|
|
| City Guide - Tel Aviv - Shopping | ||
|
||
|
Shopping Tel Aviv shopping attracts visitors due to the wide variety of goods on offer. Popular purchases include fashion, leather goods, souvenirs, jewellery and antiques, especially on Ben Yehuda, Allenby, Dizengoff and Hayarkon streets. As there is no geographical distinction between the tourist and residential areas, shopping venues are generally aimed for the locals and are therefore reasonably priced. These range from outdoor markets selling food and clothes to European designer boutiques. The Dizengoff Centre at Kilar Dizengoff and the Azrieli Centre on the Shalom Interjunction are both styled on the traditional American mall providing round-the-clock shopping and a cinema complex. Designer names, such as Gucci, Prada and Versace, are concentrated on Kikar Hamedina, while Sheinkin Street, between Allenby and Rothschild, is the 'trendiest' street, where fashionable Tel Avivians buy most of their clothes. For more upmarket shopping, the Diamond Exchange, 1 Jabotinsky, Ramat Gan, is one of the largest Israeli exporters of diamonds, precious stones and jewellery worldwide. Visitors seeking a more authentic shopping experience should venture to one of Tel Aviv's daily markets. Carmel Market (see the Key Attractions section) is located on the edge of Keren Hataymanim, and is an ideal place to soak up the smells and sounds of the Middle East. Shuk Hashishpeshim, Jaffa's flea market, sells an assortment of second-hand items - odd shoes, electrical equipment, furniture and jewellery. Among this arbitrary collection, visitors may be lucky enough to spot some genuine antiques. Most shops are open Sunday-Thursday 0900-1900, although some close for a midday break between 1300 and 1600. Markets are open Sunday-Thursday 0800-1900. Both shops and markets close their doors early on Friday afternoons (1400) for the Sabbath (Jewish holiday), opening their doors again on Sunday. Value Added Tax (VAT) at a current rate of 17% is quoted in the price of all goods and services. Tourists buying goods at shops listed by the Ministry of Tourism may be entitled to claim the tax back. Be sure to obtain a special invoice at the time of purchase, and on departure, tax will be refunded. |
||
