tel aviv
Tel Aviv really surprised me. I hadn't been in 18 years and didn't know what to expect. What I discovered was a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan city often referred to as the 'Mediterranean Manhattan.' Tel Aviv could not be more different to its older, more religious sibling, Jerusalem. It is a young liberal city, filled with young beautiful people (the men, my god). The idea of Israeli food is still very new, with a culinary identity still shaping and taking influences from dozens of cultures in places like Africa, Europe and the rest of the Middle East. Best of all were the people; hospitable, loud, gregarious and blunt in the best way. Here's what I would do there:
STAY
carlton tel aviv hotel
5 star hotel in Tel Aviv, located near the beach and minutes from the Tel Aviv business center. The rooftop offers stunning 360 views of the city and there is a range of wonderful dining options including Meir Adoni's Lumina.
Address: Eliezer Peri St 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 63573, Israel
65 HOTEL
Prominently resting on trendy Rothschild Boulevard is 65 Hotel, a stylish cylindrical building featuring modern spacious rooms with an exemplary breakfast
Address: Rothschild Blvd 65, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
POLI HOUSE
Boutique Hotel centrally located near Carmel Market, characterized by a distinctive modern design with a stunning rooftop bar & pool area.
Address: Nahalat Binyamin St 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Elma Arts Complex Luxury Hotel
Escape the city and head to The Elma Arts Complex Luxury Hotel in Zichron Ya'akov. The magnificent property offers luxurious accommodations, restaurants, concert halls, art galleries, pools, and a spa. It is truly a unique experience.
Address: Ya'ir St 1, Zihron Ya'akov, 3094260, Israel
eat
For my city guides, I try to have a mix of everything - new restaurants, iconic venues, and tourist spots worth a visit. These will range from casual cafes for breakfast to suit jacket fine dining. As with all guides, it is not exhaustive but hopefully full of wonderful recommendations that will help you make the most of your visit!
hotel Montefiore
Innovative takes on culinary classics in a swanky setting
Montefiore St 36, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
lumina
Kosher fine dining by Meir Adoni with a view of the ocean
Eliezer Peri St 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 63573, Israel
shakshuka
Tiny Carmel market spot serving up fancier versions of the über-popular baked eggs
Rehov Simtat Ha'Carmel 41, Shuk Ha'Carmel, Tel Aviv, Israel
romano
Cool crowd, lively atmosphere, and delicious sharable Israeli cuisine
Derech Jaffa 9, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
manta ray
Great fish and killer breakfast with a beautiful sea view
יחזקאל קויפמן 703, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
claro
Farm-to-table restaurant with a cozy and welcoming vibe
Ha'arbaa st 23, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
old man and the sea
Fresh fish and seafood served with endless mezzes, with an ocean view
Retzif HaAliya HaShniya St 101, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
m25
No-frills, tavern-style eatery, which serves the best cuts from a butcher shop just next door
Simtat HaCarmel 30, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
brasserie M&R
French restaurant that gives diners the impression they were whisked away to Paris
Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St 70, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
caef xoho
Cool cafe with a great atmosphere, homemade food, wonderful coffee
J. L. Gordon St 17, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
popina
Romantic restaurant with immaculate plating, modernist techniques, and open kitchen
J. L. Gordon St 17, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
miznon
No frills Israeli street food, buzzing all day
23 Ibn Gabirol St, Tel Aviv 68178
abbu hassan
Known to be the best place in Israel to eat hummus
Shivtei Israel St 14, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
hakosem
Some of best Israeli street food you can find including shawarma & falafel
Shlomo ha-Melekh St 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Lehamim Bakery
Kosher bakery offering fresh, artisan breads and pastry
HaHashmonaim St 103, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 67133, Israel
port said
Hipster environment and delicious take on middle-eastern food
Har Sinai St 5, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
play
Carmel Market (Shuk Ha'Carmel)
Bustling marketplace open daily, filled with produce, cheese, meats and restaurants sourcing their ingredients from the food stalls.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
Beach town 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Walk along the beachfront mansions in Isle of Palms or stop into the town for great casual dining.
tayelet
Three-mile-long beachside boardwalk
jaffa
This ancient city located just south of Tel Aviv can trace its roots back to the Bible
sarona market
Israel's largest indoor culinary market which operates seven days a week
day trip to Caesarea
Port where amazing ancient harbor ruins, beautiful beaches, and impressive modern residences sit side by side. Check out Helena restaurant on the water
old tel aviv port
Wooden docks support cozy cafés, trendy shops, delectable restaurants, and seaside bars.
Neve Tzedek
Area for avant-garde design stores, fashion boutiques and handicraft shops
day trip to masada & dead sea
Check out viator.com for some great trip options including guide & transportation
