Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is not what you think it is.
Full stop.

Tel Aviv is an amazing, culturally diverse, colorful and happening city, nicknamed “The city that never sleeps” by it’s locals. It’s hard to take this city as a whole and provide generalizations which would define it - within itself, Tel Aviv is incredibly multi-faceted city and a feast for the eyes and senses.

The city of Tel Aviv is broken down into a lot of smaller neighborhoods. I spent a lot of time during my post-teenage years working and partying in the center of the city, which includes most of the landmarks Tel Aviv is famous for, including it’s beaches. There’s lots to see and lots to do regardless of your fields of interest. Tel aviv should be a great destination for families with children as well as the older crowd or young party-goers.

The harbor area is famous for it’s nightlife and Tel Aviv’s “Shibuya” intersection of King George, Allenby and Shenkin streets provide the young-n-hip shopping district it’s flair. Some say Shenkin St. is the center of the world, sometimes I agree - one walk up and down this street and you experience the colors and cultures of Tel Aviv. Travel a little bit north and you’ll discover Tel Aviv’s Museum of Art (see separate review) and the Eretz Israel History Museum, as well as Yarkon Park (the largest in central israel), Sporthek and fairgrounds.

The Tel-Avivians are a generally liberal and talkative bunch, don’t be alarmed if some locals strike up a conversation with you while waiting for the light to turn at the crosswalk (if they wait in order to cross, that is).

Public transportation to and from Tel Aviv is good and is excellent inside the city - however parking spots are rare. If you’re visiting, worry not as all street signs are also in English, all the locals speak English and you’ll find English menus for almost every restaurant.

Avoid Winter in Tel Aviv. It’ll rain up to your knees and street-level drainage isn’t superb. Avoid the height of Summer, too. You’ll be boiling in 40c+ and will have to elbow your way through the rest of the tourists trying to get out of the sun.

Recommended months: April - Early July, September - October.

Insider’s tip: Public transportation in Israel is charged on a per-ride basis and not by destination. Ask the bus driver for a day pass (“chofshi yomi”)for your needed zone and you’ll save a good amount of money.

Sooo, in three days I’m going home for a visit, and while I love living here in rainy London there is nothing better in the world then a summer vacation in sunny Tel Aviv.
A. Before you even say something, Tel Aviv is a land far far away from all the “war zone” people keep hearing about, it is a very inviting city for everyone! especially tourists, we love tourists!!!
B. The beachs, beautiful Mediterranean Sea just 10-15 minutes walk from… well… everywhere. And what is better in the world then sitting on the beach on a sunny day, beer in one hand and watermelon in the other, relaxing while the beautiful women and hansome men walk by just for us to grade them superficiality?!
C. And this is a breaking point: BEST NIGHT LIFE EVER!!!
No more 00:00 closing time, you will dance, drink and flirt untill dawn, if the owner of the place likes you you will also get some free drinks here and there (as long as he offers, don’t ask for it, even in Israel it’s concidered rude!)
D. Foreign exchange rate - the thing that makes Israel forever cheaper then England. We have great fasion, air conditioning in every shopping mall, sweet little coffee places on the sea shore and the friendliest people you will ever meet!
So… let me make sure I have everything:
Sun screen v
Sun glasses v
A small bikini v
Do I need anything more? No, I’m ready to ! and if you’ve never been, trust me, book your tickets now!

You should absolutely check out Tel Avive. It’s a huge party city with the most cracking gay scene in Europe. The food is immense, the beach lovely and sun, guys and girls are all hot.