Things to Do Near Carmel Market & Banana Beach: A Walking Guide from Or Hakerem

One of the best things about staying in Kerem HaTeimanim is that almost everything worth doing in central Tel Aviv is within a 20-minute walk. No need for apps or taxis — you simply step outside and follow the neighborhood.

This is a practical guide to everything within reach of Or Hakerem on Hakovshim Street, organized by direction and distance.

South-West: The Beach and Promenade

Banana Beach — 600m (7 min walk)

Banana Beach is the closest major beach to Or Hakerem and one of the most low-key along Tel Aviv's seafront. It attracts fewer large hotel crowds than the beaches further north, and has a genuinely local atmosphere — regulars who come daily, families with younger children, and longer-stay visitors who have worked out that it's less crowded.

The beach itself is clean, open, and has sun lounger rental available through the beach hut. The water is warm from May through October.

The Tayelet (Promenade) — 650m

The promenade runs the full length of Tel Aviv's shoreline, from the port in the north to the edge of Jaffa in the south. From Or Hakerem, you reach it in under ten minutes and can walk in either direction.

Walking south takes you toward Tel Aviv Port (Neve Tzedek stretch) and eventually the ancient port of Jaffa, with its hilltop gardens and panoramic views. Walking north passes through Gordon Beach, Frishman Beach, and toward Tel Aviv Marina — a full walk takes about an hour each way.

Early mornings on the promenade are particularly good: joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, and the light on the water before the sun gets strong.

East: Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)

Carmel Market — 400m (5 min walk)

The Shuk HaCarmel is the largest and most famous street market in Tel Aviv, and it's essentially next door to Or Hakerem. It runs along Carmel Street and HaCarmel Street for several hundred meters, open most days from early morning until late afternoon (closed on Saturday).

What to buy:

• Fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs — sold by weight at street stalls
• Spices and dried legumes — sesame, za'atar, dried rose petals, sumac
• Olives and pickled vegetables
• Cheese, labneh, and Israeli dairy products from indoor stalls
• Falafel and hummus from the small restaurants along the edges

The Haggling Question: Prices are often displayed but some negotiation is normal, particularly for produce. Be respectful — these are family businesses — and the warmth of the market culture is one of the reasons people return.

HaTikva Market — a newer, artisan-focused food market has emerged on Tuesdays and weekends near the edge of the shuk, featuring local producers, prepared foods, and craft items.

North-East: Nachalat Binyamin Arts Market

Nachalat Binyamin — 450m (6 min walk)

Nachalat Binyamin Street runs parallel to Carmel Market and hosts an open-air crafts market on Tuesdays and Fridays, usually from around 10am to late afternoon. Artisans set up along the full length of the street selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, blown glass, textiles, woodwork, and original art.

This is one of the better markets in Israel for finding something genuinely handmade and local. The artists are required to have made their work themselves — it's not a tourist souvenir market.

On non-market days, Nachalat Binyamin has good cafés, independent restaurants, and a general liveliness that makes it worth walking.

North: Rothschild Boulevard

Rothschild Boulevard — 15 min walk

Rothschild is Tel Aviv's most famous boulevard, tree-lined and populated with Bauhaus-era buildings that form part of Tel Aviv's UNESCO-listed White City. The boulevard has a wide central promenade ideal for cycling or walking, and it's flanked by cafés and restaurants.

At the northern end is Habima Square, Tel Aviv's main cultural square, home to the national theater. The area around it has good bookshops, gallery spaces, and the Rothschild Hotel (historically significant — the State of Israel was declared nearby in 1948).

Walking from Or Hakerem: Head north-east on Hakovshim, then up Allenby Street, then left onto Rothschild. It's a pleasant 15-minute walk that passes through several distinct micro-neighborhoods.

Old Jaffa and the Flea Market

Jaffa (Yafo) — 25–30 min walk or 10 min by bike/taxi

Old Jaffa is one of the most historically layered places in the region — one of the oldest port cities in the world, now an artist quarter and tourist destination integrated into the southern end of Tel Aviv.

What to visit:

• The Clock Tower and old port area
• The Flea Market (Shuk HaPishpeshim) — an antiques and vintage market open daily
• The hilltop gardens (Abrasha Park) with views over the Mediterranean
• Galleries and artist studios in the narrow alleyways of the old city

The walk from Or Hakerem south along the promenade takes about 30 minutes — it's one of the best walks in the city.

Tips for Getting Around

On foot: Most of what's worth seeing in central Tel Aviv is walkable from Kerem HaTeimanim. The neighborhood itself is flat, compact, and well-connected.

Tel-O-Fun (bike rental): Tel Aviv has a city bike-share scheme with docking stations throughout the center. A day pass gives you access to unlimited 30-minute rides between stations. There's a station near Carmel Market.

Taxis and Gett: Taxis are readily available. Gett is the main ride-hailing app in Israel and is generally reliable.

To/From the Airport: Or Hakerem can arrange private airport transfers as part of our concierge service — simply request at the time of booking.

Staying Close to Everything

Both Or Hakerem apartments are on Hakovshim Street, which is essentially the geographic center of what this guide describes. The Luxury Penthouse has a rooftop terrace from which you can see the sea on a clear day — a good way to orient yourself when you arrive. The Cosy Studio is two minutes from the beach on foot.

Direct booking with Or Hakerem is up to 15% cheaper than booking through Airbnb or Booking.com. You can reserve here, or contact us with any questions about the neighborhood, the apartments, or planning your trip.