On any visit to Israel it’s always worth taking a walk down one of the local markets to get a huge slice of real life; if you’re located in Jerusalem you have Mechane Yehuda, and if you’re in Tel Aviv you have perhaps the best market in the whole of Israel, if not the Middle East, Carmel market. But there are many more markets around that perhaps don’t get the press and respect they possibly should…
One such market is the market in Rosh Ha’ayin, about a 30 minute drive from Tel Aviv. It’s only open on Fridays, and even closes fairly early because of the fast approaching Shabbat dinner on Friday evenings. So take note, that window of opportunity is fairly small.
The Carmel market it is not, but if you’re looking for an Israeli experience and on the scout for a bargain, the Rosh Ha’ayin market could be your place for some Friday morning shopping. And as in all markets in Israel, bring plenty of shekels with you, there’s no need for, or accepting of, credit cards.
It’s a covered market so can be visited all year round, and actually fairly big. You can find pretty much anything here, from cheap toys to fruit and vegetables to freshly baked breads and cookies to cheap but good jewellery. However, if you’re looking for some classy tack to bring the folks back home, such as those IDF t-shirts or candle sticks (Hanukkiah), you might want to stick to the souvenir shops in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
The locals can’t seem to get enough of this market, it really throbs with action for many hours; just be aware that if coming by car, parking will take time as the queues to get in to the free car parks are huuuge.
Recommended if you fancy something a little different and want to get out of Tel Aviv for a bit.
How to get there: If driving, take Road 5 out of Tel Aviv and take the first Rosh Ha’ayin exit, exit right towards Rosh Ha’ayin. Take a left at the entrance to Rosh Ha’ayin (you’ll probably join the back of the huge line of cars waiting to turn left) and at the second roundabout either take right and right again into a small car park, or continue straight on for a few metres and then turn right into the main car park. You can also take the train from Tel Aviv to Rosh Ha’ayin and then take a bus or taxi to the market.
If you need to ask directions, ask for “shuk Rosh Ha’ayin”.