Valentines Day in Tel Aviv might not be as big as you remember it back home – but there’s still plenty of love to be had out there in The City That Never Sleeps!
Israelis have their own holiday of love, called Tu B’Av, which usually occurs in the height of summer. But with the Israeli desire to embrace everything western, Valentines is definitely starting to feature more regularly.
Here are our 10 highly recommended and lovetastic ways to enjoy this special day of love in Tel Aviv…
Insta*art Exhibition
This unique exhibition runs over Valentines (the 13-17th February) and is dedicated to lovers – the featured photos are all themed around “What is Love?”. The exhibition takes place in Jaffa Port and is a collection of amateur shots by Tel Avivians, chosen especially for the event. Read more here.
Chocolate Festival Jaffa Port
For Lovers and Chocaholics! The first Chocolate Festival of its kind, it will be held at Tel Aviv Port Market from 14th – 16th February. The organizers promise some surprises, just prepare your sweet tooth for an onslaught! It’s all part of the Chocolate Week taking place in Tel Aviv – yum! Read more here.
Van Gogh Alive
This world famous and amazing exhibition of some 2000 Van Gogh pieces, projected onto walls, floors and ceilings, is the perfect place for the more cultured of you out there! The exhibition runs through the whole of February and really looks like one to catch, date or no date! Tickets cost 99 shekels. Expect to be wowed. Read more here.
Fashionably Late Market
Spoil your other half (and score some Brownie points) with a slice of shopping at the Fashionably Late fashion market in Dizengoff Square. Featuring some of Tel Aviv’s up and coming designers, this market is only open Thursdays (weather permitting). You never know, you might grab a bargain just before the designer strikes it big! Read more here.
Take a stroll along Tel Aviv Beach
A romantic stroll along Tel Aviv beach is always a winner. It’s always a little tricky to forecast the weather you’ll get in February, but a bit of winter chill means an extra cuddle or two, so comes highly recommended by us! And if there’s a sunset to catch, sit and chill on the sand for a bit, you won’t regret it. Try any stretch of the beach, and bring a blanket just in case it gets chilly.
Rock out at concerts by Bary Sacharov or Shlomi Shaban
For the music fans out there, how about checking out concerts from some of Israel’s finest? Rocker Bary Sacharov will be at Reading 3 (03-7624000), while the quieter and more piano-inclined Shlomi Shaban will be at Hangar 11 (03-6020888), with guest appearances by Ninet (one of our favorites, read more here) and Marina Maximillian Blumin.
Eat out at Tel Aviv’s most romantic restaurants
There are some great romantic restaurants to enjoy in Tel Aviv: we’d highly recommend 2C (03-6081990) for its amazing views across Tel Aviv, Mel and Michelle (03-5293232) for some amazing Italian cuisine, and Delal in Neve Tzedek (03-5109292) for some fine Mediterranean dining. Also check out Alma de Cuba and their romantic menu for two, plus their Valentines Mask Party on Friday evening (03-5234894)!
Head to a Wedding…of sorts!
If you’re ready for the next stage…about how this awesome little exhibition called Hatuna (Wedding) at the Gebo Gallery (Shaul HaMelech 35). Featuring great photos and other media, this could be a nice little stopover before a romantic meal (hint, hint). Call ahead to confirm – 052-2570792. Of course, an exhibition about weddings shouldn’t imply you’re about to propose, but could be a great warm-up act if you are…
Wander the alleyways of Old Jaffa
One of our own personal favorites, this is a great place to walk hand-in-hand with your loved one. The cute cobble-stoned alleyways are full of character and very picturesque, and host to some 50-odd galleries, including the famous Ilana Goor Museum. Take your time, soak in the history, and bring your camera! The Jaffa Port is just round the corner too, for even more romance, with great views of Tel Aviv to boot! Read more here.
Find that special someone…join Jewcier!
So with a ton of great date options in Tel Aviv (er, see above), Valentines Day is perhaps the perfect time to find that special someone! Try new dating site Jewcier, who connect Jewish singles looking to date, find true love, and maybe make that special trip to the chupah! It’s FREE to join and the site is owned and operated by Jewish singles, who can relate to the challenges of the Jewish dating scene. And yes, they aim to put the fun back into dating! Good luck!
♥ Happy Valentines Day! ♥
This article was sponsored by Jewcier, a great new
dating site (FREE to join!) for Jewish women and men.
www.jewcier.com