Dotted with Bauhaus-inspired buildings, design-hotels, a foodie scene that ranges from fine dining to street food, museums, exhibitions, and more than enough shops to shake your shekels at, no two visits to Tel Aviv are the same.
In this Mediterranean city you’ll find culture and art, wellness and relaxation, plus beaches and nightlife in abundance. These are some of our favourite spots to stay, dine, explore and shop.
STAY
The David Kempinski
A new entry to the Tel Aviv hotel scene, The David Kempinski opened its doors in April 2022, marking the brand’s 80th global property. Located on Tel Aviv’s bustling boardwalk, this is a good choice for location as it’s within walking distance of most of the city’s attractions. A calming ambiance is heightened at the relaxing pool serving light bites, lunch, and drinks. For something extra special, book a room on the Horizon floor (floor 22) and enjoy exclusive access to round-the-clock food and drink, coupled with stunning, unobstructed views of the Tel Aviv coastline.
Drisco Tel Aviv
The Drisco Hotel, a Leading Hotels of the World member, is a boutique hotel located in Tel Aviv’s historical American – German colony, which was established in 1866. This property boasts suites adorned with contemporary furnishings featuring elements of Turkish and European design. Take the time for dinner reservations at the hotel’s restaurant George and John, which in 2022 claimed the ninth spot in the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants. Don’t miss the charcoal-grilled kebab.
EAT+ DRINK
Hiba
HIBA, widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Tel Aviv, is headed by celebrity chef Yossi Shitrit. Here, discerning eaters can indulge in ten dishes – Mediterranean with a middle eastern spell, each exploding with flavour – while sipping fabulous Israeli wines in a stunning contemporary setting. HIBA aspires to be the first Michelin restaurant in Israel’s culinary scene – watch this space.
Hotel Montefiore Restaurant
Hotel Montefiore Restaurant is arguably the chicest restaurant in Tel Aviv. This brasserie-style restaurant serves French cuisine with a touch of Vietnamese, and is a hot favourite of the city’s society and jet set. Must-tries include the mouth-watering oysters, Vietnamese Beef Tartar, and the Saint Honoré for dessert, accompanied by award-winning international and local wines selected by the in-house sommelier, as well as artisanal cocktails.
Tirza Wine Bar
The newly opened Tirza, helmed by acclaimed chef Raz Rahav of Tel Aviv’s OCD (another leading restaurant in the city), is revolutionising Tel Aviv’s bar scene. The bar of the moment for wine connoisseurs, and for those who simply enjoy experimentation. A visit here offers the chance to sample from a selection of over 200 Israeli and international wines, coupled with small bites from OCD’s bakehouse and pantry kitchen.
Hummus Abu Hassan
This piece of Tel Aviv history is the place to go for the best homemade hummus in the country. The larger restaurant, on Shivtei Israel Street, is an extension of the original on Dolphin Street, which opened in the 1970s and is still running today. Fifty years later, it continues to attract crowds of locals and tourists alike – which tells you everything you need to know about just how good the hummus is. It opens at 8AM; we recommend you visit by 11AM as it closes once the food runs out. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out.
TO DO
Alber Elbaz The Dream Factory Exhibition
This is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition to date on the late fashion designer, Alber Elbaz, and, as such, it has taken over all nine gallery spaces at Design Museum Holon. The exhibition, which opened on September 15th 2022 and runs until March 2023, features iconic couture gowns worn by celebrities including Meryl Streep, as well as rare sketches, personal objects, and never-seen-before photographic archives.
Tel Aviv Art Museum
The Tel Aviv Art Museum is the city’s cultural institution. The museum has hosted exhibitions from some of the twenty-first century’s leading artists including Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama, as well as renowned fashion exhibitions of Balenciaga and David LaChapelle. Art enthusiasts can stroll through the permanent exhibitions, and marvel at works of Israeli artists such as Zadok Ben-David as well as that of prolific greats such as Picasso.
SHOP
Bleecker & Prince
Bleecker & Prince, founded by Israeli Leehe Segal, is a whimsical, fine jewellery brand adored by A-listers including Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence, and Karlie Kloss. The fabulous studio in Tel Aviv is the place to visit for best sellers – each with its own personality and timelessness – or to create your own bespoke pieces. The studio is so personal to founder and creative director, Segal, that on most days, you’ll stumble across her at work here.
Kikar HaMedina
Kikar HaMedia is Tel Aviv’s luxury shopping mecca – a few standout stores to visit are Engima, Renby, and Amor. We also love fine homeware store, Blue Bandana, which imports beautiful ceramics, furnishings, and fixtures from countries including Italy and Myanmar. For a break in between shopping, stop at Bakery, a French-inspired patisserie, for people-watching over baked goods. The cinnamon rolls are a must.
Marei1998 Studio
Marei1998’s studio, a ready-to-wear brand that’s 100% vegan and sustainable, is headquartered in Tel Aviv. The brand is known for its furless line worn by Ariana Grande, Bella Hadid, Katy Perry, Amy Adams, and many more. Try pieces from various collections, or set up a one-on-one with the brand’s founder and creative director, Maya Reik.
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