Israel is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern innovation, where millennia-old religious sites meet vibrant contemporary culture. From the golden Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem to the bustling beaches of Tel Aviv and the otherworldly landscapes of the Dead Sea, this small Mediterranean nation offers extraordinary diversity.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hamsa Hand Amulet
Traditional Middle Eastern palm-shaped amulet believed to bring good luck and ward off evil. Available in ceramic, silver, and olive wood in various sizes.
Price: $10-80
Where: Jewish Quarter shops, Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem
Dead Sea Mineral Mud Cosmetics
Renowned worldwide for therapeutic properties, Dead Sea mud and salt products include face masks, body scrubs, and soaps made from minerals found only in this unique body of water.
Price: $15-60
Where: AHAVA stores, pharmacies, Carmel Market Tel Aviv
Star of David Necklace
Handcrafted gold or silver Star of David pendants ranging from simple designs to elaborate filigree work. Many Jerusalem jewelers use traditional techniques passed down for generations.
Price: $20-300
Where: Ben Yehuda Street, Jaffa flea market, Jewish Quarter
Olive Wood Carvings
Nativity sets, crosses, menorahs, and decorative bowls carved from ancient Palestinian olive trees. The distinctive grain patterns make each piece unique and deeply connected to the Holy Land.
Price: $15-150
Where: Christian Quarter Jerusalem, Bethlehem souvenir shops, Nazareth
Embroidered Palestinian Keffiyeh
Traditional black-and-white checkered scarves with deep cultural significance. Hand-embroidered versions from Hebron feature intricate regional patterns in vibrant colors.
Price: $20-80
Where: Mahane Yehuda Market, Arab souks, East Jerusalem
Israeli Spice Blends
Za'atar herb mix, baharat spice blend, and sumac are staples of Israeli-Arab cuisine. Packaged in attractive tins or bags, they make flavorful culinary souvenirs that evoke memories of the region.
Price: $5-20
Where: Levinsky Market Tel Aviv, Mahane Yehuda Jerusalem, Carmel Market
Bezalel Art Academy Prints
Limited edition prints, ceramics, and jewelry from graduates of Jerusalem's prestigious Bezalel Academy of Art and Design. These pieces represent contemporary Israeli artistic expression.
Price: $50-500
Where: Bezalel Academy store Jerusalem, galleries in Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mahane Yehuda Market (The Shuk)
Jerusalem's legendary covered market overflows with fresh produce, spices, halva, pickles, baked goods, and street food. By evening, the stalls close and bars open under the same roofs, creating a unique night scene.
Where: Machane Yehuda Street, Jerusalem
Hours: Sun-Thu 8AM-8PM, Fri 8AM-3PM, Closed Sat
Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)
Tel Aviv's most popular outdoor market stretches several blocks with vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, olives, cheeses, spices, cheap clothing, and housewares. The southern end features the Yemenite Quarter with excellent cheap eats.
Where: HaCarmel Street, Tel Aviv
Hours: Sun-Fri 8AM-7PM, Closed Sat
Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPishpeshim)
A labyrinthine antiques and vintage market in Old Jaffa's backstreets. Dealers sell everything from Ottoman copper pots and Bauhaus-era furniture to vinyl records and vintage Judaica. Best visited on Friday morning.
Where: Olei Zion Street, Jaffa
Hours: Fri-Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun-Thu reduced hours
Levinsky Market
A sensory immersion in spice and pickle shops run primarily by Iranian Jewish immigrants. The market is less touristy than Carmel Market and known for authentic spice blends, dried fruits, nuts, and specialty foods from across the Middle East.
Where: Levinsky Street, Tel Aviv
Hours: Sun-Fri 8AM-6PM
Nahalat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Market
Twice-weekly street market featuring local artists and craftspeople selling jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, and art. Quality is high and everything is handmade in Israel, making it excellent for unique souvenirs.
Where: Nahalat Binyamin Street, Tel Aviv
Hours: Tue and Fri 10AM-6PM (pedestrian market days)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv's most fashionable shopping street lined with Israeli designer boutiques, international brands, and the iconic circular Dizengoff Square. The area is the beating heart of Israeli fashion and design culture.
Best for: Israeli fashion designers, lifestyle brands, cafes
Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv's oldest neighborhood has transformed into an upscale enclave with independent boutiques selling Israeli designer clothing, jewelry, art, and homeware in restored Ottoman-era buildings with charming courtyards.
Best for: Artisan jewelry, designer clothing, home decor, galleries
Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem
Jerusalem's main tourist shopping strip connects Zion Square to King George Street with souvenir shops, Judaica stores, restaurants, and cafes. A lively pedestrian street where locals and tourists mix.
Best for: Souvenirs, Judaica, Dead Sea products, casual dining
Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem Old City
The reconstructed Jewish Quarter of the Old City houses high-quality Judaica shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries within ancient stone buildings. Prices are higher but quality and authenticity are excellent.
Best for: Fine Judaica, silver jewelry, religious artifacts, menorahs
Sarona Market, Tel Aviv
A converted Templar colony turned upscale food market and restaurant complex. The indoor market houses specialty food vendors, Israeli designers, and restaurants in beautifully restored German Templar buildings.
Best for: Gourmet food, Israeli wine, artisan cheese, upscale dining
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Azrieli Center
Three distinctive towers (round, triangular, and square) house Tel Aviv's largest shopping complex with 200+ stores, restaurants, cinema, and supermarket. The observation deck provides stunning city views. Located near Tel Aviv central station.
Hours: Sun-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri 10AM-3PM, Sat 7PM-10PM
Dizengoff Center
Israel's first mall (1977) remains a Tel Aviv institution with 430 boutiques spread over multiple levels connected by escalators. Known for local designers, tech accessories, and a Friday artisan market on the ground floor.
Hours: Sun-Thu 9:30AM-9:30PM, Fri 9:30AM-3PM, Sat after Shabbat-10PM
Mamilla Mall, Jerusalem
Jerusalem's most attractive mall connects King David Hotel to the Old City's Jaffa Gate via an outdoor promenade of international and Israeli luxury brands in beautifully restored historic buildings. Excellent people-watching and city views.
Hours: Sun-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri 10AM-3PM, Sat after Shabbat-11PM
Big Fashion Mall, Be'er Sheva
The Negev's largest shopping complex serves southern Israel with major Israeli and international chains, food court, entertainment, and cinema. Good stopping point for travelers heading to Eilat or the desert.
Hours: Sun-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri 10AM-3PM, Sat 7PM-10PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at Jaffa Flea Market and Arab souks - start at 50% of asking price and negotiate respectfully
Fixed prices apply in malls, supermarkets, and most modern shops - do not attempt to bargain there
Friday mornings at markets offer best energy and selection, but prices may be slightly higher for tourists
Purchasing multiple items from one vendor usually unlocks a discount - ask 'what's the best price for all of these?'
Cash is preferred at markets and gives you more negotiating leverage than cards
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 50 years old require an export permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority - never buy unprovenanced archaeological items
Tax Refund: VAT refund (17%) available for purchases over 400 ILS at participating stores - look for the 'tax refund' sign and get the form stamped at the airport
Duty Free: International travelers can bring duty-free goods up to $200 value upon arrival; tobacco and alcohol allowances apply separately
Shipping: Most Jerusalem and Tel Aviv shops offer international shipping for fragile and large items - Israel Post is reliable for standard parcels under 2kg