Best areas to stay in Tel Aviv
1. The center
The center is the default place to stay for a short visit. It is where you find the big hotels strip along the beach, along with many other accommodation options all around, so you can base yourself within walking distance of the sand and the seafront promenade.
It suits first-time visitors above all, and anyone who wants the beach, the promenade and the museum and Old Jaffa sights within easy reach rather than a commute. Expect the widest choice of places to stay in the city here, from simple rooms to luxury. The trade-off is that this is the busiest and most in-demand part of the city, so book early.
2. The south
The south is the other practical option, and it will usually be cheaper than the center. It is a good fit for budget travellers and for anyone who wants to keep costs down while still staying inside Tel Aviv.
Accommodation here is more limited than in the center, so treat it as a secondary choice rather than a default. Note that the cheaper rule has an exception: the David Intercontinental is in the south and is not a budget option. If you stay here, plan on using the city's transport to reach the beach strip and the central sights.
3. Nearby towns instead of the city
Sleeping in a nearby town rather than inside Tel Aviv is a common way to cut expenses, and it is a very common practice for young Israelis who want the Tel Aviv lifestyle without the Tel Aviv cost. The most common options are Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Holon and Givatayim.
This suits budget travellers and longer stays, and it can work well if you are happy to travel in and out of the city each day. The practical point is that you are trading convenience for cost: you are not in Tel Aviv, so you will depend on transport links to reach the center and the beach.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: camping and backpacker hostels, plus the cheaper options usually found in the south, or a bed in one of the nearby towns such as Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Holon or Givatayim.
- Mid-range: the broad middle of the market, most easily found in the center, where many accommodation options sit around the beach hotels strip.
- Splurge: boutique hotels and luxury 5-star hotels, concentrated in the center and along the beach strip.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in the center. It is the main area for a short-term stay, with the big hotels strip on the beach and many accommodation options all around, and it should be your default place to stay. From there the beach, the promenade and the rest of the city's sights are close at hand, which matters most when your time is short.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay for a short first trip to Tel Aviv?
The center. It is the main area for a short-term stay and the default place to stay, with the beach hotels strip and many other options nearby.
Which part of Tel Aviv is cheapest to stay in?
The south is usually cheaper than the center, with the exception of the David Intercontinental. Sleeping in nearby towns such as Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Holon and Givatayim is another common way to cut expenses.
Is it worth staying outside Tel Aviv to save money?
It is a very common practice for young Israelis who want the Tel Aviv lifestyle without the Tel Aviv cost. The most common nearby options are Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Holon and Givatayim, though you will be travelling into the city rather than staying in it.
What kinds of accommodation can I expect in Tel Aviv?
There is a wide variety, from camping and backpacker hostels through boutique hotels up to luxury 5-star hotels, with the greatest concentration of options in the center.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.