The Port has become a symbol for Tel Aviv in the eyes of those who do not live there. On any given day, you are likely to run into more toutirsts, both local and foreign, than Tel Avivians. Maybe that’s one of the reasons it doesn’t have that urban feel typical of Tel Aviv, another being that it’s not exactly in walking distance from most parts of the city.

The port’s biggest draws are family oriented activities on the one hand, and bars and nightclubs for partygoers from the suburbs on the other. But it’s not always recommended to get there by car, as finding a parking spot can sometimes be a brutal chore.

The port is basically divided into two parts – the huge hangars and the wooden deck promenade. The hangars contain large shops, restaurants or rock concert halls, while the deck stretches into the Med and is what makes the place popular. Walking on the deck is pleasant and uplifting, with the sea currents beneath you, the sea breeze in your hair, and the city’s noise and hassle seemingly light years away. It is sure fun to spend here a whole day, and there’s plenty of things to do.

If you just want to explore the port without any outside distractions, head to the western stone pier. You’ll find fishermen fish and brides and grooms have their photos  taken several hours before tying the knot. It’s quite a picturesque spot where even the local birds beg you to take their pictures.

The port has changed quite a bit since it was built back in the 1930s. It was supposed to rival Jaffa’s port, but after the war of Israeli independence it lost its status when the ports of Ashdod and Haifa took over and have since been the country’s main commercial ports. In recent years it has become a night life and life style power house.