Opposites attract: a culture trip from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Two cities. One break.

 

Tel Aviv: the non-stop city, the cultural capital, a culinary Mecca, the Manhattan of the Middle East. Boasting with vegans, hipsters, and the secular youth—though Jewish in nature, it’s hard to find the “holy” in this Holy Land city. On the other side of the spectrum is Jerusalem. Since Israel’s inception, the city of Jerusalem has embodied everything that encompasses the holiest of holies. Known for religious landmarks like The Kotel and Tower of David, Diaspora Jews flock to the nation’s capital year-round from all walks of earth to revel in its dense history. What visitors don’t realize is that the longer Israel stands, the more Jerusalem thrives culturally: with new bars, restaurants, and art centers popping up left and right. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are not as different as one may think and the gap is narrowing between the two cities, just a short train ride apart. Here to show us just how similar the two are is Time Out’s own, Jennifer Greenberg:

 

While walking down Rothschild, don’t miss this hidden bar. Step inside and up the stairs for a rooftop party and fresh beats overlooking the city. This stylish, funky spot uncovers a romantically hip view, and the food offers creative bites on sticks like the Speakeasy Caesar salad and other unexpected skewer bites. The cocktail list is imaginative, fun and surprising with booze-spiked popsicles.

 

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On the roof of the luxurious Mamilla Hotel, you’ll find breathtaking views of the Old City and an extensive bistro menu with dishes straight from the ‘tabun’ (clay oven). Expect dishes like fresh handmade pastas, grouper shawarma, and a multitude of vegetables made from the best produce of the season. Take in the beautiful view of the Old City while you dine on the best seasonal ingredients.

 

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The Tel Aviv Museum houses the best of Israeli art as well as new and old masters. Gracing the walls of this museum are Israel’s most comprehensive collections of modern, contemporary, and Israeli art. The museum boasts an impressive collection of the old masters, diverse temporary exhibitions, displays of photography, design & architecture, a performance hall, and a beautiful, calming sculpture garden to wander around or relax in.

 

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No visit to the Holy Land is complete without spending a good few hours – or days – getting lost in this outstanding museum. Arguably Israel’s most magnificent cultural asset, the Israel Museum is consistently ranked among the world’s leading art and archaeology museums. Housing encyclopedic collections with works dating from prehistory to the present day in archaeology, fine art, and Jewish art, this is the place to get schooled on Israel’s 5,000-year history.

 

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Located in a unique two story building, Aria provides a celebration of fine dining and a real nightlife experience. Well-known Chef Guy Gamzo is behind this restaurant serving up eclectic contemporary cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere. The focus is on the finest seasonal and raw ingredients including fresh fish, palate-pleasing ceviches, handmade pastas and an ever-evolving menu. For more of a nightlife atmosphere, head downstairs to the bar and lounge.

 

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One of the most popular restaurants in the entire country, this hotspot serves up food from the nearby market in a lively, happening atmosphere. With three Jerusalem chefs running the show, this rustic haven for foodies offers a changing market-to-table menu with all ingredients sourced from the nearby Machne Yehuda Market. The open kitchen gives you a front seat to the action, and the lively, spirited vibes are like no other. This restaurant was the inspiration for two of the most-talked about restaurants in London, The Palomar and The Barbary. Both are known for bringing this ‘Machneyuda’ genre of energetic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine to the city.

 

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Tel Aviv's Carmel Market is known for its fresh veggies and produce, plus a plethora of delicious stalls cooking fresh meals from ingredients on-site. Specializing in fresh produce and clothes, Carmel Market is Tel Aviv’s largest and busiest market. With dozens of stalls selling fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables and the likes, you can take in all the sights, sounds and smells the Carmel Market has to offer while hunting for the cheapest bargain. The market is especially busy on Fridays, so be sure to get there early for your Shabbat fixings.

 

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Mahane Yehuda is Jerusalem’s biggest and oldest outdoor market. An intoxicating fusion of colors, scents and sounds, Mahane Yehuda is Jerusalem’s biggest and oldest market. The stalls here sell everything from fresh produce to clothing and in recent years, Mahane Yehuda has also become a yuppie hub with designer boutiques and top chef restaurants. 

 

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