Unlike the nearby capital, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv is modern, liberal and relaxed. With a disorganised charm, miles of pristine beaches, amazing street food and a booming art scene, it’s hard not to enjoy your stay here. If you are visitng Tel Aviv on a budget there is pleanty to keep you occupied!

Where to stay in Tel Aviv

Located right in the centre of the city is one of my absolute favourite hostels, Abraham hostel Tel Aviv. I love the vibe of the place. It’s a great base to make the most of your stay in Tel Aviv.

If you decide to stay in an Airbnb instead, click on this link to get £25 off your first booking.

Tel Aviv on a budget: DAY 1

Jafa Flea Market ($1)

Head straight to Old Jaffa’s Flea Market on the bus ($1) after finishing your complimentary breakfast at the hostel. Each stall in the flea market is packed full of trinkets and gems .

Exploring Old Jaffa ($10)

Spend some time wandering the streets, taking in the urban art and stopping in the hidden galleries. There are lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from for lunch. Pick one that looks popular with the locals and order a Hummus or, my favourite, a Shakshuka ($10).

Andromeda Hill (free)

Before leaving the Old Jaffa area, briefly stop at Andromeda Hill for one of the best views of Tel Aviv.

tel aviv on a budget

Hire a Tel-o-fun bike ($7)

From old Jaffa, its a 20 minute walk to the beach front where you will find a rack of green Tel-o-fun bikes. It’s easy to hire one and you pay per hour that you use it (an hour is roughly $7). Once you have a bike, cycle along the promenade, northbound. It’s a great way to take in the impressive Tel Aviv beach. Before reaching Reading Power Station, turn right following the signs to Park Yarkon where you can drop the bike (check the station options on Google Maps beforehand).

A stroll in Park Yarkon (free)

As dusk sets in, there is no better way to finish a day in Tel Aviv than a walk along the Yarkon River, watching the people picnicking, running and the children playing. 

Things to do in Tel Aviv, Park Yarkon

Rothschild Avenue ($19)

The buses back to the centre are frequent ($1). The tree-lined Rothschild Avenue, just around the corner from the hostel, is the place to hang out in the evening. Grab a burger from Moses ($16) and then pick one of the lively bars for an Israeli beer, Goldstar ($7).

Tel Aviv on a budget: Day 2

Banana Beach (free)

Once full from breakfast, take a stroll to Banana Beach with a towel. No trip to Tel Aviv would be complete without some beach time. It is one of the best things to do. Take a dip in the water, try your hand at a SUP lesson or just read your book and relax.

Carmel Market for lunch ($9)

A 20 minute wal brings you to the busy Carmel market where the tourists come to buy souvenirs and the locals come to buy vegetables. Take your pick for lunch. I can never resist a falafel ($1) and a large freshly squeezed OJ ($2). Don’t forget to pick up some groceries for dinner ($8).

Rabin Square and Dizengoff Center Mall (free)

Head towards Rabin square, the place where Prime Minister Rabin was sadly assassinated in 1995. A memorial marks the place. On the way back to the hostel, swing by Dizenngoff Center Mall to see a more cosmopolitan side of the city.

Hang out on Abraham rooftop (free)

The kitchen at Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv is huge and is a great place to meet people to chat about your stay in Tel Aviv. After dinner, chill on the rooftop with new friends watching the city below you go to sleep.

Tel Aviv on a budget

If you have any questions about visiting Tel Aviv, just ask in the comments box below.

Planning to visit Jerusalem as well? Check out my guide for visiting Jerusalem in a weekend. If you fancy getting off the beaten track a bit have a read of unusual things to do in Israel.

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