A guide to the wonders of Tel Aviv. Visit this ancient area that embraces the modern world and explore many fine shops and museums.
In addition to sand and sun, Tel Aviv also offers the visitor plenty of opportunity to explore the area's history. Many people like to begin with recent history. You can find much material for thought at the Diaspora Museum, known in Hebrew as Beit Hatefutsot. Many Israeli buildings are influenced by the Bauhaus architectural movement. The Diaspora Museum building is an excellent example of how the Bauhaus vision looks when realized. The Diaspora Museum's modernist building houses exhibits devoted to Israeli and Jewish history. Those in search of information about Tel Aviv's earliest history can visit the Eretz Israel Museum. Eretz is the Hebrew word for land. The park-like Museum has many exhibits showcasing the area's historical significance including an actual archeological dig.
In addition to historical museums, Tel Aviv also has a renowned art museum and vibrant arts community. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art specializes in modern art and has collections devoted to artists like Chagall, Miro and Matisse. There's also a lovely outdoor sculpture garden. Tel Aviv also has two art theaters. The first can be found at the Tel Aviv Center for the Performing Arts. The Center is housed in another Israeli modernist building with an interesting geometric façade. The Center is home to the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra and the Habima National Theater. Another venue for the performing arts is located in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. Neve Tzedek is one of the oldest parts of Tel Aviv. The beautiful Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theatre is home to two Israeli dance companies.
If you like to go shopping, there are lots of places in Tel Aviv where you can look for great bargains. One of the most famous is an area is known as Sheinkin Street. Sheinkin Street is where Tel Aviv's art community gathers to sell handicrafts. There is lots of clothing and jewelry stores as well as many trendy restaurants. Another fun shopping area is the Nachalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall. The Mall is essentially an open-air market of outdoor cafes and quirky little stores. Tel Aviv's largest market is known as the Camel Market. There are dozens of vendors offering everything from discount shoes to twelve different varieties of feta cheese. Don't hesitate to barter if you see something you want. Visit Tel Aviv and you'll have the opportunity to see everything from ancient historical sites to the latest in modern art.
