Just 10 kilometres east of Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva is a laid-back town on Israel’s sparkling Mediterranean coast. With easy access to the UNESCO-listed White City, Petah Tikva harbours a host of hidden gems. From bustling markets to lush nature reserves, Petah Tikva unlocks a new perspective on Tel Aviv.
Things to do in Petah Tikva
Israel is famous for its colourful markets, and Petach Tikva Shouk is one of the best places to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional bazaar. From figs and passion fruits to loquats and pomegranates, you’ll find every fruit under the sun.
To the east of the city is the sprawling Park Afek, part of the Ein Afek nature reserve. Also known as Antipatris, it’s anchored by an ancient Crusader fortress that dates back to the 1100s. It’s laced with boardwalks and trails, which make it a great place to spot cormorants, black kites and grazing water buffalo.
One of Israel’s best preserved Roman buildings, the Mazor Mausoleum was built as a family tomb in the 4th-century. Today, you can admire its temple-like facade and get face to face with a pair of ancient sarcophagi coffins.
Are you a football fan? Ha Moshava Stadium is one of the most impressive stadiums in Israel. It’s home to a pair of national-league football clubs and you can experience its electric atmosphere at a live Hapoel or Maccabee match.
Getting around Petah Tikva
Pint-sized Petah Tikva is compact, making exploring on foot very easy. You can also navigate the city by using the local bus system or hailing a taxi. If you want to drive to Tel Aviv, expect to take 25 minutes.