This was a tough one! For hours and hours, we sat and argued on how to cut down dozens of places to one list of the top ten must-see places. Our biggest problem was that Tel Aviv is so diverse, so full of great gay places and attractions, that it was hard to choose only ten, but eventually we did - and here you have them, the 10 places without which Tel Aviv couldn't be so fun, free, and fabulous.
The Old City, Jaffa
as you walk through the ancient buildings of Old Jaffa you can feel history surrounding you on all side. Each and every stone has a story to tell. Tel Aviv's oldest area, Jaffa, is full of magic: wonderful restaurants, the Jaffa Port, and the newer "Station" art and recreation compound. Jaffa was the beginning of it all.
Rothschild Boulevard
Wow! There are so many things to say about this wonderful boulevard, which was formed accidentally a little over a century ago. As you start from the south near Herzl and walk north, you can pass by the city's first buildings, the statue of the first mayor, and the hall of Independence where Ben Gurion declared Israel's independence. On your left and right are Israel's famous Bauhaus Heritage site buildings. This colorful history serves as a lovely backdrop for the true essence of Tel Aviv: couples, gay and straight, strolling in the shade of the huge trees, stopping for a bite at one of the many cafes and amazing restaurants peppering the boulevard, or simply enjoying the wonderful weather.
Evita
The LGBT community's oldest bar, open seven nights a week with a different line each night. Whether you're Eurovision groupies or lovers of drag, or if you just want to grab a drink on the bar and scope out the scene, you've got to be at Evita at least once. Remember - the locals come out at about 23:00.
Hilton Beach
no matter the season, though you're obviously here for the summer, Hilton beach is a can't-miss. Everybody knows that this is our beach. This is where Tel Aviv's finest strut their stuff in designer bathing suits and friendly smiles. We told you it would be hot! Girls, you're always welcome at Hilton beach, but Alma beach is a great place to hang out with the babes.
Carmel Market
At the very center of Tel Aviv is the Carmel Market, offering a variety of stands: fruit and vegetables, clothing, spices, and of course, plenty of souvenirs. Even if you're not in shopping mode, it's quite an experience.
Meir Garden
Until three years ago, Meir Garden was just another park in the middle of Tel Aviv, without any special affinity to the gay community. But it has since turned into the heart of the LGBT community's activity. In the middle of the park is the Tel Aviv Gay Center, where a multitude of activities go on throughout the week. Neighborhood locals meet for coffee at the Gay Center café. The Gay Center is also the kickoff point for the annual Pride Parade.
Clubbing
although we tried to choose only one, there are simply too many to single one out. So we threw up our hands and can tell you that a Tel Aviv break is not complete without grooving on at least one dance floor. Whether you're into pop and dance music, or prefer to move to the beat of house all night with some of the world's finest DJs, Tel Aviv offers something for everyone - every night of the week. All you need to do is visit the site http://www.gayisrael.org.il/tourisemContentItems.php?sectionID=705&itemID=1271 or check the Tel Aviv Gay Vibe application and make your pick.
Dizengoff Center
undoubtedly, this shopping center on Dizengoff Street is one of the community's favorites. The Center has a wide variety of Israeli fashion boutiques, cafes, cinemas, and more, as well as one of our favorite gyms. It's a crime not to drop by.
Pezi House
we decided to close our top ten with the place that symbolizes the origin and future of the gay community in Tel Aviv. Pezi House is the home of the Aguda (National Association of GLBT in Israel) that was founded in 1975, when homosexuality was still illegal in Israel. Things have changes drastically since, as Israel is a world leader in acceptance - and it all started here.
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