One of the best kept secrets in traveler’s circles is no longer a secret. If you are not one of the 2 million annual visitors to Tel Aviv, the recently ranked 3rd “hottest city for 2011” by lonely planet and 9th best beach city by National Geographic , here are the top 5 sites to see in the Mediterranean’s Capital of Cool; Tel Aviv:

1. Beaches. The long white sandy beaches of Tel Aviv are clean and plentiful. Even if the beach life is not for you, it’s highly recommended to put on your best sport sandals and take a walk along the calm seas edge, or along the promenade, especially as the sun sets along its watery horizon. Particular favorite beaches are Gordon, Frishman and Bugrashov.
2. HaCarmel Shuk (The Carmel Market). This popular street market is filled with tourists and local shoppers alike, all taking in the wonderful sights, smells and sounds, as well as the odd bargain or two in Tel Aviv’s foremost market. Buy anything from fresh chicken necks to antique furniture (and everything in-between!) in a market that although popular by so many tourists maintains its staunchly Israeli identity. Friday afternoon, before the Jewish Sabbath begins, is the busiest and cheapest time to go.
3. Old Yaffo. The ancient port of Yaffo is steeped in 4000 years of colorful history and boasts stunning views across the whole of Tel Aviv. The flea market adds further spice to the area’s rich tapestry and you find yourself spoilt for choice in what restaurant or bakery to buy your food from. Indeed some of the finest fish restaurants in Israel can be found in Yaffo and the food seems to taste just the little bit better with such stunning views to gaze upon. That’s something that I can’t always say when out eating with the other half.
4. Florentin. Very much the hip and happening part of Tel Aviv, Florentin contains the largest collection of Bauhaus architecture in the city (some say the world), and an ever changing number of about to be developed dilapidated buildings, trendy shops, restaurants and cafes, and a social scene all to its self.
5. The Yarkon Park & River. The final entry into the top 5 is the heart and lungs of Tel Aviv; The Yarkon Park and the river which winds lazily flanked either side by reed lined banks extending onto large green parklands. It has everything; rock climbing, canoeing, zoos, fishing, tennis, outdoor gyms, go karting and plenty of places to unwind in peace and quiet and forget you are in a city that is although only 100 years old, offers so much.

So when you begin to plan your next vacation consider the city of Tel Aviv where you will find culture, beaches, great food and good bargains.
Dan Mitchell loves traveling to exotic and far off places. He enjoys backpacking with the latest Source products and finding all the best deals and off-the-beaten path destinations.

Thanks to yanivba for the photo from Flickr!