An unusual day in Tel Aviv

There are an infinite number of ways to fill 24 hours  in Tel Aviv, but the winter months provide an opportunity to think outside the box and visit new places. Our day went something like this…………

9am  Breakfast heaven at the Ritz Carlton in the Herbert Samuel Restaurant.

Try leaving without eating a loaf of artisan bread and smoked salmon.

Breakfast in Tel Aviv

10.30.  Arrive at the Israel Guide Dog Centre for the Blind in Beit Oved (20 mins south of Tel Aviv for a tour that is open to everyone if you book).

Time it right and you will see the dogs in training or better still a new litter of puppies in the whelping centre.

Children will love it. Email: info@igdcb.org to find out more or visit israelguide.dog.org

12.30. Train back to the centre and on to Hatachana, the old Jaffa railway station which has been transformed into a cool public space filled with designer boutiques and the souvenir emporium Made in TLV which is not like any tourist store you’ve visited. Belts with images of Tel Aviv taken by photo journalist Ziv Koren, clocks by Ofek Wertman and enough curiosities to fill a large Samsonite.

2pm: Lunch at Hatachana after spotting a beautiful 19^th century Mediterranean building that houses  Regina – a kosher restaurant run by the exotic Tzippy Levy and her husband Nir Shafrir who have gone Jewish global with their menu which features everything from goulash to kreplach soup.

I stole the place mats (with their consent) which are the work of artist Ruth Tzorfati ,but the couple’s good taste extends to all the shabby chic furnishing. Have your wedding in the walled garden or visit when they have an art exhibition.

Regina Neve Tzedek , the Tachana complex (building 10)  05394 28604

4pm: Stroll along Jaffa’s Port to look at the graffiti and eat ice cream.

5.30pm; Cocktails at the Dan Tel Aviv to shelter from the biblical storm and study the photographs of famous folk who have been visiting  the hotel since 1953.

The property also has the Ronit Blechner  gallery and the art on display – vivid 3D portraits of celebrities – was spectacular. A fitting finale to a colourful day.