On my first day in Tel Aviv I found myself on a 17km bike ride around the city over the span of three hours. It was the best introduction to the city I could have asked for and it was certainly a great way to beat the jetlag.
Tel Aviv is probably one of the most bicycle friendly cities I have ever been to.
With bike lanes galore, friendly locals (that respect cyclists) and a well spread bike rental system, I would happily choose a bike over a car in Tel Aviv.
TLV Bike Tours promises guided bicycle tours conducted on comfortable cycling trails along Tel Aviv’s exciting beaches, the bohemian Neve Tzedek neighborhood, Tel Aviv “white City” and its boulevards, the Yarkon Park & more.
The Route:
Beginning at the Mystic Rose Café, Bar and Flower Shop at the Hayarkon Estuary Promenade, our tour departed along the main Tel Aviv promenade to the “Tachana Compound”; the old Tel Aviv Restored Train Station.
Tel Aviv’s main beach promenade rivals that of Venice Beach with incredible beaches and views along the way.
I felt like I had been tricked by the flight path and had suddenly appeared in California. Yet, instead of the Pacific Ocean I was coasting along the warm waters of the Mediterranean and loving it.
The old train station was a great place to take a break. We parked our bikes, wandered across the old rails and made a quick stop at the public toilets before hitting the pavement once more.
We proceeded through narrow alleys and inner side streets into Neve Tzedek neighborhood & the Suzanne Dellal Centre for Dance and Theatre.
One of the best parts was biking along Rothschild Boulevard to destinations like Rabin’s Square, Ben Gurion Museum.
The Boulevard is the main street of the city and provides wide bike paths along a tree lined street filled with outdoor cafes and shops.
With only a few small controlled intersections to cross along the way, it was easy riding.
At the end of the Boulevard we biked up and down the HaYakron River eventually arriving back to the Mystic Rose for a celebratory beer on the patio as the sun began to set.
Obviously, bikes excite me.
Biking around Tel Aviv was absolutely the best way to see the city.
Walking 17km was not something I wanted to do after an 11 hour plane ride (or after an 11 hour sleep for that matter) and I would have missed so much by driving around the city.
Being on a bike allowed me to hop off at any time, explore a small neighbourhood or attraction and keep on going while experiencing it through all five senses.
Tel Aviv today has more than 100 Kilometres of bicycle paths, a variety of museums and heritage sites, a beautiful promenade along the sea, large park and lots of history.
When TLV Bike Tours combines it all together with comfortable bikes, you get a fascinating day trip that will let you enjoy much more city sites in much less time.
Enjoy light and easy riding on comfortable trails, accompanied by many breaks for explanations and it doesn’t even require strong physical fitness.
Thanks to TLV Bike Tours for the photos of me.
Photos incuded link back to their website.
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This trip was made possible by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nice pics! Biking is definitely my favourite way to get around and explore new places 🙂
Shaz Lake recently posted..Trekking the Thai Jungle in Pursuit of an Elephant
Thanks! Agreed, I think I’ll be taking more bike tours from now on when I travel :]
Lauren and I haven’t ever done a bike tour of a city. After seeing how much fun you had, it’s definitely something to consider.
Kenin Bassart recently posted..Hip, Cool, and Dog Friendly? Yes, With aloft hotel !
As far as I can remember this was my first one too. I’m not sure I could ever take on a city with big hills, but it’s perfect in a level city 😀
Great photos. The color sort of looks like it’s a trip from the 1970s, like a vintage adventure from a different world. To me, anyway.
SnarkyNomad recently posted..5 dumb things backpack designers need to stop doing
Yes, agreed! I find photos like this tell more of a story. Vintage adventure is a great explanation 😀
Looks like a lot of fun. When I think of Tel Aviv, I definitely don’t think of beaches like that. I’d definitely like to visit Israel!
Jennifer recently posted..Italy’s Wild and Secret Beaches
Definitely fun! The beaches were really nice.. I’d love to visit them in the summer myself :]
I often recommend that traveling friends use bike tours to get to know a city! You can see so much in a few hours or a day! Thanks to some amazing local guides, you often get to see things you would never otherwise hear about or think to explore and after covering so much territory, you have a much better sense of the city and of where to go and what to see next!
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..PHOTO GALLERY: Serengeti National Park Wildlife Safari
I’ll definitely be recommending it from now on and taking them myself. You’re right–the guides know the best places to see and can tell you so much more about the city. And yes, it helps you place yourself on the map :]
What a great introduction to the city! Gorgeous photos.
Definitely, thanks! :]
Always love to find out about bike friendly cities.
I think I will be searching for new ones from now on!
Hello..Thanks for this wonderful post…You can save yourself a lot of preparation, packaging and effort. You can easily organize yourself the perfect family vacation, with all the equipment that is needed wait for you right here in Israel.
I am going to tel aviv soon and read all your posts. I will be on my own and was hoping to connect with some locals. Any ideas?
Awesome, are you interested in day time activities or nightlife? I loved the pubcrawl I did with TLVnights. You’d be with a group of people in a similar situation, but spend the night visiting cool bars and meeting locals. I went with a group of people I only met the day before, but would have enjoyed it on my own too :]
love that idea, will definitely do that and the bike tour
So you think it is ok to come on my own to the pubcrawl? I am definitely interested in going out at night and meeting people in their 20s and early 30s. I am traveling on my own but definitely dont want to to be alone! Where did you stay? Any recommendations?
WHAT an extraordinary trip! The views look so great and peaceful. As a big fan of cycling, I really love to visit different places by bike. Thanks for your guide
John recently posted..Can a Road Bike Go on Gravel?
Excellent summary of your tour. The post is fun to read and so upbeat and motivating that I can’t wait to get back on my bike again!
Sonu Monu recently posted..E-Bike Weight Limit? Net Weight And How Much Can They Carry
I learned about many important things I got clear and transparent ideas about many things Bicycles are eco-friendly Our body-health and environment-friendly vehicles. Thanks for this content