The Weekly Getaway: young, vibrant and fast-paced life in Tel Aviv

For the past few years I kept on hearing about the infamous start-up nation, the Silicon Valley of the East and the ever buzzing nightlife of Tel Aviv. It was only when I first started working with Israelis that I understood the essence of it. And ever since, there’s always a good excuse to visit this young, vibrant and fast-paced city!

A few days here is fun, but a week can be a revelation – don’t miss it.

Old Jaffa and Noga Complex

One of the most preserved areas of Tel Aviv, which was also restored from the 1990s onwards. An effort was made to document the history of Jaffa’s Arab population with parts of the Old City have been renovated, turning Jaffa into a tourist attraction with a lot of art and culture around.

A bit north from Jaffa, Noga Complex has become one of the key development areas for renovation and new construction. Some of the more wealthy have recently moved from North Tel Aviv to this little, quiet suburbia. Visit the Craft and Bloom store owned by Ofer Shahar which boasts art, design items and clothing, as well as furniture produced by Ofer and his brother Gilad in their workshop next door. By the way, Noga in Hebrew means a very bright light, which seems about right!

Trip to Jerusalem

Only about an hour’s drive from Tel Aviv, it’s well worth visiting this historic town. A crossroads of civilization, ethnicities and religions – remarkable!

Home to many historical sites, every traveler tends to visit the cliches. So, of course you’ll visit the Old City with the Western Wall, the Tower of David Museum, Dome of the Rock and so on — but don’t let them distract you from the awesome Middle Eastern vibe, food and hidden gems. If you only have a few hours opt for a food tour in the main market which will give you a sense of exactly that!

See

• Bauhaus Center – if you love architecture then this is the place to visit. Relatively small museum but will give you a glimpse into the Bauhaus movement and make you more aware of the city’s architecture development
• Promenade and Charles Clore Garden –  originally built in the 1920s, Tel Aviv’s promenade has recently been renovated in an effort at joining all of its pieces together in one long walk across the waterfront. Great for a nice stroll (weather permitting)
• Rothschild Boulevard – probably one of the best spots in town with lots of young tourists and locals bustling around its many cafés and restaurants

Stay

• Brown TLV – very small boutique hotel in Tel Aviv with compact rooms, offering though a very nice touch to this ran-down neighbourhood. Breakfast is served opposite the street in a café
• Alma Hotel – small hotel but, if you can get a booking, the meticulously designed (and colorful!) rooms feel unique. On the ground floor of this hotel, just off trendy Rothschild Boulevard, you’ll find the Alma Lounge with great cocktails and a nice courtyard in the summer
• Mamilla – very stylish hotel in the city of Jerusalem, offering magnificent views of the Old City walls, the Tower of David and Jaffa Gate

Eat/Drink

• Dallal – no wonder its name means ‘pampering’ in Arabic, this restaurant has been established in a renovated old house and offers tasty Mediterranean dishes
• Miznon – great street food offering… stuff in pittas (yum!). Known for their chargrilled cauliflower! Located very close to the Greek embassy, making it a perfect pit-stop
• Manta Ray – given its prime location next to the TLV beach, some say this restaurant is touristy. However, the seafood is delicious and the views to the Old Jaffa are also second to none
• Zepra – located in this business area, Zepra is an upscale restaurant with gourmet Asian food. Loud music, low lighting and a good crowd
• Cicchetti – Italian joint with small tapas-style portions; their polenta is not to miss!
• Yakimono – sushi bar that feels a bit personal because of their great service