Allenby & Sheinkin Streets Shopping (Self Guided), Tel Aviv

The Tel Aviv shopping scene is one of the best and most exciting in Israel. One of the genuine pleasures is to visit Allenby Street, a long and busy thoroughfare with furniture shops, lower price clothing shops and many second book shops, selling English, Hebrew and Russian books.

A lot of the shops have been here for decades, which goes against the trend of Tel Aviv establishments changing hands every few years. Their staying power is a testament to their success. One of the pleasant consequences of this is that they haven't altered much over the years and provide a delightful glimpse into how the city once was. Even if you don’t want to shop, come here for a little insight into the Tel Aviv of old. Also along Allenby Street is a number of bakeries selling freshly baked goods.

After Allenby, spend some time on Sheinken Street, a trendy fashion hub that typifies Tel Aviv's liberal and progressive nature. It was once a neighborhood filled with artisans and craftsmen, and the free spirit and bohemian vibe is still present. There are big chain stores and independent designer boutiques selling fabulous shoes, coats and outfits, all amidst some architecturally beautiful buildings.