When it comes to the high life in Tel Aviv, residents of the Mediterranean metropolis need look no further than their own rooftops.
With space always tight in Israel's fast-paced economic and entertainment capital, rooftops have been transformed into retreats with thriving outdoor gardens, restaurants, yoga, art and music studios, spaces for krav maga martial arts classes and even guest houses.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Hana Wimberly, 26, turned her barren, cement rooftop into her own outdoor haven with just a few mix matched chairs, a couch and a wooden table.
"For more than anything it's a place for me to feel very connected to the city," she said. "Tel Aviv, as much as there is to do, going to a bar and spending 50 shekels ($15 USD) on a drink gets exhausting."
Her lifestyle also connects her and her family to their past: her grandmother had a similar rooftop salon in Tel Aviv.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Iyar Semel, a 38-year-old musician, planted an organic garden on his rooftop, with compost, vegetables, fruit trees and a shower. It all allows him to merge his ecological lifestyle with the restraints of urban space.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
For Guy Elhadad, 26, his rooftop is his creative incubator, "where we can do whatever we want because we don't need the approval of others".
He and two roommates host yoga, music and art sessions there and built a spare sleeping place for people passing through. Elhadad said he loves Tel Aviv and through his rooftop can help make it bloom.
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Slideshow
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
People participate in a yoga class on the rooftop of Tel Aviv municipality building.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
People socialise on the rooftop of the Brown Hotel, which serves as a bar and event venue.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Children prepare drinks in a bar on the rooftop of an Armenian-Christian family who has been living in the same house since 1945.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Emanuel Cohen, 36, takes a shower on his rooftop, which he also uses as a small garden to grow herbs and vegetables.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Alexander Flaschenberg, 60, sits on a chair placed on top of a table, in order to enjoy view of the sea. The rooftop is a personal haven for Alexander, giving him an opportunity to unwind from work.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Arieh Ramot (left) and Orna Ramot sit on their rooftop and watch peacocks that often find their way to the roof after being fed by a neighbour.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Aviah Morag, 25, sunbathes on his rooftop which is equipped with a small pool, a shower and deck chairs.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
People bathe in the swimming pool of an entertainment park on the rooftop of the Azrieli mall.
. Givatayim, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Instructors Doron Turgeman (left), 35, and Michael Alimelech, 26, train on the rooftop of the building in which they give courses, as part of their krav maga.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Maayan Saidi, 28, smokes a cigarette on her rooftop.
. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern
Israeli soldiers prepare for a parade in front of the master-sergeant who is checking their appearance, on the rooftop of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Galgalatz radio station.
