Travel: Tel Aviv

Published on Sunday 17 January 2010 11:01

Saturday, 10am Take a seat on the terrace of the Manta Ray restaurant for breakfast right on Alma Beach. Drink a strong pot of coffee while enjoying a breakfast of tahini dip, spicy black olive spread and Balkan bread.

Noon Head to Old Jaffa to visit the flea market and the clock tower, which was built before Tel Aviv was established and depicts thousands of years of history in its mosaic windows.

3pm For a light lunch head to Puah cafe at the heart of the flea market. Experience the buzz of the crowd from an outdoor table and when you've finished, be sure to get an ice-cream at Victory across the road.

6pm Have a rest at the Cinema Hotel (www.cinemahotel.com, standard rooms from around 106) to prepare for a late night in this vibrant city. One of the first movie theatres in Israel, this converted building boasts antique projectors and original cinema seats in its lobby.

8pm Stroll along the Tayelet, a 6km promenade. Watch the sunset and listen to free jazz at a beach cafe.

Sunday, 11am Set yourself up for the day with a champagne brunch at Gilly's on Tel Aviv Port.

1pm Spend the afternoon browsing boutiques and visit the Dizengoff Centre in the middle of the busy shopping district. Take a break to sample falafel at Hakosem.

5pm View the stunning architecture of the White City. With over 5,000 modernist buildings inspired by the Bauhaus and Le Corbusier it has received a Unesco world heritage site rating.

9pm End your stay with a brief look around the trendy Florentine district.

The facts

Return flights from Edinburgh to Tel Aviv start from 232, see www.skyscanner.net

&#149 This article first appeared in The Scotsman, 16 January, 2010