Shopping in Jerusalem

Judaica

For many medical tourism vacationers, shopping in Jerusalem often includes exquisite gold and silver religious items, candelabras, menorahs, prayer scrolls, and decorative yarmulkes.  These Jewish religious items (Judaica) are available all across the city, especially in the Western part of Jerusalem.  Here, the most frequented shopping areas are the prestigious Kind David Street and Ben Yehuda Street.  There are also plenty of outlets selling blown glass, ceramic, leather work, and jewelry.  

Even for those who don’t follow Judaism, the city is rife with religious trinkets. Head to the Old City for nativity sets made of olive wood, rosaries, and bargain Christmas tree ornaments.  There is also an extensive selection of Islamic handicrafts from neighboring regions – jewelry and precious stones from Syria, and Jordan, and mother of pearl sets from Egypt.  

Arab Bazaars

Traditional Arab souvenirs include Bedouin camel hair or goat hair rugs that are dyed with natural bark of saffron and henna.  The older the rug, the higher the price.  However, bargaining is actually not as widespread as you might have expected.  The traditional high-pitched Middle Eastern haggling has given way to a quicker resolution of the process. You’ll often get a better price on your medical tourism shopping trip if you openly ask for a discount, rather than quoting a lower price at the outset. 

The center of all shopping in east Jerusalem is Damascus Gate.  Shops here are packed because this is where the locals do most of their shopping.  You’ll find everything from fresh produce and groceries, to brass and steel ware.  At the least, it’s a great place to experience the feeling of a Middle Eastern Bazaar, loud voices and spicy odors included.  

Holy Days & Name Brands

The Holy Land isn’t immune to globalization, and as such, the city has a wide selection of mega-shopping malls spread throughout.  This is good news for homesick medical tourism vacationers who miss “familiar” brands.  However, remember that east Jerusalem has very few shops open on Fridays, Christian shops are closed on Sundays, and many Jewish stores honor the Sabbath.