Old Jaffa and the Surroundings

Tour Overview:

Duration

2 Hours

Guidance

Certified Guide

Accessibility

Partly

Difficulty

Easy

Let’s go back a bit in the years, to the 19th century. You are planning a trip that leaves from Europe to the Holy Land. The voyage lasts several days, until suddenly the captain calls on everyone to get on board, and what’s the first sight we see in front of your eyes? Right! Old Jaffa.

Old Jaffa has become the subject of many paintings by pilgrims, and the cover image of the entrance to the Land of Israel. Although Tel Aviv is very young, the history of Jaffa is rich and dates back to the fifth millennium BCE (!!). The tour of Old Jaffa is a tour with magical stories from Greek mythology, with a spectacular harbor view, important churches and even one prophet who saw a whale from inside.

Tour Highlights

The Clock Tower

Our tour begins at Clock Tower Square, once the urban center of Ottoman Jaffa. Here stood the municipality, the Saraya government building, and the police headquarters, all surrounding the iconic clock tower built in 1904. Although Jaffa’s walls are no longer visible today, this square helps us imagine the city’s Ottoman splendor and understand how the old and the modern layers of Jaffa intertwine.

Jaffa Port

We continue toward the ancient Port of Jaffa — for centuries the main gateway to the Land of Israel and the historic port of Jerusalem. Used for over 5,000 years, this harbor welcomed traders, pilgrims, conquerors, and travelers arriving from overseas. Here we explore the myth of Andromeda, the campaigns of Napoleon who passed through Jaffa on his way to Acre, and the many cultures that left their mark on this strategic port.

St. Peter’s Church

Above the port rises St. Peter’s Church, one of the most recognizable landmarks of Jaffa. According to Catholic tradition, this is where Peter experienced the vision that became a foundational moment in the spread of Christianity. From here we also explore the different Christian communities that have lived in Jaffa, while noticing the church’s unusual orientation toward the sea — facing west rather than east.

The Alleys of Old Jaffa

From the church we walk through the peaceful paths of Pisga Garden, overlooking archaeological excavations where remains from the Bronze Age city gate were discovered. Along the way we encounter the whale statue and revisit the biblical story of Jonah — a story closely connected with Jaffa’s maritime past. We then wander through the winding alleys of Old Jaffa, where art galleries, stone houses, and hidden corners reveal the character of the neighborhood today.

The Flea Market

We end the tour in the lively Jaffa Flea Market, a vibrant meeting point of cultures, antiques, cafés, and local life. Here the atmosphere shifts from ancient history to the rhythm of modern Jaffa. Those who wish can continue exploring the culinary side of the neighborhood on a dedicated food tour through the market and surrounding streets.

Essential Information

Hotel pick up
Dress code:
Casual
What should I bring:
Food and water for the day
Hat
Comfortable\water shoes
Change of cloths (for water trips)

Tour Gallery

What our clients say

Additional Information:

Tours are covered by third-party insurance and do not include personal insurance.
Sites and tastings on the tour are subject to the tour guide’s decision and may change.

Cancellation Policy:

Our cancellation policy is designed with your convenience in mind. Up to one week before the tour, you can cancel free of charge, with the reservation fee returned minus the processing fee – less than one week before the tour date – 50% of the total price of the tour. Less than 48 hours before the tour date – nonrefundable.
Cancellation without fees—In case of unforeseen circumstances (natural causes, governmental or societal actions or infrastructure failures), no fee will be paid, and the reservation fee will be returned to the customer.