Shabbat in Tel Aviv: where to eat, what to do, and how to get around

One of the worries for travelers is going around during Shabbat in Tel Aviv. Will this derail your plans? I lived in Tel Aviv, and in this guide, I will give you all the best things to do in Tel Aviv during Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom! First, please don’t worry too much about traveling around Tel Aviv during Shabbat. I lived here for 1.5 years, and Shabbat did not affect my weekend. In fact, it only made it interesting!

Friday is a non-work day in Israel (consider it like your Saturday). The city wakes up late from partying on a Thursday night. By 12:00 PM, the restaurants will be full of people for brunch (usually with friends).

By 3:00 PM, the streets of Tel Aviv prepare for Shabbat evening, so everything starts to close.

As my then-boyfriend was Israeli, we had to go meet his family by 8:00 PM to go on a Shabbat dinner, or sometimes we host them in our house.

After dinner, I’ll go out again and meet my friends for drinks. Many bars and restaurants are open during Shabbat in Tel Aviv, and you’ll find a great list of suggestions on this post!

On Fridays, the only dead time is from 3:00 PM until around 8:00 PM so you’re not going to be left out with nothing to do. Just rest at this time of the day.

On Saturdays, most places are closed so I don’t really do anything but sleep all day. But non-Jewish areas like Jaffa will be perfect for brunch since they do not practice Shabbat in Tel Aviv!

Continue reading the guide below, and if you ever find yourself in Tel Aviv, get in touch with me and I’ll make an intro to my friends!

🚌 Shabbat in Tel Aviv transportation guide

Traveling during Shabbat in Tel Aviv presents some unique challenges as public transportation is significantly reduced or non-operational due to the religious observance of the Sabbath.

However, with a bit of planning and insight into alternative modes of transport, it’s entirely feasible to explore the city during this time.

City Bikes

Tel Aviv’s city bike rental service, Tel-O-Fun, is operational during Shabbat. You’ll find numerous docking stations around the city, and you can rent a bike for a few hours or the whole day.

It’s an eco-friendly and leisurely way to get around the city, plus the weather in Tel Aviv is generally conducive to cycling.

Sherut

During Shabbat, when the regular city buses don’t run, shared taxi services called “sherut” operate on the main routes. They’re essentially mini-buses that can carry up to 10 passengers.

They don’t follow a strict schedule but usually come often enough. You can flag them down anywhere along the route.

💵 Tip: It’s a fixed fare, and only accepts cash.

Private Taxis

Regular taxi services run during Shabbat, though they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation.

The convenience and availability can make it worthwhile, especially if you’re traveling in a group or need to reach a destination quickly.

🚕 Tip: Uber is not available in Tel Aviv but local apps like Gett function similarly and are widely used.

Car Rental

Consider renting a car in Tel Aviv if you’re comfortable driving in a new city. Most car rental agencies in Tel Aviv will allow you to pick up a car before Shabbat starts and return it afterwards.

🚗 Tip: Parking can be difficult in Tel Aviv, and remember, no driving is allowed in Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods on Shabbat so everyone is parked.

Walking

Given that many attractions in Tel Aviv are relatively close to each other, walking is an excellent way to get around during Shabbat.

Not only is it free, but it’s also a fantastic way to soak in the city’s atmosphere at a leisurely pace.

🗺️ Shabbat in Tel Aviv Map

✅ Sample itinerary for weekend in Tel Aviv

Friday in Tel Aviv

• 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Early morning bike tour [book here]
• 10:00 AM: Walk around Carmel Market
• 11:30 AM: Brunch (suggestions: Hotel Montefiore for fancy brunch & Yom Tov in Carmel Market)
• 3:00 – 7:00 PM: rest in your hotel (choose a hotel with a pool)
• 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Shabbat dinner with locals [book here]
• 9:30 PM onwards: Drinks at a bar (see list of bars that are open below)

Saturday in Tel Aviv

• If you woke up early, do a day trip to the Dead Sea and Masada (call time is 4:30 AM so think about it)
• 12:00 PM: If you partied til late, get brunch at Jaffa. This is a non-Jewish area and everything is open in this neighborhood. Check out my Jaffa in a day itinerary!
• If you don’t want to rest after brunch, go to any of the Tel Aviv beaches
• By sundown, everything will be open again, and the evenings in Tel Aviv will come to life!

👉🏾 Need more itinerary ideas? Check out my 3 days in Tel Aviv itinerary!

🥘 Where to eat during Shabbat in Tel Aviv

Porter & Sons

📍HaArba’a St 14, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (5 PM – 1 AM) | Saturday (12 PM – 12 AM)

This upscale gastropub is known for its extensive beer selection, boasting over 70 varieties on tap. Its stylish interior combines contemporary design with an inviting, cozy atmosphere.

As for food, smoked duck breast and lamb burgers are highly recommended. Their dishes are meant to pair well with beer, so ask your server for recommendations.

🍲 Tip: Their late-night menu offers a fantastic selection of small plates, perfect for sampling a bit of everything while enjoying your beer.

Yaffo Tel Aviv

📍Yigal Alon St 98, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (6-11 PM) | Saturday (12-4 PM & 6-11 PM)

Yaffo Tel Aviv offers a gastronomic journey through Israeli cuisine in a sleek, modern setting. Chef Haim Cohen emphasizes local ingredients and a farm-to-table ethos.

The restaurant’s open kitchen creates a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. Must-try dishes include the calamari on a bed of tahini and the ash-cooked eggplant.

🥮 Tip: Save room for dessert, the knafeh – a Middle Eastern cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup – is not to be missed.

Claro

📍Ha’arbaa st 23, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (9 AM – 2 PM) | Saturday (9 AM – 4 PM & 6-11 PM)

Located in the trendy Sarona district, Claro is a farm-to-table establishment in a beautifully renovated Templar building. The rustic and warm interior features exposed brick walls and an open kitchen.

The dishes, prepared by chef Ran Shmueli, are creative, vibrant, and bursting with flavors. Try the slow-cooked lamb or the roasted cauliflower.

👨‍🍳 Tip: Request a seat near the open kitchen to enjoy the theatrics of the food preparation.

Taizu

📍Derech Menachem Begin 23, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (11 AM – 3 PM & 6-11:30 PM) | Saturday (12-3 PM & 6-11 PM)

This Southeast Asian restaurant offers an extraordinary dining experience with its “Asia Terranean” kitchen, a chef Yuval Ben Neriah concept.

The interior is stylish and sophisticated, with Asian-inspired design elements. The menu at Taizu is designed around the street food culture of five countries: India, China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

The dim sum and the soft-shell crab bao are crowd favorites. Pair your meal with one of their inventive cocktails.

🥂 Tip: Opt for the tasting menu to enjoy a curated selection of Taizu’s best dishes.

Popina

📍Ahad Ha’Am St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday & Saturday (6-11 PM)

Located in the heart of the vibrant Neve Tzedek neighborhood, Popina brings a unique approach to gastronomy with its technique-based menu.

The restaurant’s intimate and romantic atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a special evening. The oxtail pasta, made in-house, and the seafood sashimi are absolute must-tries.

Their innovative cocktails, like the Popina Colada, a twist on the classic with notes of lavender, perfectly complement the meal.

☎️ Tip: Be sure to make a reservation in advance as this popular spot fills up quickly, and ask for a seat at the chef’s counter for a close-up view of the culinary show.

Shila

📍Ben Yehuda St 182, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday & Saturday (12:30 – 11:00 PM)

Shila is a bustling, high-energy bar and grill known for its sizzling steaks and vibrant atmosphere. Exposed brick and dark wood create a warm and intimate environment.

Their juicy and flavorful bone-in ribeye is a must-try, and their creamy and rich gratin dauphinois is the perfect accompaniment.

Their well-stocked bar serves up classic cocktails as well as unique creations.

🥳 Tip: Shila is known for its lively atmosphere, so consider visiting when you’re in the mood for a bustling, energetic evening.

Onza

📍Rabbi Hannina St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (12-3PM; 5:30-11:30 PM) | Saturday (12-3 PM; 6-10:30 PM)

Located in the old Jaffa area, Onza combines Turkish influences with a modern twist, set against a hip and trendy vibe backdrop.

The restaurant is in a quaint alleyway, and its interior reflects a warm, rustic charm. Signature dishes include the Jaffa-style sea bass and the colorful, spiced cauliflower salad.

🚶🏼‍♀️ Tip: After your meal, take a stroll around Jaffa’s historic streets and enjoy the night market.

Mashya

📍Mendele Mokher Sfarim St 5
🕒 Friday & Saturday (10 AM – 1PM & 5-11:30 PM)

This modern and sleek restaurant presents a fresh perspective on traditional Moroccan cuisine. The interior is chic and minimalist, and the kitchen’s meticulous approach to presentation is reflected in each dish.

Their sea bass tagine is a must-try and the lamb neck with freekeh risotto. Try one of their signature cocktails infused with traditional Moroccan spices for drinks.

🍲 Tip: Mashya offers a fantastic tasting menu that provides a broad spectrum of flavors and dishes, offering a true culinary journey through Morocco.

La Shuk

📍Dizengoff St 92, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday & Saturday (10 AM – 11:30 PM)

Located next to Dizengoff Square, La Shuk offers a colorful and vibrant atmosphere, inspired by the markets of North Africa and the Middle East.

Their menu is hearty, flavorful, with the spicy fish tagine and beef tartare being standout choices. The restaurant also offers a selection of Israeli wines and a variety of cocktails.

🎑 Tip: Request a table on their rooftop for an excellent view of the bustling city and a cool breeze during the hot summer nights.

Dok

📍Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St 27, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (6 PM – 12 AM) | Closed on Saturdays

If you’re seeking an intimate dining experience focused on vegetarian cuisine, Dok is your destination. This small bistro serves creative dishes inspired by local, seasonal produce.

The atmosphere is cozy and casual, with an open kitchen that allows you to observe the chefs at work. Standout dishes include the smoke-dried tomato salad and the gnocchi with asparagus.

For drinks, their natural wine list is an exploration of local and European vineyards.

☎️ Tip: Since Dok is a small venue, it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance to secure a table during Shabbat in Tel Aviv.

🍸 Bars that are open during Shabbat in Tel Aviv

Bellboy

📍Berdyczewski St 14, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (6 PM – 3 AM) | Saturday (6PM – 12 AM)

Hidden within the Hotel B Berdichevsky, Bellboy is a speakeasy-style bar that transports patrons to the 1920s with its antique furnishings and vintage ambiance.

Their menu features imaginative cocktails; try their signature “Bellboy” for a sweet, tangy kick.

🍸 Tip: Visit their “Butler” bar for a personalized cocktail experience where bartenders create a drink tailored to your tastes. It’s right next door!

Potion Bar

📍Allenby St 16, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (9:30 PM – 3:30 AM) | Saturday (8:30 PM – 2 AM)

This charmingly quirky bar feels like stepping into an apothecary shop from a bygone era. Their unique and mystical cocktails, such as “The Sorcerer’s Potion,” are carefully crafted and beautifully presented, making each drink a true spectacle.

🍷 Tip: Sit at the bar to get an up-close view of the intricate process of creating their magical concoctions.

Sputnik

📍Allenby St 122, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (9 PM – 5 AM) | Saturday (7 PM – 5 AM)

A trendy hotspot in the city, Sputnik offers a vibrant atmosphere with a spacious garden and a hip indoor space decorated with eclectic art.

The bar menu is varied; try the “Honey Bunny,” a whiskey-based cocktail with honey and ginger.

🎵 Tip: Check their schedule for DJ sets or live performances for an added layer of entertainment.

Drama Bar

📍Nahalat Binyamin St 52, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday & Saturday (8 PM – 5 AM)

As the name suggests, Drama Bar offers a moody and theatrical atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a night full of intrigue and mystery.

Their “Othello” cocktail, a mix of gin, Campari, and vermouth, is a must-try.

🎭 Tip: Look out for their occasional theatrical performances and art exhibitions to enhance your experience.

Imperial Cocktail Bar

📍HaYarkon St 66, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday & Saturday (6 PM – 2 AM)

Voted as one of the world’s best bars, Imperial Cocktail Bar exudes a colonial charm. The cocktail list is creative and expansive.

🍹 Tip: Try their award-winning “Forrest Smash” with gin, lime, mint, and eucalyptus.

Voodoo Bar

📍Ben Tsiyon Blvd 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (6 PM – 5 AM) & Saturday (6 PM – 3 AM)

A slice of the Caribbean in Tel Aviv, Voodoo Bar offers a laid-back, tropical vibe with its colorful décor and reggae tunes.

Their rum-based cocktails, like the “Voodoo Zombie,” are perfect to get you in the beachy mood. Pro

🍗 Tip: Try their signature Voodoo wings with a Caribbean spice rub.

Hoodna Bar

📍Abarbanel St 13, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (9 PM – 5 AM) | Saturday (6:30 PM – 4 AM)

Located in the Florentin district, Hoodna Bar is known for its diverse crowd and eclectic music, offering everything from jazz to African beats.

Enjoy their local beers or try their “Arak and Grapefruit,” a refreshing local favorite.

🎶 Tip: This bar is famous for its live music.

Kuli Alma

📍Mikve Israel St 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday & Saturday (9 PM – 5 AM)

This underground music-focused bar boasts a vibrant, energetic vibe with an art gallery and a spacious courtyard.

Their cocktails are inventive and fresh; try the “Spicy Alma,” a tequila-based cocktail with a spicy kick.

💃 Tip: Kuli Alma is also a dance club, so come here late!

🚴‍♀️ Things to do during Shabbat in Tel Aviv

Visit Carmel Market

📍 HaCarmel St 35, Tel Aviv-Yafo
🕒 Friday (7 Am – 4 PM) | Closed on Saturdays

This bustling market is alive with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods and clothing.

You can also find a variety of street food stalls offering local favorites such as falafel and shawarma.

🧭 Tip: To maximize your time in the Carmel Market during Shabbat in Tel Aviv, go on a food tour for as low as $49 USD! [Book Carmel Market Food Tour]

Explore Jaffa’s Old City and Flea Market

Known for its ancient architecture and vibrant flea market, Jaffa is a fascinating area to explore on foot. It’s full of antique shops, art galleries, and trendy cafes.

🕌 Tip: Jaffa is a Muslim area so it does not affect hours for Shabbat in Tel Aviv. You can combine your Jaffa stroll with the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. [Book Jaffa & Neve Tzedek Walking Tour]

Relax at the Beach

Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean coastline is perfect for a relaxing day of sunbathing, swimming, or surfing. Some popular beaches include Gordon Beach and Banana Beach.

🏖️ Tip: Beaches can get crowded during Shabbat in Tel Aviv, so try to get there early to secure a good spot.

Bike along the Tayelet

The Tayelet, also known as the promenade, is a five-kilometer-long boardwalk that stretches along the beachfront.

Rent a bike or walk to enjoy the ocean views. This is a great spot for people-watching and is particularly vibrant during sunset.

Visit Art Galleries

Tel Aviv is a hub for contemporary art. Spend time exploring local galleries like the Tel Aviv Museum of Art or the Dvir Gallery.

🖼️ Tip: Check for exhibitions or events happening during your visit.

Discover Street Art

The streets of Tel Aviv, particularly in the Florentin neighborhood, are adorned with colorful and thought-provoking graffiti.

🎨 Tip: Consider joining a street art tour to learn about the stories and artists behind the work. [Book Tel Aviv Street Art Tour]

⁉️ FAQ: Shabbat in Tel Aviv

🇮🇱 Tel Aviv travel recommendations