One of the oldest ports in the world, Jaffa predates Tel Aviv by a few thousand years, but has now been enveloped by Israel’s second largest city. It retains its own character though and plenty of history, making it an excellent place to spend a few hours exploring.

The 1903 Ottoman era Clocktower is the most well known landmark.

But the most attractive is the beautiful Mahmoudiya Mosque, built in the 19th century on the site of a previous mosque. It is considered one of the three most important mosques in Israel, and had an eye catching set of washing facilities.

The most prominent Christian building is St. Peter’s Church, also dating from the 19th century.

There are many churches to the south of the old city, including St. Anthony’s Church, St. Anthony’s Maronite Church, and Sayda el Bishara.

The old town of Jaffa is a warren of narrow, hilly and atmospheric streets, a pleasant to explore. Once run down, it is now full of arty shops.

At the top of the hill are the attractive Sha’ar Ra’amses and HaPisga Gardens.

To the north are the famous Jaffa Flea Markets, where carpet and junk shops are interspersed with funky cafes and ice cream shops.

They’re worth visiting when closed to see the street art painted on their closed shutters.

To finish with Hassan Bek Mosque, a 1916 Ottoman mosque that lies on the border of Jaffa and Tel Aviv. Unfortunately the interior doesn’t match the evocative exterior.