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FLIGHTS

There are direct flights from JFK, EWR & SFO on United, Delta & El Al (depending on origin airport).

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There are also numerous flights with connections available at a lower cost on Lufthansa, Alitalia, Turkish, Royal Jordanian, Aeroflot & Ukraine Air (to name a few).

 

It is important to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, especially when flying El Al.

If flying El Al, there is an additional security screening process prior to check-in. Please have handy and also know in advance all of your travel details. (more info in "Security" below)

 

Secured gates are common when flying to Israel. Please do not be alarmed when you have to go through an additional security checkpoint to reach the secured gate if applicable.

ACCOMMODATIONS

HOTEL

There are various hotel options throughout Tel Aviv and Israel.

We have worked with a few hotels below to secure discounted rates:


Hotel 65

**Discounted rates have expired, but property is still recommended**

Conveniently located on Rothschild Boulevard, this property is about a 20 minute walk or less to most places (and great restaurants) in Tel Aviv. Public transportation and bike options are right outside the front door as well.

 

To book:

Please email Israela at israela@atlashotels.co.il to book a room and note that you are booking for Ilana Semel’s group.

Rates are as follows (including breakfast):

For reservations of up to 7 nights: $273 per double and $255 per single.
For reservations of 7 nights and more: $259 per double and $242 per single.

Upgrades:
Boulevard View rooms - $30
Deluxe rooms - $70

Note: all rates are available until the end of November.

 

Brown Hotel Group

This hotel group has multiple locations in Tel Aviv and Israel. With a boutique feel and modern approach to hospitality, there are a few options for our guests:

 

Brown Beach House is one block away from the beach and in a central location for checking out all that Tel Aviv has to offer.

 

Brown TLV Urban is just that, urban. In a central location in the city, near Rothschild Boulevard, you will be in the “center” of Tel Aviv life.

 

To book:

Simply book online and use our promo code: Takosem - for a 10% discount.

 

West Lagoon Resort (Netanya)

Our wedding venue is conveniently attached to this property. We invite guests to stay with us after the wedding.

 

To book:

Please email Noy at noy.toledano@tamareshotels.co.il and say you are reserving with the Takosem rate of $157, double occupancy including breakfast. You will need to provide a credit card number to reserve the room and she will be able to call you to accept payment.

 

Other
The Sheraton, Hilton and Intercontinental are also nice options on or by the beach. We have not reserved rooms here as they fall within the more premium price point and the best price is available by booking prepaid through the hotel.
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Airbnb
There are numerous Airbnb options in Tel Aviv. If you have questions about location, building, etc. please reach out to Ilana.

 

Locations to consider:

The Center - any property located near Dizengoff Center is is centrally located within walking distance to the beach and other key areas of Tel Aviv.

 

Rothschild Boulevard - a beautiful boulevard in Tel Aviv that is surrounded by trees, seating areas and little cafes every few blocks. Great location to be near a lot of action, dining, sites and walking distance to many attractions.

 

The Old North - where we live. We love it here (biased) and there are some great restaurants and shops. That being said, a lot of the action is more south. We are happy to host you in our neighborhood if you are looking for a quieter, family focused area.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis

Taxis are available and identifiable by a white car with black writing and yellow taxi sign up top. Taxis can be hailed (but must be paid for with cash, confirm your driver runs the meter), ordered from the hotel or ordered with Gett Taxi or Raxi Taxi (apps similar to Uber but with regular taxi drivers).

 

You do not need to tip a taxi driver unless for some reason you have the best service and would like to.

 

Taxis are available at the airport. The rate can vary depending on destination but will be a flat rate around 130 - 150 NIS. Plan ahead with this calculator to understand price and have enough cash for payment.

 

Sherut

Sherut Monit are small, private buses that run on set routes. They are yellow mini vans that can transport about 10 passengers and can be hailed along the route. The cost is 5.90 NIS and 8 NIS on Shabbat.

 

Buses

Buses are available daily except during Shabbat (beginning Friday evening through Saturday night). Fare is 5.90 NIS and can be paid in cash to the driver upon boarding. Google Maps is effective in identifying the best route to take. Moovit is a commonly used as it also allows you to follow along as the bus travels, ensuring you don’t miss your stop.

 

Cars

Car rentals are available. Please be advised that parking in Tel Aviv is challenging, especially in the evening once people return from work.

 

Walk

You can always walk by foot :) Tel Aviv is very accessible by foot and it’s very safe to walk around, even late at night.

SECURITY

Airport

Please ensure you have all of your travel plans with you at both your departure and arrival airport. It is common to be asked of your plans, the reason for your visit (our wedding, please give our names and date/location of wedding), where you will be staying, etc.

 

Building Entrances

It is common to see armed security guards at building entrances, especially at the mall, sites, museums. Guards tend to be friendly and may check your bag before allowing your entry.

 

Wedding

All weddings have security at the entrance. At Jonah, you will be greeted by a guard prior to entering the elevator and then prior to checking in for the wedding. Just explain you are attending the wedding at Jonah and get ready to celebrate!

 

Soldiers

Military service is mandatory in Israel upon completion of high school. It is common to see armed soldiers (usually in green uniforms) and also officers (varying colors of uniforms) walking around. Rothschild, especially, often has large groups of soldiers on trips together.  

TRAVEL

Travel to & in Israel

Information on flying to Israel, where to stay, how to get around & more.

Guest Info: Travel
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ACTIVITIES

What to Do

Below are some places to consider visiting on your trip to Israel. We will provide additional information on each place in a travel guide to come

Guest Info - Activities

PLACES TO SEE

Tel Aviv

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  • Shuk haCarmel

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  • Independence Hall

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  • Kikar Rabin

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  • Neve Tzedek

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  • Florentine

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  • Habima

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  • Tel Aviv Museum of Art

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  • Jaffa (& flea market)

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  • Sarona

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  • Old Train Station

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  • The Port (Namal)

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  • Beaches

Jerusalem

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  • The Old City

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  • Yad Vashem

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  • City of David

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  • The Western Wall (Kotel) & Tunnel Tours

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  • Museums

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  • Church of the Holy Sepulchre

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  • Machneyuda

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The North

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  • Tzfat

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  • Golan Heights

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  • Caeseara

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  • Akko

The South

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  • Mitzpe Ramon

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  • The Negev

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  • Masada

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  • Dead Sea

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  • Eilat

PLACES TO EAT

Casual

 

  • Hakosem - Falafal! Shwarma! Platters! Everything!! Don’t be alarmed if someone passes you a container with falafel in line - take one and keep passing.

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  • Sabich Frishman - Traditional Iraqi sandwich: pita stuffed with fried eggplant, egg, salad, amba (be careful with that one) and more!

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  • Dr Shakshuka - Eggs cooked in a base of tomatoes with lots of options.

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  • Miznon - Eyal Shani casual spot that has made it’s way to New York. While the cauliflower does rule here, don’t miss the run over potatoes (Ilana’s favorite). Inquire about the different meat pitas (tasty) and also vegetarian/fish options as well. Two locations.

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  • Saluf & Sons - Great mid-eastern in Levinsky Market. Don’t miss the Malawah (buttery, delicious bread). Great option to do 3: one small hummus, one small salad, one small stew. Don’t be alarmed if you hear the staff yelling - it’s normal. Welcome to Israel :)

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  • Abu Hasan - best hummus for some. Don’t hesitate to ask for onion and scoop with a piece instead of pita!

Breakfast

 

  • The Norman

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  • Hotel Montefiore

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  • Cafes - Traditional Israeli breakfast of eggs, fresh bread and salads/spreads. we like Cafe Horkanus (everyone has their favorite).

 

To Try

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  • Hummus - Not to miss. Served with fluffy pita, hummus in the US doesn’t come close to Israeli hummus.

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  • Masabacha/Mashawsha - hummus served with warmed chickpeas with olive oil (amazingly delicious).

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  • Jachnun - Yeminite breakfast of buttery dough served with hardboiled egg and grated tomato.

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  • Sabich - Iraqi “sandwich” with eggplant, hardboiled egg, salad, amba & more.

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  • Falafel - again, must try here!

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  • Kanafe - Arabic dessert that’s hard to explain but delicious- very sweet, based on cheese.

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  • Malabi - Arabic custard/panna cotta, served with rose water and your choice of coconut, peanuts, cookies (or all)

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  • Halvah - Sesame based sweet that can be found in blocks or as part of desserts.

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Drinks

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  • Imperial Cocktail Bar

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  • Bellboy

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  • 223

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  • Concierge

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  • Double Standard

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  • Speakeasy

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  • Spicehaus

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  • Library Bar (Norman hotel)

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Fine(r) Dining

 

Notes:

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  1. There are endless options in Tel Aviv. The below list represents a bunch that we like or, if we haven’t been, have heard great things about.

  2. Reservations are recommended and often a table will only be held for 2 hours (don’t be surprised if you are told this when reserving). Many restaurants do not have their own websites but links included below all have English options. Reservations can often be made through a restaurant’s Facebook page. Some restaurants use a service called “ontopo” but Opentable is not available here. We also recommend leveraging hotel or credit card concierges to book tables.

  3. It is common to be offered a “chaser” at the end of the meal. “Chasers” are the same thing as shots, just a bit smaller. If you want to be adventurous, request Arak (licorice liquor, harsh but good)

 

  • Cafe Noir - Known for the schnitzel with puree (mashed potatoes).

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  • Shila - Amazing fish restaurant. Don’t miss the sea fish (raw) wrapped in avocado. Essentially, you can’t go wrong with any of the raw dishes here (the cooked is delicious, too). Try to sit at the bar and watch as the chefs prepare all of the raw dishes.

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  • Mashya - Great food and service (ask and the can prepare a tasting).

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  • Taizu - High end Asian fusion.

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  • M25 - Meat restaurant in Shuk HaCarmel. You can pick your meat to be cooked. Good with a group where everyone enjoys meat- best to share.

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  • Haachim - Popular mid-eastern fare that people also like for brunch.

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  • Alena - Fine Italian dining in the Norman hotel.

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  • Abraxas North - One of Eyal Shani’s spots best enjoyed family style. No plates and they aren’t needed. Menu changes daily.

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  • Romano - Another from Eyal Shani. Restaurant turns into a bar late night. Teder is downstairs with casual pizza, wine and beer options in an open courtyard.

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  • Onza - Turkish food in Jaffa. Live music on Friday’s at brunch.

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  • Goocha - Great seafood near the center.

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  • Herzel 16 - Asian fusion with a garden and lounge-like bar area.

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  • Dallal - High end dining in beautiful Neve Tzedek.

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  • Bicicletta - Small bites in a hidden garden or cozy bar setting.

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  • Claro - Fine dining in the Sarona area.

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  • Ouzeria - Seafood restaurant tucked away in Levinsky market.

FAQ

Have Questions?

We've got answers

WHAT'S THE TIME DIFFERENCE?

Israel is 7 hours ahead of Eastern time.

The clocks "spring forward" on March 29th in Israel but on March 11th in the US.

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Please keep this in mind if your planning accounts for time differences and/or if you plan on being in Israel prior to the clocks changing.

KEY WORDS

  • Toda (toh-dah) - Thank You

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  • Eifo ha sherutim (ey-fo ha sheer-oo-team)? - Where is the bathroom?

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  • Lo (low) - No

IS THERE WIFI?

There is plenty of WiFi in Israel. Tel Aviv is a digital city and there are public hotspots as well as private networks in restaurants, coffee shops, etc.

  • Shalom (shAH-lohm) - Hello, peace

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  • Bevkasha (beh-va-keh-shah) - Please, you're welcome​

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  • Cen (ken) - Yes​

WHAT'S THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT TO TIP?

Tipping is common at restaurants and bars and ranges between 12% and 15%.

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If you are adding tip to a bill, you will need to ask your server to add XX% BEFORE you give him/her your credit card.

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It is NOT necessary to tip in taxis, but again, if you have exceptional service or strike up a great conversation, you can obviously tip.

  • Yalla (yah-lah)- Let’s go (Arabic)

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  • Die (dyeee) - Stop (it caught Ilana off guard until she knew what it meant)

Guest Info - FAQ

©2018 by Ilana & Yahav.

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