Tel Aviv is an expensive city and and it can cost a lot to visit, but travel doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think, and even some of the most expensive destinations in the world have some amazing free sites and activities to keep even the tightest of budgets happy. Check out these 5 free things to see and do in Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv is currently one of the worlds surprisingly hottest city break destinations, with thriving art and music scenes, a tolerant, diverse and laid back attitude and a pounding party atmosphere, this booming city on the sea feels far more Mediterranean than it does Middle Eastern. Unfortunately all this top tier tourism comes at a price and Tel Aviv – much like the rest of Israel – is not a cheap destination by a long shot.
Fortunately there are many great things to do in Tel Aviv that won’t cost you a penny, meaning you can keep a lot more of your budget for blowing on one of the cities infamous nights out!
Cool Down In Hayarkon Park.
Known as the green lung of the city, Hayarkon park is to Tel Aviv as Central Park is to New York. There are artificial lakes, bike paths, walking paths, tons of artificial gardens and childrens play areas. The park is a perfect way to spend a lazy day just enjoying the weather and some fresh air, so rent a bike or hire a boat for some exercise or simply take a picnic, if you are spending any amount of time in Tel Aviv you have to come here.
Pinat Hai.
This small but very well kept petting zoo is located right within Hayarkon park, and is well worth a visit.
Wander Around Old Jaffa.
Whilst most of Tel Aviv feels far removed from the history and biblical antiquity of Israel, a walk through old Jaffa will send you straight back in time again. Home to one of the oldest seaports in the world, this was a former shipping and transport hub for pilgrims heading to Jerusalem and even played an important role during the Crusades.
A walk around the old town is an absolute must during any visit to Tel Aviv, and there are numerous free walking tours every day that will help you root out the churches and mosques hidden in every nook and cranny, but there are also glimpses of modern Tel Aviv here too, with an abundance of artists studios, craft shops and musicians plying their trade showing how even ancient Jaffa can’t escape the hipster onslaught.
Walk Along The Tel Aviv Promenade.
This long stretch of gentrified promenade starts at old Jaffa and reaches straight up to the North of Tel Aviv. It is not just an easy and convenient way to get from one part of the city to another though, this long promenade is filled with manicured gardens and picnic spots, buskers and artists and small cafes, and can be a day out in and of itself. It is also a perfect place to come and watch the sun set over the med.
Spend The Day At The Beach.
It surprises a lot of people when they hear that Israel has beaches, but it does. A lot of them in fact. And Tel Aviv has a lot of the best ones according to National Geographic! Gordon beach is one of the most popular – and therefore crowded – beaches, and Banana beach has a more party vibe, but there are many to choose from and there will always be somewhere you can grab a towel and settle down with a good book.
There are of course so many other things to do in this great city, both budget friendly and budget blowing, but one thing is for sure, no visit to Israel is complete unless you have seen all sides of it and Tel Aviv is a quickly rising star on the city break radar, so get here and take advantage of all these great free attractions while you can!
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Michael Huxley is a published author, professional adventurer and founder of the travel website, Bemused Backpacker. He has spent the last twenty years travelling to over 100 countries on almost every continent, slowly building Bemused Backpacker into a successful business after leaving a former career in emergency nursing and travel medicine, and continues to travel the world on numerous adventures every year.
Bemused Backpacker 
I honestly have never even given Tel Aviv a thought before now, thanks for the tips, it sounds like a lot of fun there.
It really is Shelley, you should go!
I’ve been thinking of going here after seeing a lot of budget airline promotions from London, had no idea it was quite so expensive though so good job I read this first, thanks.
Yeah I was a little surprised too at how pricey some things can be, but it is on par with most major European destinations and the cheap flights make it a genuinely viable weekend getaway
Excellent idea for a long weekend break! Ive been looking for something a bit different than the usual European spots.
Tel Aviv would definitely fit the bill for that Michelle! ;D