Often referred to as Gush Dan, the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area encompasses one of Israel’s largest cities and a string of Mediterranean Sea beaches. It’s renowned for its Bauhaus architecture, atmospheric towns and world-class museums exploring everything from archaeology to modern art.
Things to do in Tel Aviv
Spend a day relaxing on one of Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area’s golden beaches, such as Gordon Beach, Banana Beach or Frishman Beach. A paved boardwalk known as the Tayelet connects along the coastline to Jaffa and is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
Jaffa is the well-preserved Arab port town of Tel Aviv, with its atmospheric bazaar clustered with stone buildings that have been transformed into restaurants and artisan boutiques. Be sure to visit the Jaffa Flea Market, where you’ll find everything from Persian rugs to antique coins. South-east of Tel Aviv is the historic town of Lod, home to the 12th-century El-Chodr Mosque and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, which was built over a Crusader-era chapel in 1870.
For a cultural fix, head to the Eretz Israel Museum, which explores the nation’s archaeological history, folklore and traditional crafts. The experience of Jewish communities around the world is detailed at Beit Hatfutsot, while works by Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock and Alois Breyer are exhibited at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. One of Israel’s most acclaimed artists is celebrated at the Yaacov Agam Museum of Art.
Getting around Tel Aviv
The Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area is served by Ben Gurion International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Trains connect from cities throughout Israel to the Tel Aviv Savidor Central railway station and a network of buses travels to destinations across the metropolitan area.