Tel Aviv and Jaffa

Tel Aviv and Jaffa form a Mediterranean coastal contrast to hilltop Jerusalem and sit about 65 km to the west, a journey of 35 to 60 minutes. Israel Railways runs trains from Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon station to Tel Aviv HaShalom or Savidor stations for roughly 20 to 30 ILS each way, about every 30 minutes on weekdays; trains and buses do not run on Shabbat. Egged bus 480 and sherut shared taxis are alternatives, and sherut also operates on Saturday nights. Jaffa, one of the world's oldest working ports, is the natural first stop. Visitors wander the stone lanes of the old city, the Jaffa Old Port, the Clock Tower, the Jaffa Flea Market and the artists' quarter, with views back along the coast toward Tel Aviv. A walk north along the seafront promenade leads to the Carmel Market, a lively food and produce market, and the nearby Nahalat Binyamin craft fair on Tuesdays and Fridays. Rothschild Boulevard shows off the Bauhaus White City architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage listing, and has cafes under mature trees. The beaches, including Gordon Beach, Frishman and Banana Beach, are free, with sunbeds for hire. A suggested day starts with the first train, a morning in Jaffa, lunch at the Carmel Market with hummus, sabich and fresh juice for 50 to 100 ILS, an afternoon on the Bauhaus streets and a swim at Gordon Beach, then a return train before evening. The best season for swimming runs from April to October, while spring and autumn are comfortable for walking. In summer, humidity is high, so plan shade and water stops. The seafront promenade and Rothschild Boulevard offer many cafes and restaurants, and the Tel Aviv Port area is another option for dinner. Fridays are busy with shoppers before Shabbat, when many shops and restaurants close.