The Difference Between Jerusalem & Tel Aviv
While the places I saw in between in Israel we my true favorites, there’s no denying that Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are the cities that people tend to visit the most when making a trip out to Israel.
Though they aren’t far apart (if you didn’t know, Israel is around the same size of New Jersey!), but the two cities are very different.
Watching the sunrise in Jerusalem, December 2017
View of Tel Aviv-Yafo; December 2017
Jerusalem is home to a lot of the history; a lot of the background behind Israel and its people.
View of Jerusalem; December 2017
It’s home to the spiritual ground that so many people have been fighting over for so long.
Besides visiting the Western Wall, one of the many things you can do here is visit the Yad Vashem Holocost museum.
View of Jerusalem from the Yad Vashem Holocost museum; December 2017
On my birthright trip, our tour group was accompanied by Israelis around our age who were stills serving in the Israeli military. Without their presence, I’m sure that my experience in Israel would not have been the same.
Why?
Because they were the continuing proof that no matter where in the world we come from, no matter the less or greater, differing hardships we face – that kids are kids no matter where you go.
I was wearing a ‘Hard Times’ t-shirt from my favorite band, Paramore.
One of the Israelis came up to me and started to sing the lyrics.
These are the moments, that we don’t forget when we travel.
Somewhere in Jerusalem, I sat on some steps with the Israelis still in uniform. I must’ve mentioned something about how I felt spiritual in Jerusalem, when I really wasn’t expecting to.
One of the Israeli’s said,
“Yeah, Jerusalem is the place you come to feel spiritual, and religious, and at peace…”
I asked,
“I’m guessing Tel Aviv is more of the party city.”
“Oh, yes. Jerusalem is where you come to feel holy. Tel Aviv is where you go… to get lit.”
I laughed, knowing that there was truth behind the joke.
Tel Aviv isn’t as hectic as Amsterdam or Dublin on a Saturday night, but it does having a striking resemblance to another city I know very well.
This is the phrase I heard over and over again from the people conducting the birthright tour,
“It’s the Miami of the Middle East.”
And it really is.
It’s not just the palm trees, but it’s the aura of the city itself. The beach, being near the water, the simple character…
The view of Tel Aviv-Yafo; December 2017
… this being Israel’s most populous city, it is the place to be when it comes to a night out.
View of Tel Aviv at night; December 2017
No worries, if you’re not the kind to go clubbing like I am – there are a few other things to do, my favorite being the Carmel Market.
The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv; December 2017
Yes,I know – I’m actually a 32-year-old trapped inside a 21-year-old’s body.
It’s been a struggle at times, to say the least.
I will say that there is one thing in common with the two cities, and it’s that they both have fantastic markets…
… but to be honest, anywhere you eat food in Israel is going to be amazing.
That is, if you’re actually, secretly a rabbit like I am andlive for vegetables and don’t have a problem with putting hummus on… well, everything.
My favorite thing to do all over Israel… was to eat. Once you have hummus in Israel, everything else tastes… not legitimate, to say the least.
P.S. – when in Tel Aviv, enjoy all the vegan food you can. Did you know that 13% of Israeli’s are plant based? Much of the Mediterranean diet is already meat-and-dairy free – but Tel Aviv is consistently called, ‘the vegan capital’ of the world.
P.S.S. – if you are vegan (or, let’s face it – if you’re like 98.23457% of the American population that buys plant based milk over actual dairy) be sure to stop at Michelangelo Café for a hot chocolate and a chocolate babka.
Could this hot chocolate be anymore picturesque?!
P.S.S.S. – thank me later.
I wouldn’t have known for this place if it weren’t for my uncle’s girlfriend’s daughter.
If you have a sweet tooth, a trip to Michaelangelo’s cafe while in Tel Aviv is a must.
I know, I have the weirdest connections around the world.
Overall?
Jerusalem really is a place to go for the soul.
Tel Aviv is a city that looks a whole lot like Miami.
Both places are worth visiting because they are indeed very different. Not just in looks, but by the way that they make you feel.
If you’re looking to read more about Israel, click here.