A tour of Jaffa's Flea Market

If you're looking for bargains, antiques and other second-hand treasures at a reasonable price, you should visit the flea market

Reuters | Published: 05.17.07, 15:41

A visit to the market is always great fun; the atmosphere, the smells, the merchants and the reasonable prices. One of the nicest markets is the flea market in Jaffa in walking distance from the clock-tower.

The flea market was named after the second-hand clothes that were sold there, usually crawling with fleas. The narrow streets have always been an attraction to tourists and locals alike.

Several years ago the area was renovated and a different atmosphere developed: New and trendy restaurants, coffee shops and art galleries were opened and became an attraction for a younger crowd.

Photo: Dalit Shaham

What can be found at the market? Anything you can think of: furniture, toys, shoes, clothing, restaurant equipment, and old records. What about the prices? The sky's the limit or as low as your bargaining skills can get you.

The market area, like many of Jaffa's neighborhoods, used to house Crusaders but these buildings were destroyed and rebuilt during the Ottoman period. The market has been operating in the area since the 19th century when Jaffa was a commercial center and a lively port city.

The sharp rise in real-estate prices in neighboring Tel Aviv and the charm of the remaining old houses have, in recent years, brought about an influx of Jewish residents.