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If you squeeze 500 native New Yorkers in a room and ask them to say their least favorite place in New York on the count of three, every single one would say, 1…2…3… “TIMES SQUARE!” It’s not so much the actual place that is avoided like the plague by New Yorkers, but the amounts of gaping tourists that stop every 30 seconds to look up, (causing you to knock into them, or get a paper cut on your shoulder from a subway map they were waving around).
As you well know, there is, of course, tons of shopping in the dreaded square but it’s all big box retailers that, due to their crazy location, often times get sold out of inventory before you even get a chance to set foot through the door during your 12pm lunch break.
If you asked Native Tel Avivians the same question (respectively), they will most likely all answer, “Dizingoff Center!” Tel Aviv isn’t called New York’s sister city for nothing. Similar to Time Square, Dizingoff center, though colorful, fun and very lively, is also overflowing with tourists and chain store retailers. In no way am I bashing this place. On the contrary, it’s pretty awesome in its own right. Dizingoff Center was the first mall to be built in Israel in 1972 and boasts about 420 stores! It even has a pool and two gyms! (If only there was a Laundromat there, then Israelis can get all of their GTLing done in one place). If all of this sounds like your cup of nana tea, then by all means, shop, swim and do squats to your heart (and booty’s delight) but if you are more like me, who loves the one-of-a-kind boutiques, off the beaten path-type places and areas that are loved by local fashion enthusiasts, then next time you are in Israel, you MUST check out the picturesque neighborhood of Neve Tzedek.
If Dizingoff Center is the Times Square of Israel, then Neve Tzedek is definitely the Soho and its Broadway is Shabazi Street. Neve Tzedek is a small neighborhood south of the Yeminite Quarter and was the first neighborhood built in the “new” city of Tel Aviv back in 1887. It is known for its restaurants, galleries and my favorite- it’s super unique boutiques.
Here are my top 5:
If you love the Alexander Wang minimal look (which is very in right now and does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon), then this boutique is for you. Mayu has amazing quality investment pieces as well as unique footwear (think leather slides with an oval cutout on one and a square cutout on the other). 15 Shabazi Street, Tel Aviv.
Elise has three locations in Neve Tzedek, one of them being their beautiful concept store. They have everything from romantic to edgy and are known for Parisian brands. A personal favorite brand they carry is Toupy. Stop by next time you are in Tel Aviv! 25 Shabazi Street, Tel Aviv.
Sigal Dekel takes classics like the little black dress and updates them. Whether it’s a high-low hemline, an off the shoulder drape or a funky pattern, this boutique won’t disappoint. You can see the latest collection here. 21 Shabazi Sreet, Tel Aviv
This is a French store called American Vintage in the heart of Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv. The store as well as the clothes inside have an overall comfy, cozy, cuddle-up by-the-campfire-on-the-beach vibe. They are also a great go-to for business attire staples as well as versatile basics. Hatchana Street, Tel Aviv
Hera’s Jewelry is absolutely stunning. It is on the pricier side but once you see what this boutique has to offer, you will immediately understand why. Israeli-born designer, Eva Soussana lived in Paris for quite some time before coming back to her roots and creating beautiful pieces with European influence. 30 Shabazi Street, Tel Aviv
Israel is one of those special places where one must be a traveler, not a tourist to get the authentic experience. Happy hunting!