Jerusalem was the primary place I visited in Israel, however Tel Aviv was my old flame. Certainly, after I initially set foot in Jerusalem late one night time in September of 2010, I fairly hated town. The small lodge I’d booked had closed its reception desk for the night time, leaving me fairly actually homeless, after a disastrous expertise coming into Israel overland that afternoon no much less.
Whereas I finally reconciled with Jerusalem throughout subsequent visits over time, Tel Aviv was a spot I cherished deeply all the best way again to my first journey. From town’s stunning seashores and vibrant tradition, to the extensive availability of scrumptious meals and the sheer variety of stunning folks in every single place, Tel Aviv at all times appears like dwelling, even on journeys whether or not different locations in Israel have felt hostile and uninviting.
Evaluating Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Points of interest
Each Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are fairly attraction-rich. In Tel Aviv, these sights embrace cultural ones, reminiscent of HaCarmel Market and historic Jaffa, in addition to neighborhoods like bohemian Florentine and classy Neve Tzedek. In Jerusalem, alternatively, most of the high issues to do are historic or cultural, whether or not you wander across the walled previous metropolis, or go to non secular websites such because the Western Wall or Al-Asqa Mosque.
Geography
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem couldn’t be extra completely different on the subject of geography. Whereas Tel Aviv is a concrete jungle alongside the shimmering Mediterranean, Jerusalem caps a way more arid panorama, into which it blends greater than Tel Aviv does it environment. The obvious distinction this creates is that Tel Aviv has a seaside and Jerusalem doesn’t though you possibly can nonetheless “swim” not removed from Jerusalem—extra on how in a minute.
Inns and hospitality
Given the surging recognition of Israel as a vacationer vacation spot in recent times, each Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are dwelling to wonderful inns, from five-star properties reminiscent of Jerusalem’s King David Lodge to the boutique fashion 65 Lodge alongside Tel Aviv’s stylish Rothschild Boulevard. Each cities are additionally eating and nightlife meccas, though the surroundings in Tel Aviv tends to be a bit extra cosmopolitan (and homosexual, if that’s your factor).
Vibe
Talking of cosmopolitanism and homosexuality, one other key distinction between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is their vibe. Whereas loads of younger, liberal Israelis reside in Jerusalem, it’s total a way more conventional metropolis, even within the Jewish areas. In Tel Aviv, alternatively, something goes. It’s one of the crucial liberal, permissive cities on the planet, not to mention the Center East; there’s a carpe diem power that’s intoxicating and electrical.
Robert Schrader is a journey author and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications reminiscent of “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the best way. His weblog, Go away Your Every day Hell, supplies a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays masking the extra esoteric facets of life as a traveler.
