By Solomon Wiesen, TLV Beaches. Last reviewed October 2026.
Are you already bored of the Jaffa Clock Tower? No problem – time for you to head down to the Jaffa Port!!
Jaffa Port, or Namal Yafo, is one of the oldest ports in the world. We’re talking biblical mentions, ancient Egyptian records, Crusaders, Ottomans, British, you name it. But today? It’s a weathered, half-hidden spot where fishermen, foodies, artists, and sunset seekers all bump shoulders by the harbours of Jaffa.
At a glance
- What it is: a working fishing harbor at the foot of Old Jaffa, with restaurants, renovated warehouses and a pier
- Age: one of the oldest ports in the world; the earliest remains date to the 18th century BCE
- Entry: free
- In the warehouses: the Barby music club and the Almina theatre (Warehouse 2), plus rotating markets and exhibitions
- Parking: NIS 15 per hour, maximum NIS 60 per day, first 15 minutes free
- Swimming: no beach here; Givat Aliya (Ajami) Beach is to the south and Charles Clore Beach to the north
- Run by: the Atarim company with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality
NIS 15 per hour, first 15 minutes free, capped at NIS 60 a day.
Source: the port's official website, checked October 2026.
What Is Jaffa Port, Really?
It’s not your average “port.” No massive cruise ships or glitzy boardwalk. Jaffa Port is a working fishing harbor surrounded by ancient architecture. It has also turned into a cultural spot, with modern food places and art galleries sitting next to the gritty old harbor.
Here’s what you’ll find on a casual stroll:
Fishing boats docked beside seafood restaurants
Warehouses turned art studios, boutique galleries, and cafes
Live music or spontaneous dancing some weekends
The smell of fresh grilled fish, sea air, and strong espresso
A broad pier perfect for walking, talking, or doing absolutely nothing
Quick Facts
Location: At the foot of Old Jaffa, on its western, seaward side
Distance from Tel Aviv city center: ~3 km / about a 15-minute bike ride
Vibe: Historical, romantic, salty, low-key creative
Popular with: Couples, artists, tourists looking to avoid tourist traps, and anyone craving a salty breeze
Top Things to Do at Jaffa Port
1. Eat Something You Can’t Pronounce
Try a whole grilled sea bream or fresh shrimp at The Old Man and the Sea, but come hungry: meals come with 20+ free salads. For something lighter, the flea market streets just up the hill are full of bakeries and knafeh shops.
2. Watch the Boats Come In
Yes, actual fishermen still work here. The small boats pull in just after sunrise or around dusk. Locals line up at makeshift fish markets to grab the day’s catch; you know it’s fresh if the person next to you is holding a plastic bag with gills sticking out.
3. See the Art Scene
The port’s old warehouses have been renovated: Warehouse 2 now houses the Barby music club, which moved here in January 2024, and the Almina theatre, and the hangars host rotating exhibitions and markets. The contrast of rusted metal doors and sleek sculpture inside is half the appeal.
4. Sunset, Always
The port faces west, so this is one of the best open-sky sunset spots in the entire Tel Aviv-Jaffa area. Bring wine, a jacket (it gets breezy), and someone worth sitting with.
How to Get There
From Jaffa Clock Tower
Walk up into Old Jaffa, either along the Mifratz Shlomo Promenade above the sea or through Kedumim Square.
Follow the signs and the stone lanes downhill toward the water.
After about 10 minutes you’ll reach the middle of the harbor.
By Bus
Take a line that runs along Yefet Street, such as line 10, and get off near the Clock Tower or the flea market.
Walk west through Old Jaffa to reach the port. Routes change, so check Moovit or Google Maps on the day.
By Car
The port has its own car park, open around the clock.
It costs NIS 15 per hour, up to a maximum of NIS 60 per day, and the first 15 minutes are free.
Pro Tips
Weekdays are peaceful. Fridays and Saturdays get lively but not overwhelming.
There’s no real beach here, so walk south for Ajami Beach or north for Charles Clore if you want to swim.
Some restaurants don’t take reservations, especially The Old Man and the Sea. Show up early or be ready to wait.
Average cost per hour of staying, with the NIS 60 daily cap.
The first 15 minutes are free. The earliest remains at Jaffa Port date to the 18th century BCE.
Source: the port's official website, checked October 2026.
Sources: the port’s official website (history, visitor and parking pages, Hebrew), the Atarim company on the renovated port (Hebrew) and Time Out Tel Aviv on the Barby club (Hebrew). Checked October 2026.
Solomon (Shlomo) Wiesen is the author and photographer behind TLV Beaches. Originally from New York, he moved to Israel in 2011 and lives in Tel Aviv, a short walk from Frishman and Bograshov beaches. Every guide on the site is written from the beach, with more than 200 of his own photos of the Tel Aviv coast. He works in marketing, SEO and startups.
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