7 things you must do on your first trip to Tel Aviv, Israel

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With a burgeoning food and wine scene, miles of golden-sand beaches and a laidback, trendy vibe, Tel Aviv is one of the coolest destinations around. Thanks to a new Delta flight that launched on May 26 between Boston and Tel Aviv, it’s easier than ever to visit. The flight operates thrice-weekly on Delta’s wide-body A330-900neo planes, complete with Delta’s business-class suites and Premium Select products. The flight joins the ranks of those of airlines like El Al, which flies between Boston and other U.S. cities to Tel Aviv, as well as carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines that fly to Tel Aviv from various U.S. hubs.

Israel dropped all coronavirus-related travel restrictions in late May, so visitors can now enter Israel regardless of vaccination status without any testing requirements or quarantines. Now is the perfect time to experience the country’s new-age cuisine, sample street pitas overstuffed with falafel and hummus, learn about Israeli history and culture at museums, or soak up the sunshine on Tel Aviv’s famed beaches.

If it’s your first time visiting, these are seven things you must do and see during your trip.

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Spend your points

As hotel prices in Tel Aviv are typically on the high end, it often makes sense to use points rather than cash.

Consider staying at the Hilton Tel Aviv, located on edge of Hilton Beach, which requires at least 80,000 points per night to book the lowest category room. If you’re staying five nights or more, booking with points gets you the fifth night free, bringing the average cost down to 64,000 points per night. Considering room rates hover around $500 to $600 on peak dates, using points offers a solid value.

A sunset from Hilton’s outdoor lounge. (Photo by Nicky Kelvin)

A second option is the InterContinental David Tel Aviv, which also has a prime beachfront location and a large swimming pool. Rates usually range between $350 and $500 per night (or 76,000 points per night). Using points provides a great value here — particularly this summer, when cash rates start around $400.

The pool at the Intercontinental Tel Aviv. (Photo by Nicky Kelvin/The Points Guy)

The Jaffa is another seriously stylish hotel located in a restored monastery, now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection portfolio. We found limited availability for award stays from 91,000 Bonvoy points per night, but if you’re hoping for a chic and luxury experience in a gorgeous property, it may be worth it. Plus, if you stay for more than five nights, you can take advantage of the fifth-night free benefit. Cash rates often rise above $600 per night.

Marriott also has a few lower-priced hotels in its Tel Aviv portfolio, such as the Publica Isrotel Autograph Collection property (rates start around 38,000 points per night), or the Sheraton Tel Aviv (where rates start at 60,000 points per night).

If you have a stash of Hyatt points, use them at the Norman Tel Aviv — a boutique luxury property with eclectic design elements in a restored, historical building complete with a rooftop pool. Rates here start at 35,000 Hyatt points per night, but as cash rates often exceed $1,000, you might want to part with those points and save your cash.

Explore Jaffa

Located along Tel Aviv’s southern tip, Jaffa is an ancient port neighborhood. Stroll along the cobblestone alleyways, popping into crumbling churches, design shops and boutique art galleries. Make sure to see some of the area’s key attractions including the port, which is dotted with quaint cafes and restaurants.

One key must-do: a stroll in the Shuk Hapishpeshim, known as the Jaffa Flea Market. One of the best places in the city to shop, you can find almost anything there including trendy clothing and jewelry items, home goods, hardware, art and all sorts of fabulous trinkets you can haggle for. Stop in one of the many market cafes for snacks and coffee, but remember, the market closes on Saturday for Shabbat. Don’t forget to pass by the clock tower, which dates back to 1901.

Head to the beach

One of Tel Aviv’s most captivating attractions is the beach — the city boasts several miles of sparkling, sandy coast.

The busy Tel Aviv beach scene. (Photo by Nicky Kelvin/The Points Guy)

The vibe here is infectious, regardless of which section of shoreline you choose to visit. Picking the best beach depends on the ambiance you’re looking for — some are better for families, for singles, for groups of friends or LGBTQI+ travelers. Generally, all of the city’s lengthy coastline is beautiful, so a visit to any of Tel Aviv’s beaches won’t disappoint.

Ride or stroll along Rothschild Boulevard

One of the best ways to experience Tel Aviv’s beach culture without actually setting foot on the sand is to walk, bike, scoot or Segway along the promenade. You can do this all the way from the Jaffa port in the south to the Tel Aviv port in the city’s north end. The north end is a cool hub of restaurants, bars and wide-open space overlooking the sea.

Stop on the way and cut over to Rothschild, one of Tel Aviv’s most iconic streets. Here, you can admire the Bauhaus architecture and Independence Hall — the location where the State of Israel was declared.

Rent a scooter and ride around. (Photo by Lori Zaino/The Points Guy)

Sample the cuisine

Israeli cuisine attracts international recognition from around the world — in Tel Aviv you’ll see that front and center. Dinners at Romano, OCD, Miznon and HaSalon will give you a taste of the fancier, gourmet iterations of traditional plates’ dishes feature farm-to-table ingredients and creations from star chef Eyal Shani. Don’t forget to sample some of the Israeli wines, which are gaining popularity by the minute, at a wine bar like Tirza. However, you don’t have to eat high-end to enjoy Israeli cuisine.

Sliced meat at Hasalon. (Photo by Nicky Kelvin/The Points Guy)

Head to Dr. Shakshuka to enjoy the famous baked tomato sauce-and-egg specialty beneath a ceiling covered in dangling frying pans. For a no-frills and truly exceptional hummus and falafel experience, head to Abu Hassan in Jaffa — but be prepared to wait in line.

If you’re hoping for a more intimate culinary adventure, look no further than Kenan Basel’s Society Salon dinners, which he offers for groups in his home.

Discover Neve Tzedek

Jewish people began settling in Neve Tzedek in the late 1880s, making it one of Tel Aviv’s oldest neighborhoods beyond Jaffa. The area retains much of its original charm, but it’s now a fully modern neighborhood with cozy cafes, trendy restaurants, concept boutiques, galleries and design shops.

It’s not uncommon to see old homes and centuries-old artisan workshops alongside stylish new bars and contemporary outposts, like the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance.

The old-meets-new juxtaposition is what makes this neighborhood a special one. So, spend an afternoon strolling around, stopping for coffee, stocking up on souvenirs and appreciating the blend of modern and historic, which often pops up in surprising places.

Enjoy the art and architecture

Visiting some of Tel Aviv’s museums is the perfect way to learn more about Israel’s history and culture. It’s hard to narrow it down, and you may not be able to see them all, so start at the Bauhaus Museum. Sure, you’ll see many examples of this iconic form of architecture along the city streets — especially on Rothschild — but this museum provides much more insight and context about the architectural style.

Next, head to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, which boasts an ample collection of art by both international and emerging Israeli artists. Finally, make sure to visit the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot, which features exhibits about Jewish heroes and synagogues.

Bottom line

Tel Aviv is an incredible place to explore for both first-time and returning travelers. Now that the country has reopened and new flight options are available, it’s the perfect time to visit. Bookmark this post so you’ll know exactly what to do when you get there.

Featured image of Tel Aviv by Nicky Kelvin/The Points Guy