Shenkin Area

The Shenkin area is one of the most interesting parts of Tel Aviv — and also one of the coolest and the hippest!  Overall one of the best things you can do with a few hours in Tel Aviv.

Shenkin – Thanks to the extensive renovations through 2012, Shenkin is now turned into a pedestrian paradise!  One of the trendiest streets in Tel Aviv – perfect for meeting friends, hanging out and getting a coffee or a meal. With its proximity to Carmel Market, Nahalat Binyamin and the other end of Rothschild Boulevard, you should really squeeze to this part of town, especially if you’re having a day’s visit.

During the 1980s, Shenkin used to be a thriving hub for inspirational alternative music and dance theater groups. While things are a bit mainstream today, it remains a popular location with its string of trendy boutiques, funky little shops and cafes that keep one of Tel Aviv’s hippest enclaves alive and bustling.

There is so much to do on Shenkin Street. As the street is the home of many of Israel’s coolest fashion designers, it’s not a surprise that this is a shopping paradise with a wide range of wares from clothes to shoes to accessories and jewelry. For designer clothes, you can’t go wrong with Ronen Chen (on 49 Shenkin Street). For something more exotic, a relatively new Brazilian clothes shop Carmen Miranda (22 Shenkin Street) is the place to go. Third Eye (7 Shenkin Street) offers clothes and other accessories imported from India and Southeast Asian countries.

For jewelry, go to reliable names such as Michal Negrin (37 Shenkin Street). For shoes, we suggest you go to Daniella Lehavi (35 Shenkin Street). But for the stylish but budget-conscious, a cute shop called Luchy (on 13 Shenkin Street) offers simple items for an affordable price. Shtaim (Two) (38 Shenkin Street) is an ideal place to browse and dig around for second-hand items.

Numerous cafes are littering along Shenkin Street, but if you are looking for other sustenance beyond coffee, tea, juice and pastries, the LGBT-friendly Orna and Ella is famous for its vegan-friendly menu especially their sweet potato pancakes. It’s also consistent on the list of the top ten famous restaurants in Tel Aviv.

Carmel Market – You are either a market person or you are not. But if you are Carmel Market — which is Tel Aviv’s biggest market — there is everything that you love: colorful, bustling, fresh produce, bits and pieces and with that special market smell and atmosphere. Aside from the food stores and stalls, Carmel Market also offers cheap wares such as clothes, shoes, fake CDs and DVDs, watches and other electrical whatnots. Definitely one of the must-sees in Tel Aviv.

Bear in mind though, that the market’s peak hours are Friday mornings where most Israelis are out getting their shopping as they prepare for the Shabbat.

Nahalat Binyamin – is a street close to Shenkin, and on Tuesdays and Fridays it turns into an outdoor crafts market. It is one of the biggest arts and crafts market in Israel and a thriving place for the local art scene. You can find everything artsy and handmade here — jewelry, painted ceramics, paintings, toys, framed photographs, home wares and judaica pieces. Come along, browse and maybe you will find the perfect souvenir to take home.

Rothschild Boulevard – One of the grandest streets in Tel Aviv, many buildings in the Bauhaus style (World Heritage Site).

The walks described here are all on the street, so they are as accessible as any street (and crowded market).