Tel Aviv - Jaffa
The word "Tel Aviv" (תל אביב) literally translates from Hebrew as "Hill of Spring":
"Tel" (תל) is an archaeological hill composed of layers of ancient settlements, symbolizing the past.
"Aviv" (אביב) is spring, a symbol of renewal and rebirth.
The name was inspired by a translation of Theodor Herzl's book Altneuland (The Old-New Country) and was chosen to symbolize the combination of antiquity and new beginnings.
-
1909 is the official date of the city's founding. 66 Jewish families living in Old Jaffa competed for plots of land on a deserted sand dune—this marked the beginning of the Jewish part of the future metropolis.
-
The city was envisioned as a Jewish "modern city" next to Arab Jaffa, with clean streets, parks, and European-style planning.
-
In 1921, Tel Aviv received the status of an independent municipality.
-
In 1949, after the establishment of the State of Israel, Tel Aviv and Jaffa were united into a single city—Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
-
Today, Tel Aviv is the business, cultural, and tourist center of Israel, a city of startups, beaches, art, and a multilayered history.
-
Jaffa was officially annexed to Tel Aviv in 1949, shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel.
In 1948, during the Israeli War of Independence, Jaffa, a predominantly Arab city, found itself at the center of fighting. Most of the Arab population fled the city. After the war, Israeli authorities sought to consolidate control over the territory and integrate Jaffa into the Jewish community. The official unification took place in April 1949, and the new city was named Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
Since then, Jaffa has become a historical and cultural district within modern Tel Aviv, retaining its ancient port city charm.
Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv — The Heart of the City
Rothschild Boulevard is one of the most beautiful and iconic avenues in Tel Aviv. Its history dates back to 1909, when the first residents of the new Jewish neighborhood Ahuzat Bayit decided to create a wide boulevard that would later become the city’s central axis. The boulevard was named after Baron Edmond de Rothschild, the great philanthropist who played a key role in the development of Jewish settlements in Eretz Israel.
Stretching for about 1.5 kilometers, the boulevard runs from the Habima Theater in the north to the Neve Tzedek neighborhood and Herzl Street in the south, where Israel’s independence was declared in the historic Independence Hall.
Rothschild Boulevard is designed as a long green promenade with pedestrian walkways and bike paths. It is one of the city’s most popular leisure spots: families stroll with children, friends gather for picnics, people play pétanque, listen to street musicians, and enjoy the rhythm of urban life. On both sides of the boulevard, Bauhaus-style houses form part of the “White City,” which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Along Rothschild Boulevard, you’ll find plenty of bike parking areas, children’s playgrounds, pétanque courts, and shaded benches. On Fridays, closer to noon, you can often encounter a colorful procession of Hare Krishna followers walking along the promenade with singing and dancing, adding a festive atmosphere to the boulevard.
Rothschild Boulevard is not just a street — it is a living organism that reflects the true spirit of Tel Aviv: open, dynamic, green, and cultural.
Old town
Clock Tower
The narrow streets of Old Jaffa
View of Tel Aviv from Jaffa Park
Jaffo
Jaffa is one of the oldest cities in the world and a true gem among Israel’s attractions. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it perfectly combines ancient history, Eastern charm, and modern cultural trends.
The history of Jaffa spans more than 4,000 years. This ancient port was a major center of trade and a strategic point for conquerors ranging from the Egyptians to the Crusaders and Ottomans. According to the Bible, it was from this very port that the prophet Jonah set sail on his famous journey.
What to See in Jaffa?
-
The Old City and its narrow alleys. Walking through the ancient stone streets of Jaffa feels like stepping back in time. The Old City enchants visitors with its winding alleys, cozy cafés, and artists’ workshops. Don’t miss Kedumim Square, home to archaeological excavations and the famous Zodiac Fountain.
-
Jaffa Port. Once the gateway to the Holy Land, this ancient port has been transformed into a vibrant leisure area. Along the promenade, you’ll find restaurants with sea views, art galleries, and boutique shops. The port is a perfect spot for a stroll, especially at sunset.
-
The Clock Tower. Built in 1903 in honor of the Turkish sultan, this tower is one of Jaffa’s main landmarks. It rises above the central square of the city, a gathering place especially during Christmas celebrations.
-
St. Peter’s Church. This landmark is so fascinating that it deserves special attention separately.
Jaffa is not only a historic site but also a lively city full of creative energy. It attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique atmosphere and blend of antiquity and modern life. Whether it’s strolling along the seafront, tasting local cuisine, or shopping at flea markets, Jaffa offers unforgettable experiences.
Include this remarkable city in your travel guide to Israel, and you’ll discover one of the country’s most beautiful and unique destinations!
The Clock Tower is a remnant of the Ottoman Empire
The Jaffa Clock Tower is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of the ancient port and modern Tel Aviv. Rising at the intersection of Yefet Street and Jerusalem Boulevard, it greets visitors as a reminder of the unbroken connection between past and present.
The tower was built in 1903, at the end of Ottoman rule, on the initiative of local Jewish entrepreneur Moshe Menachem, with the support of Turkish authorities and donations from local residents. It became one of seven clock towers erected across the Ottoman Empire to mark the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s reign, alongside towers in cities such as Sidon, Nablus, and Haifa.
Constructed from local limestone, the tower’s architecture blends Eastern and European influences. Its clocks, visible on all four sides, served as a practical landmark for locals and merchants arriving at Jaffa Port.
Today, the Jaffa Clock Tower stands as a symbolic gateway to Old Jaffa. It continues to mark time more than 120 years later. While its mechanisms have been modernized, its exterior remains just as it appeared to the city’s residents at the dawn of the 20th century.
St. Peter's Church in Jaffa
In the very heart of Old Jaffa, near the ancient port and on a high hill overlooking the sea, stands St. Peter’s Church, one of the most remarkable Christian landmarks in Israel. This Catholic church, administered by the Franciscan order, carries deep historical and spiritual significance for both pilgrims and tourists.
The current building was constructed in 1888 on the site of earlier churches dating back to the 17th century. The church is dedicated to the Apostle Peter, the first of Christ’s disciples and a central figure in Christian tradition. According to the Acts of the Apostles, it was here in Jaffa that Peter received a vision of an angel calling him to travel to Caesarea to meet the centurion Cornelius — a pivotal moment in spreading Christianity among the Gentiles.
St. Peter’s Church is one of the few Catholic churches in Israel oriented westward, symbolically “facing” the pilgrims who once arrived by sea. The building, designed in the Neo-Baroque style, features a tall bell tower that long served as a landmark for sailors.
Inside, the church impresses with its beauty and light. The main pulpit, shaped like a tree, is particularly striking — symbolizing the Tree of Life and Peter’s apostolic mission, it seems to “grow” from the floor, embracing the altar. Above the main altar, a large painting depicts Peter’s meeting with Cornelius, underlining the biblical importance of the site.
Why the church is special:
-
Services are held in several languages, including English, Spanish, Polish, and Hebrew.
-
It is a beloved destination for Catholic pilgrims following in the footsteps of the Apostle Peter.
-
Located in the very center of Old Jaffa, just 100 meters from the Wishing Bridge, the church also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea.
Unique corners of Old Jaffa
After visiting St. Peter’s Church, don’t miss other unique spots of Old Jaffa, each filled with history, legends, and art.
Wishing Bridge
On top of the hill, in the park next to the church, lies the Wishing Bridge — a small wooden bridge wrapped in local legends. Tradition says: if you stand on the bridge, place your hand on your zodiac sign, and make a wish while gazing at the sea, it will surely come true. Along the railings, you’ll find bronze zodiac reliefs, and the bridge leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Tel Aviv.
Suspended Orange Tree
Not far from here, in Jaffa’s art quarter, you’ll find one of the most photogenic and intriguing sites — the Suspended Orange Tree. It’s a real orange tree growing in a large clay pot, hanging mid-air by metal cables. Created by Israeli artist Ran Morin, it symbolizes uprooted roots and hope for renewal. It has become a metaphor for migration, Israeli history, and Jaffa itself — the city of oranges.
HaPisga Park
Right next to the Wishing Bridge is HaPisga Park, a green hill with shady paths, viewpoints, and archaeological remains. It’s the perfect place to relax after wandering Jaffa’s stone alleyways. The park offers panoramic views of Tel Aviv, the Mediterranean Sea, and Jaffa Port. Here you can also see remnants of ancient city walls and gates, as well as an open-air amphitheater that hosts plays and concerts in summer.
These landmarks make Old Jaffa not only a place of pilgrimage, but also one of the most romantic and atmospheric corners of Israel — where history, art, and nature merge into one.
Yarkon Park is the largest and one of the most beloved urban parks in Israel, stretching along the Yarkon River. It’s an ideal destination for Tel Aviv families, outdoor walks, cycling, and picnics — a place where nature and history blend seamlessly with city life.
The Yarkon River begins at the foothills of Samaria and flows into the Mediterranean Sea in northern Tel Aviv. The park started to take shape in the 1970s as part of a large-scale urban landscaping and waterfront development project. Today, it covers more than 350 hectares. Named after the river, much of the park runs along its banks, forming scenic paths, bridges, and ponds.
The park is divided into several zones:
-
Rock Garden — described in detail in the section below.
-
Cactus Garden — a peaceful area with a large collection of succulents and cacti, including rare species. It’s especially beautiful in spring, when many of them bloom.
-
Children’s playgrounds — located throughout the park. Some are very large and feature rope structures, slides, swings, and even small water play elements in summer.
-
Sports areas — jogging trails, cycling paths, football and basketball fields.
-
Opposite riverbank — offering views of Tel Aviv University, which stands prominently on the nearby hill.
Practical Information:
-
Parking: a large paid parking lot is available at the main entrance on Rokach Street (approx. 24 NIS per day).
-
Cafés: the park has very few cafés, with just one near the central sports complex and another closer to the waterfront.
-
Beach access: although the park reaches the coastline, there is no official beach at the Yarkon estuary. For swimming, head to Tel Aviv’s northern beaches.
-
Opening hours: daily from sunrise to sunset. The main gates close after dark.
-
Getting there: easily accessible by bike, bus (routes 5, 20, 40), or car. On foot, it’s about a 30-minute walk from central Tel Aviv.
Yarkon River and Park in Tel Aviv
Cactus Garden
One of the most unusual and picturesque corners of Yarkon Park is the Nahum and Yehudit Arazi Cactus Garden — a place where you can experience the spirit of the desert right in the heart of Tel Aviv.
The garden is at its most enchanting in spring, especially in April and May, when the cacti burst into bloom. Their vivid flowers — ranging from deep yellow to violet-red — create a mesmerizing display that draws photographers, botanists, and nature lovers alike. Since the blooming season lasts only a few weeks, a spring visit is particularly special.
The garden is fascinating for both adults and children. Here you’ll find hundreds of species of succulents and cacti from around the world, with information about their natural habitats and survival adaptations in harsh climates. For kids, it’s an exciting and educational adventure that sparks curiosity about plants and ecology.
At the center of the garden lies a reconstruction of ancient mosaics, inspired by Jewish and Roman designs. These artistic details add historical depth and transform the visit into not just a natural, but also a cultural experience. Along the garden’s edges, rose bushes bloom among the cacti, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.
Location: Eastern part of Yarkon Park, near Rokach Street (entrance from Namir).
Admission: Free.
Opening hours: Daily until sunset.
Best for: All ages, especially recommended for families with children.
Best time to visit: April–May, during the cactus bloom. This is the chance to see the garden at its most spectacular, enjoy the beauty of the mosaics, and spend a refreshing day outdoors in the heart of the bustling city.
Rock garden
The Rock Garden in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park is a unique open-air museum where visitors can explore the geological diversity of Israel. Stones and rock formations collected from across the country showcase its rich geological history. Each exhibit is accompanied by an information plaque, making a stroll through the garden both enjoyable and educational.
The idea of creating the Rock Garden emerged as part of the development of Yarkon Park, officially known as Ganei Yehoshua. The park was established in 1951 and further expanded during the 1960s–1970s. The Rock Garden was designed to highlight Israel’s geological wealth and provide visitors with an opportunity to study the variety of rock types characteristic of the region. Today, it covers about 4 hectares and is considered one of the largest rock gardens in the world.
Here you can find samples of various rocks, reflecting the geological diversity of Israel — from granites in different shades to stones with mineral and metal inclusions, as well as boulders of unusual shapes and sizes. Some rocks fascinate with their unique textures and colors, revealing geological processes that occurred over millions of years.
A walk through the Rock Garden allows you not only to admire the beauty of natural formations but also to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s geological history.
Location: Yarkon Park, northern Tel Aviv, along the Yarkon River. The Rock Garden is situated in the eastern part of the park, near Rokach Street.
Opening hours: Daily, until dusk.
Admission: Free.
Parking: Large paid parking lot nearby (24 ILS, no time limit).
Facilities: Picnic areas available. No cafés or shops in the park — visitors are advised to bring food and drinks.
Levinsky Street area
The Levinsky Street district is one of the most authentic and atmospheric corners of Tel Aviv. This neighborhood combines Eastern charm, bohemian spirit, and cozy residential quarters, making it the perfect destination for a Friday morning stroll.
The Friday market on Levinsky Street is a true celebration of aromas, flavors, and lively conversations. Here you’ll find everything from spices, nuts, dried fruits, and olives to cheeses, hummus, and freshly baked pastries. Walking here on Friday mornings is especially enjoyable, as the market fills with pre-Shabbat bustle and warmth. Alongside the food stalls, you’ll also discover trendy boutiques, electronics shops, and authentic vintage stores offering wall clocks, mirrors, shelves, and unique souvenirs.
The area is also famous for its cozy cafés, where you can try Turkish coffee, a za’atar bun, or a trendy vegan dessert. It’s a perfect spot to relax after your market walk — kids can enjoy a snack, while adults soak in the city’s vibrant rhythm.
Beyond the central streets, you’ll find quiet residential neighborhoods filled with houses built between the 1930s and 1950s. Here, a peaceful, almost village-like atmosphere prevails: green courtyards shaded by canopies, blooming balconies, old plane trees, and an unmistakable sense of homeliness right in the heart of a bustling city.
