Two cities. One break

Written by
Jennifer Greenberg
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A fusion of past and future, the ancient city of Jerusalem and the contemporary cultural hub of Tel Aviv complement each other to give Israel its unique personality. No trip to Israel is complete without a stopover in Jerusalem - the Holy City bursting with history, sensational sites, rich culture and a deeply rooted religious connection; while missing Tel Aviv - the contemporary hub of Israel, the cultural capital, a culinary mecca and a beach bliss with unmatchable nightlife would be a shame. So how do you choose between the two? Well now, with the two cities about an hour’s car or train ride apart, you don’t have to! Whether starting your morning in Jerusalem and ending the day off with a crazy night out in Tel Aviv, or grabbing an authentic Israeli breakfast in Tel Aviv and hitting up Jerusalem for a history-packed afternoon, we’ve come up with a 24-hour guide for both options. Either way, you’ll visit both cities in a day with our guides to two cities, one break.
 

Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Morning: Israeli breakfast is a rite of passage for those visiting Tel Aviv and whether you head to a place that sticks to the classics (eggs, chopped cucumber and tomato salad with a range of house-made spreads) or veers away from the norm with options like shakshuka, bourekas or jachnun, we guarantee you'll be tied over for the rest of the day. So, if you’re looking for some serious a.m. fuel for the jam-packed double city day, head to Claro in the Sarona compound for an authentic Israeli breakfast prepared by Ran Shmueli, one of Israel’s most well-loved chefs. Make a quick post-meal round of Sarona Market and pick up a light lunch to eat later while at the…never mind we don’t want to spoil the surprise.
 
Claro

© Ilya Melnikov

30 Rav David Eleazar, Sarona (03-6017777)
 
Mid-Morning: After an Israeli breakfast of champions, it’s time for some art appreciation. A short ten minute walk from Sarona is the famous Tel Aviv Museum of Art, which 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. Not to mention, the architecturally stunning Herta and Paul Amir Building is a masterpiece in itself.
 
Herta and Paul Amir

© Shutterstock

27 Shaul HaMelech Blvd (03-6077020)
 
Lunchtime: After getting your cultural fix, head down to Tel Aviv’s magnificent array of beaches to relax and recharge on your delectable finds at Sarona before bidding adieu to the White City. (Don’t eat too much as a tasting tour awaits you on the other side of your commute to Jerusalem). Head to one of Tel Aviv’s four train stations and buy a ticket to Jerusalem.
Single train ticket: NIS 20 (adult), NIS 10 (children, student, senior citizen).
 
Afternoon: Let the tantalizing aromas of one of the—if not the—best markets in Israel, Mahane Yehuda, win you over. An intoxicating fusion of colours, 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. So indulge in fine cheeses, bourekas, druze pita and an assortment of Marzipan’s outrageous rugelach to go, then walk off the calories while spending the afternoon shopping for souvenirs to bring home to the family.
 
Mahane Yehuda

© Shutterstock

Mahane Yehuda St, sandwiched between Jaffa Rd and Agripas St
 
 
Late afternoon: You’re satiated, shopped and satisfied. Now’s the time to jump straight into the Holy Land’s history with a sunset trip to the most famous of Jerusalem landmarks: The Kotel. Considered to be the holiest place for the Jewish faith, this 2000-year-old wall made of limestone contains the last remains of the Second Jewish Temple. A short walk through the Old City of Jerusalem will lead you to this sacred site. Be sure to write a wish or personal note on a scrap of paper and slit it in the cracks of the wall as visitors have for years. The Kotel is the pulsing center of the historically amazing Old City of Jerusalem.
 
The Wailing Wall
© Shutterstock

Evening: The Wailing Wall isn’t the only wall worth a visit on your half-day in the Holy City. Once the sun sets, the stone walls of the Citadel transform into a magical night spectacular, celebrating sound and light while telling the story of Jerusalem through breathtaking, virtual reality imagery. The Night Spectacular, the first of its kind in the world is extraordinary for all audiences – tourists from Israel and abroad, families and Jerusalemites alike.

Show runtime: 45 min, call for hours and prices: 02-6265333
 
Dinner and nightlife: Dine at one of Jerusalem’s best restaurants: Satya, Chakra, or Anna, then head out for a night on the town. Bar hop down Ben Yehuda Street or sneak into a secret alleyway for more hole-in-the wall spots like Gatsby. 
 
Gatsby

© Igor Favarov

18 Hillel St (054-8147143)

Holy Moly! After one action-packed day, two cities, and no breaks, it’s time to catch some well deserved z’s. Tuck into one of Jerusalem’s best hotels and call it a night.
 

Jerusalem to Tel Aviv

Morning: Treat yourself to a luxurious breakfast with a view at Mamilla - one of Jerusalem’s most lush hotels, which offers a high-class breakfast fit for King David himself. Though the meal tends to be a tad pricey, it’s worth the extra shekels. After all, how often do you come to Israel?
11 Shlomo HaMelekh St, Mamilla Hotel (02-5482222) 
 
Rooftop Mamila
© PR

Mid-Morning: next up: Old City - The area surrounding The Kotel is culturally unique in that it contains four quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter. With a distinctive Arabian nights feel to it, the Arab market – or souq – located in the Christian and Muslim Quarters of the Old City is a labyrinth of alleyways lined with shops selling everything from handmade jewelry and exotic scarves to hookahs and ceramics. Get lost in the maze of spice, clothes and jewelry stalls that make up the Old City Market.

Arab Souq
© Shutterstock

Lunch: Hopefully all that shopping worked up an appetite because it’s time to dine at the top restaurant in Jerusalem: Machneyuda. Did you say Mahane Yehuda? As in the market? No, no. Don’t get confused, Machneyuda is different from the Mahane Yehuda market we all know so well. 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.

10 Beit Yaakov St (02-5333442)
 
Afternoon: One down, one to go. It’s time to throw that religious history to the side and let loose in the city that knows how to party best - Tel Aviv. After a short train ride, you’ll arrive in the city that never sleeps. Not New York, Tel Aviv. Though Tel Aviv’s Park Hayarkon will have you thinking you’re back in the big apple at Central Park. The popular green lung is nestled in the north of the city with the Yarkon River running through it. Swathes of joggers, cyclists, dog walkers and young mothers taking a stroll pack the park every day, making it come alive with its own unique personality. From zoos and bird safaris to hot air balloons, paddle boats and every activity in between, Hayarkon Park is the perfect afternoon family getaway. 
 
TLV Balloon

© PR

Sunset: Pick up a bottle of wine and head down to the beach to bask in the indescribable phenomenon that is sunset in Tel Aviv. Watch as a palette of watercolors blend together and the sun disappears into the ocean. 

 Sunset Tel Aviv

© Shutterstock

Dinner: Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s southern sister is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean basin and a must-visit even on a 24-hour dual-city trip. The Old City of Jaffa stands on a cliff that protrudes from the water, puncturing the Tel Aviv skyline. The sheer range of attractions in Old Jaffa is startling; from mosques and churches to ancient clock towers, wishing bridges, sculptures, yoga classes, museums, galleries, trendy restaurants and bars, the list of things to do in this new-old city is never ending. Have a romantic dinner at one of Jaffa’s charming restaurants, including Onza, Cassis or Kalamata. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a white wedding on one of the scenic rooftops overlooking the old port.
 
Jaffa City

© Shutterstock

Nightlife: There ain’t no party like a Tel Aviv party. Head back to the non-stop city for a crazy night of dancing and drinking. Great party streets include Rothschild Boulevard and Dizengoff. After some midnight munchies at Miznon (Tel Aviv’s tastiest pita-inspired street food), it’s time to crash and prepare for a detox day. Or, do as the Tel Avivian’s do: sleep the day-after hangover off on the beach, then hit the ground running for another bender.
 
...And there you have it: Two cities. One break. And after all that activity, it looks like you'll need a break too.
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