Carmel Market
This is Tel Aviv’s most famous market; it is also the
largest and most central Tel Aviv market. The main market street (HaCarmel
Street) runs from the Allenby Street junction with King George and Sheinkin
Street down to HaKovshim Garden and Daniel Kalischer Street. The market runs
through the Yemenite Quarter (Kerem HaTeimanim) and smaller stalls can be found
in the alleyways and side streets veering off from HaCarmel Street. HaCarmel
Street is one long covered pedestrian street lined on both sides with stalls. The
market is loud, dirty, bright and vibrant. This is where you’ll see interesting
local characters, hear music blasting out from speakers and smell delicious (and
sometimes not so delicious) aromas).
On sale at Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) are fresh food
products, boutique cheeses, baked goods, meat, fish, pickles, fruit and
vegetables, nuts, coffee, halva, juices and spices. In the non-food section
you’ll find clothing, accessories, shoes, toys and household goods. In recent
years small eateries, coffee shops and gourmet stalls have opened up making the
Carmel Market a trendy foodie destination.
Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market
The Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market runs parallel to
Carmel Market down Nachlat Binyamin Street. The pedestrian market street is
lined with elegant Bauhaus buildings. Compared to other outdoor markets in
Israel Nahalat Binyamin is a clean, spacious market with a European feel. The
market offers a platform for over 200 artists to sell their creations. You’ll
find arts and crafts made from a wide variety of materials. Visitors can enjoy
a meal or coffee in one of the coffee shops as they watch street performers and
live musical performances. Unlike its neighboring Carmel Market the Nahalat
Binyamin Market is only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Tel Aviv Port Market
This is one of the youngest of Tel Aviv’s markets situated
in a repurposed hanger at the Tel Aviv Port which is now a revamped hub for
retail, dining and entertainment. The indoor market has stalls selling top
quality Israeli produce, gourmet culinary products and organic products. The
emphasis is on locally sourced, healthy, fresh produce and handmade food
products of the finest quality. The market strives to bring a variety of
unusual fruits and vegetables as well as the standard varieties. On sale at the
Tel Aviv Port Market (Shuk HaNamal) are gourmet olive oils, preserves, nuts,
dried fruits, fish, spices, sweets, boutique cheeses, pastries and coffee.
In addition you can find small eateries and coffee outlets
like the well known Sherry Herring where delicious sandwiches are prepared to
order using quality delicatessen products. The market is open Monday to Saturday.
On Fridays there is an organic farmers’ market just outside the entrance.
Jaffa Flea Market
The Jaffa flea Market (Shuk HaPishPishim) is unlike any of
the other outdoor markets; it has a character all of its own. The market stalls
are spread out along the streets and narrow lanes of Jaffa. Here you will find everything
including the kitchen sink! Market sections specialize in antiques, carpets,
decorative arts, furniture, antique furniture and one-off items. Down the
narrow lanes you can find stalls selling second-hand goods, clothing, junk,
jewelry, accessories, ceramics, musical instruments, toys and more. You will be
spoilt for choice and won’t know where to look at first.
In the Jaffa Flea Market you need to take your time and hunt
to find bargains. In addition to the colorful characters and unusual items you
can find here you can also enjoy excellent food. The Jaffa Market has become a
trendy spot for chef restaurants and quality eateries.
Bezalel Market
Located in the city center not far from Carmel Market, at
the corner of Bethlehem Street and King George Street this is an open-air
market once famed for its all-you-can-eat falafel. Today the market offers a
range of stalls and shops where you can find cheap bargain items. On sale at
Bezalel Market are clothes, cosmetics, shoes, accessories and textiles. The
main draw of this market is super special deals plus the stalls piled high with
designer fashion items at outlet prices. Finding a good deal here takes serious
digging but it is often worth it. The Bezalel market is open Sunday to Friday.
Sarona Market
The Sarona Market is best likened to the Tel Aviv Port
Market – both are indoors and focused on quality cuisine. The Sarona market is
part of the Sarona Complex, a shopping and entertainment venue created out of
the 150 year old buildings of a Templer colony. The large market is clean and
attractive, modeled after the famous food halls of Europe. You’ll find gourmet
food stalls representing cuisine from around the world as well as a wide range
of eateries. The market is home to several chef restaurants and specialty
stalls.
North Market
The North Market (Shuk HaTzafon) is the newest addition to
Tel Aviv markets; located on Wallenburg Street it is open seven days a week.
HaTzafon market is modeled on the Tel Aviv Port Market and under the same
ownership. The market is focused on the same principles as Tel Aviv Port Market
– fresh, quality and local food produce. You can find boutique wines, craft
beer, cured meats, fresh seafood, olive oil, herbs, fruit and vegetables, halva
and preserves. In addition to the stalls which sell locally grown fresh produce
and handmade gourmet food products the market also prides itself on several top
eateries. Just like the food stalls the eateries serve food using locally
sourced ingredients prepared with a lot of love.
Levinsky Market
This market starts in HaAliya Street, runs through Lewinsky Street
and ends near HaMashbir Street in South Tel Aviv. The market was established in
the 1930s by Greek immigrants who were soon joined by Iranian immigrants. South
Tel Aviv has remained a haven for immigrants – legal and illegal. This adds an
exotic atmosphere to the market and the food on sale.
The spice stores are the authentic heart of the market but
today there are many other products on sale. For those seeking an authentic
market and culinary melting pot Lewinsky is the place to visit. On sale you’ll
find delicatessen items; spices; freshly baked baklava; dried fruits; nuts;
cheeses; cookies; preserves; pickles and a store selling homemade remedies for
all kinds of ailments. generally the eateries in the market serve up simple,
low-cost, home-made style food like hummus, bourekas and baked goods.