When visiting Israel, you must spend at least 24 hours in Tel Aviv. This modern, laid-back city on the Mediterranean Sea is an instant favorite for visitors. It is the perfect mix of city and beach living with a thriving nightlife, making it an excellent addition to your Israel itinerary. It is possible to see the highlights of Tel Aviv in just one day, but many people choose to spend at least a few days here to fully explore this vibrant city. While it is easy to get out and see the city on your own, there are a variety of different tour options, depending on your interests. Tel Aviv is also a great starting point for our tours to Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and the north of Israel.
One-Day Tel Aviv Itinerary
With one day in Tel Aviv, opt either to join a walking tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa featuring the history, food, culture, and street art of the city, either for a full day or for short, two hour sections, led by locals or, for those who wish to explore alone, or for an alternative itinerary, check out the ideas below.
Morning
- Begin your day in Tel Aviv at the water. Walk south along the promenade until you reach Jaffa. This ancient port city in southern Tel Aviv is full of culture and history. Join a Jaffa morning walking tour to get a great insight into the city.
- Enjoy walking down the narrow streets, wandering around the flea market, and stopping by some unique shops. Jaffa highlights include Old Jaffa Visitors Center, Jaffa Flea Market, Jaffa Port, and the Jaffa Port Market. Enjoy lunch at Jaffa Port.
- If you want to continue exploring this area, there is Neve Tzedek, just outside of Jaffa. It was the first Jewish neighborhood outside of Jaffa and also has interesting shops and cafes.
Lunch-time
Aim to be around the Carmel Market, the heart of Tel Aviv’s food scene around lunch time. The city’s main street market has transformed into the heart of the city’s food scene, with traditional delicacies now found alongside trendy and popular eateries. Join a Tel Aviv food tour or stroll through the market alone.
Afternoon
Visitors have several options for how to spend an afternoon in Tel Aviv, depending on their interests.
- Tel Aviv Beach: Tel Aviv is known for its beaches, so why not spend the afternoon soaking in the sun? The beach in this city stretches for miles and each part has a different feel or personality. Choose one and simply, relax.
- Tel Aviv Museums: If you prefer to head indoors, the city has a number of interesting museums worth visiting. We highly recommend the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Israel’s largest art museum. But, there are many other museums to choose from as well.
- Street art in Florentin: for those who are looking for a more alternative angle to the city, head to the Florentin neighborhood in the southern part of the city. Stroll through the narrow streets and stumble upon the street art which can be found all over. Street art tours can add another angle to this experience helping explain what lies beneath the surface of this edgy area, although exploring alone can also be fun.
Evening
After checking into your Tel Aviv hotel (see our favorites here) and relaxing a little, head out again. The evening is a great time to walk around Tel Aviv’s unique neighborhoods. Marvel at the architecture of The White City – a UNESCO Heritage site and a collection of more than 4,000 buildings created in the Bauhaus style of architecture. It is also called the White City because most of the buildings are, you guessed it, white. It was built in the 1920s and 30s, but has been restored and is a big attraction for visitors. There are also tours available if you are interested in learning more about the history of the White City. Grab dinner in the White City or in one of Tel Aviv’s other neighborhoods.
Late Night
Tel Aviv is world-famous for what happens after midnight. The city’s nightlife is bouncing every day of the week, so do not miss it! The Nightlife Tour is a great way to experience Tel Aviv’s bars and clubs from a local perspective. Most bars and clubs will not fill up until 24:00 and many parties go on all night. Click here for more information about Tel Aviv’s nightlife.
Two-Day Itinerary in Tel Aviv:
If you have more than 24 hours in Tel Aviv, it is easy to mix and match these suggested with a larger Israel itinerary. If you want to remain in the center of the country, then take advantage of a night out in Tel Aviv, lounge on the beach the following morning, and continue your adventures with one of our day tours. It’s also worth checking out our Tel Aviv bucket list for more ideas.
However you decide to spend your time in Tel Aviv, we promise it will be an unforgettable experience!
