Anyone looking for a getaway off the beaten path would be well-served to consider boarding cheap flights to Tel Aviv. Unlike most other destinations in Israel, Tel Aviv offers a traditional holiday-destination setting and boasts world-class beaches and nightlife that ensure its visitors are relaxed and entertained in equal measure. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv is a growing city that also serves as a gateway for travellers moving on to other destinations in Israel. It is a relatively young city – 100 years old in 2009 - which serves as a further contrast to much of the country.
Despite its relative youth, Tel Aviv has its fair share of culture as evidenced by the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and its considerable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, the Diaspora Museum (Beit Hatfutsot) which focuses on Jewish history and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
A multicultural city, Tel Aviv is home to hundreds of thousands of Jews, Muslims and Christians. It is a thoroughly modern city in an ancient setting providing visitors with a unique experience, be they soaking up the beachside sun or taking in a culinary feast at a local five-star restaurant.
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The weather is varied so beware when you choose to take cheap flights to Tel Aviv. Winters here are mild but January, the coldest month, sees temperatures fall to as low as 4 degrees Celsius. August is the warmest month with temperatures consistently staying in the 30-degree Celsius range though the high humidity will make it seem warmer still. The period between November and March is known as rainy season but many visitors choose to travel at this time to avoid the heat.
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Peak Season:
July and August, a traditional peak time for much of the northern hemisphere, is made additionally busy in Tel Aviv because many Israelis choose to spend their own holidays in the city. As a result, many of its facilities are particularly crowded and hotels have been known to add a surcharge to their regular rates.
Hotel costs are also inflated during the holidays of Passover in early April and Sukkoth in late September-early October. Beware that while Tel Aviv is more crowded at these times, many of the local services are also curtailed making for a potentially frustrating time for the unprepared.
Off Season:
Anyone choosing to take cheap flights to Tel Aviv outside the summer peak times will be rewarded with cheaper room rates and although the period between November to March is considered to be the area’s rainy season, it is nevertheless considered a good time to visit. May as well as early to mid-September are also pleasant.
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Regular buses to the city centre and the waterfront as well as those heading to Jerusalem and Haifa that depart every 30 minutes are ever-present in the airport’s central plaza. Those arriving on cheap flights to Tel Aviv looking for a touch more comfort should head for the taxi stand near the gate 8 exit for cars from an authorized dispatcher or for the more sociable or budget-conscious try a sherut, or shared taxi, which are considerably cheaper.
Finally there is also a train service to Tel Aviv, Haifa, Akko and Nahariya from the airport (Terminal 3).
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The city centre is relatively compact making getting around on foot by far the best option after landing on cheap flights to Tel Aviv. Taxis and buses are plentiful if you’re tired.
The local bus network is both extensive and reliable but remember that there is no service on Saturdays. Ticket prices are discounted if bought in packs of ten or on a monthly pass basis.
Another alternative to taxis and public buses is to use sheruts, or minibuses, that ply the same routes. Their service is often more frequent and it operates on Saturdays though at higher rates.
There is also no shortage of taxis that can be hailed but keep in mind that the fares are higher at night.
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- When Tel Aviv was founded in 1909, it became the first modern-day Hebrew city. The White City, as it was called, was planned by Sir Patrick Geddes with a view to utilizing the setting and the residents’ needs to maximize the benefits of its planning. It is made up of about 4,000 buildings, many of them in International or Bauhaus style, reflecting the design school prevalent in Germany where many of the architects learned their trade.
- Nearby Jaffa is located on a hill and features spectacular views of Tel Aviv and the sea beyond. Legend has it that it was founded by Japhet, one of Noah's sons. Despite the extensive history, it features many art galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants while its old port continues to be an active fishing port, a nice place to soak up the old vibe of the city.
- The Tel-Aviv Museum of Art can be found on Shaul Ha'Melech Boulevard and features impressive collections of European and Israeli art. Elsewhere, the Eretz Israel Museum is set in a park that features Tell Qasile, an archaeological site of the remains of an ancient port city that dates back more than 3,000 years.
- Tel Aviv features a variety of markets. Among these, the best-known is the Nachlat Benyamin Pedestrian Mall, which is held on Tuesdays and Fridays (between 10am and 5pm). The Flea Market and Carmel Market specialize in food and clothes while the Bezalel Market is known for its discounted clothes and shoes. For specialized food stuffs head for the Food Market of Dizengoff Centre, held on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. Bring an extra suitcase on your cheap flights to Tel Aviv to take advantage of the bargains.
- For spectacular views of the city and surrounding area be sure to check out the Azrieli Centre, the tallest building in the Middle East. The Azrieli Observatory is located on the 49th floor.
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The main airport for travellers taking flights to Tel Aviv is:
Ben-Gurion International Airport (TLV)
It is located about 14km southeast of Tel Aviv and just under 50km west of Jerusalem.
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