Israel

[mrsnec]

Has anyone done a short break in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem? If so talk to me about it, did you feel safe? Was immigration a nightmare?

We commeneted watching the McMafia show that it must be sponsored by the Israeli tourist board as Tel Aviv looked stunning.

That's great Vala and K2, I will look out for that.

I watched the Israeli series that Homeland was based on recently and my DM bought me Yotam Ottolenghi's Jerusalem book for my birthday and both those things sparked my interest a bit more.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelReview-g293984-d12821981-Reviews-DaveeTLVbyyBrownHotels-TellAvivTellAvivDistrict.htmll_

Looks great, good reviews, under budget, walking distance from beach and city centre...

I saw another Israeli drama on Box Sets on Sky which had a lot of Tel Aviv in it too. False Flag. It was very good if you're into Homeland and that sort of thing.

Dialogue mostly in Hebrew, bit of English but with subtitles.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelReview-g293984-d3820207-Reviews-TheeEmbassyHotellTelAviv-TellAvivTellAviv_District.html

Right by the beach, also got good reviews

That's right up my street! Thanks, appreciate your help.

I heard of False Flag but couldn't find it to download at the time. I will have another look.

No problem, I hope it works out for you! I love tlv

I have another question, sorry everyone, so foreign office seems to advise against public transport. Would I be correct in thinking I'd need to budget around 100e for taxis to and from Ben Gurion to the beach areas of TLV? If so is it better to book in advance. I might have to cut my hotel budget even more!

Yes, that accurate IME. And Israeli taxi drivers (like those in many countries) may try to rip you off.

I have family in TV and as I said above I travel there frequently. I think you're totally, totally fine to take a train to Tel Aviv Hashalom station then cross the road to the Azrieli Centre for a bus downtown. That's what I do with my husband and young child.

*TLV

Yes I'm used to that re foreign taxi drivers! Maybe we could do it just for when we land as I can imagine it being very busy at 7pm on a Friday and get the bus and train back to the airport on the Sunday. That would save a bit.

It's good to know you have no problems though. Now you have me wondering if we should bring the dc! Do you find it a child friendly city? Mine are 3 and nearly 2.

There is a good blog on a trip to Israel here: www.sfo777.com/report/our-week-israel-0

Go and enjoy. The security screening is intended to protect everyone. It takes a couple of minutes per person so queues build up and the airport is a little chaotic but not a reason not to go to Israel. 2.5-3 hours before your return flight should be more than enough.

We stayed at the Centre Chic Hotel at Dizzengoff Square. Small and boutique and an easy walk to the beach, or they have bikes you can use.

Food is marvelous: so fresh.