Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a juxtaposition of new and old. With thousands of year old ruins in Jaffa, and modern skyscrapers in the business district, Tel Aviv is truly a timeless city. Touring the architecture of Tel Aviv gives a first taste into the vast history of Israel.
The Old
Nestled right in the center of modern Tel Aviv lies the Jaffa neighborhood. At almost 10,000 years old, Jaffa is one of the world’s oldest cities. With old styled buildings and expansive views of the Mediterranean coast, Jaffa gives Tel Aviv a quaint old flair. Spending a day taking in the shops and sights of the Old City pairs nicely with watching the sunset at the Jaffa Port.
Jaffa is largely intertwined within the modern center of thTel Aviv
The New
Tel Aviv is the largest and most modern city in Israel. As the center of the Israeli financial scene, Tel Aviv’s business district houses tall skyscrapers which tower over the historic city core. While Jaffa is recognized for its old age and historic buildings, Tel Aviv is actually designated a World Heritage Site thanks to its more modern architecture. The Bauhaus architecture style was popularized as a very simplistic and geometric way to reimagine a post World War 1 Europe. Over the course of the next few decades, Tel Aviv adopted the style and became known as the world capital for Bauhaus architecture.
Within the city center, the Bauhaus style is extremely prevalent. White buildings with smooth and symmetric patios dot the skyline, giving Tel Aviv the nickname, “The White City”. Walking through downtown is almost like taking a self-guided architecture tour. Just make sure to look around and admire the unique architecture! My suggested route goes through the Nachalat Binyamin neighborhood, Rabin Square, Ha-Medina Square, the Azrieli Center and along the Sourasky Medical Center. In addition, a separate route walking along the coast from Aviv to Gordon Beach passes stunning waterfront Bauhaus examples. Walking routes in the city are great for Saturdays, when much of the city is shut down for Shabbat.
There are very few cities where you can be surrounded by 10,000 year old historic remains, globally preserved architecture and skyscrapers of a modern tech and financial center. Tel Aviv is one of them. With so much culture and diversity, it is easy to spend weeks in the city without getting bored. Moreover, Tel Aviv provides the perfect base-camp location for a trip throughout Israel, with quick transportation to Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beer Sheva.