Tel Aviv, Israel’s vibrant, cosmopolitan “White City,” is usually associated with its sunny beaches, bustling markets, and Bauhaus architecture. Yet beyond the urban buzz lies a hidden treasure: the “Green Corridor”, better known as Park HaMesila (the Railway Park). Inspired by iconic projects such as New York’s High Line or Paris’s “Coulee Verte”, this linear park transforms an abandoned Ottoman-era railway line into a verdant oasis. Opened in 2020, it offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat while connecting the city’s industrial past to a sustainable future.
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A Story Forged on the Rails of Time
The Park HaMessila history dates back to the early 20th century during the Ottoman period. Built in 1906, the railway once linked Jaffa to Jerusalem, passing through the fledgling city of Tel Aviv. The roughly 2-kilometre stretch in the southwest of the city — between Neve Tzedek and Eilat Street — was a vital artery for goods and passengers. With the founding of the State of Israel in 1948 and the rise of modern roads, the line fell into disuse in the 1950s, leaving behind an overgrown, forgotten corridor.
Under the leadership of Tel Aviv’s mayor, Ron Huldai, this historic relic was reborn. Launched as one of the municipality’s flagship projects, Park HaMesila aims to green the city and promote soft mobility. Unlike the elevated High Line in New York, this park is sunk into a trench, creating an intimate atmosphere shielded from street noise. Inaugurated in October 2020 after years of work, it embodies Tel Aviv’s commitment to ecological urbanism, with native plantings and careful preservation of the original rails.
A Green Space for Every Rhythm
What makes the Green Corridor so irresistible is its versatility. Accessible on foot, by bike, or by scooter, it’s a true playground for busy Tel Avivians. Runners love the flat, shaded asphalt tracks — perfect for a morning jog among cypress trees. Families enjoy the picnic areas and scattered benches, ideal for lingering over coffee or a book in the Mediterranean sun.
The park is dotted with contemporary artworks — sculptures made from recycled metal evoking old trains — as well as multi-purpose spaces: an informal skate park for youth, outdoor fitness stations, and even a small amphitheatre for community events. In the evening, the atmosphere turns magical with soft lighting that highlights the Ottoman stone arches. Nature lovers will spot migratory birds and butterflies thriving among restored native vegetation.
Unlike larger parks such as Hayarkon (Tel Aviv’s “Central Park”), the Green Corridor is a green ribbon that weaves subtly through the urban fabric. It connects trendy neighborhoods like artsy Neve Tzedek, with its galleries and bohemian cafés, to the buzzing Florentin district, famous for its street art and food scene.
Why Visit? The Benefits of a Green Break
For tourists, it’s an authentic discovery: far from the crowds at Gordon Beach, you’ll encounter artists seeking inspiration or multicultural locals sharing a falafel. In 2025, with the progressive completion of the Green Line light rail (another “green thread” linking south to north), the park will become even more accessible, strengthening its role as an ecological connector.
The Green Corridor of Tel Aviv is more than just a park — it’s a metaphor for the city itself, where old and new blend in harmonious balance.
