The 5 Best Bookshops in Tel Aviv (2026)

Updated July 2026 · 5 picks

The best bookshops in Tel Aviv in 2026 are Halper's Books, Sipur Pashut and Tolaat Sfarim. English-language browsing in Tel Aviv is narrower than visitors expect — a handful of genuinely good independents plus the chains — but the independents are excellent and all within walking distance of the centre. Below are five, and what each holds.

1. Halper's Books — Allenby Street

Israel's largest second-hand English selection, in a proper floor-to-ceiling book cave.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Solo · Couples

Halper's on Allenby Street is widely acknowledged as holding the largest selection of quality second-hand English books in Israel, alongside an eclectic range in Hebrew, French, Spanish, German and Yiddish.

It is the real thing: narrow aisles, shelves to the ceiling, stacks on the floor, and a proprietor who knows where everything is and will happily tell you what you should be reading instead. Rare and out-of-print material turns up regularly.

The shop has no website of its own; its Facebook page carries opening hours and news.

Good to know: Ask rather than browse — the stock is deep and not all of it is where you would expect.

Google Maps Website

2. Sipur Pashut — Shabazi Street, Neve Tzedek

A literary bookshop on the prettiest street in the city, with a real events programme.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Families

Sipur Pashut — 'a simple story' — sits on Shabazi Street in Neve Tzedek and is the closest thing Tel Aviv has to a classic independent literary bookshop: a carefully chosen list rather than a warehouse, and a shop with an editorial point of view.

It runs a continuous programme of readings, book launches, discussions, exhibitions and a children's storybook theatre, and functions as a genuine neighbourhood literary venue. Most events are in Hebrew.

The stock is predominantly Hebrew with some English. Even if you cannot read the shelves, it is worth the ten minutes for the shop itself.

Good to know: Check the events listing — a reading here is one of the more local things you can do in Tel Aviv.

Google Maps Website

3. Tolaat Sfarim — Rabin Square area

A long-standing independent with a strong literary and art list.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Solo · Couples

Tolaat Sfarim — 'bookworm' — has been one of Tel Aviv's better independents for years, with a serious literary list alongside art, design and translated fiction, and a reputation for staff who actually read what they sell.

It occupies the middle ground between the personality of Sipur Pashut and the breadth of the chains: enough stock to browse properly, enough curation that browsing is rewarding.

Like several of the city's independents, it runs its news and hours through Facebook rather than a website of its own.

Good to know: Good for art and design titles, which the chains barely stock.

Google Maps Website

4. Steimatzky — Dizengoff and branches citywide

The national chain — the reliable option for a new English paperback.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Solo · Families

Steimatzky is Israel's oldest and largest bookshop chain, with branches across Tel Aviv including on Dizengoff and in the main malls, and it is the default place to find a current title quickly.

The English selection is limited compared with a British or American shop but covers bestsellers, translated Israeli fiction and travel, and the branches keep long hours — including Saturdays where they sit inside malls.

Prices for imported English books in Israel are high. This is a convenience purchase rather than a bargain one.

Good to know: The best chain bet for translated Israeli fiction in English, which makes a far better souvenir than most.

Google Maps Website

5. Robinson Crusoe — Central Tel Aviv

A small second-hand shop for the kind of find you were not looking for.

₪ BudgetBest for Solo

Robinson Crusoe is one of the small second-hand dealers that keep central Tel Aviv's book culture alive, dealing in used stock across Hebrew and other languages.

Shops of this size are unpredictable by nature — the stock turns over with whatever comes through the door — which is exactly the appeal for anyone who enjoys second-hand browsing. Expect to leave with something you had never heard of.

Hours at the small independents can be irregular; it is worth confirming before making a special trip.

Good to know: Treat it as browsing rather than shopping — go with time, not a title in mind.

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy English books in Tel Aviv?

Halper's Books on Allenby has by some distance the largest second-hand English selection in the country. For new English titles, the Steimatzky and Tzomet Sfarim chains carry a limited but current selection, and Sipur Pashut in Neve Tzedek stocks some English alongside its Hebrew list. Prices for new English books in Israel are high — most locals buy them abroad or digitally.

Are Tel Aviv bookshops open on Shabbat?

The independents generally close Friday afternoon and reopen Sunday, though some in tourist areas open on Saturday. The chains in malls follow the mall's hours, which in Tel Aviv often includes Saturday. Always check before making a special trip on a Friday afternoon.

Do Tel Aviv bookshops host events?

Several do. Sipur Pashut runs a regular programme of readings, launches, discussions and children's storytelling, and is as much a literary venue as a shop. Most events are in Hebrew.

Where can I find Hebrew literature in translation?

The chains and the independents both carry English translations of major Israeli writers, and Halper's second-hand shelves often turn up out-of-print translations that are hard to find anywhere else. It is one of the better souvenirs to take home from Tel Aviv.

Is there a second-hand book scene in Tel Aviv?

Yes, centred on Allenby Street and the surrounding blocks. Halper's is the anchor, and there are smaller second-hand dealers scattered through the same area and around the Jaffa flea market, where books turn up alongside the furniture and records.

1. Halper's Books — Allenby Street

2. Sipur Pashut — Shabazi Street, Neve Tzedek

3. Tolaat Sfarim — Rabin Square area

4. Steimatzky — Dizengoff and branches citywide

5. Robinson Crusoe — Central Tel Aviv

Frequently asked questions

Related lists

The 5 Best Wine Bars in Tel Aviv (2026)

The 6 Best Tapas Restaurants in Tel Aviv (2026)

The 6 Best Street Food Spots in Tel Aviv (2026)

The 6 Best Shopping Streets in Tel Aviv (2026)

The 6 Best Rainy Day Things to Do in Tel Aviv (2026)