Frishman Beach, Tel Aviv

Commonly referred to as the "French beach", Frishman Beach has indeed been flooded lately by the influx of French speakers attracted by the tourist-friendly location. The nearby highway, hotels and the leisurely crowd make this beach a bit noisy, which may seem as a deterrent to some, while the others enjoy its sophisticated urban setting – clean dressing rooms and WCs, fresh water showers, and a tepid bath to swim in, not to mention cafes coming up to the waterline and offering a culinary experience along with swimming. The abundance of beach chairs, tables and umbrellas rented for a small fee via vending machines (cards accepted), complete with sufficient parking space and public transportation at hand, also add to the appeal. Topping it all off are a playground for kids, fine sand and warm water (occasional waves to play in, but nothing hectic), making it a true paradise for families.

The beach is not too crowded on weekdays, but is truly a hot spot on weekends. Most good restaurants here are usually packed between 7 and 9 pm, especially on a Saturday night. Late in the evening, after a large meal, it might be a good idea to walk off the food at the nearby promenade. Otherwise, on the way home, feel free to stop by Cafe Mersand, on the corner of Ben Yehuda Street, for a sip of arak. This Austro-Hungarian cafe has been around for over half a century and has seen among regulars some local celebrities.