As the capital of Israel, Tel Aviv is the cultural epicentre of the country! This paired with the excellent beaches and vibrant nightlife makes it a popular tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast. Whether you want history, culture or sunshine you will find what you are looking for.
As quite a large and modern city, Tel Aviv can be difficult to navigate. It’s important to figure out where you want to stay in the city to enhance your stay in the busy coastal resort.
That’s where we come in! We’ve built this guide to the seven best neighborhoods in Tel Aviv to help you plan your upcoming trip to the city.
So let’s get started!
Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Tel Aviv
- Where to stay in Tel Aviv for your first time? Neve Tzedek
- Where to stay in Tel Aviv close to everything? Yemenite Quarter
- Where to stay in Tel Aviv for nightlife? Lev Ha’ir
- Best neighborhood in Tel Aviv for families? Jaffa
- Where to stay in Tel Aviv on a budget? Florentin
- Where to stay in Tel Aviv for couples? Old North
- Where to stay in Tel Aviv for creatives? Shapira
Where to Stay in Tel Aviv
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Tel Aviv.
Experience the best of both worlds at Arbel Suites Hotel, where affordability and excellent facilities intertwine seamlessly. This makes the Arbel Suites Hotel our overall top pick for the best budget hotel in Tel Aviv.
The Elliot is a meticulously crafted hotel that perfectly combines modern amenities with a timeless aesthetic. The hotel is also situated in a prime location near the vibrant Yemenite Quarter.
Nestled in the sought-after neighborhood of Jaffa near the center of Tel Aviv, this stunning 5-star hotel offers an expansive range of luxurious amenities. This includes a chic on-site spa, a fully equipped gym, along with a delicious buffet breakfast.
Tel Aviv 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the seven best neighbourhoods in Tel Aviv. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.
Neighborhood #1 – Neve Tzedek
Best neighborhood in Tel Aviv for your first time!
- COOLEST thing to do in Neve Tzedek – catch a live performance at the mesmerising Suzanne Dellal Centre for Dance and Theatre
- BEST place to visit in Neve Tzedek – wander along Shabazi, the main street running through the area that is lined with local stores and restaurants
Neve Tzedek is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city – with its origins predating the existence of Tel Aviv itself! This vibrant area is where you will find a combination between old and new that truly showcases the modern nation.
With ancient traditions weaving their way through the contemporary boutiques and restaurants, there is much to be discovered in Neve Tzedek. It is also a fairly central neighborhood – with connections both to the city centre and to the beaches! This makes it a convenient base for first time travellers getting to know the city.
- Anita is an iconic ice cream store in Neve Tzedek – they offer a changing roster of flavours at fairly reasonable prices
- The Old Train Station has recently been renovated into a massive public space, with museums and live events hosted within its walls
- Jajo Vino is another popular destination for locals, with a large wine menu featuring varietals from across the world
- Manta Ray has an excellent selection of seafood freshly caught from the neighboring Mediterranean
- Charles Clore Park lines the coast of Neve Tzedek before giving way to the gorgeous beaches with fantastic facilities
Best Budget Hotel in Neve Tzedek
Locals TLV
This apartment complex on Yafo Street offers a wide range of accommodation options ranging from studios to full apartments! Apartments are fully serviced, and come with well equipped kitchens that are great if you want to self-cater. They also come in at a more budget friendly rate than other apartments in the city.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Neve Tzedek
Brown BoBo, a member of Brown Hotels
The main attraction of this hotel is its beautiful rooftop terrace, which is not only home to incredible facilities, including a gorgeous outdoor pool and bar area, but it also has impeccable views overlooking the nearby neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. Along with this, it also has incredibly modern and fancy rooms perfect for those who want a lavish stay without breaking the bank balance.
Best Luxury Hotel in Neve Tzedek
Sweet Inn Shabazy
As a relatively modern city, many of the accommodation options in Tel Aviv takes the form of apartments! This is another great choice if you want a little more privacy, with two options available on the same site. Both apartments come with balconies and high speed WiFi access.
Neighborhood #2 – Yemenite Quarter
Where to stay in Tel Aviv close to everything!
- COOLEST thing to do in Yemenite Quarter – hop along the streets at night to sample food from the multiple small restaurants
- BEST place to visit in Yemenite Quarter – visit the Camel Market, a bustling network of street vendors selling fresh produce, prepared food and artisan goods
The Yemenite Quarter is Neve Tzedek’s quieter neighbor – but is nevertheless packed with historic buildings and vibrant entertainment venues! Situated between the older parts of the city and the newer city centre, the Yemenite Quarter is a great base if you want to easily travel between the main attractions in Tel Aviv.
By far one of the biggest attractions in the Yemenite Quarter is it’s culinary scene! Known for hole in the wall restaurants serving a variety of Israeli and Arabic specialities, this is where you get to sample the true flavours of the city.
- During the day, the streets of Kerem are plastered with street art telling the story of modern culture and politics in Israel
- Head to Erez to try authentic Yemenite cuisine – we suggest the jachnun, a fried pastry speciality
- For those on a budget, Shlomo and Doron offer some of the best hummus in the city with excellent prices to boot!
- Nightlife is a little more reserved in the Yemenite Quarter than elsewhere in the city – head to Salon Berlin to mingle with locals
- Nachlat Binyamin is an outdoor pedestrian mall where you can pick up some locally produced arts and crafts
Best Budget Hotel in Yemenite Quarter
SeaNet Hotel
Located between the Yemenite Quarter and the beach, the SeaNet Hotel is a great budget option if you want to experience some of the main attractions in the city! There is a rooftop sun terrace where you can admire views across the city and bask in the warm atmosphere. A buffet breakfast is included.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Yemenite Quarter
The Elliot, Tel Aviv
An awesomely designed hotel that combines modern facilities with traditional decor, at The Elliot you can expect to find beautiful antique furniture combined with stylish wallpaper and carpets. It also has a great location nearby the Yemenite Quarter along with Carmel Market and Alenby Street, both of which can be reached on foot in 5 minutes.
Best Luxury Hotel in Yemenite Quarter
Royal Beach Hotel
This beautiful, modern hotel is one of the best rated five star hotels in the entire city! Situated right on the beach front, it gives you easy access to one of the best areas of Tel Aviv. There is a large wellness centre which includes a well equipped gym, and an on-site restaurant.
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Neighborhood #3 – Lev Ha’ir
Where to stay in Tel Aviv for nightlife!
- COOLEST thing to do in Lev Ha’ir – catch a show at Habima, one of the first hebrew theatres in the world
- BEST place to visit in Lev Ha’ir – head to the White City, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Bauhaus architecture
Lav Ha’ir, which translates as heart of the city in Hebrew, is the cultural heart of Tel Aviv and where the city is thought to have begun! As the main centre, it is also a thriving hub for the city’s nightlife with a great selection of bars and clubs on offer. During the day it also has plenty of cultural and retail attractions to keep you entertained.
The historic White City area of the city centre is where you will find some of the iconic Bauhaus buildings that have become a symbol of Tel Aviv! This sits alongside the towering skyscrapers that show a city in growth and thriving with modern start-up culture.
- Visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the largest such museum in all of Israel with great contemporary and classical collections
- Take a walk along Rothschild Boulevard, the first street in the city which is now packed with great shopping destinations
- KULI ALMA is a popular nightclub offering a bohemian atmosphere, with regular events and great drinks menu
- If cocktails are more your thing, head to Suramare and drink alongside some of the wealthiest residents of Tel Aviv
- The Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv is based right in the heart of Lev Ha’ir and dates back to the 1920s
Best Budget Hotel in Lev Ha’ir
Allenby Bauhaus Apartments
Located on the edges of the White City, Allenby Bauhaus Apartments allow you to experience living in a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Situated in typical Tel Aviv apartment blocks, all rooms come with large kitchens. They are fully serviced, and a few options are available from studio to multiple bedrooms.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Lev Ha’ir
Abraham Tel Aviv
A super sociable hotel in Lev Ha’ir, Abraham Tel Aviv is a great place to stay for those solo travelers who want the fancy facilities of a hotel rather than a hostel. The hostel also has a range of other rooms, including deluxe doubles for couples along with family-style rooms!
Best Luxury Hotel in Lev Ha’ir
Luxury Apartment in Habima Square
If you’re truly looking to splurge, this five star apartment is the pinnacle of luxury in Tel Aviv! With room for eight people, it is a great choice for large parties looking to experience the city. The apartment is fully serviced, and comes with a large kitchen area. There is also private parking and WiFi.
Neighborhood #4 – Jaffa
Best neighborhood in Tel Aviv for families!
- COOLEST thing to do in Jaffa – wander along the Jaffa Flea Market to pick up some bargains on vintage goods
- BEST place to visit in Jaffa – check out the Al-Bahr Mosque, a historic building reflecting the ancient traditions of the region
Older than the city of Tel Aviv itself, Jaffa is the most historic part of the area. Often regarded as a separate city in its own right, this is where you will find old winding streets, ancient traditions and fascinating bazaars! For families, Jaffa is a great way to truly connect with the history of the area.
As it is a little bit further out from the city centre, Jaffa is also a much quieter neighborhood giving you some peace and quiet! It is well connected to central Tel Aviv, as well as further afield in Israel, by public transport.
- Dr Shakshuka is the best place in the city to try the traditional tomato and egg dish that is now popular internationally
- Visit the Clock Tower, an imposing monument to Ottoman Rule over the area that shows the importance of history to Jaffa
- Jaffa isn’t particularly known for its nightlife, but if you want to mingle with locals and enjoy a drink head to the creative Container bar
- The Wishing Bridge is a zodiac bridge where it is foretold you can make a lasting wish – also a great spot for photographs
- The Alhambra Cinema is a great place to catch a movie, and is the perfect example of Art Deco architecture in Tel Aviv
Best Budget Hotel in Jaffa
Jaffa Old City Boutique Apartments
As with other areas of Tel Aviv, most of the accommodation choices in Jaffa are apartments. These boutique apartments come in a variety of layouts, with many catering to budget conscious travellers. They are well decorated using modern design concepts, and come with full air conditioning.
Editor’s Recommendation! These are the staff pick for the top hostels in Jerusalem (for all budgets!)
Best Mid-range Hotel in Jaffa
Numa Hotel Jaffa
A beautiful four-star hotel located in the heart of the Jaffa neighborhood and just a short walk from the gorgeous beaches of Alma Beach and Charles Clore Beach, Numa Hotel Jaffa is a perfect place to base yourself for exploring Tel Aviv. All the rooms at Numa Hotel Jaffa are air-conditioned and come with deluxe beds and private bathrooms.
Best Luxury Hotel in Jaffa
The Jaffa
This lavish hotel is part of the Luxury Collection Hotels range, ensuring you will experience true luxury in the centre of Jaffa! This five star hotel has great guest reviews thanks to their excellent levels of service. There is a large spa centre on-site with saunas and a gym, and they also provide a buffet breakfast.
Neighborhood #5 – Florentin
Where to stay in Tel Aviv on a budget!
- COOLEST thing to do in Florentin – take a walking tour of the local street art – they usually start from one of the art galleries
- BEST place to visit in Florentin – speaking of art galleries, head to Salame Street where you can check out the studios of local creatives
Once one of the most industrial neighborhoods in the city, Florentin has become a bohemian shadow of itself with a thriving creative scene! Despite the slight gentrification, Florentin remains one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv – in terms of both accommodation and dining. For budget travellers, Florentin lets you get right to the heart of Tel Aviv’s creative scene.
Alongside the art galleries, Florentin has a grittier side that lets you sample real Tel Aviv life! Many of the restaurants serve local dishes with modern twists, all offered at budget friendly prices. It also has a burgeoning bar scene where you can party amongst the city’s youth.
- Florentin has some great international food locations – we recommend heading to Mezcal for some fantastic Mexican cuisine
- Florentin 10 is the premiere speciality coffee location in the neighborhood – grab a cup and socialise with the locals
- Shuk Levinsky is a local market offering fresh produce, street food and local arts and crafts from around the city
- If you want a great breakfast, head to Casbah where you can sample some fantastic Israeli cuisine at great prices
- 24 Rupee is another excellent international restaurant – they have a fantastic range of Indian foods and are great for budget visitors
Best Budget Hotel in Florentin
Inspirational Apartment
Another great apartment in Tel Aviv, Inspirational Apartment is very well priced thanks to the area it is located in! It comes with free high speed WiFi throughout, as well as an ultra-modern kitchen with all of the appliances you could possibly need. The owners also operate a discounted bike rental service.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Florentin
Levinski Market Hotel
A sleek and urban-style hotel situated nearby to Levinski Market in Florentin, this is a great place to stay for those who like modern comforts. All the rooms are immaculately designed with air conditioning and we would recommend upgrading to one of the options with a balcony, as here you will see the most incredible city views.
Best Luxury Hotel in Florentin
elPilar
If you want to splurge out a bit more, elPilar is a four star apartment right in the heart of the area! Whilst definitely a luxury option, it is still priced a lot more reasonably than the lavish hotels elsewhere in the city. There is a large terrace where you can unwind, and air conditioning throughout.
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Neighborhood #6 – Old North
Best neighborhood in Tel Aviv for couples!
- COOLEST thing to do in Old North – head straight to the beaches to enjoy the sun, sand and fantastic facilities
- BEST place to visit in Old North – Park Hayarkon is the largest park in the city, and the perfect getaway from the bustling city crowds
Whilst the Old North isn’t a particularly touristy district, it is popular with English speaking expats meaning you can easily communicate with the locals in this part of town! The residential vibe creates a friendly neighborhood that has a more peaceful ambience than neighboring districts. This makes it the perfect spot for a romantic getaway to Tel Aviv!
By far the main attraction is the beaches! Whilst the stretch of beach in the city centre is packed with tourists, the northern parts are a little bit quieter but still benefit from excellent facilities. There are also some great parks and shopping destinations in the Old North.
- Independence Park is another great green space in the area – a little more secluded than Hayarkon, it’s also closer to the beach
- The Tel Aviv Port is a large shopping centre, right next to the docks, where you can enjoy international brands and local outlets
- Speaking of the port, there are a few cruise operators here that provide day and weekend tours along the coast and even as far as Cyprus
- Whilst this area is not big on restaurants, 211 provides a great start to date night with a fantastic selection of cocktails
- Cafe Jeremiah, on the other hand, is best reserved for the morning where you can try out a hearty Israeli breakfast
Best Budget Hotel in Old North
Arbel Suites Hotel
Arbel Suites Hotel is the perfect accommodation choice if you want to be on the doorstep of Tel Aviv’s main shopping district! Despite being a budget friendly choice, it also comes with fantastic facilities – including bike hire and a complimentary breakfast at a local cafe nearby. Guests can book rooms or apartments.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Old North
Hotel Jacob Samuel
The sunset views from this hotel are out of this world and can be enjoyed from several common areas in the hostel! Along with this, you can grab yourself a studio room with a terrace where you can experience incredible sunsets with some privacy. You can even order room service to the balcony! So get ready to grab yourself a cocktail and enjoy the views of the Old North neighborhood in style at Hotel Jacob Samuel.
Best Luxury Hotel in Old North
Carlton Tel Aviv
The Carlton name is synonymous with luxury hotels, and their Tel Aviv accommodation is located right next to the beach! This is the perfect retreat for a couple heading to the city on a romantic getaway. The pool terrace has unspoiled views across the Mediterreanean and fantastic facilities.
Neighborhood #7 – Shapira
Best neighborhood in Tel Aviv for creatives!
- COOLEST thing to do in Shapira – walk around the many independent art galleries that make up the Shapira neighborhood
- BEST place to visit in Shapira – BINA Ganei Tiva is a community green space with a farm and botanic garden
Whilst Florentin is the neighborhood typically touted as the best for creatives, Shapira is a truly special part of the city for those with a large sense of adventure! Though a little rough around the edges, there are a lot of locally owned art galleries, restaurants and community projects waiting to be discovered in Shapira.
In particular, this is a haven for progressive politics in the city – with many of the art galleries boasting their own social purpose! If you want to learn more about some of the country’s most radical movements, head to Shapira.
- Artspace Tel Aviv is a large art gallery dedicated to showing contemporary art from local creatives, as well as examples of street art
- Hanan Margilan is perhaps the only place in the city to visit if you want to sample authentic Bukharan cuisine – a formerly Jewish area of Uzbekistan
- The Red House functions as an art gallery throughout the year, but has so much more to offer – including live performances and workshops
- Shapira is a melting pot of ethnicities, so there are plenty of excellent multicultural restaurants – head to Xing Long for great Chinese food
Best Budget Hotel in Shapira
Dawn & Sun
Dawn & Sun is a laid back studio on the outskirts of the Shapira neighborhood. As an up and coming area there aren’t many hotels in Shapira, but this is a fantastic apartment for those sticking to a tight budget! All of their apartments come with balconies, as well as basic kitchenettes.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Shapira
Tel-Aviv LALA Boutique Hotel
A traditional and rustic style hotel, with incredibly designed rooms, Tel Avid LALA Boutique is a great place to stay for those who want luxurious comforts without sky-high prices. The hotel also has great common areas including a beautiful garden and terrace area.
Best Luxury Hotel in Shapira
FeelHome
For those that want to splurge, this penthouse truly is the pinnacle of luxury in South Tel Aviv. It has free high speed WiFi throughout as well as private parking facilities. There is a large balcony surrounding the apartment that has a dining area, sun loungers and even a private hot tub!
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tel Aviv?
Tel Aviv is a vibrant and bustling city along the Mediterranean coast that showcases the best of everything Israel has to offer! With beaches stretching along the entire edge of the city, decadent restaurants around every corner and busy shopping districts there’s truly something for everyone.
For best neighborhood we are going to have to go with the Yemenite Quarter! Not only is it the best location wise, it also offers a good cross-section of all the best aspects of the city in one place.
That being said, this tourist haven is packed with intriguing areas waiting to be discovered. We hope this guide has helped you plan your itinerary.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!
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