9 Best Sights in Tel Aviv, Israel

This large museum's eight pavilions span 3,000 years of culture and history in Israel, covering everything from ethnography and folklore to ceramics and other handicrafts. In the center is the ancient site of Tel Kassile, where archaeologists have uncovered 12 layers of settlements. There is also a daily sound-and-light show in the adjacent planetarium.

Tel Avivians go to this sprawling park to stretch out on the grass for a picnic or a nap in the shade. For those seeking more activity, a bike ride on one of its paths can be combined with a visit to the tropical garden and the rock garden. Or you can rent a pedal boat, rowboat, or motorboat to ride on the Yarkon Stream. There's even a pleasure boat, which takes up to 80 people for 20-minute rides.

This stretch of sand near the Yarkon River attracts a younger crowd. It's an especially good choice for families because it has a long sandbar that keeps the waves gentle. Many people nurse a beer at the nearby pub and watch the sunset. Just south of Metzizim Beach is a private area for Orthodox Jews who prefer gender-separated swimming. Women come on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, while men are here on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Everyone is welcome on Saturday, and it's one of the area's mellowest beaches. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers, toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming.

Open from June to September, Meymadiyon is a 25-acre water park featuring a swimming pool, a wave pool, a kiddie pool, waterslides, and lawns dotted with plastic chairs.

The newly renovated ANU Museum of the Jewish People (formerly Beit Hatfutsot) immerses visitors in over 4000 years of Jewish history, culture, and life through a unique and interactive display. Spread out over three floors, the core exhibition takes visitors on a journey. It begins with a mosaic of Jewish culture today: its folklore, arts, religious customs, and languages. Next the visitor moves to the global historical journey of Jewish people from ancient times to the present day. The exhibit finishes at the foundations: the fundamental basis on which Jewish existence has been built. This core exhibit is accompanied by special exhibitions on Jewish humor, Jewish heroes, and a world-renowned collection of synagogue models that celebrate the diversity of Jewish life across the world. Combined, ANU is a fascinating exploration of the story of the Jewish people: past, present, and future.

This museum makes you feel as if you were back in the days of the Palmach, the pre-State underground army, with a group of young defenders. Visitors are led through rooms, each of which encompasses one part of the Palmach experience. There's the "forest," which has real-looking trees; a room with a falling bridge and faux explosions; and a chilling mock-up of an illegal-immigrants' ship. Visits to the museum must be booked in advance and the tour can accommodate up to 25 people. Call ahead for reservations.

Once a cluster of decrepit warehouses, the old port is buzzing with cafés, restaurants, and clubs. It ends where the pavement gives way to a wooden platform designed with moderate dips and curves, pleasing to the eye and fun for roller skaters. On weekends, restaurants are all packed by 1 pm. There's a very appealing Friday farmers' market and a small swap meet good for finding handmade jewelry, old books, and Israeli memorabilia.

After wandering through the stalls selling organic produce, sample the fresh offerings at eateries like the in-house pasta bar or the specialty-sandwich stand. Don't miss the stand selling just-squeezed seasonal juice. Friday afternoons are particularly active with farmers and food vendors selling artisanal goodies.

In the northern reaches of Tel Aviv, Tel Baruch Beach is popular among families with young children because it has a breakwater that softens the waves. Because it's the farthest beach from downtown, it can often be less crowded. However family-friendly during the day, the section to the north has an unsavory reputation after dark. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.