What To Do For 36 Hours In Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel - Updated 2024

36 hours in tel aviv
Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 9 min read

Tel Aviv-Yafo is a jewel of breathtaking scenery and historic attractions along Israel’s Mediterranean Coast. This charming city captivates the imagination, and is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, engaging museums, and vibrant nightlife. Both classic and contemporary, Tel Aviv is an intriguing blend of heritage, culture, and cosmopolitan flair. Visit historic attractions in Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world, or admire urban art and modern Bauhaus architecture in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the White City. Dine at world-class restaurants, shop at stunning boutiques and flea markets, and then visit one of Tel Aviv’s terrific museums. Of course, even a short trip to Tel Aviv wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the city’s superlative beaches. Make the most of your time in the city, and add some of these sensational experiences to your itinerary. Read more below for what to for 36 hours in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Day 1: Afternoon

Feast on farm-to-table fare at Claro


Start your time in Tel Aviv with a meal from one of Israel’s most celebrated chefs. Led by Chef Ran Shmueli, Claro is a fine dining establishment that celebrates farm-to-table fare inspired by Mediterranean flavors. The menu in this elegant restaurant is updated almost daily to reflect the best local produce and seasonal products available and all ingredients are from local Israeli partners. As you feast on your delicious entrée, you can watch the magic unfold in the open kitchen or take a seat outside on the balcony and admire the views that stretch over the Sarona compound.

Claro

Address: Ha'arbaa st 23, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Claro

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 4:30pm, 5:30pm - 11:30pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 4pm, 5:30pm - 11:30pm

Visited this place?

Discover the vibrant neighborhoods of Tel Aviv on a walking tour (from USD 29.0)

This incredible three-hour tour lets you explore the wonderful attractions and iconic landmarks across Tel Aviv’s stunning neighborhoods. Your journey starts in one of the city’s oldest districts, Neve Tzedek, where modern galleries, colorful boutiques, and inventive cafes now line the winding, narrow streets. You’ll admire Bauhaus buildings in the White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the unique heritage of this architectural style. In the Florentine Neighborhood, you’ll discover vibrant urban art and eclectic eateries, and from there, you’ll head to the American Colony Quarter where your tour concludes.

Visited this place?

Modern Tel Aviv City Tour in English

Duration: 3 hours

7 reviews

Shop for souvenirs at the Old Train Station

PikiWiki Israel 12787 The old train station in Tel-Aviv
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user אילנה שקולניק used under CC BY 2.5

Once the oldest train station in Tel Aviv, this historic building has been transformed into a contemporary, open space for the community. Known as HaTachana in Hebrew, the Old Train Station brims with exciting dining options and is filled with a wide variety of boutiques. Scout for unique souvenirs in the one-of-a-kind shops or kick back with a coffee and people-watch from a café. On Thursday evenings, the Old Train Station hosts a public trade show where Israeli designers and artists feature their latest creations and DJs spin live music.

Old Train Station

Address: Kaufmann St, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Old Train Station

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm

Visited this place?

Day 1: Evening

Glide through the district of Jaffa on a Segway (from USD 50.0)

36 hours in tel aviv | glide through the district of jaffa on a segway

This hour-long tour is a fun sightseeing extravaganza across the ancient neighborhood of Jaffa. After an experienced guide teaches you how to operate your Segway, you’ll soon be off along the beautiful Tel Aviv-Jaffa boardwalk and taking in the sights of the old Jaffa port. As you glide along, you can admire the Tel Aviv skyline and take in the beauty of the beaches while you learn about the historic neighborhood of Jaffa.

Visited this place?

1-Hour Segway Tour of Jaffa

Duration: 60 minute

5 reviews

Sample snacks at Jaffa Flea Market (from USD 78.0)

This brilliant two-hour excursion guides you through the vivid and bustling Jaffa Flea Market. As you wind your way through the narrow streets and colorful stalls, you will learn about the culture and traditions of this unique space, which is the second oldest flea market in the world. In addition to unique merchandise, Jaffa Flea Market is filled with fantastic food vendors, and the market is a great way to experience the international cuisine styles of Tel Aviv. This tour includes samples of four snacks, one drink, and one dessert, and your guide can provide more information about the best places to shop, eat, and explore in the market.

Visited this place?

Jaffa Flea Market Tasting Tour

Duration: 2 hours

3 reviews

Savor fresh salad and seafood at The Old Man and The Sea


The Old Man and The Sea has an unbeatable blend of wonderful ambiance, a delectable menu, and a fantastic location in Jaffa Harbor. Named for the 1952 Ernest Hemingway novel, this romantic restaurant is surrounded by bobbing sailboats and the outdoor patio seating boasts stunning views of the Old Jaffa Port. Enjoy the restaurant’s stunning collection of vibrant salads, fresh seafood and fish entrees, and steaming pita bread pulled hot from the oven. Finish your meal with a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade, a decadent dessert, and sunset views for a perfect evening in Tel Aviv.

The Old Man and The Sea

Address: Retzif HaAliya HaShniya St 101, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: The Old Man and The Sea

Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)

Visited this place?

Day 1: Night

Sit back with a drink at Eduard

תמיד טוב שיהיה תמני אחד בצוות. לנו יש את זכריה, Ran Zeharya. וכמו כל תמני טוב הוא יודע לשתות ארק. אז רקחנו אותו בכוס קוקטייל זכריה - ארק, שרטרז, אנגסטורה ביטר..... אדוארד הכרמל 12 ת"א

Posted by ‎Eduard אדוארד‎ on Tuesday, 1 January 2019

Eduard is a small bar with a big atmosphere, and a must-see if you can find it first! This nondescript casual bar doesn’t even have a sign on its front door but has an unbeatable view from its balcony. Stop by after exploring the nearby Carmel Market and relax with one of the bar’s signature cocktails or drinks, or snack on tapas and small plates as you listen to live music.

Eduard

Address: HaCarmel St 12, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Eduard

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 12pm - 2:30am; Thu: 12pm - 4am; Fri: 12pm - 2:30am; Sat: 5pm - 2:30am

Visited this place?

Dance to live music at Breakfast Club


The party keeps going all night, and well into the morning, at Breakfast Club. This nightclub is one of Tel Aviv’s premier dance venues and is open until eight in the morning Wednesday through Saturday. Inside this venue are two bars and a dance floor where you can party to Israeli DJs playing a wide variety of house, techno, rave, and electronic music.

Breakfast Club

Address: Rothschild Blvd 6, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Breakfast Club

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11pm - 8am (closed from Sun - Tue)

Visited this place?

Day 2: Morning

Start your morning with a sandwich from Itzik and Ruthie


Itzik and Ruthie is perfect for an early morning breakfast or an after-party remedy. This legendary sandwich shop is open from 4am, Sunday through Thursday, and has been a staple Tel Aviv eatery since it opened in 1957. The hearty sandwiches here have tantalizing fresh ingredients spilling out between fresh buns, with mouthwatering salads to accompany your order. If you don’t fancy a sandwich, the shakshuka in a bun or the piled-high hot dog are also great options.

Itzik and Ruthie

Address: Sheinkin St 53, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Itzik and Ruthie

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4am - 12pm (closed on Fri & Sat)

Visited this place?

Bicycle beneath Bauhaus architecture (from USD 42.0)

Travel by bicycle to some of Tel Aviv’s exciting landmarks. On this three-hour excursion, you will traverse historic neighborhoods and lush parks to visit popular attractions across the city. As you glide along, you can admire the world’s largest collection of Bauhaus-style buildings and learn more about the Jewish architects that brought this modernist style to Tel Aviv’s streets. You’ll make a stop at Rabin Square, which is the largest public square in Tel Aviv, before riding along the beachfront promenade to Yarkon Park.

Visited this place?

Tel Aviv Cycling Tour

Duration: 3 hours

8 reviews

Look into the past at Eretz Israel Museum

Eretz-Israel-Museum-ceramics-pavilion-tel-hadar-40817
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bukvoed used under CC BY 4.0

Eretz Israel Museum is a brilliant institution that features remarkable exhibits, interactive displays, working reconstructions, and so much more. This extraordinary establishment covers everything from ancient coinage to arts and crafts and includes both permanent collections and temporary exhibits about archaeology, history, culture, and ethnography. There is also a planetarium which screens shows about outer space, as well as life here on Earth. In addition to this museum, Museum of the Diaspora (Beit Hatfutsot) is also nearby, and offers a complementary glimpse to the modern cultural heritage of Israel.

Eretz Israel Museum

Address: Chaim Levanon St 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Eretz Israel Museum

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Sat: 10am - 4pm; Tue, Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 15 USD

Visited this place?

Day 2: Afternoon

Sample traditional sabich at Sabich Frishman

Sabich
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gilabrand used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A fantastic option for a fresh and flavorful meal, Sabich Frishman is a renowned eatery that serves traditional sabich. This dish is an Iraqi-inspired street snack that consists of a warm pita piled high with hearty vegetables like roasted eggplant and potato, topped with a hard-boiled egg, creamy tahini, and sizzling spices. This delightful dish is budget- and vegetarian-friendly, and is a fantastic meal to refuel you for sightseeing. If the long line is off-putting, head next door to Frishman Falafel for another vegetarian lunch option.

Sabich Frishman

Address: Frishman St 42, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Visited this place?

View the brilliant works of art at Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Tel-Aviv Museum of Art by Preston Scott Cohen #architecture #archdaily #telaviv #israel #instagood #concrete #parametric #prestonscottcohen #iphonesia #faceted
Source: Photo by user david basulto used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The magnificent Tel Aviv Museum of Art is a must-see for any art aficionado. This breathtaking institution was opened in 1932 and has become one of Israel’s premier art museums. The museum is renowned for its breadth of sculptures, paintings, photographs, and drawings from the 20th century, and features both local and international artists. From the Old Masters Department to the contemporary art collection, this museum offers a fantastic perspective on architecture, design, historic trends, and modern media and video. With its stunning permanent collections and thoughtful temporary exhibitions, Tel Aviv Museum of Art brims with engaging displays. Visitors can also partake in guided tours of the museum or educational workshops.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Address: The Golda Meir Cultural and Art Center, Sderot Sha'ul HaMelech 27, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Sat: 10am - 6pm; Tue, Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 14 USD

Visited this place?

Bask in the sun on a Tel Aviv beach

Gordon Beach
Source: Photo by user Benjamin Linh VU used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Tel Aviv is famous for its wide variety of fantastic beaches and gorgeous, sunny climate. From calm, family-friendly areas to wild, water-sport spots, gay beaches to gender-segregated religious shores, there are beaches for your every whim. Try kayaking off the coast of Hilton Beach, sunbathing on Frischmann Beach, swimming in the saltwater pool at Gordon Beach, or competing in a game of “matkot” with the locals on Jerusalem Beach! The beachfront of Tel Aviv is not to be missed, and you can access many of these beaches by simply strolling along the scenic promenade.

Visited this place?

Day 2: Evening

Discover urban street art across Tel Aviv (from USD 28.0)

Embark on an urban art expedition with this unique two-hour tour. This tour includes itineraries for either the bohemian district of Florentin or the vibrant arts scene in Nahalat Binyamin and is a fantastic way to discover Israeli street artists and learn more about the local arts culture. As you roam the streets and alleys, you’ll get off the beaten path in Tel Aviv and see a side of the city that most tourists miss.

Visited this place?

Tel Aviv: Urban Street Art and Graffiti Tour

Duration: 2 hours

32 reviews

Wander through Carmel Market

Tel Aviv, Israel 43836
Source: Photo by user Ted Eytan used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Carmel Market, also known as Shuk HaCarmel, is a unique shopping experience unlike any other! This market is one of the largest in Tel Aviv and first opened in 1920. Today, the market is still popular with tourists and locals alike for its staggering collection of restaurants and eateries, craft artisans, boutique wares, and food vendors. Enjoy the overstimulation of your senses as you meander past everything from fresh coffee and spices to designer clothes, and pick up a local snack if you start to feel peckish. The market is open Sunday to Friday, although it closes earlier on Friday in observance of Shabbat.

Carmel Market

Address: HaCarmel St 48, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Visited this place?

Sip on local wines at Brut

Posted by Brut on Friday, 12 April 2019

Sit back and enjoy a crisp glass of wine in the evening as you soak in the peaceful ambiance and enjoy a refreshing meal at Brut. Intimate and vibrant, this wine bistro beautifully blends the heritage of French and Italian wine culture with the freshness of local ingredients and culinary traditions. The drinks menu features both international vintages and Israeli wines, and the food menu is inspired by the current season and local ingredients. Visitors can sit at the bar that faces the open kitchen or relax on the outdoor patio.

Brut

Address: Nahalat Binyamin St 36, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Brut

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7pm - 12am (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

Day 2: Night

Start the party at Lima Lima Bar

Posted by Lima Lima Bar on Wednesday, 20 November 2019

Lively and dynamic, Lima Lima is a favorite in Tel Aviv for creating an amazing dance experience. This outstanding club is located near the popular Rothschild Boulevard, and is the perfect place to partake in Tel Aviv’s famed nightlife scene. Each day of the week aligns with a music genre and theme, from Monday’s Hip Hop night to Friday’s Latin music line-up, with plenty of special party events sprinkled throughout the calendar. The dance floors are so great, you may never want to leave, but if find you need a break, chill out on the gorgeous outdoor patio or refuel with a drink from the tropical bar.

Lima Lima Bar

Address: Lilienblum St 42, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Website: Lima Lima Bar

Opening hours: Mon, Thu - Fri: 10:30pm - 5am; Tue: 10:30pm - 3am; Wed, Sat - Sun: 10:30pm - 4am

Visited this place?

Go bar-hopping on Rothschild Blvd (from USD 26.0)

No Tel Aviv experience would be complete without partying on Rothschild Boulevard at night. This street is renowned for its raucous nightlife and this pub crawl tour is a great way to check out some of Tel Aviv’s fantastic bars and clubs. On this five-hour excursion, your guide will show you how the locals live as you learn a little history of the area and visit five nightlife venues. Free VIP-entry is included in this tour, as well as one beer, and a shot at each bar or club you visit!

Visited this place?

Tel Aviv Pub Crawl

Duration: 4 hours

36 reviews

The time of your life in Tel Aviv-Yafo

36 hours in Tel Aviv, Israel
Source: Needpix

36 hours will go by in a flash as you explore Tel Aviv’s fantastic art, entertainment, culinary, and cultural experiences. From renowned museums to the beautiful beaches to the pulsing nightlife, there is so much to discover in this Israeli city. Whatever your passion or interest, Tel Aviv brims with brilliant tour options and exciting recreation. Start planning your getaway today and use this itinerary for what to do for 36 hours in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Hannah is a freelance writer, list making aficionado, and world traveler currently based in Germany. She is an avid explorer, and believes in creating new experiences to put on her bucket list to...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Tel Aviv
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.