I remember well how I was worried before my first trip to Tel Aviv. “Why did you even come to this country?” - I scolded myself. The thought of the crowd of Orthodox Jews with sidelocks that would surround me throughout my vacation made me feel sick.
And in the end - a great time, a rich culture and history, delicious cuisine that will take your breath away, and real mutual love that forever connected me with this amazing country.
Tel Aviv is the official capital of Israel, recognized also by Russia (although keep in mind that some Jews, especially residents of Jerusalem, dispute this fact).
This is an incredibly warm city in every sense: warming the body (and sometimes very hot on the skin) sun and extremely open people with warm hearts, ready to help and suggest something to travelers.
The history of Tel Aviv is extremely romantic: having emerged as a suburb of neighboring Jaffa at the very beginning of the 20th century, Tel Aviv gradually gained momentum, accepting more and more new immigrants who wanted to start a new life in the young city under construction.
Having grown to the size of a large city, Tel Aviv absorbed Jaffa, making it its own municipal quarter and district. In fact, the city is a little over a century old. What fascinates me about this story is that the optimism and faith of the residents in a bright future literally created a cozy urban oasis out of sand and stones.
The youth and historical freshness of the city can be felt in everything: in the eclectic architecture, in the abundance of new modern buildings, in the optimism and kindness of the residents.
And the name of the city is extremely romantic: “tel” translated from Hebrew means “hill”, “Aviv” means “spring”. All together - “the hill of spring”. And every tourist who comes here solves the mystery of this spring hill, wandering through the streets of a seemingly very young, but so old city.
I once saw a phrase in a guidebook that Tel Aviv is a mixture of New York, Istanbul and Ibiza. Don't believe me? I was convinced of this from my own experience: finding myself in different parts of the city, I either found myself in modern multi-storey office blocks, then found myself in narrow, intricate streets that were more than a century old, or merged with the rhythm of deafening dance music in seaside clubs and bars.
How to get there
When planning to visit Tel Aviv, you will most likely land at Ben Gurion Airport, which is located 14 kilometers southeast of the city itself.
By plane
Direct flights from major Russian cities to Ben Gurion Airport are provided by El Al (the official carrier of Israel) and Aeroflot; from the northern capital - “Russia” and El Al; from Rostov - Aeroflot. Flights operate regularly several times a week. The average cost of round-trip tickets without transfers is 200 EUR (880 ILS).
From other Russian cities you can get to Tel Aviv with a transfer in one of the major cities, and then in Istanbul or in European cities. Residents of the Far East visiting Israel often use Japanese and Korean airlines. In this case, no transit visas are required; the main thing is to catch the connection; usually the connection time is an hour and a half to two hours. However, flying with transfers is more expensive: the cost of round-trip tickets will increase to 250 EUR. All offers currently available can be viewed on other aggregator sites.
There are three ways to get from Ben Gurion Airport to the Israeli capital:
- by train,
- by train and bus,
- by car.
By train
This option has a number of advantages. First, we get straight to the center of Tel Aviv. Secondly, you won’t have to look for a stop for a long time, because the train departs directly from the exit of the airport waiting room, and it (like a taxi) will not get stuck in a traffic jam.
Thirdly, all the fun costs 3 EUR, or 14 ILS (shekels). Just in case: the Israeli Railways website with train schedules (and even in Russian). I also provide here a diagram of Israel's railway transport.
Having traveled one stop by train to Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv Ha-Haganah stop), we walk about 300 meters and find ourselves at the city’s Central Bus Station.
By bus
Or rather, by train and bus.
If you want to get to the city center or be at the sea on the very first day, then you need to take the train to the Tel Aviv Merkaz (Savidor) station, and then take the city bus No. 18 from the Dan company directly to the city center. The bus fare is about 1.5 EUR.
On my own behalf, I would add that travel options by bus and train are suitable only for avid tourists who want to plunge into the whirlpool of local life immediately upon arrival. Elderly people and families with children will find it easier to travel by taxi.
In addition, do not forget that if you arrive on Saturday (Shabbat time for Jews), then for 26 hours from Friday evening to Saturday evening, the only transport available for you will be a taxi.
By car
The easiest way. The taxi operates without breaks and weekends. A trip from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv will cost you approximately 30–35 EUR (130–150 ILS). Alas, the prices of most official taxis in the city are fixed, so bargaining in this case is pointless.
It’s worth noting that this is a fairly high price for a 25-minute trip (if there are no traffic jams, of course). However, get used to the fact that prices in Israel are much higher than we are used to in Russia.
By ferry
If you want a completely extreme sensation, you can try to get to Israel by water. I am writing to try because it is not so easy and even surprisingly difficult. Currently only cruise ships are available.
We can say that each street of the city is already a separate area: with an original culture, a specific audience and its own customs.
Therefore, be sure to get ready to walk around it all, this bizarre kaleidoscope of streets, houses, skyscrapers, restaurants and verandas. And also keep in mind that this young dandy city will not reveal all its secrets to you right away.
I will name those areas that make up the portrait of Tel Aviv, without which today it is impossible to imagine this modern dynamic city. I advise tourists coming to Tel Aviv to stay in one of these areas.
Jaffa
In first place for me is definitely the ancient old man of Jaffa.
Despite the fact that geographically this is only the southernmost suburb of the huge Tel Aviv, in fact this is its heart, which has been beating for centuries. Legends attribute a great historical past to this city: here Noah built his ark, here was the rock to which Andromeda was chained, the prophet Jonah began his great journey from here. Even if these are all just historical stories, for me Jaffa is an incredibly charged place with time and energy.
Tourists often stop in this suburb of Tel Aviv. Although the rich cultural life makes rent here not the cheapest: a small studio apartment will cost from 100 EUR per day, for a hotel you will have to pay even more, from 150 EUR for a double room.
But living in Jaffa is a pleasure! There are galleries, theaters and museums all around. Somewhere here, in its crooked stone streets, you will find that same orange tree in a hanging pot, symbolizing the rootless people of Israel.
And if you want the capital's entertainment, city buses regularly run between Tel Aviv and Jaffa.
White City (Rotschild, Allenbi)
Despite the funny racist name, this is a completely respectable place, chosen by the city's rich and wealthy tourists. In fact, this is the very center of Tel Aviv, stretching between Allenby Street and Rothschild Boulevard.
Here are the highest rental prices. On the local Arbat, they often rent not even apartments, but fashionable mansions and penthouses with sea views from 300 EUR per day and more. For that kind of money you get the opportunity to live in the very heart of the city, take a leisurely walk to the sea (5 minutes on foot), and visit the famous Dizengoff Mall and the Carmel market within walking distance.
Here you can join the powers that be by walking not far from the Tel Aviv TASE brokerage exchange, on Ehad Aam Street.
The main architectural feature of this area is the unique building in the Bauhaus style, the color of which gave its name to the quarter that grew up in Tel Aviv in the 30s of the last century. How to find it? If, while walking around the city, you see two- or three-story terrible standard concrete buildings with boilers on the roofs, you should know that this is a UNESCO cultural heritage site, a trace of German rationalism and a tribute to functionality.
Personally, I remember the words of one local resident with whom we talked about the architecture of the city. Hearing my surprised question about the architectural value of the Bauhaus, he shrugged his shoulders with regret and said: “What a masterpiece this is... This is real boiler-plate architecture!”
Neve-Tsedek
This area is beautiful just by its name - “Oasis of Justice”, as the melodic combination “Neve Tzedek” is translated into Russian.
From a bird's eye view, Neve Tzedek resembles the tiled roofs of cities in medieval Europe.
Geographically, it is also the southern, and therefore more prestigious, part of the city. Tourists staying here appreciate the peace: the roar of nightclubs remains far from the Oasis of Justice.
For an apartment in this quiet area you will have to pay from 150 EUR per day. A fashionable and very quiet area in the southern part of modern Tel Aviv also claims to be the most romantic: walks among grapefruit groves past neat white facades, somewhat reminiscent of Italian villas.
In addition, Neve Tzedek is considered the center of spiritual and cultural life; there are many dance schools and painting clubs (for example, everyone knows the Suzanne Dalal cultural center, the home of the famous Bat Sheva dance ensemble, the Nahum Guttman Museum, the Tahana entertainment center). For variety, they are interspersed with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores and atmospheric cafes.
Florentin
Next door to Neve Tzedek is another bohemian district, named after the central street Florentin.
Residents of the city consider it a neighborhood for street graffiti art.
I would say that Florentin most of all has a New York touch: it is mainly inhabited by students, which is why there are the most inexpensive cafes and bars in Tel Aviv, the walls are painted with bright graffiti, and young dandies in multi-colored pants walk along the streets.
Ramat Aviv
Ramat Aviv is the second most prestigious and respectable district of Tel Aviv after Rothschild Boulevard, located in the north of the city.
Real estate here is expensive, so renting a hotel room or apartment will not be cheap: from 200 EUR per day.
But within walking distance from you will be the Ramat Gan shopping center, as well as the beautiful A-Yarkon park. On the territory of Ramat Gan there is the country's famous Tel Aviv University, the Ramat Aviv shopping center and the Israel Museum. The archaeological site of the ancient settlement of Tel Qasile is also located here.
Tel Aviv's new port
Where is the most party area of the city, you ask? In the north of the city, in the port. Or rather, in the former port, which, by decision of the mayor's office, was restored into a very pleasant area of entertainment, restaurants and shops.
There are few residential buildings here, mostly hotels located on the first line of the sea. Prices for double rooms start from 150 EUR per night.
In this area there are: the largest club in Tel Aviv - TLV, "Shalvata" - a calm and quiet bar on the seashore, "Mol-a-Yam" - one of the best and most expensive fish restaurants in Tel Aviv (average bill 500 ILS per person), as well as many other bars, restaurants and clubs. And also - an excellent embankment with wooden decking!
In the New Port of Tel Aviv, everyone will find a place to their liking, especially in summer.
Rest
The rest of Tel Aviv, which remains outside the tourist overview, is ordinary residential areas. Housing prices here are significantly lower: there are decent apartments from 50 EUR per day. However, I do not recommend staying in these areas, as some are unsafe and criminal (such as the Central Bus Station area).
Even if the area is safe, taking a bus to the sea and other attractions will spoil your entire impression of the city.
To summarize
Where it is better to live depends on your preferences and expectations from your vacation. I advise those who come to Tel Aviv for the first time to choose a holiday destination in the area of the old city of Jaffa: tourists usually like it, in this case there will always be a place for walking nearby. And the prices here range from reasonable to high. If you are a married couple looking for peace and comfort, romantic Neve Tzedek is for you. For students and young people who are used to partying, the democratic Florentin and the New Port area are suitable.
You can compare prices for rooms in hotels in the area you are interested in, and book your favorite option on. If you prefer apartments, you can see what they offer.
What are the prices for holidays?
The first thing to remember if you are planning to go to is that this country is not cheap. Forget about the usual Turkey and Egypt. It is believed that this is a holiday of a different order: a class higher.
The population of this small desert country has salaries that are significantly higher than those in Moscow. But don’t rush to envy: prices for everything are also proportionally higher.
First, you should decide whether to go on your own or take a ready-made tour? Both options have advantages. For example, if you are traveling for a week or two, it is better to take a ready-made tour that includes air travel, accommodation in a 3- or 4-star hotel and meals 1-3 times a day (depending on the hotel).
Air connections with Israel are well established, so the price of flights does not fluctuate much: 150–230 EUR (11,000–16,000 rubles) for a round-trip ticket. You can get a discount by traveling in winter, out of season. Comparing the price of ready-made tours to Tel Aviv, I can say that the price in the season (from July to September) will be about 1,100 EUR; in November - April you can go here at an attractive price (from 800 EUR). You can search for profitable options among offers from different agencies.
With almost full board, tourists need to provide money for travel (from 1.5 to 3 EUR for a trip on a city bus) and walks around the city, tickets to museums (from 5 EUR), snacks in restaurants (from 10 EUR) and souvenirs (from 3 EUR ).
If the classic tourist option is not interesting to you, you can organize your own trip. First, book a ticket on one of the aggregator sites (for example,). Keep in mind that in November - April, when there are significantly fewer tourists in Israel, round-trip tickets can be purchased at a good discount, up to 150 EUR. Secondly, use similar services to find accommodation to suit your taste and budget. For example, a small studio in the suburbs of Tel Aviv can be rented from 50 EUR per day). And voila, your vacation begins!
You are guaranteed to search for routes on your own, get to know the local population and spend many hours hiking. I recommend this option to those who are traveling for a long period of time (for example, a month) and have enough time to get their bearings, find shops with reasonable prices, settle in and, as they say, completely immerse themselves in the flavor of the city.
In the latter case, costs depend on the travel budget. But you will certainly try all the local cuisine: some in an expensive restaurant, some in a street cafe, and some at home, cooked on the stove.
Main attractions. What to see
To this most common tourist question, Tel Aviv, proudly raising its head, declares: “Anything you want!” Indeed, there are many attractions here to suit every taste.
Churches, monasteries, a real open-air market, a huge embankment - there is everything here to walk, look and be amazed!
By the way, do you know who gritters are? It is a popular tourism destination based on the ideas of brotherhood and international friendship. Local residents give tours and show an atypical city: the way they see and know it. Interesting? Visit telavivgreeter.com, choose the theme of the tour, date and suitable company (tours are conducted in a group of 4 people or more) - an exclusive and incredibly interesting excursion is already waiting for you! The only caveat: excursions are conducted in English.
- two-hour sightseeing tours are conducted every morning and afternoon by Sandemans.
It's all really free! However, tips to the guide who did his best for the group are highly appreciated.
Top 5
Old City of Jaffa (Old Yaffa)
Topping my hit parade of attractions is Old Jaffa, a port adjacent to Tel Aviv. Beautiful, stone, quiet.
I am sure that many who have visited this wonderful town with a rich history will agree with me. Every time I remember Tel Aviv, I see stone streets with worn-out steps in the rays of the setting sun, and boats rocking on the waves.
The area of the city is small, so getting around it on foot is not only possible, but even necessary! You definitely need to do this to taste the charm of the ancient city and touch the history.
Keep in mind: it’s easy to get lost in the city. The streets tend to confuse an inexperienced tourist and lead him somewhere in the wrong direction. Walking through the Old City evokes philosophical thoughts: it makes everyone feel like a grain of sand and realize that everything is temporary, but Jaffa is eternal.
In fact, this tiny town not only has Orthodox and Catholic churches, but also its own flea market, and even two Israeli theaters!
Sea
We should not forget that for all its cultural richness, Tel Aviv (unlike, for example, Jerusalem) is a resort city.
The sea plays an important role here. In Tel Aviv, it would be wonderful on its own, but Israelis are extremely fond of taking care of their home, yard, and city, so the Tel Aviv beach areas are extremely clean and tidy.
You walk along the beach... On one side there are Mediterranean waves, people playing volleyball - a completely relaxed atmosphere. You turn your head in the other direction - skyscrapers soaring upward and standing as if at the very edge of the waves.
Indescribable feelings! I will write more about the beaches of Tel Aviv in the corresponding section below. Here I would like to note that enjoying the sea while relaxing in Tel Aviv in the warm season is a must. Without this, you will not experience the full flavor of the city.
Azrieli Center
Bearing the name of entrepreneur David Azrieli, a huge complex of three skyscraper towers of round, triangular and square shapes. One of them houses the Azrieli Canyon shopping center, which houses about 200 stores. These towers are a striking calling card of the city.
The top of the Round Tower is crowned with a closed viewing platform, from which you can see the entire city. The shopping center is quite acceptable by the capital's standards: shops with clothes from world designers, cafes, restaurants, a fitness club, a cinema.
The Azrieli Towers are somewhat reminiscent of the Moscow City skyscrapers: huge, sparkling, with luxurious work offices and the breathtaking spirit of a metropolis.
Personally, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that such towers can coexist with old Bauhaus houses and beaches - these are such different architectural paradigms! But, in general, this once again proves to us that Tel Aviv breaks all stereotypes about what a city should be. Different!
Dizengoff Street
The most important street in Tel Aviv. And the longest. And in guidebooks it is sometimes called a wedding. Why? Because of the abundance of wedding fashion stores, in the windows of which beautiful (and not so beautiful) dresses for brides are displayed. You can navigate the city along Dizengoff Street: it goes from the coast to the center.
The street was named after the first mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff. For a long time this street was considered the most expensive to live in. Nowadays it is also a must-visit place where you can take a walk, sit in a cafe, relax and check out the local shops. You can also see the same Bauhaus architectural style on Dizengoff.
If, after walking along this street, your friends ask you what you did all day, you can answer: “Ani mizdangef!” (“ani” - “I”, “mizdangef” - “wander around Dizengoff”). It’s a pity that there is nothing like that about Arbat in Russian.
I advise you to choose Friday for your walk and walk along Dizengoff from the embankment, that is, from the end. So, having walked the entire street, in the finale you will come to Zina Dizengoff Square (the wife of that mayor) and the singing fountain “Water and Fire”.
If you get tired and hungry, you can have a snack at the Dizengoff Mall, which is located right on the square. Just on Friday, this mall organizes a homemade food market, where chefs from all over the country sell a variety of delicacies, including very exotic ones.
Diamond Exchange
"Diamonds are a girl's best friend." I propose to check whether this is true or not, and visit the most respectable attraction in Tel Aviv.
In the fashionable district of Ramat Gan, four buildings house the offices of diamond manufacturers, diamond processing plants, jewelry stores, retail and exhibition halls, the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum, banks, post offices, a customs control point, a medical center, places of worship and restaurants. It's really all under one roof. And the reason is that it is a world leader in the development of diamond processing and polishing technologies.
Sighing when you see incredibly beautiful and incredibly expensive stones is a great alternative to a beach holiday!
By the way, hospitable Israelis conduct free excursions here too. You can sign up.
Beaches. Which ones are better
The entire coast of Tel Aviv from north to south consists of alternating beaches. Most of them are named after the streets opposite which they are located.
Entrance to all beaches is free. The guidebooks write that each beach is loved by a certain class of people. To be honest, I didn’t notice this: all city beaches are equally comfortable and equipped with everything necessary for relaxation.
Hilton
It is named, as you might guess, in honor of the hotel of the famous chain, located nearby.
You should navigate along the famous Zhabotinsky Street, which begins in this part of the city coast.
Here, in addition to local residents, you can often see surfers and kayakers who have chosen the beach due to the frequent tides. You can get to the Hilton by city buses No. 1, 10, 104, 161, 174, 204.
"Nordau" (Separated Nordau Beach)
This beach is interesting because it is the only separate beach in the city. How do you think Orthodox Jews take sea baths? That's right, separately! On certain days only men can visit Nordau, and on others only women.
You can find the beach along the Nordau Boulevard of the same name, which originates in this part of the city.
You can get to this unusual beach by city buses No. 4, 5, 9, 72, 104, 129, 172, 204.
"Gordon"
A large clean beach, named after Gordon Street, is located near the pier and mall. A special feature of the beach is a seawater swimming pool, designed in the style of a wooden deck. It’s like you’re sailing on a yacht overlooking the sea :).
This is probably why the beach has been chosen by delighted tourists, urban youth, and elderly Israelis who play sports, which is especially pleasant.
You can get to this unusual beach by city buses No. 4, 10, 104, 161, 204.
"Frishman"
The beach is named after the street that originates from here.
One might say, the most central beach of the city, as evidenced by the Dan Hotel and the Embassy located opposite.
It is very popular among tourists and can be reached on foot, since Frishman is located in the city center. For those who find it more convenient to travel by bus, routes No. 4, 10, 104, 161, 204 are suitable.
"Trumpeldor"
On my first visit, I liked Trumpeldor Beach the most, including its medieval name.
Then I found out that it was named after the Zionist movement activist Joseph Trumpeldor.
But he didn’t stop being loved. I also liked it because there were practically no tourists there, only local residents. City buses No. 4, 104, 161 go to Trumpeldor.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
I would like to remind you that Israel is a multinational state, a haven for different peoples in certain periods of its history. As a result of this historical mixture, today a wide variety of diasporas live in Israel, and each of them builds its own churches, mosques, temples, and monasteries.
It is unlikely that you will have time to visit all the religious monuments, and there is no need for that. The main thing that is worth it, in my opinion, is to experience the intersection of different eras and religions in one place, that is, in Tel Aviv. Most of the churches, due to historical factors, are concentrated in Jaffa.
So, I propose to take a walk through the Old City and see with your own eyes three different temples of three different religions.
Cathedral of the Apostle Peter and the courtyard in the name of Saint Tabitha
Once you are in the area of house 157 on Herzel Street, you will certainly see the small domes of the Orthodox Cathedral. This place in Old Jaffa is associated with the events of the New Testament.
In the southern district of Tel Aviv, a plot of land acquired in the 19th century by the Russian Orthodox Church has been preserved. Soon a luxurious garden was laid out here, and a house was built for pilgrims who arrived to the Holy Land through the port of Jaffa.
The foundation of the temple on this site was laid in 1888 in the presence of the Romanov princes Sergei and Pavel Alexandrovich, Princess Elizabeth Feodorovna. Righteous Tabitha, who was resurrected by the Apostle Peter, was buried here.
Today the monastery belongs to the Russian Spiritual Mission in Israel. In general, the monastery is very similar to our Orthodox ones. It operates a children's Sunday school and conducts religious services.
St. Peter's Church
If, while walking through Old Jaffa, you saw a slender pink bell tower in the Baroque style, you should know that you are in a place with extremely strong energy. According to legend, it was here that miraculous events associated with the name of the same Apostle Peter about whom I wrote above took place.
Geographically, the cathedral is located on the main square of Kikar Kdumim. Tradition says that the apostle, at the request of Christians, came to the deceased virtuous Christian Tabitha, who did a lot of alms. “The Acts of the Holy Apostles” tells about what follows:
Peter sent everyone out and, kneeling down, prayed, and turning to the body, said: “Tabitha! stand up." And she opened her eyes and, seeing, sat down (Acts 9:40).
If you look inside the cathedral, you will temporarily forget that you are in the Middle East: the high vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and marble-clad walls of the building are reminiscent of chic European cathedrals.
The stained glass windows were made in Munich and depict the main episodes of the saint's life. The altar painting illustrates the episode with the vision in the house of Simon the Tanner. It is worth paying attention to the carved pulpit in the shape of a tree.
Interestingly, today the church is supervised by the Franciscan Order, which in 1342 Pope Clement VI declared guardians of the holy places. On the western facade of the church you can see the coat of arms of the order: there are two hands in an oval, one belongs to Jesus Christ, the other to the holy non-covetous Francis of Assisi, the founder of the order.
Mahmud Mosque
For Muslim monuments we will go to the Mahmud Mosque. It is located in the central square next to the Sultan Abdul Hamid Clock Tower and the flea market.
There are clocks mounted on each side of the tower, some of which show European time, and others show local time.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
Israelis are very sensitive to their history, carefully preserving it and telling their descendants about important events of their native land. Therefore, in Tel Aviv there are many museums dedicated to the history of the Jewish people. I recommend visiting some of them.
Eretz Israel Museum
The largest scientific, historical and archaeological center in Tel Aviv, consisting of eight pavilions located in a large picturesque park.
The museum's collection contains materials devoted to the history of various
cultures of the region. There is a rich library of chronicles,
scrolls and books. The museum also has a planetarium.
The entrance ticket costs 13 EUR (52 ILS). The museum is open on all days except Saturday, from 10:00 to 20:00.
Stern Gallery
If you are a fan of painting, fine examples of Jewish fine art can be found in the gallery founded by Meir Stern. It is still headed by members of the founder's family. The gallery is located on Gordon Street.
In addition to classical works, the gallery exhibits paintings by contemporary Israeli artists, and also has a restoration studio, recognized as the best in Israel. The place is apparently bohemian. Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday - 11:00–19:00, Friday - 10:00–14:00, Saturday, of course, closed. The entrance ticket will cost you 15 EUR (60 ILS).
Museum of the Bible
It’s a rather specific museum, but I still recommend visiting it, since the area where it is located is extremely picturesque: in the house of that same Meir Dizengoff on the prestigious Rothschild Boulevard.
Walking through the museum’s exhibition, you will become acquainted with the sections “The Bible in Art” (paintings, sculptures and ceramics) and “The Bible in Print” (commentaries on the Bible and Apocrypha, books on biblical criticism, geography and archeology of holy places, photocopies of the Dead Sea Scrolls, documents containing biblical legends and more).
In addition, the museum has editions of the Bible in various languages, postage stamps with biblical scenes, etc. It hosts exhibitions “Israeli artists draw the Bible” and “Israeli children draw the Bible.” The museum has a library and thematic lectures. The Museum of the Bible is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
Parks
Despite the fact that Tel Aviv is located on desert soil, there are several excellent parks within the city, walking through which you will never think that you are in the dry subtropics.
So, if you want greenery, shade and silence, I advise you to definitely see three Tel Aviv pearls...
"Yarkon"
The topmost circle on the map. It is also called the green island of Tel Aviv. I was surprised when I found out that Tel Aviv has a full-fledged river (this is in the desert!) Yarkon, and the park is named after it.
But in general, the park has a specific historical dedication: it was created in memory of the victims of the Israeli wars. Therefore, on its territory you will see steles with the names of all those who died. But the park does not create a pressing and depressing impression. On the contrary, a huge space filled with peace, quiet and tranquility.
Tourists rarely come here. And in vain. Where else can you see a real eucalyptus forest and jackals running onto the path?
At Yarkon, everyone will find something to their liking. Relaxing with your favorite book on a clean lawn? Family picnic? A walk on the lake on a boat or boat? Appetizing meat aromas of a lit barbecue? Fans of active recreation can rent bicycles, climb the alpine wall, and jump on the trampoline. For the youngest tourists, the park has a children's playground, a real bird zoo and a theater with exciting performances.
Ariel Sharon Park
This is one of the youngest parks in Tel Aviv, named after the Prime Minister of Israel. His merit was that he refused to create an elite construction zone here, giving the place to a city park. I must say, the area of the park is impressive: it is three times larger than Yarkon. On the map it is in the right corner.
I will say more, the park was built on the site of a former landfill. And they were able to turn this into an advantage: the gases emitted by old garbage are transported through pipes outside the park and used as a source of electricity. The easiest way to get to this green corner is by taxi along Route 461.
As always, the Israelis tried to turn a seemingly unpresentable piece of land into such a beautiful city park with ponds, oak alleys, picnic areas and a beautiful observation deck overlooking Tel Aviv!
There is a visitor center on site, where for 2 EUR (10 ILS) you can watch a film telling about the stages of creation of this park and its architectural secrets. It’s nice that residents and tourists now have another place where they can sit in the shade near the lake, drink coffee and eat ice cream.
Midron Yaffo
The last park I want to talk about here is Midron Jaffa. From the name it is clear that it is located next to the Old Town. It will be especially convenient for those staying in the southern Tel Aviv suburb of Bat Yam to visit it.
In fact, the park connects Bat Yam and Old Jaffa. Local residents told me that this used to be an abandoned, unscenic area by the sea. However, the Israelis, as I already said, care very much about their land, they decided to turn this area into a park where it is pleasant to stroll.
Huge green hills, at the foot of which the sea splashes, almost deserted roads, cozy gazebos and a lot of sun! What else do you need to feel happy? Local residents appear here only on Shabbat; on other days there are few people here.
In the evenings I liked to sit on a high hill and watch the sunset, leafing through the book of Omar Khayyam. The spirit of his poems is very suitable for these places! Be sure to check out this park while walking through Old Jaffa!
Tourist streets
Tel Aviv is wide avenues, small streets, green boulevards. Each street has its own face, its own appearance. Its portrait is made up of history and its inhabitants. There are typical shopping streets, such as the colorful Nachalat Benyamin; the central arteries of the city, like the respectable Dizengoff; pedestrian, as it were, “decorative” streets, for example, fashionable Rothschild. Walk through them to see a different Tel Aviv.
Embankment (Taelet, Taelet)
For me, Tel Aviv is a seaside city, so first of all I will introduce you to the promenade that runs along the sea. In Hebrew this street is called "Taelet".
The map shows that the promenade connects Old Jaffa with the port of Tel Aviv. The length of the embankment is decent: over 10 kilometers.
Many tourists consider it the most beautiful in the world. It is really good in every sense: picturesque view, perfectly landscaped.
From early morning, the spirit of beautiful Hellas hovers here: young Israelis and elderly citizens, like beautiful gods, do yoga, run, and do pull-ups on horizontal bars. For bicycle lovers, there is a wonderful bike path leading across the entire embankment.
Some people get free Internet here. People who are far from sports simply walk their dogs, communicate with each other and enjoy life on the Taelet embankment.
During the day, when the sun gets hotter, you can find salvation under the awning. City authorities monitor cleanliness: the beaches and promenade are cleaned. On the embankment there are many fountains with drinking water and devices for filling water into bottles.
On Shabbat, the promenade turns into a mass gathering area for families: people with children come here to walk, swim, play volleyball and barbecue.
Tel Aviv's waterfront is truly the best place to explore the city. People here smile, wish each other a good day, they are always open to communication.
Boulevard Rothschild
Rothschild Boulevard, which is considered the most fashionable place in the city, has a different appearance. In spirit, it seems to me, it resembles the Moscow Arbat: the street is pedestrian, in addition to residential buildings (this is where, according to residents, the highest real estate prices), there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops.
The name, as always, refers us to a person revered in Israel. Baron Rothschild is just the nickname of entrepreneur Edmond James, who was a famous philanthropist and sympathizer of Jews who moved to Israel. Therefore, he donated huge amounts of money to support the Israeli people. This is how the boulevard was built:
Each house on Rothschild Boulevard has its own history: either a famous Zionist figure lived there (houses no. 74–76 - the Moses family), or there was a government office that played an important role in history (for example, house no. 40 was the home of Community Committee).
On the Internet, looking through reviews of tourists about a walk around the city, I found a thematic joke:
The madman reads the telephone directory and says: “A very interesting book, but there are a lot of characters.”
This is approximately the situation with Rothschild Boulevard: do not set yourself the goal of remembering everyone who lived, worked, and was here. Just focus on the fact that you are in the heart of the city, where many different events were happening. Watch the residents and enjoy the walk.
When you pass the entire boulevard, you will come out to Habima Square, where the theater building and a sculptural composition of three circles, which bears the abstract name “Ascension,” are located.
Just like on Arbat, there are many street musicians playing on this boulevard, including virtuosos. Overall, this is a crowded, popular place in the city. Even at late hours there are a lot of people walking here.
The boulevard is within walking distance from the Haganah train station. You can also get there by buses No. 4 or No. 5 (the driver will certainly drop you off at the beginning of the boulevard).
Dizengoff Street
I wrote about this street in detail above in the “Top 6” section. I can also add that, unlike Rothschild Boulevard, Dizengoff is a very democratic and spacious street. It is more difficult to complete it from start to finish as it is longer. But it will also create an impression of the city: a sea of shops, benches, cafes where you can look. All this is interspersed with tall plane trees, elms and cozy shady courtyards. Be sure to take a walk here!
Nahalat Benjamin
The Russian ear hears the word “robe” in the name of this famous tourist street. And for good reason. Nachalat-Benyamin really reminds me of a colorful Arab robe.
Geographically, this cobbled street in the heart of the city connects the informal hipster quarter of Florentin with the fashionable Rothschild Boulevard. On weekdays, the street is quite ordinary: houses, a road, cars, people rushing back and forth. At the very beginning there is a pedestrian part: a pavement, old beautiful three-story mansions, cozy cafes interspersed with shops that sell all sorts of things for home comfort. Overall, an absolutely comfortable living area.
But on Tuesday and Friday, the street is enveloped in the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar: hundreds of tailors, designers and fashion designers come here to sell or buy the most exquisite fabric that you simply cannot find in other places. Here you can immediately order individual tailoring from the purchased fabric.
The street resembles a colorful fair with souvenirs, jewelry, carpets and clothes displayed on stalls. Most sellers are craftsmen who prepare these trinkets themselves.
If desired, here you can buy crafts made of wood, ceramics, glass, various jewelry, lace, which you can bring as a gift to your loved ones.
What to see in 1 day
Let's imagine that by the will of fate you were brought to Tel Aviv. But, alas, you only have a day to see this beautiful city. Let's not despair! There is a day walking route that allows you to see all the main city attractions.
We start our route on Dizengoff Street. Moving along it, we can alternate walks with shopping.
After relaxing in the square with a fountain and drinking a delicious fresh orange juice, we head along King George Street to the Carmel market (read more about it in). You can have a tasty snack here. I suggest taking pita bread with hummus and spices. At the same time, it’s worth buying aromatic seasonings for home: you simply won’t find many in Russia.
It's midday, which means it's time... for a swim! After all, we are in a seaside town! We go out to the embankment to Trumpeldor Beach, look for a suitable place and plunge into the cool Mediterranean waves.
While sunbathing in the sun, we admire the Migdal Opera Hotel, located nearby. They say that there used to be an opera house on this site.
For lunch we go to a restaurant with the funny name “Baba Yaga”. In fact, this is a very presentable restaurant where the waiters speak Russian! Those who miss Russian cuisine will be offered traditional borscht and dumplings. But lovers of the exotic will be treated to exquisite dishes of Middle Eastern cuisine. The average bill here is not cheap: 100 EUR (410 ILS).
We end our day's run through Tel Aviv in old Jaffa, where we find ourselves under the famous Migdal clock tower.
I am sure that the fortress walls of old Jaffa look best at sunset, in the golden rays of the sun setting over the sea.
Let's walk through the quarter of the Zodiac Signs, find each of our signs and touch them to make our deepest wish.
Let's admire the turrets of the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel. From somewhere comes the drawn-out voice of a muezzin - it is time for evening prayer among the Arabs.
There is also a port gallery where you can choose gifts and souvenirs to take home. I recommend paying attention to fine art and sculptures - these are unique piece goods.
We end the evening in a pleasant cultural atmosphere: we go to a performance at the Gesher Theater.
I hope that even with a cursory examination you will be convinced that Tel Aviv is a wonderful city in all respects!
What to see in the area
Israel is a small country, not larger in area than Moscow and the region. So, if you wish, you can get to any city in no more than 2–3 hours.
I suggest three main routes:
- Herzliya,
- Caesarea,
Herzliya
On the road to Netanya, at a distance of about 12 kilometers from Tel Aviv, is Herzliya - the most expensive Israeli resort like the Russian Rublyovka.
The village for millionaires has a yacht port and even an airfield for private planes.
The easiest way to get to the city is by bus number 90 (takes 30 minutes) or your own car. On Shabbat, regular minibuses (sherut) will save you.
Here you can see a beautiful park with the double name “Yarkon and Tel Afek”. By paying 7 EUR (27 ILS) or 3.5 EUR (14 ILS) for a child ticket, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a large park (about 1.5 hectares) on the Yarkon River (the same one that flows in Tel Aviv), a clean lake and beautiful mills . History buffs will find much of interest in the Tel Afek section, where the ruins of the old city, mentioned in the Old Testament, are located. For lovers of extravagant exhibitions, a museum of illegal repatriation to Syria at the beginning of the 20th century has been opened in Herzliya.
Caesarea
Another city you definitely need to visit is Caesarea.
Historically, this was the residence of the viceroy of the Roman emperor. Do you remember M. A. Bulgakov’s novel “The Master and Margarita”? The palace of the procurator Pontius Pilate was located here.
They say that a slab with the name of the procurator of Judea was found here, which proves that this character actually existed.
Little remains of the city's former greatness: a national park-reserve where excavations are underway, a Roman amphitheater, a hippodrome, the ruins of the Palace on the Reef, a square with giant statues, and the ruins of Byzantine baths. Diving enthusiasts can go down to the sea to see the underwater archaeological park (from 50 EUR).
Please note that next to Caesarea is the local wine center Zikhron Yaakov, where you can sample exquisite drinks from the wine cellars (tasting from 10 EUR).
Caesarea is a calm, quiet place for lovers of a luxurious holiday.
Haifa
If you have a free day, I advise you to definitely go to Haifa, a picturesque city in the north of Israel, located in the mountains.
The trip there will take only an hour and a half, a ticket from Tel Aviv Central Station will cost only 5.5 EUR (24.5 ILS).
The city is closely connected with the name of Elijah the Prophet, revered in Orthodoxy: in the city there is a church named after him, and a cave on the top of Mount Carmel, where, according to legend, Elijah lived.
Another attraction is the Bahai Gardens - the eighth wonder of the world. You can read more about this place in. I would like to add that the view of the Bahai Gardens in the evening is incomparable. This is worth climbing to any height for!
By the way
To rent a car you will need a passport and international license. If you are over 18, you are legally allowed to drive a car.
The parking situation in the city is tense: the population density is quite high, so there are a lot of cars. To relieve congestion on city streets, the authorities have created underground paid parking (from 3 EUR per hour). Street parking is intended mainly for disabled people, as indicated by a special sign.
Basic traffic rules in Israel:
Tel Aviv - holidays with children
Coming to Tel Aviv with children, you can rest assured: there are a lot of places where you can go with them.
Sea
The main benefit for the little ones is Mediterranean water.
All beaches in Tel Aviv are comfortable, sandy, with a gentle slope into the sea, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable holiday with children.
Luna-Park
Luna Park on Rokach Boulevard is the most famous amusement park in Israel. The attractions stand here in the picturesque shade of eucalyptus trees and date palms.
For 24 EUR (98 ILS), children can try themselves in different roles: fly into space, visit a real driving school, learn the rules of the road and try themselves as a driver! Older children can test their strength on the Tower of Strength, which involves lifting yourself up while sitting on a loveseat. For little ones there are countless carousels, go-karts and bumping cars.
You can get to Luna Park by buses No. 21 and No. 28 from the Tel Aviv central bus station.
Water park "Meimadion"
The largest water park in the country, adjacent to Yarkon Park.
There are many slides, pools of different shapes and sizes, and water attractions. On land you can play football, volleyball, basketball, and even golf (the grounds are specially equipped for this. There are also slot machines in the park. Animators entertain visitors in every possible way.
The conditions are quite democratic: you can bring your own food and even have picnics in nature.
Yarkon park
I wrote about it above in the “Parks” section. Buses No. 21 and No. 28 will take you to Yarkon from the central bus station.
The park has many areas for various activities: sports grounds, a free mini-zoo, a jogging track, about 8 kilometers of paths for bicycles and roller skates, a boat station where you can rent a boat for a walk on the lake.
Playground at the Dizengof Mall
Above the south bridge of the Dizengoff Center, near the Lametael store, there is a playroom
a site open free to everyone.
The playground is suitable for children under 4 years old. While parents are shopping, children can have fun.
Conclusion
Tel Aviv always makes a strong impression on tourists. Everyone finds in it what they are looking for from a trip: serious cultural enrichment, romantic walks through the old quarters, the Mediterranean Sea caressing the ears and eyes, the aromas of spices and delicious Middle Eastern dishes. Personally, coming to Tel Aviv inspires me to change and achieve achievements. With his appearance, he seems to tell us that where there seems to be no hope, life is born, the power of reason and the triumph of love are strengthened.
Yes, you need to decide to travel to Tel Aviv, overcoming all fears and stereotypes. But believe me, the city will repay you a hundredfold for all your fears and doubts. I am still sure that there are no more hospitable and welcoming people than the Israelis. I hope you too will be able to discover your Tel Aviv soon, and subsequently it will become your fondest memory.
, .If you ask the average netizen which city is the capital of Israel, this question will confuse many.
Someone will say “Jerusalem”, and someone will say Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv
Turning to official sources is even more confusing. Russian news may include one or another city, depending on the editorial policy, but in state media they always name Tel Aviv. What's the right way?
There is currently no foreign embassy in Jerusalem. Most of them are concentrated in Tel Aviv or the surrounding area, with the rare exception of Paraguay and Bolivia, which have their diplomatic missions in Mevaseret Zion, a nearby suburb of Jerusalem.
The embassies of the Russian Federation, France, Great Britain and the USA are located a stone's throw from the Tel Aviv beach. There is only a US consulate general in Jerusalem, but not a Russian one. So, Tel Aviv?
Jerusalem
Not at all. Israel calls the city of Jerusalem its capital. The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, the Supreme Court, all ministries and the presidential residence are located in Jerusalem. Here on Sundays the working week opens with a government meeting. Foreign diplomats often travel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for receptions. After all, this is where the Prime Minister of Israel works.
On July 30, 1980, the Knesset passed the Law of Jerusalem, the Capital of Israel, which states: “Jerusalem, one and indivisible, is the capital of Israel.” This law received the status of a fundamental law, equivalent to a constitutional one, that is, it is more difficult to repeal it than an ordinary law.
Where does this duality come from?
Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East and the world. The first settlement here arose in the 4th millennium BC.
This city became Jewish in the 11th century BC. Both Temples were located here, without which the full implementation of Judaism is impossible, because a considerable part of the 613 commandments obligatory for Jews to follow are associated with this place. That's why this city is called sacred.
In 70 AD. The Second Temple was destroyed, and in 135 AD, with the suppression of the Bar Kokhba revolt by the Romans, most of the Jewish people found themselves outside their homeland.
Jews began to return en masse “to Zion” in the 19th century. Jerusalem then belonged to the Turks, and then was controlled by the British Mandate of Palestine. The UN plan of 1947 meant that the territory of Palestine would be divided between Jews and Arabs, and Jerusalem and its surroundings, including Beit Lehem, would be included in a special territory under international control. The Jews, after some hesitation, accepted the plan, but the Arabs rejected it.
In May 1948, Israel declared independence and war began. When the fighting ended and the smoke cleared from the battlefields, it turned out that the western half of Jerusalem was under Israeli control, and the eastern half, including the Old City, was in the hands of the Transjordanian Arabs. The latter hastened to blow up the synagogues located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and expel its population.
In 1950, Transjordan unilaterally annexed the territory of East Jerusalem. The legality of this step was recognized only by three countries - Great Britain, Pakistan and the USSR.
Tel Aviv
Israel's Declaration of Independence was read out on the porch of the house of the first mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff. Here the Council of the People met, headed by David Ben-Gurion, which decided that Tel Aviv would become the temporary capital of the Jewish state until it became possible to move to Jerusalem.
The very first meeting of the Knesset, which was initially called the Constituent Assembly, was held in the Jewish Agency building (Sokhnut) in Jerusalem. But due to the fighting, the Israeli parliament was forced to move to Tel Aviv for nine months. The parliamentarians first met in the house of the hospitable mayor, then huddled in the building of the Kesem cinema and the nearby San Remo Hotel, on the site of which the Migdal HaOpera office and residential complex was built in 1993.
Jerusalem
On December 5, 1949, the Israeli government declared Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. Three weeks later, on December 26, 1949, the Knesset solemnly “changed its registration” to Jerusalem. Of course, we were talking only about the western part of the city. Thanks to the efforts of Israeli diplomats, 24 states moved their embassies here. True, the United States and leading European powers were not among them.
As a result of the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel gained control of both parts of Jerusalem and extended sovereignty to the entire territory of the city. At first, local residents refused Israeli citizenship, hoping for the return of Jordan, but eventually accepted it.
At the end of the 1970s, political pressure on Israel sharply increased, in which the bloc of non-aligned countries took an active part, where Arab and Islamic states set the tone. At the Sixth Conference of the Leaders of Non-Aligned Countries, a protocol was adopted stating that “the city of Jerusalem is an integral part of occupied Palestine. It must be completely abandoned and unconditionally handed over to Arab sovereignty."
These protocols were dated July 22, 1980, and they forced Israel to dot all the i’s regarding the status of the city. Eight days later, the Knesset adopted the Basic Law of Jerusalem, which established the city's status as the Israeli capital and established the protection of the holy places of the three Abrahamic religions from desecration and any action that could offend the feelings of believers.
The UN Security Council, in resolution 478, declared this action illegal. The resolution was only advisory in nature, but it called on countries whose embassies were located in the Holy City to leave it. 13 states listened and moved their embassies to Tel Aviv that same year. Other countries gradually followed suit. Costa Rica and El Salvador were the last to leave Jerusalem in 2006.
In 1988, Jordanians renounced their little-recognized rights to Judea and Samaria in favor of a future Palestinian state. As a result, the Palestinians began to lay claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of their yet-to-be-established state. The Palestinians' position is supported by other Arab and Islamic states, which adds further confusion to our issue. Today, Jerusalem is one of the key topics of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.
Today
Seaside Tel Aviv has become the economic center of Israel. But it is important for Israelis that Jerusalem remains the spiritual and political capital of the country.
Therefore, satellite cities that have actually grown into it - Bat Yam, Holon, Ramat Gan, Givatayim and others - are not annexed to Tel Aviv, and Krayot is not annexed to Haifa. This emphasizes Jerusalem's status as the country's most populous city. In 2013, Jerusalem has more than 800 thousand inhabitants, 64 percent of whom are Jewish Israelis.
You can have different attitudes towards Israel and recognize or not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state. But the mention of Tel Aviv as the Israeli capital speaks either of ignorance of historical facts or of dishonesty. Therefore, for ethical and professional reasons, it is better to avoid mentioning the name of the Israeli capital than to write a deliberate lie.
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There were also no precedents in history when anyone encroached on the right of a state to determine its capital. And especially so that this right is contested not by the state, but by national autonomy, which arose much later than both the city and the state.
The right to determine which city is the capital is an integral part of the sovereignty of the state. By challenging this right, the country's sovereignty is actually being challenged. But it is pointless and absurd to do this with a self-sufficient and successful state, recognized by the world community and existing for more than half a century.
is an amazing country that attracts tourists throughout the year. This country is located in the Middle East, and is washed by the waters of three seas. In addition to wonderful seas, there are beautiful lakes, fruit plantations, picturesque deserts and unique mountains. In addition, almost every corner of this country is filled with many unforgettable sights, which carry a number of important historical events. The official capital of Israel is Jerusalem, the history of which is preserved in its architecture.
Almost three thousand years have passed since the era of King Solomon. In those days, covered with a small canopy, the Ark of the Covenant was installed on the top of a small rock, along which a wide white stone staircase was laid. The temple has undergone restoration several times, so today's temple in the capital of Israel has already lost its original appearance. From generation to generation, fortifications were built around the temple. Generations replaced one after another. Gradually, the defensive structure, which previously served for protection, turned into a spiritual symbol of the Jewish people, which is currently called the Western Wall.
Another architectural value located in the capital of Israel is considered no less popular - the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Christ was crucified here and subsequently buried here. For many millions of Christians this place is sacred. The history of this place shows all the torment and suffering of humanity in its endless search for justice and faith. Currently, there are actually six churches located under the roof of the temple. The temple is always open to visitors. There is probably not a single tourist who, while in Jerusalem, would not visit this Temple of Israel.
And to the south and west of the Temple Mount is the Valley of the Kings. This place is also very popular among guests of the capital of Israel. Its main attraction is the City of David. Jerusalem began its construction from here in the era of King David. Here you can see many architectural monuments.
The most ancient religious building of Muslims living in the capital of Israel is the Dome of the Rock, built in the 12th century. The rock mentioned in the name rises in the very center of the structure. According to Islamic traditions, Mohammed ascended to heaven from this place. Another Muslim shrine is the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which amazes tourists with its amazing architecture and design. In a word, Jerusalem is exactly the place where you can not only relax, but also admire the capital.
And it would seem that there are no questions, but... Nowadays, one can increasingly come across the question of which city in Israel is its capital. Conducting a survey, you can see that there is no definite answer: some answer that Jerusalem, others - another city in Israel, Tel Aviv. And we will try to turn to history for help.
The city of Tel Aviv in Israel was founded only in 1909. It represented the new Jewish quarter of Jaffa, which was called Ahuzat Bayt. The city received its real name only in 1910 thanks to a decision made at a general meeting of townspeople. In translation, Tel Aviv means “mound of rebirth,” which fully confirms its name. The city developed quite quickly and soon became the de facto center of the Jewish community. In the same city, the mayor of the city proclaimed the emergence of a new independent state of Israel, whose capital Tel Aviv temporarily became. Israel fought the war, and after its end the capital was moved to Jerusalem.
The city of Jerusalem was officially declared the capital of Israel in 1950 by decision of the Knesset. At that time, it was Jerusalem without the Old City - its most important historical part. Which was captured by Jordan. The Jewish Quarter, previously located in the Old City, suspended its existence for 19 years. Jews lost the opportunity to pray at the Western Wall. But, despite all this, 24 states recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and not Tel Aviv, and moved their embassies to the western part of the city, except for the United States and several other Latin American countries.
After winning the war in 1967, which lasted six days, Israel regained control over East Jerusalem. A law on Jerusalem was created, which the UN Security Council decided not to recognize. He called on all countries to withdraw existing diplomatic missions from Israel. As a result, 13 countries moved their embassies to Tel Aviv Israel. In a word, Tel Aviv became the second capital of Israel, but unofficially.
Tel Aviv is the absolute opposite of Jerusalem. There are no historical sights that carry all sorts of legends and stories. After all, the city is very young. But it has numerous well-equipped bars, eclectic architecture, Israeli water parks, golden beaches, luxury boutiques and ultra-modern nightclubs. When visiting Tel Aviv in Israel, you can see samba on the beach on summer evenings. And glass skyscrapers and modern hotels make it clear that Tel Aviv is a city of the future.
The pride of Tel Aviv Israel is the amazing buildings built in the Arabesque and Art Deco styles, which determined the ultra-modern look of the second capital. Many designers and architects who left Germany in the 1930s found refuge in Palestine. It was the sands of Tel Aviv that gave them the opportunity to work and create an amazingly beautiful city of the future, which was based on the functional lines of the international style. After Israel accepted independence, a huge flow of Jews poured into Tel Aviv. Now this city stands on the threshold of greatness, despite the fact that it is still some hundred years old.
As for Jerusalem, both Israel and Palestine still consider this city their capital. These countries do not under any circumstances recognize this right of the other party. This question remains unresolved. An important influence on this is the fact that Israeli sovereignty over the eastern part of the city is still not recognized by either the UN or most of the international community. They still consider Tel Aviv to be the capital of Israel. As for Palestine, the authorities of this republic have never been located in Jerusalem. And for what reason they consider this city their capital is a moot point.
But be that as it may, the official capital of Israel is Jerusalem. But the exciting issue is still open for discussion.
If you ask an ordinary netizen which city is the capital of Israel, this question will confuse many. Someone will say “Jerusalem”, and someone will say Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv
Turning to official sources is even more confusing. Russian news may include one or another city, depending on the editorial policy, but in state media they always name Tel Aviv. What's the right way?
There is currently no foreign embassy in Jerusalem. Most of them are concentrated in Tel Aviv or the surrounding area, with the rare exception of Paraguay and Bolivia, which have their diplomatic missions in Mevaseret Zion, a nearby suburb of Jerusalem.
The embassies of the Russian Federation, France, Great Britain and the USA are located a stone's throw from the Tel Aviv beach. There is only a US consulate general in Jerusalem, but not a Russian one. So, Tel Aviv?
Jerusalem
Not at all. Israel calls the city of Jerusalem its capital. The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, the Supreme Court, all ministries and the presidential residence are located in Jerusalem. Here on Sundays the working week opens with a government meeting. Foreign diplomats often travel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for receptions. After all, this is where the Prime Minister of Israel works.
On July 30, 1980, the Knesset passed the Law of Jerusalem, the Capital of Israel, which states: “Jerusalem, one and indivisible, is the capital of Israel.” This law received the status of a fundamental law, equivalent to a constitutional one, that is, it is more difficult to repeal it than an ordinary law.
Where does this duality come from?
Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East and the world. The first settlement here arose in the 4th millennium BC.
This city became Jewish in the 11th century BC. Both Temples were located here, without which the full implementation of Judaism is impossible, because a considerable part of the 613 commandments obligatory for Jews to follow are associated with this place. That's why this city is called sacred.
In 70 AD. The Second Temple was destroyed, and in 135 AD, with the suppression of the Bar Kokhba revolt by the Romans, most of the Jewish people found themselves outside their homeland.
Jews began to return en masse “to Zion” in the 19th century. Jerusalem then belonged to the Turks, and then was controlled by the British Mandate of Palestine. The UN plan of 1947 meant that the territory of Palestine would be divided between Jews and Arabs, and Jerusalem and its surroundings, including Beit Lehem, would be included in a special territory under international control. The Jews, after some hesitation, accepted the plan, but the Arabs rejected it.
In May 1948, Israel declared independence and war began. When the fighting ended and the smoke cleared from the battlefields, it turned out that the western half of Jerusalem was under Israeli control, and the eastern half, including the Old City, was in the hands of the Transjordanian Arabs. The latter hastened to blow up the synagogues located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and expel its population.
In 1950, Transjordan unilaterally annexed the territory of East Jerusalem. The legality of this step was recognized only by three countries - Great Britain, Pakistan and the USSR.
Tel Aviv
Israel's Declaration of Independence was read out on the porch of the house of the first mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff. Here the Council of the People met, headed by David Ben-Gurion, which decided that Tel Aviv would become the temporary capital of the Jewish state until it became possible to move to Jerusalem.
The very first meeting of the Knesset, which was initially called the Constituent Assembly, took place in the Jewish Agency building in Jerusalem. But due to the fighting, the Israeli parliament was forced to move to Tel Aviv for nine months. The parliamentarians first met in the house of the hospitable mayor, then huddled in the building of the Kesem cinema and the nearby San Remo hotel, on the site of which the Migdal HaOpera office and residential complex was built in 1993.
Jerusalem
On December 5, 1949, the Israeli government declared Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. Three weeks later, on December 26, 1949, the Knesset solemnly “changed its registration” to Jerusalem. Of course, we were talking only about the western part of the city. Thanks to the efforts of Israeli diplomats, 24 states moved their embassies here. True, the United States and leading European powers were not among them.
As a result of the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel gained control of both parts of Jerusalem and extended sovereignty to the entire territory of the city. At first, local residents refused Israeli citizenship, hoping for the return of Jordan, but over time, some accepted it. The rest are content with permanent resident status, which gives them all the rights of Israeli citizens except the right to vote in elections.
At the end of the 1970s, political pressure on Israel sharply increased, in which the bloc of non-aligned countries took an active part, where Arab and Islamic states set the tone. At the Sixth Conference of the Leaders of Non-Aligned Countries, a protocol was adopted stating that "the city of Jerusalem is an integral part of occupied Palestine. It must be completely abandoned and unconditionally transferred to Arab sovereignty."
These protocols were dated July 22, 1980, and they forced Israel to dot all the i's regarding the status of the city. Eight days later, the Knesset adopted the Basic Law of Jerusalem, which established the city's status as the Israeli capital and established the protection of the holy places of the three Abrahamic religions from desecration and any action that could offend the feelings of believers.
The UN Security Council, in resolution 478, declared this action illegal. The resolution was only advisory in nature, but it called on countries whose embassies were located in the Holy City to leave it. 13 states listened and moved their embassies to Tel Aviv that same year. Other countries gradually followed suit. Costa Rica and El Salvador were the last to leave Jerusalem in 2006.
In 1988, Jordanians renounced their little-recognized rights to Judea and Samaria in favor of a future Palestinian state. As a result, the Palestinians began to lay claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of their yet-to-be-established state. The Palestinians' position is supported by other Arab and Islamic states, which adds further confusion to our issue. Today, Jerusalem is one of the key topics of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.
Today
Seaside Tel Aviv has become the economic center of Israel. But it is important for Israelis that Jerusalem remains the spiritual and political capital of the country.
Therefore, satellite cities that have actually grown into it - Bat Yam, Holon, Ramat Gan, Givatayim and others - are not annexed to Tel Aviv, and Krayot is not annexed to Haifa. This emphasizes Jerusalem's status as the country's most populous city. In 2013, Jerusalem has more than 800 thousand inhabitants, 64 percent of whom are Jewish Israelis.
You can have different attitudes towards Israel and recognize or not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state. But the mention of Tel Aviv as the Israeli capital speaks either of ignorance of historical facts or of dishonesty. Therefore, for ethical and professional reasons, it is better to avoid mentioning the name of the Israeli capital than to write a deliberate lie.
There were also no precedents in history when anyone encroached on the right of a state to determine its capital. And especially so that this right is contested not by the state, but by national autonomy, which arose much later than both the city and the state.
The right to determine which city is the capital is an integral part of the sovereignty of the state. By challenging this right, the country's sovereignty is actually being challenged. But it is pointless and absurd to do this with a self-sufficient and successful state, recognized by the world community and existing for more than half a century.
Tel Aviv is known as one of the best seaside resorts in Israel. Moreover, the city is the business, cultural and economic center of Israel, so it is constantly developing and transforming. In addition to magnificent beaches, Tel Aviv can offer tourists an exciting excursion program with visits to the ancient quarters of Jaffa, the old port and the picturesque Neve Tzedek area.
Tel Aviv is a dynamic and modern city that preserves old traditions and at the same time is open to new trends. On the picturesque city embankment, dozens of fashionable clubs and restaurants await tourists; the narrow stone streets of Jaffa are haunted by the ghosts of previous centuries; the amazing collection of the Diaspora Museum is imbued with the spirit of the thousand-year wanderings of the Jewish people, who found their homeland only in the middle of the 20th century.
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What to see and where to go in Tel Aviv?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
Jaffa is one of the oldest cities in the world. The first settlements on its territory existed in the 17th-16th centuries BC. The city flourished in ancient times, but was destroyed during the Jewish War. Restoration took place under Emperor Vespasian. During Arab rule and the subsequent Crusades, Jaffa continued to develop as an important port. In 1268, the city was destroyed by the troops of Sultan Baybars I, after which it lay in ruins for 400 years. In the middle of the 20th century, Jaffa was united with Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv Marine Harbor operated from 1938 to 1965. After its closure, the port remained abandoned for thirty years until it was converted into a tourist area in the 1990s. Today, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues are open here, and well-maintained walking areas are organized for visitors. Once a week there is an antique market on the harbor grounds.
A modern complex consisting of three skyscrapers - a triangular tower (169 meters), a round tower (187 meters) and a square tower (154 meters). All structures were erected in the period 1996-2007. The complex was named after D. Azrieli, an entrepreneur of Israeli origin who took part in the creation of the project. On the 49th floor of the round tower there is a panoramic observation deck, from where you can look at Tel Aviv from a height of 182 meters.
In the 19th century, the first Jewish settlement outside Jaffa was located on the territory of the modern Neve Tzedek district. Land for building houses was purchased from Muslims. Gradually, emigrants from Europe came here and built their homes, so the streets began to resemble the neighborhoods of Krakow, Munich and Prague at the same time. During the 20th century, the area fell into disrepair, but was revived again in the 1990s.
A group of neighborhoods in central Tel Aviv where houses are predominantly white. The main development of this part of the city was carried out in 1920-1950 in the post-war “Bauhaus” style, popular at that time, which implies functionality, convenience and minimalism. The White City is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a monument of urban planning of the 20th century.
The building dates back to 1925, combining features of several architectural styles. The house was built according to the design of A. Levi for a wealthy citizen M. Bloch. An interesting story is connected with its creation, according to which Bloch rejected Levi’s original plan and turned to the American architect. But the latter did not take into account the peculiarities of local architecture, so his project was rejected. Then Bloch came to Levi again. In retaliation, the architect created a building where he mixed styles from different eras.
The exhibition is dedicated to the history of the Jewish combat units "Palmach", created in 1941 to repel a possible attack by the Third Reich on Palestine. The units existed until 1948, when they were incorporated into the newly created Israel Defense Forces. The museum has an interactive format. Using videos, projections and special effects, visitors are shown history “come to life”.
The opening of the museum was timed to coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Israeli state. Its collection is made up of exhibits from which one can study the history of the Jewish Diaspora scattered around the world. The wanderings of the Jews began 2,600 years ago, when King Nebuchadnezzar II took Jerusalem and began to forcefully resettle the Jews from their ancestral lands. The exhibition is dedicated to various aspects of the life of Israelis in other countries.
An archaeological and anthropological museum consisting of extensive collections of historical artifacts found in the lands of Israel. The exhibition consists of several pavilions where ceramics, jewelry, coins, dishes, mosaics, tools and other items are located. The museum was founded in 1953, five years after Israel became a separate state.
A large art gallery where paintings, photographs, graphic drawings, and sculptures are exhibited. Separate exhibitions are dedicated to design and architecture. The museum was created in 1932 on the territory of the house of M. Dizengoff, the mayor of Tel Aviv. Today it is a whole museum complex, consisting of several pavilions and a full-fledged educational center.
Ilana Gur is a self-taught artist and a passionate connoisseur of art, gifted with extraordinary abilities since childhood. Due to developmental characteristics (dyslexia), she was forced to independently comprehend entire layers of knowledge. During her life, Ilana Gur created works from various materials, preferring metal. The museum was opened in 1995 in one of the ancient quarters of Jaffa in a house where a hotel for pilgrims previously operated.
The main military museum of Israel, founded in the 1950s by D. Ben-Gurion, one of the founders of the Israeli state. The museum collection consists of various weapons, ammunition, equipment and military trophies, obtained, among other things, in the process of confronting terrorist organizations. A separate section includes a collection of gifts received by defense ministers and a fleet of government vehicles.
The tower was erected at the beginning of the 20th century with donations from the residents of Jaffa in honor of the anniversary of the coronation of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II (at that time the territory of Tel Aviv belonged to the Ottoman Empire). The structure was the first civilian building to house a dial. Before this, clocks were installed only on minarets or church bell towers.
An indoor market where you can profit from delicacies. Its numerous shops sell vegetables, fruits, sweets, cheese, meat, seafood, and fish. The market also has cafes, wine boutiques with a large selection of drinks, and tea shops. There is a branch of the Bishulim culinary school at Sarona Market, which hosts master classes on preparing unusual dishes.
The lively Shuk HaCarmel arose in 1920. Over the years, it has grown into the largest bazaar in Tel Aviv. The first sellers were Jewish emigrants from Russia who came to Israel after 1917. They opened small shops near their houses and sold food and household utensils. Today, almost all residents of Tel Aviv go to the market, since prices here are lower than in stores.
A place where they sell antiques brought from different countries. Here you can find things that once belonged to emigrants of the early 20th century, mixed with completely useless junk. To find something worthwhile, you will have to spend a lot of time, but your efforts will be rewarded, and the tourist will become the happy owner of a valuable item. The flea market is one of the most “colorful” places in Tel Aviv.
A pot suspended on ropes with an orange tree growing inside. It is one of the symbols of the country. The fact is that after the formation of a separate state, Israel began to intensively export oranges, which allowed it to receive good income and resolve many economic problems. A local variety of citrus fruits appeared at the end of the 19th century and was called “Jaffa”.
The park is located in the northern part of Tel Aviv along the river of the same name. It consists of six thematic areas, including a rock garden, a cactus garden and a tropical garden. The park has many attractions, such as water attractions, a bird corner, sports grounds, a children's playground and a go-kart track. You can come here to just lie on the green lawn and read a book or stroll along the shady alleys.
Tel Aviv's entertainment infrastructure is concentrated on the embankment. Even on traditional Jewish holidays you can find open establishments here. During the day it’s nice to sunbathe on a well-maintained sandy beach, in the evening you can leisurely stroll along a string of hotels, restaurants and shops, and at night you can dance in one of the nightclubs to the music of fashionable DJs.
Tel Aviv is not only the cultural and economic center of Israel, it is also a popular Mediterranean resort. The entire western border of the city is a continuous strip of sand. City beaches are covered with light sand and equipped with all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay for visitors. There is even a special beach on the coast for Orthodox Jews.
