From Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem, discover how to make the most of this country in no time.
Israel is an exciting destination, packed with historic sites, unmatched natural beauty and modern! But what if you have just 72 hours there? Planning is key when you’re time limited but still want to see as much as possible. My suggestion is that you stay and experience one city and then take full-day trips to visit other places.
I chose the modern-sunny Tel-Aviv and took a one-day trip to the holy cities Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Take a look at my itinerary and tips.
Table of Contents
My Itinerary in Israel
I always like to have an itinerary on my trips so I don’t get lost and have a clear idea of what I can see, the different options available and how long does it take me to get from one point to the other. When you’re time-limited, this is crucial.
Friday and Saturday: Tel-Aviv
Friday Evening: dinner and social at the Hostel –> Saturday Morning: Beach Promenade and Free Old Jaffa Tour (11AM) –> Lunch/Food (Café Puaa in Jaffa) –> Saturday Afternoon: White City; Carmel Market; Neve Tzedek neighbourhood; sunset watching.
Sunday – Jerusalem and Bethlehem: Full-day trip
Tel-Aviv – City Beyond Belief
The vibrant city of Tel Aviv can be anything you want it to be. With great weather all year round, you can chill on sandy beaches, take in the colourful markets, explore the buzzing art-scene and UNESCO recognised Bauhaus architecture, outstanding nightlife and exciting cuisine.
I had a great experience in this city. In fact, I could picture myself living there as it’s very young, sophisticated and people are fairly open-minded. There’s a big international community of jewish people living there who relocated from other countries in the globe.
On my only night-out, I went out with some girls from the hostel and ended up in a latin bar where we met some Spanish from Latin America and danced along.
Where To Stay and Transport
I stayed in Florentine Backpackers Hostel, a really nice and friendly hostel, good for solo travelers, which is located in Tel Aviv’s lively Florentine neighbourhood. The hostel is only a 10-minute walk from Old Jaffa and the flea market. Neve Tzedek is 15 minutes’ walk away and the beach promenade is just 20-minute walk.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN TEL-AVIV
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels:
Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv (overall best hostel) from €35 pn
Florentine Backpackers Hostel (best for solo travellers) from €30 pn
Caravan Hostel (best cheap hostel) from €21 pn
Mid Range Hotels:
Dave Gordon (eclectic budget-friendly hotel) from €150 pn
Fabric Hotel (an atlas boutique hotel) from €135 pn
Hotel 75 By Prima Hotels (close to best nightclubs and beaches) from €110 pn
Affordable Luxury Hotels:
Hotel Nordoy (charming 1925’s) from €252 pn
The Setai Tel Aviv (sexiest rooftop pool) from €380 pn
The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel (state-of-the art luxury) from €530 pn
TRANSPORT
By Air
It’s usually cheaper to fly into a major European hub and then take a connecting flight to Tel Aviv (I flew from Manchester (UK) to Cyprus and then to Tel-Aviv). Ben Guiron International Airport is the only airport in Tel Aviv, but it’s actually located about 15 minutes outside of the city. Once you arrive, you can get to Tel Aviv via bus, train, or taxi.
By Bus
Traveling by bus is really easy to do in Israel. It’s important to know which station your bus will arrive at because some buses will stop at the Arlozorov Terminal instead of going to Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station.
By Train
The train is another option for arriving in Tel Aviv, even from the airport. All of the major cities in Jerusalem have train stations that can be easily navigated by foreigners.
TIP: Be Aware! Trains and public buses do not run on Shabbat. They stop operating on Friday evening just before sundown and resume on Sunday morning. You’ll have to take a private or shared taxi. Taxis can be found on the G (Ground) level of Terminal 3 and cost between 110-190 shekels ($26-$50) depending on distance.
Tel-Aviv Attractions
1. Beach Promenade/sunset
Nothing beats walking, cycling, surfing or sunbathing along the Mediterranean seaside. Enjoy the bustling Tel Aviv-Jaffa promenade with nearly 14 kilometres of 13 official beaches and save the evening to watch and snap a selfie against the sunset. Me and some girls from the hostel did that (picture).
2. Visit Old Jaffa
Must-see when in Tel-Aviv, Jaffa is one of the oldest ancient cities in the world. Here you will find multiple art galleries, historic stone buildings, mosques and churches, the Jaffa Port and of course the famous Jaffa Flea Market, where you can get antiques and home decor as souvenirs. I took a 2-hour free (tips-based) walking tour by Sandeman’s but you can aso book a comprehensive private day tour that covers both Tel-Aviv and Jaffa.
3. Markets, Food and Drinks You can’t get away without this one. The variety and exciting cuisine of Tel-Aviv really stands out! Try Cafe Puaa, Onza or the popular Sarona food market. On the other hand, strolling around markets is an experience in itself. For fresh produce or other food products, Carmel Market (Tel Aviv’s first in 1920) is the best spot. If you’re looking for a fancy drink in a nice rooftop, try The Prince Bar rooftop or Brown TLV Urban Hotel.
4. The White City of Tel Aviv is the world’s largest collection of International or Bauhaus style buildings, designated one of the first ‘modern’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
5. Neve Tzedek means “Oasis of Justice”. The first Jewish neighbourhood to be built outside the old city, famous for avant-garde design stores, fashion boutiques and fine dinning.
Jerusalem and Bethlehem (Tour)
I took a Full-Day Trip from Tel Aviv to see Jerusalem, and Bethlehem.
Known as the holy city, Jerusalem is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Inside the walls of the old city there are four quarters: Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Each of this quarters are scenes of the most sacred sites, namely the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa and the Western Wall.
Imagine going back to where everything began, the land of creation
The Alchemist Traveler
Enjoy the panoramic overview from Mount Scopus, overlooking the new city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount Esplanade of the old city, where you can see the Islamic shrine “Dome of the Rock“.
Bethlehem is known as the birthplace of Jesus according to Christian tradition. Here you’ll visit the Church of Nativity, and also the cave where Jesus was born. You’ll see Manger Square, where Jesus was placed after his birth.
Other Recommended Tours
There’s holy and there’s adventure. You choose what you want to experience. Here are my suggestions:
Final Thoughts
From religion to breathtaking outdoor experiences, Israel is a place where you can (re)connect to yourself and open your mind to other cultures. In Tel-Aviv, you’ll find a vibrant young-city with just 102 years which then contrasts with the holy and historical Biblical sites of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Here, you can find the best of both worlds!
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