Must-see sites for Tel Aviv's gay tourists
From the Jaffa Port to the Tel Aviv Port, from Habima Square to Rabin Square and from Dizengoff Center to Meir Park – these are just a few recommendations for tourists visiting the White City during Pride Week.
Tel Aviv Port
What to do: Have a festive sunset drink in one of the bars or (a romantic?) dinner at sunset in one of the port's restaurants. It's true that these are pretty straight places, but they are totally worth a visit.
Recommended hour of the day: 6-9 pm.
Rothschild Boulevard
What to do: Walk from one end of the boulevard to the other. Most hotels accommodating the tourists arriving for the 2015 Pride Week are located on the western side of the boulevard, and walking along the proudest boulevard in town is an experience in itself. On the way, fuel up with coffee in one of the coffee stations.
Recommended hour of the day: The morning or late night hours offer two entirely different experiences. In any event, despite the trees and he shade, it is advisable to avoid walking along the boulevard during the hot hours of the day.
From Habima Square to Rabin Square
What to do: A walking path into the heart of the city, from the national theater square and the main concert hall through the charming garden alongside the Charles Bronfman Auditorium, Chen Boulevard and Ibn Gabirol Street, all the way to the Tel Aviv Municipality.
On the way, you'll be able to hear from your hosts about the wonderful culture and unfortunate history at the foot of the Rabin Square, the memorial for slain Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. As you arrive at the square you'll notice the colorful LGBT community flag lighting up the municipality building.
Recommended hour of the day: 7-8 pm, when you're also be able to enjoy the impressive illumination on the municipality building.
Dizengoff Center, Dizengoff Square and Meir Park
What to do: First of all some shopping at Dizengoff Center, and then some culture at one of the most proud centers during Pride Week.
Immediately afterwards, you will be able to walk to Meir Park and visit the city's active gay center.
Recommended hour of the day: Afternoon. Dizengoff Center's air conditioner will do the trick. The Dizengoff Square fountain plays music and offer a fire and water display every two hours, on the hour.
Nachalat Binyamin and the Carmel Market
What to do: Again, shopping, but slightly differently. The Tel Aviv market and Nachalat Binyamin are two exciting milestones for the tourists, especially those visiting Israel for the first time. You will likely appreciate the works of art displayed at the Nachala and enjoy eating, drinking and shopping in the market.
Recommended hour of the day: Morning. It's too hot in the afternoon, and the market closes in the evening. The Nachalat Binyamin arts and crafts fair takes place every Tuesday and Friday from the morning hours.
Jaffa Port and Flea Market
What to do: This isn't Europe, and the gay tourist will likely be happy to get a glimpse of the city's authentic oriental character. Jaffa is just the place for that. Visit the amazingly beautiful Old Jaffa, which also offers a magnificent view of the city, its Arab stores, the Flea Market and the excellent restaurants.
One small recommendation: Try the real Arab food inside the city rather than the tourist restaurants on the beach or at the Jaffa Port.
Recommended hour of the day: Afternoon or early evening. It's still hot, but Old Jaffa is beautiful during and before sunset. Don’t miss it.
Lahat Promenade
What to do: After getting to know the Tel Aviv shoreline, you can walk from the north to the south or from the south to the north and see the other parts that the promenade has to offer apart from the part adjacent to the Hilton Beach.
Instead of dining at the expensive beach restaurants, you'll be able to find something nice to eat on the parallel Yarkon or Ben Yehuda streets.
Recommended hour of the day: Afternoon or early evening. Again, because of the sunset.
Sarona and the Azrieli Center
What to do: Those who wish to deepen their acquaintance with Tel Aviv will be able to do so in the relatively new, and super cool, Sarona complex. While it's hard to find any shade there, there are stores in special and designed building and a few great bars (although quite expensive).
The Azrieli Center which located on the other side of the street, can be added to this route, as well as the observatory on the round tower's 49th floor.
Recommended hour of the day: Evening and night.
