The markets in Tel Aviv-Jaffa are a source of pride, and an integral part of the city life. The comfortable weather, the Mediterranean culture and the wealth of local produce, contribute to the popularity of market shopping among locals and tourist alike. Each of the Tel Aviv markets has its own theme and style trendy, organic, traditional, seaside, antiques, Farmers’ market or spices. All offer the best of Israel’s produce and imports, served by the “Basta” (stall) vendors, often great performers declaring their products and special offers out loud, while interacting with the shoppers. A Tel Aviv market is a guaranteed exciting shopping adventure.
The biggest food market is the outdoor Shuk HaCarmel, offering the full-scale variety of Israel’s fresh produce fruit & vegetables, meat & fish, cheese, pastry and local delicatessens. Other bargains like clothes, toys or house accessories can be found in the upper part. A stroll in the market is a celebration of colors, smells, tastes, and…sounds. The eateries and trendy restaurants in the attached alleyways base their menu on the market’s fresh products, offering the ideal lunch stop before continuing to the parallel street Nahalat Benyamin.
This commercial pedestrian street with mainly textile shops becomes on Tuesdays and Fridays, a lively Arts & Crafts fair with handcrafted jewelry, original wooden toys, house accessories, Judaica, glass arts and other unique creations that cannot be found elsewhere. It is usually the artists themselves presenting their creations and personal philosophy.
The established Tel Aviv port Farmer’s Market, operating on Fridays, in the heart of the attractive Tel Aviv port complex, brings producers from all over Israel to the city, with their small scale, high quality produce. The shopping scene is decorated with captivating views of the Mediterranean Sea visible from every corner.
The next door Shuk HaNamal, is a permanent indoor marketplace, that follows the slow food movement and promotes traditional regional cuisine and produce. It is pleasantly designed and offers a wide variety of delicatessens to take away or dine at the stand.
The Jaffa Flea Market is an outdoor Bazaar style shopping area, with antiques, jewelry, vintage clothing, and lots of second hand treasures from all over the world. Visitors are welcomed to touch and examine, while looking for their favorites.
In recent years the area became more popular with chef restaurants, cute cafes, stop by eateries, tempting bakeries, stylish shops and art galleries that opened around the flea market, completing wonderfully the market happening.
When coming to Jaffa, the newly renovated port and marina is a must do. It is a magnificent shopping and dining complex, with beautiful sea views and the charming Jaffa port Farmers Market offering all the greatest tastes of Israel.
Levinsky spices market is the best place for regional spices, herbs and teas. As well as local cheese, pickles, olive products, smoked fish and other delicatessen. Israel’s leading chefs regularly shop at Levinsky market and many tourists come to buy regional spices to take back home.
There are other smaller markets but not less intriguing Shuk Betzalael with lots of brands outlets is an ideal stop for visitors strolling around the historic buildings of early Tel Aviv. The Garage sale Market on Friday mornings on Dizengoff Square is great for local antiques and second hand books. The only all-organic farmer’s market Orbanic that is open on Fridays at Hatachana (The station) marvelous area. Dizengoff Center mall with the long tradition of Home Made Food Market on Thursdays and Fridays, and was adopted by the beautiful Gan Hayir mall featuring the same kind of market on Friday mornings.
All you need in order to explore the magnificent world of Tel Aviv markets is a canvas bag, a stock of small change, walking shoes and a fun bargaining mood.