Alrov Mamilla Avenue

This big, fancy open air shopping mall is located close to the Old City, and offers a huge range of stores — from locally owned boutiques and Israeli design to high end fashion brands and affordable stores like Zara and Mango. The street is full of street artists, painters and musicians, and there's plenty of cafes and dining options.

• Address:

  Alrov Mamilla Avenue, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 636 0000

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 9:30am–11pm, Fri 9am–3pm, Sat 8:30pm–11pm

Baltinester Bros. Jewelry

For an unique, luxury souvenir of your trip, visit one of the most loved jewellery shops in Jerusalem. Baltinester Bros. have been working since 1949: they create custom pieces of jewellery, greeting every customer with friendly and knowledgeable service. They also sell Judaica.

• Web:

  www.baltinesterjewelry.com

• Address:

  Jaffa Street 31, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 625 2967

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 10:30am–8:30pm, Fri 10:30am–3pm

Bassem Gallery & Cafe

While visiting the Via Dolorosa, in the Old City, stopping at Bassem's is recommended. Its interiors are a burst of red and golden Middle-Eastern decor, and every corner is full of interesting items to buy. While enjoying the coffee and music, take a look at the books and ask for some tips to the warm-hearted owner.

• Web:

  www.bassemsgallerycafe.com

• Address:

  Via Dolorosa 38, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 54 573 9629

• Opening hours:

  Sat-Thu 9am-7pm

Holzer Books

Every available shelf at Holzer Books is packed with volumes, both new and second hand: this atmospheric bookshop near the Old City has an impressive selection of texts in Hebrew, English, and more languages. Cultural events, talks and laboratories are frequently held in the cosy reading area upstairs.

• Web:

  www.holzerbooks.com

• E-mail:

  holzerbooks@gmail.com

• Address:

  Jaffa Street 91, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 76 543 3800

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 9:30am–11pm, Fri 10am–1 hour before Shabbat

Hutzot Hayotzer Artists Colony

Established in 1967, this lane hosts more than 20 art shops: come for a variety of handmade craft products, including jewellery, metal art, paintings, sculptures, photography, and pottery. You can meet the creators in a lively environment, and find both traditional and modern items. The Collective is found near the Mamilla Mall and on the way to the Old City. In August, during the Jerusalem Arts and Crafts Festival, you can visit the artists' studios and listen to live music at night.

• Web:

  www.artistscolony.co.il

• E-mail:

  artistscolonyjlm@gmail.com

• Address:

  Hutzot Hayotzer Artists Colony, Felt Street, Jerusalem

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 10am–5pm. Fri & holiday eves 10am–2pm

Old City Markets

The Old City teems with stalls and vendors selling a wide array of typical items: religious items such as rosaries and crucifixes, nativity sets and Christmas decorations, wood-carved chess, semi-precious stones and much more. The restored Cardo used to be the city's main street during Roman times, and today its stalls sell souvenirs and Judaica ceremonial art; you will also find jewellery and artwork, well-made but often high-priced. The Jewish Quarter is filled with bronze menorahs, kippahs and other traditional craftwork.

• Address:

  Old City, Jerusalem