The Heart Of The Innovation Nation: Why You Should Visit Tel Aviv

(Image courtesy of Shutterstock. The image depicts Tel Aviv Promenade )

Israel's first prime minister David Ben Gurion famously said," In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles." Before 1909, Tel Aviv was a malaria-ridden suburb of Jaffa. The 66 founding families were not urban developers but immigrants seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities. In its 114 years, Tel Aviv blossomed into the epicenter of technological and commercial innovation. The metropolis merges European, Asian, and African traditions to create a distinct experience. Walking by Bauhaus architecture, you can explore the Shuk (the bazaar-like market) or relax on the beaches.

(Image courtesy of Getty Images. The image was found on https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-did-tel-aviv-become-beacon-stunning-bauhaus-architecture)

Tel Aviv was the city where I fell in love with travel. At thirteen, I learned how hidden gems define a city. Tel Aviv is a treasure chest. I had the chance to speak with Kenneth Goltib, Head of International Press with Tel Aviv Global & Tourism, to learn more about why you should visit Tel Aviv.

(Image courtesy of Media From Wix)

1. Why should someone visit Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv is home to 300 days of summer. In terms of business, the city transformed from the start-up to scale-up city as various sectors continue to pour into the city. Tel Avivians are warm, hospitable people who make everyone feel at home. When exploring the city, Tel Aviv's nightlife is legendary. When you get hungry, the food scene showcases the city's multicultural heritage and continues to be recognized as an emerging food capital.

(Image courtesy of Shutterstock. Image depicts the Tel Aviv Skyline At Night, Skyscraper and Ayalon Freeway - Toned In Blue)

2. How does Tel Aviv honors it's past and embrace innovation?

In Israel, history challenges us to become the best versions of ourselves no matter one's religious, socioeconomic, or cultural background. In Tel Aviv, we answer this challenge by creating solutions to a better tomorrow. In Tel Aviv, peoples of all backgrounds come together to offer insights and perspectives on any issue that might arise. Consequently, Tel Aviv has become a marketplace of ideas, businesses, and innovations.

(Image courtesy of Shutterstock. The image depicts the Cityscape of Rothschild boulevard in Tel Aviv, Israel.)

3. Describe Tel Aviv's food scene.

The city's food scene is an electric mix of all the different people who have made the city home. In 20 square miles, a person can eat traditional Israeli foods (hummus, shawarma, tahini), Ethiopian delicacies, and vegan dishes at great price points.

(Image credit: Yaron Brenner. The image depicts the Falafel at HaKosem. The image was found on https://www.eater.com/maps/best-tel-aviv-restaurants-38)

Tel Aviv offers many Vegan options. To learn more, here is a video describing Tel Aviv's Vegan food scene.

(Video courtesy of Israel. The video was found on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4kljDaXhK4)

4. What is the future of the city?

Tel Aviv will continue to innovate and remain a lighthouse of liberalism and democracy in the Middle East. The city continues to grow both vertically and horizontally as people flock to this ever- evolving metropolis.

(Image credit: Ariel Schalit. The image depicts people participate in the annual Pride Parade, in Tel Aviv, Israel. The image was found https://www.timesofisrael.com/tel-aviv-pride-parade-returns-with-fanfare-after-last-years-covid-cancellation/)