Jaffa Old City, Tel Aviv

Walk through the ancient stone arches and alleyways of Jaffa Old City for a taste of hybrid Jewish and Arab culture. The city, inhabited as early as 7,500 BCE, served as an ancient port town. Because of its strategic position--you can see views of nearby Tel Aviv from the harbor--the settlement changed hands dozens of times over the centuries. Ancient Egyptians, Philistines, Israelites, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines all laid claim to the area at some point, followed by the Ottoman and British Empires, whose architectural legacy remains visible throughout the city. At night, stalls in the town's open markets turn into restaurants that spill out onto the sidewalks and alleys. Arrange your visit to Jaffa Old City and discover more family-friendly attractions in Tel Aviv using our Tel Aviv sightseeing planning site.