here

👉 Want more options for each neighborhood/area and budget? Check out this post: Where To Stay In Tel Aviv: Best Places for Every Budget (Neighborhoods, Hotels + More)

How to get around in Tel Aviv-Yafo and Israel

👉 If you rent a car, just be prepared, especially for driving in Tel Aviv. You’ll need to be an aggressive driver. To rent a car in Israel, Discover Cars is a great tool to use to help find the best deals! Read even more here about renting a car in Tel Aviv.

👉 Use the apps Moovit (for public transporation) and Waze (for driving directions).

👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.

👉 For all over Israel, get a Rav Kav, which is the public transit card for the bus (and trains, but you have to buy the ticket at the train stations for that). You can fill it up at stations and stores around the city. If you don’t get one and fill it up outside of the bus, you’ll have to buy one for one ride on the bus, but it’s more expensive. So be sure to pick one up at the airport.

👉 For car service download Gett, which helps you find taxis and keeps you from getting cheated/overcharged. It’s important, because it will happen if you just get a random taxi a lot of times.

👉 Trains: there are a few train stations, so if you’re going from one end of TLV to the other, this might be helpful if you’re near the train station. Also, some other cities, like Haifa, are not far to ride the train for a day trip, so check that out for a trip where you’re traveling around!

👉 Walking, of course is a great option! And you can rent bikes and scooters from various places around the city as well.

🇮🇱 Book a Private Arrival Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center

Tel Aviv, Israel Travel Tips

👉 For flights to Tel Aviv, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

Outlook for your wallet

I feel this is an important topic to bring up because Tel Aviv is very expensive. Things like sandwiches are cheaper, and vegetables at the grocery store and markets are cheap… my suggestion is that, if you’re on a budget, stay in a hostel and shop at the markets/grocery store for food you can cook yourself.

Then watch your other spending, and you should be good! Also the beach is always free, as is going to markets (bargaining–particularly at the Yafo market) and walking around the city – all so worth it, so don’t let the prices stop you from visiting, because you’ll love it so much!

Israel is currently safe for travel and tours are running as planned – learn more here!

FAQs About Visiting Tel Aviv, Israel

👉 How many days do you need in Tel Aviv?

You only need 2-3 days in Tel Aviv, but you could easily spend more time there continuing to enjoy more museums, the beach and just hanging out in the city. It’s also a great home base from which to do day trips all over Israel.

👉 What is so special about Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv is an international, modern city that has a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere with the perfect beach/city mix! It’s young and full of amazing nightlife, food and culture. There’s no other place quite like it!

👉 What is the best month to visit Tel Aviv?

Obviously, summer is the main tourist season in Tel Aviv… which is a great time to go! However, if you want less tourists and more greenery, you can also go in the Spring or Fall – just try to miss the rainy winter season.

In the summer, the country is really dry, it never rains, and it’s hot – Tel Aviv especially gets super hot and humid since it’s a city. Thankfully, the climate allows for more of the year when it’s a bit cooler but still hot enough to hit up the beach.

On another note, I was surprised while working at the hostel to find that there’s a sudden uptick in tourists in the fall. As the summer winded down, the tourists dropped off, but suddenly around September-October, there was a sudden surge.

Many of these tourists were from non-US countries; some people were coming to start a study abroad program as well. These tourists were less fun and more serious, while the summer tourists were more fun and laid-back.

👉 Is Tel Aviv the same as Jerusalem?

No, they are two separate cities in Israel that are around an hour apart. They are also the two largest cities in Israel, and they are very different from each other.

👉 Is Jerusalem or Tel Aviv better?

Your preferences will determine if you like Jerusalem or Tel Aviv best. Jerusalem is the center of religion in Israel and is home to more conservative religious people, as well as tons of famous archaeological sites.

However, it can be a place of more tension. The weather in Jerusalem gets cooler because of its higher altitude, and it isn’t near beaches.

Tel Aviv is modern, liberal and fun, has archaeology and museums but not as many well-known sites, and is warmer, plus it has 16 beaches. It’s worth visiting both cities to see the different sides of Israel.

👉 Is Tel Aviv in Israel or Palestine?

Tel Aviv is located in modern-day Israel.

All In All: Tel Aviv Travel

I hope you find Tel Aviv-Yafo as amazing as I do, and that this post helps you plan your trip and things to do!

Check out these posts for more info on Israel & Middle East travel:

👉 The best time to visit Tel Aviv
👉 Is Israel Safe For Travel? Important Advice Amidst War
👉 Tel Aviv to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: All You Need To Know
👉 The 20 Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv
👉 What To Pack For Israel In Winter (Dec-Feb)
👉 What To Pack For Israel In Spring (March-May)
👉 What To Pack For Israel In Summer (June-Sept)
👉 What To Pack For Israel In Fall (Oct-Nov)
👉 Solo Travel In Israel: Expert Tips, Itinerary + More
👉 8 Best Tours From Tel Aviv To Jerusalem To Check Out
👉 31+ Best Things To Do In Tel Aviv (With Map)
👉 Renting A Car In Tel Aviv: Everything You Need To Know
👉 Is Haifa Worth Visiting? 38 Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (+ Pros & Cons)
👉 Where To Stay In Haifa: Best Places for Every Budget (Neighborhoods, Hotels + More)
👉 The Best Time To Visit Jerusalem (+ 25 Things To Do)
👉 Is Jerusalem Worth Visiting? 26 Things To Do To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (with pros & cons)
👉 Jerusalem to Galilee / Galilee to Jerusalem: All You Need To Know
👉 Jordan to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Jordan: All You Need To Know
👉 Rome to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Rome: All You Need To Know
👉 Winter in Jerusalem: Weather, Things To Do + Travel Tips
👉 Israel Archaeology: Volunteer On An Excavation
👉 Israel Archaeology List: learn about famous sites
👉 Israel & Palestine, and the Conflict: A Beginner’s Guide (History, Maps & Resources)
👉 The 17 Best Israel Souvenirs
👉 Top 25 Biblical Sites In Israel
👉 Captivating Scenes: A Photo Journey Through Historic Jerusalem
👉 10+ Unique and Captivating Photos of Tel Aviv, Israel
👉 The 61 Best Photography Spots In Tel Aviv

👉 Also check out this post on Cairo for more Middle East travel!
👉 For more International Travel guides, check out this page.