Introduction
Tel Aviv (literally meaning "Hill of Spring") is located on the Mediterranean coast, at a distance of around 35 miles from Jerusalem. Capital of Israel from 1948 to 1970, it is the largest metropolitan city of Israel. Tel Aviv however, is not one, but a combination of two cities - Tel Aviv and Jaffa - one ancient and the other entirely modern.

With the passage of time, the twin cities have merged into each other. They both form a single municipality now, and it is hard to determine where one ends and the other begins. Presently, the two cities form the hub of Israeli' commercial and industrial life. In cultural terms, it is a vibrant city full of museums, artists, and music - a vital part of Israel's cultural arena.

What to do
Tel Aviv is an exciting city with a host of activities to look forward to. Hiking, horse riding, and surfing can be of particular interest to the visitors. Exploring the past and present attractions of the city however, should be the first priority. These apart, the city is dotted with a number of theatres, concerts, and nightclubs besides a variety of shopping centres. A visit to these is therefore, a must if you want to feel the life of the city, in its true spirit.

City at a Glance

Latitude 32°6'N Longitude 34°47'E Area 51.597 sq km Population 3,55,200 Language Hebrew, English Religion Judaism Telephone Code 03

History
The twin cities of Tel Aviv-Jaffa have distinct histories signifying achievements of both past and present. Jaffa being the elder sibling dates back to the 16th century BC. According to legend, it got its name from Japheth, one of the sons of Noah who decided to settle at this place. It is also said, that it was from this port Jonah sailed before he was swallowed by the whale. It has since been an important port which was controlled at different times by Phoenicians, Philistines, Greeks, Arabs, Turks, and Crusaders. Its occupation by the Arabs in AD 637, and Napoleon in AD 1799 have been the two most significant events in the history of Jaffa.

By the end of 19th century there was no Jewish population in Jaffa, and the Arabs resisted any attempts towards this. This led to a new phase of struggle, between the two, ending in the eventual control of the city by the Jews, but not without some scars, that have still not healed.

Tel Aviv is a sprawling city with a history of just around hundred years. It was founded in 1906 at the convention of the Jews of Yafo (Jaffa), with some sixty families led by Meir Dizemgoff deciding to settle down at this place. A gradual inflow of people ensured its position as an important city of Israel. With due regard to this, in 1948, Tel Aviv became the first capital of modern Israel, a status it enjoyed till 1970 when the capital was transferred to Jerusalem.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Tel Aviv has a subtropical climate. Average annual temperature is around 20° C with average annual rainfall of 532 mm. November to April is the rainy season during which weather conditions are slightly humid. Like other places in Israel, it has no particular season that can be recommended; therefore planning a visit to this part of the world depends on ones own preferences.

Highlights/Attractions
Jaffa
Jaffa is the main tourist attraction in Tel Aviv. With a kind of history and events it has gone through, there is no denying that it is also one of the most important tourist destinations in entire Israel. There are artist community, art shops, art galleries, and Judaica shops, all around in Jaffa. It is also a popular venue for festivals.

Museums
Tel Aviv Museum of Art is the largest museum on arts in Israel. Other important museums in Tel Aviv include Eretz Israel Museum, the Bible Museum, Bet Hatefutsoth (Museum of the Jewish People), Ben Gruyon House, and Hahagana Museum.

Dizengoff Square
This square is the hub of Tel Aviv city. A sculpture by Yaakov Agam that spews fire and water while music is played is one of its main attractions.

Great Synagogue
This is the largest synagogue in Israel, and one of the most beautiful too. It was founded in 1918 after the British victory over Turks.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
There are events all around in Tel Aviv and you do not need any particular time or month to visit Tel Aviv. All the holidays in Israel has religious connections and Judaism has got plenty of them. There are regular exhibitions in most of the museums and art galleries in Tel Aviv. On the day of Shabbat, no work is done in Israel.

Places nearby
Jerusalem
Located at a distance of just 35 km from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and one of the most revered cities in the world for Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The city has been besieged more than 50 times, conquered 36 times and destroyed 10 times. Famous attractions in Jerusalem include: Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Church of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations, Dome of the Rock, Distant Mosque, Western Wall, Garden Tomb, Citadel (Tower Of David), Mount of Olives, Tomb of Virgin Mary, and Bethany.

After Hours
Because of its cosmopolitan culture there is no dearth of Pubs, nightclubs, and other such places in Tel Aviv. Most of the museums and exhibitions have music and dance performance on a regular basis. Tel Aviv by night is quite an interesting experience. Also and shopping in the after hours is one activity you can look forward to.

SHOPPING
Tel Aviv is full of shopping malls that are modern, have enough car parking spaces, and provide wholesome entertainment. Though, it may not prove to be a satisfying experience if you are looking for some artefacts or antique. The city of Jaffa is a favourite hunting place for objects of art and craft.

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is one thing that would not be a problem in Tel Aviv. Camping sites are also available here. Seaside resorts are another option and they certainly make for a good and comfortable stay.

Accommodation options can start at as low as $8 a day for a hostel to $285 for a premium class hotel. In between choices are enough, to suit all kinds of budgets.

WHERE TO EAT

Mediterranean sea food restaurants are aplenty in Tel Aviv. For the general traveller, there are restaurants that provide Italian, Chinese, American, Brazilian, North African, Rumanian, Balkan, Argentinean, Indian, and many more types of cuisine.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Tel Aviv has its own international airport which is placed at a distance of around 20 km southeast of the city; and is well connected to many destinations in Europe, North America, Middle East, and other parts of Asia. Information centres have been placed comfortably in the main hall and departure hall of the airport.

Land And Water
Egged (National Israel Bus) is the cheapest way to go out of Tel Aviv. To reach Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, you can use Shared Taxis or Sheruts, which takes just around one hour.

Local Transport
You have the option of hiring a taxi, which have fixed fares from the airport to any part of the city. Sherut or shared taxis are the other option and are a good bargain. You can get these taxis for any place in Israel. Egged Buses have regular services to every part of the city, and they are the cheapest means of transport in Tel Aviv. Most of the international and local car rental companies have their offices in the city, which can be easily located.