Did you know that just a few blocks from your favorite beach spot (literally, walk five minutes east from Frishman or Gordon Beach), you are standing in the world’s largest open-air museum? Tel Aviv holds the UNESCO World Heritage title for having the most Bauhaus buildings of any city on Earth.
But don’t worry—this isn’t a boring history lecture. This is your guide to the coolest, weirdest, and most Instagrammable buildings in Tel Aviv.
Wait, what is Bauhaus?
Imagine if IKEA and a spaceship had a baby in the 1930s.
Bauhaus was a German design school that was all about “form follows function.” When Jewish architects fled Europe to come here in the ’30s, they brought this style with them but adapted it for the crazy Tel Aviv heat.
Spotting a Bauhaus building is easy. Look for:
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The “Ship” Look: Rounded balconies that look like the deck of a cruise ship.
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Thermometer Windows: Long vertical windows that look like… well, thermometers. They’re designed to let in light without the heat (genius).
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The Hover Effect: Many buildings are raised on pillars (called pilotis). This wasn’t just for style—it was to let the sea breeze blow under the building to cool everyone down. Air conditioning, 1930s style!
3 Bauhaus Spots You Can’t Miss (And Are Totally Gram-Worthy)
1. The Cinema Hotel (Dizengoff Circle)
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The Vibe: Pure nostalgia.
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The Story: This used to be the “Esther Cinema,” one of the city’s first movie theaters. Now it’s a boutique hotel that kept the original theme.
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Why go: The curves on this building are insane. Plus, if you peek into the lobby, they still have old movie projectors and serve popcorn. It’s right on Dizengoff Square, which was recently renovated and is the perfect spot to sit with a gelato.
2. The Thermometer House (5 Frug Street)
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The Vibe: “Is it hot in here, or is it just the architecture?”
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The Story: This is the classic example of those vertical slat windows we talked about.
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Why go: It’s super unique and visually satisfying. It’s also just a short walk from the beach, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood that feels worlds away from the loud promenade.
3. The “Hovering” House (Engel House, 84 Rothschild Blvd)
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The Vibe: Luxury living, 1933 edition.
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The Story: This was the first building in Tel Aviv built on stilts. The architect, Ze’ev Rechter, had to fight the city to build it this way. Now, almost every building in TLV copies this style.
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Why go: Rothschild Boulevard is the Champs-Élysées of Tel Aviv (but with more humidity and electric scooters). Grab an iced coffee from a kiosk and walk down the center path to find this gem.
The TLV Beaches Pro Tip
The best way to see the White City is early morning or late afternoon (Golden Hour). The white plaster reflects the pink sunset light perfectly, and you won’t melt into the pavement.
So next time you need a break from the Tel Aviv beaches, put on your shirt (or don’t, it’s Tel Aviv), grab a scooter, and go hunt for some ships on the streets!
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