Showing posts with label Tel Aviv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tel Aviv. Show all posts

Jaffa – Tel Aviv

As of the world’s oldest ports, Jaffa is thought to have been the port from which Jonah left in the story of the Whale!

Jaffa (also known as Yafo) is the ancient port city out of which Tel Aviv has now grown. Jaffa has, in recent years, like much of South Tel Aviv, been regenerated with the old narrow streets and courtyards becoming a another highly desirable part of Tel Aviv’s urban tapestry. Jaffa flea market is a well known attraction of the area, with vendors selling a diverse range of interesting and unique products. Meanwhile the narrow passageways and ancient buildings in the Old City of Jaffa are worlds away from modern Tel Aviv.

The history of Jaffa is a long one. As of the world’s oldest ports, Jaffa is thought to have been the port from which Jonah left in the story of the Whale! The port continued to be important through history, and served as the main entry point to the land of Israel through until the late 19th century when Jews from around the world began to return to Israel. It was through Jaffa that they entered the country and in Jaffa that many initially settled. The huge population increase led to overcrowding, and tense relations developed between the Jewish and Arab residents of the city. The result was that Jews began building outside of Jaffa, firstly neighborhoods such as Neve Tzedek, and later the city of Tel Aviv.

As Tel Aviv developed, Jaffa decayed. By the 1940′s Tel Aviv was so much larger than Jaffa, then dominantly Arab as most Jews had moved out, that it was made into a neighborhood of Tel Aviv to create the offical title of the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo. The decay continued until the municipality created a Development Organization to oversee the restoration of Jaffa, which continues today.

There are lots of great things to see in Jaffa. Since its restoration, it has become a popular tourist attraction, with people visiting it as a part of Tel Aviv, and as a city of interest on its own. Jaffa is a real melting pot with Jewish and Arab populations living and breathing the same closely-packed air. It always feels like Jaffa is in a constant state of flux as people rush about on their daily business. The Flea Market is a key site, and the sites, sounds, and smells of the small alleyways and streets which make up this city are lined with artists galleries and studios, as well as boutique and craft shops. Jaffa also has some unique and interesting restaurants. The Jaffa Harbor is currently being excavated, and is absolutely stunning. The views from here across to modern Tel Aviv, especially at sunset are incredible. Meanwhile, the gardens next to the sea are picturesque.

Shops in Jaffa are unique. The small, narrow streets are home to small unique boutiques, design shops and other fascinating shops which you could even think are not shops.

Restaurants and cafes in Jaffa offer the full range of food that Tel Aviv has become known for although there is a wide range of more oriental and Middle Eastern styles of food. For instance, one local institution Dr Shakshuka serves this unique tomato and egg based dish originating from Libya to crowds of natives and tourists alike.

What’s near to Jaffa: HaTachana, Tel Aviv’s Old Railway station is a short stroll up the the Mediterranean Coast. Meanwhile the neighborhood of Florentin offers one the chance to see the ‘old’ South Tel Aviv – still to be regenerated with a fascinating array of shops selling all varieties of products.


Tel Aviv - Lonely Planet's top world city


In 2010, Lonely Planet travel guides listed Tel Aviv as the third-best city in the world.Tel Aviv is celebrated for its open, liberal and relaxed lifestyle. It is famous for its beaches, nightlife, culture, and diversity. Lonely Planet said Tel Aviv is also the greenhouse for Israel's growing art, film and music scenes. From Bauhaus architecture to fine dining, cool neighborhoods to a hopping cafe culture, there's something for everyone in Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv Crafts Fair

Every Tuesday and Friday, rain or shine, handpicked artists and craftspeople of all stripes set up booths in one of Tel Aviv's oldest neighborhoods, Nahalat Binyamin. Here in the textile district of the Mediterranean city is where everyone is welcome to browse Israel's largest selection of handmade items.

Paul Simon Concert in Tel Aviv

Paul Simon has confirmed that he will giving a concert in Tel Aviv, Israel on July 21, 2011 at the Ramat Gan stadium (in the suburb of Ramat Gan) as part of his world tour for his new album “So Beautiful or So What.” He is also expected to perform at venues across the United States and Europe.


Simon, who will celebrate his 70th birthday in October, will arrive in Israel as part of a concert tour promoting his new, critically acclaimed album “So Beautiful or So What”, which the singer considers his best in the past 20 years.


Simon launched his international concert tour on Monday. In the next two months he is expected to tour the United States and will arrive in Europe in June.


This will be Simon’s third concert in Israel. He first came here in 1978 for a solo gig, and returned in 1983 with Art Garfunkel as part of the Simon & Garfunkel duo.