Jaffa

Jaffa, the ancient Mediterranean port city now part of Tel Aviv, welcomes you with landmarks like the 1906 Clock Tower, the active fishing port, and the stone-paved alleys of its Old City. You can browse antiques at Shuk HaPishpishim flea market, taste Arab pastries at Abuelafia bakery, or watch fishing boats return with their catch at the waterfront restaurants.

Walking Through Jaffa's Old City

The northwestern section of Jaffa sits on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. You'll find art galleries and craft workshops along the narrow stone alleys. Stop at the Visitor's Center in Kedumim Square for maps and information about local archaeological discoveries. In the evenings, musicians perform in the square while visitors explore the nearby cafes and shops.

The Port Area

Local fishing boats still operate from Jaffa's port, which dates back to the Bronze Age. Former port warehouses now house performance spaces and cultural centers, including the Nalaga'at Center, where deaf and blind community members run theater productions and a restaurant. Several seafood restaurants line the waterfront, giving you views of the returning fishing boats.

Religious Sites and Landmarks

St. Peter's Church, a 17th-century Franciscan basilica, overlooks the port from Kedumim Square. Near the church, you'll find the House of Simon the Tanner, which Christian tradition identifies as the site of Saint Peter's vision that influenced early Christianity. The Mahmoudiya Mosque serves as a central point for Jaffa's Muslim community, with its minaret visible across the Old City.

Clock Tower Square and Local Food

The 1906 Ottoman Clock Tower marks the entrance to Old Jaffa. Middle Eastern food vendors and cafes surround the square. At Abuelafia bakery, you can try traditional Arab pastries like sambusaq and sesame bagels. Several restaurants in the area serve North African dishes, including shakshuka.

Jaffa Flea Market

Shuk HaPishpishim spreads across several streets, with vendors selling antiques, vintage clothes, and collectibles. The market is most active during morning hours when traders display their merchandise in shops and on street mats. Independent boutiques and design stores have opened in the surrounding streets.

Getting Around

Dan Bus Company runs regular services connecting Jaffa to Tel Aviv and Bat Yam. The new Red Line of the Tel Aviv Light Rail travels through Jaffa along Jerusalem Boulevard. You can walk from central Tel Aviv to Jaffa in about 40 minutes via the beach promenade.

About Jaffa

Jaffa's port connected Asia, Africa, and Europe for over 4,000 years. Ships once anchored offshore due to the rocky coastline, bringing visitors to Palestine through the 20th century. Since merging with Tel Aviv in 1950, Jaffa has maintained its mixed population of 52,470 residents, including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities.