Is the Old Jaffa walking route difficult?

The difficulty is moderate. While the distances are short, the terrain includes some hills in Abrasha Park and uneven cobblestone alleys in the Artists' Quarter.

What is the best time to visit Old Jaffa?

Late afternoon is ideal. You can explore the historical sites when the heat has faded and finish at the Port just as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea.

Can I see the highlights of Jaffa for free?

Yes, most of Jaffa's iconic landmarks, including the Clock Tower, the Wishing Bridge, and the Port, are outdoors and free to enjoy without a ticket.

Is Jaffa safe for solo travelers?

Jaffa is generally very safe for solo travelers. It is a popular tourist destination with a high police presence and a friendly, bustling atmosphere during both day and evening hours.

Are there many stairs in Old Jaffa?

Yes, the historic core contains many narrow alleys with stone steps. If you have mobility issues, you can stick to the main paved roads like Yefet Street to see the major landmarks.

What should I wear for a walking tour Tel Aviv experience in Jaffa?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the cobblestones. If you plan to enter religious sites like St. Peter's Church, it is respectful to have clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

How do I get from central Tel Aviv to Old Jaffa?

You can easily take a public bus (lines 10, 18, or 25), ride a shared bicycle (Tel-O-Fun), or walk along the beachfront promenade, which takes about 30-45 minutes from central Tel Aviv.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back through four millennia of history with a neighborhood stroll through Old Jaffa, the ancient gateway to the Holy Land. This self-guided walk invites you to explore a labyrinth of limestone alleys where biblical legends meet modern artistic flair. As you navigate the winding paths, you will discover how Jaffa has transformed from a strategic Mediterranean port into one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the region. This walking route is designed for those who prefer to explore independently, allowing you to linger over a view of the Mediterranean or delve into a hidden gallery at your own pace. The journey begins atop the hill in Abrasha Park, offering a panoramic introduction to the coastline before descending into the heart of the Old City. Along the way, you will encounter architectural marvels that reflect the city's diverse heritage, from the Ottoman-era Mahmoudiya Mosque to the striking red facade of St. Peter's Church. This walking tour Tel Aviv experience highlights the seamless blend of the old and the new, featuring whimsical modern art installations like the Suspended Orange Tree tucked away in quiet courtyards. Whether you are interested in maritime history, religious significance, or simply the charm of ancient stone walls, this route provides a comprehensive look at Jaffa’s enduring legacy. By choosing this self-guided adventure, you avoid the rigid schedules of a traditional walking tour Tel Aviv visitors often encounter, giving you the freedom to pause for a coffee at the Clock Tower or watch the fishing boats return to the harbor. It is a journey through time that captures the soul of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Highlights

Panoramic Mediterranean views from the Wishing Bridge

The iconic red-brick architecture of St. Peter's Church

The whimsical and gravity-defying Suspended Orange Tree

The grand Ottoman-era Mahmoudiya Mosque and its ornate fountains

The historic Jaffa Clock Tower, a symbol of the city's late-Ottoman period

The atmospheric Jaffa Port, one of the oldest active harbors in the world

Tour Stops (6)

Wishing Bridge

Start your journey at the Wishing Bridge in Abrasha Park. This wooden bridge is adorned with bronze plaques representing the twelve signs of the zodiac. According to local legend, if you hold your zodiac sign, look out toward the Mediterranean Sea, and make a wish, it will come true. Beyond the myth, the bridge offers one of the most stunning vantage points in the city. To your north, the modern skyline of Tel Aviv stretches along the coast, a sharp contrast to the ancient stones beneath your feet. This park sits on the site of ancient fortifications, where archaeologists have uncovered remains dating back to the Egyptian era of Ramses II, reminding us that Jaffa has been a coveted prize for empires for thousands of years.

St. Peter's Church

Standing prominently in Kedumim Square is St. Peter's Church, a Franciscan Mediterranean-style basilica easily recognized by its vibrant red brick facade. Built in the late 19th century over the ruins of a 13th-century Crusader fortress, the church is dedicated to the Apostle Peter. It commemorates the New Testament story of Peter raising Tabitha from the dead and his vision on the rooftop of Simon the Tanner’s house nearby. Interestingly, the church's altar faces east toward the sea and Rome, rather than west toward Jerusalem, reflecting its connection to the Papacy. The interior, when open, reveals stunning Baroque-style decorations and stained glass that feel more like Southern Europe than the Middle East.

Suspended Orange Tree

Tucked away in a quiet alley of the Artists' Quarter, you will find one of Jaffa's most curious sights: an orange tree growing out of a large, seed-shaped bronze pot suspended in mid-air by steel cables. Created by artist Ran Morin in 1993, this living sculpture is a tribute to the famous Jaffa Orange, which was once the city's primary export and a global symbol of the land. The tree, which continues to grow and bear fruit, represents the tension between nature and urbanization, and the uprooted history of the region. It is a favorite for photographers and a perfect example of how Old Jaffa has reinvented itself as a center for contemporary creativity and thought-provoking art.

Mahmoudiya Mosque

The Mahmoudiya Mosque is the largest and most significant mosque in Jaffa. Its complex of buildings, gates, and courtyards was primarily constructed in the early 19th century by the Ottoman governor Abu Nabbut. Look closely at the exterior walls and the ornate Sabil (water fountain) embedded in the southern wall; you might notice that many of the columns and stones were scavenged from ancient Roman sites like Caesarea and Ashkelon. This reuse of materials was a common Ottoman practice, blending the glory of past empires into the fabric of the new city. The mosque’s minaret remains a dominant feature of the Jaffa skyline, signaling the enduring presence of the city's Muslim heritage and its role as a regional administrative center during the Ottoman era.

The Clock Tower

The Jaffa Clock Tower is one of seven such towers built across the region to commemorate the silver jubilee of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1900. Built with local limestone, it features two clocks—originally one showing European time and the other showing local time—and beautiful stained-glass windows that depict the history of Jaffa. For over a century, this tower has served as the central landmark for the city, marking the entrance to the Old City and the nearby Flea Market. It stands as a testament to the modernization efforts of the late Ottoman Empire and remains a bustling meeting point for locals and travelers alike, surrounded by bakeries and cafes that fill the air with the scent of fresh pita and coffee.

Jaffa Port

Finish your walk at the Jaffa Port, a place that has seen over 4,000 years of maritime history. This is the harbor where, according to the Bible, Jonah set sail before being swallowed by a whale, and where the cedars of Lebanon arrived for the construction of Solomon's Temple. Today, it is a charming mix of a working fishing port and a cultural destination. You can see local fishermen mending their nets alongside converted warehouses that now house art galleries, seafood restaurants, and theaters. As you walk along the pier, look out for Andromeda's Rock just offshore, where, in Greek mythology, the hero Perseus rescued the princess Andromeda from a sea monster. It is the perfect place to sit, enjoy the sea breeze, and reflect on the layers of history you have traversed.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical self-guided walk takes between 2 to 3 hours. This allows enough time to visit the major sites like the Clock Tower and the Port, plus time for photos and a quick coffee break.