📸 Streets of Old Jaffa | Timeless Beauty by the Sea
📝 My Story:
Old Jaffa is one of those places where you could drop your camera, pick it up again, and still take a great photo.
It’s packed with charm — narrow alleyways lined with stone walls and turquoise doors, sun-soaked courtyards filled with artists, and the salty breeze drifting in from the harbor.
We wandered without a plan, which is exactly how you should experience Jaffa. Every turn led to something new — a vintage shop tucked into a stone archway, a hidden gallery behind a blue door, or a staircase that opened up to a sweeping sea view.
One of the first things we saw was the Jaffa Clock Tower, standing proudly at the entrance to the old city. It’s over 100 years old and still marks time at the edge of modern Tel Aviv.
From there, we passed by the St. Peter’s Church, its bell tower rising high over the sea. We strolled through Kikar Kedumim Square, a charming plaza surrounded by galleries, then made our way down to the Jaffa Port, where fishing boats swayed and reflections danced on the water.
The golden hour here is pure magic. Light pours through stone archways and bounces off the waves.
I couldn’t stop taking photos — and honestly, I didn’t want to.
🗺️ Location:
📍 Google Maps: Streets of Old Jaffa
📌 Quick Info:
🏙️ City: Jaffa (Yafo), now part of Tel Aviv-Yafo
🅿️ Parking: Paid public lots available near the clock tower and port
🚻 Bathrooms: Found near the port, cafes, and visitor centers
📍 Landmarks You Likely Walked Through:
🕰️ Jaffa Clock Tower (main entrance landmark)
⛪ St. Peter’s Church (on the hilltop)
🛍️ Kikar Kedumim Square (art galleries, shops)
⚓ Jaffa Port (boats, seafood spots, views!)
🧭 Wishing Bridge & Zodiac Signs (fun detail!)
🐠 Ilana Goor Museum (stone building packed with art)
🧭 Travel Tip: Skip the map — just wander and let the textures and colors lead you
📸 Photographer’s Note: The combo of stone walls, sea light, and pastel doors is a dream
🛐 Etiquette:
Many artists and galleries are open to visitors, but ask before photographing inside
Respect religious sites (St. Peter’s is still active)
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into sunset
♿ Accessibility: Mixed — many areas are walkable, but uneven cobblestone alleys and stairs are common
💡 Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the Wishing Bridge — it’s lined with bronze zodiac signs and offers one of the best panoramic views of Tel Aviv’s coastline. Legend says your wish will come true if you touch your sign and look out at the water.
📸 Photography Tip:
Golden hour here is your best friend. The sun bounces off the sandstone walls and the ocean like a warm reflector.
Try shooting through alleyways and archways for natural framing — it makes everything feel cinematic.
🎉 Fun Fact:
Old Jaffa is one of the oldest port cities in the world, with over 4,000 years of history.
It’s been ruled by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and now lives on as part of the vibrant Tel Aviv-Yafo fusion.
🇮🇱 Want to explore even more?
Read our full story of our adventure across Israel!
Click here to view my full Israel Photo Travel Guide ➔
You'll find photo journals from every place we visited — from ancient Jerusalem streets to Tel Aviv sunsets!
