Tel Aviv/Jaffa

Jaffa is the most ancient city centre and port within the Tel Aviv region. Before the new Jewish city of Tel Aviv was founded in 1908 in the sand dunes north of Jaffa, Jaffa was the main settlement for Arabs, Jews and the various waves of occupiers (Turks, British, etc.). Today, Jaffa is a southern suburb of Tel Aviv, and the main concentration of Arab population in the Tel Aviv area. Like other nearby areas, it is beginning to undergo gentrification from downtown Tel Aviv.

By foot

Walk south from central Tel Aviv along the beach promenade, until you reach the clock tower at the northern outskirts of Jaffa.

By bicycle

Maybe the best way to visit Jaffa from Tel Aviv. There are a lot of Tel-O-Fun rental stations in the Tel Aviv/Jaffa area.

By bus

Many bus routes go here from central Tel Aviv.

The interesting sites in Jaffa are very close together, and walking is the best way to get between them.

• Jaffa Clock Tower

  address: Raziel 25
  A local landmark, built in 1903.

• Old Jaffa & port

  phone: +972 3-603-7700, +972 3-603-7686
  One of the oldest ports in the world, and formerly the biggest seaport in Israel. This is the reputed point where Jonah boarded a ship and was later swallowed by a big fish. Today the port and the area close to it have become a quaint, interesting renovated district. The port holds various shops, restaurants and events. See websites for Jaffa port and Old Jaffa.

• Old Jaffa MuseumThis complex, built in the 13th century, was the Ottoman government headquarters. It is used for art exhibitions.

• Ramesses GateArchaeological remains from the 16th century BCE which can be freely viewed. However, they are hard to appreciate without a tour guide.

• Zodiac alleysA network of restored alleys, full of art galleries, which lead to the Jaffa seaport. The alleys are named after the signs of the zodiac.

• Andromeda's rockThe rock in Jaffa harbor to which, according to Greek myth, Andromeda was tied before being rescued by Perseus.

• Wishing BridgeThe myth says if you touch your zodiac sign and face the sea, your wish will come true.

• al-Bahr Sea MosqueBuilt in 1675, this is the oldest surviving mosque in Jaffa. Due to its proximity to the sea, it is still used by fishermen and sailors, as it has been for centuries.

• St. Peter's Catholic ChurchA Franciscan church, built in the 19th century on the remains of Crusaders' fortress, which serves also as a hostel. It is said that Napoleon stayed in that church while it was a hostel.

Tourists flock to Jaffa mainly to wander around and enjoy the picturesque views and the local food joints and hunt for bargains in the shops and markets. If you would like to understand the history and significance of particular places in Jaffa better, a guided tour may be a good idea.

• Givat HaAliyah beachThe quietest of Tel Aviv's beaches, and the only one you where are likely to find free parking nearby.

• Bloomfield StadiumIt's normally home to Tel Aviv's three football (soccer) clubs, but it's being expanded to 30,000 capacity. Meanwhile Maccabi Tel Aviv play at Netanya, while Hapoel Tel Aviv and Bnei Yehuda play at Petah Tikvah.

• Nalaga’at TheaterA theatrical performance performed entirely by deaf-blind people (with dual disability). Includes elements of circus arts and sign language, as well as regular theater.

• Wheel Bee Bike Rental

  phone: +972 3-6838080
  address: Hahalfanim 7
  Wheel Bee offers various kinds of bikes for rent, electric & regular, for all ages.

• Flea Market and BazaarAn outdoor market where you can buy almost anything for low prices. Especially good for antiques.

• Abouelafia and SonsThe most famous bakery in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, if not in the entire country. Mounds of pastries and confectioneries. Israelis drive for miles to visit this bakery.

• Aladin

  address: Mifrats Shlomo Promenade 5
  Seafood, great location, food gets mixed reviews.

• Ali Karavan Abu Hassan

  phone: +972 3-6828355
  address: 14 Shivtey Yisrael Street
  Famous for its hummus, massabaha (coarsely textured hummus with whole chick peas), and ful (cooked spicy fava beans). Many Israelis claim it to be the best Hummus in Israel.

• Blackout

  phone: +972 3 633-0808
  At this restaurant you eat a meal entirely in the dark, simulating the experience of blind people. Part of the Nalaga’at Center which works with blind and deaf people (see "Do" section above). Prior reservations are needed.

• Cordelia

  phone: +972 3-5184668
  address: 14 Hazorfim
  Near the flea market and the busy clock square, there is a plaza full of surprises, waiting for you. Chef Nir Zook offers an outstanding combination of culinary experience and personal hospitality to everyone.

• Rak Basar

  phone: +972 3-6813590
  address: 19 Salame
  A great meat & wine place. The meat is selected personally by the customer and is cooked to perfection and the wine is unlimited. The entire meal is quite cheap, considering the quality.

• Itzik Hagadol

  phone: +972 3 6830033
  address: 3 Raziel
  You get the table filled with an amazing number of salad dishes. Then you get a great steak, kebab or meat on skewers.

• Goldman

  phone: +972 036822111
  Breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a view of the beach end old Jaffa.

• Shmone

  address: Eilat 8
  A very beautiful place located in an old Jaffa-style building, it's kind of a private membership club with many older richer people that the usual hangout.

• Saloona

  address: 17 Tirza St.
  A local neighborhood bar with an art orientation. Often art of local artists is presented on the walls.

• Leo 5

  address: Mazal Dagim Street
  Located beneath the Ilana Goor Museum on the top of the hill, this bar is a great place to hang out. The owner is most generous and boasts a wide array of rock and roll memorabilia. You'll probably be able to hear the bar before you see it.

• Old Jaffa Hostel

  phone: +972 3 682-2370
  address: Amiad 13 St.
  In the heart of the flea market, the Old Jaffa Hostel is a funky-bohemian type place in all the right ways; eclectic decor in the rooms, chirping birds in the hallways, rooftop patio and kitchen with a view of Tel Aviv and free coffee, tea and cookies in the morning. An excellent choice, very good location, and a great value – but not a party hostel. Member of ILH.

• Milk & Honey Hostel

  phone: +972 3-644-4316
  address: Shalma Rd 4
  Member of ILH.