Tel Aviv: The Don'ts of Visiting Tel Aviv, Israel

[@ExploreAmericaWithMike]

I lived in Israel for a few years and I think Tel Aviv is an amazing city and tourist destination. Few don'ts from me: 1. Try to avoid places popular among locals on Friday - it is crazy day in Israel. As a tourist you can go to all these restraunsts or beaches any day of the week - use it. 2. As Mark mentioned, driving is not pleasant there. Driving and parking are complicated in Israel and especially in Tel Aviv (rush hours and Fridays are the worst) - traffic there is as heavy and as crazy as on Manhattan (or even worse). Avoid driving in Tel Aviv if you can. Rent the car to see the North of the country or Negev desert, but Tel Aviv is the place where walking is the best way to travel. 3. Unless you have a lot of time, don't try to find something interesting in the cities around Tel Aviv (Bat Yam, Holon, Ramat Gan, etc.). They are more like a resedential neighbourhoods - I lived in Holon, it is a nice city, it has everything you need to live there, but tourists are unlikely to have there a lot of fun. But some cities a bit more far (Netanya, Haifa, etc.) from Tel Aviv are worth visiting. 4. Don't expect that the food will be very tasty unless it is Israeli or other middle-eastern cousine. There are nice restraunts of all kinds in Israel, but especially in the tourist areas, stick to the local cousine and most likely you won't be disappointed, while attempt to find a good steak or, let's say, ramen may not be very successful.

[@millerelad]

There are some great Ramens in Tel Aviv- try Mententen... ))

[@chilldino]

whats israeli cuisine

[@giladostrover]

There are also great places for a good steak. You need to know where to go. Among the prominent (and expensive) places in Tel Aviv itself are the "מקום של בשר" In Neve Tzedek and there's the "Meat Bar", if you go a little outside of Tel Aviv, in Azor there is the "Albert" restaurant, and outside of Tel Aviv there are are also countless places of a very high standard. In the north there are places that include a restaurant and a farm where they raise their own beef and where the meat is considered to be of the highest quality.

[@giladostrover]

@@chilldino Israeli cuisine contains several culinary aspects in synergy: Original foods, such as the "Ptitím", which were developed in Israel during the austerity period as a cheap substitute for rice and couscous and later entered the international cuisine, as well as the soup almonds that were produced in Israel in the early 1950s. Improved foods that were created elsewhere in the world, but upgraded with a unique Israeli recipe, such as the Israeli cottage cheese (which is specific to the size of the grains and the amount of cream), the Israeli bamba and bisli, and the "orange soup", which is based on sweet potato soup to which in Israel it is customary to add additional ingredients, which all have in common is their color The orange, such as: orange lentils, carrot, pumpkin, bilberry and orange juice. Cultural pattern in the composition of the meals, such as an Israeli breakfast that includes the Israeli salad, or in the level of consumption, such as the sabih. A combination of foods from different parts of the world, such as schnitzel in pita, pizza-pita, melawah-pizza, matzah pizza, schnitzel with hummus, or schnitzel (usually kosher chicken) with rice. The types of cuisines in Israel: The two main streams in Israeli cuisine are the traditional Jewish cuisine, which contains the old dishes of the various ethnicities of origin, and the Israeli-Middle Eastern cuisine, which was mainly influenced by the grilling and frying style that prevails in the region. Some argue for the existence of a third cuisine, it is the "Galilee cuisine" which is influenced by the Druze and Lebanese cuisine and is characterized by the gathering of local herbs, an abundance of boiled vegetables and slow cooking.

[@aaronhurst4379]

Firstly, a belated but nonetheless massive congratulations to you and the Wolters clan for 1 million subs! So, so well deserved, you've been by far my favourite KZbin travel channel for goodness knows how many years and I appreciate you all

[@bubba4072]

Congratulations on a million subs! It's a great channel and y'all deserve it.🎉🎆👏

[@joshm7347]

I just visited Israel in June. One of my best trips ever! So much amazing stuff to see. The Dead Sea was great, Jaffa was amazing, driving around the country side, and then walking through Tel Aviv at night. I am a very confident driver, but the driving in Israel (specifically in the cities) is WILD. As you go out into the countryside it’s fine.

[@DrVVVinK]

I remember when I lived in Tel Aviv, one time, I was outside, sitting at a table, eating my Shawarma, and a scooter stopped at a red light, a van then went slamming into the scooter. The rider fell off, he then went around to the van, took off his helmet and started smashing the van's window with his helmet, it was nuts. The van, now with a broken window, just went around, through the red light and sped off.

[@SpongeBob-z5n]

Free palestin

[@Neillan]

MASSIVE congrats on hitting 1M subs!

[@Luv2tickt]

Nice job dropping this on Yom Kippur. I hope you have more video's on Israel as that's at the top of my list. One of by best mates was born in Tel Aviv and had dual citizenship with the US. Funny story, after graduating from USMC boot, he took his leave to visit his mom who was still living in Tel Aviv; he'd had time built up as he was prior US Army service. Anyway, upon checking into the country, he was "arrested" for failing to show for his compulsory military service to the IDF. Fortunately, we have a reciprocity so since he was already serving in the US military, he was given the special dispensation and released a few hours later! May those who are Jewish have an easy fast and a meaningful Yom Kippur. G'mar chatima tovah.

[@ritaelinfjeldbo2999]

Congratulations on your 1 million milestone! This one was heartwarming to watch. I lived in Tel Aviv for almost one year, more than thirty years ago, and it's fascinating to see how much the city has grown since then. When it comes to food, I still remember, and miss, felafels and the yemenite specialities.

[@SpongeBob-z5n]

Free palestin🎉🇵🇸

[@txrksh.5261]

Arabic food and an arab land!

[@danielbaban8720]

@@txrksh.5261 free Kurdistan

[@nina3118]

Spot on list. Would add: Don’t try to take public transportation between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday. It’s not running. True for the entire country

[@babsr8479]

Yes I learned that the hard way when visiting Jerusalem with my mom. Transportation companies like taxi companies don't even answer the phone so make sure to book a taxi ahead of time if you need to get to the airport.

[@lpf1836]

except for Haifa

[@tushtush11]

At least in and around Tel Aviv, there is some limited public transportation with what is called "service taxis" - sone 10 - 20 people minibuses which may run along the more popular bus lines. They cost a little more than a bus, and may be very full in peak hours, but this does exist.

[@TheMacyEnt]

I used to live in Israel and you better stay in between the flags. The ocean here is no joke. I’m not kidding. Listen to the warnings.

[@Howwerelivingfishing]

I swam on that beach the waves were very strong!

[@lalove4574]

how to spot an american lol actually it's the sea not the ocean haha

[@monsieurbono]

Don't forget the buses may not run on Saturdays (Shabbat) if you are relying on them, but Shabbat is a such a great day everyone greats each other and it is the only day off for many people as Israel runs on a 6 day work week. I have not been to Tel Aviv in years but it seemed like there was more open there than in other towns. Some places shut down completely on Saturdays.

[@yesorlando05]

Our youngest son visited Jerusalem and the surrounding area back in January. He said it was the best trip he’s ever taken. It’s on our family’s bucket list to go to Israel together within the next few years. We are devout Christians, so it has special significance to us. Thank you so much for this video. As usual it was excellent.

[@xavierlauzac5922]

I see a few toxic comments that are basically saying “how dare he visit Israel because they’re an apartheid state, oppressing Palestinians etc.” but I encourage people to hold other countries to the same standards. I bet most of you wouldn’t complain about a video promoting China as a travel destination, in spite of the allegations of persecution of Uyghurs. So maybe don’t single out Israel. This is a travel video, nothing else.

[@xavierlauzac5922]

@@Elatenl sure, China gets a lot of criticism, but pretty much no country apart from Israel incites such a strong reaction from people like we are seeing with the “boycott, divestment and sanctions” movement.

[@MrPickledede]

And Yemen where my ancestors were driven out from and the last Jew is now suffering in prison being tortured and having his finger nails being torn out

[@kylepope6805]

Time to take a break from the internet

[@xavierlauzac5922]

@@kylepope6805 I’m not saying people don’t have a point about Israel, but once again, I see a very clear double standard.

[@xavierlauzac5922]

@@user0m170 please explain?

[@D1337ification]

Tel Aviv is one of the coolest places I’ve visited, along with Jaffa. Cool vibe, good food, just beautiful.

[@avivarabinowitz6404]

The Sharona market is very accessible not just by light rail, but is a few minutes from the "Shalom railway station" and many many bus lines (it is next to a large "Uzrieli shopping center") IThe Eretz Yisrael museum is very kid friendly. - not only archeology and history but coins metallurgy etc \ The Museaum of the Jewish People is also very kid friendly. My family's favorite exhibits are the model synagogues from all over the world - and their archive of Jewish music Also note - the train from the airport is very convenient - you can get to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem FASTER than a car. And if you're staying in Tel Aviv or any other major city - know that parking is impossible - but public transportation is an option (especially out of Tel Aviv)

[@alisaknv6895]

I'm so happy you were here!!!!!

[@Debbs790]

Israel is very safe. The beaches are stunning, quite a bit like California. The weather is fantastic this time of year, and the food is great and flavorful. Israel has mandatory military service, so the soldiers that you see in the streets are just on their way to/from service, but they're off duty. And they are very friendly. Israelis speak good English. Public transport is super efficient and cheap in Israel. Do use it. When you come from the airport by train to Tel Aviv, better not get off at the HaHagannah central station but at one of the next stations. The central station is not that central and is not the best part of town.

[@no_soy_rubio]

The infamous bus station haha

[@dlvsdaniel]

This aged well :(

[@paradisehotel5005]

Oh dear!

[@SeshwaChickenKebab]

"safe"

[@iJacap]

I was in Israel in August absolutely beautiful place to visit!! Old jaffa and the markets are a must!!

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Harriet and I have been to Tel Aviv . The beaches are fabulous. A great foodie scene. International foods from all over the world. Great weather. We stayed closed to the beach. Again, Congratulations on one million subscribers. Totally deserved. Be Well dear friends from Jim, Harriet and Yuki Richmond, Va. 🙏❤🙏 P.S. If you decide to Tour West Virginia, we would like to do a meet up at the new national park.

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Great video! I've been to Israel more times than I can even remember and I agree with all your points. I would add one thing to your comment about the airport: obviously we should never joke about terrorism at any airport, but at the Tel Aviv airport that's especially true. Security agents will not hesitate to pull you out of line and question you hard, no matter how "harmless" you look. I once was just confused about where to go and got in the wrong line, so I was looking around at all the lines and finally switched, and that alone made them question me for 20 minutes.

[@guidance2260]

It's because the thief is always scared and feels insecure. That's not their country , they stole it from Arabs and that's why they will never feel safe and will always feel threatened.

[@Brian-vn4xb]

Congrats on hitting 1 million again Mark. Also glad to see you covering new places like Israel, too.Hopefully Australia and New Zealand one day too!

[@lauranieves1446]

One Million subscribers!!! Congratulations! This is by far my favorite travel channel. Well deserved!

[@woltersworld]

That is so nice of you. Thank you

[@SpongeBob-z5n]

@@woltersworldfree palestin

[@jennyoshea1958]

Wonderful news. Congratulations to Mark and Jocelyn for reaching a million subscribers 👑🌟🥁👏

[@micknevinger5259]

Awesome video man! Always love your content 😁👌

[@babsr8479]

Congrats on 1 million. Glad you finally got to Israel I've been waiting for an Israel video from you guys for a while. 😊

[@joannunemaker6332]

Tel Aviv looks like a beautiful city. I liked this video.😊❤

[@ee7574]

Thanks for mentioning Tel Aviv as a base to explore the rest of Israel.

[@einat1622]

Other "don'ts": 1) Don't buy anything first beach line, especially not beer in tap. Minimarkets and kiosks are hiking prices. 2) When flying back- 4 hours before bording. Better to sit and wait 30 minutes than miss a flight. 3) I completely agree- do not drive in Tel Aviv, especially because public transportation in TLV, Ramat Gan, Givataim is pretty well networked. Durin 'Shabas' you can rent bikes, or take short taxi rides (stay vigilant with taxi prices).

[@FrostedMike]

The driving part also applies to Jerusalem. A nightmare to drive there.

[@RazOfTheVoid]

I've been watching this channel for years. So WEIRD when it's your own city (or at least your former city in my case) that is discussed. Also weird is what people would find as a tourist attraction that locals may not. For example I would have never thought of suggesting Carmel market as a tourist attraction. For me it's just the market where I used to go to to buy cheaper meat and veggies than in supermarkets... 🤷‍♂ Nice video, though! You're right about the food. It's the one thing I really do miss.

[@JBugz777]

Waaoh I can't believe you chose my country to celebrate a million subs! Welcome! 🇺🇸😍🇮🇱

[@paleo704]

What about the Dier Yassin Massacre ?

[@TheKSAswimmer]

It’s not your country.. this is Palestine! You’re a settler . Read history

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

You read history. We Jews purchased Israel and the rest of the lang we legally annexed after defending ourselves against attacks. There is no Palestine and never will be a Palestinian. Israel will live forever. Baruch Hashem. ​@@TheKSAswimmer

[@yoavshachar9136]

@@paleo704 was comitted by the Ezel and Lehi while Israel was founded by the Hagana + the hagana condenmed it

[@yoavshachar9136]

​@@TheKSAswimmer You read history Palestine wasnt a country before 1988 Most Israelis in Israel are of middle eastern countries and not european like you think And the Arabs werent there forever like you may think, they also migrated to the land 1.6k years ago when occupying it from the Greek Byzantians who were there before them

[@Rockerlady]

Israel was a fascinating trip. I enjoyed it. It definitely takes longer to leave, than to enter. I have to say, if you have an Arab last name-even if you are American born- you may be singled out and questioned at the airport. Just answer any questions asked and play along by being courteous. It happens. I doubt I will ever go again, but it is a very interesting country.

[@Amitaylavi]

Most soliders you see on the streets are not on duty but on weekend leave. Usually only police patrols the major streets

[@andrewbatts7678]

My friend went to live and work on a kabutz for a few years(an Israeli farm commune of sorts) every Saturday after sundown they all drove a ways to Tel Aviv to party all night. And he said the drinking culture is so crazy you will find those little plastic cups with the foil lids like for apple juice but with liquor in it. Even something like ketchup packets of liquor as well. Id love to go but I have a couple charges on my record so ill have to research it

[@Jordan-o3c]

Hey tnx. nice useful video! Tiny correction : the name if the southern city with the airport is not pronounced Elyat. More like Ey-lat. 🙂

[@JohnCityboy]

I’m glad you finally got to Tel Aviv! Beautiful city with great people, always wanted to go. Mazel tov! 🇮🇱

[@D1337ification]

Biggest Don’t: Just dont take taxis. They will usually turn off the meter mid trip and rip you off

[@stevedavemacgregor8034]

So many tips . Traveling for 4 years I always see what Mark says first. Saved me so may times. Cheers Mark!

[@andeeharry]

Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on getting 1mil. You have done well, keep it going. I thought you had more people than that. Anyway, so pleased for you

[@ja52ng74]

Well this video aged well.

[@JJ-ZUMA]

😭😭😭

[@EatSleepShitHipHop]

Disgusting that anyone gives this country money or visits it knowing what it’s doing to Palestinians

[@georgenutsubidze9329]

​@@EatSleepShitHipHop Isreal is freeing Palestinians from Hamas you should be thankful

[@CiciAbukhater]

@@georgenutsubidze9329 if your definition of freeing is murdering and terrorizing then you are correct.

[@georgenutsubidze9329]

@@CiciAbukhater it's not terrorism and murder they are freeing them from the murders of Hamas get it right

[@heinrichw.seekamp6031]

All true, went there in 2018. If only it wasn't so expensive. I stayed at an AirBnB in Ramat Gan. On Sabbat I simply walked downton to the beach. Other times the busses are pretty efficient and everyone speaks Englisch there.

[@andeeharry]

Thanks for sharing. Just love this channel, so informative and full of info. I must say, this is showing a totally different side of Israel. It is nothing like the news at all, so calm and peaceful looking, also beautiful too.

[@Rakeshlakhara56]

I am from India. I want to go there that's why I am watching your videos. Thanks buddy 👍✌️

[@MrPickledede]

Mazel tov! I live in Be'er Sheva the capital of the Negev Desert in southern Israel....don't forget to visit us!

[@GallifreyanGinger]

Seconded. I live in Be'er Sheva and there's so much here - sorely underrated.

[@lukehorning3404]

Someday I want to go and take my time it looks amazing

[@joricma]

Shalom to all my dear Jewish friends! ❤🇮🇱❤️

[@mahmoudsobeih5018]

Mark please try to come to Ramallah id be honored to show you around and take you the old christian city and today there was an oktoberfest near Ramallah

[@rickybobby1055]

You did it! 🎉 1 mil!! Wahooooo. Picked me up the morning sub hoodie. Cant wait for travel this next summer. Thank you Mark and Jocelyn and the boys for making enlightening and educational travel videos.

[@shiraloves]

wolter wellcome to my country !!!!! such a nice suprise to see you here !!!! is there a chance maybe to meet you while your here??? how long are you in israel???🥂🥂🥂🥂

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Hello. Can I live in Israel if I don't speak Hebrew? Just curious. I will definitely learn it though if I did decide to live there.

[@deidra6463]

Israel is amazing. The food is great and there is so much to do and see. I can’t wait to go back!

[@Rustyjamesman]

grats on 1mil!

[@GlobetrotterGranny]

Loved Israel when we visited in spring of 2019. It was totally safe then. I’m so incredibly sad for what Israel is experiencing right now. Much love to the many folks I met there. The food is absolutely AMAZING!

[@ArtificialBanana]

Thanks a MILLION for all your travel tips!

[@malcolm4672]

Hi Mark, went back to begining of your videos, I think I have been with you for around 13years. that 1M looks good 😀

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Malcolm!

[@teresakoren5987]

To clarify: Mid-century modern was 1945-1969 (or so), Bauhaus was much earlier, 1919-1933. Tel Aviv is also known as The White City because of those Bauhaus buildings. I find your videos helpful and interesting, thanks. 😊

[@brettparnell8254]

Glad to see you made it to my favorite country.

[@ramaramzz8105]

It’s a state lol

[@shockthepig]

As a loacl in tel aviv I can say that your video is also very relevent to israeli's who are coming into the city Great tips!

[@shockthepig]

i'll also recomend the loacl spirits and beer

[@yorkshirepudding6980]

Congratulations on 1m subscribers. Israel is on my bucket list . It looks wonderful

[@saskiaschoonderbeek879]

Congratulations with 1 M subscribers. Love your vlogs. They are very helpfull when you visit the country, the tips and i've seen a lot of places that i have to visit. So thank you. Love from the Netherlands.

[@jlo2o199]

wow. this is gonna be interesting

[@woltersworld]

It was a fun and tummy filling visit!

[@ntheg]

Tel Avivian here: at 13:20 you accidentally give the best advice for dealing with things as a local: to ask! There's a chance you'll get what you want if you just politely ask or try making a deal/stating your case.

[@DrVVVinK]

For the first point, as someone who lived in Tel Aviv ten years ago, I always used to describe it as NYC meets Florence bubble.

[@galitferber1969]

I can’t believe you have been in Tel Aviv and you didn’t come visit me😮

[@stevenporter863]

10:28 Same as most cities. It is dangerious though - been walking on a sidewalk and almost hit my someone on one of those motorized things, happened many times. There seems to be no moving or parking rules for them. They just stop and leave it in the middle of everyone walking.🤦

[@oloyedeoyebayo7008]

I wish this region peace. Amen

[@Howwerelivingfishing]

4:24 some of those glass and steel structures are very impressive. Or at least they were when I visited 18 years ago.

[@tobiojo6469]

I have always wanted to visit Israel and this video is awesome

[@woltersworld]

Thank you!

[@svetlanagoncharovabellydan7233]

Thank you very much for your advices!!!My Congrats on 1 million subs!!!😊

[@Voyager23B]

Congratulations on 1 million subscribers! Wow!

[@evertonbouwer4038]

Tel Aviv looks glitzy and very clean.I've never really focused on it as a tourist destination,but it looks like good idea.Thanks Wolter.

[@lunarstrain235]

Love from israel !! We took your advices from the rome video and we're excited to go !

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@gregshanahan6766]

congrats on the mil subs

[@dallasjansen2226]

I was surprised hearing you say it’s safe there. I heard the complete opposite! Nice to hear I might have heard wrong.

[@einat1622]

It's no different or more dangerous than European cities (sadly you have Muslim terror attacks there too).

[@dude-mg2fv]

Most of people say that Israel is safer than other places in the world after they visit here. I have friends from u.s that told me how it's crazy to live in u.s after you visit Israel

[@MrPickledede]

There are occassional terror attacks but there is zero violent crime nor pickpockets that you have in Europe

[@einat1622]

@@MrPickledede There's pickpocketing (maybe not as bad as Europe). I personally saw a guy trying to steal a woman's phone inside a store in Azrieli shopping mall.

[@MrPickledede]

@@einat1622 Never saw it lets just say its very rare

[@damianalpacho4455]

LOL "Don't worry about your safety as a tourist" . Yea right.....! Thanks for the guaranties but I think I will stay out. Lots more worthy and peaceful places to visit

[@Tramptraveller]

❤❤❤❤

[@matthewelmakias3667]

Also love and hate about Tel Aviv please and shocks thanks for KZbin

[@jonathankinnear8431]

1st Congrats on the 1M subs. Yes, Tel Aviv is pretty awesome but yikes is it ever damn expensive to stay there.

[@SusanNachman]

Do be aware that there is massive building, renovation and routes are frequently changed due to the digging for the TLV mass transportation system. I also recommend coming here off season. Also bring a water bottle with you and avoid the sun mid day

[@elitealice]

Oh boy I’m just here for the comments

[@gregshulas4452]

Super congrats on 1M followers. So well deserved. Been following you for 10 years or more. Hoot hoot!

[@GallifreyanGinger]

Come down to Beersheba and visit us!

[@paradisehotel5005]

The big don't is.... DON'T GO TO ISRAEL AT THE MOMENT!!

[@alicequayle4625]

Dont mention the.....

[@tommyedodson2412]

Congrats on the 1M.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you!

Oh, hi, welcome

Ah, it was in June July

[@nickwojcicki9623]

Congrats on 1 million subs, Mark!! Fellow Illini here - Gies Class of 2021

[@georgiancrossroads]

Thanks Mark. I have a friend from Tel Aviv visiting me at the moment here in Tbilisi. More to talk about. And he brought the serious hummuses with him. By the way, there is a study to be made of street scenes on your travels, and how often that random person walking down the street ends up being Jocelyn. 5:58

[@sophieb8028]

Can anyone tell me please - Does Israel still give you the piece of paper rather than a stamp in your passport?

[@einat1622]

Yes, especially if you are a foreigner (security reasons, so you won't be endangered going into other countries in the future).

[@denimblue9725]

There are even beaches where you can bring your dog! Seriously!

[@Frederick-765]

Just visited Israel days ago. It was a fun trip :)

[@JohnCityboy]

Can’t wait to go

[@lyrasennes8079]

LOVE this!

[@aarontaing8795]

Great tips. Planning on going late 2024

[@lambertois11]

Don't travel to Tel Aviv when the rockets are faling all over ghe place !

[@Vid.186]

👍👍👍

[@GraniteInTheFace]

The don't of Tel Aviv: Don't talk about the IDF war crimes.

[@Auldreekie967]

They don’t behead civilians or burn babies alive. They protect the beautiful land of Israel. ❤️🇬🇧🇮🇱❤️

[@xavierlauzac5922]

Bad luck that this Israel series begins release right before current events start😢

[@woltersworld]

I just hope everyone is safe. I will put the rest of the series out at a later time.

[@eu46]

Zorionakkkkkkkkkkkkk from the Basque Country again

[@milovanokicic1125]

Koje lepo more? Plaza, bilo bi lepo provedti letnji odmir na moru.Prelepo je.😊

[@asser.designs1387]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@sivanhalperin7116]

Cool, I guess you would have turned it into something great (millions of children being great Shahids).

[@DrVVVinK]

About the transportation, take the Sheruts, the shared taxis that follow the bus lines. They are amazing. I took them everywhere when I lived there. As for reservations, for the local places in south Tel Aviv "The Florentin" you don't really need them, you can find a lot of nice little places you can just go to.

[@kerrin-gaihofstrand4313]

Congratulations !!!!