The Machane Yehuda Vibe

Welcome to Jerusalem's open-air market, Machaneh Yehudah, the repository of sights, sounds, tastes, and smells. The place is teeming with humanity -- you'll see every stripe of religion, and discern many countries of origin. That bustling has given rise to a robust culinary environment, with bakeries, pubs, spice markets, candy galore, and...don't forget the fish market! Parallel to the diverse tastes of this area, you'll find bargains on most dry goods. Pay careful attention to how different areas of the Shuk are populated by different kinds of wares, and, comparably, different ethnicities among the various Jews who call you to come sample what they have to sell. The market is the beneficiary of organic growth, as neighborhoods spread, as well as some political upheaval, back when the State of Israel achieved independence. Welcome to The Shuk -- take care to sample all there is, and watch the people, in a feast for your eyes. And then strike up conversations with everyone you can -- that's where you'll really encounter all the richness Machaneh Yehudah has to offer.