Nicknamed the “Big Orange” for its 24-hour lifestyle reminiscent of the Big Apple, this hedonistic bubble is best known for its thriving and diverse nightlife. Its pleasure domes range from the underground clubs around tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard to the bars of chic Neve Tzedek and alternative spots in the bohemian quarter of Florentin. The Gan HaHashmal, meanwhile, houses a growing community of artictic types. But when the party dust settles, Tel Aviv’s modern high-rise towers and Unesco-designated White City area (with the world’s highest concentration of unique Bauhaus-style buildings) re-emerge by day, shining brightly under a nearly year-round sun. Fringed by the Mediterranean on the western central coast of Israel, and sitting at the mouth of the meandering Yarkon river, Tel Aviv is home to 13 beaches scattered with young, cool and laid-back locals. From cyclists, joggers and dog walkers on the promenade to sunbathers and surfers on the beach, residents of Israel’s second city give it a Californian coastal vibe.