Jerusalem is a hilltop city of about 1 million people in the Judean Mountains, sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Its walled Old City holds the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount) with the Dome of the Rock, while West Jerusalem offers the Mahane Yehuda market, Israel Museum and Yad Vashem, and East Jerusalem has Palestinian-run neighbourhoods, markets and the Mount of Olives.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Armenian ceramics
Dead Sea cosmetics
Halva and tahini
Judaica
Olive-wood carvings
Spice blends such as za'atar
Palestinian embroidery
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Produce, spices and bakeries
Hours: Sun-Thu 8:00AM-7:00PM, Fri to 3:00PM
Muslim Quarter Souk
Bazaar lanes of the Old City
Hours: Daily to about 6:00PM
First Station Market
Weekly crafts and food stalls
Hours: Check firststation.co.il for current days
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Muslim Quarter Souk (Al-Wad Road)
Cardo Jewish Quarter shops
Jerusalem Pottery
Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian mall
Mamilla Avenue
Hutzot HaYotzer Artists' Quarter
Emek Refaim Street boutiques
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Mamilla Avenue
Open-air shopping street with international brands
Jerusalem Mall (Malha)
Large indoor mall with shops and a food court
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargain in the Old City souk, not in fixed-price shops
Start at half the first price and settle near 60-70%
Smile and be willing to walk away
Mahane Yehuda produce is fixed-price
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Most West Jerusalem shops close early on Friday and all day Saturday, Christian Quarter shops may close on Sunday, Muslim Quarter shops quieten around Friday midday prayers