The markets in Tel Aviv are an important part of any visit to this city that never sleeps. In your itinerary include one or more of my suggestions, according to your tastes. I had the opportunity to visit all these markets in Tel Aviv and I was able to eat delicious food, besides from buying beautiful souvenirs and gifts.
You can easily reach any of these markets from your hotel in Tel Aviv using public transport or a taxi.
5 Markets in Tel Aviv you should visit
Sarona Market
The Sarona Market is inside a huge building in a complex that was a Templar Colony 140 years ago. In front of the market is the Whiskey Bar & Museum where you can taste more than 1,000 types of whiskey from 13 countries. For wine lovers, the Tasting Room has an automated system with a smart card for you to taste 40 wines from Israel and abroad.
Upon entering the Sarona Market you realize that it is more luxurious than the rest of the markets in Tel Aviv. It was opened in 2015 and can be compared to the Chelsea Market in New York. You must go hungry to this market, as you will find what you want in its 8,700 square meters.
91 food stalls offer you local and international cuisine. If you want to try something local, I recommend the Abu Hasan hummus of Jaffa, the cheeses of Basher Fromagerie (from Jerusalem) or halva (an Israeli sweet) at Halva Kingdom. There is also a stand where they sell craft beers that were very good.
There are several butchers in the market and I wanted to eat some kosher lamb from Golan Heights. I could see the chops while they were cooked and served on a large plate with sweet potato.
One of the stores that I liked the most was Vos Pass where they let you taste fruit liqueurs. They also have a wide variety of oils and vinegars. Other sites sell species, soaps, fruits, teas and more.
The Sarona Market is open every day including Shabbat. It is near the HaShalom train station.
Shuk Rothschild Allenby
We went to Shuk Rothschild Allenby after a delicious dinner. It is located on the corner between Rothschild and Allenby, which is a trendy area of Tel Aviv. Those who go partying can take advantage and eat something, since it opens until 2 a.m.
It does not look like a shuk since it is more a luxury food market, like Sarona but smaller. When we went there were many people but it was super easy to walk and sit. There are many food options; the best I saw were Dim Sum Station (Chinese breakfast), Mexico City (Mexican street food) and Men TenTen Ramen.
We used the bathrooms, which were very clean and sat down to have a beer in the Beer Box. In most places you don’t get craft beers, I only found them in the markets in Tel Aviv. This sign says they have 130 international beers and 20 Israeli beers.
One of the stalls sells tea that comes mixed like gummies that I’ve only seen in Israel. They told me they needed to be boiled and cooled in the fridge. You can find it in all markets in Tel Aviv.
Nahalat Binyamin Market
Our intention was to go to Shuk Ha’Carmel, but on the way we were lucky to find the Nahalat Binyamin market. This market in Tel Aviv only opens on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. at 5 or 6 p.m.
The concept began in 1980s when a group of 20 artisans began selling their jewelry, ceramics, sculptures and paintings on this street. Today you can find more than 200 artists. Everyone sells what they do.
This is a great place to buy souvenirs or unique items. We found a man who makes kaleidoscopes by hand. Each one was more impressive than the other. I found it so particular that I ended up buying one, which is now in my living room.
I also bought a mandala made with magazines in a golden frame and some soaps from a lady who was very hippy. All were made with natural and organic ingredients. I found some jewelry sites and took advantage of buying a necklace, earrings and ring. Luckily, almost all artisans accept credit cards.
Nahalat Binyamin is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv and has a law that preserves its buildings. I fell in love with Hotel Nordoy which is painted pink in a corner towards Shuk Ha’Carmel.
If you do not go on fair day, the neighborhood is beautiful to explore. It has many cafes with outdoor tables. There are also live bands and entertainment. I loved seeing a dad with his son playing chess in the street.
Shuk Ha’Carmel
This market in Tel Aviv is a shuk and has everything you would expect: people screaming, vendors everywhere and lots of atmosphere. We went on a Friday after going to the Nachalat Binyamin Market. As it was before Shabbat, there were many people buying food to prepare their dinners. On Saturdays it does not open, but if you go the rest of the days it is quieter.
Shuk Ha’Carmel is on Carmel Street, surrounded by Allenby and Magen David Square. It is easy to access on foot or using public transport. Of all the markets in Tel Aviv, Shuk Ha’Carmel is undoubtedly the most famous.
If you are a lover of species I recommend you visit it. You can tell the vendors what kind of dishes you like to cook and that they recommend, or just let them give you tastings. I love cooking, so I bought quite a few species. Luckly I had two bags, otherwise my clothes would have smelled. I also got flower tea like rose or chamomile.
There are many stalls selling fruits and vegetables. I took advantage of buying fresh figs that are not available in Latin America.
If you are an olive lover, you can buy them here. There is no limit to what you can try and all the stalls offer you samples wanting you to buy from them. The market also has stalls that sell prepared food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
If you want to eat sweets, this is a good place. You can find traditional halva with many flavors, all kinds of candy and other sweets like baclava.
Flea Market in Jaffa
I stayed in a Airbnb in Jaffa, which is the colonial neighborhood of Tel Aviv. The neighborhood is super cute and is in transition. There are many hoteles en Jaffa which are mostly boutique. Apart from the flea market, it is very close to historic sites and the beach.
This market in Tel Aviv is also known as Shuk HaPishpushimes and is very bohemian. It is ideal for walking and hanging out. You can visit it every day, except on Saturdays that only restaurants, bars and cafes are open. The streets of Jaffa are like a maze, but don’t worry, the site is very safe and you will always find something interesting.
Sellers have been operating on these streets for more than 100 years. You can find very particular things like a seller that had incense and crystals, for those who are into wellness.
Another man with dreads like a rasta sold carved stones, and even had the pirate symbol with a skull and two swords. There are stores that sell antiques and vintage clothing. This part of Tel Aviv has a lot of Arab influence, so you can find things that are not available elsewhere.