Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, earns the nickname "The City That Never Sleeps" for its 24-hour cosmopolitan lifestyle including bars, restaurants and world-famous beaches.

Tel Aviv, the country’s financial capital, is the richest and second largest city in Israel after Jerusalem. Located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline, Tel Aviv was voted Third Best City in the Middle East by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2010.

The name Tel Aviv is derived from the Hebrew word "Aviv" for spring and "Tel" for mound, the city's name is symbolic for the historic significance of the city as an archeological site revealing layers upon layers of civilization.

Travelers can visit the adjoining ancient port city of Jaffa traced back as far as the Middle Bronze Age. Shop in the local flea markets and bargain with local vendors. Jaffa is mentioned in the Bible several times and is believed to have been an ancient port for 4,000 years.

Choose from a variety of hotels in Tel Aviv including world-renowned brands such as Crowne Plaza, Sheraton, Dan Isrotel and Hilton.

Why Go?
Established as the first Hebrew city, Tel Aviv is rich in history as well as modern activities. The city is located 37 miles northwest of the historic city of Jerusalem, the religious Mecca for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. As a major Mediterranean center, Tel Aviv is a magnet for international tourism likened by some to Barcelona and Miami.

Tel Aviv offers authentic Israeli cuisine including falafel, hummus and shwarma at a variety of dining options ranging from street vendors to elegant restaurants like Cordelia, Orca and Messa.

When to Go
October through April is the best time to visit as summer heat picks up May through September.

How to Get There
Ben Gurion International Airport is the international airport in Tel Aviv. The airport is the main hub for El Al, Arkia Israel Airlines, Israir Airline and Sun D'Or International Airlines. It was rated the Best Airport in the Middle East by the World Airport Awards in 2009.

Tel Aviv offers a variety of public transportation including a city bus system and four train stations.

Must See
Sport fans can watch a football match (soccer in the United States) or a basketball game by Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv Sports Club.

Taste the Tel Aviv nightlife at the Tel Aviv Sea Port. Set on the beach overlooking the Mediterranean, travelers can bounce from pubs, restaurants and clubs all next door to each other. It is a popular hotspot for locals and travelers alike.

Ben-Yehuda Street has many souvenir shops including Judaica pieces and jewelry. Travelers can also visit a variety of museums such as the Eretz Israel Museum - known for its Israeli archaeological and history exhibits and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.

Noteworthy historic sites include Tel Aviv City Hall and Rabin Square, the site of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's assassination in 1995.