Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel after Jerusalem, and is located on the Mediterranean coastline of the country. Tel Aviv is about 52 kilometers (32.3 miles) away from Jerusalem, and serves as the economic heart of Israel.
Safety
Safety and terrorism are often some of the first things that come to mind before a trip backpacking in Israel of those who want to visit Israel but cannot bring themselves to go through with it. There is high security throughout Tel Aviv and the rest of the country, with soldiers protecting every part of the city. The odds of a terrorist attack are slim, and the streets of Tel Aviv, as well as the rest of the country, are relatively safe from petty crime.
Israel is a highly secured country; so do not be surprised when you are asked to adhere to a security check when entering any public buildings, including restaurants. Cars are also often inspected before entering parking lots. This is a routine that the locals have gotten used to, and there is no need for it to scare you away.
Accommodations
Tel Aviv is a large, modern city, and it is relatively expensive. It may be hard finding good budget accommodations, but there are still many reasonable options. The Old Jaffa Hostel and Guest House were converted from an old Turkish house, and are located in the center of Jaffa’s Oriental Bazaar, in the old part of the city. This area is lively and bustling during the day, but quiet during the nighttime hours. If you don’t plan on sleeping early, the hostel is within walking distance to some of Tel Aviv’s infamous nightlife.
To stay in a shared room with 9 other people, the cost is 15 euros per person per night, while a private single room is significantly more expensive at the price of 45 euros per night. Linens and towels are included in the fee, and there is internet access, washing machines, and more at your disposal. Jaffa is a convenient place to consider staying if you are planning on visiting Tel Aviv because you can avoid the crowds and tourist prices. The area around the Old Jaffa Hostel and Guest House caters to the locals, so food and shopping is significantly cheaper here than in the areas geared toward tourists in Tel Aviv.
Nightlife
Tel Aviv has a reputation for being a city that never sleeps, and with good reason. Its beaches, bars, and nightlife reel many travelers into visiting the large city every year. The Rothschild Boulevard part of Tel Aviv boasts having some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, while Allenby Street is famous for its clubs. The nightlife even begins later in the night because clubs generally open around 11 p.m., peak between 2 and 4 a.m., and close at about 6 or 7 a.m. Bars are also open late (some until 4 a.m.). There are clubs, bars, and restaurants to appeal to any kind of traveler. From techno clubs to Irish pubs, the Tel Aviv nightlife has something for everybody.
