Discover 603 tours and activities in Tel Aviv
One of the best ways to get to know Tel Aviv is on foot. You'll enjoy a greater connection with the city and be treated to an intimate glimpse into daily life as you wander along. These guided Tel Aviv tours are ideal for your first day in town to help get your bearings.
This is an affordable way to explore, and you'll have a local on hand to answer questions during your excursion. The trip will take in iconic areas as well as places off the beaten track. This is an insider's view of Tel Aviv, and it's a privilege to experience.
Soak up the buzz of charming Tel Aviv with its vibrant café scene and striking architecture lining your route. You'll see some of the famous street art murals and learn about Israeli culture from your guide. Sites of particular interest are the ancient port of Jaffa, Rothschild Boulevard and the Hall of Independence.
Free walking tours in Tel Aviv keep things affordable, while private excursions offer a more tailored experience.
You can discover a lot about a new destination through its cuisine. Food-focused Tel Aviv tours give you a tasty insight into local culture, with both modern and traditional dishes up for grabs. You'll be exploring with an expert foodie guide who will introduce you to some of the city's most popular eateries.
As you stroll through the historic streets, you'll learn about Israel's culinary traditions and history. It's a fun way to enjoy Tel Aviv's gastronomic delights – just arrive with an empty stomach!
Carmel Market is a popular location for food excursions in Tel Aviv. Here, you'll come across a colorful array of stalls, with vendors selling fresh produce from the local region. You can chat with the locals and taste seasonal specialties as you follow your nose along the rows.
You'll get to try some of Israel's famous street food too, including hummus, falafel and sabich. Vegan food tours to restaurants and cafés are also on offer – Tel Aviv is one of the world's best vegan destinations.
Want to see the city a little differently? Exploring on two wheels gives you the flexibility and freedom to discover a lot in a short place of time. You'll glide past top attractions as well as cycle down hidden streets away from the crowds.
Tel Aviv tours by bike are usually around 3 hours long, which is plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere. This is the second-largest city in Israel, so being able to move around quickly is a real bonus when you're sightseeing.
There are 100 kilometers of cycle trails in Tel Aviv, taking you through the center as well as along the Mediterranean coast. The pace is leisurely with lots of breaks for photos and a bit of a breather. Opt for a private tour if you want a completely bespoke experience.
Highlights include pedaling along the beachside promenades, visiting the trendy Neve Tzedek district and taking in Rabin's Square. Some excursions also head down to Jaffa Port and along the famous Rothschild Boulevard.
The sacred city of Jerusalem can easily be visited on a day trip from Tel Aviv – it's only an hour away. Jerusalem attracts pilgrims and adventurers from around the world, thanks to its prominence in the Bible. Today, the communities here are culturally diverse and include Jews, Christians and Muslims.
By joining a guided tour to Jerusalem, you'll get to set foot in this famous historical city yourself. Learn about the life and legacy of Jesus Christ and hear stories as old as time as you admire the ancient architecture.
Many excursions stop at the Mount of Olives for photos overlooking the old center of Jerusalem. You'll then head into the city, pausing for reflection at religious monuments like the Dominus Flevit Church and the Gethsemane Garden.
Inside the Jewish Quarter, you'll delve down atmospheric streets, heading deeper into history. The Western Wall is a favorite attraction and is included on most tours. Meanwhile, over in the Christian Quarter, the Roman Cardo ruins are the main draw.
The Dead Sea is one of the world's most unusual natural sites. This landlocked lake is the lowest point on earth and is famous for its mineral-rich waters. The salt content here is extremely high, which means you can float effortlessly in the shallows.
It takes a couple of hours to drive from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea. During the journey, you'll stop at several historical attractions before finishing at the lake. It's a fun-packed tour that gives a well-rounded insight into some of Israel's top landmarks.
First up is the archaeological complex at Masada to discover ancient ruins and enjoy the panoramic views from the plateau. Some excursions also take in Ein Gedi – a large oasis in the Judean desert with hiking trails and waterfalls.
After a break in Bethlehem to visit the birthplace of Jesus, you'll arrive at the Dead Sea. Enjoy a soak and a float in the salty waters after a long day of exploration. Cover yourself in the mud if you like – the healing properties are legendary!
As the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem needs no introduction. The city draws Christians and culturally curious visitors from across the globe to discover this famous religious center. Bethlehem is packed with sacred sites and historic streets, taking you on a journey deep into the past.
Central to these Tel Aviv tours is the Church of the Nativity. It was built on the site where Mary reportedly gave birth to Jesus and is the city's most famous attraction. You can also discover the holy spot where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and revealed the true purpose of her life.
Other highlights in Bethlehem include Manger Square and the Chapel of Saint Catherine. Both these sites have strong links to Christianity and are popular stops on modern-day pilgrimages.
The city is located in Palestine, about 100 kilometers from Tel Aviv. A visit here is often combined with Jerusalem – the two settlements are just a short distance apart. Some trips also stop in Jericho to explore several of the Bible's most iconic locations.
Continuing with the religious theme of Jesus, a day trip to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee from Tel Aviv is another must. It's a spiritual experience, with equal amounts of historical facts and legendary tales thrown in for added effect.
Nazareth will be your first stop of the day. Here, you'll explore key sites like the Church of Annunciation and St. Joseph's Church to gain a better understanding of the local Christian legacy.
Next up is the Sea of Galilee which is the lowest freshwater lake on earth. Its shores mark another important stop on religious pilgrimages. After admiring the glittering waters, you'll visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus met with his apostles after the Resurrection.
Other key stops include the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish as well as the pretty town of Kfar Cana. Some tours also take you to the city of Tiberias. This religious and political hub is a popular vacation destination on the side of Lake Galilee – it's a great place to chill out.
Sitting pretty over on Israel's Mediterranean coast, the harbor city of Caesarea is another favorite stop on Tel Aviv tours. Famous for its national park and a vast Roman amphitheater, Caesarea shows you a whole new side of the country.
Formerly an important center for Christian learning, this historic settlement was ruled over by Pontius Pilate during the time of Jesus. Caesarea was later conquered by England's King Richard the Lionheart during the Crusades before being taken back by the Muslims. As a result, the archaeology here is both diverse and spectacular.
In Caesarea, you'll see King Herod's Palace and the Roman theater – the latter is one of the largest of its kind. Stroll around the ancient city and admire the ruined towers and temples from up close.
Other stops take in the terraced gardens at Haifa and the limestone cliffs and grottoes at Rosh Hanikra. Your final point of call is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Acre where cobbled streets and oriental bazaars steal the show.
Tel Aviv sits on Israel's Mediterranean coast and is the cultural and commercial capital of the country. In recent decades, the city has become a bit of a tourist hub - over 2.5 million international visitors come to Tel Aviv each year.
Some people travel here on a religious pilgrimage as the city has deep meaning for Christians, Jews and Muslims. Others are drawn to Tel Aviv for its vibrant party scene. Known as a city that never sleeps, this Middle Eastern favorite is famous for its nightlife.
Tel Aviv is relatively modern, with a plethora of dining and entertainment options that rival many other global cities. Yet peel back the surface and you'll discover both cultural and social legacies that reach far back into history.
Many visitors use Tel Aviv as a base for day trips to explore Israel – nowhere is very far away. Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Bethlehem are among the top destinations, all reachable on a guided tour.
Tel Aviv is well connected to the rest of the world, with several daily international flights. There are direct routes from both the United States and Europe, making the city an easy choice for a Middle Eastern adventure.
When it comes to accommodation, bear in mind that Tel Aviv is a small city, which means all the attractions are within easy reach. Most hotels are at most a 15-minute taxi ride from the center.
If it's your first time in Tel Aviv, staying in Jaffa is a good bet. It has a more cultural vibe than the city center and is home to a dazzling array of eateries, bars and galleries. To be by the beach, search for accommodation in Tayelet, or for hip boutique hotels, head to the White City area.
Getting around Tel Aviv is straightforward, thanks to the extensive bus network serving the main areas. If you're feeling energetic, exploring by bike is a popular option as the city is relatively flat. There are numerous bike rental stations dotted around Tel Aviv for quick access.
Security is tight when you enter the country, so be prepared to answer more questions than usual at the airport. But don't worry, this is just standard procedure.
Remember to wear modest clothing if you're intending to visit religious sites like the Western Wall. Long skirts or pants are advised, and you should cover the top of your arms too.
There are lots of Tel Aviv tours on offer, but to get your bearings on your first day, a walking excursion is a must. You'll discover what makes the city tick and get tips from your guide about the best restaurants to try.
Street art tours in Tel Aviv are a unique way to find out about the city's modern culture. Some of the murals here are world-class. Meanwhile, day trips to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea are a fun option if you want to explore further afield.
For something different, take a day trip to Golan Heights from Tel Aviv and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Multi-day tours around Israel are also available if you don’t want to feel too rushed. You can even take in another country if you like – trips to Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan are also on the cards.
If you're keeping an eye on the budget, there are plenty of free things to do in Tel Aviv. Strolling around Jaffa Old City is a favorite pastime among visitors, and you don't have to pay to enter the Carmel Market either. The beaches are free too, so take a towel and soak up that sun.