A Walk Along the Seashore (Self Guided), Tel Aviv

In the northern part of Tel Aviv's promenade, overlooking the Mediterranean shore, lies the first and the largest marina in Israel. A notable attraction for those looking for a great coastline vista, this modern place is very well organized and makes one feel like walking on a wooden deck at a yacht exhibition. The marina can hold up to 400 yachts at a time and many proud owners stay right here on their boats.

Other than the boats there are many other points of interest to be found, such as a diving center, a sailing school, a pool, shops and more. South of Hilton hotel, at 181 Hyarkon Street, there is a remarkable piece of architecture, lovingly referred to by the locals as the “Crazy House”, built in 1989 by the French architect Leon Guneyva and featuring a combination of Oriental and Art Nuovo styles.

An ideal place for a stroll, be it in the early morning or late afternoon, the marina is always lively, but never too crowded, and is just as comfortable – even on a hot day – with its charmingly breezy environment. The abundance of good restaurants and bars, complete with the magnificent sunsets (particularly stunning with the yachts in the backdrop), create a romantic appeal. Good food with a great view, what else can you possibly ask for! Alternatively, you can pass the time away watching the leisurely crowd – jogging, cycling, walking with strollers, playing paddle ball, volleyball, or paddle surfing at the beach.

Why You Should Visit:
Ideal place to walk over and have a dinner in one of the restaurants or simply to enjoy the beach view and the man-made breakwater that offers respite from the party of Tel Aviv's coastline.
Beautiful clean beaches and sunsets. Nice coffee shops and playground for kids. Great place for gelato!

South of Atarim Square starts the Gordon Beach, one of Tel Aviv's busiest and most popular beaches, as well as one of its widest. This beach is distinctive by the large strips of white sand running alongside the modern promenade, breakwaters and innumerable umbrellas. Centrally located opposite the Sheraton Hotel, Gordon offers everything one can possibly ask for of a city beach, including a paid parking nearby.

It also has myriad of bars and restaurants serving huge portions of classics, like Israeli breakfast, fresh fish, sandwiches and a huge array of salads. Plus, this is a good place for matkot (Israeli paddle ball game), surfing, meditation and many other activities. Each summer the beach becomes a mecca for tourists seeking to take advantage of its fitness area, a lovely saltwater swimming pool surrounded by lawns to lounge on, beach volleyball courts, a children's playground and plenty of water-sports providers ensuring no shortage of entertainment.

Gordon Beach is known for the ideal conditions for stand-up paddling, surfing and windsurfing. But if you want things a bit more relaxed, you can lie down in the shade under one of its pavilions or park yourself in one of the beach-chairs and enjoy the Mediterranean view culminated by a picturesque sunset. Folk dancing happens here every Saturday at 8 pm, and Pilates classes are offered on Sundays and Wednesdays at 7-7:45 pm. After sundown, various outdoor beach bars provide sun-burnt partiers with some after-hours fun with DJs, drinks and dancing. And if you seek a reprieve from the city clamor opposite the waves combined with a fine dining experience, consider Gordo Cafe offering a selection of good food and drinks.

Commonly referred to as the "French beach", Frishman Beach has indeed been flooded lately by the influx of French speakers attracted by the tourist-friendly location. The nearby highway, hotels and the leisurely crowd make this beach a bit noisy, which may seem as a deterrent to some, while the others enjoy its sophisticated urban setting – clean dressing rooms and WCs, fresh water showers, and a tepid bath to swim in, not to mention cafes coming up to the waterline and offering a culinary experience along with swimming. The abundance of beach chairs, tables and umbrellas rented for a small fee via vending machines (cards accepted), complete with sufficient parking space and public transportation at hand, also add to the appeal. Topping it all off are a playground for kids, fine sand and warm water (occasional waves to play in, but nothing hectic), making it a true paradise for families.

The beach is not too crowded on weekdays, but is truly a hot spot on weekends. Most good restaurants here are usually packed between 7 and 9 pm, especially on a Saturday night. Late in the evening, after a large meal, it might be a good idea to walk off the food at the nearby promenade. Otherwise, on the way home, feel free to stop by Cafe Mersand, on the corner of Ben Yehuda Street, for a sip of arak. This Austro-Hungarian cafe has been around for over half a century and has seen among regulars some local celebrities.

London Square in Tel Aviv, is a place rich in historical significance, embodying a blend of admiration and struggle. It was established in 1942 by Mayor Yehuda Rokach and was named after London, a city that displayed remarkable resilience during the bombing raids of World War II, particularly the Blitz by Nazi Germany. This period highlighted the courage and determination of Londoners as they endured relentless attacks.

However, this era also witnessed a contrasting narrative. Jewish refugees from Europe, seeking safety from the horrors of war, often faced obstacles imposed by British authorities on their journey to the promised land, Palestine, which was under British control at the time. The refugees faced perilous voyages, navigating dangerous seas while evading the British naval blockade.

London Square in Tel Aviv not only bears the name of the British capital but also serves as a memorial to these challenging times and the unwavering spirit of the Jewish people. The square includes a poignant tribute to the Jewish refugees in the form of a memorial resembling a boat, symbolizing their hazardous journey and resolute determination to reach Israel, driven by the aspiration of creating a new life and fulfilling the Zionist dream.

This combination of admiration for the resilience of the British people and the commemoration of Jewish perseverance encapsulates the intricate layers of history and the interplay of diverse narratives that London Square represents at the core of Tel Aviv.

The Opera Tower is a fashionable edifice that has been turning most heads on the Tel Aviv-Jaffa boardwalk since the 1990s. Designed in 1993 as a purpose-built shopping center with residential apartments above, the Opera Tower stands 82 meters tall, has 23 floors, and is crowned with a big pool on the rooftop.

Its unique style, reminiscent of the Post-Modern architecture of the United States, created a massive change to the Tel Aviv boardwalk back in the day. The edifice stands in the place previously occupied by the old Opera House, operational between 1958 and 1982, that lent its name to the local square – Opera Tower Square.

In keeping with the opera theme, the exterior of the building features pointy arches, while its colonnade at the entrance is clad in gray marble slabs, reflecting the spirit of Post-Modernism. The shape of the residential part of the building is modeled on the letter 'R' and its floor area gradually decreases with the lower floors.

Nowadays, the building houses an exquisite boutique hotel.

No tourist in Tel Aviv, interested in history, should fail to visit the Etzel Museum offering in-depth information on one of Israel's most prominent military organizations – Etzel. Renowned for its role in the country's struggle for independence alongside two other similar military groups – Lechi and Hagana, Etzel fought for the rights of Jewish settlers before the state of Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were established. It was a secretive organization that gained status as a part of the newly formed army of Israel in 1947.

At this museum, you can take a short but informative tour that will tell you all about Etzel's exploits, and particularly about its campaigns that helped liberate Jaffa. The building is well designed – made of glass, in a rectangular shape – and is constructed over the ruins of an Ottoman building. Well organized exhibits and informative tour make the museum very popular among tourists visiting Tel Aviv. Etzel museum is located close to the Alma Beach, just off Charles Clore Park.

Old Jaffa Port in Tel Aviv, is a site of immense historical and cultural significance, with a rich history that dates back over 7,000 years. As one of the oldest known ports in the world, it has been a pivotal location in the Eastern Mediterranean, playing a crucial role in various historical events and narratives.

The port is deeply intertwined with the origins of the city of Tel Aviv itself. Throughout history, it has been mentioned in several ancient works, including the Hebrew Bible. Notably, it is cited as the departure point for Jonah, a figure in Jewish history. The port also features in accounts of the First Jewish Revolt against Rome, underscoring its significance in Jewish heritage.

Jaffa Port's strategic importance is highlighted by its usage by a diverse range of cultures and empires. It has seen the presence of Egyptians, Ethiopians (with legends such as Andromeda being chained to a rock here), Philistines, and the Jewish nation, including notable figures like King Solomon and Jonah. Additionally, it has been under the control of various empires such as Babylon, Alexander the Great, and in more recent history, the Ottoman, French, and British empires, before becoming part of Modern Israel.

Despite being smaller than the ports of Haifa and Akko, Jaffa Port retains its iconic status and continues to be a major cultural attraction. Its enduring appeal draws tourists globally, offering a blend of historical insight and modern amenities. The port remains operational, serving local fishermen and salesmen, and also houses modern facilities like art and photography exhibitions. The surrounding cultural centers provide visitors with a deeper understanding of this fascinating location.

The area around Jaffa Port is also known for its culinary and shopping experiences. It boasts several renowned restaurants, beautifully decorated warehouses, and a selection of shops. The port's promenade is particularly appealing, offering a refreshing sea breeze that is especially enchanting at sunset. During this time, the area is bathed in a beautiful orange glow, creating a picturesque scene cherished by both locals and tourists.

Tip:
Use the promenades – extending both north and south – for nice walks and for views over the old town walls and shoreline (the better views are probably from the top looking down).