The Big Orange

Apparently, Finland is the only country where travel agencies have nicknamed Tel Aviv as ”the Big Orange”. When informing a local about this, they were amused and said a nickname like this has never been heard of before. Well, perhaps time to launch it? Israel's tourism professionals – start making notes...

Tel Aviv is a great city and I think it is neglected by many Finnish tourists that might actually enjoy a visit there. It is not that the city is outshadowed by ”better” destinations; Tel Aviv can be just as amusing and fun like Barcelona for instance, where all my friends have visited.

Perhaps the area is somewhat unfamiliar to people. Israel is not within the borders of Europe and quite often trips to Israel are associated with groups of religious grannies just checking out the Jesus sights.

Well, let me tell you a secret. Tel Aviv far from boring Biblical times. It is a pulsating, vibrant, energetic modern city, melting under the hot sun together a vast diveristy of different people, cultures and languages.

Let me add here that the pictures below taken with my pink Panasonic Lumix don't do justice to Tel Aviv. Google for more professional shots!

First, you will land at Ben Gurion. It is a big, luminous airport topped with fountains and spacious ceilings. Busy, multilane highways will direct you towards Tel Aviv – just head for the high-rise towered skyline. The city itself will welcome you with a cockail of architectual styles: start by checking out the Bauhaus-packed White City or alternatively HaTachana, the old railway station turned into a bar and restaurant area, perfect for a drink or two.

Tel Aviv is located by the Mediterranean Sea, and one of its best attributes is by far the wide, golden sand beach right in the center of things, running 10 kilometers along the coast. I can't think of any big European city having something similar. Catch up on your tan, relax by watching the beautiful sunset or simply enjoy a stroll on the spacious, clean promenade.

Tel Aviv by night

 When you start feeling hungry, Tel Aviv offers plenty of places to grab a delicious bite. Personally, I liked popping in to nearby Yafo (kind of like the old town of the area) for some local falafel and hummus, but just as easily Moses (a local burger joint) or Benedict's (for breakfast lovers) can curb your hunger 24/7. If you crave for sushi, tapas, pasta, kosher Big Mac... Tel Aviv has it all.

Modest pancakes at Benedict's

One of my favorite areas of Tel Aviv is Neve Tzedek, where consequently my lodging was located as well. Framed by picturesque old houses, the area is great for walking around and packed with hip cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants. Another nice area is Rothschild Boulevard. Paved with restaurants and ice cream bars, you can enjoy a walk in the cooling, leafy shade of tall trees towering over the pedestrian lane. For shopping, I'd favor heading for Arena Mall in nearby city of Herzliya. Located by a beautiful marina and equipped with 150 stores, you're bound to find something to buy (psst, Abercrombie & Fitch sold here).

The city is also full of interesting little details. I like watching the people there: a rabbi, black&white dressed orthodox Jew, veiled Muslim woman, IDF soldier carrying a rifle and a teen girl in microshorts & tanktop all walk among each other in harmony. Another curiosity is the street art – graffiti spotting should be a recognized, official sport in Tel Aviv!

I have merely scratched the surface of Tel Aviv and want to explore it more in the future. Forget any prejudice and book a trip there: you might be pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately there are not regular direct HEL-TLV flights (charters only), but check out connections with AirBaltic, Lot, Lufthansa or Ukraine International for instance. Bon voyage or in this case: nesi'a tova!