Tel Aviv on a Budget
A trip to Tel Aviv on a budget doesn’t have to be a hassle. Despite being the world’s fifth most expensive city, it’s possible to enjoy the Big Orange without breaking the bank.
There are plenty of free things to do and see in Tel Aviv – from museums and vibrant food markets to parks and beaches. And it’s all easy to do if you know where to look.
Street food
Nearly year-round warm weather and an outdoor lifestyle fuel a booming street-food industry. From falafel and hummus to baklava and bureka, there's something for every taste in Tel Aviv.
Shawarma is a staple of Middle Eastern street food and can be found all over the city. Dabush on Ibn Gvirol Street, Yashka on Dizengoff and Turk Lahmajoun on Nahalat Binyamin are all good places to grab one of these huge grilled meats. You can also get more upscale versions of the popular dish at branches of celebrity chef Eyal Shani's gourmet pita stands, Miznon.
Another enticing street-food option is a Sabich, which is a sandwich in a laffa bread. You can choose from a variety of fillings, including hummus, tahini, amba (hot sauce), fresh vegetables and zhug (pickles).
If you're looking for something sweet, try muhallebi, which is a milk-based pudding topped with ground pistachios and rose water. This is a very tasty treat, especially when eaten on a hot day with a glass of cold beer!
There are many street markets throughout the city, where you can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables and other basic groceries. The most famous is the Carmel Market, which is located close to the Neveh Zedek quarter.
The best time to go is during the weekdays, as the market is open all the time and offers a good selection of fresh products. You can also shop at the smaller Tikva market, established in 1936.
Besides food, you can find many other things at this market too, like flowers, household goods and basic necessities. The atmosphere of this market is very friendly and welcoming, and it's a good place to soak in the local atmosphere.
You can also enjoy a tour of the market and see all the stalls that are selling fresh produce. The market is a great place to spend a day, but make sure you have plenty of money in your pocket as there are some very expensive items here.
Finally, if you're on a budget, you should definitely not miss out on the famous bourekas, which are a kind of baked pastry that are stuffed with different ingredients. These are a delicious guilty pleasure, and you can find them in many bakeries.
Free accommodation
If you’re planning on staying in Tel Aviv on a Budget, there are many options to choose from. You can stay in a hostel, stay at a hotel, or even rent a room or apartment. All of these places offer affordable accommodation and are a great way to save money while still having fun in the city.
Located in the heart of the city, Little Tel Aviv Hostel is a comfortable place to stay that won’t break your bank account. The location is also perfect if you want to explore Tel Aviv’s nightlife. It’s a short walk from the beach and Old Jaffa.
Another great option for budget travelers is Florentin House. This is a modern hotel with 5 floors, just 1km from the beach. The rooms are well-appointed and the rooftop terrace is a lovely place to enjoy the sun.
The hostel offers female dorms, a mixed dorm and a swanky rooftop suite, but you can also book private rooms. They’re all en-suite and have a balcony.
This is one of the most popular hostels in Tel Aviv, especially with young travelers. It’s a very social environment and has a lot of group events organised. It’s also in a cool neighborhood with lots of trendy bars and cafes.
It’s a popular choice among solo travellers because of the amazing social atmosphere and great facilities. There’s a pool, games room, and a sauna.
As a bonus, it’s just a ten minute walk from the beach and Old Jaffa. There’s also a nice bus stop near by.
While there are plenty of hotels in Tel Aviv, some are more expensive than others. Prices are influenced by the neighborhood and the hotel’s reputation.
Alternatively, you can look for family-friendly hotels and resorts in Tel Aviv that offer discounts for families. Often, these places offer discounts of 30-40% off the standard rate.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Israel has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Tel Aviv Airport Ben Gurion will cost about 17 euros per day, in Eilat - about 16 euros per day.
Free live music
If you’re looking for free live music in Tel Aviv on a budget, there are plenty of options. There are a variety of different venues in the city that host concerts, gigs and parties from local artists as well as international acts.
For a more eclectic selection, there are also many bars that host a wide variety of different musicians and bands throughout the city. These can range from traditional folk to contemporary rock, jazz and other forms of alternative music.
Located in the heart of Allenby Street, Pasaz is an underground club that hosts a variety of musical styles and events throughout the week. The sophisticated atmosphere of the bar paired with the excellent array of drinks and food makes it one of the best places to head to for alternative music in Tel Aviv.
This bar is a staple amongst the cool hipster crowd in Tel Aviv and is known for its fusion of music from funk and reggae to electro and hip-hop. The DJs play a mix of classics and modern hits, and the crowd is always full of beautiful people with an eye for what’s happening on the scene in Tel Aviv.
Aside from the regular music, this bar is also known for its nightly karaoke sessions, where you can sing along to your favourite song or simply hang out with a few of the locals in town. The karaoke shows are a great way to get to know the locals and are completely free!
Another bar with a unique atmosphere and great live music, Levontin 7 is one of the most popular clubs in Tel Aviv. It hosts concerts from a wide range of musicians and is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer and listen to some good music at the same time.
Rothschild 12 is another cafe-bar fusion that is sure to delight, despite its modest appearance from the outside. It’s a great place to catch some good local acts and has an eclectic crowd that includes many famous local faces.
If you’re looking for a venue that will host you and your friends or family for a special event, Reading 3 is an ideal option. This kosher restaurant and bar features the best sound and lighting systems on the market, and it’s a top choice for private events, launches and parties.
Cheap drinks
If you're traveling on a budget, there are plenty of cheap drinks in Tel Aviv. Whether you're looking for a cold coffee, a spritzer cocktail or something to drink at the beach, you'll find a variety of affordable options to suit your budget and taste preferences.
If it's hot and you're craving a refreshing drink, try an Israeli version of a spritzer, or mix it up with a cocktail flavored with citrus, grapefruit juice, Aperol or even lemonade. These cocktails pair well with Tel Aviv's summer-like weather, making them a perfect way to cool off in the city.
Tel Aviv is one of the most popular cities in the world for partying, with its warm Mediterranean climate and sandy beaches. The city is full of bars, lounges and nightclubs that are pulsing with life all evening long.
To get a feel for the culture of Tel Aviv, you can visit a bar that offers free live music every night, a gallery that features pieces by local artists, or a bar with an eclectic vibe that blends African and Middle Eastern tunes. You'll also find a wide range of wine bars and cafes in the city, where you can enjoy some delicious eats with your drinks.
For those looking for a more relaxed drink, there are many upmarket bars that offer craft beers and cocktails, or you can check out some of Israel's highly acclaimed wines at a trendy wine bar in Neve Tzedek or Florentine. Once you're ready to party, there are a number of world-famous clubs that host international DJs and offer pumping dance floors to keep the party going all night.
For something more unique, try Spicehaus, a'sharing' cocktail bar that mixes drinks in beakers reminiscent of old pharmacies. Or you can visit Bellboy Bar, a moody cocktail bar that's inspired by the 1920s speakeasy scene. This place has a rotating menu of 'beerhouse cocktails' that include a winter gin & tonic made with 223 Aquavit, lavender syrup, rose syrup, lime and tonic. Or you can order a tubi 60, an Israeli take on limoncello that's made with lemons, ginger and other herbs.