Who On Here Has Been To Tel Aviv ?

[Dorcus]

Been several times as I have family out there.
It’s a vibrant and youthful place but expensive. The misleading attack warnings are a bit disconcerting at first but there is little real apparent threat in my utterly random and non expert opinion.
Security on departure from the UK and on arrival can be heavy handed and those who do it are not employed for their charm or eagerness to please.
However, despite all this it is worth a visit both for its social scene and for an overall experience that differs from most places.
Obviously some will have issues with the state of Israel and tbh if you fall into that category there is nothing there that will change your mind as the local Jewish population are quite defensive, so political arguments are best avoided.
With regard to the passport issue I used to ask them not to stamp my passport and they used to hand me a stamped headed notepaper that was stapled into my passport which I removed once back home.
It has been a few years since I have visited so you may wish to google the current position with that as I may be woefully out of date with that information.

Thanks for that Major. I'm hoping to do a trip to Jerusalem and I'd like to combine a beach stay, maybe in Elat. What's your thoughts?

[splott parker]

Thanks for that Major. I'm hoping to do a trip to Jerusalem and I'd like to combine a beach stay, maybe in Elat. What's your thoughts?

The beach in Tel Aviv is very good, the nightlife area is a short walk away. Had a great time in the pubs, no security issues as they knew we were only in Israel for the football. As has been mentioned it’s certainly not a cheap place and pushing the ‘bomb curtain’ aside to enter most pubs takes some effort Even though it was a Wales trip I shared a room with Jimmy the Jockand a good time was had by all. The game itself was in Haifa but I think we made the correct decision to stay in Tel Aviv.

Oh, one warning, one of our lot got there a day before us and did a bit of lone sightseeing to kill time and was reprimanded by the police for taking photos. Not sure what he was snapping, doubt if he did either, just some impressive buildings etc. Obviously rattled the law’s cages.

[Jimmy the Jock]

The beach in Tel Aviv is very good, the nightlife area is a short walk away. Had a great time in the pubs, no security issues as they knew we were only in Israel for the football. As has been mentioned it’s certainly not a cheap place and pushing the ‘bomb curtain’ aside to enter most pubs takes some effort Even though it was a Wales trip I shared a room with Jimmy the Jockand a good time was had by all. The game itself was in Haifa but I think we made the correct decision to stay in Tel Aviv.

Oh, one warning, one of our lot got there a day before us and did a bit of lone sightseeing to kill time and was reprimanded by the police for taking photos. Not sure what he was snapping, doubt if he did either, just some impressive buildings etc. Obviously rattled the law’s cages.

I was following Wales before it got popular .
We did most of the qualifiers , turned out to be a big period in Welsh football. (I retired after the Euros , didn't want to be taking a Welshmans ticket)

Do you remember the crazy American on the beach pedalling his uncomfortable views?

[splott parker]

I was following Wales before it got popular .
We did most of the qualifiers , turned out to be a big period in Welsh football. (I retired after the Euros , didn't want to be taking a Welshmans ticket)

Do you remember the crazy American on the beach pedalling his uncomfortable views?

I certainly do, telling us that every Muslim wanted to kill all non Muslims. How Islam was evil, all Muslims were terrorists who’d eat your children given the chance etc etc. I think it may have been you who asked him the question, “Have you ever met a Muslim?”, his reply, “No, I haven’t sir, but………..”

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Twenty four hours after I had walked through a particular passageway in Jerusalem several Palestinian youths were shot dead by Police there.

[Majorblue]

Thanks for that Major. I'm hoping to do a trip to Jerusalem and I'd like to combine a beach stay, maybe in Elat. What's your thoughts?

It has a reputation akin to Ibiza etc but I have never ventured down to the beaches/ resorts so couldn’t really comment.

Like you I would like to visit Jerusalem, despite having no religious convictions , and at the next wedding or funeral will probably make the effort.

Those who have been say it is quite moving but very crowded and can get a little unsettling as the various groups do impose themselves.

Again, a bit of a tourist rip off but a culturally significant place, so it is a must visit if you have the opportunity.

[DubaiDai]

Thanks for that Major. I'm hoping to do a trip to Jerusalem and I'd like to combine a beach stay, maybe in Elat. What's your thoughts?

Agree with Major. Lived in Dubai for 17 years and went to Tel Aviv approximately 3 times every year.
I found getting into the country fairly easy and they are prepared to stamp a piece of paper and leave it in your passport.
However, I found leaving the airport far more difficult going through 4-5 checks with 5 minutes of questioning at each.
After 3 years I got a second passport from the UK as I had a concrete reason.
Found Tel Aviv a fairly vibrant city with lots to do but most of the locals seemed a little bombastic and in your face.

[Swiss Peter]

It was 20 years ago now, but I went to Jerusalem for work and flew in/out of Tel Aviv. The Major and others are right - expect getting in and out of the country to be an experience devoid of any warmth and welcome! I got grilled on the way out especially. I remember the guy saying to me "you look impatient, I don't know why, if there is a terrorist on your plane it will be your problem not mine" - or words to that effect. He detained me for so long, going through all my papers, that I only just made the flight. (I was upgraded though - so at least some compensation!). Jerusalem is, of course, a fascinating place to visit.