One of the most Israeli experiences you can have, in my opinion, is going to a shuk. Shuks are open air markets where you can get something to eat or drink, buy produce, spices, dry goods, clothes, and more.
This year we went to three different shuks; Machne Yehuda in Jerusalem, Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv, and the Shuk in Ramla.
Personally, I think if you want to buy clothing and t-shirts, you should go to the Shuk HaCarmel. If you want to eat in restaurants, go to bars (I am just going off of what I’ve heard), or buy food I would go to Machne Yehuda. Each shuk has numerous places you must stop at. In the Shuk HaCarmel there are many places to get bucket hats, a classic Israeli hiking accessory, and t-shirts with lots of funny sayings. When you are at Machne Yehuda for the first time I suggest you go to Marzipan and buy some rugelach, get a half orange half pomegranate freshly squeezed juice, buy some candy that would never be kosher in the US and Canada, and eat some sabich from Aricha. Of course, if you want some restaurant suggestions in Machne Yehuda, just ask me and I can tell you what I recommend. We went to more restaurants in Machne Yehuda this year than lots of people who live in Israel normally do and so we know where to go for what.
In either Shuk HaCarmel or Machne Yehuda you can buy elephant pants, produce, spices, and sweets such as ice cream and kanefe. The shuk can be a great experience but not for those of you who are extra sensitive to smell or noise and being pushed by almost everyone you pass or passes you.
T-shirts in Shuk HaCarmel
Machne Yehuda (it is almost never this empty)
-Alexandra