Jaffa Flea Market — Attraction in Tel-Aviv

Well, well, well, let me tell you about my recent escapade to the so-called "biggest" flea market in Tel Aviv. I must admit, it was an experience so rough, it made the Mojave Desert seem like a cozy Sunday brunch with your grandma. If you're seeking an adventure filled with impatient, rude, and downright obnoxious vendors, then my friend, this is the place for you. But if you value your time and sanity, steer clear of this tourist trap disguised as a flea market.

First and foremost, it seems that being a vendor in this cesspool of impatience and rudeness is a prerequisite. These merchants must have attended the "Andrew Dice Clay" School of Customer Service," where they learn how to squeeze every penny out of unsuspecting tourists. Believe me, my fellow travelers, this place is a colossal waste of time. You'll find yourself paying exorbitant prices for garbage that, in any other corner of the world, would be considered a steal.

Imagine this: you dare to ask for a price, only to be met with a tsunami of profanities and venomous glares. These delinquents and knuckleheads seem to think that your mere existence is an affront to their precious time. If you don't end up buying, be prepared to face their wrath. They'll scold you, curse you, and make you feel like a thieving pirate who stole their entire inventory. It's all part of their master plan to intimidate tourists into parting with their hard-earned shekels.

Now, I could sit here and blame the authorities and the city of Tel Aviv for allowing this circus to flourish, but who am I kidding? They probably benefit from these knuckleheads in the form of hefty rental payments. It seems they turn a blind eye to the chaos, caring more about lining their pockets than ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the visitors. It's a sad state of affairs when the people in charge prioritize greed over the well-being of those who contribute to the city's tourism.

Let's not forget, this flea market is a complete disaster when it comes to basic amenities. Finding the public bathroom is like searching for the Holy Grail. And when you finally do locate it, it's like winning the lottery, except the prize is a dimly lit, putrid pit of despair. This lack of basic facilities only adds insult to injury, as if the whole experience wasn't frustrating enough.

In conclusion, my dear fellow travelers, save yourselves the anguish and steer clear of this disaster zone masquerading as a flea market. The city of Tel Aviv should be ashamed of themselves for allowing such a poorly managed and inhospitable environment to thrive. They might be happy charging rent to these unruly vendors, but they've lost sight of what truly matters: the safety, satisfaction, and genuine experience of their visitors. And with that, I bid adieu to this sorry excuse for a tourist attraction. May your travels be filled with kind-hearted vendors and unforgettable adventures, far, far away from this flea market from hell.

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My Ratings: Price $$ Service 0, Comfort 1, Bathroom 0* Will I visit this place again? THE PLACE IS MUCH A DO ABOUT NOTHING. DON'T...

Always a joy to wander here but I tend to say to myself, what the heck, 'Admire, Aspire, Acquire'! I know I have an acquisitive bug so what you should whisper is 'Inspect, Reflect, Reject'...

The secret of preventing impulse buying is to arrive without a car. We came from Rehovot by train and taxi. By the way the taxi fron Hahagana Station costs 50₪.

The nicest vintage things are often right there on the pavement in front. Saw a very charming circular black wooden chest with little drawers just right for the corner of a bedroom but he wanted 450₪ cash and it was too unwieldy to carry around. Shame. Remember everything is cash only here. Saw a strange but beautiful glass lampshade inscribed with the name of the Art Nouveau glass artist 'Galle'. Ha! Wonder if it was the real thing, if so it would be worth thousands of dollars.

In the end we wandered up to the lanes and byways where the art galleries are situated. Mazal Dagim street is perfectly charming. We visited the Farkash Gallery, which displays vintage advertisement posters from the early days of the State. Bought for 60₪ their catalogue; worthwhile, nicely produced, a history lesson in itself.

Ended up at the kosher for Pesach 'Cafe Jaffa' which I can't recommend highly enough. They had set out a tempting buffet, eat as much as you like style, coffee, tea, dessert and soft drinks included for 80₪ each. Totally yummy.

Back to the station by taxi for 50₪. Two chatty Belgian tourists shared the ride....

Jaffa is famous for its ancient alley ways, one of the oldest ports in history, and it's cultural history. In this city you will hear Arabic and Hebrew interchangeably, along with all of the languages of the world. The flea market is huge, and encompasses four main parts. First, you have what looks like a jumble of people's highly ecclectlic leftover clothes, jewelry, shoes, electronics, accessories, homegoods, and other stuff. This is spread out on the ground, on blankets, on tables and on strings hung up, all under large metal awnings, and not at all organized. You call literally find everything here. Here, you can bargain.

Second, you have the more organized narrow streets, two of which are covered, shuk style, where you can find slightly less worn and new clothing, silver jewelry, beaded jewelry, leather goods and all kinds of pottery, wall hangings, magnets, key chains, judaica, trinkets, wind chimes decorative items and general tchotchkees. Less bargaining here. Also, the shopkeepers have pretty much fixed the prices.

Next, you have the used furniture area. Here you can find anything from actual Chippendale chairs to cheesy 1980's Formica tables and barstools, along with second hand restaurant equipment. Bedroom sets, dining room tables, wardrobes and chests of drawers., it's all here

Finally, you have the restaurants, bars, shake stops, breweries, dozen yogurt places, I've cream parlors, and local bakeries.

Do not go to Israel without...