Of course there are way more than three markets in the Old City of Jerusalem but when you hear about the “Three Markets” it is specifically referring to three roofed alleys that run parallel to each other, over the Cardo inside the Muslim Quarter. The three markets are:
Butchers’ Market - Souk Al Lakhamin
Spice/Perfume Market - Souk al-Attarine
Goldsmiths’/Jewelry Market - Souk Al Khawajat
The width of the three streets together is the same as that of the Roman-Byzantine Cardo, suggesting that the Cardo was divided into these three narrow, covered streets following the Byzantine Period, perhaps during the early Muslim or Crusader periods, during the reign of Melisende, Queen of Jerusalem. Amusingly, during the Crusader Period, there was also a “street of bad cookery” in Jerusalem.
Alleyways connect the three streets one to the other.
The Butchers’ Street has shops selling meat, vegetables and household items. Spice Street has jewelry, electronics and clothing stores. Many shops along Jewelers’ Street are closed but there are a few selling fabric.
The three streets meet at the north as they hit Olive Press Street (Khan a-Zayit).