Hi everyone!
So, after we talked about Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates last week on the $10 series, we’re gonna stay around the Middle East this time. The only difference is that we’re now going to the Jewish part of the region, the country where I’ll find difficult to travel due to my Indonesian passport: Israel.
And nope, it’s not solely due to the weakness of my passport, it’s simply because we don’t have any diplomatic relations with Israel. You know, political issues and whatnot.
I don’t know when I will be able to step my foot in Israel as an Indonesian, but I was so excited when I got in touch with Melissa of The Family Voyage for the series and she told me that she wanted to cover Tel Aviv this time.
Gain and Lose Some Calories through Some Activities in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv isn’t known as a budget travel destination, but there are so many great things to do in the city for $10 or less that will still provide you with a true cultural experience! The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (ILS), usually just referred to as the shekel for short. $10 is worth approximately 36 shekels, and that can get you pretty far.
Are You A Beach Person?!
Want to spend a relaxing day at Tel Aviv’s beautiful beaches? You can rent a reclining lounge chair for 12 ILS and an umbrella for just 6 ILS at all beaches!
If you want to spend the rest of your money like a real Israeli, stop at Aroma on your way to the beach and grab an iced Aroma, bevakasha (18 ILS). The sweet, caffeinated treat will serve you well under the hot Mediterranean sun.
Want something more nutritious? Instead of a coffee, hit the official beach cafes for a pita filled with hummus and salad (12 ILS). You can buy a water for 7 ILS, or follow the municipality’s environmentally-conscious lead by refilling your own reusable water bottle at one of the many filling stations along the promenade.
If hanging out on the beach isn’t enough entertainment, try to make friends and join a game of matkot, the local beach tennis past time.
Get Some Kosher Meals Experience in Israel!
Not a beach goer? No problem! Start your day at Falafel Gabay on Bograshov Street, known to have some of the best falafel in town. For 19 ILS you’ll get a pita loaded with piping hot fresh falafel balls, hummus, tehina and any other salads and toppings you want to add. This is the classic, can’t-miss Israeli dining experience!
After your belly is full, find the closest Tel-O-Fun bike sharing station – easy to spot with their rows of green bikes!
You can get all-day access to the program for 17 ILS (though if you’ll be in town for a few days and want to get around by bike, you can choose three days for 48 ILS or a week for 70 ILS) and then the first half hour of every ride is free!
With thirty minutes on a bike, you can access all sorts of free activities in Tel Aviv – head north to Yarkon Park to stroll along the shady river path or go south to Jaffa where you’ll enjoy amazing city views from the free gardens at the top or gallery hopping through the newly modernized port and the narrow streets of the old city.
Strolling Around the City for Some History
Many of the best things to do in Israel won’t cost you a penny (or an agorot, 1/100th of a shekel). For a taste of Tel Aviv’s history, stroll down the lovely beachside promenade to the enclave of Neve Tzedek.
You can enjoy walking the quiet streets of one of Tel Aviv’s first neighborhoods, window shop in the interesting boutiques and explore the adjacent century-old reclaimed train station.
When you need a break from walking, park yourself at one of the neighborhood’s excellent cafes like Alma for a coffee or a limonana (lemonade with fresh mint) for 12 ILS.
Duck into the Nahum Gutman Museum (24 ILS for adults, but half price on Fridays!) to spend an hour or two enjoying the fantastical art and then end your evening walking the sun sink into the sea from Charles Clore Park.
Contributor: Melissa fromThe Family Voyage
Melissa is the 30-something wife of Ronnie and mom to Jacob and Shoshana. She was born in Virginia, but have now spent almost half of her life in sunny Los Angeles. She has worked full-time in finance for a decade and fortunately, her company has a great vacation policy that has allowed their family time to explore places together.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
