Tel Aviv is known as the city that never sleeps for a reason: the center of metropolitan life in Israel is bustling with fun things to do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But as a traveler who wants to make the most of your time in this magical city, you might be asking yourself, what is there to do in Tel Aviv this weekend? And more importantly, what Tel Aviv highlights can I add to my Israel itinerary to make sure I see all the hotspots.
While you might be used to a weekend that lasts from Friday to Sunday, Israelis do things a bit differently. In Israel, the weekend lasts from Thursday night to Saturday night, while Sunday is back to work for most of the country, thanks to the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) which lasts from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. In Tel Aviv, Shabbat means the city fully transitions from work to play mode.
Here are the top things to do this upcoming weekend in Tel Aviv.
Last Updated October 2023
Thursday Night
Thursday night is the best night to enjoy Tel Aviv’s legendary nightlife. With Tel Aviv being a small, flat city, you can bring out your playful side by taking a scooter or a bike to the club! The city is home to the best bars and clubs in Israel, as well as the best gay bars. Check out our events page to find out about the hottest DJs and concerts this upcoming weekend.
Friday Morning
On the first day of the weekend, on Fridays in Tel Aviv you’ll see coffee shops, brunch spots, and outdoor markets bustling with people. Friday is the most fun time to really explore the city and see its local characters. This Tel Aviv walking tour will take you through Tel Aviv and Jaffa’s Friday hotspots, including two of the best outdoor markets in Israel, the Jaffa Flea Market and the Carmel Food Market. If you have limited time, you can book to join a specific part of this tour, broken into 2 hour segments: Jaffa and Neve Tzedek Walking Tour, Tel Aviv Food Tour (Carmel Market), Tel Aviv Street Art Tour.
Alternatively, you can spend your Friday morning visiting a different part of Israel. Jerusalem is a must-see for any trip to Israel, and Friday morning is one of the most exciting times to visit the Old City of Jerusalem.
Reserve your spot for this Friday
Friday Night
Friday night is a magical time throughout Israel when the country slows down, and in some cities like Jerusalem, almost comes to a halt. During the dusk hours in Tel Aviv, you’ll notice that many stores and restaurants close their doors. You’ll see many Israelis heading indoors to take part in a traditional Shabbat meal.
There is one area of Tel Aviv that doesn’t differ much during Shabbat: Jaffa. This diverse neighborhood is just as bustling on Friday nights as any other day of the week. Fully experience the nightlife in this magical neighborhood by taking a relaxing stroll as the sun sets.
Saturday Day
If you didn’t make the weekday Tel Aviv walking tour, then this special Saturday walking tour of Tel Aviv is the best way to see the city over Shabbat. You’ll spend more time getting to know the ancient Jaffa port and its 7,000 years of active history, before exploring the streets of some of Tel Aviv’s coolest boroughs, including Florentin, home to Tel Aviv’s iconic street art.
Reserve your spot for this Saturday
Get Out of the City
Saturday in Israel gives you an excellent opportunity to see more of the country, but bear in mind that there’s no public transport on this day. This makes it a great day to take a guided day trip to one of Israel’s breathtaking nature and historical spots. Tailor your day depending on your interests with any of these tours of Israel’s beautiful landmarks that depart from Tel Aviv.
We recommend visiting Masada and the Dead Sea this weekend. On Shabbat, the sites will be quieter, giving you more time to take in the breathtaking scenery. There are different tour options based on which exeperience works best for your Israel itinerary – and how early you wish to get up in the morning – but each trip picks you up and drops you off in a centralized location in Tel Aviv.
Go Off the Beaten Path
Tel Aviv weekends are for slowing down, but if you’re looking to make every day of your vacation stand out, why not do something completely different? Become the envy of your Instagram followers, be spontaneous, and take a special adventure to Jordan for the weekend! In just a few hours you can be at the seventh wonder of the world, the lost city of Petra. You can also stay overnight to experience the famous Wadi Rum desert, also known as the Valley of the Moon. With pick up & drop off available every day from Tel Aviv, you’ll be back in time for Sunday brunch. Check out all available options for Petra and Jordan tours this weekend.
Special Events This Weekend
In addition to fun tours, every week in Israel there are new cultural events, festivals, and interesting happenings. A great way to keep your Israel itinerary full of fun experiences is to check out what’s going on in Israel this October and future months to find what activities best suit you.
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