TOP 10 MARKETS IN ISRAEL FOOD AND SOUVENIERS 2022-2023
VISIT THE TOP 10 MARKETS IN ISRAEL WITH A PRIVATE DRIVER
Israel has a lot to offer when it comes to food, and the markets are a must-see for any visitor to the country, whether you want to eat or shop for souvenirs. Here is our list of the best markets in Israel today that you can visit with a private Israeli driver!
THE CARMEL FARMERS' MARKET
The Carmel Market is Tel Aviv's most well-known and largest market. Townspeople buy almost anything, from ripe strawberries to freshly squeezed lemonade to sneakers or beach tennis rackets. Fortunately, the market is right on the road leading to the beach. Even though the atmosphere is that of a true oriental market, with loud sellers and insatiable buyers, there is no sense that they are trying to deceive you or shove something unnecessary down your throat. All of the merchants are cheerful and friendly, and they will gladly bargain with you in perfect English, tell you a funny story, or even treat you to something delicious! Don't forget to eat at one of the Carmel Market's restaurants!
NEHALAT BENYAMIN FAIR
A hand-made fair is held twice a week in the city's old quarter, on Nahalat Benyamin Street, on Tuesdays (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Fridays (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) (from 10.00 to 17.00 or 14-30 in winter). It appears that all of Tel Aviv's talented people have gathered here to share their work with others. This fair is ideal for shopping for souvenirs. It sells beautiful ceramic hamsas, mosaic dishes, and stone and glass jewelry.
JAFFA FLEA MARKET
Tel Aviv's most vibrant market. There are European antiques and values brought by the first local settlers, as well as annoying videotapes left on the sidewalk by the residents. The market's heart is Olei-Zion Street and its surrounding lanes. You'll need at least half a day to properly explore the ruins, where everything is often arranged in a row. Leather bags, satin wallets from the last century, a Michael Jackson portrait for a song, a silver service, old cameras, musical instruments, records, boots, oriental jewelry, silk shirts from a great-grandmother, and much more can be found here. All this smells like cardamom and is accompanied by the colorful abuse of eastern merchants.
TEL AVIV PORT FARMERS' MARKET
Michal Anski, the renowned local deli owner who popularized organic food in Israel, founded the farmers' market. Many different types of cheeses, organic fruits, vegetables, and wines, as well as fresh bread, halva, tahini, and olives, can be found here. Where else can you find carrots in four different colors, one of which is purple? The only advantage of being in port on Friday is that the farmers' market doubles in size.
THE LEVINSKY MARKET
Lewinsky Market is not as large or as popular as Tel Aviv's main market, Carmel, but it has a more relaxed atmosphere because the crowding and shouting are muffled by cars (there is a roadway between the shops). They buy spices and Mediterranean cuisine products at the Lewinsky market (from Turkey, Romania, and Greece). The main section is between Alia and Herzl streets. Spices, Burekas (local buns), pickles, exotic sausages, fish, olives, loose teas with rose petals, Indian spices, high-quality saffron, zaatar (local seasoning), and other items are available. It is preferable to visit the market on Friday at lunchtime (before Shabbat) because it will be very colorful and lively.
THE BEZALEL MARKET
Bezalel, a small market not far from Carmel, is worth a visit. It was once known for a variety of low-cost falafel, which was later replaced by rows of low-cost rags. This is where you can get a generic T-shirt for $2 and a Louis Vuitton bag for $10. Nobody knows where these things come from or how legal their sale is, so the market's long-standing motto has been "Don't ask me questions, and I won't lie." To be honest, this is not the best shopping center in Tel Aviv. But if you're not looking for labels and Italian quality, you can get quite comfortable flip-flops for the beach, a simple sun hat, or a light scarf for evening walks along the beach at the Bezalel market.
DIZENGOFF CENTER MARKET
Every Thursday and Friday, the Dizengoff Center's first floor transforms into a grocery store. The food compartments are labeled according to culture: Arabic, Indian, European, and so on. You can buy homemade cutlets, salads, and even soup here, or you can get a little bit of everything on a plate, sit on the wooden floor, and guess what you eat so deliciously.
SARONA MARKET
This market is regarded as one of the most expensive, with approximately 500 million shekels spent on its construction! The complex is traditionally divided into two sections, one for kosher goods and one for non-kosher goods. Natural, meat, confectionery, alcoholic, and grocery products, among others, can be purchased here. Restaurants serving Israeli, European, and Italian cuisine in the market, in addition to various retail outlets.
The market's main pride, however, is the mono-boutique of the international brand Tommy Hilfiger. Its inaugural event was attended by the founder himself! Following in the footsteps of Tommy Hilfiger, other world-renowned brands have opened boutiques in the Israeli market, with great success. Israeli fashion designers have also opened shops in the Sarona complex.
THE HATIKVA MARKET
This market is known as the Carmel market's competitor. Even though there are almost no tourists here, sellers are still able to sell their wares. There are numerous stands selling vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, sweets, and pastries at the Hatikva market. There are also a few small cafes in the area. Shawarma and falafel are popular among locals.
JERUSALEM'S OLD CITY SOUK
Narrow alleyways are teeming with small shops selling everything from souvenirs to freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. A good place to look for religious artifacts from the three monotheistic faiths - haggling is required - but it can be overwhelming at times.
A more laid-back option is to join a guided walking tour of the Old City, which includes the souk.