White walls, rounded balconies, ribbon windows and flat roofs: walking through central Tel Aviv you are surrounded by one of the largest collections of buildings in the International Style anywhere in the world. Several thousand were built in the 1930s and 1940s, many by architects who had trained in Europe, some at the Bauhaus, and who adapted the modernist ideas to the Mediterranean climate with balconies for shade and raised ground floors for air. The White City, as it is called, became a World Heritage Site in 2003. The plan of the city itself was drawn up by the Scottish urbanist Patrick Geddes in the 1920s, with tree lined boulevards and green squares.
Rothschild Boulevard, with its central promenade of trees, kiosks and cafés, is the heart of the White City, and Bialik Street and the area around Dizengoff Square are full of fine examples. The Bauhaus Center on Dizengoff organises walking tours, and many buildings have been restored, though others are still waiting.
Tel Aviv is a lively, modern city on the beach, with a long promenade, cafés, bars and a strong nightlife. Jaffa, the old port town to the south, has a historic core, a flea market and excellent restaurants. The city is relaxed and informal, and the beaches are packed on summer weekends.
Riding in Tel Aviv is urban riding, with heavy traffic, scooters and electric bikes everywhere, and aggressive driving. Parking a motorcycle is relatively easy, on pavements in designated areas. On the Sabbath, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, public transport stops and the city is quieter. Summer is hot and humid; spring and autumn are the best seasons.
Fuel and services are everywhere. Food in Tel Aviv is excellent and varied: try sabich, hummus, shakshuka and the fresh produce of the Carmel market. Check the current security situation and travel advice before visiting.