Shenkin Street – one of the most popular Tel Aviv streets
Tel Aviv travel guideShenkin (Sheinkin) St. has been considered a local attraction for over 20 years, and one of the most popular Tel Aviv tourist attractions. The street that epitomized the “Tel Aviv Spirit” and from which the most exciting mainstream and alternative music, theater and dance groups emerged during the 80s, has become more conservative in recent years, but still offers some of the best Tel Aviv stores and coffee shops. A proof of its lasting popularity can be found in its recent portrayal as the background (if not an actual character) in the successful Eytan Fox & Gal Uchovsky feature film – The Bubble (2006).
Not ready to give up its mythic status in the Tel Aviv consciousness, and since very little of the culture center’s fame has actually remained in the street, a massive amount of great stores and cafes have managed to keep that ever stimulating street alive.
If it is clothes shopping you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Some of the leading Israeli designers chose Shenkin for their stores: Ronen Chen (49 Sheinkin St.), Naama Bezalel and Banot – Lulu Liam (40 Sheinkin St.) are just few examples. For accessories and jewelry don’t miss the world famous jewelry designer Michal Negrin (37 Sheinkin St.) or Daniella Lehavi (35 Sheinkin St.), who’s famous for her leather bags and shoes.
Not quite ready to give up on culture? Pay a visit to Krembo, the ever-trendy music shop on 18 Shenkin St. The Western part of Shenkin, closer to the Carmel Market and Allenby, features many shoe stores, among which you’ll find some global brands as well (Camper, Aldo & Adidas, to name a few) but with all the original Israeli offerings, why bother?
By now you probably need to sit down and calm down a bit. A nice place to catch your breath is Ginat Shenkin, the tiny park located half way thru the street. Another option is one of the many coffee shops, starting from one of the Tel Aviv cultural landmarks – Café Tamar (57 Sheinkin St.) that has been serving stale coffee to a mix of Israel’s top politicians, journalists and artists for over 40 years. Sus Etz (20 Sheinkin St.) and Aroma (30 Sheinkin St.) are other options for a nice coffee break. But if you’re slightly hungrier than that, don’t miss Orna and Ella, without a doubt the best restaurant on the street.
Virtual tour of Shenkin Street >>
