Spring Break: Tel Aviv

In Israel there is a saying that goes “Haifa works, Jerusalem learns and Tel Aviv plays.” The second most populous city in Israel is also the country’s financial and cultural capital, known throughout the world for its active nightlife in a city that never sleeps.

There are a countless number of hostels and boutique hotels available for your stay. Florentin Hostel costs only $14 a night and is located in a hip neighborhood. On the corner of Florentin and Vidal, you can find some of the best bars in the city. The area is beginning to get gentrified, so enjoy it while you can and be sure to check out the street art. Hayarkon 48 is another backpacker-friendly hostel situated in the heart of Tel Aviv, right in between the Carmel Market, Rothschild Street’s tourist attractions and the beach. Hayarkon also organizes a pub crawl twice a week, which avoid the city’s touristy areas and showcases more local bars.

In a city like Tel Aviv, there is a bar that caters to everyone’s needs, though it is recommended you check out one of their more underground venues and avoid the commercial traps. Next Door is a great place for a drink and a bite to eat before you head out for the night. It is located next to the famous Meat Bar, and features a shortened menu from the popular restaurant. Radio EPGB is another hot place to visit, considered to be one of the best places to hear some great music. The venue prides itself on live music and a variety of styles, though word has gotten out and the place is starting to get crowded due to its popularity.

Tel Aviv also has a thriving nightlife scene, and has become a cultural hub for some styles of dance music. Haoman 17 is the city’s long established super club, showcasing the top DJs from around the world on multiple dance floors. The Cat & The Dog is another rival club with a big space, but for a more intimate feel with an indie dance sound, check out Levontin 7.

Of course no visit to Tel Aviv is complete without a stroll along one of its spectacular beaches. The south end of Metzitzim is popular with locals and the backpacking crowd, where people like to relax, smoke hookah, play backgammon and have a few rounds of beach racquetball, known in Israel as “matkot”.