We’ve partnered with the luxury travel website Imbarc to bring you the essential places to eat, stay and see in the vibrant Israeli city of Tel Aviv
THE CITY
TEL AVIV
Rebirth and rejuvenation define Tel Aviv, accurately named the “Hill of Spring” in Hebrew. While the city oozes with a pride for its past, the capital’s optimism for the future can be found on every street corner. Brimming with the vibrancy, colour and flavour of the Mediterranean coast, this Israeli city offers treasures of cultural heritage, out-of-the-ordinary cuisine and bursting creativity that is almost palpable.
Sometimes compared to Manhattan, Tel Aviv’s diversity, energy and dynamism attracts tourists and residents from around the world. From history buffs and art lovers to foodies and club-hoppers, the coastal city has something to offer all visitors to whom it welcomes with warm, open arms.
Spend your days basking in the sun at the buzzing beaches or wander through the White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the architecture. In the evenings, grab a meal at one of the many al fresco dining restaurants serving exciting interpretations of Israeli cuisine before immersing yourself in the endless array of buzzy cocktail bars, dance clubs and live music lounges. Whether you’re in Tel Aviv for a quick city break, or exploring the city for a few weeks, you’re bound to fall in love.
SLEEPING
THE NORMAN
Find serenity in the centre of a metropolis at The Norman, a luxurious boutique hotel set between two white Bauhaus buildings built circa 1920s. One of our favourite hotels in Tel Aviv, the Norman houses 50 airy bespoke rooms, a rooftop infinity pool nestled between skyscrapers and an indulgent spa with signature scent products making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Like the city itself, the interior touches are rich and diverse in their design, such as Nepali rugs woven with patterns found in traditional Tel Aviv tile-work. The professional and friendly staff are always on hand to ensure your utmost comfort during your stay and will be happy to share any recommendations to help you discover the very best of the city. Be sure to have a bite at the hotel’s recently launched restaurant, ALENA whose head chef, Barak Aharoni, has been hailed by the national media as “the new star of Israeli cuisine”.
EATING
DALLAL
Named the Arabic word for “prosperity, indulgence and a meeting place”, Dallal is the perfect restaurant destination for anyone seeking a delicious Tel-Avivian style meal made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Located in converted 19th century houses on the magical Kol Israel Haverim alley, the hide-away setting of the restaurant is intimate and ambient with soft glowing lights creating an idyllic environment to enjoy an evening meal.
We suggest you book ahead to secure a table in the charming garden area. The emphasis at Dallal is on mouthwateringly wholesome dishes. With a menu boasting pastas, risottos and slow-cooked meats to make your stomach grumble, you can’t go wrong with what you order. On your way out, stop in at the Dallal bakery where you can pick up freshly baked treats and decadent deserts to take away with you.
SEEING
ARTPORT
For visitors looking to get an authentic taste of the burgeoning art scene in Tel Aviv, non-profit organisation ARTPORT showcases the work of six emerging Israeli artists in residence as well as artists from around the world at its minimalist and spacious garage-like centre.
With a vision to be a dynamic and challenging environment for the creation and exhibition of artwork, ARTPORT brings different mediums and diverse perspectives within a supportive and organised space from which talented young artists can launch their careers. Each artist is given their own gallery space, so there is plenty to see and sink your teeth into. The space also regularly hosts events and talks so ahead of your visit, be sure to check out their website to see if anything of interest is coming up!
ABOUT IMBARC
Viewing travel and culture as two halves of a whole, Imbarc features unique travel itineraries, insightful city snapshots and thought-provoking articles that are crafted to inspire you to embark on your next adventure.
From whale watching in the waters of Alaska and staying in a 1830s aristocratic mansion in Syros to eating freshly caught seafood on The Jurassic Coast, Imbarc has travelled all over the globe and have documented their adventures, adding them to their ever-evolving library of itineraries and insights.
Visit imbarc.co.uk for more great ideas and inspiration for your travels.
