Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv is a vibrant and bustling thoroughfare where every corner holds a new surprise. From chic boutiques and cozy cafes to lively bars and street performers, it’s the perfect spot to experience the city’s dynamic energy and discover hidden gems.
This iconic street runs from Ibn Gvirol Street in the south to HaYarkon Street, near the Tel Aviv port area in the north. The northern end of Dizengoff Square is more up-market, with designer-name stores while the southern end is home to Dizengoff Shopping Center.
Dizengoff and Jean Jaures Streets
The street is named after Tel Aviv’s first mayor Meir Dizengoff, and is famed for its cafe culture, trendy eateries, and as a shopping destination. Since its establishment in the 1930s, the fortunes of Dizengoff Street have risen, fallen, and risen again; today a visit to the vibrant street is a must when in Tel Aviv.
Highlights of Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv
- GINA Gallery - The Gallery of International Naive Art is a fascinating exhibition space focused on the refreshing innocent style of painting made popular through the works of Paul Gauguin, Grandma Moses, and Henri Rousseau. The gallery features both Israeli and international artists of this genre.
- Dizengoff Square - This traffic roundabout has undergone numerous changes over the years, but has remained a gathering point for locals and visitors, as well as a popular venue for protests and special events. It is a convenient reference point when navigating the city as six of Tel Aviv’s main streets converge here and are connected by pedestrian walkways.
The renovated Dizengoff Square
- Dizengoff Center - Just off of Dizengoff Square, at the intersection of Dizengoff and King George Street, this shopping center has two sections connected by skywalks above Dizengoff Street. It was one of Tel Aviv’s first shopping centers constructed in the 1970s and completed in 83’. The center has about 420 stores, a multi-screen cinema (Lev Cinema), restaurants, and cafes.
Sign of Dizengoff Street against the background of Dizengoff Center
- Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv - Tel Aviv has earned UNESCO status as “The White City” for its high concentration of Bauhaus and International Style architecture. Visit the center to learn more about the Bauhaus style.
- Eyal Ofer Pavilion for Contemporary Art - This beautifully designed, super-modern exhibition space is an extension of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. The pavilion is part of Tel Aviv’s cultural hub that includes the national theater, Habima, and the Charles Bronfman Auditorium, the permanent home of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. Some of the greatest names in music and entertainment worldwide have performed here.
- Beit Lessin Theater - Established in 1980, this unique theater presents original productions and contemporary American and European plays. The theater company is also known for showcasing original Israeli material specifically material touching on current social and political situations.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry on Dizengoff St.
- Bar 223 - Neighborhood-style bar with an impressive cocktail menu.
- Cafe Popular - As the name says, this place is popular, particularly with the “in” crowd.
- Kirsch Cafe and Bakery - Sumptuous breakfast dishes, and picturesque outdoor seating.
- Rova Wine Bar - A great place for vegan food.
- Goocha Dizengoff - A popular, non-kosher seafood restaurant.
- Pankina - Classic Italian dishes served in a warm and friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Dizzy Frishdon - If you want to party with locals, and enjoy a buzzing bar with DJ performances, and excellent food, stop at Dizzy’s, #121 Dizengoff.
- Concierge - Enjoy happy hour at this vibrant and lively bar restaurant.
- We Like You Too - At the corner of Dizengoff and Ben Tsion Blvd. and at the corner of Dizengoff and Ben Gurion Blvd. are two popular coffee kiosks where you can enjoy fresh sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. Pro Tip: Don’t miss their delicious pastries!
- Tamara - This juice stands on the corner of Dizengoff and Ben Gurion Blvd. and has gained a faithful following of locals in addition to the freshly squeezed juices they offer unique popsicles and smoothies.
- La Shuk - At #92 is an upbeat authentic Mediterranean market restaurant.
- Cafe CUCU - At #83 is this cute, trendy Parisian-style eatery with sidewalk seating.