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Old Jaffa Port

Tel Aviv travel guide

Old Jaffa is one of the most attractive places to tour in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. The city which has always been the entry to the ancient land of Israel is succeeding, even today, its traditional aromas and fragrances which have always characterized it There is a marina at the Port and many people sail from here on pleasure trips.

At the top of the hill is the Franciscan Church of St. Peter, which was established in the 17th Century, in which it is possible to visit the room where, the clergy strongly claim, Napoleon stayed after the capture of the city. One of the most important sites for Christianity in Jaffa is the house of Simon the Tanner.

Historians believe that Jaffa is the only port in the world which can boast uninterrupted in habitation throughout its entire existence. The biblical account mentions that the cedars from Lebanon for the construction of King Solomon’s Temple came in via Jaffa. Jonah departed from this city in his flight from God. Greek legend tells of the chaining of the beautiful Andromeda to the rocks facing Jaffa’s shore. Simon the Tanner lived in Jaffa, and it was here that the Apostle Peter performed a miracle. Roman legions, Richard the Lion Hearted, Napoleon and Turkish sultans all conquered the city; but with the eclipse of the Ottoman Empire, the city’s vitality declined. Towards the end of World War I, the city was conquered by General Allenby, ushering in the period of the British Mandate.

The port of Jaffa, (the sole port at the time) served as the point of entry for the increased Jewish immigration which came to resettle the land.

A variety of sea trips leave here daily to view the outstanding sight of the horizon of Tel Aviv-Jaffa from the direction of the sea. From the Port it is possible to climb narrow steps to the top of the Old Jaffa Hill.

Charles Clore Park is Located just north to the Port and is accessible by the new promenade that will take you all the way to Tel Aviv – around 20 minutes walk along the Mediterranean beach.

For a budget accommodation, Old Jaffa Hostel is an excellent choice which guests are accepted personally located not far from the port in the middle of Jaffa’s Oriental Bazaar – lively during the day, quiet at night and within walking distance to anything you need in the big city.

See Virtual tour of Old Jaffa Port >>

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Tel Aviv port - Day Time

Though not active as a port anymore, the old port of Tel Aviv is a very lively part of the city, day or night. It is where the first immigrants' ships landed, and though it was shut down in the 60's as an active sea port, it was awaken again in the 80's as a nightlife and water sports center. The Tel Aviv port today is a great place to hang out, eat or take a walk along the old pier. The center of the Tel Aviv port is a small area packed with great restaurants and few bars and nightclubs. It is definitely worth a visit during the day in spring, summer or one of the many sunny winter days. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Tel Aviv are located here, most of which are open during the day, and offer great view of the Mediterranean, relaxed atmosphere and business menus. Mul-Yam (Tel: 03-5469920) is a superb seafood restaurant that was chosen in 2003 as one of the top 140 restaurants in the world. Prices there match their flavor, so it is pretty expensive, yet it's recommended to visit Mul-Yam at least once, especially during the day when there's an opportunity to enjoy the sea view. Gilly's (Tel: 03-6057777) is another great option, and is well known for its excellent breakfasts, served every day till 5PM. Another option for some great seafood in front of the water in the Tel Aviv port is Boya (Tel: 03-5446166). It is a great restaurant, though again, not for low budget visitors. During the day the Tel Aviv port is a great place to visit and enjoy the beautiful view, the laid back atmosphere and the excellent seafood restaurants. Hotels that are located very close to the Port are: The Port Hotel Tel Aviv The Grand Beach Hotel The Tal Hotel

The Margoza Tel Aviv-Jaffa boutique hotel

The Margoza Tel Aviv-Jaffa boutique hotel is located in the heart of Jaffa, near the port, Old Jaffa and the lively flea market. From 20 square meters to 35 square meters, the hotel has decorated rooms of varying sizes. All rooms have balconies overlooking Old Jaffa, a shower room with a double shower head, a smart TV that is connected to the IP TV system, fast wireless internet available throughout the hotel, coffee/tea set with electric kettle, mini fridge, safe, and hair dryer. There is an underground parking space available based on availability at the hotel. Meetings, events, and social gatherings can be held in the hotel's newly designed and modern meeting room that's equipped with the best multimedia equipment. With an innovative combination of modern-minimalist design and traditional oriental motifs, the hotel's design is reminiscent of the Jaffa oranges and pastoral orchards that were on the hotel's site about 90 years ago. Breakfast The breakfast at Margoza Hotel presents an abundance of freshness, quality, delicacy, freshness, colors, creativity and originality. All ingredients are bought from the best places and prepared on site. Nothing was spared in order to bring the guest to a storm of tastes, smells and perfect pleasure. The kitchen is in charge of two local chefs who take the trouble to give a result that can be read about by thousands of compliments on the Internet. The display and flavors are a culinary experience designed to stimulate and delight all the senses. Lobby bar In the snack bar, which is active 24/7, you will always find hot and cold drinks, iced coffee, pastries, fruits, dried fruits, wine, snacks and more. A meeting room at the Margoza Hotel continues the design line and the special atmosphere of Jaffa with the special chic of a Jaffa boutique hotel that guarantees you a meeting on a different level. The place will be arranged for seating according to your request, around a large yeshiva table (up to 24 guests), in a theater arrangement (up to 36 guests). Or in a circle/circles arrangement for up to 28 guests. The place contains visual aids that include a 65-inch screen and/or a 200-inch projector with a connection to a local or external computer, a printer, a portable microphone, an audio system with six peripheral speakers that can also connect to phones, an Internet connection, a flip chart, Wi-Fi Fi and sheets/pen for each participant. We serve freely during the day a selection of quality coffee and tea in different flavors, cold drinks (oranges, lemonade and water), yeast cakes and croissants baked in the hotel and served hot and fresh with vegetables. Jaffa has a long historical past of over 3000 years when for many years its ancient port was the gateway to the Holy Land. One of the streets adjacent to which the hotel is located is Yehuda Margoza Street, hence the name of the hotel. Ragusa was the name of the city now called Dubrovnik in Croatia and Yehuda Halevi was a Jewish rabbi who immigrated to Israel at the end of the 19th century and was the chief rabbi of Jaffa. Rabbi Yehuda Halevi known as Yehuda Margoza was also a gardener and the area on which the hotel building was built was once an orchard and a hint of this can be seen in the patio leading to the entrance to the hotel where citrus trees were planted. Rabbi Yehuda Margoza was accepted and appreciated by both the Jewish residents of Jaffa and the Arab residents of Jaffa. Perfect location a short walk away A minute and a half walking distance from the flea market A 7-minute walk from the clock tower in Jaffa A 7-minute walk from the Old Jaffa area, St. Peter's Church, the Tel Aviv observation deck and the events center Walking distance of 7 minutes from the port and marina of Jaffa An 8-minute walk from the beginning of Tel Aviv's promenade A 12-minute walk to Gesher Theater and Noga complex Walking distance of 12 minutes from Jaffa beach (unannounced) or 16 minutes to Charles Clore beach (announced) 12 minute walk to Bloomfield Stadium And soon... 8 minutes walk to the red line of the light rail!

Tel Aviv new Red light rail line is about to open!

The red line of the light rail system in Israel is a popular transportation option for tourists visiting the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. This line connects five municipalities, including Petah Tikva, Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv-Yafo and Bat Yam, and it is built to serves approximately 70 million passengers each year. The red line covers a total distance of 24 km and has 34 stations, 10 of which are located underground. The red line offers quick and convenient access to many of the busiest and most popular tourist areas in the region, including Neve Tzedek, the Azrieli Center, and Yerushalayim Boulevard in Jaffa. With its exclusive right of way in the underground tunnel, the red line provides fast and reliable service to its passengers, making it an ideal option for tourists who want to easily explore this vibrant and exciting city.

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