Herzliya

Herzliya (population 88,734) sits on Israel's Mediterranean coast directly north of Tel Aviv, offering a more relaxed beach experience with upscale Herzliya Pituach's hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. The city divides into a residential eastern side and a commercial beachfront western district, home to many high-tech companies. Travelers wanting authentic Israeli urban life away from tourist crowds can explore the eastern neighborhoods, while those seeking beachfront luxury stay in the Pituach area.

Herzliya lies along the main Israeli Coastal Plain transport corridor. The Herzliya train station connects to Israel Railways routes running north to Nahariyya, Akko, and Haifa, and south to Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion International Airport. The highway and rail lines cut through the city from south to north, making train travel the most practical option for arrivals from major cities.

The main road through Herzliya is Ben Gurion Street (בן גוריון), which runs through the commercial Pituach district. Sokolov Street serves as the main commercial strip in the city proper, known for its cleanliness, colorful lighting, and restaurants. The city is walkable in the main tourist areas, though bus connections link the eastern residential neighborhoods to the beachfront promenade.

Herzliya enjoys Mediterranean weather with hot summers and mild winters. Summer (June-August) offers the best beach weather but draws domestic tourists and drives up accommodation prices. Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with fewer crowds. Some establishments, like Cafe Gorilla, close during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), so plan activities accordingly.

Herzliya Pituach hosts most tourist accommodation along the beachfront promenade, including the Dan Accadia Herzliya Hotel on Ramot-Yam Street with beach views, and the Sharon Hotel at the north end with a large pool. Budget travelers find limited options in the city itself, with the Tadmor Hotel about 10 minutes walk from the beach on Basel Street being more affordable than the luxury beachfront properties. Vacation apartments like A.A.Yafit offer short and long-term rental alternatives.

Sokolov Street in the city center offers the best budget eating options, including the nationally renowned Jamil shawarma place at number 29, Haim's Falafel at number 66 serving falafel, schnitzel, and humus, and Mifgash Hasharon at number 20 as a local favorite. Herzliya Pituach's Shenkar Street hosts upscale options like Zozobra (noodle bar, quality exceeding Wagamama) and BBB (Burgus Burgers Bar, open 11:30-03:00). The Marina area features trendy restaurants alongside shopping. Joe Cafe provides American-style breakfasts and burgers with retro arcade and pinball.

Beaches along the Pituach coast offer swimming and water sports. The Reef Diving Club at Accadia Beach provides basic and advanced diving courses, while Zidon Sailing Club at Hasharon Beach offers catamaran sailing courses. Terra Santa Sea Kayak Club operates from the Marina, and Meduza Challenge Water Sports provides diving courses, fishing, kayaks, and children's activities. Culture seekers can visit the Herzliya Art Museum near the central bus station and Herzliya Park with running course and bird viewing area. Apollonia (Arsuf) National Park to the north features excavated ancient Greco-Roman city ruins and a Crusader fortress from about 2000 years ago.

Reichman University (formerly Interdisciplinary Center) operates local radio station AudioVersity on 106.2FM, with some programs in English. Their English website provides program schedules with English programs marked "EN". Mobile coverage from Israeli carriers provides 4G service throughout the city. WiFi is available at hotels, cafes, and the Marina area.

Nearby destinations include Ra'anana and Ramat-Hasharon to the north, both accessible by local transport. Cinema City in Gelilot offers movie theaters. North along the coast, Highway 2 leads to Caesarea, Hadera, and Netanya before reaching Haifa. Southbound routes connect to Tel Aviv (10-15 minutes by train) and Ben Gurion International Airport. The coastal train line provides efficient access to all points between Nahariyya in the north and Tel Aviv in the south.