Tel Aviv is second from the top as far as largest cities in Israel go. It is also the most populated and the richest city in the country as it is the economic hub too. Situated on the Mediterranean coastline of Israel, Tel Aviv was founded in the year 1909 on the outskirts of the city Jaffa, the ancient port. However the growing Tel Aviv Israel soon overtook Jaffa in terms of space. Both these cities were merged in 1950 therefore coming under on municipality. The city is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the 'White City'. The concentration of modern style buildings here is the largest in the world. The city is also rich in culture making it a fine destination for tourists.
Recreation and Tourism in Tel Aviv Israel
Being a major city of the Mediterranean in itself is a great attraction for the city of Tel Aviv. Both the New York and the Los Angeles Times have called it a top destination for international tourists and today it stands on par with cities like Miami and Barcelona for tourism. The city has something happening 24 hours of the day and to keep up with that, a flourishing nightlife. This city never sleeps. Tel Aviv boasts of some of the largest hotel chains in the world and bars, nightclubs and restaurants are a common sight along the coastline. Perhaps the most striking feature of Tel Aviv Israel is that fact that it is the city that is most accepting of homosexuality, bisexuals and transsexuals. The city even hosted Israel's sex festival in December 2008 which was the first of its kind.
Cinema and the performing arts in Tel Aviv Israel
The city is one of the largest centers for culture in the region. Tel Aviv has about eighteen of the thirty five performing arts centers of Israel. It also has five of the largest theatres in the country. The Israeli Opera too has its roots in the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Centre. The city is also plays home to a number of well known dance companies and centers. The Israeli Ballet, the Batsheva Dance Company and the Bar Dor are some of these. Music of all genres also has a special place here. Classical music and Opera performances are an everyday occurrence in Tel Aviv Israel.
The Museums of Tel Aviv Israel
Israel is ranked as the country with the most museums and the three largest of these are on Tel Aviv soil. The Eretz Israel Museum houses history and archaeology exhibits of Israel. The Beth Hatefusoth that is part of the Tel Aviv University campus tells the story of the Jewish people through the ages. Apart from these there are many other smaller museums in Tel Aviv Israel all of which showcase a part of what makes up the country's rich heritage from its wars to contemporary art.
Sports and Tel Aviv Israel
Some of Israel's top teams in sports come from Tel Aviv. They have a top notch basketball team and three clubs of the Israeli Premier League. Tel Aviv also has many sports clubs to its credit. Some of these clubs compete in over 10 different kinds of sports. Apart from these Tel Aviv Israel also has the largest rowing club in Israel.