Disclosure: This Tel Aviv travel blog may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Tel Aviv Blog: Tel Aviv Travel Tips

• For all of my Israel travel tips head to my Israel travel blog here (and there are a lot of tips).
• The main airport in Tel Aviv (and in the whole country of Israel) is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Train and Taxi are your two options to get to the city.
  • A taxi is my go-to to get to Tel Aviv from the airport. The airport is about a 25 minute ride to the city of Tel Aviv and should be around ~150-170 shekels normally, and around ~190-200 shekels on Shabbat/middle of the night. It is easier to get one directly from the taxi line as soon as you exit the airport and turn left to the authorized taxi lines. Do NOT go with anyone who comes up to you and says they are a taxi. You have to download the Gett Taxi app (more details later) to get the taxi and it gives you a code, and then you can pay by card in the app.
  • You can also take the train which is a direct train to any of Tel Aviv’s 3 train stations, however the stations are on the border of Tel Aviv meaning you will have to then take a taxi or bus to your accommodation. The train is a cheaper alternative from the airport for sure, but keep in mind on the location of where your accommodation is.
  • If you are just visiting Tel Aviv I do not suggest renting a car in Israel as parking is hard to come by in Tel Aviv and you do NOT need a car by any means for any Tel Aviv activity. However, if you are exploring the country of Israel (which I suggest, duh) then read my Israel car rental guide on my country guide here.
• Download Gett app. Gett was made in Israel and is the primary way to get around Tel Aviv and Israel in general. We do not use Uber or Lyft in Israel so Gett makes it super easy. Gett just uses taxis in Tel Aviv but it makes it easier because you can pay by credit card. Speaking of which…
• Cabs in Tel Aviv will either give you a set price to your destination within the city or you can choose meter when you get in. I always would choose meter (if I don’t use Gett) because they will rip you off. ESPECIALLY if you are speaking in English and they know you don’t live there. Always do meter. Also most cabs do not accept credit cards, it’s cash only, which is why I like having Gett!
• Download Bird or Lime: Scooters are huge in Tel Aviv and one of our main way of transportations. There are bike lanes on almost every street now and the scooters come with helmets.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 

Tel Aviv Packing Tips: Tel Aviv is HOT and HUMID in the summer and mild in the winter. It can always be beach weather, even in winter. Sunscreen is an absolute must during any visit to Israel. My favorite face sunscreen ever is this Sunbum stick (buy here). I think I own 5 of them and they last forever. They’re the best for travel since its solid too! For more of my fave packing items I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here or my favorite travel gear here or the best travel items you need under $20!

TEL AVIV ITINERARY: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TEL AVIV ISRAEL

Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market)

A MUST! The famous Shuk HaCarmel (open-air market) in Tel Aviv is by far one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv and the number one spot not to miss on a Tel Aviv Itinerary. Come to the Tel Aviv Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) any day of the week to shop for anything you could ever think of (clothes, home goods, antiques, candy, falafel, hummus, fruits) and the freshest produce and food. I urge you to try the food in the Shuk, specifically: strawberries (in winter), falafel and halva. Some of the best restaurants are also on the OUTSKIRTS of the Shuk so make sure to weave in and out of the alleys, too, not just the main road! This is also where you will find all of your tourist gifts you could ever want to buy to bring home (IDF sweatshirts, evil eye and hamsa bracelets, keychains and more). I also HIGHLY suggest taking a food tour when visiting the Shuk to really immerse yourself in the history of the Shuk and each of the food stalls. Delicious Israel runs the best food tours I highly recommend (have done it twice!), you can read my review on the tour lower in this guide!

A true local Tel Aviv experience is going to the Shuk on Friday morning right before Shabbat when it is bustling and beyond crowded. Also spending all day here on Fridays is the thing to do – have a drink at one of the many spots on the alleys of the Shuk and people watch until sundown.

• TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: Negotiating the price of what you’re buying is a 100% must at the Tel Aviv Carmel Market! They will always come down.
• TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: If you are a looking to buy produce and food, the farther down in the Shuk you go towards the end, the cheaper the price.
• TEL AVIV INSIDER TIP: If you are walking on the outskirts of the Shuk and see the floor is RED, that means you are in the meat section!

Walk (or scooter) the Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet)

Walk the whole length of the Tel Aviv Boardwalk (better known as the Tayelet, which technically translates to Promenade). The Tel Aviv Tayelet stretches all the way from the port of Tel Aviv (the Namal) in the North of Tel Aviv all the way down to Jaffa in the South along the Mediterranean Sea. The Tayelet is such a gorgeous place to run, bike, scooter or walk and, for obvious reasons, has the best sunset views. This is one of my top things to do in Tel Aviv every single day. I could walk along the Tayelet forever. Scooters (or Korkinet in Hebrew) have also become wildly popular thanks to Lime, Bird and Wind definitely rent one and ride up and down (in the bike lanes!!).

Jaffa (Yafo)

Jaffa (Yafo) is the southern tip and oldest area of Tel Aviv. It is an absolute must-visit to add into your Tel Aviv itinerary travel time as the history is tremendous and shows a different side of Tel Aviv. You need to spend a good part of a full day visiting Jaffa and all that it has to offer especially since it is also up and coming (there are THREE new luxury hotels that have opened in the past year (18/19). While visiting Yafo, you should do the following:

• Walk around the Jaffa Port.
• Get lost in the Jaffa cobblestone alleys up and down from the Port to the top while stopping in cute boutique stores.
• Shop at the Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPushPashim) (my favorite name ever). Here you will find everything from antiques, jewelry, furniture and more.
• See: the Zodiac Fountain, the Gate Of Faith and the Jaffa Clocktower.
• Eat at a Middle Eastern restaurant with lots of small plates (see below for my recommendations).
• Head to Abu Hassan for the voted best hummus in Tel Aviv (but get there as early as possible because they close as soon as they run out (usually near 2pm) since they make it daily!).
• Walk to the top of the hill from the bottom and turn around to see the stunning views of the Tel Aviv skyline.
• Walk across the Wishing Bridge and find your astrological sign, hold it and ask for a wish and it will come true!
• Favorite Jaffa Restaurants to stop at for lunch include Puaa and Beit Kandinof!

Related Post: One Day In Dubai Itinerary

Shuk Levinsky (Levinsky Market)

Levinsky Market is another one of the best things to do during your Tel Aviv travels that, in all honesty, most people do not get to on their first visit to Tel Aviv but should. A lot of people focus on the beaches and the Carmel Market BUT Levinsky Market should be on EVERYONE’s Tel Aviv itinerary! Levinsky Market Tel Aviv is one of the oldest markets in the country and is located in Florentin (more on Florentin later) and is totally different than the Carmel Market. Shuk Levinsky is a market dedicated to Israeli spices, nuts and fruits as well as popular Turkish and Greek foods (there are two different sides of the street for each of these). It is one of the much more popular local things to do in Tel Aviv (why I love it) and open-air. You won’t find tourist souvenirs here. I also HIGHLY suggest doing a Food Tour in Levinsky Market (more on that in Food Tour section below).

• Some of my favorite spots and foods you must try in Levinsky Market are: Levinsky 41 (Cafe Levinsky) for a Gazoz Drink (flavored fresh soda water with an Israeli twist), Yom Tov Deli for olives and vegetables (get the hibiscus flower wrapped goat cheese it is insane), Halva Magic for Halva, duh, Burekas Penso for amazing Burekas and Saluf & Sons for Yemenite Kubaneh.

Rabin Square

[As of 2023 Rabin Square is under construction for the new metro line so you may have to walk a bit farther and in between streets to find the memorial] Rabin Square (Kikar Rabin) is probably the most famous square in Tel Aviv and is largely historical. It is a big square in Tel Aviv on one of the main streets, Ibn Gabirol. Most importantly, you must check out the Rabin Memorial Monument at the edge of the square which has an exact replication of how Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination was carried out in 1995. It is incredibly somber and powerful to see the exact movements of this terrorist act and how it occurred. Rabin Square is also extremely lively at nighttime as there are tons of shows and events for various holidays and also peaceful protests are held here often whenever there is something to protest about in Israel (which is often)!

Rothschild Boulevard

Rothschild Boulevard is Tel Aviv’s oldest street and by far the prettiest street in Tel Aviv. It is lined with trees in the middle and has walking/biking paths. It is such a gorgeous and historical street to walk around. If you walk to the end of it (South) you’ll get to Florentin and the Neve Tzedek neighborhoods and on the other side (North) all the way at Kikar Habima (Habima Square), near Dizengoff Center. At the top of it (South) there is a tourist booth where you can take a DIY walking tour pamphlet to read while walking down Rothschild and it will tell you some important facts as you’re walking! There’s a metal strip down the street how its Independence Road. Rothschild is also a hub for Tel Aviv’s famous nightlife with a ton of bars and clubs lining the street on the South end.

Independence Hall

Tel Aviv Independence Hall is one of the only historical museum-type spots most people visit on Israel tours. It is a must-go just for the history lesson of Israel becoming a country and its independence. It is on Rothschild Boulevard and you really only need less than an hour here.

Related Post: Israel Country Travel Guide

Tel Aviv Port (Namal)

Namal translates to port and this is in the Old North of Tel Aviv. It is the main port of Tel Aviv (and Israel) and you can walk around it. There are a lot of nice restaurants, bars and clubs on the Namal as well with great outdoor seating. There are also a ton of stores to shop at. Definitely suggest walking around the Namal for part of a day. There are always people walking, running or biking around here and the Namal at night is beyond lively.

Tel Aviv Beaches & Sunsets

Obviously the main Tel Aviv point of interest to tourists are the beaches! The beaches of Tel Aviv are some of the best in the world and stretches a vast NINE miles and you can find different types of beaches (13 of them!) for all interests. Tel Aviv sits right on the Mediterranean Sea and this long coast also gives way to some of the best sunsets since it faces West. One of my favorite things to do is sit at the Tel Aviv beach restaurants (like LaLaLand, Calypso, Hilton Beach) and order watermelon and feta and a bottle of rosé. Watermelon is Israel’s summer fruit and you will see everyone eating it on the beach! My personal favorite Tel Aviv beach is Gordon Beach which is right by the Sheraton Hotel and has LaLaLand restaurant right on it. It also has lots of umbrellas, chairs, right in the center of the city and great food.

• Some of the best Tel Aviv beaches to people watch are Gordon Beach (LaLaLand restaurant is one of the better beach restaurants), Frischman Beach (a lot of French people head here), the Dog Beach (aptly named), Hilton Bay Beach (the new up and coming trendier beach) and Banana Beach. You can’t go wrong anywhere. You can just walk on to any beach wherever you are staying closest to as well! You don’t need passes as they’re not private.
• You can buy a lounge chair for 16 shekels (~$5), a regular chair for 6 shekels (~$2) and an umbrella for 18 shekels (~$6). You have to buy them at the machines attached to each beach restaurant building. The beaches in Tel Aviv are amazing and I urge you to camp out there for more than one day of your trip to relax. And watch the Tel Aviv sunsets. They never ever get old.

Shopping in Tel Aviv

There is SO much good shopping in Tel Aviv. Head to Sheinkin Street for the most trendy street with the best boutique shopping in Tel Aviv. Head to Dizengoff Street, one of the main streets in the city that is lined with stores and a million restaurants and bars. Make sure to walk on Dizengoff Square right in the center, it was just recently reopened after being refurbished in 2019! Head to Neve Tzedek for the most upscale and expensive shopping in Tel Aviv. One of my FAVORITE spots to shop & one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is to go to Nachlat Binyamin Street (next to the Carmel Market) on Tuesdays and Fridays. There is an outdoor market on these days with stands set up by local artists and designers selling their goods. It is the BEST local Tel Aviv shopping and I have bought so many gifts and home decor and pieces here. A must.

Related Post: What To Do In The Negev Desert and South Of Israel

Sarona Market

Sarona Market is somewhat new (<5 years) and is in Central Tel Aviv. It’s basically a food complex and is a bunch of great food/snack places, drinks and shops to check out and just walk around during the day. It reminds me of Chelsea Market in NYC. The Market is an indoor complex with a bunch of spots to choose from and then surrounding the indoor market there is a HUGE outdoor space with more shops and restaurants. It’s a really popular lunch spot since it’s near a lot of Tel Aviv offices. There are about 90 stalls inside so take your time choosing what to eat!

Florentin and Neve Tzedek Neighborhoods

Florentin is a hipster neighborhood in Tel Aviv mostly known for their street art/graffiti (and also Levinsky Market, above). If you are a street art person definitely walk around Florentin Tel Aviv and get lost looking at the amazing Tel Aviv street art! Neve Tzedek is the most chic and trendiest (and most expensive) neighborhood of Tel Aviv. It’s home to some of the most posh stores and restaurants as well. The cobblestone streets of Neve Tzedek make it my favorite though. The main street to walk along in Neve Tzedek is Shabazi Street. You also must stop at Anita’s and have their famous gelato here. 

HaTachana

The HaTachana (translates to train station) is an area near Neve Tzedek that used to be an old train station! They repurposed it to be a really cute complex to walk around with a bunch of stores, bars and restaurants! It’s pretty cool how they built this area on top of old tracks and some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in Tel Aviv are in the HaTachana.

HaYarkon Park

HaYarkon Park is in the North of Tel Aviv. My favorite part of the park is that it’s not a tourist destination at all; you’ll almost solely find Tel Aviv locals here. You can find people kayaking on the Yarkon River, walking around the parks and playing sports throughout. The botanical gardens and large concert venues here also make for a great setting for any activity. The park was one of my favorite places to go during my spare time and is a true Tel Aviv local spot.

Related Post: Day Trips From Tel Aviv

Where To Eat In Tel Aviv

One of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is EAT! I am so beyond obsessed with the Tel Aviv food I plan my trips and itineraries around where I am eating in Tel Aviv! I have FINALLLLY finished my MASSIVE beyond massive Food Guide to Tel Aviv. After 10+ visits and living here three times, I know my Tel Aviv food. In the guide, I go in depth into all the cuisines, where to eat for any type of meal you may be craving and more. You can literally find ANYTHING you want to eat in Tel Aviv and this Tel Aviv food guide has it all. I listed a few of the best below in case you are skimming quickly but I highly recommend you read the full guide so you find your perfect spots for your Tel Aviv itinerary.

Visit my massive FULL FOOD IN TEL AVIV GUIDE here!

• Best breakfast/brunches: Café Xoho, Bucke Cafe and Yom Tov Cafe
• Best street food lunch: HaKosem, Jasmino, Shlomo v Doron, Hummus Abu Hassan, HaShomer 1
• Best dinner spots: HaBasta, North Abraxas, Abie, Old Man & The Sea, Ha’Achim, Port Sa’id and La Shuk
• Best sweets: Anita Gelato, Tamara and Arte Cafe

Again, visit my massive FULL FOOD IN TEL AVIV GUIDE here!

BONUS: Tel Aviv Food Tour

If you know me at all you know I try to do food tour’s in every city I visit in order to really immerse myself in their cuisine and culture. If you also couldn’t tell from the above, I am beyond obsessed with Israeli food and specifically the Tel Aviv food scene. So when I found Delicious Israel Food Tours during my time living there in 2019, I could NOT pass up the opportunity on taking this tour. I can honestly, whole-heartedly say this was the ABSOLUTE BEST food tour I have EVER taken. This is THE way to eat Tel Aviv. And I am saying that as someone who has taken similar food tours in other countries AND have already tried (what I thought was) the best of the best in Tel Aviv.

Delicious Israel offers a ton of different Israel food tour options around the country, I personally chose the Market Hop tour which is a four hour tour that goes to both the Carmel Market and Levinsky Market. I chose this one so that I could get a taste of each of my favorite markets, instead of focusing on one since they are both so insanely different. The tour was amazing. I thought four hours was going to be too long. NOPE. It felt like 5 seconds. My guide Lainie was amazing and you could tell how much she cared about the Israeli food, the spots she brought us to (which each had a unique story and personality) and the history behind it. If you are in Tel Aviv and love food (duh) BOOK A TOUR WITH DELICIOUS ISRAEL now. This is the most important part of the Tel Aviv travel guide. I am confident their other tours are just as good as the Market Hop. I cannot wait to go back and literally try every single one of their tours until I do them all! I will go more into detail on every single stop we took on my massive food guide as well, but run, do not walk, to booking this Tel Aviv food tour. It DOES sell out daily. I emailed to book in February and didn’t get a free date until April – hurry !! This has to be on your Tel Aviv itinerary no questions.

Book the Delicious Israel Market Hop or any of their other food tours here!

*Thanks to Inbal for inviting me on the Delicious Israel Market Hop food tour! While I did receive this tour as a gift, my review and experience is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Related Post: Food Tour in Porto Portugal Guide

Nightlife & Bars In Tel Aviv

Bars In Tel Aviv

• Cocktail bars in Tel Aviv I love: Dizengoff 223, Bellboy, Spicehaus, Concierge, Honolulu, Por do Sol (go for sunset!!)
• Anywhere on Nachlat Binyamin Street for the vibes.
• Teder: One of my favorite spots that I frequent weekly. Good vibes outdoor courtyard bar that is fun any night of the week. Many Saturdays there are live music shows as well. Within the complex there is also a restaurant upstairs called Romano, a record bar on the ground floor, and a few other bars within. There is also pizza in the bar. The best pizza in Tel Aviv. Get it.
• Casa Maya: Rooftop bar on Rothschild.

Bar Clubs In Tel Aviv

• Kuli Alma: One of the most popular bars in Tel Aviv. It has a hipster vibe but it is so cool. The top floor is all outdoor tables and chill, then the bottom there is a bar area and then in the back room is a club area. They play all hiphop/rap music. Go later on in the night.
• Jimmy Who: Fun bar/club on Rothschild, better for people in their young 20s.
• Abraxas: Attached to the Abraxas restaurant is a bar that gets really wild on the weekends. However, Israeli night is on Wednesday nights and it is my absolute favorite. If you are looking for a local night I highly recommend going on Wednesdays, otherwise, come any other night of the week and it is a vibe! Probably my favorite bar in Tel Aviv.
• Mondo 2000: Rooftop bar/club in Florentin. There is usually a wait to get in.
• Secret Garden (Bustan): My personal favorite club (usually Saturday late afternoon/evening). Super cool Tulum type vibes.
• Shalvata: The “it” young club in Tel Aviv for the summers since it’s outside on the port. Only open in the summer. Skews a bit younger.
• Other going out/rowdy clubs in Tel Aviv I love: Goat, Emesh.

Sunset Bars in Tel Aviv

• Loullie: Chic beach club right on the tayelet where you can sit at a table and watch the sunset and often has fun DJs on Saturdays. Need to save a table.
• Migdalor: Newest sunset spot in the city and a bit far as it’s past the port all the way in the North but has one of my favorite views of the sunset and all of Tel Aviv and is a massive spot with an amazing vibe. Can just walk in – all ages! (often there are kids here!)
• Por de Sol: Amazing small bar on the top of the steps at Ben Gurion/Tayelet (Kikar Atarim)
• Contento: Another cute bar right on the Tayelet on top of the marina. Amazing sunset.
• Any of the restaurants on the beach!

*Tip: A lot of the bars and clubs in Tel Aviv you have to be over 24 years old to get into. This is because Israelis go into the army after high school and THEN college, meaning they are out of college at 24 and the bars do not want college kids there, even though they’re of age (drinking age is 18). Just be mindful of this that you may get rejected, but we rarely had issues at every bar.

Tel Aviv Hotels & Where To Stay In Tel Aviv

I’ve lived in Tel Aviv, I’ve visited with friends, I’ve been on group trips and I’ve visited with my family, so it’s safe to say I have stayed in many different areas at different budgets. I personally suggest staying at a hotel when you visit Tel Aviv right on the Mediterranean Sea but you still can’t go wrong wherever you choose since Tel Aviv is such a small walking city.

• BEACH HOTELS in Tel Aviv are the absolute best. I suggest somewhere near the center of the city (Allenby Street). You will find plenty of ranges of different hotels on Tel Aviv beach. You will find a ton of big chain hotels here (Sheraton Tel Aviv, Hilton Tel Aviv), the David Intercontinental Tel Aviv (which has the best hotel brunch I’ve ever had). I personally recommend the Royal Beach Hotel (where I have my parents stay when they visit each time) or the new David Kempinski just opened (Spring 2022) and is the new, nicest hotel in Tel Aviv. It is truly like no other place here, but definitely comes the price. Highly recommend.
• BOUTIQUE CASUAL: There are a ton of new boutique hotels that have opened near the beach (personally I like boutique better), I recommend Mendeli Street Hotel (amazing brunch), Brown Beach House or Fabric Hotel I have been in all and they’re both great and in amazing locations!
• LUXE BOUTIQUE HOTELS: If you are coming during the winter and don’t need to be close to the beach, there are a TON of luxe boutique hotels near Rothschild and the Tel Aviv Center for a range of budgets. I recommend The Norman (one of the most luxurious and best hotels in Tel Aviv), Hotel Montefiore, The Vera Hotel, The Rothschild Hotel or Poli House!
• JAFFA HOTELS: Lastly, there have been luxury hotels popping up all over Jaffa as it becomes the new hot spot in Tel Aviv so if you want to stay in a different area DEFINITELY check out The Setai Tel Aviv or The Jaffa Tel Aviv.
• Book the hotels by clicking their names above!

Search and book all Tel Aviv hotels by clicking here! Read reviews on Tel Aviv hotels on TripAdvisor here.

• For a cheap hotel in Tel Aviv or hostel in Tel Aviv, I HIGHLY recommend Abraham Hostel. This is THE hostel to stay at – it hosts a ton of bar crawls, events, and is by far the highest rated hostel group in the country and is an amazing place to meet people! Definitely, definitely book Abraham for a fun time and clean hostel in Tel Aviv!

Book Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv here!!

• AIRBNB Tel Aviv: There are also so many amazing, modern apartments in Tel Aviv. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it in Israel – Israeli hosts are amazing. Airbnb Tel Aviv has tons of options, too! Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

More Things To Do In Tel Aviv: Weekend & Day Trips From Tel Aviv

Another one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv is to take day trips or weekend trips around Israel, it is a benefit of being a small country and Tel Aviv is situated in the center of Israel so a perfect home base. Travel guides for each of these locations coming soon! For now, check out my Israel travel blog here on what to pack, safety and what to expect when visiting Israel!

• Jerusalem
  • My extensive Jerusalem guide coming soon – but Jerusalem is an absolute MUST when visiting Tel Aviv.
• Day Trips From Tel Aviv: Haifa, Akko, Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov
• The West Bank
• Masada, Ein Gedi & the Dead Sea
• The North of Israel (Golan Heights, The Galilee, & Tzfat)
• The South of Israel (Mizpe Ramon, Sde Boker, Ein Avedat, Sderot, Gaza Border & Salad Trail) AND/OR Eilat, Petra and Sinai

Loved this local Tel Aviv blog and Tel Aviv itinerary travel guide? Pin for later or share with friends!

Did I miss one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv Israel that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit. Don’t forget to read my Tel Aviv Food Guide and then see my general Israel travel blog here to know what to expect when visiting Israel! Hope you liked this extensive local Tel Aviv blog!

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post TEL AVIV BLOG: A DETAILED LOCAL’S GUIDE TO VISITING TEL AVIV ITINERARY appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This Paphos Excursions & Paphos City Guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

I used EcoTour Adventures to help us plan an excursion for one of our full days in Cyprus. Andreas, the owner of EcoTour Adventures, was beyond easy to work with and quick to respond. He customized a private jeep tour for us catering to our personal interests and desires. I found their prices for a private tour (and also their group tour offerings) to be comparable and better to other tour companies and the customer service is fantastic. Don’t go to Paphos without checking out EcoTour Adventures offerings and booking through them!

Cyprus Packing & Travel Tips

• For everything you need to know about traveling to and visiting Cyprus head to my Cyprus Travel Guide.
• Airport: If you are visiting Paphos, I highly suggest flying into Paphos Airport. Its 10 minutes from the town. Larnaca is also a popular international airport but it’s a two hour drive from Paphos. We did the drive one way, and the Paphos airport was much easier!!!!
• Travel Insurance: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

CYPRUS PACKING TIPS: Cyprus is one of the warmest locations in all of Europe year-round. In the summer, it is extremely hot! Especially if you are doing outdoor activities while visiting Cyprus (which you likely are) BE PREPARED and bring A LOT of sunscreen. I love this Sunbum sunscreen stick here that I always travel with since it fits in a small purse and is solid, and you can re-apply without needing a mirror. I also am obsessed with my S’well water bottle which keeps your water freezing cold for 24 hours – much needed in the heat and long hiking days. For all of my fave packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!

How To Get To Paphos Cyprus

As I mentioned in my Cyprus travel blog guide, Cyprus is divided into two; the North occupied by Turkey and the South by the UN. There are two airports in South Cyprus: Larnaca International Airport (the biggest airport, code: LCA) and then a much smaller one in Paphos (Paphos International Airport, code: PFO)! There are plenty of airlines that fly to Paphos from all around Europe and the Middle East so if you are basing yourself in Paphos, definitely try to fly in and out of there as it’s only a ten minute drive to the Paphos town. We ended up flying into Paphos with Ryanair and then flying out of Larnaca with El Al Up since it was the latest flight out and we wanted to maximize our time. Larnaca International Airport is only an hour and a half drive from Paphos so it really isn’t TOO bad and is definitely doable if you can’t use Paphos Airport!

What To Do In Paphos Cyprus

Paphos is a tiny, tiny town situated on the West Coast of Cyprus right on the Mediterranean Sea – making way for some of the best sunsets over the water you will ever see in your life! There’s not SO much to do in the town of Cyprus – you really only need a few hours (like 2) to walk around the Paphos town and eat lunch outside at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Oh, and the beaches are pretty amazing! Most people come to Paphos to do an excursion around the country!

As I mentioned above, we chose to do the Akamas Peninsula Jeep Tour Excursion with EcoTour Adventures and could not have been happier with our choice. Below I outline all of the stops you can make and then some other Paphos day trips and excursions you can take, as well as what to do in the town of Paphos! If you want to book the Akamas tour, head here! Please note they have group tour options and private tours – we did a private tour so we could customize as we liked!

Paphos Excursions

Akamas Peninsula Jeep Tour

We purposely chose to stay in Paphos to do the Akamas Peninsula tour when I was doing my Cyprus planning. The Akamas Peninsula’s top spots are largely only accessible by jeep and we were up for the adventure and the drastic different types of locations we could see on a full-day tour. Andreas gave us tips on which places to go to and an ideal itinerary leading up to the trip. I would highly recommend Ecotour Adventures for any tour you choose when visiting Cyprus. The tour was beyond better than we had expected and Andreas, the owner, was fantastic, and he was our own tour guide! Below is the Akamas itinerary and a little about each stop!

Stop 1: Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra Tou Romiou)

Ok so *technically* Aphrodite’s Rock is NOT on the Akamas Peninsula BUT it’s SO close to Paphos (20 minute drive South) and one of the most famous mythological spots in the world that I couldn’t not visit it! Since we did a private tour, we were able to fully customize our tour and add the Rocks of Aphrodite to our destinations. It did not disappoint. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was said to have been born here. There is a myth that if you swim 3 times around the rocks it will bring eternal beauty and youth to you, however it is generally discouraged to swim here because of the rough waters in this area. This is a must-stop in my opinion when visiting Paphos and visiting Cyprus in general! TIP: Do NOT cross the highway from the parking lot across the street at the cafe. Walk down the stairs next to the cafe and walk in the underpass.

Stop 2: Cypriot Bakery in Polis, Cyprus

Our second stop was at the border of the Akamas Peninsula (about an hour and a half drive from Aphrodite’s Rock, only an hour drive from Paphos) at a well-known bakery in the small town of Polis, Cyprus. This was to pick up lunch and snacks for later since this would be our last time in civilization for a few hours. The baked goods here were so unreal we had such an issue picking out what to get! Ultimately we went with a lot of chocolate goods as well as sandwiches with Cyprus’ best known cheese, Halloumi! After this quick stop we were off into the Peninsula and onto the off-roading (and fun) part of the trip. After this you will not be on a real road for another four to five hours!

Stop 3: Baths of Aphrodite (Latchi)

This is one of the most famous places to see in all of Cyprus, but to me it was quite underwhelming. It is the first stop in the true Akamas Peninsula and is a natural cave where it is said that the mythological goddess of love, Aphrodite, used to take her baths. One of the many myths surrounding the Baths of Aphrodite is that if you bathe in them, you are restored of your fertility. However, it is now prohibited to swim in these baths. The Baths of Aphrodite can be reached by nature trails in the Akamas and is only a 2 minute walk from where you park the jeep!

Related Post: Cyprus Travel Guide

Stop 4: *Secret* Private Lagoon

Ok so this was probably our favorite stop of the whole trip! Andreas, our guide, brought us to his secret lagoon spot on the way to the popular Blue Lagoon. It is totally peaceful here with no one around and you just stare out into the perfect turquoise sea and watch the waves crash onto the rocks. Normally you could go for a swim here but the tide was way too high and the waves were insane. We were perfectly happy just looking out into the water (and taking lots of pictures)!

Stop 5: Blue Lagoon Cyprus

The famous Cyprus Blue Lagoon is another main stop on an Akamas Peninsula tour. This was underwhelming to us, to be honest, after visiting the private lagoon, but it was still beautiful nonetheless. It is known for its clear water here and there are usually Blue Lagoon boat tours running that you can take as well, but since we were there in the off season and it was rough in the water, there were no tours running at this time. During the summer I would definitely take a boat out here or lay on the beach and go in the water! This is usually the stop that you spend a bunch of time at relaxing.

Stop 6: Lara Bay

Lara Bay is another staple on an Akamas Peninsula tour. It may look like just another beach on the island upon arrival, however it is actually known for its turtle conservatory station! Here, you can learn about the endangered green turtles that hatch here. If you visit Cyprus in the summer, you will even get to see them during their hatching season! On the off season, you will see where their eggs are placed on the beach and learn more about them. If the weather holds up you can also swim on this beautiful beach.

Related Post: Athens Greece Travel Guide

Stop 7: Avakas Gorge

Okay so this is one of the most popular stops on the Akamas Peninsula tours but since we added in Aphrodite’s Rock and the secret lagoon we were beyond tired by the time we got to the end that we ended up skipping this BUT I highly suggest it because the pictures look amazing! It’s about a 30 minute hike (an easy hike though) to get to the gorge from the parking lot nearby so just factor that in!

…And that’s the end of the Akamas Peninsula Tour! Overall it was a huge success of a day and one of the most fun, adventurous wild tours I have ever done. Off-roading in a jeep for 5 hours is no easy task and we had the best time that I couldn’t recommend this tour, or a variation of this tour, more! The Akamas Peninsula region is so beautiful with breathtaking views everywhere you look that you cannot go wrong with any of these stops. Check out some more pictures of the beautiful nature and wildlife surrounding the Akamas Peninsula.

Click on any of the stop names above to get more information on the destination!

Other Things to Do in Paphos City and Paphos Day Trips/Paphos Excursions

• Troodos Mountain Day Trip: Usually includes a wine tour and lots of nature hikes in the beautiful mountains. Another one of the most popular Paphos excursions. You can check out EcoTours Troodos Mountain tour here!
• Day Trip to Nicosia: The Cyprus capital and divided city of Nicosia is a must if you have more days in Cyprus.
• Cyprus Cities: Head to other main cities in South Cyprus like Limassol, Larnaca or the Ayia Napa beaches (big, young party scene)!
• Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos: Known for its amazing mosaics piece. Definitely a must-do when staying in Paphos.
• Tombs of the Kings: A UNESCO site right in Paphos
• Paphos Castle: Walk here along the water in Paphos (it’s right at the end) for amazing sunset views.
• Paphos Harbor and Port: Just get lost walking around Paphos waterfront promenade! It is so beautiful walking along the Mediterranean you cannot go wrong!

Find out more about all of these activities in Cyprus by clicking their names!

Related Post: Mykonos Travel Guide

Where To Eat In Paphos

The Paphos town as I mentioned is super small and cute and there are a ton of restaurants lining the Mediterranean Sea. Check out some of these restaurants that are well-known!

• The Pelican: We ate lunch here and sat here for around 3 hours just enjoying the outdoors and being on the sea drinking wine and eating lots of little plates! It is also known that you can see pelicans regularly walking around here (hence the name) but we weren’t so lucky!
• Theos: Theos is another one of the best restaurants in Paphos that I highly suggest!
• Suite 48: This restaurant is located directly next to Amphora hotel with a beautiful outdoor and indoor seating spot. We ate here the first night and loved it! Such good salad, mezzes and food all around!
• Mare Mare: Mare Mare is another great restaurant I highly recommend right along the Mediterranean Sea in Paphos!

Click the Paphos restaurant names above to find out more.

Bars In Paphos

• Mare Mare: Like I mentioned above, Mare Mare has one of the best views, which makes for a great bar spot as well!
• Baywatch Cocktail Bar: A fun bar in Paphos, a few blocks inland from the sea strip.
• Alea Cafe Lounge Bar: A fun lounge bar right along the waterfront.

Click the Paphos bar names above to find out more.

Related Post: Santorini Travel Guide

Where To Stay In Paphos

I recommend staying at Amphora Hotel and Suites. I was obsessed with this hotel. Amphora was right on the Mediterranean and every room faces the sea with amazing balconies and views. The hotel was all modern and updated and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The pools and pool bar are amazing and the location is perfection. Additionally, the hotel was beyond affordable coming in at less than $200 total for 2 nights for a Superior Double Room (note: we did go during off-season). This also included a free buffet breakfast which was huge and delicious. I can’t recommend Amphora enough!

Book Amphora Hotel and Suites here or search for other Paphos hotels below! Read reviews on Amphora Hotel on TripAdvisor here.

AIRBNB Paphos: Many people also choose to stay in Airbnb in Paphos. I personally chose the hotel route because we only had two quick nights there, but I suggest an Airbnb in Paphos if you are staying longer than a weekend! If you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

*Thanks to Ecotour Adventures for helping set up our private Akamas tour and customizing it to our desires in order to make this blog post possible! While I did receive discounts on my Paphos excursions through Ecotour Adventures, my review and experience with them is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Like this Cyprus & Paphos Excursions travel guide? Pin it for later or share with friends!

Did I miss something in my Paphos Excursions and Paphos City Guide that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit and check out my Cyprus Travel Blog for more tips and what to expect when visiting Cyprus!

About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

The post PAPHOS EXCURSIONS & PAPHOS CITY GUIDE IN CYPRUS appeared first on From East to West | Detailed Travel Guides.

Disclosure: This “Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece” post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Santorini Travel Tips

• SANTORINI PACKING: Looking for what to pack for Santorini? For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: When visiting Santorini, I highly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know what may happen to your flights, a death/personal emergency in your family, or an accident happening while traveling (think: getting mugged, falling while hiking and spraining your ankle, literally any accident than can happen ANYWHERE!). World Nomads makes it super easy and I never leave for a trip without getting their insurance. Most importantly it’s extremely affordable: get your World Nomads travel insurance before your trip here!

How To Get To Santorini

Like Mykonos, we took a 2 hour ferry to Santorini which was quick, easy and cheap ($55). This ferry had an open deck and not assigned seating and the views were gorgeous! There are also plenty of Athens to Santorini flights and even flights from other select European countries.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI GREECE

The two main towns are Fira (Thira) and Oia (pronounced ee-ah). Fira is more residential with many hotels and where I suggest staying. Oia is the sunset town, and stunning. Of course there are plenty of gorgeous villas here as well, but not as much to do.

Santorini Beaches

There are many gorgeous beaches in Santorini, which make for great day trips. You can take busses to pretty much anywhere on the island from Fira. I suggest Perissa or Kamari beaches which are both black sand beaches.

Santorini Wine Tours

Santorini has great wine and the Santo Wine Tours is supposed to be amazing. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time for this and when we tried to make a last minute reservation they were all booked. You must make a reservation in advance.

Day Trip to Oia

If staying in Fira, take an entire afternoon trip to Oia. You can take a bus here from Fira, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 1.6 Euros. It has the cutest little town, all along the water, with stunning views on top of the cliffs. The little alleys are lined with cute Greek stores for all your tourist souvenirs. There are so many gorgeous churches to look at and stunning white buildings with blue tops. And of course, the sunset. Oia is equivalent to the words Santorini sunsets. THIS IS THE SPOT TO WATCH THE SANTORINI SUNSET.  People line up for the best sunset views at least 2 hours before the sunset. I wish I was kidding. Make your way to the top point of Oia and you will see everyone standing and the beautiful view. Post up there until after the sunset and just watch the stunning beauty.

• TIP: Instead of trying to get a dinner with a sunset view (unlikely), have dinner AFTER the sunset. It will be empty as everyone will have left and you will still get to enjoy the amazing food and views at night.

Hike Fira to Oia

There is an amazing hike from Fira to Oia that you can alternatively do to get there. The hike takes about 3-4 hours and provides stunning views. Highly suggested if you have extra days there and love to be active.

Spend A Day In Fira

Fira is a bustling town with lots of shops, views restaurants and activities. You can spend hours in these streets shopping for anything you want, eating the best Greek food and riding donkeys. Fira also has a stunning sunset, so make sure to post up here on your other nights!

Santorini Donkey Ride

Many Greeks get around Santorini on donkeys and you will always find tourists riding them up and down at the edge of Fira to the water. It is 5 Euros to ride them either up or down (one way) and is definitely an experience you must not miss. There is also a cute little dock and boats area when you get to the bottom so definitely plan to walk around a bit at the bottom of Santorini!

• TIP: Ride the donkeys DOWN the hill and take the cable car back up. Riding the donkeys up the hill hurts wildly due to the bumps and steps.

Fish Eating In Santorini

While highly ticklish, my feet were definitely smoother and cleaner afterwards! Fish eating is a fun activity when you want to cool down or relax in Santorini! You will see many places around Fira that offer this service – choose the cheapest one for a little real-life spa service.

• Looking for more to do? Take a quick ferry over to another amazing Greek Island, Corfu!

• Also check out this guide to find even more on what to do in Santorini!

Santorini Restaurants

Typical Greek food, here are some recommendations in Fira I loved!

• Idol Santorini: Great breakfast and sunset view
• Aris Santorini: Greek food with an amazing view
• Our Corner: Amazing crepe place for the morning! On the main street in Fira on the way into town.

Where To Party In Santorini

The Santorini nightlife isn’t as magical as it is in Mykonos but there is still plenty to do! Some fun bars in Santorini are:

• Tango Cocktail Bar
• Franco’s Bar

Where To Stay In Santorini

I highly, highly suggest staying at hotels in Fira over Oia as there is much more to do! We stayed in Fira about a 2 minute walk from town. The hotel was called Golden Star Santorini and it was a perfect location and perfect budget hotel. The rooms were small but great for two people and they had a gorgeous pool in the back with stunning views of the ocean. Highly recommended Golden Star, you can book by clicking here! Read reviews on Golden Star on TripAdvisor here!

AIRBNB Santorini: There are also so many cute apartments in Santorini with extra nice hosts. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!

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Did I miss what to do in Santorini that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! Head here if you are looking for my Mykonos Greece guide or here for my Athens Greece guide! Don’t forget to check out my full Greece travel guide here!

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