Tel Aviv is alive. It's vibrant, it's loud. It doesn't hold back. Tel Aviv is brunette with hazel eyes, it's tattooed, and it aspires to the perfect tan worthy of a Malibu episode, all while slipping into its lightest swimsuits. From the moment I arrived, I was dazzled by the city, by the openness and warmth of its people. Impatient, I set off to get lost and discover unexpected hidden corners. To my great delight, Tel Aviv has more great spots than Eric Lapointe has little leather jackets. Here are a few of my favorites.
Markets are my go-to places for any new destination. They're a mirror reflecting local culture in its purest form, without any frills or glitz. Markets, they just woke up like this . The moment I step inside, I'm immersed in the country's colors, its signature accessories, its spicy aromas. Music blaring from loudspeakers in every corner of the market proclaims the language and rhythms favored by the locals. I charm the vendors, hoping they'll let me sample their wares, brilliantly piled one on top of the other. In Israel, be sure to try the baklava, a Muslim-inspired dessert, and the halva, made with sesame seeds—perfect with a cup of coffee!
Address : HaCarmel St, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
On my very first night in the city, Naomi—a friend of a friend you'd all love to have as a guide—brought me to this perfectly chaotic place, somewhere between a lively bar and a warm autumn terrace. Speaking in Hebrew, which she's been practicing every morning for months, she ordered our fresh pita filled with a ratatouille of braised vegetables. The menu offers a wide variety of choices, catering to both meat-eaters and vegetarians. We paired our meal with a local red ale, Golfstar Dark Lager, and a whole roasted cauliflower—a must-try in Israeli cuisine. The restaurant's owner, renowned Israeli chef Eyal Shani, has exported his " anything goes" pita concept all the way to Europe. The music was upbeat, the people were smiling. We were offered Arak, the local spirit, which we toasted with many of the restaurant's patrons.
Address : King George Street 30, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
A pita with ratatouille and Israeli-style grilled cauliflower
Popular with tourists, this old quarter of the city remains a must-see. I'll get there by mobile bike, similar to Montreal's Bixi. The city's age is beyond measure, but I imagine it's close to a thousand years old, given its Roman-era charm. Along the waterfront, I spot fishermen and longboard enthusiasts. I explore the little nooks and crannies, searching for artists working on upcoming pieces in their shops: jewelry, murals, writing. I make my way to the port where I find a boat buried under figurines faded by the sun's rays. It's Omnan, the captain who lives on the boat, who catches me photographing his vessel. I cross the dock and step inside, into what he calls his 'townhouse'. He gives me a sheepish look when I tell him his boat is a true work of art. Omnan and his boat are an attraction in the neighborhood all by themselves. You should go and say hello from me!
Address : Ask the locals for Jaffa and they will all be able to point you in the direction of this old quarter.
Small shop selling handcrafted jewelry, Jaffa
A small, unmissable Tel Aviv café-bar. I meet up with Naomi, who works there. All the employees are smiling, the owner is both gruff and incredibly welcoming. The atmosphere is pleasant, the people as warm as Christmas Eve in the Beauce region of France. By far the most hippie café I've ever been to – including those in Montreal. They make me a kombucha and soda drink, topped with fresh herbs and fruit. Upside-down milk crates with cushions on top serve as chairs for the customers. It's truly a great place to unwind.
Address : Levinsky 41, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Happy owners
The popular sodas at Café Levinsky 41
When I finally recover from jet lag, we'll spend part of the evening at the Kuli Alma bar. I stay in the center of the bar, admiring its eclectic atmosphere: to my right, a contemporary art gallery illuminated by intense white neon lights. To my left, a video game room where friends are meeting up for a boxing match. And if I decide to stay right in the center? Then, it's best to dance to the best hits of the 90s. The combination of activities in this bar is both ideal and dangerous for our sleep. Hooray!
Address : Mikveh Israel St 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Exhibition in the Kuli Alma bar
Stéphanie Bureau
Winner of the 4 destinations, 1 blogger contest.
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