How long does it take to walk the Bauhaus trail in Tel Aviv?

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The total distance is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), allowing plenty of time to stop for photos and visit the Bauhaus Center gallery.

Why is Tel Aviv called the White City?

It earned the name because of the thousands of buildings constructed in the 1930s and 40s using white or light-colored plaster. This was a key feature of the Bauhaus style, designed to reflect the intense Mediterranean sun.

Is the Bauhaus architecture walk in Tel Aviv free?

Yes, exploring the architecture from the street is entirely free. While some centers like the Liebling Haus may have specific exhibits, the exterior beauty of the UNESCO site can be enjoyed independently at no cost.

Can I see the interiors of the Bauhaus buildings?

Most Bauhaus buildings are private residential apartments. However, you can enter the lobbies of the Cinema Hotel and the Liebling Haus, or visit the Bauhaus Center to see how these spaces were designed.

Is the White City area accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Yes, the route is predominantly flat and stroller-friendly. While some sidewalks are narrow, the main boulevards like Rothschild and Dizengoff have wide, paved paths that are easy to navigate.

What is the best time for photography in the White City?

The 'Golden Hour' shortly before sunset or early morning provides the best light. The low sun creates dramatic shadows on the geometric balconies and highlights the crisp white textures of the facades.

Where can I find a map of Bauhaus buildings in Tel Aviv?

The Bauhaus Center on Dizengoff Street provides detailed maps and literature. This self-guided route also serves as a digital map to the most significant landmarks in the district.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a living museum of 20th-century design with this self-guided walk through Tel Aviv’s legendary White City. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003, this neighborhood boasts the world’s largest concentration of International Style buildings, popularly known as Bauhaus. This walking route invites you to explore the architectural revolution that took place in the 1930s and 40s when Jewish architects, fleeing the rise of Nazism in Germany, brought the principles of the Bauhaus school to the shores of the Mediterranean. As you begin your self-guided adventure near the iconic Dizengoff Circle, you will see how these architects adapted European modernism to a Middle Eastern climate. Instead of the massive glass walls favored in cooler climates, they designed long, shaded balconies and small 'thermometer' windows to keep the interiors cool. This neighborhood stroll takes you past some of the most meticulously restored examples of the style, including former cinemas and residential blocks that redefined urban living. You will discover the stories behind landmarks like the Liebling Haus and the Engel House, learning how simple geometric shapes and a lack of ornamentation became a symbol of a new, egalitarian society. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a photography lover, this walking route offers a unique perspective on how Tel Aviv earned its nickname. Exploring at your own pace allows you to linger at the Bauhaus Center for deeper research or grab a coffee at a sidewalk cafe while soaking in the minimalist aesthetic. This walking tour Tel Aviv provides is a journey through history, light, and shadow, showcasing a city that was built from the sand upwards to become a global capital of modernism.

Highlights

Dizengoff Circle's unique circular Bauhaus planning

The beautifully restored Cinema Hotel (formerly Esther Cinema)

Educational exhibits at the Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv

Liebling Haus - a hub for architectural conservation

The iconic 'pilotis' or stilts of the historic Engel House

The vibrant atmosphere of Rothschild Boulevard's modernist heritage

Tour Stops (6)

Dizengoff Street & Circle

Welcome to the heart of the White City. Dizengoff Circle is one of the few places in the world where you can see the International Style applied to urban planning on such a grand scale. Designed by Genia Averbuch in 1934, the circle is surrounded by buildings that share a uniform aesthetic: curved balconies, horizontal lines, and white plaster. This wasn't just about looks; the curves were intended to create a sense of movement and flow. As you look around, notice how the buildings seem to 'hug' the plaza. This area served as the social center for the city's early residents and remains a vibrant hub today.

Cinema Hotel (Former Esther Cinema)

Standing prominently on the circle is the Cinema Hotel, originally the Esther Cinema. Built in 1938, it is a masterpiece of Bauhaus architecture. Look at its sweeping, wrap-around balconies and the way the building’s corners are rounded rather than sharp. This was a hallmark of the style, emphasizing function and the beauty of geometric form. Inside the lobby, you can still see original film projectors and vintage posters, a nod to its history as one of the city’s first movie theaters. The building represents the optimism and cultural ambition of Tel Aviv during the British Mandate era.

Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv

This stop is essential for understanding the preservation of the White City. The Bauhaus Center is a gallery, bookshop, and research hub dedicated to documenting Tel Aviv's 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings. While the style originated in Germany, it found its most fertile ground here. Architects had to solve the problem of the intense heat, leading to the creation of the 'recessed balcony' which provided shade while allowing air to circulate. Take a moment to browse the architectural models and photographs that show the transformation of the city from sand dunes to a modernist metropolis.

Liebling Haus - White City Centre

The Liebling Haus is more than just a beautiful building; it is a center for conservation and dialogue. Built in 1936, it was recently restored through a joint Israeli-German project. Note the 'thermometer' windows—the vertical strip of narrow glass on the stairwell. These were designed to let in light while minimizing the heat from the sun. The building now hosts exhibitions about urbanism and architecture. It’s a perfect example of how these historic spaces are being adapted for contemporary cultural use while respecting their original minimalist design and functionalist roots.

Engel House

Designed by Ze'ev Rechter in 1933, the Engel House was a revolutionary building for Tel Aviv. It was the first residence in the city to be built on 'pilotis'—concrete pillars that lift the building off the ground. This design choice allowed the sea breeze to flow under the house and provided a shaded area for children to play or for residents to socialise. This became a standard feature in Tel Aviv construction for decades. Although it has faced the wear and tear of time, the Engel House remains a vital symbol of the transition to pure modernism and the rejection of decorative excess.

Beit Rubinstein

As we conclude our walk near the intersection of Rothschild Boulevard and Ahad Ha'Am, we find Beit Rubinstein. This area marks the transition from the 'Eclectic Style' of the 1920s—which used orientalist and classical motifs—to the strict functionality of the Bauhaus. Beit Rubinstein showcases the clean lines and lack of ornamentation that defined the later era. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore Rothschild Boulevard, a tree-lined thoroughfare where the city’s wealthy families built their modernist dreams. The balance of nature, social space, and avant-garde architecture here is what makes the White City truly unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

The White City Bauhaus Trail is widely considered the best walking route for architecture. It covers the core UNESCO zone, including Dizengoff Circle and Rothschild Boulevard, where over 4,000 International Style buildings are located.