History of Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv, recognized in 2003 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture (defined as "Bauhaus" style or "International Style"), was built outside of Jaffa as a suburban haven for Judaism in 1909. Over the years, it has developed into a cultural hot spot and supports tourism from all over the world. European influence found its way to Tel Aviv, as many of the people who developed "The White City" were European architects who have now left their modern handprint on what was, then, a new and impressionable city. These historic buildings, many of which were built during the British rule in Palestine in the 1930s, are sometimes kept relevant in modern day by being turned into hotels in Tel Aviv as well as other tourist havens such as shopping centers.

Consumerism in Tel Aviv

While many visitors flock to Tel Aviv to admire the unique architecture, one can also expect vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches when visiting this Israeli city that has often been said to resemble the hustle and bustle of New York.

Some credit this explosion of city life in Jerusalem to the development of shopping malls in Tel Aviv. Shopping malls are good for local economies in many ways, because they offer numerous jobs to those who reside in the city, and they also attract outside interest from consumers. The money spent by these consumers goes directly back into the economy, creating a system beneficial for everyone involved.

In the 1970s, as shops and restaurants were popping up, new developments started migrating towards more ideal locations at the edge of the city. The storefronts and businesses which were closer to the coast started to thrive because of a nearby freeway, and the city began to flourish as more of the urban center it was moving towards. Today, there are multitudes of tourist attractions which reflect the city’s ability to capitalize on the opportunities of both its charismatic architecture and being a consumer paradise. One certain attraction, known as "Sarona", is a shopping and entertainment center which was originally the site of offices for the government use of Israel.

Capitalizing on the Old and the New

As mentioned before, the city often restores older architecture to preserve historical significance while promoting economic growth (such as a Tel Aviv Israel hotel, many of which have 5 stars), which has proven effective in drawing out tourists by the boat-load. Tel Aviv demonstrates how a versatile city which highlights both its historical assets as well as its more modern and commercial assets can thrive in today’s world.

Tel Aviv, which means "hill of spring" in Hebrew, was built with the idea of having a fully Jewish city, but it turned into much more than that and is now a must-see city when exploring the Middle East. The city is home to as many as 13 bustling beaches where many go to spend vacations in luxurious Tel Aviv beach hotels. Tel Aviv is now a popular tourist destination for anyone looking to visit Israel, but wanting to see more than just the religious capital, Jerusalem.