Tel Aviv

2012 was Art Year in Tel Aviv, which celebrated the city's arts and culture as well as the opening of the contemporary wing at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Since then, the art scene in Tel Aviv has been booming, with galleries popping up all over the city. Preceding this, in 2011, was Tel Aviv's first ever fashion week, putting Israel on the map for the first time as a fashion and design destination, and giving the international fashion world a peak into Israeli style. Scheduled for Summer 2013 is an expansion of the Tel Aviv boardwalk in the Gordon beach area, which will open up for visitors and locals alike for dining al la fresco next to the waves.

Tel Aviv is both a foodie's paradise and a sure thing when it comes to eating. Israelis know how to enjoy breakfast, and Tel Avivians especially know how to start the day right. For a classic Israeli breakfast try Yulia at the Namal for some breathtaking views and food. If you're looking for Shakshuka, the traditional tomato-and-egg Iraqi dish which has become a national staple, try Sonia (King George and Almonit) for hands-down the best Shakshuka in town.

Try taking an afternoon break in any one of the city's charming cafes for a cappuccino (A-foochk, in Hebrew). For the best coffee in the city try Le Moulin at 72 Bogroshov, a French bakery with exquisite bread and pastries too (if you're getting lunch try the Balkan sandwich, with sweet potato and goat cheese.) For a more intellectual crowd (the cigarette-smoking, political-banter kind) head to Tolaat Sfarim at Kikar Rabin which also functions as a book store. If you're in the people watching mood head to Rothschild Boulevard to hang out at one of the coffee stands and watch sheik locals sip espresso and soak up the sun.

Tel Avivians eat dinner late, giving you the opportunity to catch a gorgeous sunset over the Mediterranean. For the full evening experience head to Yafo port, which has some of the tastiest dining in town. Old Man and the Sea is a restaurant not to be missed for seafood lovers and those seeking classic regional cuisine, just make sure to save your appetite for the main course as appetizers abound and are scrumptious! If you're looking for International cuisine, or yummy schnitzel (another Israeli staple) try Cafe Noir, (Ahad Ha'am and Nachmani), which has the atmosphere of old Europe combined with a contemporary Tel Aviv vibe. For a market fresh meal, and a more upscale one, try Kitchen Market at Namal, located on top of the Farmer's Market from which the restaurant gets its ingredients (also the best place to satisfy an Omnivore's pallet.)

Tel Aviv is a city that lives and breathes its culture. With intriguing street art and Bauhaus at its finest, the best way to experience Tel Aviv culture is to walk around the city with your eyes peeled. You'll find Street Art tucked into every corner and soon you can start to recognize an artist's trademark around the city. In Hebrew and English, most of these artists have a political bent or a humanist message, making these clips of fine graffiti both touching and poignant in the midst of bustling city life.

Bauhaus architecture, in its original design, is everywhere, but if you're looking to learn more about this utilitarian style we recommend a Bauhaus Tour, which run every Friday at 10 AM from the Bauhaus Center (99 Dizengoff) and will give you an understanding of how Bauhaus architecture was a defining factor in helping to build Tel Aviv.

Tel aviv also some incredible galleries bursting with local talent. The more traditional ones are clustered in Gordon street, but the best in contemporary is located at Hangar 2 at the Yafo port. The Tel Aviv art museum also has some extraordinary contemporary art housed in its brand-new contemporary wing, a stunning architectural feat. The Museum also has an exceptional permanent collection, with more than a few 20th century masterpieces.

Tel Aviv is a feast for the eyes and party for the ears. Take a break from listening to the waves or conversations in languages you may not understand and sample some live music. Head to Etta Piano bar (Montefiore 15) for live jazz weekly, or Rothschild 12 which has local talent playing most nights of the week (it's also one of the city's best bars.) For a taste of Tel Aviv's underground and a bit of a grungier crowd check out Levontin 7.5.

Beach is almost synonymous with Tel Aviv and for good reason. With a sprawl of prime Mediterranean beach, you won't be surprised if you want to spend your entire stay relaxing on the sand. Gordon and Frishman beaches can get crowded in the summer, so head north to Metzitzim for some quieter beach time, or south to Alma beach which is also a great place to watch the sunset.

While Tel Aviv is known as White City it's also a Green one, with Bikes being the preferred transportation method by many locals. Bikes are also a great way to see the city, and for 14 NIS (approximately $4) you can rent a city bike from any of the green bike stations scattered all over the city. If you're seeing the city on bike, you're seeing it like a true local.

For a taste of counterculture head to Florentine in South Tel Aviv that, in the past ten years, has blossomed into a Bohemian hub with eccentric cafes, furniture and design shops, and cheap eats. You'll feel inspired just strolling around these narrow, knotty streets.

The beach is the best place for young children as it functions as a natural playground for any age. Metzitzim beach has an actual playground, and is close to the Namal which comes alive for families on Saturdays with mimes and clowns for entertainment. If you're up for an adventure continue past the Namal to Park Hayarkon, Tel Aviv's largest park which is great for an afternoon stroll or picnic with the family. You can also head south along the beach to Charles Clore park which is a great place for kids to run free and also a magnificent viewing point for a sunset.

To give your children a dose of culture, try the Bialik museum which is a tribute to Israel's National poet who had a special affinity for children, located at Kikar Bialik.

The best place for outdoor and adventure is Tel Aviv's beach, where water sports of all kind are at the tip of your fingers. If you're looking for Surfing, head to Bluebird beach, where you can rent surf equipment or take a lesson at the Israel Surf Club. You can also head to Gordon beach where Tel Aviv's new port provides access for sailing on the high seas. Further up, at Metzitzim beach, you can rent other water sports equipment, like windsurfs and ocean kayaks.

For some serious shopping head to where HaCarmel, Nachalat Binyamin, and Sheinkin meet at Allenby. This is the main shopping intersection in Tel Aviv, which will give you access to a few shopping directions. On Tuesdays and Fridays local craftspeople sell their wares along Nachalat Binyamin, and you are sure to find some memorable jewelry and gifts that are distinctly Israeli. Running parallel to this craft market is Shuk HaCarmel, the city's central open-air market that runs the gamut of fresh foods. Even if you aren't doing any cooking, we doubt you'll leave without sampling a traditional Arab pastry or two (look out for Kanafeh, the super-sweet Arab delicacy.)

From there you can wander to Sheinkin street for ultra hip finds with (unfortunately) matching prices. If have your wallet in mind head to Yafo instead, where the Flea Market (also known as Shuk Hapishpishim) is the perfect place to pick up a vintage dress, picture frame, or some antique jewelry. For more treasure hunting in Yafo stroll Olei Tzion street next to the Shuk for Middle Eastern furniture, rugs, lamps and one-of-a-kind finds you won't see anywhere else in the world.

Nightlife in Tel Aviv is non-stop, and there's always a party happening, even on Friday nights when most of the city shuts down for Shabbat. There's a reason why the partying is guaranteed fun: in 2012 Traveler's Digest ranked Tel Aviv #10 for best looking men and #7 for best looking women in the world.

Tel Aviv has two seasons of nightlife, Summer and Winter, each with a distinctive feel. If you're in Tel Aviv during the summer season (April-October), clubs are your best bet with most opening just for the summer months. Dance your sandals off at Galina at the Namal where you can grab a table outdoors with a group for the perfect summer party, or head to Clara which is right on the water in the old Dolphinarium just south of Bluebird Beach for a club experience you won't forget. If clubs aren't your thing, the city has no shortage of outdoor bars - try Teder FM at the end of Rothschild Boulevard, which doubles as a radio station that often broadcasts live bands.

For winter partying (November-March) check out Shesek, which has incredible music that will keep you dancing all night. Boutique Wine Bar, which has a few locations throughout the city, is the perfect spot to share a bottle of great Israeli wine. Maoz, the Malkei, and Comfort are also worth checking out for a classic Tel Aviv night out any time of the year.

Tel Aviv also has a vibrant Gay scene, and was named #1 Gay City in 2012 in a survey run by American Airlines and gaycity.com. For the best gay nightlife check out Lima Lima on Mondays which is a famously good time and Evita every night of the week.