Israel is a country that is popular in religious circles, having played a major role in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. After years of political unrest, the country today yearns to rise back to its old status of a global cultural powerhouse. Indeed, with a very rich history and an even richer culture, the country certainly has a lot to be proud of. Tel Aviv, the capital, is a city that silently sits along the shores of the Mediterranean, basking in the beauty of this picturesque sea. This, together with the numerous historical sites, makes Tel Aviv a worthy tourist destination. Find time and go shopping in Tel Aviv, exploring the markets and the stores in search of local souvenirs to take back home. This article reveals a list of what to buy when in Tel Aviv. Go ahead and check it out.
1. Jewelry
Israeli jewelry is slowly edging towards the mainstream, reflecting the richness of this region’s culture. At the center of this trend are craftsmen and women, a legion of talented individuals who artfully craft stunning handmade jewelry ranging from bracelets and necklaces to alluring rings and earrings. All these are easily found in the streets of Tel Aviv. Stroll through Dizengoff Street and explore the stalls and stores found there, each one stocked with some of the best pieces of jewelry created by the Israeli artists. She-Ra Jewelry is one of these stores, a chic outlet with lovely handmade pieces. Here, you’ll probably spend at least NIS 1000 (USD 270). For cheaper options, head to the flea markets where you’ll leave with some vintage options.
She-Ra Jewelry
Address: 10 Pines Street, Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv
Price: from NIS 1000 (USD 270)
Website: She-Ra Jewelry
2. Belly-dancer outfits
Fluid waist and hip movements characterize this exotic dance that’s predominant in middle eastern countries, and Israel isn’t left behind. You might chance upon these dancers while on your tour of Tel Aviv, a group of people who entrance as much as they mesmerize. If you love their dance style or know someone who’s enamored by their movements, buying their garb, the belly-dancer outfits, would be a wonderful choice. The outfits range from bra tops to hip scarves, and they also include belts and scarves. You can buy this ensemble at Jaffa Market, setting you back at least NIS 100 (USD 26.80).
Jaffa Market
Address: Olei Zion St, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Price: From NIS 100 (USD 26.80)
3. Henna
With a history that dates back about five millennia, henna has entrenched itself into the culture of the Israeli people. For those who don’t know what this is, henna is a body decorative paint whose color lies somewhere between red and brown. Traditionally, ladies use it to tattoo themselves using henna, during special ceremonies like weddings. This earns it a place on our list of things to buy in Tel Aviv. Wander around the outdoor markets and you’ll find a couple of bottles of henna. An example of such a market is Nachalat Binyamin which operates just two days a week. The cost of a bottle is around NIS 37 (USD 10).
Nachalat Binyamin
Price: From NIS 37 (USD 10)
Website: Nachalat Binyamin
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Hebrew name necklaces
What might your name be in Hebrew? You’ll find out in Tel Aviv a city where you’ll not only learn the language but will also return home with a necklace that has your name carved out, in Hebrew. If this piques your interest then you’ll be happy to know that you don’t need to scour the city to discover the jewelry designers who make them. As a souvenir for yourself, these necklaces are awesome but as gifts for your loved ones back home, these necklaces will make you a hit with them. Mango Tree Shop is quite popular when it comes to making these creations and you’ll spend about NIS 180 (USD 50) for a beautiful piece.
Mango Tree Shop
Address: Shenkin 6, Tel Aviv
Price: NIS 180 (USD 50)
Website: Mango Tree Shop
5. Israeli wines
Wines from Israel have a distinct taste and a rich flavor which leaves you yearning for more, and you’ll find yourself reaching for another bottle very soon after clearing your first. Carefully cultivated grapes harvested from vineyards around Israel give birth to these sought-after bottles of drinking perfection. Some are quite affordable but if you feel the need to splurge then you’ll also find the more vintage bottles. For an average spender, NIS 20 to 300 (USD 5 to 80) should be enough. When in Tel Aviv, we recommend getting a bottle of wine at Sahar Wine.
Sahar Wine
Address: Israel, Ben Yehuda St 126, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Price: NIS 20 to 300 (USD 5 to 80)
Website: Sahar Wine
6. Sabich — Jewish-Israeli delicacy
Sabich is a mouthwatering Israeli sandwich that’s a combination of eggplant, a boiled egg and salad in between a pita bread. This whole combo is then slathered with a sauce. This seemingly simple meal isn’t as easy to prepare as a lot of detail goes into those ingredients. Thankfully, you don’t need to prepare it yourself when in Tel Aviv, the Sabich capital. Head to Sabich Tchernichovsky, a swanky little deli that’s renowned for their masterfully prepared Sabich. You can also head down to Sabich Frishman and try out their take on this mouthwatering sandwich. For NIS 20 (USD 5), you’ll have your tastebuds tantalized.
Sabich Tchernichovsky
Address: Tchernikhovski St 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Price: NIS 20 (USD 5)
7. Tubi 60
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tubi 60 is a versatile liquor that can be drunk as it is, in a cocktail or however you please. With its origins traced back to Israel, this spirit has become a globally-renowned brand that’s loved by all those who’ve tried it. Go ahead and grab yourself a bottle (or more) of Tubi 60 when in Tel Aviv and earn the bragging rights of having bought this much-loved liquor at the source. This will set you back about NIS 100 (USD 26).
Tubi 60 Online Shop
Price: NIS 100 (USD 26)
Website: Tubi 60 online
8. Bamba peanut butter flavored crisps
If you love peanuts and crispy snacks, try this mash-up of the two, a peanut-butter crispy snack. Bamba snacks are very popular in Israel and Tel Aviv is awash with these snacks in almost every store you walk into. Yes, this is ideally a kids’ snack but you’ll forget about all this once you take a bite into its sweet and savory body. What’s more, it is made of only natural ingredients. Of course, if you’re allergic to peanuts then this isn’t for you. However, you can still buy this for a loved one back home. Kids will absolutely adore you for introducing them the Bamba snacks. These cost about NIS 10 (USD 2.60).
Osem Group
Price: NIS 10 (USD 2.60)
Website: Osem Group
9. Amba — mango pickle sauce
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The mango sauce known as Amba has its roots in the Middle East, typically used on meat and fish dishes. When in Tel Aviv, you’ll notice this sauce as a common feature on most dinner tables, a wonderful addition to any meal. It’s sweet and spicy and brings life to your Shawarma or falafel dish. The process of preparing Amba takes a total of five days and it involves sun-drying the mangoes. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this arduous process, simply nip into any outlet and get a jar for about NIS 50 (USD 13.40).
Amba Sauce
Price: NIS 50 (USD 13.40)
Website: Amba Sauce
10. Traditional Palestinian embroidery
Characterized by exquisite, intricate patterns and shapes, these designs are inspired by the surroundings of the craftswomen who make them. You’ll find patterns that represent various types of trees and birds that are native to the Palestinian region. This embroidery is then applied to items like cushion covers, rugs or even ladies’ clutch bags. Two Neighbors is a company that brings together Israeli and Palestinian women who create these stunning pieces. They distribute to local retailers and sell their wares online as well. You can also stroll through the local markets and browse through the collections there. Expect to spend at least NIS 200 (USD 50).
Jeudy Boutique
Address: 24 Herztle Street, Tel Aviv, Israel
Price: NIS 200 (USD 50)
Website: Jeudy Boutique
Memories of Tel Aviv
Record your memories of Tel Aviv by exploring the markets and stores and leaving this city with products that are quintessentially Israeli. Consider the products on our list above if you’re spoilt for choice on what to buy and surprise your friends and family back home with the perfect Tel Aviv souvenirs.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
Top 22 Airbnbs In Tel Aviv, Israel - Updated 2024Maria Cristina -
-
-
-
-
Create an account to