Jaffa, also known as “Yafo”, is the historic town from whom, Tel Aviv has developed. Just like that of Southern Tel Aviv, Jaffa has also been reconstructed, having narrow streets as well as courtyards and is starting to become an extremely appealing part of Tel Aviv’s city tapestry. Jaffa is a place where you will get vibes of the ancient world of Arabs, which makes a pleasing effect if you compare it from Tel Aviv's modern structure and design. Even though it offers a couple of attractions as a result, there is a good old-time style right here which cannot be outdone. Jaffa is starting to become more and more gentrified, having shops as well as cafés appearing all around the center of this beautiful city. This can be an excellent spot to arrive for lunch to relax inside a café from a hectic routine or a coffee break you could say.

History of Jaffa History of Jaffa is a huge one as this is known to be a very special ancient port. Its history begins from the old times when it was constructed back in around 1800 BCE. A general of Thutmose III, Egypt took over Jaffa which was known as the Canaanite city and later became the provisional capital of Egypt back in 15th Century BCE. This city was within the rule of Egypt until 800 BCE. After some time, the Israeli kings “David and Solomon”, occupied this city and used it as a port to bring Cedars, which were used in the construction of the very first temple of the tyre. Later, it was ruled by Persians but became an independent state in 350 BCE. In 68 CE, the Roman Emperor “Vespasian” occupied it. Later, the Crusaders captured this city but in 1126, however, they lost it badly in 1187 to Saladin. It was then again recaptured by Richard-I of England in 1191 but sooner it was again recaptured by Saladin’s brother al-Malik al-ʿĀdil in 1197. At the end of the 17th century, it was started being used as a Seaport. Finally, in the 19th century, it was started to be given vital importance as one of the most important ports after Jerusalem. It had rich agriculture around it which gave it huge importance. In 1909, Tel Aviv came into existence as a Jewish part of Arab Jaffa. 1917 however, the Turkish military sent the residence of Jaffa and Tel Aviv to the Northward as they began to think that the residences were in sympathy with the British army. In late 1917, the residences were finally back into the very same place from where they left after Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, both were taken in control by the British Army. In 1940, Tel Aviv was so enlarged and under good development that it came time for Jaffa for its construction and finally in 2011, a new “Old Jaffa visitors center” opened for the public to see and today it is highly known and one of the very important parts of Israel.

Things to do in Jaffa There are a lot of great things to do in Jaffa. Since it is a very popular city in Israel, where Jewish and Arabs both are breathing in the same air, there are great points for attraction designed for visitors to come and visit for example Jaffa Port Market, the gardens next to sea giving picture-perfect views, those small cute shops of design, boutiques, toys, fabrics and more to explore.

Then there is this Jaffa clock tower built in 1906, ready to keep you timely updated. Also, if you have this thing for art, then there is also a museum called “IlanaGoor Museum”, where you get to find really good pieces of art designed by professional artists and much more.

Restaurants and cafes are also well known in this area since they are providing both the Arab and Jewish cuisine so you get to have the taste of both. Most of the foods you would find here are of Middle Eastern style having a delicious and unique taste of their own.

How to reach Jaffa? Jaffa is not that hard to reach, it’s quite an easy walk from Tel Aviv. It’s just about 2 km away from the seafront. If you want a nice trip to Jaffa and have a little tour of your own, then there is good news for you as free walks are offered by their Tourist Association on Wednesdays. The tour officially starts at 10:00 am on Marzuk Street from their office. The flea market where you get to see lovely small shops have live entertainment on Thursday nights every summer.