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Previous issues for Tel Aviv

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Israel : Tel Aviv - December 2008

Country Code: Dial 2 for Israel

While Tel Aviv is making fi nal preparations for its eagerly awaited centennial celebrations, the fi rst rains of the winter are cleaning the dust from the Bauhaus buildings and green boulevards, setting the mood for the seemingly endless list of events staged to salute the city. Noam Dvir gets ready

Getting around

Ben Gurion International Airport is 20km south-east of Tel Aviv.

Train: There’s a train station outside the terminal. The journey to the city centre takes 20 minutes and a single ticket costs €2/NIS 12.
Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the city centre takes about 20 minutes and should cost no more than €17-21/ NIS 100-120.
Tourist information: The main office is at 46 Herbert Samuel Street (tel. , visit-tlv.co.il).

ROTHSCHILD BOULEVARD

This elegant avenue is a living museum charting 100 years of architecture in Tel Aviv, and is considered by many to be the best address in the city.

Must eat – Tel Aviv’s bohemian lodge Cantina (71 Rothschild Boulevard, tel. ) pulls in politicians, journalists and actors who mingle with top models and soccer stars. Head here for fine Italian dishes. The best schnitzel in town is served in the Parisian-style Café Noir (41 Ahad Ha’am, tel. ), along with other signature dishes such as fetush (salad with herbs and toasted pitta) and pittas stuffed with meat. Among the handful of gourmet ice cream parlours, Bislek (61 Nahalat Binyamin, tel. ) stands out for its originality, flavours and service.

Must drink – Start your night with a glass of champagne in La Champa (52 Nahalat Binyamin), or try Ashmoret (10 Rothschild Boulevard), which is popular with the city’s gay crowd.

Shop til you drop – Situated in a street level apartment, Elemento (119 Rothschild Boulevard) is a boutique selling retro and modern design pieces

TEL AVIV HARBOUR

With its wooden deck, stunning architecture and spectacular sea views, the recently renovated harbour is one of the best child-friendly spots in the city.

Sleep soundly – Just across Hilton beach, Melody Hotel offers a boutique experience with a roof-top lounge and smart black and white décor, all at reasonable prices.

Culture vultures – ZeZeZe Gallery (Hangar 12) specialises in local and international architecture and has a design-oriented bookshop and tea house.

Must eat – For organic enthusiasts, Comme il Faut Cafe (Bait BaNamal Hangar 26, tel.) will be a desirable destination. Here, the ideology of the upscale Comme-il-Faut fashion house meets sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine in chic surroundings. If you like fresh seafood, you should try the adjacent Mul Yam (Hangar 24, tel. ). According to the gourmet guide Les Grandes Tables du Monde, it’s rated among the 120 best restaurants in the world. Morning people will love Gilli’s (Hangar 25, tel. ), which does lavish breakfasts accompanied by some of the best Israeli wines.

Dance the night away – Whisky A Gogo (3 Ha-Ta’arucha) is the best place for spotting local celebrities. Arrive early as it can get crowded.

NEVE TZEDEK

Home to some of the wealthiest people in the country, Neve Tzedek also has a buzzing art scene. The narrow streets are dotted with restaurants, cafés and galleries.

Sleep soundly – Only a few months old, Neve Tzedek Hotelis the perfect retreat, offering style, luxury, intimacy and service.

Culture vultures – The Suzanne Dellal Center (5 Yehieli, suzannedellal.org.il) stages theatre and dance performances all year long and houses the distinguished BatSheva Dance Company.

Shop til you drop – Samy D (56 Shabazi) stocks ceramics in wild shapes and vibrant colours.

JAFFA

Jaffa (today a part of Tel Aviv) is enjoying an economic and cultural boom. The fashionable flea market is full of great bargains on anything from retro sofas to Ottoman porcelain. You can also try out some of the best Arabic cuisine around.

Must eat – 120 years old, Abulafia (7 Yefet) is the best known bakery in the city and is open 24 hours. The trendy Charcuterie (3 Rabbi Hanina, tel. ) is well known for its gourmet sausages and laid-back atmosphere.

Shop til you drop – Workshop (15 Yefet) restores and sells classic 20thcentury furniture.

Compiled by Noam Dvir