24 Hours in Tel Aviv - the Perfect Itinerary for 2023

Anyone who chose to visit Tel Aviv will tell you it’s a hard city not to fall in love with. Young, vibrant, and fun, there’s so much to do that you could spend more than a few days here, exploring its museums, galleries, beaches, coffee shops, and cocktail bars.  

And that’s before you’ve even sampled the amazing nightlife, taken a Bauhaus architecture tour, or headed to Old Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Get ready for the Non-Stop City!

So what’s the best way to get the most out of 24 hours in Tel Aviv?  OK, here you go.  Set your alarm and be prepared to put in some steps because it will be a long day - but one you’ll enjoy no end!

1. Breakfast in style

The great Israeli breakfast is much talked about and when you try it, it’s bound to live up to your expectations.  Tel Aviv is known for its amazing cafe scene - whether you want eggs, cheeses and salads, waffles, wraps and paninis, muffins, and croissants, or even a tofu scramble, you’ll find it here.

Don't forget to order Shakshuka. You won't be sorry

So start your morning with a good spread.  Locals are loyal to their neighborhood joints and they’ve all got a great charm, but breakfast places in Tel Aviv we’d highly recommend include Cafe Xoho - between Gordon and Frishman beaches - which services health-conscious fare, Benedicts (an American haunt, with fantastic homemade bread, eggs served in all kinds of ways and wonderful stacks of pancakes) or Dallal (famous for its pastries).

2. The Tel Aviv promenade

Once you’re fuelled up, head off to the beachfront. Tel Aviv’s a compact city, so you can easily walk all the way from the ‘Old North’ (home to ‘Metzitzim’ and ‘Hilton’ beaches) all the way to Jaffa, in an hour. The best beaches in Tel Aviv are legendary, and very beautiful - white sand, blue sea, and beautiful views.

Green grass, golden sand, blue sea: Tel Aviv's beaches are wonderful!

Stroll along the promenade, take a Tel Aviv Bike Tour, hop on an electric scooter, or kick off your sandals and walk along the sand, next to the Mediterranean. If you need a coffee or juice, there are cafes everywhere, not to mention workout stations, and built-in seating areas along the promenade.  Once you get down to Jerusalem Beach. head through the backstreets of the Yemenites Quarter towards the Carmel Market.

3. Take a tour of the Carmel Market

The Carmel Market is one of Tel Aviv’s most famous and exciting attractions - it’s full of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to clothes, souvenirs, and sunhats, and there’s a buzzing, fun atmosphere every day, but particularly on Fridays when everyone is doing their shopping in anticipation of Shabbat.

Art, food, and fun at the market

There’s plenty of street food to grab, as well as fresh juices. You can stop in Cafe Yom Tov for a coffee or the Beer Bazaar for a craft ale and if you love to cook, consider taking a Carmel Market food tour.

4. Walk the Magical Backstreets of Neve Tzedek

Continue by foot just a few minutes to Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv’s most charming and picturesque neighborhoods. The first Jewish city built outside Old Jaffa, it was neglected and left in disrepair for years. Today, however, it’s totally gentrified and the beautifully renovated buildings and charming side streets are an Instagrammers delight.

Blue buildings, tiny streets - Neve Tzedek is a true gem 

Shabazi, the main street, has lots of small stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, as well as an excellent local gelateria called Anita, should you need a sugar fix. Meaning ‘Oasis of Justice’ in Hebrew, it’s peaceful and tranquil and utterly charming to spend an hour or so in, before heading south to Jaffa.

5. Explore Jaffa

Old Jaffa is a must-stop on any trip to Tel Aviv - it’s one of the oldest cities in the world and with its vibrant port, picturesque Artist’s Quarter (complete with tiny streets and narrow alleyways), and vibrant Flea Market, it’s hard not to fall in love with this city.

The old Jaffa Port

Begin in the port (where you’ll see musicians playing and fishermen throwing their rods in the sea) before heading up to the Franciscan church and then continue onto the Artist’s Quarter.

After admiring the beautiful buildings and stopping into some of the small galleries, head across Yefet Street, towards the Jaffa flea market, or the Shuk haPishpeshim’ as the locals call it. 

The Jaffa Flea Market is the best in Israel

 A veritable treasure trove, full of second-hand clothes, Israeli memorabilia, jewelry, and vintage items, pick yourself up a bargain before stopping for a late lunch in one of the many bars and cafes around. If you want to make sure you won't miss any of this spot's special magic, just take a Jaffa Flea Market Tour. 

6. Cocktails and Dinner on Dizengoff Street

If you need a quick rest, head back to your accommodation for a power nap; otherwise take a bus or taxi back to King George Street and walk up towards Dizengoff, the city’s most famous street.  

Before dinner, stop for a drink in one of Tel Aviv's world-class cocktail bars - Spicehaus serves themed creations in thermos beakers and the wait staff wear white lab coats for good measure. There’s also Concierge, which has a very hip vibe, and Double Standards, where the Bloody Mary you order will actually come in an IV bag!  

Great drinks, great atmosphere. Cocktails in Israel

There are so many top restaurants in Tel Aviv that you will be spoilt for choice and the only thing we’d advise is making a reservation beforehand. La Shuk serves modern Israeli fare, Goocha is famous for its fish and Cafe Popular is a chef-restaurant that serves creative dishes in trendy surroundings, but one thing is for sure - the dining scene here is so good, few leave Tel Aviv unhappy.

7. End your day in the White City on Rothschild Boulevard

Rothschild Boulevard is one of the most beautiful streets in the city - it’s located in the historic old quarter, with many beautifully restored Bauhaus buildings at which to gaze. There are bars and cafes at which you can stop, or you can just stroll around, drinking in the charm of the area.  

By now you’ll probably be exhausted but with luck, you'll have a ‘flavor’ of this wonderful city and be dying to come back and explore it a little more.  

A lovely spot to think about the great day you just had! 

Of course, Israel’s more than just Tel Aviv and so if you do have a bit more time, consider making a day trip to Jerusalem, a city that’s ancient, beautiful, evocative, and - home to three major world religions - a huge pilgrimage site.

There’s also the Galilee and the Golan Heights, in the north, which are perfect for those seeking nature and hiking trails, as well as the Negev desert, for anyone who wants some solitude. 

Feel free to contact us by email or phone, if you’d like further information about any of the package tours, day trips, or privately-guided trips we offer around this incredible country.