Mahane Yehuda Market(the Shuk)

Located off of Jaffa Road in Jerusalem, Mahane Yehuda Market is where Jerusalem goes for groceries. The Mahane Yehuda Market is the main market of West Jerusalem which was started in the 19th century for the neighborhoods of the city that were located west of the Old City walls. Throughout the years, the market has seen changes. During the British Mandate the tent stalls were replaced with permanent buildings. You can find a wide variety of fruits, herbs, meats, cheeses, fish, vegetables, sweets, breads, pastries, and dining options at the market. Most of the fruits and vegetables are locally grown and are seasonal so only the best is available. When you walk through them market, you will hear the ubiquitous vendors yelling out the prices for their wares at the people passing by. The market is busiest on Thursday and Friday due to everyone stocking up for the upcoming Shabbat. I highly suggest visiting on those days to see the craziness. Besides the market, there are many restaurants that surround the market as well as inside the market. The restaurants vary from cafes, bourekas stands, shawarma/falafel shops, hummus restaurants, to Italian restaurants. It is one of my favorite markets in the world. If you are visiting Jerusalem, you should check it out. Stop for a rugelach, boureka, fresh fruit, falafel, or a shawarma while you are adventuring through the market. You will definitely get an authentic Jerusalem experience if you visit the market. Everyone from secular, Ethiopian, Russian olim, American Olim, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, Sephardi, Yemenite, Ultra Orthodox and Arabs shop in the market daily. You will see what kind of people live in Jerusalem and what kind of food they are eating. If you want to see the real Jerusalem make sure to stop by the market for a nosh or a more substantial meal. I guarantee you will not regret it. Enjoy!