May 26, 2022, Updated March 31

Tourists love Tel Aviv. And it’s no wonder.

You’ve got a coastline full of Mediterranean beaches. You’ve got the best nightlife in the Middle East and some of the best restaurants anywhere.

Art, music, theater, dance? Endless options. Shopping? Choose from glitzy malls to the Jaffa Flea Market, from cutting-edge fashion designer studios to the multigenerational Carmel Market produce stalls.

Whether you are interested in history or recreation, architecture or high-tech, synagogues or gay bars, Tel Aviv has you covered.

And even though a 2021 survey found Tel Aviv ranks as the world’s most expensive city to live in, visitors will find plenty of things to do in Israel’s second largest city that don’t cost a single shekel.

Naturally, if you want to spend the night you’ll have to take out your wallet, but our guide on the 18 best Tel Aviv hotels can help you find accommodations that fit your budget and preferences.

Keep reading to discover 18 absolutely free things to do in Tel Aviv.

18 Free things to do in Tel Aviv

Beaches
Tel Aviv-Jaffa seaside promenade
Tel Aviv-Jaffa seaside promenade
Independence Trail
Tel Aviv Greeter
Bauhaus architecture
Neve Tzedek and historic train station (Tachana)
Ben-Gurion House
Sarona Market
Trumpeldor Cemetery
Charles Clore Park
Old Jaffa
Tel Aviv Port
Levinsky Market
Culture Square
Dizengoff Street
Tel Aviv Rollers
Houses of worship

1. Beaches

Aerial view of a busy beach in Tel Aviv with people sunbathing and swimming. Colorful umbrellas dot the sand, and volleyball courts are visible. The ocean has small waves, and a city skyline is in the background under a clear sky.

Tel Aviv has beach after perfect beach to choose from. Photo by Protasov AN, Shutterstock

Tel Aviv’s west side is a 13-kilometer (eight-mile) stretch of sandy beaches.

And although each of the 12 beaches has its own special character, you can’t go wrong no matter where you set down your towel.

Gordon Beach is one of the most famous free beaches, attracting tourists, locals, joggers and sun-tanners all year round. Stop by Saturday (11am to 2pm in winter, 7-11pm in summer) and give public Israeli folk dancing a whirl.

Banana Beach, located on the southernmost edge near Jaffa, draws the bohemian crowds on Friday evenings for drum circles, singing and dancing.

Metzizim Beach draws a smattering of everyone to its sandy shores. Catch a game of matkot (paddleball) or bring your kids to the children’s playground.

The rainbow umbrellas on Hilton Beach (near the hotel of the same name) mark this as the most gay-friendly beach, while Nordau Beach offers gender-separate days for the Orthodox community.

So pack your lotion, towel and good book to read – sandy Tel Aviv on the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea awaits.

Read more in our ultimate guide to Tel Aviv’s 12 beaches.

2. Tel Aviv-Jaffa seaside promenade

A scenic view of the beachfront promenade in Tel Aviv at sunrise, lined with modern buildings on the left and a sandy beach with colorful play structures on the right. The sky is a blend of blue and orange hues, with the ocean visible in the background.

Sunset on the Tel Aviv promenade. Photo by Rudy Balasko

The Tel Aviv-Jaffa promenade is a bustling beach boardwalk stretching from Old Jaffa in the south to the Tel Aviv Port in the north.

Need an affordable activity in Tel Aviv? Walk, bike or scooter your way along the promenade to enjoy gorgeous sea views, breathtaking sunsets, music buskers and some of the best people-watching anywhere on the planet.

3. Yarkon Park

Aerial view of a Tel Aviv's skyline at sunset with Yarkon Park in the foreground. The park features green fields, circular paths, and clusters of trees. The city skyline and a partly cloudy sky with the sun setting are in the background.

A view of the rock garden in Yarkon Park. Photo by Seth Aronstam, Shutterstock

This “Central Park of Tel Aviv” on the Yarkon River is one of Israel’s top 10 public gardens, attracting some 16 million visitors every year.

The urban park’s 3.8 square kilometers boast walking paths, bike paths, dozens of children’s play areas, botanical gardens, extensive lawns, sports facilities, two mini zoos and artificial lakes.

On top of being a free activity, the park also houses paid entertainment options including a bird park, water park, climbing wall, children’s train and paddleboats.

4. Independence Trail

Entrance to the Independence Trail in a sunny park, featuring a small kiosk with brochures and books. A cartoon figure Ben Gurion is holding a newspaper near the kiosk. People walk along a path lined with trees in the background.

The Independence Trail route guides pedestrians to 10 key sites in Tel Aviv. Photo by Nicky Blackburn

Independence Trail is a free self-guided walking tour that links 10 landmarks and themes related to Independence Hall in Tel Aviv.

The one-kilometer trail starts at the city’s first food kiosk on the corner of Herzl Street and Rothschild Boulevard, passes by significant sites in the history of Tel Aviv and Israel between the founding of Tel Aviv, the first Hebrew city, in 1909 and the establishment of Israel in 1948.

Just follow the brass strip embedded in the ground; it’s illuminated at night. Information is posted on signs along the trail in three languages, and maps are available for free in eight languages at the information booth on Rothschild Boulevard. You can also download a free GPS-based app for narration.

5. Tel Aviv Greeter

The Tel Aviv branch of the International Greeter Association offers free two- to four-hour walks to numerous municipal destinations, led by local volunteers who just want to share their love of the city. No tipping allowed!

Tel Aviv Greeters is a free activity that can take you to museums, ‎archeological sites, places to eat, nightlife, and hotspots such as Neve Tzedek, Nachalat Binyamin, the Yemenite Quarter, Tel Aviv Port, Yarkon Park, Florentin, Old Jaffa, Carmel Market and the beach promenade.

6. Bauhaus architecture

Tel Aviv street view of a historic white building with arched windows, flanked by modern structures. Leafless trees are in the foreground, and several cars are parked along the street.

A stately Bauhaus building on Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv. Photo by Nicky Blackburn

One of Tel Aviv’s nicknames is the White City, thanks to its large number of white Bauhaus (International-style) buildings. In 2003, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed Tel Aviv’s White City a World Cultural Heritage site.

Every Saturday at 11am, the city offers a free walking tour of the best of Bauhaus along Rothschild Boulevard, starting at #11 next to the city’s first kiosk and streetlamp. In addition to admiring the buildings lining the boulevard, you’ll hear stories about the people who lived in them.

7. Neve Tzedek and historic train station (Tachana)

A courtyard in Tel Aviv with colorful umbrellas hanging overhead, creating shade. A person stands near a bronze dog statue on a tiled floor with circular patterns. Palm trees and outdoor seating with umbrellas surround the space.

Colorful umbrellas with “dancing feet” hang at the plaza outside the Suzanne Dellal Center in the Tel Aviv neighborhood of Neveh Tzedek8. Photo by Miriam Alster/FLASH90

Neve Tzedek is one of Tel Aviv’s most beautiful neighborhoods – and was the first neighborhood built outside of Jaffa. It’s perfect for a romantic stroll along the small streets and alleyways and past the beautifully restored buildings.

The Suzanne Dellal Center is a modern dance hub and theater complex that sits at the heart of this neighborhood, and a visit to its courtyard is a must.

On the southern edge of the neighborhood is the historic train station known as HaTachana. This newly-restored compound now serves as a cultural and shopping center.

8. Ben-Gurion House

A fisheye lens view of an office in Ben Gurion house filled with books, stacks of paper, lamps, and framed photographs. The room has a glass partition with a Caution sign in Hebrew, showcasing a cozy, cluttered workspace.

Gabi Davis took this photo inside the Ben-Gurion House in Tel Aviv. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

One of the smallest museums and likely the most overlooked is Ben-Gurion House, a historic site at 17 Ben-Gurion Boulevard that served as an additional residence for Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.

Visitors can see Ben-Gurion’s library, his family’s sleeping quarters and the study where he worked. Take a free guided tour of the house in English and learn about Ben-Gurion’s life work. The House is open for individual and group visits daily.

Reservations: info@bg-house.org. Visitors who come without a scheduled group can receive an audio guide and pamphlet in English.

9. Sarona Market

Aerial view of a Sarona market and its urban park with red-roofed buildings, tree-lined walkways, and open green spaces. Surrounding high-rise buildings suggest a cityscape. Paths intersect the park, offering a harmonious blend of nature and urban architecture.

From above they almost look like toy buildings, but the Sarona complex is an extremely popular location in Tel Aviv. Photo courtesy Tel Aviv Municipality

Originally a German Templer Colony, the Sarona Market complex in the heart of Tel Aviv’s central business district boasts some of the most beautiful restored and new architecture in the city, all in a beautifully landscaped setting. Opened in early 2014, Sarona is one of Tel Aviv’s hottest spots for dining and shopping – but you don’t have to spend any money to learn about its history in the visitor center, peruse the art galleries and culinary market, and wander around admiring the lush grounds.

Tel Aviv Global and Tourism offers a guided free walking tour of Sarona Market on Tuesdays at 11 (English tours must be booked in advance).

Bring a picnic, do some people-watching and take lots of photos.

10. Trumpeldor Cemetery

Does visiting a historic cemetery sound like a good free Tel Aviv activity to you? The final resting place for many of Israel’s foremost politicians, poets and artists from first mayor of Tel Aviv Meir Dizengoff to iconic pop star Arik Einstein, Trumpeldor Cemetery is open to the public most days from 7am to 5pm.

11. Charles Clore Park

Bronze statue of a woman in motion, draped in flowing clothing, set in a Charles Clore Park by the seain Tel Aviv. Skyscrapers line the horizon under a clear blue sky.

Woman against the wind sculpture at Charles Clore Park in Tel Aviv. Photo by OPIS Zagreb, Shutterstock

The southern beachfront Charles Clore Park at the invisible seam of Tel Aviv and Jaffa is a perfect getaway spot. There are observation points overlooking the Jaffa seafront, a playground, barbeque area, outdoor gym, yoga deck, and jogging and biking lanes.

12. Old Jaffa

The tall Jaffa clock tower stands in a bustling square under a clear blue sky. People gather near the base, surrounded by historic buildings. Cars are parked along the street, and palm plants line the foreground.

Jaffa Clock Tower photo by Eli Halfin

No visit to Tel Aviv is complete without a hop over to Old Jaffa. It is one of the world’s oldest cities and home to the oldest seaport in the world.

In the last decade, Old Jaffa has become one of the hottest places to be as designers, artists and gourmands move in. Start at the famous Clock Tower and walk around to get the full flavor of the flea market, restaurants, designer stores, galleries and museums, Simon the Tanner’s House, Jaffa Port and the NaLaga’at Center for theater arts operated by the deaf and blind community.

13. Tel Aviv Port

People stroll along a boardwalk at Tel Aviv Port at sunset. The sky is filled with clouds, and a carousel is in the background. Street lamps line the walkway, and groups of people are enjoying the scenery and each others company.

Walking along Tel Aviv Port in the evening. Photo by Michal Herrmann Eisenstein via Wikimedia Commons

Tel Aviv Port is one of the city’s main leisure destinations with trendy shops, bars, nightclubs, cafés and farmers’ market. Thousands of residents and tourists walk along the uniquely designed wooden deck promenade to take in the salty sea breeze, gorgeous sunsets and unique vibe of Tel Aviv.

There’s a huge sand pit for kids to play in. Weekends are busiest, with buskers and balloon artists keeping the crowds entertained. The port also hosts numerous outdoor festivals throughout the year.

14. Levinsky Market

A bustling market stall at Levinsky Market features a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and spices in open containers. The shopkeeper, wearing a black shirt, stands behind the counter. Red pendant lights hang from the ceiling, and shelves are stocked with various items.

Grab something tasty at Levinsky Market in Tel Aviv. Photo by Nicky Blackburn

Even if you buy nothing at Levinsky Market, this is a prime place for photos in Tel Aviv. The outdoor market is the place for spices, dried fruits, nuts, pastries, boutique cheeses, pickled produce, exotic cold cuts and salted fish.

If you time your visit for a Friday morning, you’ll find narrow Levinsky Street packed with Israelis doing their last-minute Shabbat shopping – providing not only good scenes for photos but also great people-watching.

15. Culture Square

People relax and socialize on the spacious HaBima Square plaza with modern architecture in the background. Trees and flower beds line the central area, and a tall building is visible further back under a clear sky.

Charles Bronfman Аuditorium at Habima Square in Tel Aviv-Yafo. Photo by Beko via Wikimedia Commons

Tel Aviv is Israel’s culture city. Although most of the museums, orchestras, theaters, art galleries, dance venues and music halls charge an entry fee, you can get a taste of the city’s arts scene simply by walking around Culture Square at the end of Rothschild Boulevard.

Here you’ll find the historic Charles Bronfman Auditorium, home to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra; Habima National Theater and the Eyal Ofer Pavilion for the Arts. All these cultural touchpoints face a beautiful public courtyard with a small flower garden and water fountain, and a lovely public park is located nearby.

16. Dizengoff Street

Strolling down Dizengoff Street is such a favorite pastime that there was even a Hebrew word coined for this activity – l’hizdangef.

A great free Tel Aviv activity for people-watching, or just a place to take a break, park yourself on one of the benches around the Agam Fire & Water Fountain in Dizengoff Square, where local artisans show off their wares.

17. Tel Aviv Rollers

Every Tuesday night at 9:45 near Habima Theater, as many as 400 in-line skaters meet up to hit the streets in a loose confederation nicknamed the Tel Aviv Rollers.

Police escorts are on hand to keep the skaters safe as they zip along a 25- to 30-kilometer route through the city and environs. If you’re an experienced skater, don’t miss this high-energy fun. Cyclists are welcome to follow behind.

18. Houses of worship

Tel Aviv-Yafo encompasses some of the most impressive houses of worship in Israel. The Cymbalista Synagogue and Jewish Heritage Center on the campus of Tel Aviv University, the neo-Gothic Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jaffa, or the Ottoman-era Hassan Bek Mosque in Jaffa are all good options, and all are open for free to visitors.