With the 64th Eurovision Song Contest just around the corner, fans, members of the press and delegations from all over the world will soon arrive in the host city of Tel Aviv.
We had a talk with Ms. Nira Fisher, Director of Israel Government Tourist Office for the Nordic countries in Stockholm. As an Israeli herself and with many years of experience from the tourism Business in Israel, she gives us all the good advise, the recommendations, the secrets and the dos and don’ts.
Have you visited Tel Aviv before? What is your best advise? Tell us in the comments on Facebook or send us a pm.
Q & A with Nira Fisher
How would you describe the city of Tel Aviv?
“Sunny weather, vivid beaches, great food, liberal and trendy. Just like Los Angeles gathers cultural influences from all over the world, Tel Aviv does the same, making it a some what unique spot in the Middle East”
– Nira Fisher, I.G.T.O
This multi-cultural touch to Tel Aviv can be found in the food, cultural spots and architecture. To compare it to another American reference, Tel Aviv, much like other Californian cities, houses plenty of tech start-ups with a defined environmentally-friendly approach, always on with the latest trends. As a tourist you will find Tel Aviv to be a vibrant city 24/7. Offering sunny beaches, cultural experiences and great coffee spots during the day. While at evenings the club scene takes over with all night partying until break of dawn.
One the other hand Tel Aviv is a small city where you can walk or bike anywhere.
How would you describe the Israeli culture?
As a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, the Tel Aviv culture is unique not only to Israel, but to the whole of Middle East. It’s known as a very liberal city, LGBT-friendly and also known as the ”hipster capital of Israel”.
The attitude in the city is laid back when it comes to meeting new people and it’s easy to find yourself in a conversation with complete strangers. Gathering people from all over the world it’s easy to make your way around the city with English being one of the main languages. To this, Russian and French is also widely spoken.
Do I need a Visa for Israel?
As a European citizen you don’t need a Visa. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months on from after you departure from Israel.
The best way to get through security at the airport?
Security is most noticeably when departing back home and not upon arrival. Be on time at least 2,5 hours before departure and, have your passport and flight details ready. Before the check-in line you have the security line with questions regarding your stay and luggage. Afterwards same lines as others outside EU-airports.
Transportation: Getting from the airport to the city of Tel Aviv?
- Is there an official Taxi stand at the airport? Yes, go the Taxi line, follow the signs or download the Gett App.
- Can you get a fixed price? Yes.
- What to avoid? Don’t go with random taxi drivers who approach you.
- Other transportation options?
- There is a train going to Tel Aviv
- There is a bus line that goes to the hotel area in Tel Aviv
Your best advice on how to get around in Tel Aviv?
- Sherut (joint yellow minivan), walking or by bike. Sheruts will stop anywhere along their route, just flag it down with your hand. The driver will stop if he has space, and if not, will normally indicate this by waving his hand.
- If choosing to travel by taxi, download Gett App to make your reservations easy.
- Bus tickets can be bought from ticket offices. For train tickets you can use ticket machines and ticket offices. This can be found easily at the airport.
Train Information Services: www.rail.co.il /
Busses Information Services: www.bus.co.il
Smart ride card – Rav Kav
Tourists can purchase an Anonymous Rav Kav Card. It can be purchased on board for a small fee, and then can be reloaded with a regular Multi-Ride or Single ticket, usually within the region offering a 20% discount.
Tourists cannot use a Personal Rav Kav Card which has all the passenger’s personal details and is for citizens.
Please note:
– The Rav Kav can be used to pay for the transportation of several passengers.
– The fee of a child is like an adult.
– The Rav Kav can be used in a region and not between regions unless specifically reloaded for the desired routes.
– In some areas, it is possible to get daily unlimited rides within that region only.
All Roads lead to…EXPO TEL AVIV
During the Eurovision weekend, the Tel Aviv-Yafo Mnicipality will offer free shuttles to Expo Tel Aviv. Two shuttles will pick up ticket holders at the Carmelit Terminal and take them to the Expo along two main routes. At the end of the show, buses will be waiting for ticket holders and will bring them back to their hotels. The information regarding the shuttles will be available in English at all stations and on board all buses.
The railway system will be reinforced, and will let visitors get off at the Tel Aviv University station near the Expo. In addition, tourist information centers will be placed 24/7 at Ben Gurion International Airport and at Savidor Central Train Station. “Share-Route” taxis (lines 4 and 5) will allow fast and cheap rides and information regarding regular taxis will be more accessible for international tourists.
The Shabbat – what you need to know?
- Supermarkets, Boutiques and larger shops are closed from Friday afternoon till Sunday.
- Busses and trains do not operate from Friday afternoon till Sunday.
- Car rental, except Ben Gurion, is closed Friday after lunch to Sunday morning.
On the other hand most restaurants, convenience stores, museums, taxis – all are working as regular.
During Eurovision however, The Municipality has decided to implement a number of temporary policies for business owners and visitors, so that they can extend their hours of work and continue to entertain guests even during the late hours of the night.
What Plug/power Adapter Do You Need for Israel?
In Israel the power plugs and sockets are of type H. Meaning regular C-plugs (Mobile chargers) will fit. F-plugs however, won’t fit.
What currency to use in Tel Aviv?
Shekel and debit or credit card.
Most shops, cafés and restaurants take credit card. Some taxis and smaller kiosks only take cash.
| Currency Converter: | |
| 1 NIS = | CURRENCY |
| 0.25 | EUR |
| 1.85 | DKK |
| 2.62 | SEK |
| 2.4 | NOK |
| 33.73 | ISK |
| 0.21 | GPB |
What languages can you use in Tel Aviv?
Hebrew, English, Arabic are the main languages. Russian and French is widely spoken.
Useful phrases for your stay in Tel Aviv?
See our article: Shalom Israel: Your Basic Hebrew Phrases
However, making your way around the city only using English is usually done with ease.
Can you Drink the Tap Water in Tel Aviv?
Yes, from taps that are regularly used
What to know about the security? Your best safety tips?
Tel Aviv is concidered a safe place and people feel very safe going out in the streats and markets even in the late night.
You can always remember that all Israelis served in the army and know what to do in case of emergency.
- The security at shopping malls, hotels, cinemas etc.? At the entrance to each hotel, shopping mall or cinema there is a security gaurd.
- Places to avoid? None
- Traveling alone? No problem at all. Done by many.
Is Tel Aviv a LGBT+-friendly city?
Yes. Hilton Beach was recently crowned the best Gay-beach in the world. There is no specific LGBTQ-area in Tel Aviv, everywhere is a friendly place to the gay community. There are specific clubs or bars that offer more to the LGBTQ community.
What kind of clothes should you pack?
Arriving to Tel Aviv in May means arriving to warm weather, so bring light clothes – both short and long. Bring your bathing suit with you so you are able to enjoy the beautiful beaches. No need to any formal clothes. Everyone is walking with their flipflops even to the museum or for dinner.
Tel Aviv is known as an expensive city. Do you have any tips on saving money?
Tel Aviv is not more expensive than Copenhagen. But as in any place you travel you can eat street food, fill your water bottle with tap water, and walk or bike for transportation.
– All About The Food in Tel Aviv –
What kind of food can you order in Tel Aviv restaurants?
Everything, mostly Mediterranean and Middle Eastern with Asian and European fusions.
The best cafés in Tel Aviv?
Café Puaa located in the middle of Jaffa Flea Market offers both Israeli as well as turkish dishes or and iraqi breakfast.Elhanan Bread Culture is widely known throughout Tel Aviv for it’s great bread. Café Xoho – very popular for it’s atmoshpere and great bagels and cookies.
Food in Tel Aviv on a budget?
- Streetfood, falafel, humus. Falafel stands can be found pretty much everywhere. Hakosem and Miznon are two well known places.
- Hakosem – known as the best falafel spot in the city.
- Miznon – Focuses on serving streetfood with a touch of something extra. Perhaps not the cheapest of places, but well worth a visit to get a special taste of the Israeli streetfood.
Tel Aviv for 10 Shekels
During Eurovision, the city together with business owners, are promoting the “Tel Aviv for 10 Shekels” campaign – during which visitors will be able to purchase drinks and food for only ten shekels around the city.
Tel Aviv Eat Festival
The annual Tel Aviv Eat Festival will also be happening alongside the Eurovision Village (12-18 May) in a separate and adjacent compound. Visitors will be able to taste some of the most delicious dishes by Tel Aviv’s celebrated chefs. Participating restaurants include Manta Ray, Onza, Messa, The Blue Rooster and many others.
Tel Aviv restaurant tips?
- Night Kitchen – A great spot to experience a fine dining tasting menu to an affordable price.
- Mezcal – Tel Aviv has plenty of international influences. This is the best mexican restaurant in the city.
- Raisa – Restaurant of chef Uri Levy who has worked in top restaurants of Tel Aviv and at two Michelin -starred restaurant L’atelier in Paris. Makes fine dining that is simple and affordable.
- Port Sa’id – A hip spot serving middle-eastern food.
Tel Aviv restaurant tips – Vegan Food
- Bana – Serves a menu composed of fruits and greens right for the season.
- Opa TLV – Ran by Shirel Bergers Opa, the restaurant offers a creative take on vegan dining.
Tel Aviv restaurant tips – Local Food
- Ha’Achim – Great spot to get a taste for what the Israeli kitchen has to offer.
- Shaffa Bar – A hip spot serving local food in a creative way. During the night the experience is completed with cocktails and occasional music shows.
How to tip in Israel?
10-15% in cafes, bars and restaurants. Sometimes the tip is already included in the bill. No need to tip taxi and other service professionals.
– See and Do –
Tel Aviv Experiences to Try
Carmel Market – The biggest of Tel Aviv’s two famous markets. Located in the middle of the city you can find a wide variety of stands offering clothes, fruits and spices. In the nearby area there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Levinsky Market – Smaller than Carmel Market but with fewer tourists this is where the Israelis themselves go to do their market shopping. This market is located in Florentin, Tel Aviv, which is a very hip place in Tel Aviv, perhaps comparable to SoHo.
Neve Tzedek, The White Town – Holds the world’s biggest collection of houses built in the modernistic Bauhaus-style. The city is UNESCO-listed and is a beautiful collection of architechture.
Jaffa Old Town and Flea Market – Has a lot of beautiful alleys and streets to wander through. Not only are the streets beautiful, it also houses plenty of artists and creators. While there, make your way up to HaPisga Garden for a spectacular view of Tel Aviv coastline.
The Flea Market is vivid of salesmen and stands selling plenty of souvenirs. Don’t miss out on Jaffa Port which once was the key port for trade in Israel.
Kuchinate Studio-African refugee women’s collective –A collective of African asylum seeking women living in Tel Aviv, Israel. The The women design and create crochet products for the home, such as baskets, poufs, and rugs. They also host crochet lessons, meals, and traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean coffee ceremonies.
Rubin Museum – Reuven Rubin (1893-1974) is one of Israel’s most important artists and has painted several iconic works. The museum is located in the house where the artist lived in.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art – Israel’s biggest museum of arts exhibiting both international artists as well as Israeli artists. Amongst others, work by Salvador Dali and Claude Monet can be found.
The Jerusalem / Bethlehem experience
(we can answer only for Jerusalem since Bethlehem is is the Palestinian authority)
- Security? No problem in all areas of West Jerusalem and the old city.
- What to be aware of? If there is a place that you should avoid you will see policemen or soldiers that will advice you before.
- How to go? Traveling to Jerusalem takes about an hour by car, bus or train.
What to buy in Tel Aviv? Souvenirs?
Handmade arts and crafts on Nachalat Binyamin padestrian streets – open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
There are also many small boutiques to visit in Neve Tzedek and Jaffa.
Eurovision-related events and venues
The Orange Carpet / Habima Square – A popular meeting spot in Tel Aviv and home to plenty of cultural buildings and sights, making it a natural spot for the Red Carpet-event.
EuroClub / Hangar 11 – Previously a storage room for ceramics it was renovated to become a unique venue holding incredible video projection systems, sound and lighting. Founded by Zeev Isac in the 1990’s, it’s hosted hundreds of artists and performers and has become a central place for different sort of venues and events.
EuroCafe / HaOman 17 – One of Tel Aviv’s most prominent night clubs founded as early as 1995 in Jerusalem originally.
The Largest Eurovision Village ever – The highlight of the Eurovision events in Tel Aviv will be the largest Eurovision Village in the world, overlooking the Mediterranean coastline at Charles Clore Park. The Eurovision Village will be open to the public from May 12-18 from the afternoon until the evening and will showcase performances by Israeli artists such as Static and Ben El, Stephane Legar, and former Eurovision superstars such as Dana International and Izhar Cohen. In addition, the Semi-finals and the Final will be projected on giant screens and visitors will be able to enjoy the sea breeze while sitting at a giant bar overlooking the sea, surrounded by remarkable light compositions, created by the official lighting partner OSRAM.
Tel Aviv White Night – Takes place on May 16, on the night of the 2nd Semi Final. During the White Night, as the sun goes down, Telavivians and tourists are invited to wander through the many events and exhibitions taking place around the city all night long.
A Sea of Possibilities
Throughout the Eurovision week, the beaches will be animated with music events, sporting activities and live screenings of the Eurovision shows. Old Jaffa will host an interactive orchestra installation and in Jaffa Port, a huge radio will play Eurovision classics from previous years. Tel Aviv Port will host a huge Shabbat service, a Dana International exhibition, a vinyl record library and a closing musical show with Anne-Marie David, Loreen and Carola – three Eurovision legends. Amiad Center at Jaffa Flea Market will open DiverCity – an exhibition inspired by Eurovision songs.
It’s all about the Connections
The Municipality will host the “Kehilavision” (“Eurovision in the Community”): The city’s community centers will each represent a different participating country and will organize a variety of events that will present the country and its culture.
LET US SHOW YOU TEL AVIV
The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality has recruited hundreds of volunteers who will be placed all over the city. The team of volunteers will provide guidance, information and a friendly welcome to tourists and will represent the best that Tel Aviv has to offer.
A BIG thanks to Ms. Nira Fisher for her help!
More info from: Israel Government Tourist Office.
