- From market to boutique
- Gold shopping
- Articles of Faith
- Beauty guaranteed
- And what about without wine?
Jerusalem is the Holy Land, the city of "three religions", a sacred place with extraordinary energy and history. It is the only city in the world where the main shrines of three religions are located: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. To argue with the fact that here for travelers, first of all, history is important, few will. Nevertheless, the city is interesting for tourists and in terms of exciting shopping.
From market to boutique
Gambling and bargaining tourists should go to the Old City: to the central market of Mahane Yehuda. There is not only the classic atmosphere of a traditional Israeli bazaar, but also an impressive assortment: from leather shoes and clothes with national embroidery to souvenirs, handmade Armenian ceramics, cups carved from the trunk of an olive. Numerous shops hospitably open their doors, and if you are a bargainer, you get quite attractive prices.
You should not pass by grocery stores and shops: spices, sweets of the East, fresh fruits and vegetables, falafel and shawarma - the abundance of Israeli national products is impressive. This market is considered one of the most authentic in the city.
Those who are interested in more luxurious places should visit the Mammila shopping center. It is located at the wall of the Old City and is considered the most elite in the city. It features over 100 boutiques offering international and Israeli brands. In addition to shopping, aesthetic pleasure is guaranteed here: there is an open-air sculpture gallery. They can also be purchased.
If you are aiming to save money but buy branded items - welcome to the Talpiot area. Outlets are concentrated on its territory, offering clothes from past collections of famous brands at a significant discount.
Gold shopping
What else do tourists usually buy in Jerusalem? Jewelry, art objects, antiques! If you want to buy jewelry, then it is better to go to the streets of Nahlat Shiva, Ben Yehuda, Jabotinsky, King George. All of them are also located in the city center.
Experienced jewelery shopaholics recommend the Baltinester Brothers on Jaffa Street. It has been operating for over 60 years, and not only tourists, but also locals buy jewelry here. This is important as it pays to be careful when purchasing jewelry in Jerusalem. There are frequent cases of fakes. That is why it is better to buy silver, gold, Israeli diamonds in company stores or factories where a quality certificate is required.
There is also a special Israeli jewelry "brand" - the Eilat stone. It is used in a variety of jewelry, from bracelets and beads to cufflinks and tie holders. The color of the stone is malachite green with azure hues.
Articles of Faith
For yourself, as well as as a gift to relatives and friends, it is worth bringing religious symbols and amulets. This is especially important for believers. The choice is individual for everyone, but here are the most popular ones:
- Icons: Christ the Savior, Holy Family, Theotokos of Jerusalem, Nicholas the Wonderworker.
- "Palm of God" or Hamsa amulet with three fingers raised up and two large ones on the sides.
- Thirty-three candles - a bunch of candles in the form of a torch, symbolizing both the Holy Fire and the age of Jesus Christ when he was crucified.
- Candlestick Menoru - according to legend, the first was made by the Savior himself.
- Red thread - considered a talisman against the eye and hatred, worn on the wrist.
- Pilgrimage set - incense, myrrh (a consecrated mixture of aromatic oils), holy water, a cross, icons and particles of the Holy Land.
Beauty guaranteed
The beautiful half of humanity cannot be ignored the "treasure" of Israel - the Dead Sea cosmetics. Many travelers claim that its cost in Jerusalem is lower than in stores at the Dead Sea resorts.
An excellent selection of natural cosmetics brands is presented at the Malha Canyon Shopping Center. By the way, it is considered one of the largest in the city; not only cosmetics, but also other products are presented here.
If we talk exclusively about the range of personal care products, then this is The Dead Sea outlet on Agripas street. This is a multi-brand outlet, where, by the way, Russian-speaking consultants also work.
The most famous retail chain offering both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals is Super-Pharm. It is the largest chain in Israel with a wide range of brands.
AHAVA stands out from the mono-brand stores - one of the most famous branded Dead Sea cosmetics stores in Jerusalem. The store is located on Alrov Mamilla Avenue.
And what about without wine?
Few people know that very tasty wine is produced in Jerusalem. Winemakers of the city studied in France, California, Austria. As a gift or for yourself, you can bring wines made on local lands such as Shiraz, Carignan, Merlot Sauvignon Blamc, Chardonnya, Riesling, Muscat and Pinotage Cabernet Sauvignon. Travelers and wine connoisseurs recommend wineries such as Carmel Mizrahi and Golan Heights Winery.
If we talk about brands, then, for example, from "Golan Heights Winery" the best:
- Gamla - middle class;
- Yarden - premium class;
- Katzrin is super premium.
In addition to drinks, you can also bring home "business cards" of local cuisine. Most often, tourists buy Hummus, although not everyone appreciates its taste. But for exotic lovers, this specific snack made from chickpea puree with olive oil, lemon juice, sesame paste and paprika will suit.
And also dates! In Jerusalem, they are very juicy and tasty. In some shops you can find dates “stuffed” with nuts.
Honey from Jerusalem was also appreciated by many lovers of sweet and healthy. You can find three types that are quite unusual for the Russian taste: apple, eucalyptus and citrus. It is sold in many shops and markets.
And, of course, you shouldn't forget to take a bottle of holy water from the Holy City with you.
