Wander the charming and picturesque streets of Neve Tzedek to get a feel for life in Israel before the development of Tel Aviv. Neve Tzedek means Oasis of Justice and the leafy brick-paved streets evoke the sensation of landing in a retreat far-removed from the city’s modernity. Bars and cafés spill out onto the pavements, children play at shaded squares, artwork decorates façades and bougainvilleas add a burst of vivid color.
A group of Mizrahi Jewish families established the neighborhood in 1887, two decades prior to the official foundation of Tel Aviv. Their goal was to create a serene lifestyle away from the bustling old walled district of Jaffa. Artists and literati, such as Nobel laureate Shumel Yosef Agnon, moved into the area in the early 1900s however, it fell into decay with the evolution of northern Tel Aviv. A gentrification program took place in the 1980s, which saw the restoration of several Art Nouveau and Bauhaus-style buildings.
A stroll along Shabazi Street offers a glimpse into the bohemian and creative vibe. Enjoy some window shopping at independent fashion outlets, jewelers and pottery stores. Browse the work of local artists at one of the many galleries and studios. Cafés and restaurants serve up mouthwatering menus of authentic Israeli cuisine and experimental European fare.
The area is home to exceptional architecture such as Rokach House, which is used as a cultural center. See whimsical masterpieces by the acclaimed Israeli painter and sculptor Nachum Gutman at the Gutman Museum. A peaceful courtyard filled with lemon trees leads to the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater. Attend contemporary dance shows by both national and international groups.
Neve Tzedek sits between Charles Clore Park, Florentin and the western end of Rothschild Boulevard. Several public bus lines stop nearby and it is about a 25-minute walk from Jaffa Port. Also close by is the Old Train Station, a decommissioned railway terminal whose pastel-hued buildings have been turned into a stylish retail and dining complex.
