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One of the nicest, most calming, attraction filled spots in Tel Aviv is the Tlv Harbor. The Harbor was established in 1936 by the first Zionist immigrants, and was considered a huge accomplishment. It served as a working seaport until 1965 when the Ashdod port was opened and most of the ships traffic headed there. In 2001 the harbor went through a massive makeover that changed it completely, and since then it has become a very in and cool hangout.

Having said this, I must emphasize that you have to know exactly where and when to be or not to be at the harbor, because if not, you might find yourself feeling very crowded, pissed off and sweaty!

First Rule: Don’t come to the Harbor on the weekends

Hey you’re a tourist! Every day is a Saturday for you! Take advantage of it! And even if you’re not a tourist, I still say coming here on the weekends is a big No No. The reason is that starting Friday morning and until the sunsets on Saturday, the harbor is a freaking mad house. All of Israel comes here and I’m not talking just the mellow Tel Avivians. This completely ruins the mood and feel of the Harbor, and you’re lucky if you’re not run over by some Ars (Israeli Thugs). Also there is an unreasonable amount of babies running around which is quite a turnoff even if you generally like kids. However, if you’re here on a weekday, you can enjoy all this beautiful place has to offer, and you have the space and the quiet to appreciate the sea in front of you.

Second Rule: Never bring your car to the Harbor
This simple rule has many rationales. First of all like any central venue in Tlv, it’s hard to find a decent parking spot, and even the many parking lots are packed. Secondly it’s about time you learn to use Tel Aviv’s public transportation. To tell you the truth, it sucks, but there is one good part - the service taxis. These are little mini vans driving around the main streets of Tlv, and they can get you all over town for 5 shekels. Once you start using them you get addicted, and there is no reason to move your car. Third reason is that the Harbor gets pretty wild at night, so if you plan on visiting the Erlich or the Whisky A GoGo, chances are you’ll be too damn drunk to drive back.

Third Rule: Come hungry
If there is one thing there is enough of at the harbor it is restaurants. The whole place is filled with various places to eat, from the simplest Hummus eateries to some very trendy and expensive locations, all with sea front view and a fun and relaxing atmosphere. My Favorite spot is Agadir, it’s a burger joint with really good food, not too expensive and hot waitresses. If you don’t like burgers, they have a Sirloin steak sandwich to die for. For those of you celebrating a big event or just walking around with full pockets in need of emptying, I can recommend visiting Mul-Yam, the most exclusive fish and seafood restaurant in Tlv, but this is just a hearsay recommendation, since I have never actually eaten there, I’ve only watched the very happy diners from the outside.

Forth Rule: Just for the ladies
Right in the middle of the Harbor you can find a female sanctuary. It’s called Bait BaNamal (Home at the Harbor), and it was opened in 2005 by a group of business women aiming to create a space that will allow the empowerment of women. This is a unique compound for shopping and entertainment that is focused only on the better sex! You can find all that you could possibly need here, starting from several clothing stores, continuing with accessories and shoes, and even a shop called Sisters, which is a sex shop focused on women’s needs. The real treasure here is the beautiful spa called Coola (which means “entirely you”); here you can get any type of treatment or pampering you wish, in a feminine tempo with the extremely qualified ladies dedicating all the attention to your body. There are also Yoga and belly dancing classes given here, and it is the perfect place for a more spiritual bachelorette party.

Fifth Rule: Check out my blog to see what events are going on
Since the Harbor definitely attracts the crowds, there are a lot of special events and happenings going on here. Sometimes it’s an antique market, or a live show, other times you can find a small art exhibition or a holiday event.
I hereby promise to keep you very well informed about all of the worth while things going on in the Harbor, so that you will not miss a thing!