Since its redevelopment into a major site for tourism and entertainment, the Tel Aviv Port has become an area of great diversity in terms of food, recreation and culture.
By KAYLA ROSENPort of Tel Aviv(photo credit: KAYLA ROSEN)
Tel Aviv Port, in the northern part of the city, boasts a view of crystal clear blue water as far as the eye can see, so it’s no surprise that it gets millions of visitors annually.Tel Aviv Port (Namal Tel Aviv) has much more depth than a scenic view. In fact, since its redevelopment into a major site for tourism and entertainment, it has become an area of great diversity in terms of food, recreation and culture.Tel Aviv Port is more than just a great backdrop for a family photo, it is also an interesting place to explore for both tourists and residents of Israel alike.Beyond the many attractions that the Tel Aviv Port has to offer, it is also a place with a rich background and history that has aided Israel’s national and international business relations. The port was founded by Otzar Mif’alei Yam in 1936. At one point it was the biggest in the country and played a role in the establishment of the State of Israel, as well as helping to facilitate migrations throughout the world. The port closed in 1965, when its operations moved to Ashdod, after containerized ships became the standard means of transporting goods. It is now a thriving area after a revitalization effort that took place in recent years.Shopping in the Shuk Hanamal indoor farmers’ marketThere are a variety of trendy hotels in the area with easy access to transportation, and more importantly, to the beach. One of these options is the brand new Port and Blue TLV Boutique Suites Hotel, which is located on Tzidon Street and is within walking distance of many of the best things that the port has to offer, including shops, restaurants, art galleries and parks.The look and atmosphere of the hotel is inspired by Tel Aviv Port itself with decor that invokes the feeling of the earth and sea. The rooms are decorated with furniture in varying shades of blue and purple that contrast against earthy beige accents and hardwood floors.The Port and Blue TLV hotel has stunning city views and is in a prime location to give visitors advantage of all that the port has to offer.Within just a few minutes walking distance from this hotel is the Art Market by the Bruno Art Group on Hata’arucha Street. The gallery features art created by both veteran artists and up-and-comers, that ranges from paintings and sculptures to figurines. A lot of the work hanging from the walls is brightly colored and features vibrant images, including geometric patterns that create a kind of optical illusion by Yaacov Agam and whimsical metal wall hangings by David Gerstein.Art Market in the Port of Tel AvivThe Bruno Art Group has galleries in Israel, Singapore, the Caribbean Islands, as well as associate galleries in Europe and the US and its goal is to provide high-quality Israeli and international artists a place to showcase and sell their work. The Art Market itself offers a variety of services including lectures, workshops and art consultancy.“The Art Market offers a comfortable and diversified experience of shopping for high-quality art,” said Motti Abramovitz, the gallery’s owner.“Its extensive collection allows the art lover to explore, discover and purchase the right piece of art for their home or office.”Art Market in the Port of Tel AvivIf you have worked up an appetite while shopping for art, a good option is to head over to the Shuk Hanamal, the “port market,” an indoor farmers’ market on the boardwalk of Tel Aviv Port.“This shuk is all about buying food from the farmers and not from someone else,” said Maayan Sagi, who works as a cheese specialist at the shuk.“There’s no middleman who takes a lot of time before they actually give you the food. It’s all about giving the farmers what they actually deserve.”This indoor market offers a wide range of delicious products that include fresh produce, cheese, dried fruit and wine.What makes this market stand out from the rest is its commitment to providing its customers knowledge about the food that they are buying. Shuk Hanamal was founded on the principle that people deserve to know where their food is coming from and who is growing it, which is not a luxury that is offered at most grocery stores.“You can get things here that you cannot get anywhere else,” Sagi said. “It’s a culinary place, it’s not just farmers. A lot of chefs come here for inspiration or to get special things that aren’t sold anywhere else.”
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