Israel
Profiled in Tel Aviv · the Middle East
A sun-drenched Mediterranean city that runs on start-up energy, all-night nightlife and beach breakfasts, and never really sleeps.
Cost of living
What a month costs
One of the pricier cities in the region, especially rent.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Tel Aviv
- Old JaffaAncient port town with stone alleys, a flea market and sunset views.
- Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet)Long beachfront walkway linking the city's Mediterranean beaches.
- Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)The city's biggest open-air market for produce, spices and street food.
- Bauhaus White CityUNESCO-listed 1930s modernist architecture concentrated around Rothschild.
- Rothschild BoulevardLeafy central avenue lined with cafes, kiosks and historic buildings.
- Neve TzedekThe city's oldest neighborhood, now a charming warren of boutiques.
- Tel Aviv Museum of ArtThe country's leading modern and contemporary art collection.
- SaronaRestored Templar colony turned upscale market and dining complex.
- Dizengoff StreetIconic shopping and cafe strip anchored by its fountain square.
- Port of Tel Aviv (Namal)Redeveloped northern waterfront with boardwalk, market and bars.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- JerusalemThe ancient holy city and its Old Town, under an hour inland by train.
- Dead SeaFloat in the saltiest water on earth about two hours southeast.
- HaifaPort city with the terraced Baha'i Gardens climbing Mount Carmel.
- Sea of GalileeFreshwater lake ringed by biblical sites and hot springs up north.
- EilatRed Sea diving and desert resorts at the country's southern tip.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Cafe LandwerLong-running local chain born in Tel Aviv, big menus and strong coffee.
- NahatSerious specialty coffee roaster popular with the flat-white crowd.
- CafelixHome-grown micro-roaster with branches across the city.
- Cafe XohoCozy laid-back spot near the port known for brunch and good coffee.
- AnitaNeve Tzedek institution famous for gelato and sweet cafe treats.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- MiznonEyal Shani's beloved pita joint that turned street food into a phenomenon.
- HaBastaMarket-driven bistro tucked beside the Carmel shuk.
- Port SaidBuzzy Levantine kitchen and record bar by chef Eyal Shani.
- TaizuUpscale pan-Asian dining with a devoted following.
- M25Carnivore's favorite steakhouse in the heart of the meat market.
- Abu HassanLegendary Jaffa hummus shrine that sells out by early afternoon.
- Manta RayBeachfront seafood and mezze right on the sand.
Morning
Best breakfast
- BenedictRound-the-clock breakfast institution serving eggs any hour.
- Cafe XohoRelaxed all-day brunch near the northern port.
- BuckeNeighborhood cafe known for its generous Israeli breakfast.
- Cafe LandwerReliable full Israeli breakfast spreads across many branches.
- Nona RosaHomey spot dishing up shakshuka and morning plates.
- Cafe PuaaVintage Jaffa flea-market cafe with a hearty breakfast menu.
- Orna and EllaSheinkin Street classic loved for brunch and its sweet potato latkes.
- BanaPlant-based cafe with creative vegan breakfast plates.
- DallalElegant Neve Tzedek bakery and restaurant with a lavish morning menu.
Residency
Jewish newcomers can claim citizenship almost immediately under the Law of Return, which is by far the most common path. Everyone else typically enters through work sponsorship, marriage or study, then builds toward permanent residency over several years.
Tax
Israel taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates that climb steeply. New immigrants and returning residents get a generous ten-year exemption on most foreign income and gains, a major draw for arriving families.
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