15 Free Things to Do in Tel Aviv
With its skyscrapers and cosmopolitan lifestyle, Tel Aviv has been dubbed the ‘Manhattan of the Mediterranean’. Contrary to its chic image, there’s actually quite a lot you can see and do in TLV that is chof-shee (‘free’ in Hebrew). Spend your days relaxing on beaches, exploring Bauhaus boulevards, or checking out some underground street art. Sooner or later, you’ll stumble upon a free gallery, performance, or party.
1. Hilton Beach
Start your day with an early-morning swim in the Mediterranean Sea. The northern section of Hilton Beach is particularly ideal. Here, the occasional rough waves are broken by a rocky bay, allowing swimmers to venture far into the sea, away from the city’s awakening noise. Throughout the warmer months from April to October, the sea temperature is pleasantly warm. In winter, the southern stretch of Hilton Beach is perfect for surfers, and the bay is even floodlit at night.
2. Ben-Gurion House
Ben-Gurion House offers a glimpse into the life of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion. Located near the beach, this modest residence is open to visitors until the early afternoon, and entrance is free. The house remains as it was after his death, showcasing photographs of Ben-Gurion with 20th-century icons such as US President John F. Kennedy, alongside a multilingual library.
3. Park HaYarkon
You don’t need any money to enjoy Tel Aviv’s largest green space, Park HaYarkon. Here, you’ll encounter locals strolling with their dogs and enjoying sports by the Yarkon River. The deeper you venture, the more it resembles a national park filled with eucalyptus, willow, and palm trees. Some visitors utilize this area for tai chi, yoga, or simply to meditate.
4. Carmel Market
Often considered the heart of TLV, Carmel Market (or Shuk HaCarmel) goes beyond food. It’s a bustling trade center where vendors invite you over with lively calls. With shoppers bustling for groceries, this market is also a great photo opportunity to capture the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Stretching from Allenby St to the seafront, many stalls even offer samples such as nuts, fruit, olives, and cheese. Be sure to check out the quieter Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Market nearby on Tuesdays and Fridays for handmade items and local street performers.
5. Tel Aviv’s Promenade
Tel Aviv’s main promenade, or Tayelet in Hebrew, is a lengthy boardwalk stretching from Bat Yam to Tel Aviv’s Old Port. This uninterrupted space, alongside a coastal cycling route, serves as an outdoor gym. Tel Avivians take pride in showcasing their athleticism, jogging along the seafront, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll down to Jaffa.
6. Artist Alleyways of Old Jaffa
In Old Jaffa’s Kedumin Square, meandering cobblestone alleys lined with Ottoman-era houses house local artists who have set up galleries. You can also explore St Peter’s Monastery, a beautiful church from the 1890s, and HaPisgah Gardens, which hosts free concerts each Saturday night in summer.
7. Graffiti in Florentin
Head over to the trendy Florentin neighborhood to discover vibrant street art. Artists such as Klone and Know Hope have transformed derelict buildings into canvases of inspiration. While paid tours are available, it’s easy to uncover unique murals on your own. Start on Vital St and wander down to Arbarbanel St to see colorful works, or explore industrial areas like Elifelet St and Kiryat Hamelacha, home to Artspace, which supports local creatives.
8. Bauhaus Walking Tour
Every Saturday at 11 am, the official tourism office hosts a free guided walking tour dedicated to Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus architecture, renowned as the ‘White City’ and recognized as a Unesco World Heritage site. The tour showcases stunning examples of 1930s Bauhaus design found in various locations, including Bialik St, where you can admire architectural marvels like Bialik Museum.
9. Sunset at Jaffa Port
Midron Yaffo Park, situated just south of Jaffa Port, is an excellent viewpoint to enjoy stunning sunset views while sipping a cold drink. The park, transformed from a garbage dump into a serene retreat, offers picturesque views of the sun setting over the Mediterranean. Fishermen can often be seen attempting to catch fish, reminiscent of ancient times.
10. Comedy and Open-Mic Nights
With a vibrant English-speaking community, Tel Aviv boasts numerous free open-mic nights where aspiring comedians can showcase their talent. Popular venues include Mike’s Place on Mondays, Malan 18 on Tuesdays, and Dancing Camel Brewery—check for varying schedules. Additionally, poetry and story slams are held sporadically around the city.
11. Matkot on the Beach
The iconic game of matkot—a simple beach tennis game—has become synonymous with Tel Aviv. Locals are often found energetically playing on the beach, regardless of the season. This fun activity allows both locals and visitors to enjoy the sun while being active. At Gordon Beach, you’ll also find facilities such as an outdoor gym and volleyball courts.
12. Free Gigs in Jaffa’s Flea Market
Jaffa’s Flea Market, or Shuk HaPishpashim, is not only known for antique shopping but also for its nightlife. Bars like Shaffa arrange outdoor seating as live performances take center stage. On Tuesday nights and weekends, expect vibrant local bands playing in a lively atmosphere. After enjoying the music, don’t miss out on delicious local treats like boureka from nearby bakeries.
13. A Purim Street Party
Each year during late February or March, Tel Aviv transforms for the vibrant festival of Purim. Residents don outrageous costumes, turning the city into a massive party, reminiscent of the Rio Carnival. The celebrations culminate in a lively street party, often featuring DJs and festivities that attract both locals and families with organized parades for children.
14. Tel Aviv Pride
Tel Aviv Pride is the largest Pride festival in the region, drawing visitors from around the globe to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. This annual event, held in June, features a grand parade and a free beach party. Leading up to the parade, a series of free events take place, including music nights and beach gatherings, all adorned with rainbow decorations.
15. Opera in the Park
Every summer, Opera in the Park turns into a gigantic free concert at Park HaYarkon. Attendees gather for a picnic atmosphere while enjoying performances from the Israeli Opera. This cultural event showcases Tel Aviv’s ability to blend relaxation and quality entertainment.
First published in October 2018, updated November 2019
