Things to see in Tel Aviv

The Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (its Hebrew name is pronounced Bayt Ha-tay-foot-sot) is devoted to Jewish history, migration and cultural diversity since the Jews were expelled by the Romans from Israel (or Judea, as it then was) in AD70 right up to the return to Israel in modern times. On six floors, it displays the astonishing diversity of various Jewish communities, also highlighting the common cultural and religious threads that enabled the Jewish people to retain a common identity throughout. Especially enjoyable are the musical sections, in which you can listen to Jewish music from Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities and the rousing songs of Zionist pioneer days. Special exhibitions have dealt with the island of Malta, Lithuanian Jewry and the cultural influences on Sigmund Freud.

The building is one of Tel Aviv's original structures, formerly the home of Meir Dizengoff, the city's first mayor. On 14 May 1948, it served as the venue for the historic declaration that brought the State of Israel into being. The house has since become a museum recalling that momentous day and the events that led up to it, giving a stirring history of Zionism. Among extraordinary displays are several fascinating historic photographs, showing such moments as the barren sand dunes north of Jaffa being awarded by lot to Jewish settlers. Others record the United Nations in session in November 1947 voting to partition Palestine and the meeting at which David Ben-Gurion announced the creation of the State of Israel.

Situated on the edge of the Yemenite Quarter, this packed daily market extends along the long, narrow HaCarmel Street (and neighbouring lanes), which branches off Allenby Street at Magen David Circle. Despite the lack of traffic, it is noisy with stall-holders’ cries and busy with the extraordinary crush of people. Huge piles of fresh fruits, vegetables, olives, herbs, spices and meats are on sale for the lowest prices in the city. Stalls often specialise in just one item, offering only crates of nectarines, for example, or olives or oranges. The market is a perfect location to observe the bringing together of East European shtetls (Jewish villages), the Jewish quarters of Arabia, the sophistication of European Jewry and the raucous energy of the sabras (Jews born in Israel), all of whom are pressed shoulder to shoulder here. The market is especially hectic and colourful on Fridays, as people shop for Shabbat. A more sedate craft market can be found in parallel Nahalat Binyamin.