Everyone knows Yarkon Park and the beach promenade. These are the green corners that locals keep to themselves: quiet gardens with shade, water and interesting architecture, good for a coffee break, a walk or a photo shoot.

Shooting there: a personal photo session in a public park usually needs no permit. A large commercial shoot with a crew and equipment may need permission from the city, so check before you book.

A sunken garden hidden right next to Habima Square and the Charles Bronfman Auditorium. Architect Yaakov Rechter designed it in 1964 around old sycamore fig trees: terraces, small bridges and concrete paths on two levels, with a fountain. From the street you hardly see it.

Address: Tarsat Blvd, next to Habima Square, Tel Aviv
For photographers: Concrete, levels and bridges among old trees: great for portraits, fashion and couples.
Map: Open in Google Maps

A small park on a former parking lot, won by the residents after more than ten years of fighting a high-rise. Two ponds with plants, fish and ducks, a playground, an outdoor gym and a dog park next door. Open day and night.

Address: Wilson St 14, Tel Aviv
For photographers: Ponds and reeds with the office towers behind them: city and nature in one frame. There are no toilets.
Map: Open in Google Maps

A large, mostly shaded park in south Tel Aviv, opened in 2013, with a botanical garden inside: paths, quiet picnic corners, signs about the plants and small fish ponds. Next to it stands the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Tabitha, with its white bell tower and cypresses. Free parking.

Address: Abu Kabir, Herzl St 155 area, Tel Aviv
For photographers: Soft shade even at midday, and the church tower gives a "not Tel Aviv" background. The church is open to visitors only on some days, so check before you go.
Map: Open in Google Maps

One of the highest points in Tel Aviv, in the east of the city. At the top stands Dani Karavan's White Square (1979): white concrete shapes that you can climb (carefully) to see the skyline. It was restored in 2023. Lawns, a small lake and picnic tables.

Address: Between Derech HaShalom, Derech HaTayasim and La Guardia St, Tel Aviv
For photographers: White geometry against the sky is a ready minimal set for fashion and portraits. Come at sunset.
Map: Open in Google Maps

One of the largest rock gardens in the world: about four hectares with rocks from all over Israel and some 3,500 plant species, including a large cactus garden. It is in the eastern part of Yarkon Park.

Address: Yarkon Park (east), near the Tel Aviv University station, Tel Aviv
For photographers: A desert and cactus look without leaving the city.
Map: Open in Google Maps

Right next to the Rock Garden: a wooden walkway under palm trees leads to a small lake, with orchids, vines and a humid, rainforest feeling.

Address: Yarkon Park (east), Tel Aviv
For photographers: Jungle frames and a boardwalk with leading lines.
Map: Open in Google Maps

Note: the special gardens in Yarkon Park (Rock, Tropical and Cactus gardens) have their own opening hours, shorter than the open park and mostly until early afternoon. Check them with the park before a shoot.