Jerusalem will probably turn into one of your main sight-seeing day or days on your trip to Israel, there’s just so much to see there. Of course, the main sites of Jerusalem will be a big attraction, but spare a part of your day for some of the more “modern” attractions, such as the Machane Yehuda market, a few minutes walk from the city center.
For a taste of true Israeli living, a market is one of the best places to go; in Tel Aviv a vist to Carmel Market is a must, in Jerusalem it’s the Machane Yehuda market.
Just a few minutes walk from the city center up Agrippas Street to Machane Yehuda, this amazing outdoor market, often referred to as the Shuk, stretches between Jaffa Road and Agrippas Street.
The market was first established in 1928. As with the Carmel market in Tel Aviv, there are a number of smaller side aisles hidden away and well worth exploring. You can buy the usual array of very cheap, fresh produce, including fish and meat (so fresh it’s still screaming), as well as fresh bread, cleaning supplies, fresh ground coffee, clothes and spices stacked in huge, colorful hills. If you’re feeling thirsty, watch out for Uzi-Eli’s energy drinks.
A number of small homey restaurants also line the market and many are worth trying. With Israeli cuisine getting ever varied and popular, there are some real treats to discover here, as well as some very happening chef restaurants that have become extremely popular over the last couple of years. One worth catching if you can, Machneyuda.
As with most markets in Israel, Thursdays and especially Fridays are busy, as shoppers do their weekly shopping. If you’re looking to get a real taste of the market, without the suffocating hustle and bustle, try any day between Sunday and Wednesday.
For those of you worrying, the market is a safe place to visit with security guards checking everyone entering.
The video below will give you a taste of the Machane Yehuda market – we say add it to your bucket list!