Words and Photos by Sivan Askayo
Geography
Tel Aviv is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. Immediately north of the ancient port of Jaffa, it lies on land that used to be sand dunes.
Tel Aviv is a 11-12 hours flight from New York and daily direct flights are available. Ben Gurion Airport (www.iaa. gov.il) is close to the city (30 minutes by car or train), with a reliable taxi service available 24/7.
Climate
There are barely any days in the year without sunshine, even during winter. Avoid shooting outdoors during summer as humidity and heat start early in the morning and quickly become unbearable.
Locations
Beaches
Tel aviv’s shore is 14 km long; a new boardwalk runs along the beach from Bat Yam in the south up to Herzliya in the north. The beach was ranked among National Geographic’s world’s top beaches. www.telaviv4fun.com/beaches.html
Neighborhoods
Jaffa
Jaffa,is one of the oldest port cities in the world and a unique location for photo shoots. The white Jerusalem stone used for the buildings and streets echoes the past, while the galleries, large squares, gardens and quiet alleys make it a perfect setting for romance. The old area of Jaffa includes the ancient port, various historic sites, restored buildings dating back to the Ottoman period, and upscale restaurants, galleries and boutiques. The flea market is buzzing, especially during the weekdays, and crowded with some interesting characters, deals and steals. Take a hike to St. Peter’s Church to see the Tel Aviv skyline.
Neve Tzedek
Neve Tzedek, the city’s oldest neighborhood, is a colorful oasis with an atmosphere that evokes an artists’ colony. It’s spotted with colored old houses and has lots of great restaurants and wine bars. It’s a beautiful area, both day and night.
Hatachana
Hatachana is a renovated area next to Neve Tzedek and is home to outdoor restaurants and wine bars, designer boutiques and galleries.
www. hatachana. co.il
Rothschild Blvd
Rothschild Blvd is a showcase of Bauhaus architecture, with numerous historical buildings beautifully restored. A tree- lined boulevard dotted with benches, outdoor coffee kiosks, and chess tables, this is one of the most charming places to stroll and hang out kerem hateymanim is a small, crumbling neighborhood, which was recently discovered by bohemian Tel Avivians looking for inexpensive housing. The area is now home to boutique hotels and upscale restaurants.
For modern architecture, head over to the diamond district, Azrieli towers, and the southern Kirya.
Ports
Tel Aviv has three beautiful ports: Jaffa with its fishermen, hidden coffee shops, and large business center; the Gordon Marina has sailboats and yachts docked against the long Tel Aviv beach boardwalk and Gordon pool; while the Tel Aviv port is being renovated to become a cultural center and one of the main hubs of the city’s nightlife.
Parks
Tel Aviv is rich in parks and green avenues, but its most popular park is the vast Yarkon Park, which boasts lakes, green lawns, wildlife, bike and running paths, and sports facilities.
Squares
Many squares in Tel Aviv would be perfect locations for a photo shoot. Take for instance the New Train Station’s Square surrounded by coffee shops and boutiques; the Culture Square, located near the opera house and the new Art Museum; or Bialik Square with its beautiful Bauhaus buildings.
Markets
The bi-weekly arts and crafts market of Nachlat Binyamin has artists selling their creative fares, while the bi-weekly market of Dizengoff square offers foreign and Israeli antiquities. The Carmel Market is the largest outdoors market in Tel Aviv, and sells everything from toiletries and clothes to meats and produces.
Outside Tel Aviv
Jerusalem
(45 minutes from Tel Aviv). Stay in Tel Aviv and go to Jerusalem for the day. The birthplace of three major religions, the city is steeped in history and arcs back to the beginning of civilization.
Dead Sea
(1.5 hours away). The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and a geological phenomenon. Against a backdrop of towering desert mountains, the white, turquoise, blue and green shades of the minerals on the lake present a unique location for photographers.
Sea of Galilee
(2 hours away). The largest freshwater lake in Israel, the Sea of Galilee is surrounded by the Golan Mountains. The nearby city of Tiberius is famous for its promenade, filled with restaurants and hotels.
Golan Mountains
(2.5 hours away). The Golan Heights combine large plateaus covered with farms and wineries, and mountains full of rivers and springs. Its altitude is high enough for the mountain to be covered in snow during winter.
Mount Hermon
(3 hours away). The highest peak in Israel has a winter ski resort that becomes a hot spot for hikers during the remainder of the year. The view is exquisite: on a clear day, you can see the entire north half of the country from there.
Forests
The closest and largest forest is Ben Shemen, located 20 minutes from Tel Aviv. You can also go to Little Switzerland (1.5 hour away), or Park Canada (30 minute away).
Deserts
Two main deserts constitute the southern half of Israel: Judea (1 hour drive from Tel Aviv) and Negev (2 hour away). Their respective landscapes are very varied, from round hills flowing as far as the eye can see, to rugged, sharp cliffs and deep canyons concealing the ancient ruins of Masada or Wadi Kelt.
Virgin Beaches and Sand Dunes
Gaash, Michmoret, Palmahim are only 20 to 30 minutes away from Tel Aviv.
Arab Villages
Abu Gosh, Jaser A-Zarka, Dalyat El Carmel are all less than an hour away.
Reefs
(5 hour drive from Tel Aviv or a 30 minute flight). The southern tip of Israel dips into the Red Sea, where you will find the Eilat coral reefs—a breathtaking location for scuba diving, snorkeling, and underwater filming.
Transportation
Bus
Egged – www.egged.co.il
Dan – www.dan.co.il
Kavim – www.kavim-t.co.il
Taxi
Each city and almost every town will have its own taxi stations. You can call the station to order a taxi or hail one on the street. The main stations in Tel Aviv are Habima Taxis, Hayarkon Taxis, Hatzafon Taxis, and Nordau Taxis. Most taxi drivers speak at least a few words in English.
When traveling in-town, ask the driver to put on the meter. When taking a taxi out of town, negotiate a set fare.
Bicycle Sharing System
In 2011, Tel Aviv launched Tel-O-Fun, in which 150 stations of bicycles for rent were installed within the city limits and 100 kilometers of bike lanes have been built.
Sherut /Sharing Taxi
“Sherut” are 10-12 seater vans that follow major bus routes and operate between cities. Fares are a set price and are similar to public bus fares, but Sherut go faster and tend to be less crowded. Their operating hours extend longer into the night, but, as they leave only when full, you may be in for a wait. Additionally, their stops are pre-determined and they do not get off route for individual drop offs.
Car or Van Rental
Most rental companies can be found at the airport. During the summer and holidays, you need to book your car well in advance, even as much as a few months ahead.
Make sure to get a weekly rental, as it’s a cheaper option than renting per day. And rent the car in a non-Israeli’s name if possible—you’ll save 15.5% of VAT tax.
Avis – www.avis.co.il
Eldan – www.eldan.co.il
Hertz – www.hertz.co.il
Shlomo Sixt – www.shlomo.co.il
Israel Railways
www.israrail.org.il
Internet/Communications
Tel Aviv is quite a wired city. In almost every coffee place you can ask the waiter for their wi- fi info. Most hotels also offer free wi-fi.
Wireless spots in Tel Aviv: www. telavivguide.net/Tel_ Aviv_Overview/Useful_ Information_A-Z/ Wireless_%28wi- fi%29_spots_in_Tel_ Aviv_20060928355/
Resturants And Hotels
Belle & Antoine – http://www.jpost.com/ ArtsAndCulture/FoodAndWine/ Article.aspx?id=264925
Hotel Montefiore – www.hotelmontefiore.co.il
The Varsano – www.varsano.co.il
Nina Cafe Hotel – www.ninacafehotel.com
Neve Tzedek Hotel – www.nevetzedekhotel.com
Art Plus Hotel – www.atlas.co.il/art-hotel-tel-aviv
Brown Tel Aviv – www.browntlv.com
Dan Hotels – www.danhotels.com
Coffee Bar YadHaruzim – www.coffeebar.co.il
Manta Ray – www.mantaray.co.il
Oh Yona – www.yona.be
Dr. Shakshuka – www.drshaksuka.rest-e.co.il
Catit – www.catit.co.il
Container – www.container.org.il
Messa – www.messa.co.il
Kitchen Market – www.kitchenmarket.rest-e.co.il
Online City Guides
City guide Tel Aviv
www.cityguidetelaviv.com
Time Out Israel
www.digital.timeout.co.il
Phaidon Wallpaper City Guide
Tel Aviv 2012 shows you all the hype places to be and see, with its iPad app out in the next few months.
Additional City Guides
www.telavivarchitecture.com
www.tastetlv.com
www.visit-tlv.com
Things Not To Forget
Video -PAL
Electricity – 220V with two-pin wall sockets, so an adaptor is needed.
Time – GMT + 1 Hour
Language – Hebrew and Arabic. People often speak English, especially in touristic places like museums, hotels, restaurants and bars.
Timetables for Meals
Breakfast 7-10am
Lunch 12-4pm
Dinner 7-midnight
Office Hours
From 8am- 5pm or 9am-6pm with a one hour lunch break, usually between 12-2pm. Most businesses close on Friday afternoon and re-open on Sunday morning.
Store Hours
From 9 or 10am to 8pm or so. On Friday, stores are open till 3 or 4pm, while they are closed on Saturday. Sunday is a regular weekday.
Cafes and Restaurants
Most stay open for the weekend, although there are many exceptions so it is always wise to check before going out.
Nightclubs/ Bar Hours
Pubs and bars are usually open from 7pm till 2-3am. Nightclubs are open from 10pm
Budget
Exchange rate with the $
US $1= 3.7 Israeli shekels
Where are the best places to exchange money?
Banks can be found on almost every street, especially in shopping areas. While banks are closed from Friday afternoon till Sunday morning, ATMs still work. There are money exchange booths in touristic streets, such as Hayarkon Street, Alenbi Street, or Ibn Gvirol Street.
Tipping Policy:
Tipping in restaurants and cafés is common and in fact, quite expected. The norm is
to leave between 12-15%. For taxis and bars, round up the cost and leave the change.
Visa Requirements
All visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they are departing the country. Visitors can stay in Israel up to three months from the date of their arrival, in accordance with the conditions of the visa issued to them.
CREW
The best and easiest way to find your crew is to hire a local production company or a producer, as they can recommend the right people based on your needs and budget.
Most people in the industry work together and know each other well. They often rely on word of mouth, which explains the occasional lack of website.
Some recommendations:
Producer
Doron Lahav – www.doron-lahav.com
Eyal Wand – www.facebook.com/eyal.wand
Mulla Productions – www.mulla.co.il
Location Scout
Idan Bardach, ILocation – www.ilocation.tv/about_en.php
Stylist Agency
Solo Agency – www.solo-agency.co.il
View Agency – www.view-agency.com
Wardrobe Stylist
Maayan Goldman – www.maayangoldman.com
Tal Shiri – www.facebook.com/tal.shiry
Limor Zohar Shavit – www.facebook.com/people/Limor-Zohar-Shavit/611489373
Aviv Avramov – www.avivavramov.com
Mazal Hason – www.mazalhason.com
Hair Stylist:
Sagi Dahari – www.facebook.com/sagi.dahary
Roy Sych – www.roysych.co.il
Yaniv Katzav – www.yanivkatzav.com
Makeup Artist
Nirit Hirschmann – www.nirithi.com
Shimon Ben Harush – www.sbh-makeup.com
Michal Fussman – www.facebook.com/michalfs
Avivit Mugrabi – www.facebook.com/avivit.mugrabi
Photo Assistant
Alex Pergament – www.facebook.com/alex.pergament
Photo Equipment Rental
Utopia Camera Services – www.utopiacam.com
Broadcast – www.broadcast.co.il
Studio and Equipment
Jugend – www.jugend.co.il
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