Savvy visitors to Israel time their Israel tour to coincide with Tel Aviv White Nights Festival – commemorating the July 2003 UNESCO designation of the White City of Tel Aviv as a World Heritage site – an annual event. Israel’s Mediterranean coastal city to be the White City, the unique urban and historical fabric of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, as a World Cultural Heritage site, recognizing the city’s unique architecture, buildings and structures. Tel Aviv, the first Hebrew language city in the world, was founded in 1909 almost 40 years before the founding of the State of Israel. In recognition of the white color predominant in the city’s buildings and structures which are a nod to life style and climatic conditions of this lively, vibrant city, Tel Aviv was nicknamed the White City.

Tel Aviv White Night celebrations start at 9:00 PM and end at sunrise! The city lights up with decorative lights to illuminate Bauhaus and International Style buildings.

Many events are free. Places to check out are the beautiful and lively Rothschild Boulevard, and Rabin Square near the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality.

HaTachana the Old Train Station Complex – a restored historical area, once the site of the train station connecting Tel Aviv with the rest of the Levant, is now a scene of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Also be sure to check out the flea market in Old Jaffa (Yafo) as well as the newly renovated port in Old Jaffa (Yafo). At the other end of the boardwalk to the north, the Old Port in Tel Aviv promises to be hopping.

Tel Aviv’s beaches are known for lively scenes: Gordon Beach has a deck floor – perfect for dancing under the stars, next to crashing waves, and for beach volley ball.

The plaza in front of the red cinematheque at HaArbaa Street becomes a scene of street music and street performance, as does the plaza at the Golda Meir Performing Arts Center.

The evening and night will rock to the sound of bands, public sing-alongs, classical music recitals, jazz ensembles, rock and alternative music concerts, video displays, encounters with artists and creators, storyteller sessions,  yoga sessions, folk and ballroom dancing,  dance workshops, fashion events, street parades. Restaurants and cafes will offer special nighttime menus to mark the event. There will be sunrise performances, and tours conducted by the Tourism Association of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

International Style Building, Neve Zedek, Tel Aviv