For a first time visitor, Tel Aviv may come as a wonderful surprise. Instead of plodding camels and ancient ruins, they will find a contemporary Mediterranean metropolis filled with culture, boutiques, chic cafes and a busy nightlife. A long kept secret of jet-setters, Tel Aviv is an edgier destination than the tourist traps along the Mediterranean basin.
Tel Aviv began as a sleepy little town settled in 1909 by Zionist pioneers, and was a source of Levantine, Oriental and Central European influences with haphazard streets. In the 1920’s Jaffa’s commercial centre moved to Tel Aviv and the city planners laid out a new street grid to modernize the city.
Tel Aviv is filled with life, from the seductive creativity pouring into its arts and theatres, to the laughter that spills out from the sidewalk cafes, and the non-stop party atmosphere of the summer months. The nightlife is vigorous and can even include dancing on the bars themselves.
The greatest architectural influence came from the German Jews who migrated to Tel Aviv during World War II. These architects were trained in the Bauhaus International or Modern style, and this style is reflected all over the city today.
Tel Aviv is the home of the symphony orchestra of Zubin Mehta, along with many art galleries, theatres and an opera house. The city boasts open air minstrels, poetry readings, experimental theatres, avant garde jazz performances and galley exhibitions.
The sun is usually shining in Tel Aviv, but the summers can be hot and humid. Visit in the spring when the days are warm enough for the beach and the nights are cool enough for a sweater.
Cheap flights to Tel Aviv are available from most international airports.