12 MUST SEE attractions in Tel Aviv &
the Israeli Coastline
Discover the Energy of Tel Aviv and the Amazing Israeli Coastline
Explore Israel’s vibrant urban heart and its sun-drenched Mediterranean shores — where culture, innovation, and relaxation meet.
This dynamic region offers an unforgettable blend of modern lifestyle, ancient ports, artistic expression, and seaside beauty.
Tel Aviv, often called “The City That Never Sleeps,” is Israel’s beating cultural and creative hub. From the buzzing cafes of Rothschild Boulevard to the Bauhaus architecture of the White City, the city pulses with energy, diversity, and innovation. Wander through bustling markets, world-class museums, and the vibrant streets of Florentin and Neve Tzedek — or unwind on a stretch of golden beach just minutes from it all.
Head north or south along the Israeli coastline, and you’ll find a string of coastal gems: the ancient port of Caesarea, the charming alleyways of Old Jaffa, the Baháʼí gardens of Haifa, the vibrant port of Acre (Akko), and more. Each destination offers its own mix of history, flavor, and stunning sea views.
Here are 12 must-see attractions that capture the essence of Tel Aviv and the Israeli coast — stops that every traveler should experience.
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1. Tel Aviv Beach
Tel Aviv’s beaches are the city’s playground — vibrant, sun-soaked, and always alive with energy. Stretching along the city’s western edge, the coastline is lined with soft golden sand and a wide promenade known as the Tayelet, where locals and tourists walk, cycle, and rollerblade against a backdrop of the Mediterranean. It’s not uncommon to see yoga sessions at sunrise, bustling beach volleyball matches, or sunset drum circles filling the air with rhythm.
Whether you’re into beach volleyball, paddleball (matkot), sunbathing, surfing, or simply grabbing a cold beer with your toes in the sand, there’s a beach for every vibe. Hilton Beach is a favorite for the LGBTQ+ community, Gordon Beach is popular with tourists and fitness enthusiasts, while Banana Beach is great for a laid-back sunset or a spontaneous game of matkot. Families, solo travelers, and friend groups all find their spot here.
With beachfront cafés, live music, and an easy-going vibe that captures the essence of Israeli leisure, Tel Aviv’s beaches are not just a destination — they’re a lifestyle. A morning swim, afternoon sunbathe, or evening stroll here is a must-do for any visitor.
2. Old Jaffa
Old Jaffa is one of the oldest port cities in the world, and its timeless charm continues to captivate visitors with its blend of history, art, and atmosphere. Just south of Tel Aviv’s high-rises, Old Jaffa’s winding alleyways, stone arches, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean create a world apart from the modern city next door.
The neighborhood is home to ancient sites like St. Peter’s Church, the Jaffa Clock Tower, and the remnants of Egyptian, Roman, and Ottoman architecture. Visit the Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPishpeshim) for antiques and quirky finds, or explore its vibrant art galleries and boutiques housed in historic buildings. The nearby port — once one of the most important harbors in the region — now features seafood restaurants, coffee shops, and scenic walking paths.
Look for the Suspended Orange Tree, a modern art piece that captures Jaffa’s creative spirit, and stroll the Wishing Bridge, where touching your zodiac sign is said to bring luck. Day or night, Old Jaffa’s charm, coastal breeze, and artistic soul make it an essential stop.
3. The White City of Tel Aviv
The White City is Tel Aviv’s architectural crown jewel — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional collection of over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings. These whitewashed, geometric structures were built by Jewish architects who immigrated from Germany during the 1930s, adapting European modernism to the Mediterranean climate.
Wandering through the White City is like stepping into a living museum of urban design. The area is best explored on foot, particularly along Rothschild Boulevard, where restored Bauhaus buildings line a leafy pedestrian path filled with cafés, bike lanes, and street art. The Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv offers guided tours and exhibitions that shed light on the movement’s history and philosophy.
The simplicity and functionality of the Bauhaus style reflect a period of idealism and progress — the foundations of a new city built in the sand dunes. Today, the White City is a vibrant area where culture, business, and leisure intertwine, making it a must-see for design lovers and history buffs alike.
4. Hostages Square
Hostages Square is a relatively new but emotionally powerful site in the heart of Tel Aviv, located just outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Cameri Theater. Since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, it has become a national symbol of hope, unity, and advocacy.
The square features a growing collection of photos, signs, and personal tributes dedicated to the hostages taken during the Hamas attacks. Families, friends, and supporters gather here to hold vigils, share stories, and call for action. The atmosphere is somber yet filled with resilience, offering a space for collective mourning and determination.
While it may not be part of traditional tourist routes, Hostages Square reflects the very soul of Israeli society during times of crisis. It’s a place to stand in solidarity, to listen, and to remember that behind every headline, there are human lives and voices waiting to be heard.
5. Sarona
Sarona is a lush, urban oasis in the heart of Tel Aviv, blending historical charm with cosmopolitan flair. Once a 19th-century Templar colony, the area has been meticulously restored and transformed into one of the city’s most popular cultural and culinary destinations.
Sarona is home to preserved red-roofed buildings, manicured gardens, and shady walking paths. Visitors can explore artisan shops, art galleries, upscale boutiques, and some of Tel Aviv’s best cafés and restaurants. The centerpiece is the Sarona Market, Israel’s largest indoor food market, offering everything from gourmet cheeses and wines to international street food and handmade pastries.
The juxtaposition of historic structures with sleek, modern skyscrapers surrounding the district makes Sarona visually striking. Whether you’re savoring brunch in the sun, grabbing a drink with friends, or browsing local fashion, Sarona offers a relaxing yet stylish experience that captures Tel Aviv’s essence.
6. Peres Center for Peace and Innovation
The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shimon Peres, stands on the Jaffa coastline as a striking symbol of hope, progress, and visionary leadership. It was created to promote peacebuilding and showcase Israel’s achievements as a Startup Nation.
Inside, the Innovation Center presents a hands-on journey through Israel’s breakthroughs in fields like medicine, agriculture, clean energy, and cybersecurity. Interactive exhibits highlight startups, cutting-edge tech, and the creative minds behind them. The goal is not only to inspire pride in Israeli ingenuity but to foster dialogue and innovation that transcends borders.
The center also offers programming for youth, educators, and entrepreneurs, creating a hub of learning and collaboration. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a traveler seeking fresh insight into Israel’s modern identity, the Peres Center delivers an uplifting and future-facing experience — grounded in the belief that technology and peace can go hand in hand.
7. ANU Museum of the Jewish People
The ANU Museum of the Jewish People, located on the campus of Tel Aviv University, is a stunning celebration of Jewish identity, history, and culture. “ANU” means “we” in Hebrew — a name that reflects the museum’s mission to tell the diverse and evolving story of the Jewish people across continents and generations.
This expansive, modern museum features interactive exhibits, personal stories, and rare artifacts that cover everything from Jewish traditions and holidays to modern pop culture and global contributions. Visitors can explore multimedia installations on Jewish communities in India, Ethiopia, Russia, America, and beyond — showcasing the pluralism and resilience of Jewish life.
With something for every age, background, and level of knowledge, ANU is both educational and deeply personal. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the richness of Jewish heritage and the threads that connect Jewish people around the world.
8. Caesarea
Caesarea is one of Israel’s most breathtaking archaeological and coastal gems, located midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. This ancient port city, built by King Herod the Great over 2,000 years ago, blends Roman grandeur with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Visitors can explore the remains of the Roman amphitheater, the hippodrome, ancient bathhouses, and mosaics — all beautifully preserved within the Caesarea National Park. The site also includes a Crusader city, Byzantine ruins, and modern art galleries built into the historic stone walls.
Nearby, the Caesarea Harbor offers stylish restaurants, boutiques, and a scenic boardwalk ideal for lunch with a sea view. Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or just in search of a magical seaside stroll, Caesarea is one of the most memorable stops along Israel’s coastline.
9. Ayalon Institute
The Ayalon Institute is one of the most fascinating — and unexpected — historical sites in Israel. Located near Rehovot, just south of Tel Aviv, this unassuming hill once concealed a secret underground bullet factory operated by the Haganah during the British Mandate.
Disguised as a kibbutz laundry and bakery, the underground facility produced over 2 million bullets in total secrecy, playing a vital role in arming the Jewish fighters ahead of Israel’s independence. Today, visitors can descend into the original hidden factory and learn how the young operatives worked in silence and danger to secure the future state.
Guided tours bring the story to life with original equipment, reconstructed spaces, and real testimonials. The Ayalon Institute is a powerful reminder of the ingenuity, courage, and determination that helped shape modern Israel.
10. Tel Aviv City Center
Tel Aviv’s City Center is the energetic core of the city, stretching roughly from the Carmel Market in the south to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in the north. It’s where modern Israel pulses — full of creativity, commerce, food, and nightlife.
Here you’ll find everything from boutique hotels and international restaurants to street musicians and independent bookstores. Iconic spots like Dizengoff Street, Habima Square, and King George Street reflect the city’s diversity and openness. Whether you’re shopping for local fashion, sipping espresso at a sidewalk café, or joining an impromptu protest or celebration, the center is always alive.
This is the Tel Aviv that locals love — fast-paced, culturally rich, and full of surprises. Even a casual walk through the city center reveals the eclectic spirit that makes Tel Aviv unforgettable.
11. The Palmach Museum
he Palmach Museum, also known as the Palmach House, is a deeply immersive experience dedicated to the history of the Palmach, the elite strike force of the Haganah during the British Mandate period. Located in northern Tel Aviv, this museum is not a traditional exhibition space — it’s a full sensory journey.
Through cinematic storytelling and interactive installations, visitors follow the lives of young recruits as they train, fight, and navigate the emotional and physical challenges of their mission to defend the Jewish community and lay the foundations for the future State of Israel.
The museum is highly experiential, moving, and educational. It requires advance reservations and is recommended for ages 12 and up. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for international visitors.
For anyone interested in Zionist history, national identity, and the human dimension of state-building, the Palmach Museum offers a powerful, unforgettable encounter with Israel’s past.
12. Haifa
Haifa is Israel’s third-largest city and a breathtaking blend of nature, culture, and coexistence. Built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, it offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and a unique mix of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Bahá’í communities living side by side.
The city’s most iconic attraction is the Bahá’í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring terraced gardens that cascade down the mountainside in stunning symmetry. Nearby, you’ll find museums, beaches, German Colony cafés, and the Stella Maris Monastery with its panoramic lookout.
Haifa is also a hub of science and technology, home to the Technion and a growing startup scene. Whether you’re exploring its natural beauty or soaking in its peaceful coexistence, Haifa offers a different — and refreshing — face of Israeli life.