Take a Walk on the Wild Side: A Day Trip in Tel-Aviv

Tel Aviv can be quiet a stressful city. The heat, the attitude, the traffic jams, the never ending feeling of rush, and adrenalin and so many other reasons can definitely make you feel like you’re on a shaky rollercoaster. This is exactly why you must take a break from the city's density, and allow yourself a relaxed Tel Aviv tour alone or with Gayway's privet gay guide, with no obligations, from Tel Aviv to Jaffa city and back.

That day must start with a pampering breakfast in one of gay Tel Aviv’s finest restaurants or cafes. You can choose between a bubbly mimosa right on the beach at “Manta Ray”, an authentic Israeli breakfast at “Benedict” ,European pastries at Idelson 10 or any other taste you like. Then, on a full stomach, you can really start you day.

The best way is to go from port to port: From Tel Aviv’s new port in the north, to Jaffa’s old port in the south. Since time is on your side, as it was agreed that this day will be as laid back as possible, you can take your time and visit the recently renovated Port, with its beautiful decks and views of the Mediterranean Sea. Then, you can slowly scroll down your way to the beach, which lies just beneath you, named Mezizim Beach. It is one of the most famous beaches of Tel Aviv, named after the successful cult movie that was filmed there. But don’t stop here if you walk just few more meters, you will reach Hilton beach, otherwise known as the gay beach of Tel Aviv. Allow yourself some fun time in the sun, notice that the beach is almost always packed with people, most of them gays and lesbians, which makes it the best pick up place in gay Tel Aviv. If you still want to cruise, you can try and climb the steep rise from the beach to the Independence Park, the first gay cruising park of the city. It is not that active anymore, but it was a big “must see” gay attraction back in the 90’s.

Now you can decide whether you want to continue your day by walking on the beach and its promenade, or by walking through town. If you choose the beach, you can easily walk from beach to beach, jump to the water from time to time, meet new friendly people, and explore gay Tel Aviv from a special point of view. You will reach Jaffa’s new promenade just after you’ll pass “Manta Ray” restaurant (mentioned above).

If you choose to walk through the city, continue to Hayarkon Street (just off the park) and then to Ben Yehuda Street. From there, you have to head south. The center of gay Tel Aviv is just in the middle of town, in the area of Rotschild Boulevard and Shenkin Street, so you can reach it by walking on Dizengoff Street, which was once the most happening and “hip” street in town, but now lost some of its glamour. Still, it is a worthwhile route on your way south; you can stop for coffee, lunch, shopping, tattoos, or whatever’s on your mind. You can even find in the area some gay hotels (well, gay friendly). Dizengoff ends where Rotschild boulevard begins, meaning that now you’re in central gay Tel Aviv. Beatiful Rotschild Boulevard is a mixture of Bauhaus architecture, small cafes, restaurants, and a unique atmosphere.

At the end of Rotchild Boulevard, you will reach Neve Zedek, which is on of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Tel Aviv. It was built back in 1887, and is considered to be a very authentic, warm, lovely area of the city. Over that last few years its popularity grew even further, till now days, when you cannot find affordable apartments to rent. What you can find, are some boutique restaurants and cafes, special artsy shops, the Israeli dance center for contemporary dance called “Suzanne Dellal” and many other beautiful spots.

Finally, you walk all the way back to the beach’s promenade, and continue till you reach Jaffa. The old port and the old city of Jaffa are just breathtaking. Take a long walk and watch Tel Aviv’s waterfront. This is the perfect moment to have dinner, and eat the best Hummus in the world!

Gayway – gay Tel Aviv travel agency