Although shopping is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Jerusalem, the fascinating historical city has an impressive variety of world-class markets, shopping streets, and malls. From boutique shops and small, hidden galleries, to the biggest and most popular brands in the world, the Jerusalem stores are as diverse as it gets, creating a great shopping experience in multiple locations across the holy city. Here are the best places for shopping in Jerusalem, where you can find some of the best food, clothes, and souvenirs in Jerusalem.
Mamilla mall
Mamilla Mall is a one-of-a-kind mall that you won’t find anywhere else in the country, as it’s a unique shopping center in the form of an open boulevard. The mall was built as part of a careful preservation process that Mamilla Street has undergone in recent years. This is one of the leading and most successful shopping centers in Israel, due to the plethora of Israeli stores alongside top international luxury brands that opened their stores here. It’s a great place to combine shopping with a beautiful walk, as the open-air mall is equally impressive during the bright sunny days and at night time when the complex is lit up.
Malcha Mall (Jerusalem Mall)
The biggest and most popular mall in Jerusalem, the beautifully located Malcha Mall features a great view of the city. Jerusalem Mall, which opened in 1993, has since become one of the most popular malls in Israel, as it offers a perfect shopping experience that includes a huge variety of stores – from international chains to boutique Jerusalem stores, alongside a great movie theater and numerous cool cafes.
Yafo Street
For decades Yafo Street has served as the busiest and most popular street in Jerusalem. The narrative that characterizes the street is a captivating combination of contrasts. When taking a walk here, you’ll feel the combination of history and renewal, ancient and modern buildings, modern street art and ancient art, and many more combinations of old and new.
In the last decade, the street has become a kind of open mall, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
The street is divided into three parts. The first part, the western section, from the Shaarei Tzedek Cemetery to the Jerusalem Market, is the quieter, less touristy but more artistic due to the galleries and art centers operating there. The second, central section, between the entrance to the Machane Yehuda Market and Zion Square, is more bustling and is a kind of an open bazaar full of shops.
The third section, between Zion Square and Tzahal Square, is the most touristic section. Here you will find historical buildings, small streets, and picturesque alleys, with a selection of cool hotels and hostels, as well as secret restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Jerusalem First Station
Although the Jerusalem station complex has not functioned as an active train station for decades, today it serves as a vibrant source of attraction. In the complex, you will find a variety of special shops alongside fairs held on Fridays, a variety of worthwhile restaurants, activities for children, and even occasional street performances.
Nachalat Shiv’a
Nachalat Shiva, One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the center of Jerusalem, which was founded in the second half of the 19th century, is at its best in the evening when the Jerusalem nightlife scene begins to wake up. Here, you’ll find numerous high-quality restaurants and a variety of boutique Jerusalem shops, all alongside the charming pedestrian mall. Although it is a fairly short street, it has a variety of exits to side streets with additional shops. In addition to the galleries and restaurants, you will find here gift shops, jewelry, various galleries, and more.
Hadar Mall
A great option for travelers looking for a quieter shopping experience. Hadar Mall is located in the south of the city and offers a more relaxed shopping experience since it offers a large selection of international stores alongside Israeli brands, as well as a lively market that operates during the week and offers spices, clothes, and more at an excellent price. Hadar Mall is especially known as a mall that emphasizes a very warm attitude from the sellers, which makes it one of the most successful shopping centers in Jerusalem.
