Tel Aviv - The Mediterranean Jewel
Tel Aviv is somewhat of a hidden jewel in the Mediterranean. People who visit the city never want to leave, and those that live here couldn't consider living anywhere else. Why? In short, it offers what no other city in the Middle East can- a mixture of beautiful beaches, aromatic dishes, extravagant people, and a booming culture that could rival any Westernised city.
Some people know Tel Aviv as the “White City”, which derives from the Bauhaus architecture of buildings that can be found in the city. People in Tel Aviv are renowned for their friendliness and openness. Informality is just about every Tel Avivan's middle name. People in the street will call you their brother or sister, and will take to you very warmly from the moment you meet.
To top it all up, although it is the largest city in Israel, everything is a short distance away. This greatly adds to the community feel of the city and interaction between Tel Avivians. In fact, walking distance from the centre lays one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, if not the world. The weather is always smiling in Israel, and the beach is an attraction for locals and tourists during all seasons, day or night.
In fact, Tel Avivans themselves hardly find time to sleep. And who can blame them? Nightclubs are open all week long to the early hours of the morning, and some restaurants are open 24/7.
So where did it all begin?
Tel Aviv didn't have a regular history of other major European towns. It wasn't a centre of commerce or a junction for merchants. Its humble beginnings can be traced to a small neighbourhood of Yafo, and it formed the basis of Yafo's port. It gradually grew, and finally boomed to become the centre of business, culture, fashion, film and food in Israel. It is quite sensational to consider that a few years ago the entire landscape of the city was completely different. Today, you can be astounded by the beautiful architecture that the city has to offer.
An Alphabet Soup of Culture
One of the most prominent and interesting facets of the White City is its vast amount of immigrants that live within it (a common feature between great cities, the likes of London, New York, etc.). Since Tel Aviv is an energetic port city, it been an ideal destination port for migration waves from around the world to bring in new culture and life. The mixture has blended together surprisingly well, and together an exciting and vibrant Tel Avivian atmosphere has been born.
Moreover, the integration of these migration waves has brought in new cuisine from the likes of South America, Asia, Africa and more. Tel Avivians can now benefit from a diverse and highly delicious range of food from top gourmet restaurants to acclaimed street stalls. Nothing in Tel Aviv is just ordinary.
It is no wonder that The New York Times has recently regarded Tel Aviv as the capital of Mediterranean “cool”. Culinary Tours in Israel just can't skip this city.
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