Tel Aviv

This vibrant, beach city on the eastern Mediterranean is Israel’s economic and cultural hub. Tel Aviv is more secular and laid-back than Jerusalem, and a wonderful place to spend a few days soaking in the sun, art and truly incredible food.

There is limited public transport in Tel Aviv. To save time and stress, download the Gett or Uber apps to call a cab and pay by card.

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Tel Aviv Airport, most nationalities will receive a blue, paper card instead of a passport stamp. Do not lose this card for the duration of your visit, as passport control will need it upon departure. Security at Ben Gurion is also very high. Arrive three hours before an outbound flight.

EAT

Dr. Shakshuka This humble place is somewhat of an institution in Old Town Jaffa. It will be busy but worth it.

North Abraxass Amazing, simple Israeli fare made from the best ingredients. Do not miss dinner here and book well in advance.

Tolaat (תולעת ספרים - מזא"ה) Cute, cozy cafe in a book shop housed within a lovely old mansion. Good for breakfast or lunch.

DRINK

Beit Hapsanter Chic, PYT lounge-bar with live music. The name means “Piano House”.

Faruk BaSuk Fun bar and restaurant in the Jaffa Flea Market with live music in the late afternoon.

Haminzar The local-est local. Don’t miss.

Israel Wine Tours Israel is one of the oldest wine-making regions of the world, thanks to the Greeks and Romans during pre-biblical times. We spent a day in the Judean Hills with Barak Yitzhaki of Israel Wine Tours. We tried different, interesting wines in a unique corner of the country and received a healthy history lesson.

Salon Berlin Hip and relaxed dive bar. Food is excellent and happy hour two for one drinks until 10:30pm.

PLAY

Bauhaus architecture This 1930s modernist architecture movement left its legacy all over Tel Aviv. Today the “White City” is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Poli House Hotel at the corner of Allenby and Nahalot Binyamin Streets is one example.

Jaffa Flea Market Antiques, boutiques and souvenir shopping.

Old City Jaffa The remnants of the ancient port city that seeded Tel Aviv. Today it’s winding alleyways are filled with art galleries, restaurants and craft shops.

Old Train Station Nice place for a quiet walk before heading to the beaches.

Shabazi Street The lifespring of the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, Shabazi is lined with boutiques and cafes. Go for jewelry shopping.

Tevl Aviv beaches They’re beautiful and nice any time of year. We enjoyed a few hours at Aviv Beach’s Surf Club bar.

STAY

The Nachalat Binyamin neighborhood has excellent nightlife, food and shopping all nearby, and is an easy walk to the southern beaches, Neve Tzedek and Jaffa. We enjoyed the artsy, boutique hotel Hotel 75.

Tel Aviv

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Galway

Galway is pure, old world magic. A harbor city on Ireland’s west coast, its Latin Quarter holds art shops, Claddagh jewellry stores and medieval pubs pouring tourists and traditional music into the streets.

Shannon is the nearest airport and a one hour drive by car. Buses and trains also run regularly from Dublin to Galway.

While Galway deserves a few days itself, it is also an excellent jumping off point for day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and Connemara.

EAT

Busker Browne’s Start your holiday in Galway with a pub lunch.

Cactus Jack’s Decent Mexican food.

Xi’an Street Food Casual restaurant with delicious hand-pulled Chinese noodles.

DRINK

Tig Coili Small, friendly bar with outdoor standing space for watching street artists.

Taafes Pub Super fun pub with traditional, live music.

Pádraicíns Seafood Bar & Restaurant Grab a Guinness at this R336 seaside pub while heading back to Galway after a day in Connemara.

The Quays Bar and Restaurant 400-year-old watering hole with an upstairs music hall featuring live music and DJs.

PLAY

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Mohrer The Aran Islands, known for their ancient villages and stone walls, are a short ferry ride (30-90 minutes) from the village of Doolin. The Cliffs are 15-20 minutes south of Doolin. Book entrance to the Cliffs in advance online.

Salthill Promemade Walk along the ocean and breathe in the fresh, Irish sea air.

Connemara Home to Ireland’s fairy folk. While there stop by the romantic Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian estate, and take an afternoon hike through Connemara’s National Park.

STAY

Any AirBnB within walking distance of the Latin Quarter will be conveniently placed.

Looking for something more authentic and away from the crowds? Salthill is a cute, quiet neighborhood with bed and breakfasts on the water and just a 10-15 minute bus ride from the Latin Quarter.

Galway

LOCATIONS NEARBY

São Paulo

This sprawling metropolis is Brazil’s financial hub and most populated city.

São Paulo is huge and its public metro system extensive. If you are comfortable navigating public transport systems in major cities, it will be a piece of cake. Pay by ride (like New York City’s subway) or for a longer visit pick up a Bilhete Único reloadable card.

As with any large city, pickpockets are common. Take care and keep belongings close.

EAT

Brazilian food is comforting, dynamic and delicious. A few “must-tries” include the sandwich de mortadela at the Municipal Market of São Paulo, feijoada (black bean stew with chorizo and pork), pão de queijo (baked cheese roll), bacalao croquettes (fried cod sticks) and Brazilian pizza.

The Liberdade neighborhood, or “Little Japan”, has loads of traditional Japanese eats and is home to Brazil’s largest Japanese population.

DRINK

Açaí berries Try mixed into fresh juices. Vendors are plentiful.

Cold beer Brazilians will tell you this is the only way it should be drank!

Cachaça A Brazilian liquor made from sugarcane. Try it in caipirinha, the national cocktail.

PLAY

Ibirapuera Park Run or ride bikes through São Paulo’s Central Park,.

Trianon Park This breath of fresh air is a small but beautiful park in the city center with trails, playgrounds and birds.

Vila Madalena Sweet neighborhood known for its hipsters, bohemian shops, good restaurants and bars.

São Paulo Museum of Art You can’t miss the large concrete building with imposing red pillars.

STAY

Stay in either Vila Madalena or the city center. We had a fine stay at the affordable, 3-star Hotel Ibis São Paulo Paulista in the center.

São Paulo