Jaffa is the ancient port out of which modern day Tel Aviv has grown. Just next to Jaffa’s picturesque Old City and ancient Clock Tower, is a treasure trove of antiques, handmade and secondhand items over at the Jaffa Flea Market, or, in Hebrew Shuk Hapishpeshim.
Literally meaning “the Flea Market”, this port-side neighborhood of alleyways, covered walkways and outdoor verandas has been operating for more than 100 years across the same sprawling streets, and is one of the highlights of the area with vendors selling products of any variety imaginable lining the sidewalks.
Open six days a week, Jaffa Flea Market is where to go for finding those unique, one-of-a-kind items from long ago. Jaffa Flea Market is filled every day with tourists and locals alike, all seeking the perfect purchase that captures the charm and magic of this unique shuk.
Merchandise varies, but copper, brass, old Persian tiles, and jewelry are always to be found in the covered bazaar streets of Jaffa Flea Market, as well as Judaica items, old family-photo albums, and tons of used jeans and mildewed clothing from India.
Bargaining is the order of the day, so feel free to indulge in lengthy haggling. Like much of Jaffa, this flea market is a delicate but sustainable balance of old and new, as pocketed within the market are several boutiques selling new products that mix in so flawlessly with the antiques a patron may not remember the specific origin of their product, but will never forget the area from which they purchased it.
Recently a number of trendy furniture and clothing shops have cropped up alongside vendors selling traditional Arabic pottery and ceramic items. Restaurants and coffee shops line the streets for weary shoppers to refresh and watch the crowds go by. The Old Jaffa is not as fun as the old city of Barcelona and not as authentic as Akko or Jerusalem. But it is still nice and small.
Combine the market with an exploration of Old Jaffa and a leisurely lunch, to make the most of your at “Shuk Hapishpishim”. And don’t miss to have a look at the video below to take a “live” dive into Jaffa Flea Market!
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