Dizengoff Square

Dizengoff Square (which is a circle) or Kirkar Dizengoff, is Tel Aviv’s most iconic public square. At this traffic circle Dizengoff Street, Pinsker Street, and Reines Street meet and encircle a beautiful area where people can hang out and relax under shady trees. There are benches, a cycle path that surrounds the central circle, and an iconic fountain in the middle of the circle. 

Plan Your Visit

• Open Times: 24/7
• Prices: Free
• Average Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Popular Times: The Square never sleeps but is most popular during business hours and in the early evening.
• Special Events: Dizengoff Square hosts concerts, special events, and festivals, often during local holidays.
• Relevant Tours: Many Tel Aviv tours will take you there, being a very popular spot. 

Dizengoff Square (Image source: Ovedc CC BY-SA 4.0)

This location in the heart of Tel Aviv has witnessed historic events, protests, and celebrations and has continued to be a vibrant hub of social gatherings and entertainment. This is the perfect place to stop for an Israeli breakfast at one of the cafes that surround the Square, or just to sit on a bench and soak up the local atmosphere.

Note that the internet is full of photos showing the former colorful fountain that stood in Dizengoff Square, and streets going under the center of the Square. Today's fountain is gray, and the design has been changed so that traffic goes around the central area rather than under it.

The square is named after Zina Dizengoff, wife of Meir Dizengoff - the first mayor of Tel Aviv. The idea for a grand public square originated in the 1930s when a competition was held to decide the Square’s designer. Genia Averbuch’s design was chosen and construction began. She created a sophisticated design that blended with the surrounding Bauhaus buildings.

The original design was replaced in the 1970s by Tsvi Lissar’s design featuring a split-level configuration to alleviate traffic congestion.  An elevated central area connected to the adjacent sidewalks by ramps and Dizengoff, Pinsker, and Reines Street ran beneath the elevated center.

Dizengoff Square in 1960

It was during this period that construction began on Dizengoff Center, just 300 meters from the plaza, and one of Israel’s most iconic shopping malls. In the 80s, Yaacov Agam’s landmark fire and water fountain was erected, at the center of the elevated section.

In 2016 a new design brought the center of Dizengoff Square back to ground level and the entire area was renovated with the addition of tiled sidewalks, and new paving. The fountain reappeared in 2019 but without its technological mechanism or artistic colors, and the entire central area of the traffic circle was given an upgrade. 

Heart of the White City

Dizengoff Square is considered the heart of the White City, where there is a high concentration of Bauhaus buildings. The round space is considered to be the only Bauhaus plaza in the world, with its characteristic simple design and curvaceous elegant design elements such as the lawns, and central circular fountain. Surrounding the Square are buildings that are nearly identical in design and with distinct Bauhaus features such as the horizontal slit balconies. Pro Tip: To learn more about this area and this type of design and architecture, visit the Bauhaus Center. 

What to See and Do at Dizengoff Square?

• Dizengoff Fountain: The fountain at the center of the traffic circle was once the creation of artist Yaacov Agam and an example of kinetic art. It began operating in 1986 and featured colorful strips around the circular basin as well as moving parts. Over the years it fell into disrepair and was eventually replaced with a deconstructed version of the original, without the color, and without the technical mechanisms that had made it famous. Today the fountain is a contemporary modern gray landmark. It still delights onlookers with its dancing water, and at night it is lit up. 
• Relax: Surrounding the fountain are lawns with colorful chairs under palm trees where people can relax. Dizengoff Square is lit up at night and remains busy and safe until late.
• Cycle: Tel Aviv bike-sharing is a great way to get around town. There is a cycling path around the Square, and there is also a bike-share so you can rent a bike. 
• Eat: Sidewalk cafes line the streets that look onto the Square making them perfect for people watching.
  
• Entertainment: Dizengoff Square is often the venue for street performers, and also festivals during Israeli school holidays. Pro Tip: On Fridays, the Square comes alive with live entertainment, an adjacent farmers’ market, and a dynamic atmosphere.