Neve Tzedek is a gem, one that attracts tourists from all around the world. If you are planning to visit this city located in the larger Tel Aviv area, there are attractions that you simply must experience. We’ll go over five of them in this article.
However, before we get into specific attractions, it is worth going over Neve Tzedek in general to understand why it has such an allure. Tourists both from Israel and abroad pour into Neve Tzedek in droves. Another indicator of the magnetism of this area are the sky-high real estate prices.
There are multiple reasons why people are drawn to Neve Tzedek.
The first is its heritage. Neve Tzedek was the first neighborhood in the now sprawling metropolis that is Tel Aviv. It was a sort of refuge for Jews who were moving from the overcrowded port city of Jaffa. Additionally, a good number of notable Jews have lived in this area. As such, Neve Tzedek is of cultural significance to the Israeli people.
Art, culture, vibe, and lifestyle are what attract international tourists to Neve Tzedek. The neighborhood is a stronghold of the Bauhaus architectural style, so strong that it has received UNESCO world heritage site status.
The atmosphere in Neve Tzedek is that of a modern village. There are no skyscrapers, intentionally. Most of the buildings are low. It has narrow streets with no cars that are bordered by European-style eateries. The boutiques, museums, and street art only add to the allure.
In such an awesome place, it can be hard to pick the places to visit. Here are the top five attractions in Neve Tzedek.
The Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance
This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, with more than half a million visitors per year.
It is a dance hub, the hub of dance in Israel, and the hub of contemporary Isreali dance. The center hosts multiple world-class dance exhibitions and festivals. If you are looking for a show when you are in Neve Tzedek, this is the place to go for one.
The center is dedicated to nurturing talent, promoting the growth of contemporary dance, and exposing new audiences to dance.
The center also hosts the Batsheva Dance Company, one of the most critically acclaimed and popular dance companies in the world, and the Inbal Dance Theater.
HaTachana, The Old Railway Station
HaTachana is one of the coolest places in Tel Aviv. It is an old railway station that fell into disrepair after years of being abandoned. However, at some point, it was renovated, with elements of the old train station being preserved, giving it a realistic historical setting in an otherwise modern place.
Every Thursday from 7pm, the HaTachana hosts Unique Night, where Israeli artists showcase and sell unique art till midnight.
It is also in HaTachana that you’ll find “Made in TLV,” one of the most unique boutique and souvenir shops in the world.
Nahum Gutman Museum
Nahum Gutman is an important cultural figure in Israel. He was a renowned artist and writer, even receiving the Israel Prize – Israel’s highest accolade, for his contribution to children’s literature.
His body of work is broad, featuring sculptures, mosaics, engravings, oils, water colors, and gouache.
The Nahum Gutman museum displays these works, usually in exhibitions with different themes. The museum is situated in the artist’s former home and houses a recreated version of Gutman’s studio.
It’s one of the most charming museums in Israel and definitely worth visiting.
Street Art
Neve Tzedek has a lively graffiti art scene, featuring works by some of the most respected graffiti artists in the world.
Street art gives you a different perspective on a place, one that is often more real. As such, when you go to Neve Tzedek, it’s worth taking a graffiti tour. You’ll see famous pieces of graffiti, like the one about Alice in Wonderland.
And the best part is that each piece comes with a story: How did the artist paint so high? What happened to this artist when he was caught in the act by the police?
And if you’re into debates, the graffiti in the streets of Neve Tzedek is sure to spark debates pitting different opinions against each other and giving you the opportunity to learn a lot in the process.
The Rokach House
The Rokach House is a museum named after Shimon Rokach, one of the most prominent figures in the early days of Neve Tzedek. The museum is located in a building that dates back to 1887. The museum is dedicated to showcasing life in Neve Tzedek during that era, and even features a video in English.
The museum is now home to Rokach’s granddaughter, who is a famed sculptor and artist. The museum showcases her work and hosts various cultural events.
