The Best Cultural Insider Tips in the White City | Tel Aviv
In and Around Hotel The Norman Tel Aviv
By Yaron Liberman | General Manager | The Norman Tel Aviv
“My life’s passion, besides my family, is giving people the best possible hospitality experiences. As a keen amateur chef and avid world traveller, I’m excited about passing on my experiences and recommendations to others.”
The Norman Library Bar | Tel Aviv
Famous for the architectural wonders of its ‘White City’, international atmosphere and thriving night-life, Tel Aviv is a true refuge for the world’s trendsetters. Home to some of the world’s best beaches and museums, the city has something for everyone, especially as its international and metropolitan character means culinary delights from all over the world can be found there too.
Where to stay
Right in the heart of the city, you can find The Norman, a family-owned legacy hotel located in two lovingly restored historic buildings from the 1920s.
Building on the four pillars of art, design, world-class service & culinary expertise, The Norman has quickly become an iconic part of the Tel Aviv cultural scene.
With the stunning rooftop infinity pool offering sea and city views, culinary delights from the award-winning Alena restaurant, and the elegant The Library cocktail bar, it is a meeting spot for the most prolific people in town and from around the world.
Great wellness options and a fragrant citrus garden between the hotel’s two historic buildings provide a sanctuary of calm in the heart of the beating metropolis, while the superb 50 luxury suites and rooms brimming with landmark character and splendour.
The Norman Tel Aviv | Nachmani St 23-25, Tel Aviv, Israel | e-mail | call / instagram
Where to eat
MAGDALENA
In this beautifully designed restaurant you will love the freshness of the Mediterranean cuisine of talented chef Zozo Hanna. Outside of Tel Aviv on the lake of Galilee and with a breathtaking view.
instagram | 30 mins drive from the hotel
HABASTA
This small but cosy restaurant in a side street of the Carmel market is truly special. The menu by chef Elon Amir is different every day. You find it scribbled on a piece of paper, because he gets everything fresh from the market that day and uses his creativity and vision to bring something unique to life. It will never be the same, and it will never disappoint.
HAKOSEM
Don’t be put off by the line in front of this restaurant, because it’s worth the wait. When it comes to Israeli street food, there is only one place everyone should visit and that is Hakosem. Appropriately translated it means ‘The magician’. The authentic and fresh falafel and eggplant prepared by owner Arik - who is always around - are a must.
instagram | 15 min. walk from the hotel
ALENA RESTAURANT
Set in a beautifully designed indoor space, as well as a huge outdoor terrace by the pavilion and next to the citrus garden of Hotel The Norman, this multi-award-winning restaurant can’t be missed.
The all-day menu is perfectly balanced, with something for everyone. The Norman cellar, masterminded by Award-winning Sommelière Shira Tsiddon - former Sommelier at three Michelin star restaurant ‘Regis et Jacques Marcon’- holds some of the rarest bottles of wine in the world, netting The Norman and Alena the award for the Best Wine List in Israel for 6 years consecutively.
instagram | in the Norman Hotel
CICCHETTI
A local Italian near The Norman. The way to spot an excellent restaurant is consistency, and Cicchetti always delivers. Fresh and extremely tasty dishes in a casual and friendly atmosphere, it cannot be recommended enough to travellers.
Book directly with The Norman to get VIP service & benefits
Use PROMO CODE BL when booking on the hotel website for exclusive Bearleaders benefits: best available rate, complimentary upgrade (1 category up upon availability), handmade sweets, fresh flowers and a welcoming drink upon check-in. Do mention upon arrival that you booked through Bearleaders.
Where to go for a drink
THE LIBRARY BAR
The Library Bar is a favourite of both visitors and locals for good reason. Its magical atmosphere, friendly yet professional vibe, and great drinks certainly help, but truly intriguing is the unique setup.
Sprinkled between the seats you’ll find books about business, culture, history and art, which allow you to take your mind off things and unwind from a long day. After a visit, you can’t help but wonder - why isn’t this setup duplicated around the world?
instagram | in The Norman Hotel
BAR 51
The perfect place to sit is at the bar and soak up the atmosphere of this bar near the sea. Aside from the excellent cocktails & wine list, the Israeli cuisine, offers excellent Mediterranean small dishes, mains, and superb desserts with a contemporary twist. Watch the magic happen in the open cuisine.
What to do
TEL AVIV MUSEUM OF ART
This gallery has an incredible permanent collection and also hosts fabulous expositions from all around the world regularly.
NASSIMA LANDAU GALLERY
This new contemporary gallery is very focused on exposing rising stars in the international art scene, so it’s a must-visit if you want to discover the next big artists.
GORDON GALLERY
This gallery in the trendy South of Tel Aviv is the home of many brilliant artists, including the world-famous industrial designer Ron Arad.
HILTON BAY BEACH
This small intimate bay is the perfect place to chill out to music, watch the beautiful people, and order cocktails, and quality beach bar food.
GORDON BAY BEACH
This beach is a favourite of the chic French residents and tourists in Tel Aviv. The restaurant at the beach, La-La land, has a decent beach food menu to enjoy while you work on your tan.
THE DEAD SEA
A natural marvel, this lake is famous for its high salt content and for being the lowest point on earth. Whether you just want to experience floating while swimming, venture to the beaches or relish in one of the natural mineral spas, it is a must-visit. Ask the reception at The Norman to arrange it for you.
Gallery The Norman
