Experienced tourists plan their itinerary in advance. They study online maps and highlight attractions, calculating all the travel time between them to get the most out of their trip in a single day. But when traveling to Jaffa, you can safely abandon this plan. After all, this town near Tel Aviv is an attraction in itself, and to see everything, you will have to stay here for a week or even longer: walk through all the streets, look into every courtyard and under every archway.
The history of Jaffa
Before starting a tour, it is always worth learning about the legends, local residents, and major milestones in the development of the place. After all, a little immersion in history helps you get into the spirit of the place and set your priorities correctly. So, there are just a few things you need to know about the history of Jaffa:
- It is one of the oldest cities on Earth. The first mentions of it date back to 1800 BC.
- As a port city, it had no “indigenous inhabitants” until the 20th century — power constantly changed hands, and bloody wars were fought for possession of the city. Such significant historical figures as Caesar, Herod, Richard the Lionheart, and Napoleon took part in these wars.
- According to one legend, Jaffa got its name from Andromeda, a beautiful woman chained to a coastal rock. According to Greek mythology, she was freed from captivity by Perseus. The name “Jaffa,” meaning “beautiful,” stuck with the local settlement.
- Another legend says that the name comes from Japheth, the son of Noah from the Bible, who lived here with his dad.
Repeated battles for the port city in ancient times left their mark on the cultural heritage and way of life of the local population. Jewish and Muslim traditions are honored in Jaffa, temples of various denominations operate here, and Turkish, Greek, and Victorian influences can be seen in the architecture. The bohemian community that lives here adds to the color of the old city. Many streets are lined with craft shops and galleries, and sometimes picturesque paintings are hung directly on the walls of buildings. To enjoy the art of modern Jaffa, it is best to book an exclusive guided tour that will take you to all the significant places.
Architecture and attractions
The ancient streets of Jaffa are perfect for walking tours. Shell rock buildings, cobbled roads, oriental arches, and an abundance of plants in pots and planters create a truly unusual atmosphere imbued with the spirit of ancient legends.
It is among them that the main attractions of Jaffa are hidden.
Zodiac Signs Quarter
Here you will find the most unusual addresses in the world — Leo Street, Gemini Street, Scorpio Street, and other “constellations.” All of them are marked with colorful signs and are intended to unite the peoples and religions living here and put an end to the differences between them. Tourists believe that touching their sign will definitely bring good luck.
The Floating Orange Tree
Tel Aviv-Jaffa used to be surrounded by citrus groves, and their fruits brought good profits to the local population. Now this industry is not so developed—there are very few plantations left. And, according to one legend, the floating tree suspended on chains is a symbol of longing for the past. Another legend says that the orange is a symbol of the Jewish people, who are separated from their land but live, thrive, and bear fruit.
Bridge of Desires
It continues the Zodiac Signs Quarter, and its wooden railings are also carved with corresponding plaques. The bridge itself attracts attention with its unusual design—even its supports are made of logs, and the pedestrian spans are made of planks.
Flea Market
If you don’t know what to see and what souvenirs to bring back as a memento, be sure to visit this Yafo attraction. You definitely won’t leave empty-handed, because the Flea Market sells absolutely everything — old coins and watches, antique furniture and decor, lamps, figurines, and much more.
A tour with accommodation at the Old Hostel in Jaffa can be a special treat. It is located right in the middle of the Flea Market, surrounded by small but cozy cafes. But the main attraction of the hotel is its interior, created entirely from vintage items purchased in the neighborhood.
Observation deck and Gate of Faith
It is impossible to visit all the places in one day. But one place that is definitely worth visiting is the observation deck on the coast. The Gate of Faith, symbolizing the uniqueness and chosen status of the Jewish people, is also located here. But what is truly breathtaking is the panorama of the old city of Jaffa and modern Tel Aviv that opens up from this platform.
Seaport
Nowadays, it is no longer a major trading hub, but there are plenty of boats here. You can rent one of them and explore the city from the sea. A boat trip will allow you to most acutely feel your position “between eras” — ancient stone Jaffa and modern Tel Aviv with its skyscrapers and crowded streets.
Museums and art
While walking through the old city, you may think that only tourists live there. This is not the case. There are also local residents. Among them are not only ordinary Israeli citizens, but also creative people and bohemians. Many of them have their own shops and galleries where you can not only admire the works, but also buy them.
But on a tour of Jaffa, you will be taken to more significant places, which also house the works of local celebrities and finds made during excavations:
- Archaeological Museum. It is located on Kikar Kdumim Square, which is also one of the attractions of the old city. The exhibition includes ancient frescoes, household items, jewelry, and stones, many of which are thousands of years old.
- Ilana Gur Museum. The famous self-taught designer lives in two countries – six months in her native Israel and six months in New York. She turned her own home into a museum, creating everything from furniture to decor with her own hands.
- Farkash Family Gallery. It houses posters and placards from different periods. Among them are Soviet propaganda posters, the Declaration of Independence of Israel, and many others.
- Frank Meisler’s Sculpture Salon. Here you can see the artist’s interpretations of famous personalities such as Pablo Picasso and many others, cast in bronze and silver.
Over the past few decades, tourism has become the main source of income for the residents of Jaffa. Therefore, here you can not only admire the architecture and museum exhibitions, but also buy souvenirs, have a snack in a number of bakeries and cafes, and admire the work of soap makers, potters, and sculptors. When going on a tour of Jaffa, wear your favorite sneakers—you’ll be walking on cobblestone streets for a long time!