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Ancient port and city in Tel Aviv, Israel
Photo: Deror_avi, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jaffa (Yafo in Hebrew, Yaffa in Arabic, archaically Joppa) is the oldest part of Tel Aviv-Yafo. It is south of the Tel Aviv city center.
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A local landmark, built in 1903.
Protestant church built in 1904.
כנסיית אנטוניוס הקדוש
Built in the 1930s but abandoned since 1948, this church is generally not accessible to visit.
יפו העתיקה
One of the oldest ports in the world, and formerly the biggest seaport in Israel. This is the point where Jonah reputedly boarded a ship and was later swallowed by a big fish. Today the port and the area close to it have become a quaint, interesting renovated district. The port holds various shops, restaurants and events. See websites for Jaffa port and Old Jaffa.
This complex, built in the 13th century, was the Ottoman government headquarters. It is used for art exhibitions.
Archaeological remains from the 16th century BCE which can be freely viewed. However, they are hard to appreciate without a tour guide.
A network of restored alleys, full of art galleries, which lead to the Jaffa seaport. The alleys are named after the signs of the zodiac.
The rock in Jaffa harbor to which, according to Greek myth, Andromeda was tied before being rescued by Perseus.
The myth says if you touch your zodiac sign and face the sea, your wish will come true.
Built in 1675, this is the oldest surviving mosque in Jaffa. Due to its proximity to the sea, it is still used by fishermen and sailors, as it has been for centuries.
A Franciscan church, built in the 19th century on the remains of Crusaders' fortress, which serves also as a hostel. It is said that Napoleon stayed in that church while it was a hostel.
מנזר ניקולאס הקדוש
Armenian monastery at least a 1,000 years old.
Greek Orthodox church, the original building dating back to the 17th century was destroyed in a fire in 1963. It was rebuilt in 1994.
Greek Orthodox church.
The quietest of Tel Aviv's beaches, and the only one you where are likely to find free parking nearby.
Home to Tel Aviv's three football (soccer) clubs - Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv.
A theatrical performance performed entirely by deaf-blind people (with dual disability). Includes elements of circus arts and sign language, as well as regular theater.
Wheel Bee offers various kinds of bikes for rent, electric & regular, for all ages.
Guided inner journeys in a video dome, with Vision Art and music. The Journey Through the Chakras is held in English and lasts 75 minutes.
The most famous bakery in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, if not in the entire country. Mounds of pastries and confectioneries. Israelis drive for miles to visit this bakery.
Seafood, great location, food gets mixed reviews.
Abu Hassan
Famous for its hummus, massabaha (coarsely textured hummus with whole chick peas), and ful (cooked spicy fava beans). Many Israelis claim it to be the best Hummus in Israel.
At this restaurant you eat a meal entirely in the dark, simulating the experience of blind people. Part of the Nalaga’at Center which works with blind and deaf people (see "Do" section above). Prior reservations are needed.
Big Itzik
You get the table filled with an amazing number of salad dishes. Then you get a great steak, kebab or meat on skewers.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a view of the beach end old Jaffa.
Mainstay for Israeli food, especially breakfast/brunch/lunch. Local favorite for their fried cauliflower.
Popular upscale modern Middle Eastern dinners with Turkish flair. Lunch also F & Sa. Reservations recommended.
A very beautiful place located in an old Jaffa-style building, it's kind of a private membership club with many older richer people that the usual hangout.
קפליקס בית קליה
A local neighborhood bar with an art orientation. Often art of local artists is presented on the walls.
Located beneath the Ilana Goor Museum on the top of the hill, this bar is a great place to hang out. The owner is most generous and boasts a wide array of rock and roll memorabilia. You'll probably be able to hear the bar before you see it.
In the heart of the flea market, a shabby-chic place. Can be noisy from nearby bars.
Friendly but basic hostel in a good location.
Grand Old Dame of Tel Aviv, originally called the Jerusalem Hotel, built in 1866, but closed in 1940. It sat forlorn and abandoned for many decades before being painstakingly restored to its former glory and reopened under the current name in 2018.
Shuk HaPishpeshim
An outdoor market where you can buy almost anything for low prices. Especially good for antiques.
By bicycle
Maybe the best way to visit Jaffa from Tel Aviv. There are a lot of Tel-O-Fun rental stations in the Tel Aviv/Jaffa area.
By bus
Many bus routes go here from central Tel Aviv.
By train
The interesting sites in Jaffa are very close together, and walking is the best way to get between them.
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