Discover Tel Aviv’s Vibrant Street Art Scene
Tel Aviv is Israel’s cultural capital, and while traditional museums may not fully capture the city’s contemporary artists, alternative art tours provide a more colorful perspective. Embark on an adventure with local guides who will take you behind the scenes of artists’ studios, explain Hebrew graffiti, and even let you unleash your creativity with a can of spray paint.
Grafitiyul
Prepare to roll up your sleeves with Grafitiyul as they immerse you in the street artist’s world. This innovative tour combines graffiti and tiyul (Hebrew for ‘trip’), offering an engaging exploration of the colorful street art in Florentin, a neighborhood in southern Tel Aviv. Led by graffiti artists, the tours not only showcase the art itself but also the stories behind it, providing practical tips for creating your own masterpiece. Grafitiyul offers both daytime and nighttime tours, complete with flashlights for evening explorations.
Artspace Tel Aviv
Kiryat Hamelacha, an industrial area in South Tel Aviv, is now a hub for creativity, attracting artists to its mid-century buildings and affordable rents. This area houses over 300 studios occupied by both emerging and established artists, as well as many galleries. Artspace Tel Aviv, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local artists, organizes tours led by working artists and curators. These tours can start with rooftop views, delve into artistic techniques, or include studio visits to neighboring artists and designers, making them a great way to experience the local art scene.
StreetWise Hebrew
To truly appreciate Tel Aviv’s street art, understanding the Hebrew text is essential. Guy Sharett, also known as StreetWise Hebrew, offers unique tours blending Hebrew lessons with street art exploration in the Florentin area. His guided sessions reveal the meanings behind various graffiti pieces while providing insights into urban anthropology and Israeli politics. The Thursday afternoon tours equip you with Hebrew phrases that are often overlooked in typical guidebooks, enhancing your visit to this artistic city.
Oh So Arty
With her deep connections in the local art community, Oh So Arty founder Sarah Peguine offers exclusive gallery tours that often include conversations with gallery directors and featured artists. These intimate experiences can also extend to studio visits in the historic Jaffa area, notably popular with visitors. For those seeking to combine art with relaxation, the deluxe art and wine tour promises a delightful array of treats.
Alternative Tel Aviv
Discover the subtle distinctions between street art and graffiti with the knowledgeable team from Alternative Tel Aviv. Their tours in the gentrifying Florentin neighborhood showcase works by prominent street artists such as Klone, Dede, and Know Hope, as they transform dull concrete into vibrant pieces of art. While primarily focused on Tel Aviv, these passionate guides also lead tours in Jerusalem and Haifa.
CTLV
If the complexities of Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station left you bewildered, you’re not alone. This vast area of 230,000 sq meters is a maze even for locals. Fortunately, CTLV offers insightful tours that delve into the station’s architectural gems and cultural institutions. Their comprehensive 2.5-hour tours explore the station’s cultural treasures, including a Yiddish language museum and local performance spaces. Additionally, CTLV has over 20 other routes tailored to various interests, from street art to historical narratives.
