Tel Aviv’s Markets & Beaches
Tel Aviv’s markets are certainly worth a visit and Jaffa’s own vibrant flea market is full of vintage wares. The Carmel Market offers a more diverse experience, with an eclectic array of foodstuffs, clothing and ethnicities converging to bargain. For a more upmarket affair visit the Sarona Market, an indoor culinary complex with ninety-one shops, restaurants and stalls. Whilst there shop for gourmet delicacies and stop for lunch at one of the restaurants. Depending on your preference for meat or fish angle for Arais and Fishbar respectively.
Between the sights and the galleries make sure you leave time for relaxation, you will need it after the bustle of the markets. There are plenty of excellent spas within Tel Aviv but you don’t need to look further than the seashore and the city’s eleven beaches for some downtime. National Geographic has previously listed Tel Aviv as a top 10 beach city, so it’s worth exploring a few during your stay. The Hilton beach isn’t a bad place to start soaking up the sun, whilst the laid-back Alma and Ajami beaches also offer something a bit different.
Tel Aviv’s Cuisine
You won’t struggle to dine in luxury during your stay in Tel Aviv. There are an eclectic array of sumptuous restaurants to acquaint yourself with. From the South-east Asian-inspired delights of Chef Yuval Ben Neriah’s Taizu to Meir Adoni’s exquisite Catit with its constantly evolving menu based on Mediterranean inspiration, you won’t have to venture far to sup in style.
The absence of a Michelin guide hasn’t prevented Israel’s restaurants from ascending to heady heights. Restaurants such as Mashya, the swanky Herbert Samuel, Hatraklin and Kimmel will provide sumptuous dining experiences for the discerning luxury traveller. Kimmel’s subjected me to a delicious fifteen-course taster menu during my stay and the restaurant’s setting within a restored building once owned by a Turkish sheikh adds to the multisensory allure of the French-inspired cuisine.
Bars, Clubs and Parties
If the extensive wine lists haven’t quenched your thirst it’s time to hit a cocktail bar, or perhaps you intend to do so prior to dinner. Either way, the award-winning 223 Bar, on Dizengoff or the trendy French 57 on Brenner Street should be your go-to’s. If you’re opting for the former try the Passion Fruit 2006. Bars have a short lifespan within Tel Aviv, which perhaps adds to the allure. One of my favourites, Nanuchka, was considered old with a meagre five years under its belt. From the old to the new, make sure you visit the chic and artsy neighbourhood of Neve Tzedek – Tel Aviv’s oldest suburb. There you will find a collection of stylish wine bars such as the aptly named Wine Story.
Tel Aviv’s answer to Greenwich Village, it’s also worth exploring Neve Tzedek’s boutique shops and embracing the atmosphere of this quaint little area during the day. Neve Tzedek also plays host to the Suzanne Dellal Centre where world-class theatre and dance performances are held. Catching a show in the early evening won’t signal the end of your night. The club scene doesn’t even come alive until 2am, so there’s plenty of time to acquaint yourself with the eclectic bar, cocktail and wine scene between times.
For the late night reveller, there’s plenty to love about Tel Aviv. The club and bar scene is rife with diversity and eclectic excitement. From the chilled vibes of Kuli Alma to the hectic after hours of Tel Aviv’s nightclubs, if you’re planning to party then look no further than this fervent city. Rothschild Boulevard is a party-lovers playground, so grab a cocktail in Kuli Alma’s open courtyard or start the party with a dance at the trendy Jimmy Who before moving on to test your metal against Tel Aviv’s early hours. Book a table at one of the trendy clubs and get in there for that 2am call when the fun is just about to begin.
Don’t sweat overdoing it, the beach beckons in the morning. Grab brunch, a strong coffee and prepare to begin again.
Tel Aviv Where & How
Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, operates year-round flights to Tel Aviv from London Luton and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £109 one way (£202 return). For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk
Rooms at the Yam Hotel Tel Aviv start from £97 per room, per night. For more information or to book, please visit www.atlas.co.il/yam-hotel-tel-aviv/.
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