Sam and her family enjoying one of Tel Aviv’s beautifully sheltered, sandy beaches.<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Why I went to Tel Aviv<\/strong>
\nTel Aviv is a city I know well and have visited many times, partly because my in-laws live there, but mainly because it\u2019s just so darn cool. This trip was different however, because my husband and I took our three-year-old daughter, and experienced it not as culture vultures by day and bar-hoppers by night, but through the very different eyes of a toddler-toting family. It proved to be an enlightening experience as we uncovered a whole new side to Tel Aviv.<\/p>\n

My highlight of the trip<\/strong>
\nTel Aviv has a lot to show off. From Bauhaus architecture to world-class museums and edgy art galleries. But none of that would have entertained a three year old, so we set off to the vast HaYarkon Park, which quickly became the highlight of our trip. Stretching along the southern portion of the non-stop city, Tel Aviv\u2019s famous green lung is a swathe of calm and serenity amid the urban hubbub. New York has Central Park, Tel Aviv has HaYarkon. There\u2019s a stream and small wildlife park. There are walks and play parks, sports courts, and even a 10 acre Rock Garden, showcasing Israel\u2019s geological diversity. We spent a long sunny day eating pitta, hummus and olives for our picnic, watching fish in the Tropical Garden, and hiring bikes and cycling along the river path.<\/p>\n

What else I love about Tel Aviv<\/strong>
\nTwo words… brunches and beaches. There is nothing more Tel Avivian than a gigantic, decadent brunch enjoyed alfresco as the low humdrum of traffic, dog-walkers, electric bikes and pedestrians whizz past. Be sure to try local feasts of hummus, pita, salads and cheeses, or shakshuka (eggs in tomato sauce).<\/p>\n

Few cities in the world can match Tel Aviv for magnificent, sandy beaches. Wide, sheltered and lifeguarded (and with all the amenities you’ll need) it makes a day out at the beach as easy as walking a few steps from your hotel.<\/p>\n

While our pint-sized traveller is still a little too young for most museums, they should be top on any must-see list. There are national institutions including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Eretz Israel Museum, and Beit Hatfutsot: The Museum of the Jewish People. But there are also a number of specialist museums, such as the History of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the Bauhaus Museum, and Bialik Museum, home of the first great modern Hebrew poet.<\/p>\n