There are several major areas to go shopping in Jerusalem – from the local and bespoke to the mega shopping center.
Old City
There are many craft, books and souvenir shops in the Old City. It is definitely the place to pick up a memento. Check out the Cardo and some of the shops in the Jewish Quarter.
The main souk leading from Jaffa Gate is also a must visit. Some of the stocks, ranging from the amazing to the bizarre and politics are generally left outside (try and spot the pro- and anti-Israel T-shirts hanging next to each other!) You should be bargaining here. See more pictures of the souk here.
Mea Shearim
The place for all things in Judaica, and lots of local atmosphere as well. Please note that there are other places in Jerusalem for Judaica — in the Old City, New City and in many neighborhood shops. There are also many shops serving European kosher food in the very traditional style (often there is a men’s side and a women’s side to these shops). As a general note – please dress modestly when visiting Mea Shearim; and if you are buying any of the written religious items (mezuzot, tefilin etc), then you should arrange to have them checked by an independent scribe to ensure that they really are what they say they are.
Mahane Yehuda
The main produce market of Jerusalem; now complete with cafes and WiFi.
Mamilla
One of the most recent (and the trendiest) shopping area in Jerusalem, located just outside of the Jaffa Gate. It seems to be full of people at almost any hour of the day. Many high-class foreign brand-name stores are located in Mamilla, but there are also some regular Israeli brands as well as many cafes and restaurants. There are often events staged in Mamilla, and there are street artists and many pieces of art on display. This is a place that has that “something” that even makes it fun for the non-shoppers! See more pictures of Mamilla here. See also Jerusalem Shopping Centers for more information.
Talpiot
One of the main Jerusalem shopping areas for locals, specializing in many of the big household items (furniture, DIY, electricity, etc.), but there are two reasonable shopping malls – Kanyon Achim Yisrael on Yad Harutzim street, and Kanyon Hadar, one street away on Pierre Koening street (it opens 09:30 – 21:30 from Sunday to Thursday, and 09:00 – 15:00 on Friday). It is easily accessible by both bus and taxi. See also Jerusalem Shopping Centers for more information.
Malcha
The main Jerusalem shopping center with all the Israeli brand names, around 250 businesses in total. It is easily accessible by both bus (4,5,6,12,17,18,24,31,33) and taxi. It opens 09:30 – 22:00 from Sunday to Thursday, 09:00 – 15:00 on Fri, and 23:00 on Saturday (one hour after Shabbat). See also Jerusalem Shopping Centers for more information.
Emek Refaim
Emek Refaim is one of the leisure places in Jerusalem, complete with many shops. See Hanging Out in Emek Refaim
Several of these locations (Mahane Yehuda, Mea Shearim, Souk) make great photo locations; in Mea Shearim the locals really don’t like to be photographed and they can be very forceful in their opposition so use sensitivity and discretion.
Hadar Mall
Located in south Jerusalem, Hadar Mall provides shoppers a relatively relaxed ambiance. It has over 90 stores of both local and international fashion brands, plus designer outlet stores where you can enjoy unbelievably great sales and discounts, so make sure that you check them out. Hadar Mall also has a huge food court, restaurants and cafes.
Malha Mall
If you consider yourself a serious shopper, Malha Mall is the place to go. It is currently the biggest mall in Jerusalem where you can find nearly all of the local and international fashion and lifestyle brands. It also has a department store, homeware shops, makeup stores, jewelry stores, toy stores, and a lot more. Whatever you’re looking for, be sure to find them in Malha.
Of course, even the most serious shoppers are not exactly indefatigable. If you need a break from traipsing from one store to another, Malha Mall offers a vast array of restaurants and cafes. There’s even a children’s play area that lets your kids to have fun while you’re cooling your heels at one of the mall’s coffee shops. Malha Mall is also near to Jerusalem’s several attractions, including the Biblical Zoo and the Gazelle Valley.