15 Best Places to Go Shopping in Tel Aviv & Things to Buy

Tel Aviv is one of the best shopping destinations in Israel and is quite well-known for its street shopping, despite having a number of malls too. Whether you want to take something home from your trip for yourself or your loved ones, there is plenty to find in this city with its countless markets, stalls, shops, boutiques and shopping malls. There are stores selling local and international brands where you can find everything, from traditional clothes, footwear, accessories, local jewellery, unique artworks, kitchenware and home decor, ceramics, food items, and so much more. Keep on reading if you’re planning a shopping excursion in Tel Aviv!

10 Markets and Shopping Streets in Tel Aviv

1. Neve Tzedek

Neve Tzedek happens to be one of Tel Aviv’s most beautiful neighbourhoods owing to its lovely architecture and is also a shopper’s paradise. Known for its slightly upscale and expensive stores, it is a great place to buy clothes, jewellery, footwear, homeware goods, perfumes, artwork, accessories etc. and also find good food. Shabazi Street is the main street in the area where you would find most of the popular shops, many of which are Parisian labels and designer boutiques. A few of these include Edition, Art Maroc, Badim, Numéro 13 and SETI. This neighbourhood is also ideal for photography!

2. Carmel Market

Carmel Market or Shuk HaCarmel is the largest marketplace in Tel Aviv and dates back to the 1920s. A bustling area, it is a must-visit when shopping in Tel Aviv because it has numerous vendors selling all kinds of things. You can find stalls and stands selling clothes, electronics, jewellery, accessories, flowers and cheap souvenirs, along with edibles like spices, candies, homemade sweets, cheeses etc. It is also an excellent place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. Moreover, you might also come across a few boutiques or stalls serving Israeli food like halva. Just make sure to haggle and keep in mind that the market is most crowded during the daytime, and if you come later in the day, you might even get a few good deals on some of the produce. 

Address: Allenby St 59, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Summer Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 7:00 AM - Two hours before Sabbath (Friday), Saturday closed
Winter timings: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 7:00 AM - Two hours before Sabbath (Friday), Saturday closed 

3. Tel Aviv Port Market

Located inside an ecological building overlooking the Tel Aviv Port, the Tel Aviv Port Market is one of the best places in the city to buy produce and try out delicious Israeli food. It is almost like a farmers market and comprises several stores selling fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, cheeses, olive oil, spices, beer, wine and more, most of which is made locally but some that is brought in from other countries. You mustn’t miss out on the yummy food served here like homemade sausages, pasta, pastries etc. 

Address: Nemal Tel Aviv St 12, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Timings: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Monday to Thursday), 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Friday), 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Sunday)

4. Hatikva Market

The Hatikva Market in southern Tel Aviv’s Hatikva neighbourhood is popular among locals and foodies. It is a vibrant market with loads of stalls and shops that sell fresh and inexpensive fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood and spices. What makes it so famous is its multitude of restaurants and food stalls where you can get mouth-watering Iraqi, Moroccan and Israeli food such as saluf, jachnun, deep-fried sweet pastry, Yemenite pastry and a lot more. Hatikva Market, being on the city's outskirts, isn’t as expensive as other markets like Carmel Market and offers a chance to interact with locals. 

Address: Hatikva market, HaTikva St 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Summer timings: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Friday), Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays
Winter Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Friday), Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays

5. Sheinkin Street

One of the city’s most well-known shopping destinations, the small Shenkin Street is home to countless stores selling affordable and expensive items. It is a great place to find local and international brands selling clothes, jewellery, footwear, bags, music equipment, furniture, souvenirs and more. Some of the popular brands at Sheinkin Street include Ronen Chen, Adidas, Carmen Miranda, Billabong, Krembo, Michal Negrin and The Third Eye, amongst others. If you get tired from shopping, go to the small park here for some rest or pop into one of its cafes or restaurants like Café Tamar, Orna and Ella etc. It is advisable to avoid visiting on a Friday since it gets very crowded. 

Address: Shenkin Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

6. Antique Market

A superb market to visit if you’re on the hunt for unique souvenirs that are also cheap, head over to the Antique Market on Giv’on Street, which was earlier located in Dizengoff Square. There is a plethora of vendors and collectors selling one-of-a-kind items, including clocks, jewellery, bags, vases, art, leather goods, electronics, knives, clothing items, furniture and more. You might need to haggle a little with the sellers, but the items surely make for wonderful souvenirs for yourself and your friends and family. 

Address: Giv'on St 16, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

7. Nahalat Binyamin Street

Situated parallel to Carmel Street, Nahalat Binyamin Street is synonymous with beautiful architecture owing to its old buildings representative of Eastern and Western styles. What makes it a treat for shoppers is that it is the site of the Arts & Crafts Fair twice a week, where you can find handicrafts made by about 200 local artists. You can buy handmade jewellery, pottery, ceramics, handmade kaleidoscope, baskets, toys etc., here at affordable prices. It is an excellent place to find souvenirs for your loved ones! There are also several restaurants around the street where you can stop to grab a bite. 

Address: Nahalat Binyamin St, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Tuesday), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Friday)

8. Sarona Market

Open even on Sabbath, Sarona Market is the place to visit if you want a unique culinary experience! This relatively new modern culinary centre is the polar opposite of Tel Aviv’s open food markets and is also known to be slightly more expensive. It is home to about 100 businesses that sell local items such as meats, cheese, spices, condiments, wines, chocolates, and more, along with food items imported from around the world. Moreover, Sarona Market also consists of nearly 40 eateries serving a variety of delicacies, including homemade ice pops, seafood, pastries etc. You can also attend cultural events here, like live-music evenings. 

Address: Aluf Kalman Magen St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Timings: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Friday), 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Saturday)

9. Kikar HaMedina

Kikar HaMedina is the biggest plaza in Tel Aviv and the city's best place to find high-end stores and boutiques brands. Tel Aviv’s own Rodeo Drive, features a number of international and Israeli brands spread out across the two main Weizmann Street and Jabotinsky Street, as well as a few smaller ones. Gucci, Burberry, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Nespresso, Maya Negri and Chopard are some of the stores you would find here. Along with the many stores, there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can get something to eat. 

Timings: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM (Friday), Saturday closed

10. Jaffa Flea Market

The Jaffa Flea Market or Shuk Hapishpishim, situated in the ancient port city of Jaffa in Tel Aviv, is a treat for shoppers since you are sure to find something unique here. It has both indoor and outdoor shops. Some of the most common items you might see vendors selling include old coins, Persian rugs, tiles, boutique outfits from local designers, Judaica, jewellery, vintage furniture and much more. Besides its shops, located all around the flea market are restaurants, food stalls and bars serving delectable local dishes and drinks. Do remember that you need to bargain when shopping!

Address: Olei Zion St, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Friday)

5 Famous Shopping Malls in Tel Aviv

Although Tel Aviv is best known for its street shopping, where shops and stalls sell local goods, a number of malls and modern shopping centres have come up over the past few years. There are many international brands at these malls, along with many local stores and boutiques, eateries and even entertainment areas where you can enjoy yourself with your friends and family! The following are 5 of Tel Aviv’s most popular shopping malls that you must visit: 

11. Azrieli Center Mall

The Azrieli Center Mall is located within the Azrieli Center complex and is one of the largest malls in Tel Aviv and Israel. If you’re planning on visiting the mall, you would need an entire day to explore its countless stores selling local and international brands. The stores are spread out across three floors of the buildings, and you would find brands like Zara, Roberto, FOX, Adidas, Tamnoon and others here, along with about 30 eateries and a cinema with 8 screens. Moreover, its 49th floor also has an observatory which overlooks the entire city. 

Address: Derech Menachem Begin 132, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Timings: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday Friday), 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM (Saturday)

12. Dizengoff Center

The Dizengoff Center is one of Tel Aviv’s most well-known shopping centres and is located at the intersection of King George Street. It is the country’s first mall and is split into two buildings with over 420 stores across five floors, two cinemas, two gyms, various eateries and a rooftop swimming pool. You can find clothes, accessories, electronics, home decor, toys, comics, jewellery, books etc., at stores like Avivit, Or Cosmetics, Erroca, Bose Center, Dickies etc. It also hosts weekly events like the “Food Fair” on Fridays and pop-up designer boutiques on Thursdays and Fridays selling clothes and jewellery. 

Address: Dizengoff St 50, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Timings: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Friday), Half an hour after the end of Sabbath - 11:00 PM (Saturday)

13. Ramat Aviv Mall

Also known as Kenyon Ofer, the Ramat Aviv Mall is Israel’s most expensive. It is home to a number of high-end international designer brands, including Louis Vuitton, Carolina Hererra, Longchamp and Chanel, amongst others. Although not too big, it has about 140 stores, including local and international high-street brands, across two floors and several food joints, including Arcaffe, Burger King and Boston Deli. If you wish to buy some groceries, there is a supermarket right next to it that is accessible from within the mall too. 

Address: Einstein St 40, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6910203, Israel
Timings: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Friday), 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM (Saturday)

14. TLV Fashion Mall

TLV Fashion Mall is Tel Aviv’s newest mall. It houses many international designer brands, especially ones you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the city, along with various high-end Israeli brands. You can buy clothes, accessories, electronics, homeware goods, cosmetics and skin care products, toys, books and more here. Gant, Opatra London, Jo Malone, Sack’s, FIX, Superdry and Studio Pasha are some of its many stores. Furthermore, the mall also has different food joints and is known to host concerts, parties, food markets and more frequently. 

Address: Carlebach St 4, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6713208, Israel
Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Friday, holiday eves), Half an hour after the end of Sabbath - 11:00 PM (Saturday)

15. Gan Ha’ir Mall

The perfect mall for a fun day out with friends or family, the Gan Ha’ir Mall, is located near Rabin Square and is a relatively small shopping centre with a central fountain. It comprises boutiques and international chain stores where you would find almost everything, including clothes, footwear, gadgets, homeware items, beauty products, jewellery etc. A few of its stores are Amarena Jewelry, Castro Home, Foot Locker, Anne Fontaine and Lafayette. Once you’re done shopping, you can grab a bite to eat at one of its eateries or if you’re visiting on a Friday, make sure to stop by its food stalls. 

Address: Ibn Gabirol Street 71, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Timings: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Friday), Saturday closed

What to Buy in Tel Aviv

Israel is a land of immense culture and traditions, and there is a multitude of local and unique souvenirs that you can buy when visiting Tel Aviv, 10 of which are:

1. Jewellery

Jewellery is always a wonderful souvenir to get for yourself or others, and Israel is renowned for its diamond trade. There are numerous stores and boutiques in and around Tel Aviv that sell jewellery made out of diamonds as well as pearls, silver, gold and Eilat stone which is the country’s national gemstone and has green, turquoise and cobalt blue colours. You can find traditional and modern bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings etc., at different prices and in different colours. 

2. Craft Beer and Wine 

Israelis don’t tend to drink as much beer as people elsewhere, but it has become a popular drink in the country recently, and more and more microbreweries have come up. You could take back some craft beer that you can easily find at a brewery or bar. Goldstar is known to be the most famous beer brand and is easily available in Tel Aviv. Furthermore, if you’re not a big fan of beer, consider some wine made from Syrah grapes. The best place to get wine would be at a winery where you can taste different varieties and watch the wine production process. 

3. Art

If you’re looking for something special to take home as a souvenir, go for art. Israeli art is well-known for being vibrant, bold and unique and is an excellent souvenir, although a little expensive; you can find paintings, sculptures, photographs etc., in different sizes and mediums. The best place to buy art would be the artist’s workshop, where you can choose different artworks and watch them work. Remember that you might need an appointment to visit some of these workshops.

4. Elia Photos

One of Israel’s most popular artists is Elia Kahvedjian, a photographer who was known for beautifully capturing the Armenian community in Jerusalem, especially in black and white. He set up Elia Photo, which is now run by his grandson, who sells Elia’s works. Finding a store in Tel Aviv where you can buy his remarkable photographs might be a little difficult, but you can always order through their website.  

5. Spices

Israeli cuisine uses a wide variety of spices, which are often used as blends. The most common spice blend is Za’atar which usually comprises hyssop and salt. Hawaij is another popular spice Yemenite spice blend used to prepare Yemenite soup while sumac is a purplish powder used for meat and salads. Some other spices you can buy are baharat, Dead Sea salt, carob powder, thyme, cumin, sesame seeds, marjoram etc., all of which can be found in Tel Aviv’s supermarkets or open markets. 

6. Dead Sea Products

The Dead Sea around Israel is well-known for its therapeutic value because of its minerals and nutrients. Therefore, you would find various skincare products made out of mud and minerals, like serums, moisturisers, body lotions, scrubs, body oil, shampoos and hair masks. There are many shops selling these products, but one of the most popular brands is AHAVA; you can also shop online if you’d like. 

7. Food Items

Local food items would be great to take back with you, especially if you don’t have a long journey ahead. Tahini is used to prepare a variety of Israeli dishes, and while it is best to prepare it fresh, you can find jars of tahini in most grocery stores. You can buy halva which is a solidified sweet version of tahini. If you like dry fruits, make sure to pick up a packet or two of Medjool dates and perhaps even silan or date syrup. Some of the local snacks to get include bamba, bisli and krembo. Moreover, buying Turkish black coffee grounds would be a good idea for coffee lovers. 

8. Judaica

Judaica refers to all kinds of items needed to perform a Jewish ceremony. Even though these might not be of much use to you, they are still a major part of Israel’s culture and, therefore, great souvenirs. It consists of things such as Passover trays, Mezuzah, Kiddush cups, Torah pointers, shofar, Shabbat candlesticks and more. 

9. Armenian Ceramics

Owing to the Armenian ceramic craftsmen who were invited to work on the Dome of Rock at the beginning of the 20th century, many stayed back in the country. They opened workshops, and art became a part of the local culture. You would find artists and souvenirs in Tel Aviv shops selling original and duplicate ceramics such as tiles, mugs, plates, bowls, jars, Hamsa etc., mostly in bright colours like blue, green and red. 

10. Olive Wood Carvings

All of Israel is known for olive trees, so it is no surprise that olive wood carving is very popular all around the country, mostly using the branches. While most shops are in Jerusalem, these items can often be found in shops in Tel Aviv, too and are a must-buy given that they are a true work of art, centring mostly around Christian themes. 

Your trip to Tel Aviv would be incomplete without a visit to a few of its markets and stores because shopping for local souvenirs is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. Save a day or two to go market hopping because you will find something special at its shops and stalls. Their local handicrafts, clothes, accessories, artworks, foods, homeware and more make for excellent souvenirs for yourself and your friends and family.