Guide to the tastes of Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is not what you imagined. Tel Aviv is something completely different. There are so many different influences that it’s hard to tell if its a Western or Eastern city – or maybe something else. There are bits of Tel Aviv with beautiful parks and alleys that remind you of France, cafés and streets like London, and restaurants that rival Italy, San Francisco and Amsterdam. Tel Aviv is alive.
Tel Aviv abounds with tastes. Here, you will find local cuisine, which has been influenced by many other nationalities from Palestine, Iraq, Russia, Turkey, and others, as well as cuisines from around the world – French, Italian, Asian, and others – in the many restaurants in the city. Some restaurants focus on one cuisine, and others focus on locally sourced produce inspired by the Mediterranean. It’s an ideal place for a romantic trip or on your own and definitely with the family.
Good to know
Taxis will honk at you to let you know they are available.
If you hire a car, make sure you plan everything ahead – changes cost – a lot!
On Fridays, everything closes around 15:30 and reopens Saturday at sundown (and by everything – I mean restaurants and other places to find something to eat. Saturday is the Sabbath and as the locals told me, it’s Europe’s Sunday.
A taxi from the airport to the centre will set you back 45‒50 euros.
You must arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight because of the endless checks all the way to the plane. Not just a suggestion – a requirement. But if you go too early (check out of your hotel with nothing to do), they will ask why? You will become very popular at customs…
Reservations are required in most restaurants, because they are very full. Those that don’t take reservations have long lines.
The best way to see everything is on foot – from one end to the other.
Be careful of bicyclists and kick scooters – they are everywhere, and even though it is very organized, the first few days you feel like they might run you down.
The city is full of parks and alleys, but don’t forget to visit the most famous and iconic Rothschild Boulevard. It has been the pride and joy of the city for many decades.
The amount of hotels available is mind-boggling, but you can avoid that by choosing Zvieli Hotels. The hotels by the sea are usually monster-hotels that I wouldn’t want to stay in, but Zvieli, which is also by the sea, is somewhat smaller with a fantastic breakfast offering of good coffee, bread and humus. They offer water and fruit all day long. And it’s across the street from the sea. An ideal place to stay. ADDRESS: HaYarkon St 164, Tel Aviv; www.zvielihotels.com
Text and pictures: Signe Meirane
Photos taken with Sony alpha 7s
