These Free Walking Tours of Tel Aviv Will Show You the Best of the City
As exciting as travel can be, arriving in a new city can be disorienting. Figuring out where you’re going to find breakfast can feel hard enough — and from there you’ll want to learn about the city’s history and modern day way of life.
That’s why a short walking tour can be the perfect way to kick off a vacation. Not only will you learn a bit about the history of the city, but for a short time you’ll have access to a guide who knows the area inside and out — and likely speaks English. Not only is a city tour helpful, but in many cases they’re free. And in Tel Aviv, Israel, you have more than one to choose from.
In Tel Aviv there are four free weekly tours and reservations aren’t necessary — which means you can drop in at your convenience to get a taste of the city’s culture and history. All the walking tours are conducted in English, and each provides a different glimpse of life in Tel Aviv.
Bauhaus Architecture Walking Tour
Architecture buffs will love this tour of Tel Aviv’s oldest avenue: Rothschild Boulevard. Known as the “White City” for its collection of historic Bauhaus buildings, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed.
When: Every Saturday at 11 a.m.
Walking Tour of the Restored German Templar Colony
What was once a historic colony founded by German Templars was transformed into a British military base before acting as the headquarters for both the Israeli Army and Mossa. Today, Sarona, the heart of Tel Aviv, is home to food markets, boutiques, and renowned restaurants.
When: Every Friday at 11 a.m.
Guided Tour of Tel Aviv’s Most Picturesque Neighborhood
The first neighborhood of Tel Aviv is full of the city’s artistic heritage — and picturesque homes and streets. The tour includes a free visit to the Nahum Gutman Museum of Art and a walk on Rothschild Boulevard’s Independence Trail.
When: Every Thursday at 10 a.m.
Dizengoff Center Sustainability Tour
For a look at urban sustainability — Tel Aviv style — a visit to the Dizengoff Center allows visitors to check out the center’s green rooftop, see the “tree nursery,” learn about biodynamic beehives and insect hotels, and visit a farm that’s growing vegetables using hydroponic and aquaponic methods. The earth and food-focused tour ends with a visit to one of Tel Aviv’s oldest food markets.
When: Every Thursday at 4 p.m.
There’s no need to book or reserve a spot in advance, simply show up at the designated meeting place — found here — and enjoy! Just don't forget to tip your tour guides.
