Jerusalem is a hilltop city of about 1 million people in the Judean Mountains, sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Its walled Old City holds the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount) with the Dome of the Rock, while West Jerusalem offers the Mahane Yehuda market, Israel Museum and Yad Vashem, and East Jerusalem has Palestinian-run neighbourhoods, markets and the Mount of Olives.
Jerusalem nightlife centres on the bars of Mahane Yehuda Market, hostel bars on Ha-Nevi'im Street and hotel bars. The city is quiet from Friday sundown to Saturday night, when most West Jerusalem venues close for Shabbat, so Saturday-night venues and East Jerusalem hotel bars are the options. Large-scale clubbing is in Tel Aviv, about an hour away.
Relaxed, social and compact; most bars close by 2:00AM.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- 10:00PM-1:00AM Sun-Thu; Saturday after nightfall
- Average drink
- Beer 25-40 ILS (approx $8-13), cocktail 45-65 ILS (approx $15-21)
- Dress code
- Casual; smart-casual in hotel bars. Cover shoulders and knees when walking through religious neighbourhoods.
- Cover charge
- Alcohol is not sold in some Orthodox and Muslim areas; check local signs.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Dozens of bars in the shuk after stalls close
Best for: Locals and visitors
Ha-Nevi'im Street and Russian Compound
Hostel bars and late cafes
Best for: Backpackers
Mamilla and King David Street
Hotel bars and rooftops
Best for: Couples
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Tap and Tail
Known for: Cocktails
6 Etz Chaim Street, Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem
Casino de Paris
Known for: Drinks and music
3 Mahane Yehuda Street, Jerusalem
Fifth of May
Known for: Beer and shots
56 Etz HaChaim Street, Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem
HaSchena
Known for: Local beer
11 Beit Yaacov Street, Jerusalem
Abraham Hostel Bar
Known for: Cheap beer and social nights
67 Ha-Nevi'im Street, Jerusalem
Cellar Bar (American Colony Hotel)
Known for: Wine and cocktails
1 Louis Vincent Street, Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem
Mamilla Rooftop Bar
Known for: Cocktails with Old City views
Mamilla Hotel, 11 King Solomon Street, Jerusalem
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Gala Club
Cover: 40-80 ILS (approx $13-26)
Hours: Thursday and Saturday night, from 11:00PM
Beit Ticho Cafe Bar
Hours: Evenings, Sun-Thu
Yellow Submarine
Cover: 50-120 ILS (approx $16-39)
Hours: Concert nights, usually from 9:00PM
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Take a taxi or Gett ride after midnight; trams stop at midnight
Carry ID
Security checks at entrances are routine