Tel Aviv at 116: From Sand Dunes to a Thriving Global Metropolis!

This year, Tel Aviv celebrates its 116th anniversary with a weekend of festivities from 3 to 5 April.

The land Tel Aviv was built upon was a stretch of empty sand dunes north of Jaffa, which was purchased from the Lebanese Sursock family through the efforts of Yehoshua Hankin

In 1909, a group of 60 Jewish families seeking to escape the cramped & unsanitary conditions of Jaffa, envisioned a modern, planned neighbourhood with wide streets, gardens & fresh air

To divide the plots fairly, the families held a lottery using 120 seashells – half inscribed with names, half with plot numbers. This marked the birth of what would become the first all-Jewish city in modern history.


Originally named Ahuzat Bayit, meaning “House Estate”, the city was soon renamed Tel Aviv, inspired by Theodor Herzl’s novel Altneuland (Old-New Land).

Tel Aviv grew rapidly, absorbing waves of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution in Europe. The 1930s brought an influx of German Jewish architects, who introduced Bauhaus-style buildings with clean lines, curved balconies & functional design. Today, Tel Aviv’s White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the largest collection of Bauhaus architecture in the world. When Israel declared independence in 1948, Tel Aviv served briefly as its provisional capital.



A City That Never Sleeps

🏖️Beach Life: Tel Aviv’s 14 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline offer golden sands, beach bars & a vibrant surf scene.

👨‍🍳Nightlife & Dining: Ranked among the world’s top party cities, Tel Aviv boasts legendary clubs, rooftop bars & a thriving food scene, from hummus joints to Michelin-recognised restaurants.

💻Tech & Startups: Dubbed “Silicon Wadi”, Tel Aviv is a global tech hub, second only to Silicon Valley in startup density.



Celebrating 116 Years: What’s Happening?



The Tel Aviv-Yafo City Museum is hosting a weekend of celebrations from 3 to 5 April, featuring:

🎭 Live performances & street art

🏛️ Guided tours of historic neighbourhoods

🎂 City Cake Competition – local bakers create desserts inspired by Tel Aviv’s spirit, with tastings for visitors

☀️Perfect Weather: April offers sunny skies & warm, but not scorching, temperatures.

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