Exploring Tel Aviv

Words: Danielle Gorodenzik

Just off Rothschild, between Neve Tzedek and Florentine, you’ll find Simtat Beit Habad. The alley, named after the first olive oil press in Tel Aviv, is a cultural hub that overflows with art, music, food and design.

Overlooking the budding street is Rena’s House, a charming apartment-hotel. Their clean and simple design makes it the favored place to stay. Just one step outside and you’ll find yourself at Uganda Bar, a popular nightlife spot that’s been around for almost a decade. Founded in Jerusalem, the Uganda Bar is an ideal spot to drink a beer, catch up with friends and browse a selection of hand-picked records ranging from electronic to hip-hop music. On Saturdays, fresh homemade hummus is served.

Adjacent to Uganda is Outback Bikehouse, a bike shop with style and exceptional service. It’s not just a spot to purchase a new bike or get a tune-up, they also hold regular events and are known for their superb coffee.

Across is the Syrian-Lebanese kitchen Saffe, which in Arabic means to bless a woman for all her hospitality. Founded by Liat Shahin, the space is a restaurant by day and pub by night. Saffe offers up fantastic hospitality and authentic Middle Eastern food, and even has a green garden hidden in the back.

Next door is Lev, a tattoo studio where you can be sure that your ink is unique. Owned by Tamar Bar and Lior Lachman, the studio approaches tattoos like art – each design is one of a kind. The space is welcoming, with beautiful natural light and elegant decor. Resident tattoo artists include Odelia Shimoni, Yarden Man and Lotem Ginton, as well as special guests from abroad. Lev is much more than a tattoo studio, their regular art exhibitions making the friendly studio worth a visit.

Next door is Gelada, an illustration, design and production studio that designs t-shirts and prints as souvenirs from destinations around the globe. Within Gelada is their collaborator Hawaijj, a multi-disciplinary Risograph, design, and screenprinting studio founded by Shane Artsy. The soy ink printing boutique creates bright photocopy prints.

Below is the Photo Julie, a portrait photography studio. This is the place to capture special memories for a holiday, wedding or souvenir. The studio has unique backdrops that are designed and tailored for every season. Photo Julie is founded by Nurit Egozi Weiner and Ella Barak, photographers and alumni of the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design. The duo brings back the ceremonial status of taking a photo.

Just behind Simtat HaBad is the historic Romano House, home to Teder.FM. The radio station pop-up turned Tel Aviv staple boasts everything from afternoon concerts and film screenings to secondhand markets and piano performances. Across from Teder.FM is the newest addition to the complex, Nuweiba. This record store was designed for music lovers, with every detail of the space built to enhance sound. On the second floor is the notable Romano restaurant, founded by the Teder crew and Eyal Shani and Shahar Segal.

Simtat Habad is a base for exploring Tel Aviv’s impressive art, music and food scene. The area is bubbling with artists and designers taking initiative and creating the Telavivian culture we know and love today.