Magen David Square

Kikar Magen David or Magen David Square (Star of David Roundabout) is situated in central Tel Aviv. The square got its name because of the six streets that radiate out of the square, like the points on a Jewish Star of David (the star on the Israeli flag). Kikar Magen David is the meeting point of Allenby Street (in two directions), King George Street, HaCarmel (famed for Carmel Market), Nahalat Binyamin, and trendy Shenkin Street.

This busy intersection is where people mingle, tourists start exploring, and locals come to shop and dine. Tel Aviv is famed as the White City, because of its high concentration of Bauhaus architecture. Magen David Square has several interesting buildings, including neglected art-nouveau buildings, and Bauhaus houses with curved corners and wrought-iron balconies.

The Streets of Kikar Magen David

Magen David Square is a meeting point of streets and cultures. You have the trendy spots of Shenkin Street; the rough and ready market on HaCarmel Street, elegant Nahalat Binyamin; and the modern commercial streets of Allenby and King David.

HaCarmel Street  - Most tourists come to Kikar Magen David for the first time when they are visiting Shuk HaCarmel. This is the city’s most popular market selling everything from fresh produce, and clothing to toys and electronics. The market runs the length of HaCarmel Street, with stalls lining both sides. It is a noisy, busy market, with tons of colorful characters to catch on your camera. In recent years, Shuk HaCarmel has gained a reputation for its excellent eateries, including some gourmet street foods, and artisan products.

Nahalat Binyamin - This colorful neighborhood joins Kikar Magen David as a pedestrian mall lined with restored pastel-colored historical buildings. The street has outdoor cafes under shady trees, fascinating street art, and one-off boutique stores. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a large art and crafts fair along this picturesque street.

Shenkin Street - Originally part of a neighborhood of craftsmen, today Shenkin is synonymous with Tel Aviv’s boho culture. Despite its working-class roots, Shenkin is home to trendy cafes, chic restaurants, designer boutiques, and one-off stores selling unusual items. Most of the buildings along Shenkin were built in the 1920s International style.

King George Street - This street was named after King George V of England who ruled during the British Mandate of Palestine. The street starts at Kikar Magen David and ends at Masaryk Square in northern Tel Aviv. It is a busy commercial street but lined with leafy trees. Along the street, there are several public squares, bars, cafes, and excellent falafel stands.

Allenby Street - Running through Kikar Magen David, Allenby counts as two of the “star’s” points. Allenby is a shopper’s dream, with individual stores selling items for all budgets. The street has several historical landmarks, designer boutiques, restaurants, tons of street food, and a surprising number of stores selling evening gowns! Book-lovers should check out Halper’s Books which is on a par with Paris’ Shakespeare & Co. At night Allenby’s bars, clubs, and restaurants keep the street buzzing until the early hours of the morning.

What to Expect at Magen David Square?

This extremely busy square has several benches, shaded areas, and eateries to choose from. You’ll find vendors hustling their wares near the market entrance, and shoppers hunting for bargains. A walkway can take you under Allenby to Shenkin on the other side. If you wanted to sit and watch life go by, this would be the place. It is also a great starting point for any walk around Tel Aviv. On the Nahalat Binyamin Graffiti Tour, you’ll pass through Kikar Magen David, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this dynamic city.