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Dizengoff Street, which was once considered the most prestigious area of the city and still preserves much of its former glamour, offers a variety of fashion stores. The area of Kikar Masarik has a unique variety of designer stores, mostly casual wear. Check out Mayu, Anna K and Shine. The most exclusive shopping area in Tel Aviv is Kikar Hamedina, also known as the “Circle” – expect to see Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Louis Vuitton. The Gan Hahasmal area has recently developed into a shopping district: there are cute trendy boutiques to be found, such as “the Closet”. The Ramat Aviv Mall offers all the standard Israeli chains and many foreign ones.

Agas and Tamar, at 43 Shabazi Street, Naveh Tzedek, is a well-know jewellery store. Ruby Star, at 28 Levontin Street is a trendier, youthful jewellers. AMY D at 56 Shabazi St. 56, Naveh Tzedek, is internationally known for its gold-plated articles.

Check out Del-arte, 9 Ashtori Hafarhi Street: this is a gallery store selling practical art items like clocks, jewelry, bags, dolls, statuettes, household goods.

Halper’s Books at 87 Allenby Street is Tel Aviv’s biggest book shop.

The Jaffa Flea Market is located east of the clock tower in Jaffa (pretty much a suburb of Tel Aviv). You’ll find some real curiosities in amongst the junk.

Wertheimer Sport is Israel’s biggest sports shop and is situated at 13 Namal Street, Tel Aviv.

The Yahoo Travel site offers some more good ideas for shopping in Tel Aviv with personal recommendations from travellers:

• http://travel.yahoo.com/

Israel is notorious for its pick pocketing children, often very young : try and stay alert even if you’re absorbed with looking at an ancient monument. Don’t put your wallet in your back pocket, be wary of anyone who bumps into you apparently by accident. Don’t flash money around, try to have small notes and coins in a place that’s easy to reach when it comes to buying things on the street. Leave credit cards at home or in the hotel safe if possible. Should you fall victim to a crime it’s important to act quickly: cancel any stolen credit cards immediately and file a police report.

Remember that Shabbat, the Jewish holy day, is on Saturday, so Sunday will feel like Monday to most of us.