Show and Tel Aviv

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

Suresh Doss captures the essence of Israel’s bustling beachside metropolis and outlines what you need to know to plan your own sun-soaked stay.

DO

PROMENADE AND MARINA

The ever expanding boardwalk is one of the best outdoor attractions of the cosmopolitan city. The sprawling promenade acts as a spine to many of Tel Aviv’s neighbourhoods, allowing easy exploration (on bike or electric scooter) of the city’s distinct districts. Some of the best Mediterranean beaches can be seen between the Bauhaus architecture on one side and cerulean waters on the other.

BEIT HATFUTSOT

From TLV’s dozens of options for artinclined travellers, we prefer the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot. The museum was established in the late 1970s and underwent a $100-million overhaul three years ago. There are many new highlights that demand an afternoon of reflection: a tribute to Leonard Cohen, a hall featuring miniature replicas from synagogues around the world and a heroes exhibit highlighting trailblazers of Jewish faith.

JAFFA

Follow the boardwalk to its southern end and you’ll enter the ancient port city of Jaffa. A photographer’s dream come true, the walled city looks like an outdoor bazaar. You’ll find an endless network of twisting alleys dressed with hundreds of antique shops, galleries and restaurants. Venture deeper and you’ll stumble upon the Jaffa Flea Market, Shuk Hapishpeshim. There’s an entire section dedicated to local food. Note: cash is king in these streets. When you’re done exploring Jaffa’s charming corners, browse through antique and contemporary Israeli art at the Ilana Goor Museum and take in panoramic views at the Ottomon-era clock tower.

STAY

HOTEL MONTEFIORE

Set between the beach strip and the lively Rothschild Boulevard, the 97-year-old Hotel Montefiore bills itself as a hotel that presents affordable luxury without any compromise in hospitality. Plan your stay early, only a dozen rooms are available in this Eclectic style building. Rooms feel expansive with tall ceilings and wide windows, lavishly styled in a mix of contemporary and Art Deco elements. Beach bums will appreciate the quick walk from the hotel to white sands. Prefer to stay in? Each room is fully stocked with a library with hundreds of titles. Rooms from $400. hotelmontefiore.co.il

THE SAVOY TEL AVIV, SEA SIDE

Stay at the Savoy for seaside views without breaking the bank. Situated next to the hip Geula beach, Savoy’s main draws are its location and the hotel’s contemporary aesthetics within its 55-room building. Perhaps because of its free all-day snack bar the Savoy attracts a social and hip crowd, so if you’re in the mood for making new friends and spontaneous plans, this is the place. Free bike rentals come as an added perk . Rooms from $300. savoyhotels.co.il

THE JAFFA

Geared to travellers that want a mix of pampered luxury with a convenient location, the Jaffa is a 120-room property in the heart of lively Jaffa Port. The School of the Sisterhood of Saint Joseph convent was converted into the stunning urban resort a few years ago. Much like its surroundings, the hotel has two identities: in one wing it feels like you’re staying in an ancient palace with immaculately preserved rooms; in the other the mood is chic, complete with modern amenities. The old converges with the new in the hotel’s Chapel - a former prayer space that is now a hot spot for cocktails and bites. Luxuriate in the hotel’s L.RAPHAEL Beauty Spa or head out for a quick walk into the city’s historic old market. Rooms from $800. thejaffahotel.com

GETTING THERE

Direct flights to Tel Aviv are available through Air Canada which will take you straight to Ben Gurion Airport. The city centre is 30 minutes by taxi from the airport. aircanada.com

EAT

CARMEL MARKET

Walk through the Carmel Market to get an understanding of the vastly different influences on Tel Aviv’s food scene. Shlomo & Doron Hummus presents some of the best bowls of hummus you’ll find in the city, so try a few varieties. For coffee and vegan food, all the socialites head to Cafe Yom Tov. Go to Sabich for spicy stuffed pitas with mango pickle – dubbed the quintessential Israeli sandwich. Finish off with malabi – Israeli milk pudding – at Hamalabiya.

THE EUCALYPTUS

While it is technically an hour from downtown TLV, the Eucalpytus is a rite of passage for anyone curious about traditional yet progressive Israeli cuisine. Owner and chef Moshe Basson is one of the few Israeli chefs who pulls from ancient and biblical texts to create lavish feasts and tasting menus that marry a classic slow-food approach with modern techniques. Basson preaches a philosophy of communal dining and making new friends. Staff are known for surprising guests with large feastable platters of food meant for sharing.

DIZENGOFF SQUARE AND ROTHSCHILD BOULEVARD

Rightfully nicknamed “The Non-Stop City,” Tel Aviv’s nightlife makes it worth an extended weekend visit. Beach lovers congregate by the coast for overnight parties featuring famous guest DJs. For a less-touristy time, head towards the city centre districts. Dizengoff Square is home to a dozen bars within a walkable strip. Just off Rothschild Boulevard, you’ll encounter scores of bars tucked into side streets, each with its own vibe. For something slightly upscale, head south to the Florentin neighbourhood where there’s a melange of hipster, high-end bars and rooftops. ◆