For our out-of-town guests
We are so grateful and feel so loved by you making the journey to celebrate with us and hope you enjoy your time in Israel! Below are some recommendations to help make it an easy journey.
Transportation Recommendations
Flights
I really really recommend only flying with Elal into Israel (other companies have a 50/50 chance of cancelling the flight in the last second). A cheaper option might be to fly any other airline to Europe (most likely Italy, Greece, France, or Germany) and then transfer to Israel on an Elal flight.
To Tel Aviv from the Airport
The easiest option is a 20-minute train directly outside the airport door to 3 different stations in Tel Aviv. The cost is around $6 and you can get a ticket on Moovit or pay with Apple Pay by tapping your card at the station. No need to book in advance. The train does not run during Shabbat (Friday night to Saturday night). During that time, go to the taxi stand and use the Gett app. A taxi to the center of Tel Aviv is around $50.
From Tel Aviv to the Venue
The venue is about 20 minutes north of Tel Aviv but can take 45 minutes during rush hour. We will have a free bus for our guests leaving at 6 pm from Kikar Rabin and returning around 1:30 am. Sign up here. Otherwise, you can book a taxi through the Gett app.
Around Tel Aviv
There are a lot of busses - use Google Maps or the Moovit app for the schedule. You can pay the $2 fare with Apple Pay on the bus or buying a ticket on Moovit (connect your credit card to the app). No cash. The busses are free during Shabbat (Friday night to Saturday night).
To Jerusalem
You can easily take the train between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Pay with Apple Pay, Moovit app, or buying a physical ticket at the counter. No need to book in advance.
Where to Stay
Feel free to reach out for help choosing where to stay or if we can try to find someone to host you while you're here! Otherwise, you have hotels, airbnb, and Facebook group sublets to choose from.
Tel Aviv
This is the easiest in terms of having a lot to do around you: food, bars, parks, concerts, beach, markets, tours, museums, etc. It is also easy to take our guest bus to the venue and back and take the train to the airport. Many hotels here are expensive and I recommend messaging on airbnb to negotiate rates with hosts. You can also check out hostels for cheap stays.
Netanya
This is the closest city to the venue, but you will need to take a taxi to the venue. You can get a slightly cheaper and nicer hotel right on the beach or find some cheaper airbnbs. There are still a lot of restaurants. There is a train to Netanya station and then you might need a short few minute taxi ride to where you are staying.
Where to Eat
Here are just a few of our friends' most frequented spots in Tel Aviv! The ones marked with * are favorites.
Dessert First!!!!
The best places to get Knafeh in TLV:
*-Knafeh Al Jamila (north tlv)
-Almahdi Sweets (jaffo)
-Knafeh Sheinkin (central tlv)
-Yaffa Knafeh (not the best but better than not eating knafeh)
Ice cream:
*Otello
Golda - most the ice cream here sucks EXCEPT their famous Bageleh and its a flavor but also get it as a sauce and put it on the top of a different flavor
Arte Ice Cream
Get baklava in most shuks
Hamalabiya - it's a good chain that serves malabi
Torta de La Nona - Italian bakery that makes amazing everything
Classic Street Food (cheap)
*Falafel HaKikar (get a falafel pita, usually only open till 7 pm despite what google maps says)
*Hakosem (get a shawarma lafa with eggplant and all the toppings and a pomegranate lemonade)
Sabich Frishman (get the cheese and hummus sabich)
Miznon (A little bit fancier street food)
Shlomo and Doron (hummus, root salad is good, usually a wait)
Shakshuka- usually good at a cafe (Eazy cafe or Hamaniya or Benedict)
Bourekas- there’s a few places around Shuk Levinsky and they are all great (Puni Bakery, Bourekas Penso)
*Jasmino (very fresh kebabs in pitas)
Jahnun (usually only available saturday mornings from little metal containers at mini markets/convenience stores. If you cant find it you can order from Doron Jahnun which is fine too. They also sell at Saluf and Sons)
Cafes
Under the Tree
Open
Cafe Kirsch
Cafe Dizengoff
Cafe Xoho
Eazy Cafe
Israeli / Mediterranean Restaurants
Port Said
HaAchim (cuter at night but better price for the lunch deal)
*Saluf and Sons (Classic Yemen Food - great for lunch)
*Ramesses Restaurant (cute at night)
Kalamata
Cafe Puaa (friday morning vibe)
Balinjera - ethiopian
Cafe Noir - good schnitzel
Greco
Ouzeria
Bicicletta (Mediterranean/mixed food)
*Rova (italian/israeli/wine bar with great chocolate cake)
El Vecino (italian, cute outdoor dining, try to go during happy hour)
Anastasia - vegan
Calabria
Benny the Fisherman
Old man and the Sea
Shuks / Markets
All of them are the best on Friday morning and close around 3 pm, closed on Saturdays
*Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market, a bit touristy, bargain prices for everything even food)
Shuk Levinsky (more for locals, get the Gazoz drink and share bc its free refills)
Shuk Hapishpashim (cuter arabic shopping and a little less touristy)
Breakfast / Brunch
*Mela (veggie sandwhiches and baked goods)
*Hamaniya (get the tray)
Dallal (beautiful inside, fancy brunch spot, only go to the one in Neve Tzedek, NOT the north tlv cafe)
Cafe Landver (chain, classic Israeli breakfast tray)
Nordino
Nicer
Restaurants
Meatos - steakhouse
Malka - Kosher
Mashya
Shila
Topolopompo
The Whiskey Museum
Dalida
Cocktails / Bars
*Bellboy - unique, pricey, need a reservation
Double Standard - great happy hour deal
Fantastic - alice in wonderland vibe, super small food plates so more worth for drinks
The Mezeg - local spot for beer & pizza
Ozen Pil - bar with big dishes
Herzl 16 - Friday afternoon vibes
*Teder - daytime garden with great pizza and beer, nighttime live music club, look online at the schedule
Just Coffee
Ada Hanina
Mae Cafe - chain but really good
Mela
Aroma - the main basic coffee chain here, like dunkin