Book cheap flights to Tel Aviv

For comfortable weather conditions and affordable prices at hotels and tourist attractions, visit Tel Aviv during the spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) seasons. Low season is from November through to May. A visit during February will get you the best prices, but you will experience rain. The high season in Tel Aviv is from June to August, Christmas week, Passover and Easter holidays. If you choose to visit during Israel’s summer season (June – August), wear light clothing and bring a hat, sun screen, sunglasses and plenty of water.

South African passport holders will not need a visa to visit Tel Aviv for up to 90 days. You will need a passport that will be valid for six months after your return date, and has 3 blank pages for entry stamps.

The South African Embassy in Israel.

Address: Sason Hogi Tower, 17th Floor, 12a Abba Hillel Silver Street, Ramat-Gan, 52506

Phone: 972 3 525 2566

Despite Israel’s history of conflict with Palestine, Tel Aviv is a safe tourist destination.

The West Bank barrier protects the city from invading terrorists, and military patrols ensure the safety of visitors and locals. However, you would still be wise to be cautious, and if you see suspicious objects (like a bag left alone), inform the nearest security guard. With the military presence, be prepared to present your bag for inspection when entering a public building, and to open your boot when entering a car park.

As for walking around, Tel Aviv has exceptionally safe streets and is a haven for pedestrians and cyclists.

You’ll almost certainly want to consider getting accommodation around the area of Tel Aviv’s beach strip, Tayalet. This area is home to most of the city’s larger hotels, including luxury 4- and 5-star international chain hotels, such as Hilton, Intercontinental, Carlton, Sheraton, and Renaissance, as well as Israel’s own 4- and 5-star chain hotels, Isrotel Royal Beach, Dan Panorama, and Herods. A collection of hotels, suites and hostels are also available near to the historic Jaffa Port.

While renting a car may seem like the more convenient option, parking in Tel Aviv requires you have a permit.

Get around quickly in the city with the bus service and the sherut (24-hour minibus service). Each ride with the bus costs around 7 NIS, but if you intend on staying for long, buy a Rav Kav card for 10 NIS, which allows the purchase of ride packages. The sherut costs less than the bus and can pick you up anywhere along your route.

Tel Aviv’s flat terrain makes it perfect for cycling. The local municipality’s Tel-O-Fun bike rental system lets you rent a bike from one point and drop it off at another point along your route. Daily rentals cost between 17 and 23 NIS while weekly subscriptions cost around 70 NIS for 30 minute periods.