Tel Aviv 3-day itinerary

Begin in Jaffa, the ancient port city that's been inhabited for 4,000 years. Walk through the hilltop alleys past art galleries, the Wishing Bridge (find your zodiac sign and make a wish), and the Clock Tower. Descend to the renovated Jaffa Port — a working fishing harbour with hip restaurants. Breakfast at Abu Hassan on HaDolfin Street — the best hummus in Israel (₪30–40, cash only). Queue is the norm.

Explore the Jaffa Flea Market — vintage treasures, Middle Eastern antiques, and local designer boutiques. Then walk through Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv's oldest neighbourhood, now its most charming — pastel buildings, independent boutiques, and cozy cafes along Shabazi Street. Stop at Suzanna for a Mediterranean lunch in a beautiful courtyard (₪70–100 mains). Visit the Nahum Gutman Museum of Art.

Head to the beach between Jaffa and Tel Aviv for sunset — the sky turns pink and gold over the ancient city skyline. Walk to the Jaffa Port area for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. The Container (HaMifratz) serves excellent fish and cocktails overlooking the harbour. Or keep it street-food — sabich (fried eggplant and egg in pita, ₪30) from one of the Jaffa stalls.

Dive into Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) — the sensory heart of Tel Aviv. Stalls overflow with spices, halva, fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice (₪15), baklava, and exotic fruits. Sample as you go. Turn onto HaCarmel side streets for trendy cafes and bakeries. Try a Yemenite kubbeh soup at one of the stalls near the Yemenite Quarter (₪35). The market is a photographer's dream.

Tel Aviv has the world's largest collection of Bauhaus buildings — over 4,000, earning it UNESCO status as the "White City." Walk along Rothschild Boulevard admiring the curved balconies and clean lines. The free White City Centre at 71 Rothschild has maps for self-guided walks. Then hit Gordon Beach or Hilton Beach for swimming. The water is warm May through October.

Dinner at Miznon on Ibn Gabirol — legendary stuffed pitas with roasted cauliflower or lamb ragu (₪55–75). Then head to Florentin, the graffiti-covered neighbourhood that's the heart of Tel Aviv's nightlife. Start at Kuli Alma (cocktails, art space, DJ sets), then move to Radio EPGB for indie music. Or try Sputnik on Allenby Street for a more local, alternative vibe. Drinks ₪35–55.

Visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art (₪54) — a world-class collection of Impressionist, modern, and contemporary art in a striking building. The Herta and Paul Amir building's geometric atrium is worth seeing even if you skip the galleries. Then walk through the neighbouring Sarona Market — an upscale food market in restored Templar-era buildings. Coffee and pastry here before moving on.

Head to Levinsky Market — smaller and more local than Carmel, specialising in spices, dried fruits, olives, and Persian foods. Try the burekas (₪15) and Turkish coffee (₪12). Then explore the Yemenite Quarter (Kerem HaTeimanim) — narrow streets, low-rise buildings, and some of the best Yemenite food in the world. Lunch at Shlomo & Doron for jachnun and malawach (₪35–55).

Final swim at Alma Beach or Mezizim Beach in the golden late-afternoon light. Walk the entire tayelet (promenade) from Jaffa to the Old Port as the sun sets. Dinner at The Old Man and the Sea in Jaffa — a legendary fish restaurant on the harbour (₪80–130 mains). End the night at Suramare rooftop bar at the Carlton Hotel for cocktails (₪55–70) with panoramic sea views.