Biking in Tel Aviv: Everything You Need to Know
This is a guest post by Jake Teper. Jake is a new oleh from the US and founder of the company Yalla Bikes (yallabikestlv.com), where you can rent a bike in Tel Aviv for for the day, week, or month.
Biking in Tel Aviv is the perfect way to experience the city in a new and exciting way. Imagine the freedom of being able to explore the vibrant city on two wheels, feeling the wind in your hair as you pedal through the streets.
In Tel Aviv, it's common to see locals moving around the city by bike. Whether it's for commuting to work or running errands, bikes are a popular mode of transportation. Over 100,000 people ride a bicycle in Tel Aviv every day. Tel Aviv isn’t necessarily known worldwide as a biking city, but it has a bike culture which quietly rivals famous biking cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam. So why not join the locals and hop on a bike during your visit to Tel Aviv?
If you're looking to truly experience Tel Aviv and all it has to offer, then a bicycle is a must. If you are only in Tel Aviv for a few days, I recommend spending at least one day with a bicycle to maximize your time and cover the entire city. If you are staying longer, buying or renting a bike long-term allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the city the way locals do.
Riding a bike in Tel Aviv gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace, and it is also a lot of fun! Here are a few reasons why biking in Tel Aviv is a great idea:
1. Easy exploration
With a bike, you can easily navigate the city and see all the sights. No more waiting for buses or paying for taxis - just hop on your bike and go! Buses can be extremely inconsistent in Tel Aviv at best and jam-packed full of people during rush hour. What might seem like a quick ride in a taxi can quickly turn into an expensive time sitting and listening to cars honking. There is never traffic in the bike lanes, and a rental bike can be as cheap as just a few dollars a day.
2. Picture-perfect moments
Want to stop and take a picture of that beautiful street art or stunning beach view? No problem! With a bike, you can easily stop and snap away without having to worry about holding up traffic.
A few of my favorite spots to bike and take a picture: Charles Clore Park, Frishman Beach, Habima Square, The Old Train station in Neve Tzedek, and all of the street art in the Florentine Neighborhood.
3. Fun for everyone
Navigating Tel Aviv by bike is a great activity for anyone capable of riding. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, there's something for everyone. Tel Aviv is a super flat city so you can cruise along at a comfortable pace without exerting much effort while exploring the city all day! The network of over 150 miles of bike lanes makes it easy to travel through the city safely and efficiently. In less than 15 minutes on a bike you can cross all of Tel Aviv and see many of the major sights while leaving yourself time to catch the sunset at the beach.
Some of my favorite bike lanes: Rothschild Boulevard, The Tayelet next to the beach, Park Hamesila (stop for pizza at Teder), Ben Gurion Street, and Hayarkon Park.
4. Avoid the crowds
Want to avoid the crowded tourist areas and discover hidden gems? A bike is the perfect way to do it. You can easily take a detour and explore the lesser-known neighborhoods and parks. This doesn't mean you need to avoid the busy spots however. You can easily lock your bike and explore on foot with the availability of bike racks.
Recommend places to lock the bike and take a walk: The Carmel Market, Jaffa Old City, Sarona Market, and take a walk in the sand on any of our beaches!
5. Soak up the sun
Biking is not only fun, but it's also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while on vacation. Tel Aviv has beautiful weather year-round with over 300 days of sun on average each year. It is almost always a perfect day for a bike ride in Tel Aviv!
So what are you waiting for?
Hop on a bike in Tel Aviv and experience the city in a whole new way. Just make sure to wear a helmet and stick to the bike lanes as much as possible and you'll be all set for a great bike ride. Happy exploring!
If you are looking to rent a bike while in Tel Aviv visit 'Yalla Bikes' - the absolute best place to rent a bike for the day, week, or month. Yalla Bikes was founded by me, Jake, a new Israeli citizen from the USA! Our high-quality city bikes and expertise on everything related to biking in Tel Aviv will make your visit amazing and allow you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Let us handle the bikes, you handle the adventure! Check out our website yallabikestlv.com and give us a follow on Instagram @yallabikes. We hope to hear from you soon!