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Yehuda HaMaccabi Street

Yehuda HaMaccabi Street is a chic area in the northern part of Tel Aviv, stretching from Ibn Gvirol Street in the west to the Bavli neighborhood in the east. It used to be quite the family residential area but has changed a lot in recent years to become one of the most desired real estate spots in Tel Aviv. The area has many small cafes, restaurants and chic stores, all accompanied by a laid back atmosphere.

In the northern part of Yehuda HaMaccabi Street lies a charming little square named Milano square. Milano square is a great place to sit and have a cup of coffee in one of the small trendy cafes scattered around the square. Zurik (4 Yehuda HaMaccabi St.) is the most famous of which – it is quite small but has many tables outdoors on the sidewalk, facing the green plaza. Visiting there is especially recommended during weekends. In the eastern part of the street there are many other small cafes. Lehem Erez (73 Yehuda HaMaccabi St.), a chain of boutique bread shops, is a nice option for some great coffee and gourmet bakery and sandwiches, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (57 Yehuda HaMaccabi St.) serves quality coffee and different sorts of teas in a quiet atmosphere.

If you are looking for lively atmosphere and younger crowd, visit Metropolis (53 Yehuda HaMaccabi St.) in the corner of Yehuda HaMaccabi St. and Weitzman St. Metropolis is one of the only places in this area that remains open till late at night and has a working bar with younger clientele.

Yehuda HaMaccabi Street has many other small attractions. Only few meters from Milano Square you will see the very peaceful “Villa Spa” (10 Yehuda HaMaccabi St.), where you can spoil yourself with all sorts of body treatments. If you are in a shopping mode, Bourdeaux (24Veidat Katovich St.) is a unique antique store with imported items from England’s markets, including furniture, fabrics and jewelry.

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Old Jaffa Port

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 >>

Sea and Sun – Beaches of Tel Aviv

The beautiful white beaches of Tel Aviv are the city’s most popular attraction and a must for any visitor. The magnificent promenade (“Tayelet” in Hebrew), with its beachfront cafes and restaurants, runs along the shore at the main hotel area, providing a great location for morning or afternoon jogging. Surfing The beaches are mostly crowded on weekends (Friday and Saturday), and are pleasantly quiet in early mornings, when the only brave swimmers are seniors working on their exercise. The seashores are dotted with kiosks just a few steps from the water, tan worshipers lying on beach-beds while others carefully sitting under parasols. Beautiful Mediterranean Sunset While at the beach you may find yourself moving your head from the right to the left, following local pairs playing “Matkot” (Israeli beach Tennis), and on summer evenings, soon after the beautiful Mediterranean sunset, the beaches become a great location for night hang outs, you can find many beach bars, from the new and renovated Mezizim beach bar to the one North of the Marina and others along the beach. http://www.inisrael.com/news/?p=465

Old Jaffa

Old Jaffa is one of the most ancient cities in the world, with over 4,000 years of history. The Old Jaffa port is one of the most ancient ports in the world, and the control over which had been shifted from one ruler to the other for many centuries. Each of them - Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Greek, Roman or French - has left his own unique mark on the city. You can sense it while traveling the narrow lanes of the city and witnessing its unique charm. Nowadays these small arched alleys, named after the zodiac's signs, are filled with artists' quarters, studios and art galleries, as well as Judaica, archaeology items and jewelry shops. Not surprisingly, Old Jaffa is one of Israel's major tourist attractions and surely one of Tel Aviv's most romantic spots. The best way to start exploring Old Jaffa is by walking down the beach promenade, which offers lovely views of Tel-Aviv beaches and skyline, southward from the "drums-beach". From there you will reach the old port that has great view of the city and a beautiful authentic pier. If you keep walking down the southernmost side of the port area, you will find a ship graveyard. Otherwise, walk up the stairs from the old port and reach Kedumim Square, in the center of the old city. In Kedumim Square you will find the ancient Jaffa museum and a tourist information center. Right next to Kedumim square is a small park with sculptures of Israeli artists, spectacular views of the Mediterranean and a lovely romantic atmosphere. Another recommended walk is towards the Clock Square and the Clock Tower. It was built in the Ottoman period in the beginning of the 20th century and became the center of Old Jaffa. It is located right in the middle of the city's markets, next to the Flea Market and many small shops that offer practically everything you may want to take back home as a souvenir.

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