Welcome to “Introducing Israel”, In this series, we will explore Israel and discover some hidden gems. 

I’m Arielle and I invite you to come with me on this intimate journey and transport yourself for a few minutes to this magical place.

Today I’m going to share with you what my typical Thursday looks like 

(Make sure you listen all the way through, so you don’t miss any of my tips.) 

Night-time TEL AVIV…  

The vibrancy of Tel Aviv is reflected in its culture, cuisine, art, and architecture.

Nevertheless, Tel Aviv comes alive at night, and the phrase "a city that never sleeps" takes on a whole new meaning. 

From all-night dance parties to art bars and underground events, it’s the diversity that makes this city come alive. Walk down Rothschild at 4:30 in the morning and you’ll know what I’m talking about ;)  

In a city like Tel Aviv, there are many bars to suit all interests and budgets. Fun fact: For every 12th person living here, there is a cafe, bar, or restaurant - how crazy is that?

Each week a new bar pops up, while another one closes down; each offering something new, something different, something innovative. - like the tender. fm, a bar that’s also a radio station but more about that in a bit... 

I am excited to share with you my favorite nightlife scene, to make sure you have an unforgettable night and nothing like the generic tourist experience. 

______________________

I always like to start my night in one of my favorite areas: Florentin! 

This is a lively and upcoming neighborhood full of artsy, alternative, young, never-going-home-before-5-am-type-people.

Levinsky is the main street of Florentin, and unlike other big streets, this one is car-free. When the market closes at the end of the day, Tel Avivians pull out their chairs and sofas and take to the street.

At Mano Vino, I enjoy my first glass of wine in an intimate neighborhood setting.

Enjoy your glass on Levinsky while listening to street musicians, or buy a bottle and head towards HaMesila Park. 

Florentin wouldn’t be what it is without DEDE - my all-time favorite bar. It has a cozy vibe with lots of sofas and great music. It feels just like having a drink at your best friend’s place. 

My favorite time to go is during happy hour, which starts around 6. The place gets very crowded very fast

There's nothing like freshly squeezed juice in Tel Aviv when it's hot. Then add in - the even better! When you've spent a day on the beach, tapping is what you crave. Freshly squeezed apple juice mixed with gin. 

Dede's iconic DEDE dish dits the spot for those who say don't drink on an empty stomach. 

Nothing melts as smoothly in your mouth as three different kinds of cheese inside a crispy omelet. 

[MUSIC INTERVAL]

There is abstract art decorating the otherwise grey walls, political statements filling the street corners, Marilyn Monroe dressed as a gangster, and even a Banksy painting tucked away within the Florentine streets.

Among the graffiti and industrial workshops lies a special treat for cinema lovers: Cinema Kanada. 

Two young film students tired of the mainstream media created this unique place where Tel Aviv’s cinema lovers and film creators meet. 

Cult films, documentaries, experimental short films - you name it – they have it!

Check out their Facebook page to see what’s on.

Before we leave Florentin and head towards the center of Tel Aviv, I want to tell you about one more place: Teder. fm

Dive into this alternate world away from mainstream bars, and hang out in what used to be Tel Aviv’s first shopping mall. 

Outside tables in the middle of an old gallery, great music.

The music here is amazing!

Sit in the middle of this old gallery, at one of their outside tables, and enjoy the atmosphere.

In a small room, away from the main floor, change: lies a special treat for music lovers. Browse through an endless collection of records while listening to their radio station broadcast live every night. 

Before they moved into a constant existence, Teder. f m used to be a pop-up bar combining radio station food ,and drinks for a few months every year. 

Check out their Instagram for special performances, movie nights, and second-hand markets. 

Located close to Rothschild, Teder is the perfect place to pregame and just a short walk away from – Kuli Alma. 

A journey into the night that starts by walking down the stairs into this palace full of mysticism, and charm.

Just watch out, don’t trip over the countless people sitting on the stairs taking a break from dancing. 

The place is a labyrinth. Each path leads to a different room, whether that is one of the dance floors, a more relaxed area with comfortable seats and a bar, or the vintage store hidden within all of this. 

An underground bar – underground. 

If you’re more into live music - Levontin 7 is a great place. Local bands perform here, mostly hip-hop - 

And conveniently named after its address so it's easy to find ;)

It has three spaces. On the first floor, the entrance where you can drink and meet many of the artists and musicians. 

Then there is the green cat - a great vegan pizza place. 

And in the basement is a stage with another small bar where all the magic happens. 

When in central Tel Aviv and close to Allenby, go to Port Said. A great outdoor place with low tables, mix-matched chairs, food on a piece of carton, and most people sitting on the stairs by the sidewalk. 

This place is always flooded with people, because of their amazing food! A great place to share some dishes with friends and try as many as possible/as can fit in your stomach. My favorite is the lima bean masabacha - cooked beans with tahini garlic and lemon - mmm mmm mmmmhh! 

Fun fact: Thef Eyal Shani is always a hot debate - whether he is a genius or he’s overrated – so come check it out and create your own opinion.

After all this food and drinking it is time for a true club experience! Head over to the southeast in Tel Aviv and visit The Block - right next to the central bus station. 

This place is the closest it gets to being “The Israeli Berghain”. They have a similar no-phone policy in their main space and events here always start after midnight and it usually hit the peak around 2 a.m. - so try to be there just a bit before that (you get a discount if you arrive before 1:00) 

See what it feels like when the place turns from crowded to full. ...