Jaffa (also known as Yafo) is the ancient port city out of which Tel Aviv has now grown. In recent years, like much of South Tel Aviv, this area has been regenerated. The old narrow streets and courtyards are now another highly desirable part of Tel Aviv’s urban tapestry.
Jaffa’s flea market is a well-known attraction of the area. Here, the vendors sell a diverse range of interesting and unique products from Turkish carpets to original art. Meanwhile, the narrow passageways and ancient buildings in the Old City are worlds away from modern Tel Aviv.
The history of Jaffa is a long one. As of the world’s oldest ports, this is thought to have been the port from which Jonah left in the story of the Whale! The port continued to be important through history and served as the main entry point to the land of Israel through until the late 19th century when Jews from around the world began to return to Israel. It was through Jaffa that they entered the country and this is where many initially settled. The huge population increase led to overcrowding, and tense relations developed between the Jewish and Arab residents of the city. The result was that Jews began building outside of Jaffa, firstly neighborhoods such as Neve Tzedek, and later the city of Tel Aviv.
As Tel Aviv developed, Jaffa decayed. By the 1940’s Tel Aviv was so much larger than Jaffa that it was designated a neighborhood of Tel Aviv. The mostly Arab population was still very much a part of the city. The city now holds the official title of the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo. The decay continued until the municipality created a Development Organization to oversee the restoration of this are, which continues today. In late 2011, a new Old Jaffa Visitors Center opened to the public. It features multimedia displays depicting this area through the ages, as well as self-guided walking tours of the city as it is today.
There are lots of great things to see in Jaffa. Since its restoration, it has become a popular tourist attraction, with people visiting it as a part of Tel Aviv, and as a city of interest on its own. Jaffa is a real melting pot of Jewish and Arab populations living and breathing the same closely-packed air. It always feels like Jaffa is in a constant state of flux as people rush about on their daily business. The Flea Market is a key site, and the sites, sounds, and smells of the small alleyways and streets which make up this city are lined with artists galleries and studios, as well as boutique and craft shops. Jaffa also has some unique and interesting restaurants. Take a tour around all the must-see sights with our Jaffa Walking Tour or under the starry sky on an Old Jaffa Night Tour.
The Jaffa Port is still being excavated but has transformed into a unique destination, still used by fishermen, yet hosting a great array of cafes and restaurants, as well as the Jaffa Port Market. The views from here across to modern Tel Aviv, especially at sunset are incredible. Meanwhile, the gardens next to the sea are picturesque. Jaffa in evening time is filled with hustle and bustle and an atmosphere you can’t miss.
are unique. The small, narrow streets are home to small unique boutiques, design shops and other fascinating shops which you could even think are not shops.
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