Located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, the city displays a lifestyle often compared to that of Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro.
In 1909, a group of families gathered on a beach south of the millennial port city of Jaffa, now Israel, for a draw using shells: the gray ones were marked with the names of the participants, while the white shells designated nearby land. In this informal and quirky way, Tel Aviv, meaning “Spring Hill”, was founded 110 years ago as the first modern Jewish city. A cosmopolitan place, with one foot in the future and uniquely secular, in a country where religion guides everyday life.
Tel Aviv knows how to combine history, culture and nightlife like few others and is often compared to Barcelona or Rio. Stroll its winding streets and you’ll find beautifully restored Bauhaus architecture, centuries-old stone buildings, and vibrant markets. The sun shines 300 days a year and its 500,000 inhabitants – of which 1 in 3 are under the age of 35 – enjoy the outdoors on the beach, on the boulevards and on the rooftops.
The hustle and bustle of the streets is a hallmark, with locals and expats sipping coffee at sidewalk tables. Due to its compact size, which includes Arabic Jaffa (or Yaffo, in Hebrew), the city can be easily explored on foot and points of interest are within easy reach, all within walking distance of the sapphire blue of the Mediterranean.
Tel Aviv Beaches
There are 14 kilometers of beaches where couples, families, surfers and sun worshipers meet. The waterfront property is unparalleled – most offer clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and chairs or loungers that you can rent. There are also volleyball nets, kayaks, surfboards, and scuba gear. You will see drum circles, jugglers and capoeira dancers on the stretch known as Banana beach and, without batting an eye, the question will come: am I in Rio?
Unlike holy Jerusalem, where the gaze is on the eternal, Tel Aviv lives for the moment, the mundane and has serious fun. As the locals say, usually in perfect English, “While Jerusalem prays, Tel Aviv plays” (or, “While Jerusalem prays, Tel Aviv is having fun”).
Sunset on Friday brings Shabbat (Judaism’s weekly rest day) and while most other Israeli cities are completely closed, Tel Aviv remains buzzing with activity.
Architecture
When the Bauhaus School of Architecture in Germany was closed by the Nazis, its directors and students scattered around the world. Among them, three architects emigrated to Palestine, at the time controlled by the British. And it was in young Tel Aviv that they found the opportunity to help build a new city.
With 4,000 buildings built in the Bauhaus style, the White City of Tel Aviv was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. Visit the Bauhaus Center to arrange an exclusive tour or join groups who, accompanied by a guide, take a tour of the main architectural monuments every Friday (other days it is possible to take the tour with an audio guide, except on Saturdays).
Eat and drink
Savor new Israeli cuisine in the excellent restaurant alena, of the Norman hotel, one of the most elegant addresses in the city. Or visit Claro, located in the distillery of an ancient complex built by the Knights Templar, to sample local and seasonal ingredients in a lively atmosphere. The small North Abraxas, by celebrity chef Yael Shani, it’s a local favorite.
Wine production, although it has a millenary tradition in the region, has only in recent years become more recognized around the world. Just 40 minutes from Tel Aviv in the Judea Hills are some of the best wineries in the country, including Tzora Vineyards, whose Misty Hills wine has received 93 magazine points. Wine spectator. Shira Granot, winemaker and founder of The Wine Side, opens the doors to the best producers in small guided groups or customized tours.
accommodation
Although the waterfront is surrounded by major hotel chains, for an authentic and upscale experience, choose one of the city’s many boutique hotels. Located in a Bauhaus-style building on a road closed to traffic, the Poli House has interiors created by the Egyptian Karim Rashid – formerly the subject of an exhibition at the Instituto Tomie Ohtake, in Sao Paulo – and a swimming pool overlooking the city on the Terrace.
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A post shared by The Poli House by Brown Hotels (@polihousebybrown)
walking and shopping
Join the locals for a tour of the Rothschild Avenue, artery that cuts through the city, connecting the historic district of Neve Tzedek The white city, where the best examples of Bauhaus architecture are concentrated. The winding streets of Jaffa invite you to take a leisurely stroll, stop to buy personalized fragrances from Zielinski Rozen or pottery from prominent Israeli artists at Jaffa’s 8 cooperative.
Eveliny Bastos-Klein is a communication and marketing specialist and founder of EBK Public Relations which is based in Miami and branches in Sao Paulo and Tel Aviv, not surprisingly they are her favorite cities in the world.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
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