Jaffa | Tel Aviv Neighborhood Guide

Jaffa is the oldest part of Tel Aviv, and is indeed one of the world’s oldest cities. Home to historic Ottoman era homes, lovely alleyways with artist’s shops, and some of the best food in all of Israel, Jaffa is truly one of Tel Aviv’s most unique places to live.

Separated into a number of neighborhoods, Jaffa is based around Jerusalem Boulevard and Yefet Street, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, boutique hotels, and real estate projects, all of which give visitors the feeling of truly being in the Middle East. The Old City of Jaffa features a newly renovated and restored port that is quickly becoming one of Tel Aviv’s most popular spots to eat, shop, go out, and people watch. Set amongst the Old City there are a great number of art galleries, historic sites, upscale restaurants, and beautifully restored Ottoman era homes. A short walk away from the Old City lies the Jaffa flea market, an eclectic area where one can find almost anything, from antique carpets to kitchen equipment. Set along the shops and stalls there are a number of boutique clothing shops, cafes, and other small eateries, all contributing to the renaissance the area is currently undergoing.

Real estate prices in Jaffa are competitive for the rest of the city, with the population being a mix of students, young couples, and older families. With the growth in construction, however, the stock of homes is increasingly becoming more in-demand, driving prices up ever so slightly. Jaffa is expected to grow only more over the next few years, with contented construction in the residential and hotel sectors. By the end of the next decade it may be hard to recognize the quaint ancient city, but only time will tell.