Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv offers a magical blend of festivities during the winter season, combining the sparkle of Christmas celebrations with the warm glow of Chanukah traditions. For guests of The Norman Tel Aviv, the city provides an extraordinary opportunity to experience a harmonious mix of cultures and celebrations, all while enjoying the mild Mediterranean winter and world-class hospitality.

Tel Aviv “The White City” and renowned as Israel’s cultural and commercial hub, has a fascinating history. 

Born out of a vision for modernity and innovation, this vibrant city rose from the sand dunes of the Mediterranean coastline to become one of the most dynamic urban centres in the world. 

Guests at The Norman Tel Aviv have the unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich past, woven into its lively present.

The biggest marketplace in the city, Carmel Market is renowned for its food stalls featuring local specialties – from falafel, to artisan breads, olives and exotic spices.

Just a 20 minute walk from The Norman, Tel Aviv lies a place where the city’s past, present and future meet in the most delicious way. 

Levinsky Market (or Shuk Levinsky as locals call it) is one of the most vibrant, diverse and flavourful corners of Tel Aviv and a must-visit for guests seeking a taste of local life beyond the usual tourist trail.

During the 1930s, Tel Aviv tripled in size from newly arrived European immigrants, who brought with them the German Bauhaus architectural style.

Neve Tzedek (Hebrew: נְוֵה צֶדֶק, lit. Abode of Justice) is a neighborhood located south west of Tel Aviv. Neve Tzedek was the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside the walls of the ancient port of Jaffa.

The streets of Tel Aviv read like an old curiosity shop awash with all kinds of nostalgia – not least; vintage book shops, second hand markets full to bursting with memorabilia from times passed, vintage clothing stalls and even coffee shops that date back to the British Mandate.

Tel Aviv is a city that masterfully blends modern life with rich history and is a vibrant destination offering something for every generation. One of the best ways to experience the diverse offerings of this dynamic city is to take a leisurely walk along the Tayelet, the picturesque promenade stretching from the stunning beaches to the port, known as the Namal in the North of the city.

Israelis love a lot of things; hummus, falafal, malabi, sunshine and more…all of which are usually accompanied by another great love – coffee!

Israelis love to eat! They are proud of their food, and their culinary traditions and with very good reason. Street food, fine dining and all the varied hummus joints in between…

While Europe ushers in the autumn season, Israel just can’t let go of its summer. Tel Aviv is without doubt, one of the perfect places to visit for those of you who also can’t say goodbye to the sun, sea and balmy vibes.

The Norman boutique hotel is a mere stone’s throw away from the beautiful Rothschild Boulevard, built over 100 years ago and one of Tel Aviv’s very first streets. Named after the legendary Rothschild family whose philanthropy has fuelled many aspects of the country, the famous boulevard has become the place where old school elegance meets a modish crowd.

The variety of spots the city offers for those who wish to keep in shape can be overwhelming, which is why The Norman comes to your help in sifting through the options;

Shaded by leafy trees, the Sarona area was formerly an agricultural colony established by German Templars in 1871. In the last years, its picturesque houses have been transformed into an impressive, and totally different from its origins, venue. The guests of our boutique hotel, especially those to whom the “shop’til you drop” saying sounds familiar, will surely appreciate this unique retail experience. This splendid complex houses shops, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors and a gourmet market within grandiose structures.

The flea market, (Shuk HaPishpishim) in Tel Aviv is the place to head to soak up the unique, diverse and colourful vibe that represents Tel Aviv!

For guests staying at The Norman boutique hotel who are looking to discover new and beautiful places to visit in the city, should head to the magic of Tel Aviv’s impressive botanical gardens.

Tel Aviv is proud of the diverse number of parks dotted throughout the city, many of which are off the beaten track. Here is The Norman’s guide to the most interesting urban parks, a breather for locals and visitors to the Big Orange.

Tel Aviv is full of wonderful urban sporting opportunities.  Because of the year-round sunshine, there is no need to always be cooped up in a gym to get fit.  For our guests at The Norman boutique hotel looking to work out and to enjoy the city at the same time, we have a put together some suggestions…

Winter blues simply don’t exist in the white city. Continually buzzing, Tel Aviv is full of life throughout the short winter, with plenty of blue skies and activities to occupy even the most summery of people. At The Norman, we take the words “luxury hotel” at face value and have the savviest concierge team to guide our guests on how to make the best of winter in Tel Aviv.

The meaning of “Nalaga’at” in Hebrew is “Please do touch” which is exactly how the actors,  waiting staff & visitors to the “Nalaga’at” non-profit center are encouraged to communicate.

Tel Aviv is Israel’s undisputed capital of urban art; Appreciation for art and architecture runs deep in the veins of the city.  It’s colors, shapes and messages tell the story of Tel Aviv’s new generation. Some street-art critics have named Tel Aviv the second hottest spot in the world after Berlin…

The Norman, has put together the giggle-leaders of the English language stand-up scene in the city that never stops having fun.

When seen from above, Tel Aviv certainly takes on a personality. The relatively small metropolis, bursting with people, honking cars and a sort of dreamy chaos at street level, has the appearance of a deeply ordered and organised city from above. Both perspectives however shine a light on the beautiful old Arab buildings that sit beside the Bauhaus ones, and some of the city’s great anomalies.

At The Norman we love new beginnings, which is why we love to welcome guests, new and old for a new Norman story each visit. But what other time of year represents new beginnings in its truest sense if not New Year’s Eve.

For guests at The Norman boutique hotel in Tel Aviv who are mad about running – be they novices or expert  the Tel Aviv Samsung Marathon is a highlight this February. It’s also a sight worth enjoying as a spectator! Our expert Concierge team will be happy to assist with further information on signing-up, routes and more.

The first Maccabiah Games, informally known as the Jewish Olympics, were first held in 1932, before the state of Israel was created, and continue up until today, in 2017.

The festival of Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (according to the Jewish Calendar) meaning it falls in February or March. Purim is first and foremost a celebration characterized  by wearing masks and costumes and a party mood that takes over.

As the sun sets earlier during our Mediterranean winter, the mood and glow of The Norman hotel rises.

The undisputed perfect spot for flickering romance is The Norman Restaurant, the home to elegant fine dining and perfectly mixed cocktails from the new gin menu. But for those ready to venture further afield here is a guide;

Israel’s Independence Day, known as Yom Ha’atzmaut, marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Israel. This year Israel celebrates its 69th birthday and the countrywide celebrations are piling up!

HaTachana, (in Hebrew: the station), built more than a century ago in 1892 was the site of the first train station ever built in the Middle East. In its early years, the 55 kilometer ride from Old Jaffa to Jerusalem, took 6 hours but still proved quicker than camel and cart!

Israelis love to dance and music is a prevalent element in the city’s vibration. So put a love of dance and a passion for music in one place and you know you are going to have fun!  The Norman boutique hotel Tel Aviv invites guests to explore the rhythmic side of this fabulous city.  Street dancing is incredibly popular with tourists and locals alike and not to be missed if you want to really get a taste for modern Israeli culture.

The international cyber industry gathers in Tel Aviv every year during the month of January, for the Cybertech exhibition; an event that includes conferences and exhibitions on cyber technologies, as well as a start-up competition.  It is no surprise that this important cyber event happens in Tel Aviv, capital of the start-up nation, where cyber and security, technology and start-ups are the order of the day.

The hectically hot summer days have started to simmer and the new season announces itself with a refreshingly autumnal breeze and shorter days.

As Ella Fitzgerald sings:

I never knew the charm of spring,

I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace

Old Jaffa is a focal tourist attraction, located to the south of Tel Aviv. The area is packed full of fascinating historical attractions, including the ancient port, as well as picturesque romantic alleyways and gardens.

The structure of The Norman Tel Aviv was renovated by visionary architect Yoav Messer, who succeeded in preserving the original buildings in harmony with the neighbourhood’s distinct tradition of eclectic, modern, and Bauhaus buildings. The interior design, under the guidance of David d’Almada of SAGRADA, captures the dignified elegance of the 1920’s, skilfully blended with the unique Mediterranean ambiance of early Tel Aviv.

Rothchilds Boulevard : one of Tel Aviv’s principal streets, located in the city center. Beginning in Neve Tzedek, it runs north to Habima Theater along treelined, pedestrian and cycle lanes. A focal tourist destination, the boulevard is home to many historical Bauhaus buildings and as such is an important part of Tel Aviv’s UNESCO designated World Heritage ‘White City’ Site.

Considered one of the most elegant streets in the 1930s, Dizengoff is still one of Tel Aviv’s busiest thoroughfares.  A 3km stroll down Dizengoff today will take approximately 50 minutes and showcases many examples of the city’s history and the changes that Tel Aviv has undergone over the years.

Venues worth considering for music concerts; Rock Jazz Blues: Tel Aviv has a variety of venues for live music, some of them double-up as pubs or restaurant too. The following venues have different live music performances every night. The concierge at The Norman can keep you updated on what’s on and when.

Guests enjoying the boutique delights of The Norman Tel Aviv are a stroll away from the charms and trinkets of Nahalat Benyamin Street. The northern part, cobbled & pedestrianized is adjacent to HaCarmel Market and for two days of the week brimming with unique handmade finds, weird & wonderful in the art & craft fair.

Tel Aviv has a longstanding reputation as the country’s undisputed nightlife capital. The city’s clubs have always been on the pulse of new music and cultural trends; from jazz, pop, rock and reggae to alternative and electronic sounds, with many of the world’s most renowned DJ’s frequently playing in Tel Aviv.

The promenade or HaTaylet as it is known in Hebrew, boasts five kilometers of award-winning beaches, cafes, and newly refurbished shaded areas that provide retreat from the insistent summer sun. Stretching from the northern port (HaNamal), to Jaffa, there are untold treats and moods along the way in both directions, depending on where guests from The Norman Tel Aviv begin exploring HaTayelet.

The Norman Tel Aviv is ideally positioned for trips to some of the best theatres and cinemas the city has to offer:

• HABIMA
• HAKAMERI TEL AVIV CITY THEATRE
• HA’GESHER THEATRE
• BEIT LESSIN
• TZAVTA
• NA LAGAAT CENTRE
• CINEMA

Tel Aviv is a great city for people who like to explore on-foot. There are three designated walking routes you can take, each of which affords an insight into a particular side of the city. These walking trails have been instigated as part of Tel Aviv’s 100th birthday celebrations, and each has been carefully planned to take in the city’s most notable sites and attractions.