Votre Tel-Aviv Guide
Tel Aviv: An Accessible Paradise in the Heart of the Middle East
Welcome to Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps and has been transforming itself into an increasingly inclusive and accessible destination for all. This metropolis, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is the second largest city in Israel and a bustling hub of life, culture, and diversity, inviting you to explore its charms regardless of your physical abilities.
Tel Aviv has a population of approximately 450,000 inhabitants, who take pride in their open-mindedness and the rich blend of traditions and cultures that coexist in this vibrant city. The city is known for its lively nightlife, culinary offerings, and beautiful beaches, but also for its commitment to accessibility for people with reduced mobility, such as wheelchair users.
One of the great attractions of Tel Aviv is its architecture, especially the so-called "White City," where you will find the largest concentration of Bauhaus buildings in the world, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although not all old buildings are adapted for wheelchairs, the city has made significant efforts to improve accessibility in public spaces, parks, and streets.
Tel Aviv's beaches are another of its charms, and several of them have accessible ramps and paths, as well as amphibious chairs that allow wheelchair users to enjoy the sea and sand without difficulty. In addition, many hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues are adapted to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors with reduced mobility.
An interesting curiosity of Tel Aviv is its public bicycle system called "Tel-O-Fun," which also includes adapted bicycles for people with disabilities. This demonstrates the city's commitment to inclusion and accessibility for all.
In summary, Tel Aviv is a constantly evolving city, striving to offer all its visitors, regardless of their abilities, an unforgettable and enriching experience. Discover its accessible beaches, rich cultural heritage, and lively nightlife in an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity. We invite you to live the Tel Aviv experience!
Some interesting facts:
- The official currency of Israel, and therefore of Tel Aviv, is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). The currency symbol is ₪, and the ISO 4217 code is ILS. One New Israeli Shekel is divided into 100 agorot.
- As for the favorite dish, it is difficult to define just one in a city as diverse and multicultural as Tel Aviv. However, some of the most popular and traditional dishes include hummus, a paste made from chickpeas and tahini; falafel, which are fried balls of chickpeas or fava beans, served in pita bread with salad and sauce; and shawarma, which is meat roasted on a skewer, sliced into thin layers, and served in pita bread or lafa (a flatbread) with a variety of accompaniments.
- Tel Aviv's time zone is GMT+2 during standard time and GMT+3 during daylight saving time, when Daylight Saving Time (DST) is applied. Israel follows a specific schedule for the time change, based on the Hebrew calendar and Jewish holidays. Therefore, the change dates may vary from year to year and differ from the dates in other countries.
Office du tourisme
Tourist offices in Tel Aviv are an excellent resource for obtaining information and guidance on accessibility in the city. The Tel Aviv Tourism Office, managed by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, is aware of the importance of accessibility and is committed to promoting inclusive tourism.
Tel Aviv Tourism Office - Tourist Information Center:
The staff at the Tel Aviv Tourism Office will be happy to help you with information about accessible places, adapted transportation, and any other resources that may be useful for your visit to the city.
Additionally, on the Tel Aviv Tourism Office website, you can find additional information about accessibility in the city, including a downloadable PDF accessibility guide: https://www.visit-tlv.co.il/accessibility
Address and contact:
- Address: 46 Herbert Samuel St., Tel Aviv
- Phone: (+972)-3-5166188
- Email: info@visit-tlv.co.il
- Website: https://www.visit-tlv.co.il/
Ben Gurion Airport Tourist Information Office:
The tourist information office at the airport is an excellent place to get information about Tel Aviv and accessible transportation options.
Location: The tourist information office is located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3, near the exit gate.
Hours: The office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact:
- Phone: +972-3-9754260
Access Israel:
You can also contact Access Israel, a non-profit organization working to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities in Israel.
They can provide you with more specific information about accessibility in Tel Aviv and other destinations in Israel.
Contact:
- Phone: +972-9-7451126
- Email: pr@aisrael.org
- Website: https://aisrael.org/
Transport
Airport:
The Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is the main airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. It is a modern and accessible airport that offers numerous amenities and services for passengers with reduced mobility, including those in wheelchairs. Some of the facilities and services available include:
Ramps and elevators: The airport has ramps and elevators in all public areas to facilitate access and mobility for wheelchair passengers.
Accessible restrooms: There are accessible restrooms throughout the airport, specially designed for people with disabilities.
Special assistance: Wheelchair passengers can request special assistance from their arrival at the airport to their departure. This service includes assistance with the check-in process, security, boarding, and arrival.
Wheelchairs: The airport provides wheelchairs for passengers who need them. It is recommended to reserve a wheelchair in advance by contacting your airline or travel agent.
Reserved spaces on buses and trains: Buses and trains connecting the airport to the city have reserved spaces for people with reduced mobility, including those in wheelchairs.
Parking: There are reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities in the airport parking lots. These spaces are located near the entrances and exits of the terminals and are clearly marked.
Wheelchair passengers are advised to inform their airline of their assistance needs at least 48 hours before the flight. This will allow the airline and airport staff to be prepared to offer the best possible assistance.
Transportation from the airport to the city center:
To get from Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) to the city center of Tel Aviv in a wheelchair, there are several accessible options:
Train: Ben Gurion Airport train station (located in Terminal 3) is wheelchair accessible and offers a fast and comfortable service to downtown Tel Aviv. Trains have reserved spaces for people with reduced mobility and access ramps. The main line connecting the airport to the city is the Tel Aviv - Nahariya line. The most central stations in Tel Aviv are Tel Aviv-Savidor Center, Tel Aviv-HaShalom, and Tel Aviv-HaHagana.
Bus: Egged bus company provides accessible services from the airport to downtown Tel Aviv. Egged line 445 connects the airport to the central bus station of Tel Aviv and some other stops in the city center. These buses have reserved spaces for wheelchair users and access ramps. However, it is recommended to check with the bus company in advance to ensure that the service you need is available at the time of your trip.
Taxi: Accessible taxis are available at the airport and are equipped to transport people in wheelchairs. These taxis typically have ramps and wheelchair anchoring systems. You can request an accessible taxi at the airport information desk or book one in advance through a local taxi company.
One of the well-known companies is "Tzamtzam," and we provide their contact information:
- Phone: +972-3-696-6969
- Website: http://www.tzamtzam.co.il/
We recommend that you contact them to reserve an adapted vehicle in advance.
Transportation within the city:
Tel Aviv is a fairly accessible city for wheelchair users, with several adapted transportation options to facilitate mobility within the city:
Bus: Most buses in Tel Aviv, operated primarily by the Egged and Dan bus companies, have access ramps and reserved spaces for wheelchair users. However, it is advisable to check with the bus company in advance to ensure that the service you need is available at the time of your trip.
Egged:
- Website: https://www.egged.co.il/
- Customer service phone: *2800 (from Israel) or +972-3-6948888 (from outside Israel)
- Email: pniot@egged.co.il
Dan:
- Website: https://www.dan.co.il/
- Customer service phone: *3456 (from Israel) or +972-3-6394444 (from outside Israel)
- Email: info@dan.co.il
Taxis: There are adapted taxis available in the city, featuring ramps and wheelchair anchoring systems. You can request an accessible taxi through a local taxi company or by using transportation apps like Gett.
One of the well-known companies is "Tzamtzam," and we provide their contact information:
- Phone: (+972)-3-696-6969
- Website: http://www.tzamtzam.co.il/
We recommend that you contact them to reserve an adapted vehicle in advance.
Light rail: The Tel Aviv light rail (also known as Metronit) is accessible for wheelchair users, as all stations and carriages have ramps and reserved spaces for reduced mobility.
Adapted bicycles and electric scooters: Tel Aviv has an extensive system of bike lanes and rental of bicycles and electric scooters. Some providers offer adapted vehicles for people with reduced mobility. These vehicles can be a good option for getting around the city if you feel comfortable using this type of transportation.
It is important to mention that, although Tel Aviv has made efforts to improve accessibility in the city, there are still areas where sidewalks and pedestrian crossings may not be completely accessible. Therefore, it is recommended to plan routes in advance and be prepared to face possible challenges along the way.
Plages adaptées / accessibles
Tel Aviv's beaches are known for their beauty, lively atmosphere, and excellent location on Israel's Mediterranean coast. In addition to being popular with tourists and locals, these beaches are also quite accessible for people with disabilities and offer various facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
In Tel Aviv, there are many beaches, but we will focus on the most accessible ones:
- Gordon Beach (Hof Gordon): Located in the heart of Tel Aviv, near the intersection of Ben Gurion and Hayarkon streets. This beach is very popular among locals and tourists alike and has numerous facilities such as bars, restaurants, and umbrella and sunbed rentals.
- Frishman Beach (Hof Frishman): Situated near Frishman Street and Hayarkon Street, this beach is known for its lively atmosphere and also has restaurants and bars in its surroundings.
- Mezizim Beach (Hof Metzitzim): Located at the northern end of Tel Aviv, near the marina and the old train station, this beach is ideal for families and features accessible showers and children's play areas.
Below is a list of facilities and services available at these Tel Aviv beaches:
- Ramps and paved paths: On many beaches, such as Gordon Beach and Frishman Beach, there are ramps and paved paths that facilitate access for people with wheelchairs or reduced mobility.
- Amphibious wheelchairs: These special chairs, designed to move both on sand and in water, are available at various Tel Aviv beaches. This allows people with disabilities to fully enjoy the sea and sand without worries.
- Accessible parking: Beaches have nearby parking lots with spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
- Adapted bathrooms: Most of the beaches in Tel Aviv have public restrooms adapted for people with disabilities.
- Accessible showers and changing rooms: At some beaches, like Metzitzim Beach, there are accessible showers and changing rooms for people with disabilities.
- Umbrella and sunbed rentals: Most beaches have umbrella and sunbed rental services so visitors can relax comfortably under the sun.
- Restaurants and bars: Many beaches have restaurants and bars in their surroundings, offering a wide variety of options for eating and drinking.
- Water sports and recreational activities: Several beaches offer activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.
- Children's play areas: Some beaches feature specially designed play areas for young children.
- Lifeguards: Most Tel Aviv beaches have lifeguards present during the bathing season to ensure the safety of visitors.
In summary, Tel Aviv's beaches are accessible and offer a wide variety of facilities and services to ensure that all visitors, including people with disabilities, can enjoy a pleasant experience on Israel's Mediterranean coast.
Quartiers / zones
Neve Tzedek: An accessible tour of Tel Aviv's bohemian neighborhood
Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv's most charming and bohemian neighborhoods, is a must-see destination for all visitors, including those who use wheelchairs. This old neighborhood, founded in 1887, was the first Jewish settlement outside the port of Jaffa and is known for its narrow streets, historic houses, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Over the years, Neve Tzedek has experienced a revival and is now a vibrant cultural and artistic center, as well as an accessible place for people with reduced mobility.
Accessibility in Neve Tzedek:
Although some streets in the neighborhood may be cobbled or narrow, the area is generally accessible for wheelchair users. In recent years, Tel Aviv has worked on improving accessibility throughout the city, including Neve Tzedek, and now features wider sidewalks, ramps, and accessible pedestrian crossings in many areas of the neighborhood.
While touring Neve Tzedek in a wheelchair, you can visit numerous sights and enjoy the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere of the neighborhood. Some highlights include:
Shabazi Street: This is the main street of Neve Tzedek and is wheelchair accessible. Here you'll find boutiques, art galleries, and local craft shops, as well as cafes and restaurants with accessible terraces.
Suzanne Dellal Center: This cultural center, located in the heart of Neve Tzedek, is wheelchair accessible and features ramps and elevators. The Suzanne Dellal Center is home to the world-famous Batsheva Dance Company and offers a wide variety of events and shows throughout the year.
Hatachana: The old Jaffa train station, now converted into a shopping and restaurant complex, is largely accessible for wheelchair users. Here you can enjoy a meal in a historic setting or shop for souvenirs and local products in its stores.
Gan Hapisga Park: This small park offers panoramic views of Neve Tzedek and Tel Aviv and features paved and wheelchair-accessible paths.
Charles Clore Beach: Just a short wheelchair distance from Neve Tzedek, Charles Clore Beach is accessible and has ramps and amphibious wheelchairs available.
Although Neve Tzedek is a historic neighborhood, its accessibility has improved in recent years, allowing people in wheelchairs to enjoy the rich culture, art, and architecture that this picturesque Tel Aviv neighborhood has to offer.
Tayelet Promenade:
This is a popular spot in Tel Aviv, Israel, that stretches along the Mediterranean coastline. It is an ideal place for strolling, enjoying the outdoors, and admiring the sea views. Fortunately, the Tayelet promenade is wheelchair accessible, as it has paved surfaces and ramps that facilitate movement.
The promenade is wide and generally well maintained, allowing for a comfortable and pleasant experience for those using wheelchairs. Along the promenade, you will find rest areas, parks, restaurants, and cafes. There are also access ramps to some beaches, although not all beaches may be accessible.
I suggest bringing sunscreen, water, and hats to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the warmer months. Also, don't hesitate to ask for help from locals or staff at nearby establishments if you need assistance or information about accessibility in the area.
Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv:
This is an iconic street and one of the city's main attractions. Fortunately, the boulevard is quite accessible for wheelchair users, as it has wide sidewalks and a landscaped central walkway.
Along the boulevard, you will find several cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as rest areas. However, some areas or establishments may present difficulties for wheelchair access. I recommend checking the accessibility of specific places you want to visit before arriving.
In general, Tel Aviv is known for being a fairly friendly city for people with reduced mobility, but it's always helpful to research and plan ahead to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Jaffa Neighborhood:
Jaffa, also known as Yafo, is an ancient port city in Israel that is now part of Tel Aviv. Jaffa is famous for its rich history, unique architecture, and picturesque cobblestone streets. Although visiting Jaffa in a wheelchair may present some challenges, it is still possible to enjoy the experience with a bit of planning and patience.
Some areas of Jaffa, such as the port and Kdumim Square, are wheelchair accessible, but you may encounter difficulties in the narrower and cobblestone streets. The streets can be uneven and steep in some areas, which can make navigating in a wheelchair challenging. I recommend going with someone who can help you overcome any obstacles or barriers you may encounter.
Additionally, some restaurants, shops, and attractions may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users. It is helpful to research and plan ahead to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
In summary, although Jaffa presents certain accessibility challenges for wheelchair users, the visit can still be rewarding with the proper help and a patient and flexible attitude.
Restaurants adaptés / accessibles
In Tel Aviv, there are several restaurants that are accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM). Here are 3 of them, but it is always recommended to check accessibility before visiting and contact them if you have specific needs:
M25 Restaurant: https://m25meat.co.il/
This restaurant is located in the meat alley at the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. It is not a high-end place, but you can taste 100% fresh Israeli beef and lamb, born and raised just a few kilometers away.
If taste is your priority, this place is worth a visit.
The venue is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Address and contact:
- 30 HaCarmel St, Tel Aviv
- Phone: (+972)-52-699-4954
Taizu Restaurant: https://www.taizu.co.il/
This restaurant specializes in street food from five Southeast Asian countries: India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The chef traveled through these countries for several months, and based on his experiences, he designed a menu that will take your palate on a journey to Southeast Asia.
The restaurant is accessible to people with mobility issues, as are its restrooms.
Address and contact:
- 23 Menachem Begin Rd, Tel Aviv
- Phone: (+972)-3-522-5005
Shila - Sharon Cohen's Kitchen & Bar: http://www.shila.rest-e.co.il/
Chef Sharon Cohen creates a tidy and unique cuisine, focusing on fresh and quality ingredients. The restaurant's menu offers a variety of options from land and sea.
Both the entrance and the restrooms are accessible to people with mobility issues.
Address and contact:
- 182 Ben Yehuda St, Tel Aviv
- Phone: (+972)-3-522-1224
These restaurants offer a variety of culinary options, from local food to signature cuisine and international dishes. However, the information provided may change over time, so it is always best to verify updated information before planning a visit.