There’s not a lot of haggling going on in Israel, but if you’re looking for some bargains, we’ve set up a list of the top markets in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem. Each market (or in Hebrew, “Shook”) had a completely different mentality (and merchandise) to suit just what you’re looking for.
The Carmel Market (TLV) \\ MAP
First of all, it’s the largest fruits and vegetables market in all the land! But aside from that, you can also find some of the best bars and restaurants here as an award-winning, how-did-this-not-get-featured-in-Michelin good. We recommend prepping your belly with a few breaks from the market, randomly picking a place for a proper meal, and pushing it all down with a fresh fruit shake. It’s open every day besides Saturday.
Nahalat Binyamin Market (TLV) \\ MAP
This one just across from the Carmel market but has a completely different feel to it. It houses local artists of all kinds, featuring paintings, statues, live performances, and more. It’s open Tuesdays and Fridays and is a great place for finding that souvenir you forgot about.
Bezalel Market (TLV) \\ MAP
This is the place for clothes. All kinds and going through a huge price range. It’s a wonderful market to find a bargain on something that should have cost a lot more. It’s not fancy looking at all and most practical (a thousand clothes on a single rack, anyone?), but it gets the job done. If you want clothes on the cheap, come here.
Hatikva market (TLV) \\ MAP
The Hatikva market, just outside the familiar route, offers an authentic market experience, and there are also quality Moroccan and Iraqi restaurants.
The market, founded in the 1930s, is located in the Hatikva neighborhood of southern Tel Aviv, and the meaning of the name is “neighborhood of hope.”
A special dish you can find here is a “roasted cow udder.”
The Flea Market – shuk-hapishpeshim (Jaffa) \\ MAP
This is one of the last places where bargaining will actually get you somewhere. You can find almost anything here: carpets, antiques, designer clothes, plants, furniture, art – you name it. The prices start high, but it’s your job to get it down. There are many rare and unique items to be found here if you’re willing to take the time to look for them.
Farmer’s Market (Jerusalem) \\ MAP
You can find it in the city’s German Colony, considered one of Jerusalem’s most picturesque places. This market seems in complete disarray at first. But if you look beyond the mess, you’ll find true treasures: Handmade art pieces, unique dishes, that special thing that you haven’t seen before and will remind you of your trip as it sits forever on your shelf, gathering dust. Ah, yes… Memories…
Mahane Yehuda Market (Jerusalem) \\ MAP
Often just referred to as “Hashook,” this place has reinvented itself in the last five years or so. It’s big and clean and offers more craft beers than anything else. This place packs a lot of history between its shops and bars, and there are tours you can take to have a taste of history along with your bagel.
