Levinsky Market

Plan Your Visit

• Open Times: Sunday-Thursday from the morning to evening, and even late into the night depending on the business and vendor. Friday the market closes in the early afternoon in preparation for an Israeli Shabbat. The time varies according to the length of daylight hours. So in the summer, it stays open later on a Friday afternoon than in the winter. Saturdays the market is completely closed.
• Prices: Free
• Average Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.
• Popular Times: Levinsky Shuk is at its busiest on Thursdays and Fridays.
• Relevant Tours: A walking tour of Tel Aviv will probably include Levinsky Market. Pro Tip: No time for a proper tour, then download the audio guide and tour the market independently using your smartphone. Pro Tip: The best way to reach the market is using Dan Bus No. 24. Need some cash? the closest ATM is in Bank Hapoalim at 69 Levensky Street.

Levinsky Market, in the Florentin neighborhood in the heart of Tel Aviv, is one of the oldest Tel-Avivi markets in the country yet it has become a hip hang-out for Friday brunch, and for those seeking something different, with a little more flavor. A kaleidoscope of colors and aromas defines the market's distinct character. Levinsky Market is renowned for its spice shops, delis, and specialty stores offering an array of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delicacies. 

The market has weathered the changing tides of time, witnessing the city's expansion and modernization. Today, Levinsky Market stands as a testament to Tel Aviv's cultural mosaic. However, don’t expect a gentrified array of market stalls and shops. Levinsky Market has a raw feel to it. Many areas will make you feel like you have gone off track and wandered into a deserted industrial area. But don’t give up, hidden gems await behind every corner.

Pro Tip: If you want to stay in the heart of Levinsky Market there is the Levinski Market Hotel, a modern, urban haven.

What to See and Do at Levinsky Market

Enjoy the mix of old and new, the endless street food stalls, and the sidewalk cafes. You’ll see hipsters enjoying brunch at the cafes on a Friday, at places like Cafe Levinski 41 or Cafelix. And walk amongst crowds of old ladies looking for the perfect parsley on a Thursday when many Israelis do their weekly shop-up. Pro Tip: In the evening the market stalls and stores are closed but the area comes alive with recommended pubs and top Tel-Avivi restaurants (some are closed on weekends). While you’re in Florentin check out the funky street art and graffiti.

What to Eat at Levinsky Market

The list of delicious foods at Levinsky Market is too long to mention, but to whet your appetite here are some examples:

• Kibbeh at Levinsky 53
• Stuffed grape leaves
• Hummus and pita bread
• Archuli, a baked cheese-filled pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg
• Burek (this is the market’s number one must-try treat)
• Kofta
• Turkish doner
• Merguez spicy sausages
• Sabich (another must) This Iraqi sandwich consists of fried eggplant, boiled potato, tahini sauce, fresh herbs, boiled egg, and salad in pita bread.
• Hand-made chocolate pralines
• Baked goods such as muffins, chocolate cookies, and Danish pastries are all freshly baked on the spot at Puny Bakery.
• Freshly squeezed fruit juice, gazpacho, cappuccino, or cold drinks at Rachamim
• Egyptian cuisine at Yahaloma
• Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine at Niso
• Beer at Mati Bar, Benjamin, or BeerBazaar where they brew some of the beer themselves.
• Falafel and shawarma at Falafel Eli
• Persian Gondiat Nayeb’s Chef House
• Yemani cuisine at Saluf & Sons
• Halva at Halva Magic
• Savory pastries such as burkas at Levinsky Bourekas and Burekas Pinso
• Deli stores include Boutique Naknik, Haim Rafael, HaHalban, and Yom Tov Deli
• For spices, Pereg Spices and ChavShush Spice Shop
• Nuts, dried fruits, and spices at Caffe Atlas (where they grind their own coffee beans), and Tavlinsky (specializing in medicinal herbs).

Pro Tip: Experience the authentic local atmosphere at Ouzeria, a small Greek tavern that overflows onto the sidewalk and stays open for lunch and dinner. Try the Greek-style mezze and ouzo or the mouthwatering homemade pistachio ice cream.

Enjoy a coffee and sit-down meal at Mabsuta, Garder Hazahav, Tony ve Ester, Levinsky Pasta Bar, or Caffe Kaymak.

Pro Tip: Get the Levinsky Market Bite Card and experience a range of samples from various vendors in the market. This is not a tour, but an experience you can have independently at your own pace. The ticket costs 145 ILS and can be purchased online at shuktlv.

History of the Levinsky Market, Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv was still a small, developing city when a group of Jewish immigrants arrived in the 1930s from Thessaloniki, Greece. Together the working-class Greek immigrants settled in southern Tel Aviv in a neighborhood now named after the group’s leader, David Florentin, and his nephew who became the first contractor in the area. The community opened spice stores, and eateries in their neighborhood and it was here that a marketplace grew, where the new immigrants could buy food, and make a living.

The Greeks of the Florentin neighborhood were joined by Iranian immigrants after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. They brought with them the flavors, spices, and dishes of their home country. The marketplace grew, offering Greek and Persian food. The stores with bags of nuts and spices at the door stand side by side with luxury stores and gourmet restaurants. Today the range of culinary traditions found in Levinsky Market goes far beyond Greek and Persian offerings.

Pro Tip: If you love markets then Tel Aviv has several other must-see “shuks” including Carmel Market, Jaffa Flea Market, and Sarona Market.