Sightseeing in Jaffa - what to see. Complete travel guide
![](../../common/img_cities_w300/jaffa--781548-9.jpg)
The first settlement on the site of modern Jaffa appeared before the 18th century BC. According to the archaeological excavations, during the invasion of the Hyksos to Egypt, there were already fortifications in this area. Written sources mentioned Jaffa already in the 15th century BC. The city was developing actively during the Roman Empire period. However, the settlement was completely destroyed during the Jewish-Roman war. Soon after that Titus Flavius Vespasianus became an emperor and the city returned to life, changing its name to Flavia Ioppa. Arabs captured the city in the 7th century. Starting from that period, Jaffa was losing its importance.
Having arrived in Jaffa, you will quickly notice that the coast of this city until Tel-Aviv is a long and never-ending beach divided into different sectors. The area with a poetic name, Alma Beach, is the closest to Jaffa. The area is quite calm and usually doesn’t have many people. However, this is not the best place for swimming because waves in Alma are usually high and the coastline is mostly concrete. As a rule, people visit Alma to take a stroll and watch how waves crash into the concrete wall. The closer you are to Tel-Aviv, the more comfortable beaches you will find.
![](../../common/img_cities_w300/jaffa--781548-8.jpg)
The city port is a true landmark of Jaffa. What is so peculiar about it? First of all, the port is a historic landmark of this fabulous city. For many years, Jaffa was able to survive and flourish only because of its active port. This was the main center of trade in Jaffa. Numerous ships were docking in the port to trade and bring supplies to local people and the Crusaders who lived in the city. Nowadays, the port is a loud place where voices of merchants mix with the sound of the sea waves, making the area active and alive. If you are not scared of the fish smell, you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the sea from the coast.
![](../../common/img_cities_w300/jaffa--781548-7.jpg)
There are two ways to get to Jaffa from Tel Aviv. If you don’t mind walking two and a half kilometers, you can take a stroll along the seaside and walk to Jaffa. The other way is significantly faster – use a taxi or public bus. If you have arrived in Tel Aviv by train, it is better to get on a bus in this case. It will take you to the capital’s neighborhood in minutes. Travelers can also use a public bus to the waterfront and then walk to Jaffa.
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Jaffa is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Jaffa and surroundings
Reference information
Shopping streets in Jaffa
♥ Shopping area ' Dizengoff Street' Tel Aviv, 4.3 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Ibn Gabirol Street' Tel Aviv, 4.7 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Kikar Hamedina' Tel Aviv, 5 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Dizengoff Street' Tel Aviv, 4.3 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Dizengoff Street](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Shopping area ' Ibn Gabirol Street' Tel Aviv, 4.7 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Ibn Gabirol Street](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Shopping area ' Kikar Hamedina' Tel Aviv, 5 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Kikar Hamedina](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
National and city parks around Jaffa
♥ National Park 'Tel Gezer' , 3.9 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Prefectural Natural Park 'Yamizo' , 4.7 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ National Park 'Yarkon' , 7.6 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ National Park 'Tel Qedesh' , 8.9 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ National Park 'Hof Palmahim' , 14.9 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ National Park 'Tel Gezer' , 3.9 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Tel Gezer](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Prefectural Natural Park 'Yamizo' , 4.7 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Yamizo](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ National Park 'Yarkon' , 7.6 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Yarkon](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ National Park 'Tel Qedesh' , 8.9 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Tel Qedesh](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ National Park 'Hof Palmahim' , 14.9 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Hof Palmahim](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Art galleries in Jaffa and around
♥ Art museum 'Bauhaus Center' Tel Aviv, 3.4 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Art museum 'Tel Aviv Museum of Art' Tel Aviv, 4.1 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Art museum 'Design Museum Holon' Tel Aviv, 4.6 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Art museum 'Bauhaus Center' Tel Aviv, 3.4 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Bauhaus Center](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Art museum 'Tel Aviv Museum of Art' Tel Aviv, 4.1 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Tel Aviv Museum of Art](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Art museum 'Design Museum Holon' Tel Aviv, 4.6 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Design Museum Holon](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Sights around Jaffa from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Monastery of George Khozevita
From the series “The Most Inaccessible Buildings in the World”![](../../extreme/img/w300/monastery-of-george-khozevita_1.jpg)
Check on the map:
Distance from Jaffa center - 69.6 km.
Later, in the year 480, Saint John Hozevitul came from Egypt to the monastery, which expanded the building considerably and added with the new buildings. Among the valuable religious artefacts that can be seen today are the relics of Saint John Hozevitul, as well as the relics of John's Romanian. The skulls of the martyrs who lived in the monastery at the beginning of the 17th century and were killed by the Persian conquerors are also regarded as an important relic. The monastery also preserves many interesting historical artefacts, so it is worth seeing for all tourists. …
Read further ![Monastery of George Khozevita on map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Read further](../../img/2017/icon_next_24.png)
Jericho
From the series “The Oldest Inhabited Cities on the Planet”![](../../extreme/img/w300/jericho_1.jpg)
Check on the map:
Distance from Jaffa center - 69.5 km.
In 1930, archeologist John Garstang came to Jericho, and in the mid-20th century, the territory of the city was explored by Kathleen Mary Kenyon. Scientists have done a great job and followed the most important stages of development of the city. They managed to establish that in the Bronze Age Jericho was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world. The modern city is in many ways inferior to large metropolises, both in its population and scale; however, its main asset is the rich cultural and historical heritage. Jericho is a huge open-air museum; each element of its infrastructure and its way of life are unique. …
Read further ![Jericho on map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Read further](../../img/2017/icon_next_24.png)
Cave of Patriarchs
From the series “The Surviving Artifacts of Jewish Civilization”![](../../extreme/img/w300/cave-of-patriarchs_1.jpg)
Check on the map:
Distance from Jaffa center - 67.2 km.
In recent years, the main threat to the world-famous shrines are terrorists. Not only the historic building, but parishioners suffered from them. Despite this, the Cave of the Patriarchs each year is visited by thousands of pilgrims from around the world. The vault will be a boon for those interested in the ancient architecture. A spacious hall with a high ceiling and large windows represents the traditional painting and artistic mosaic. The design of the crypt is luxurious and very discreet at the same time. …
Read further ![Cave of Patriarchs on map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Read further](../../img/2017/icon_next_24.png)
Saudi Arabia to Open 38 Hotels in Diriyah
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022.
Read this
27.07.2024
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022.
![](http://www.orangesmile.com/img/2017/icon_next_16.png)
27.07.2024
Search touristic sites on the map of Jaffa
![](../../img/2017/icon_quoteleft_16.png)
![](../../img/2017/icon_quoteright_16.png)