In Tel Aviv
City Hall, White Route Tel Aviv
Things to Do in Tel Aviv
One of the many pleasures in visiting Tel Aviv-Jaffa today is that the municipality has made it easy to tour the city on your own, at your own speed, and according to what interests you.
In fact, the Tel Aviv City Self-Guided Walking Tours have divided the city into three sections known as the white, blue, and green routes.
White City Tel Aviv
The white route covers the history of Tel Aviv and all its important historical landmarks. It begins with the areas first established over 100 years ago, such as Neve Zedek and Ahuzat Bayit. The latter is the site where a lottery was conducted on the sand dunes when Tel Aviv was first founded, allotting building plots to members of the Old Yishuv.
ליאור גולגר • Lior Golgher CC BY-SA 3.0
Habima Theatre, Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is replete with famous architectural styles, including many examples of the German-style Bauhaus buildings. A section of the White City has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
You’ll notice Rothschild Boulevard features a great deal of this architecture. This famous landmark street, one of Tel Aviv’s first, was named after the banker Baron Edmund de Rothschild. Resplendent with its beautiful gardens and benches running along its center, this street is home to many of Tel Aviv’s historical buildings, financial institutions, and upscale restaurants, shops, and residences.
The Mediterranean: Tel Aviv’s Coastline
The blue route covers the Mediterranean shoreline, beginning at ancient south port of Jaffa, which is mentioned in the Bible and which is famous for being the site where Jonah left on his defiant voyage. It continues on to the revamped Tel Aviv Port, now a leisure and entertainment center in the north. Take a leisurely stroll along the Tel Aviv promenade and you’ll be able to spot many interesting sites, including the Clock Square and Tower, the Etzel Museum highlighting the history of the Irgun, the Yafo Railroad Station with its charming shops and restaurants, and parks such as London Square and Independence Park.
צילום:ד”ר אבישי טייכר CC BY 2.5
Baily Bridge over Yarkon River, Tel Aviv
Yarkon River
The green route covers the delightful trail of the Yarkon River’ you’ll pass picturesque bridges and memorial gardens as well as the very popular Hayarkon Park with boating lakes, bike trails, gardens, children’s playgrounds, and a “Tzapari” (mini bird safari) which attracts locals and visitors alike. This oasis of green inside the pulsating white city is a welcome change in scenery proving that you can find just about everything in Tel Aviv if you know where to look.
Old Jaffa
There are also several free guided walking tours every week which cover different aspects of Tel Aviv and Jaffa including the Tel Aviv University Architectural Tour and Old Jaffa.
Walking is definitely the best way to absorb and enjoy everything at your own pace. However if you’re out in the summer months, take a hat and a bottle of water and wear a pair of comfortable shoes. Stop and rest when you’re tired and replenish your drink when necessary. If you get tired of walking you can always bike Tel Aviv by renting a bicycle for a stretch of your tour – a fun and inexpensive way to explore the city.
In Tel Aviv: Did You Know?
While you’re strolling along the promenade in Tel Aviv, keep an eye out for mobile tourist information officers riding around on segways. If you want any information they’re there to help you.
