Eight Free Things to Do in Tel Aviv

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Looking for things to see and do in Tel Aviv for free? If you're on a budget, don't worry, there are plenty of great things you can see and do without spending a dime. As you might notice after arriving in Israel, Israelis really don't like paying when they know they can get things cheaper somewhere else, if not for free. So, to make yourself even more at home during your visit to Tel Aviv, here are a few things to do in Tel Aviv for absolutely nothing. That's right, for FREE!
Of course, you can take your wallet along to any of these sites and you'll probably be glad you did, but a definite must to bring along is your camera!

1. Tel Aviv Beach:

Choose a beach, smooth out your towel, splash on some sunscreen, and just chill out. Take in some rays, watch the sunset, and if you're feeling energetic play some matkot (beach tennis - you may well get asked to play by diehard matkot players, especially if you're a blond, bikini-clad tourist!) or join in the guys playing beach volleyball. The beach is perhaps the ultimate free gig in Tel Aviv!

2. Carmel Market:

Take a stroll down Carmel market, without a question the must-see market in Israel. You'll get a taste of real life in Israel, as locals go about their shopping amidst a barrage of amazing, sights, sounds and tastes. Take a walk down the main market aisle starting from the Allenby Street end and just head down past the clothes stalls, which then merges into the food produce section. Don't be afraid to take a peek down those side alleys, there are some amazing finds! Visiting Carmel market is one of the best free things to do in Tel Aviv, but perhaps the hardest to complete without reaching for your wallet...

3. Tel Aviv promenade:

Walk along the Tel Aviv promenade and then park yourself somewhere as the sun sets. You can do this practically all year round but I'd highly recommend it in the spring or autumn, when some clouds are usually around to add some pzazz to the sunset. And be prepared to be amazed at the number of joggers, bicycles, dogs and tourists, plus artists drawing passersby and sometimes even a bit of busking from a travelling band of Peruvians or whoever seems to be passing through that particular week.

4. Free Walking Tour:

Take a free walking tour of Tel Aviv, available through the Tel Aviv municipality all year round (except for Yom Kippur). There are four basic tours which are led by a qualified tour guide, and a series of go-it-alone tours, marked in orange. Just turn up to the relevant spot at the required time - there's no need to reserve a place or book in advance. We highly recommended the following tours: OLD JAFFA tour, every Wednesday. at 09:30. Meeting point: Clock Tower (Yefet Street), Jaffa. The tour takes in the Flea Market, the view of Tel Aviv from the Hapisga Garden, and the rejuvenated Old Jaffa. THE 'WHITE CITY' tour, every Saturday, at 11:00. Meeting point: 46 Rothschild Street. This tour focuses on the modern architectural 'White City' area, along Rothschild Street, and describes the story of Tel Aviv. Little Tel Aviv Tour: (a go-it-alone tour, just follow the orange signs), this tour (known as Route 1) starts at 5 Shalom Aleichem Street, continuing through Bialik Street, then to the Shalom Tower on Ahad Ha'am Street. After that it's on to Rothschild Street, before heading into the delightful Neve Tzedek neighbourhood (be sure to check out the main street, Shabazi), ending up at the Suzanne Dellal center.

5. Shenkin Street:

Go window shopping down Shenkin Street on a Friday noon/afternoon. Shenkin Street is one of Tel Aviv's trendiest, most happening streets, full of cafes and small designer shops. Friday will be absolutely steaming with people, but it will give you the perfect insight into the weekend spirit of Tel Aviv. You'll also get to see Tel Aviv's hippest, sexiest crowd at play, as they lead the throngs of shoppers and wannabees: it'll be a blur of tattoos, piercings, and plenty of skin. Start at the Allenby Street end and head down the road at your own pace. If Friday is too much for you, try any other day of the week, it's still a cool little street without the thronging masses. Top freebie tips: Listen to some tunes at Krembo, one of Tel Aviv's coolest music stores, at 18 Shenkin Street. Or just chill out at the charming little Shenkin gardens, just across the road from Krembo.

6. Nahalat Binyamin:

If you're interested in some arts and crafts and genuinely talented Israeli artists, then Nahalat Binyamin is a great thing to see and do in Tel Aviv. Walk down the paved part of Nahalat Binyamin Street (starting from the Allenby Street end) on Tuesdays or Fridays and witness some amazing hand-produced products, including photos, jewellery, and unique kids toys, by some of Tel Aviv's most creative and talented artists (hand-picked by a local committee). You might also be lucky and catch a cute street performance, ranging from statues that only move upon hearing the clunk of money in their tin, to Kermit the frog belting out classics.

7. Tel Aviv Port:

Check out the scene at Tel Aviv port, recently renovated and very popular at the weekend. If you have small kids, this is a perfect place to bring them and their buggies and scooters, or else you could just let them play in the giant sand pit. With or without kids the Port is still great to see - watch the waves rolling in from the Meditteranean, as fishermen cast their lines out hoping for a nice 'bite'. You could also turn up on a Friday when the Port is host to a weekly Farmers Market which has some interesting produce, such as white strawberries.

8. Ben Gurion House:

For some local culture and history, a visit to Ben Gurion House is highly recommended. Here you can get a taste of the surroundings of one of Israel's founding fathers and first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion. The Ben Gurions lived in this house until 1953, when they relocated to the Negev, in the south of the country, but continued to use this house as an alternative stopover until his death in 1973. The second floor of this unique little house in the heart of Tel Aviv is the real gem, as it houses 4 libraries including over 20,000 books and periodicals, while the first floor remains as it was in the days the Ben Gurions lived there. Ben Gurion house is located at 17 Ben Gurion Boulevard, and is open at 8am every morning, but not Saturdays. Call for closing hours because they do change from day to day: 03-5221010 or 03-5224925.

Ashley is the man behind the content that is the site http://www.igoogledisrael.com For more information about the ultimate destination that is Israel, come and visit the site!

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