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Tel Aviv: Where My Backpack Met Reality Check

@Sebastian Blair3/14/2026blog
Tel Aviv: Where My Backpack Met Reality Check

so here i am in tel aviv, and honestly, it’s not what i expected. for one, the weather’s a bit off the charts cool and damp. i just checked and it’s 16.9 degrees with this damp 76% humidity clinging to you like a clingy ex. if you like that kind of thing, you’ll love it right now. the pressure’s at 1007 which apparently means it’ll either rain or my brain will fog up, can’t tell which.

a view of a body of water through a cave


"someone told me that the shuk in jaffa is the best place to get cheap falafel, but then another person said it’s a total tourist trap. i guess you have to try it and see for yourself."

a view of the ocean from a cave


if you get bored, jerusalem is only a hop away, and jaffa is practically next door. but honestly? i’m broke student-mode activated, so *street markets are my vibe. that ben yehuda street? overpriced tourist nonsense. hit florentin instead for street art that won’t make your wallet cry.


"i heard that at the beach at night, the locals are super friendly, but also that you should watch your stuff. so, yeah, bring a friend and a good attitude."

a sandy beach with a hill in the background


seriously though, the humidity here is no joke. felt like i was wearing a wet blanket. the locals? they just shrugged like it’s normal. anyway, found this spot via this tel aviv forum about cheap eats near the port - turns out there’s this hummus joint that’ll feed you for 20 shekels. game changer.

also, this yelp list saved my life when i was looking for a place to crash. and if you’re into history? tripadvisor says the old jaffa area is worth the hype, even if the humidity makes you wanna cry.

pro tip: skip the fancy cafes. grab a sabich* from a hole-in-the-wall. your budget will thank you. and maybe bring an extra t-shirt. the dampness is real.

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About the author: Sebastian Blair

Writing with intent and a dash of humor.

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