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Jaffa is a beautiful neighborhood filled with historical sites and bustling nightlife. Here are the 9 best things to do in Jaffa, Tel Aviv that will make you fall in love with this southern part of the city.
Are you planning a trip to the vibrant and bustling city of Tel Aviv in Israel? If so, you simply cannot miss a visit to Jaffa. This ancient port city has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest in the world. There are so many things to do in Jaffa that it is worth spending a whole day here. Jaffa is a fascinating blend of old and new, with winding cobblestone streets, ancient landmarks, trendy stores, and a vibrant arts scene.
One of the top things to do in Jaffa is to explore the old quarter. This will give you a chance to explore the city’s rich history. In addition, a trip here is not complete without a visit to the old port. Furthermore, the picturesque alleyways and flea markets make for a beautiful setting, and you can find many unique souvenirs and antiques here.
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Jaffa has plenty to offer. You can enjoy the Mediterranean sun and sea breeze from its beautiful beaches to its scenic promenade. For a more immersive experience, you can take a food and drink tour, to get introduced to the local cuisine and culture. Furthermore, you can also visit a wide array of trendy cafes and bars that line the central area of the old city.
Jaffa is a part of Tel Aviv that has something for everyone. Whether you love history, art, or are a self-proclaimed foodie, you are guaranteed a unique travel experience here. Make sure to plan for a day trip centered around this area to enjoy all of the marvelous things to do in Jaffa.
FAQs About Jaffa
Is Jaffa Worth a Visit?
Jaffa is 100% worth a visit when you come to Israel. This part of Tel Aviv has such a unique history and is filled with a rich cultural experience. From the cuisine to the atmosphere and the old historical town center, there are many things to do in Jaffa. Even if you only have a few hours, Jaffa is the perfect city walk to explore the coastline and beautiful buildings.
Can You Walk from Tel Aviv to Jaffa?
You can definitely walk from Tel Aviv to Jaffa! If you are coming from the port area in the north of Tel Aviv, it will be a long walk to Jaffa and you may want to take a bus. However, you can totally walk here and I highly recommend walking along the large promenade on your way to Jaffa. this way you will get the best scenic view on your way over!
How Long to Spend in Jaffa?
Typically people spend a few hours in Jaffa. I recommend planning to spend a large part of your day here, however, it all depends on how many things from this list below of things to do in Jaffa you would like to check out.
This post is all about things to do in Jaffa, Tel Aviv.
9 Best Things to do In Jaffa, Tel Aviv
1. Jaffa Port
The port area in Jaffa is definitely the highlight here. When vising, make sure to walk along the harbor and enjoy the views out to the ocean. The mix of old brick buildings and the blue sea is just an incredible sight! I personally feel like I have been transported to Greece every time I come here.
Feel free to stop at one of the seaside cafes to enjoy the atmosphere before checking out the rest of Jaffa.
2. Old City of Jaffa
The old city is one of the best things to do in Jaffa! These small alleyways are incredibly picturesque and really make you feel like you have traveled back in time.
Although the historical old city is not huge, there are lots of places to explore here. Make sure to take your time and maybe do an impromptu photoshoot as the photos will turn out stunning! During the day time, these streets can become quite crowded, so consider coming in the earlier hours, or on a weekday to enjoy this area and how serene it is. Scattered around the old city you can find lots of little galleries and cute boutique stores to explore.
Please be aware that people do still live in the houses here, so there are some areas that are marked private.
3. Check Out the Flea Market
The flea market here is open from Sunday-Thursday between 10 AM and 18 PM, and on Fridays from 10 AM to 14 PM. It is located in the central part of the area where you can also find lots of other shops and restaurants. You can find the exact location of the flea market here, but it can also be scattered around the streets in the area.
Although not everything here will be a unique find, the market is definitely a must-visit! You might find stumble upon antique pieces and the atmosphere is really great, so come and have a look around!
4. St. Peter’s Monastery and Kdumim Square
A trip to Jaffa is not complete without a visit to St. Peter’s Church and Kdumim square. The square is really beautiful and boasts several restaurants which offer a view overlooking the water. In addition, the Vatican Embassy is actually located here!
If you are an art lover, then you can visit the Ilana Goor museum which is located just across from the church. The museum is filled with an eclectic collection of sculptures and various works by Ilana Goor.
5. Explore the small streets and enjoy the street art
Once you have checked out the flea market, make sure to explore the small streets located around here. There are lots of cool concept stores and cute alleyways. In addition, most of the stores here display lots of street art on their doors when they are closed. So while walking around, you are bound to see lots of beautiful art.
6. Try the local cuisine
The food in Jaffa is some of the best in all of Tel Aviv. Come and experience the best Middle Eastern cuisine you are going to find. Some of the must-try food here include hummus, which is served on a plate with a salad, pita bread, and extras next to it. I highly recommend going to any restaurant with the name Abu in the beginning. Abu means father in Arabic, and these places always have the best and most authentic hummus!
Next up we have two different treats. The first is Malabi which you can eat at the “Hamalabia” stand, they even serve a vegan version. Malabi is made from either rice flour or starch, and then it is served with fruit syrup and toppings such as peanuts and shredded coconut. Although it is not for everyone, it does taste delicious and is well worth a try!
Lastly, while here make sure to try Knafeh, which is made from spun pastry, and cheese and is very sweet. Although I personally don’t like it, it is a very popular dish and worth trying while here.
7. Visit the Clock Tower
The clock tower sits in the central square of Jaffa, marking the entrance to this part of the city. The clock tower here is one of 7 clock towers built in Israel, and this one was built during the Ottoman period, making it an iconic Jaffa historical landmark. Although there isn’t much to see around the clock tower itself, it is a famous landmark here in Jaffa, which makes it worth a quick stop.
8. Visit Hapisga Gardens
At the top of the hill in Jaffa, there is a small garden overlooking Tel Aviv. On a sunny day, you are free to come here and relax in the sun. You can either bring a blanket and suntan or even bring a little picnic. This is a popular hangout spot among the locals and offers a beautiful view over the skyline of Tel Aviv.
9. Jaffa Nightlife
One of the absolute best things to do in Jaffa is to come and enjoy the nightlife here on a Thursday or Friday evening. Whether you wish to spend your time by the port or in the small alleyways, you are guaranteed to find a hidden gem. Jaffa is actually one of the most popular local spots for a chill evening with friends in a cozy bar, so make sure to arrive early. You do not have to eat beforehand as all the bars are also restaurants offering lots of delicious and local dishes to accompany the drinks of your choice.
The best place to enjoy the nightlife here is the area around the flea market and the “Hamalabia” stand. Some popular choices of restaurants/ bars include Raisa, The Alchemist (cocktail bar), Akbar, and Faruk BaShuk. If you have the possibility, make sure to come here on one of the recommended nights, as the atmosphere here is really special and will be one of the highlights of your trip!
That concludes my guide to the best things to do in Jaffa, Tel Aviv. I hope that you enjoyed this guide and will plan enough time to visit this gem in Tel Aviv. If you think I missed a must-see destination in Jaffa, then let me know in the comments below!
