There’s incredible architecture, there’s a beautiful beach and Tel Aviv seems to have everything else that’s in between. And finding things to do in Tel Aviv with kids is a rewarding sort of challenge! IN all honesty our biggest challenge was trying to fit things in to the two days we had (especially when we found most of them we wanted to do twice!).
With two days in Tel Aviv we were busy, but did find time to relax in the evenings on our hostel rooftop space. (And I admit neither of exploration days started particularly early!). We explored the markets, swam at the beach and enjoyed just soaking up the vibes walking along the promenade. (Plus, I have to say reflectively that we also enjoyed the challenge of figuring out the local bus to get ourselves to Jerusalem after all that!)
We really enjoyed the two full days we had, and feel like we got a good first taste of Tel Aviv.
Read on for our highlights – and what we do next time if we visit for longer!
The beach promenade
Walking the promenade is one of the best/first things to do in Tel Aviv. Recently renovated, it runs along Tel Aviv’s coastline and has that slightly European-holiday-scene feel. It makes for easy access to the beach and to any of the countless cafes dotted along the beautiful Mediterranean feel of shoreline.
And if you have time in the late afternoon, it’s worth arranging your day to see the beautiful Tel Aviv coastline at sunset.
We were lucky that our accommodation in Tel Aviv (see below) was a family friendly hostel in walking distance to the beach! We couldn’t believe our luck… After months in Central Asia we were all of a sudden near the Mediterranean Sea! Our hostel in Tel Aviv even had free kids beach toys and swimming rings to borrow. Check it out.
Explore Jaffa’s Old City and Port
Jaffa is one of the oldest port cities in the world! The modern remnants of this ancient port entail a maze of stores and cafes that spill over into Jaffa’s flea market. (The flea market along is worth a look if you have time! We didn’t buy much enjoyed the general hustle and bustle of this Israeli market).
Find the best hummus
This is a must. (Basically a bucket-list item as soon as you step foot in Israel!). And trust me; its easily one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv.
Admittedly we weren’t quite sure where to even start with the hunt for hummus. But we only stepped out of our hostel and were a few metres down the road (buying a drink at a local convenience store) when they told us we ‘must’ go and try the hummus near Yom Tov Street. There are a whole lot of different cafes and restaurants in the courtyard between Yom Tov and Carmel Market, as well as some goodies down the smaller alley ways in between.
Try some Israeli pastries
This too, is another must on your Israeli bucket list. Tel Aviv is a bustling city with much to see. It serves as a practical gateway to visit Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but in itself it also has a unique atmosphere to absorb. Take it in slowly and spend time finding the markets and local street vendors.
Go swimming in the Med
This is the best part! By night, Tel Aviv has a bit of a reputation with partygoers coming from all over Europe. But by day, the beachside front of the town of Tel Aviv is perfect for families (and tanning holidaymakers alike).
Find some green space (to burn off energy or otherwise)
The most well-known park in Tel Aviv is called Independence Park. This is beautiful green space with a large playground with swings, slides and climbing frames. It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic under the shade of the trees and close to the sea. Grab some of those pastries from Carmel Market – it makes for a great day out!
Tel Aviv in short and in summary
We enjoyed our short time in Tel Aviv with the kids. We obviously didn’t get to spread out too far around the city, but found it easy to get around; easy to navigate; and with a relaxing, friendly vibe.
Where we stayed
- Tel Aviv: 1000 Nights Guest House [amazing location! Five minutes walk to beach and local market. Self-check in; rooftop common area; shared kitchen/bathroom; 100m from bus stop!]. This hostel is a great budget accommodation choice if you are backpacking or in Tel Aviv with kids.
Useful links for your travels in Middle East and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. And it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. (We love their flexible cancellation policy!).
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner!
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. It includes everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
Read more about travel in the Middle East
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: Everything you need to know about KSA.
- Jordan Travel Guide: Read All About Jordan.
- Visiting Umm Qais in Jordan.
- Crossing overland from Israel to Jordan (and the worst noise ever).
- UAE with kids: Three Emirates in three days.
- Oman: Road-tripping and wadi-jumping…
- Quick tips for visiting the Sheik Al Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.