A Love Letter to Tel Aviv

Thank you all for making the journey to celebrate Noa and Daniel’s wedding with us in Israel. We know it’s a long way to travel, and we’re genuinely grateful that you’ll be here to share this special occasion. We can’t wait to see all of you!

We also hope you’ll have the opportunity to spend some time exploring this extraordinary country - especially Tel Aviv, one of the world’s most vibrant and fascinating cities.

To help you settle in, we’ve put together a few observations and tips about Tel Aviv. They’re not meant to be a travel guide, just a few local insights that should help you navigate the city, embrace its unique character, and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Tel Aviv is a crazy, beautiful, roiling, chaotic and magical Mediterranean seaside metropolis. If you’ve been here before, you’ll be familiar with its unique rhythm and swing. If you’re a first time visitor to this place, you’re in for a real treat. It’s an exotic and laid back capital of cool. 

Tel-Avivians are open, honest and direct. To the uninitiated, they might shock you with their apparent boldness, but let the Israeli swagger wash over you; push back with a smile, engage in the conversation and allow yourself to be swayed by the authentic warmth and openness of Israeli culture. 

Yup, Tel Aviv is a little loud and a little in your face. Lineups - whether you’re waiting for a bus or ordering a falafel - operate by their own rules.  Many will edge their way to the front of the counter, but let it slide. Delivery scooters will test your patience as they buzz past on the sidewalk. Restaurant service is friendly, but it’s often more relaxed than refined. Leave your expectations at the door, embrace the rhythm of the city, and you’ll quickly discover that what first feels chaotic soon becomes part of its charm.

Spend time on the beach: it captures the entire spirit of Tel Aviv. Wander through Carmel Market and chat with the vendors. Have a taco and a margarita at Ha Taco. Browse Dizengoff Centre, then settle in with a glass of wine at a sidewalk café. Explore the neighbourhoods. Stroll the French-inspired streets of Neve Tzedek or take the boardwalk to the Tel Aviv Port. Lose yourself in Jaffa’s winding streets. Watch the sun melt into the Mediterranean. Grab a schnitzel or shawarma on the go, sip a Negroni, linger over a long dinner, or simply people-watch from a café for an hour. In Tel Aviv, there’s rarely a wrong way to spend a day.

Above all, don’t try to beat this place. Let the city happen to you. Slow down, stay curious, and say yes when an unexpected opportunity presents itself. Tel Aviv isn’t a city that reveals itself all at once. It unfolds gradually, and before long you’ll understand why so many people who come for only a few days leave planning their return trip.

We hope you fall in love with Tel Aviv the way we have. Enjoy every minute.

Lynda and Bruce