First time in Tel Aviv? What to know before you go

Tel Aviv is compact and best done on foot. Start with the beach and the old port in the north, work south through the Bauhaus streets of the White City, and finish in Jaffa. These eight stops cover the city's shape in two or three days.

The city runs north–south along the Mediterranean. The beachfront hotels sit between Gordon and Frishman beaches; Rothschild Boulevard and Neve Tzedek are a short walk inland; Jaffa is at the southern end. Ben Gurion Airport is inland to the southeast, about 20 km away.

Use the promenade as your spine: north to the port, south to Jaffa. The light rail runs along the eastern side of the centre and connects with the train stations, which helps on hot days or when you are carrying bags.

Money: the currency is the Israeli new shekel (ILS). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including market stalls; keep a little cash for small vendors and sherut vans. Tipping around 10–15% is normal in restaurants.

Shabbat is the single biggest planning factor. From Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, buses and trains mostly stop, and many shops and restaurants close. Some areas such as Jaffa and parts of the port stay busier. Taxis, sherut shared vans and Arab-run businesses usually keep running. Plan Friday sightseeing early and keep Saturday loose.

Language: Hebrew is the main language, with English widely spoken. Arabic is common in Jaffa. A few words of Hebrew go a long way.

Water and heat: tap water is generally drinkable. Summers are hot and humid; do your walking before 11:00 or after 17:00 and carry water.

Safety: read your own government's travel advice before booking. This desk does not plan around security advice. For everyday scams and areas, see the safety page.

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the easiest: warm sea, mild air, long days. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with the beach at its best but prices at their highest. Winter (December–February) is mild and rainy, with some days warm enough to sit outside; it is the cheapest season and the quietest.

Avoid arriving on a Friday afternoon if you need public transport, and check Jewish holidays, when much of the city shuts down. If your dates are fixed, plan around Shabbat rather than fighting it.

Most visitors fly into Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), about 20 km southeast of the centre. The train connects the airport with Tel Aviv Savidor and HaShalom stations in roughly 20–25 minutes; it does not run on Shabbat. A taxi or ride-hail takes 45–60 minutes in traffic and costs more at night.

Within the city, buses, the light rail and shared bikes cover most needs; the promenade and centre are walkable. A day or multi-day pass is usually the cheapest option. For intercity trips, trains and buses leave from Savidor and the central bus station; book ahead for Friday and holiday travel.