Things to Do in Tel Aviv

About 2,000 years ago, Israel’s beautiful fishing port of Caesarea was a Roman capital, dedicated to Caesar Augustus. Today, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, with archaeological ruins, beautiful beaches and an impressive Roman theater.

Caesarea was built by Herod the Great over 12 years, from 25-13 BC, and was one of the grandest cities in the area with a deep sea harbor, aqueduct, hippodrome and amphitheater, which is still utilized today. The site holds concerts and other performances, while the hippodrome, although still identifiable, is now a banana field. It is smaller than the Circus Maximus in Rome but still held 20,000 spectators for chariot races at one point. Caesarea’s harbor is an engineering marvel with both an inner and outer area. It was constructed using hydraulic concrete to create breakwaters. Caesarea Aqueduct Beach, on the other hand, is considered one of the best beaches in Israel.

Neve Tzedek (נְוֵה צֶדֶק) is one of the most charming neighborhoods in all of Tel Aviv. The first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of the ancient Jaffa walls, it enjoyed a prosperous beginning as the first modern city in the Hebrew world. Today, it is stylish and full of life. Galleries and restaurants dominate the area's streets, and the small cafes and artist studios make the colorful streets look like a sort of Bohemian haven. For great shopping, be sure to visit Shabazi Street (ברחוב שבזי) for lovely boutiques and specialty stores.

Be sure to visit the Nachum Gutman Museum (נחום גוטמן במוזיאון), devoted to the famous Israeli artist, as well as the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theatre (מרכז סוזן דלל למחול ותיאטרון), an incredible cultural center surrounded by beautiful gardens. Neve Tzedek is one of the most enthralling, beautiful, and culturally blooming area in Tel Aviv, and is certainly not to be missed.

Notorious for being one of the swankiest, hippest streets in all of Tel Aviv, Sheinken Street (שיינקין) is home to some of the best shops and restaurants in town. Elegance and culture reign in this bustling district, and if you're looking for a great shopping experience, this is the place to be.

Speciality stores and boutiques for every visitor line the streets along with delicious restaurants and charming cafes. If you're looking for a calmer experience, people-watching on Nafha Street (רחוב נפחא) is the prime location, with beautiful al fresco cafes. Whatever you're looking for, Sheinken Street is sure to have something for you.

The Palmach was founded on May 15, 1941 as an elite unit of the underground army of the Jewish community. At the innovative Palmach Museum, visitors are transported back in time, where they follow the story of a group of young Palmach recruits who fought and eventually died fighting for the establishment of the state of Israel.

Each tour begins in a memorial hall dedicated to fallen Palmach members. Rather than the artifacts and informational placards common to most museums, the Palmach Museum uses audio visual effects and three-dimensional decor to recount various experiences in the personal stories of Palmach fighters.

“Nalag’at” means “please touch” in Hebrew, and at the Nalagaat Center in Tel Aviv, visitors learn about a world without light or sound as they’re led through unique experiences by deaf, blind and deaf-blind individuals who work at the center.

The BlackOut Restaurant invites visitors to sit down for a culinary adventure in total darkness, where dishes are served by blind waiters and diners’ senses of touch, taste and smell are heightened while the eyes are not engaged. At the Nalagaat Theater, a cast of deaf-blind actors and interpreters stage performances that offer insight into the world of darkness, silence and the struggles that go along. The center also hosts regular workshops with topics like sign language and wine tasting in the dark.