Park HaMesila, Tel Aviv

One of the hidden gems of southwestern Tel Aviv, between Neve Tzedek and Eilat Street, is this unique park. The Tel Aviv Park HaMesila was created along the length of a former Ottoman-era railway track. This idea resembles several similar parks around the world that have been built on historic railway lines like New York’s High Line. But unlike the High Line, Tel Aviv’s railway track park is in a sunken trench where the former tracks connected Jaffa to Tel Aviv and continued to Jerusalem.

Park HaMesila in Tel Aviv stands out from other Tel Aviv parks because it is mostly frequented by locals. It has a peaceful vibe, where people come to simply hang out, or do sporting activities. The park connects Nachalat Binyamin Street and Herzl Street to the beach so that you can walk from central Tel Aviv to the edge of Jaffa.

Park HaMesila, Tel Aviv

Plan Your Visit

• Location - Tel Aviv’s Park HaMesila starts at Herzl Street between Yehuda HaLevi Street and Derech Jaffa. It runs south, parallel to Derech Jaffa in the direction of Jaffa, and ends at Elifelet Street
• Open Times - 24/7
• Prices - Free
• Average Visit Duration -1-2 hours
• Popular Visiting Times - It is best to visit the park during daylight hours preferably before 11:00 and after 16:00 to avoid the midday heat
• Tours - Park HaMesila Tel Aviv can be included in a private tour of Tel Aviv

History of HaMesila Park Tel Aviv

Back in the 1890s, a railway line was constructed to connect the port of Jaffa to Jerusalem. The city of Tel Aviv developed around the railway tracks and residential buildings flanked the tracks. At one point the tracks were moved into a dugout trench bordering the Neve Tzedek neighborhood.

In 1948, with the onset of the War of Independence, the Jaffa station and rail transport along this route came to a halt. Instead, the line terminated at the Tel Aviv railway station. The line was reopened following the war, but just a year later in 1950, the section between Jaffa Station and Tel Aviv Station was demolished. 

The railway lines were neglected, sections were turned into parking lots, and others were just left to be covered by weeds. Then, in more recent years a project was begun to repurpose the tracks and turn the tracks and surrounding area into a park, inspired by the Jerusalem Railway Park. After intensive work, the park was opened to the public in 2021.

What Can You Do at HaMesila Tel Aviv?

Apart from simply relaxing on the grass and enjoying the green surroundings, the most popular thing to do at Tel Aviv’s HaMesila Park is to walk, jog, or cycle. Park Hamesila in Tel Aviv has pedestrian paths and dedicated bike paths. It is a long, narrow park where the bike path is the focus of the route between Tel Aviv and Jaffa. If you’re planning on walking from Tel Aviv to Jaffa this is an interesting route to take.

The park integrates several structures from the 19th century including the inactive Ottoman railway and the Shlush Bridge. But the most distinctive thing about this park that reminds visitors of its historic past is the fact that it is below street level, just as the railway line was. As you follow the elongated park you are flanked on both sides by banks of greenery. If it wasn’t for the skyscrapers that peak over the edge and tower above the city, you could imagine you were in a rural area. 

Eateries Bordering Tel Aviv Park HaMesila

• Teder FM - Pizza restaurant with live music and DJs every weekend
• Kasata Ice Cream - With flavors created by eccentric celebrity chef Eyal Shany.
• Lava - An Italian restaurant known for its pasta dishes.
• Lorenz & Mintz - A kosher cafe and breakfast restaurant with outside seating in a picturesque courtyard on Abarbanel Street.
• Hummus HaKerem - A hummus restaurant specializing in this delicious street food.
• Mirage - A high-end restaurant on Yehuda HaLevi Street

Tel Aviv’s Park HaMesila offers a unique blend of nature, history, and community spirit, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and recreation. From its sunken pathways and historical remnants of the Ottoman railway to its leafy surroundings and vibrant local eateries, the park invites visitors to experience a different side of Tel Aviv - one that celebrates its heritage while providing a tranquil escape from the city's energetic pace. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a walk, jog, or bike ride through this lush green strip is a refreshing way to explore Tel Aviv's evolving landscape and its enduring connection between old and new.