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Gan Hahashmal one of the coolest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv

Gan Hahashmal (Electricity Garden) is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv. Once the location of Tel Aviv’s central power plant, followed by few dark years, in which this small park surrounded by elegant, late-Ottoman-era houses hosted some of the city’s alternative activities, it now houses some Tel Aviv’s indie-fashion crowd who chose to live, work, create and party there.

The Collective 6940 is a group of designers who settled into the Gan HaHashmal area with their design studios and stores that inhabit the few blocks around the central garden. The group is also responsible for several cultural events throughout the year, offering live music, dancing, group yoga, art exhibitions and – shopping.

The Gan Hahashmal miniature quarter, spreading between the streets of Allenby, Yehuda Halevy, Barzilay & Hahashmal, boasts of cutting-edge boutiques, studios of apparel and accessory designers, restaurants, cafes and nighttime entertainment options. Some of the most recommended are:

Bar & Music: Levontin 7 is the name (and address) of one of the coolest bars-music venue in Tel Aviv. Now in its 2nd year, it hosts a wide selection of eclectic music performances of local and foreign Rock, Jazz and Indie musicians and bands. To find our more, you can go to – http://www.myspace.com/levontine7 (Tel: 972-3-5605084).

Shopping: Uzbek-born Helena Blaunstein designs an eclectic women’s clothing line for her store Frau Blau (8 HaHashmal St.; 972-3-5601735; www.fraublau.com). With their vibrant colors, patchwork patterns, and fitted, feminine shapes, her clothes have a vintage edge paired with a decidedly 21st-century playfulness.

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Art and Culture in Tel Aviv

Tel-Aviv is Israel's cultural capital, holding its finest museums, orchestras, theaters, and art galleries, and presenting its greatest dance and music performances. Modern Art at Ha'medina Square The two highlights in the city's art scene, are the Diaspora Museum and the Tel-Aviv Museum of Art, while other exclusive galleries are spread around Gordon St neighborhood, and are worth paying a special visit. Not far from there, just up Dizengoff St, is a cultural complex, which comprises the Israeli National Theater - Habima, and the Mann Auditorium, the home of the world-renowned Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The Performing Art Center Another cultural zone, located near the Tel-Aviv Museum of Art, is the Tel-Aviv Performing Art Center. This beautifully architectural building is a home for the New Israeli Opera, featuring concerts, dance performances, music ensembles, and unique exhibitions at the lobby.

The Carmel market

The Carmel Market is the largest open market in Tel Aviv and the best place to buy fresh food and wonder around. Next to the market lies the Yemenite Vineyard, a small neighborhood with charming little streets and typical Yemenite restaurants. The Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) is the biggest marketplace in Tel Aviv and a fun place to visit. In the Carmel market you can find just about anything for the lowest prices in town, including different kinds of bread, olives, dried fruits, spices and so on. It is also the best place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and poultry. The clothing section is located next to Allenby Street, and you can surely find there a bargain or two. Just off the Carmel Market lies one of the most special neighborhoods in Tel Aviv. It is called Yemenite Vineyard (Kerem Hateymanim), originally formed in the beginning of the 20th century by the Jewish immigrants from Yemen. The municipality started renovating this area some 15 years ago, and walking through its narrow alleys and small houses is pretty inspiring. Accept for a walk in these charming little streets, you can make a stop in one of the small neighborhood restaurants. All of them serve traditional Yemenite cuisine, spiced with Hawhyedge, the most characteristic spice in the Yemenite kitchen. The neighborhood is located very close to the sea, so it can be a good stop on your way to or from the beach. Hotel Metropolitan at 11 Trumpeldor St. is just few minutes walk from the Carmel Market to the north. It is an affordable yet elegant lodging option next to the beach and the city center. Another nice hotel in this area is Sun City hotel at 9 Trumpeldor St., which is very well kept and quite intimate. It has a great location - next to the city's lively markets and shopping areas, and only 500 meters from the Mediterranean. Galileo Hotel, located in the heart of the Yemenite Quarter, one of Tel Aviv's first neighborhoods, is a picturesque hotel which will provide you with all the facilities of a budget accommodation in the best location. It is easy to find your way around the Carmel Market area using public transportation, because most buses have stops in the central Allenby Street. It is also located right off Shenkin St., which is another landmark you mustn't miss on your Tel Aviv visit.

LOKAL: A Cozy Road Inn Serving Exceptional Burgers and Chicken in Tel Aviv

I recently had the pleasure of dining at LOKAL, a humble yet present road inn located on Ahad Ha'am street in Tel Aviv. This establishment was born out of a partnership between Alon Peled and Aviv Cohen, who raised a very efficient chicken startup in their crowded apartment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The menu at LOKAL is concise but impressive, offering a burger, chicken, and vegan option with fries on the side and a large container of kombucha that can come plain or alcoholic. I opted for the Smashburger meal, which included 200 grams of aged meat, American cheese, house sauce, house pickles, lettuce, and onion served with chips and a drink for NIS 72.00. The burger was cooked to perfection on a plancha with a dedicated iron weight, resulting in a patty that was neither too crispy nor too juicy. The Koji salt and cheddar cheese added a unique flavor profile that elevated the burger to something truly exceptional. The homemade sauce was also outstanding, completing the burger in a truly satisfying way. My dining companion opted for the Crispy Chicken Dinner, which was served with garlic aioli, homemade pickles, garlic pepper sauce, and fermented honey, American cheese, and lettuce for NIS 72.00. The chicken breast was marinated in ravioli and spices, resulting in a super crispy coating that was incredibly delicious. The additional sauces and toppings made for a flavor explosion that we both thoroughly enjoyed. The restaurant's atmosphere is humble and unpretentious, with a focus on providing customers with high-quality food and drink in a cozy setting. The staff were friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home. Overall, LOKAL is an outstanding addition to the Tel Aviv food scene. The restaurant's dedication to providing customers with delicious, high-quality food in a cozy atmosphere is evident in every aspect of the dining experience. I highly recommend stopping by LOKAL for a meal that is sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your soul.

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