Going to market: an introduction to Tel Aviv's vibrant markets

Besides being a nonstop city of varied entertainment, rich culture, sea and sunshine, Tel Aviv is also full of markets. Each is unique and reflects its surroundings. Every market has its own charm and character, drawing visitors and residents to enjoy all it offers. From food markets and inexpensive clothing markets to those specialising in particular foods and contemporary restaurants, Tel Aviv can certainly add "city of markets" to its names.

Tel Aviv markets: serving suggestions

Port Market: housed in an ecological building, this market includes shops selling quality ingredients from around the world, led by some of Israel's top culinary figures. It offers fresh ingredients such as meat, fish, seafood, speciality cheeses, unusual fruit and vegetables, deli products including sausages, fresh pasta, fine wines and beers, and much more. Every Friday and Saturday, it hosts a farmers' market attended by growers and small businesses. From farm to table. Address: Hangar 12, Tel Aviv Port.

Bezalel Market: a few metres from Carmel Market, on the other side of the street, lies the small, charming Bezalel Market, where you can buy inexpensive clothing and hunt for bargains. 1 Beit Lehem Street.

Hatikva Market: the market sits in the heart of the lively Hatikva neighbourhood. It has stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables and a host of excellent restaurants and food stands, as well as bakeries and butchers. It is a market to wander through and enjoy, while taking the opportunity to explore the neighbourhood's little streets and even pass the childhood home of the queen herself, Ofra Haza. 10 Hatikva Street.

Carmel Market: perhaps the city's most important and central market. After a major facelift a few years ago, it offers not only familiar market stalls piled with fruit and vegetables, but countless pioneering, distinctive restaurants leading Tel Aviv's food scene. There is almost no culinary style you will not find here. From an amazing burger made with the finest meat to Thai and Greek food, and even traditional Hungarian dishes, Carmel Market has everything and more. At the end, when you are full and tired, you can walk a few steps and take a dip at the beach right at its edge. 10 HaCarmel Street.

Levinsky Market: a bustling market where you can find every spice known to humankind, along with some of the city's best restaurants and cafés. Anyone who has not yet explored Levinsky Market is missing out, and in a big way. Levinsky Street.

Sarona Market: a somewhat unusual market located indoors. During the week, you will mostly find hungry high-tech employees who work nearby and want a good meal at exorbitant prices. Alongside many food stalls, there are several shops selling various quality ingredients. Aluf Kalman Magen Street.

Jaffa Flea Market: the market of Jaffa. You will find plenty of shops selling restored antique furniture, old objects, records and second-hand clothes, as well as varied restaurants, chic cafés and much more. Olei Zion Street.

North Market: an indoor food market in north Tel Aviv offering fresh, quality ingredients. In the mornings, employees from the surrounding complex arrive; in the afternoons, tasty and surprising children's meals are served and activities are offered for the whole family. In the evenings, there is fine food, drinks and more.

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