So Jerusalem is a city that blends the old and the new. You can truly find everything here. So what are the very best markets in Jerusalem where you could get anything? From spices to a new iPhone? Here is the ultimate guide for all the best markets in the Holy City. First, if the Mahane Yehuda Market, which is often referred to as “The Shuk” is a marketplace in Jerusalem. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the market’s more than 250 vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables; baked goods; fish, meat and cheeses; nuts, seeds, and spices; wines and liquors; clothing and shoes; and housewares, textiles, and Judaica.
In and around the market are falafel, shawarma, kibbeh, kebab, shashlik, kanafeh; baklava; halva; zalabiya and Jerusalem mixed grill stands, juice bars, cafes, and restaurants. The color and bustle of the marketplace is accentuated by vendors who call out their prices to passersby. On Thursdays and Fridays, the marketplace is filled with shoppers stocking up for Shabbat, until the Friday afternoon sounding of the bugle that signifies the market will close for the Sabbath. In recent years, the ‘shuk’ has emerged as another Jerusalem nightlife center, with restaurants, bars, and live music.
Best Markets in Jerusalem: Mamilla Mall
Mamilla Mall, also called Alrov Mamilla Avenue, is an upscale shopping street and the only open-air mall in West Jerusalem. Located northwest of Jaffa Gate, the mall consists of a 2,000-foot (610 m) pedestrian promenade called Alrov Mamilla Avenue lined by 140 stores; restaurants, and cafes, and office space on the upper floors. It sits atop a multi-story parking garage for 1,600 cars and buses, and a bus terminal.
Designed by Moshe Safdie the mall incorporates the facades of 19th-century buildings from the original Mamilla Street, as well as the original structures of the Convent of St. Vincent de Paul, the Stern House, and the Clark House. If you’re looking for a place to stay by the way Mamilla Hotel is a great option just next to the Mall in the Old City.
MAMILLA AVENUE OPEN-AIR SHOPPING CENTER
Best Markets in Jerusalem: Old City Market
So the Old City of Jerusalem is a labyrinth of streets. you can find there anything from exotic spices, clothes, and jewelry all on display in a classical Arab souq. If you ever went to the market in Instanbul you’ll know what I am talking about.
So with a distinctive Arabian nights feel to it, the Arab market – or souq – located in the Christian and Muslim Quarters of the Old City is a labyrinth of alleyways lined with shops selling everything from handmade jewelry and exotic scarves to hookahs and ceramics. Also in the Jewish Quarter, you can find some nice shops, especially along the Roman-Byzantine Cardo with an emphasis on Judaica artefacts. If you need more recommendations on where to shop do feel free to get in touch with me, either by mail or by sending a WhatsApp message.
