Gate-side books and gifts in Terminal 1
Just past security in Terminal 1, Steimatzky is the standard Israeli airport stop for last‑minute reading and gifts before short-haul flights. It’s inside the main departures area serving low-cost and charter carriers, so you don’t need to leave the gate cluster to browse.
Steimatzky in T1 carries Hebrew and English paperbacks, travel guides, kids’ books, and a basic mix of stationery and gifts. Expect typical airport pricing: paperbacks around 50–80₪ and small notebooks or pens in the 15–40₪ range. You’ll also find small souvenirs with “Israel” branding and a few toys that work as quick kid bribes before boarding.
The shop usually opens in line with Terminal 1 flight waves, so it’s reliably open from early morning departures through late evening charter runs. Payment is straightforward: major credit cards, contactless, and local debit are all accepted, so you don’t need spare shekels for a quick magazine or crossword book.
English-language selection in this Terminal 1 branch is smaller than the big Steimatzky stores in city centers, but still good enough for a flight to Europe or Eilat. If you want a very specific title or niche genre, buy it in town; use this branch for something easy to read on a 3–4 hour hop.
Practical tip: shop here after security in Terminal 1, because once you walk down to the concrete boarding pens, you’re basically stuck with vending machines until boarding starts.