Mamilla Rooftop Bar

The Mamilla Rooftop Bar is the upscale rooftop venue of the Mamilla Hotel, on King Solomon Street in the Mamilla district of Jerusalem, Israel. Its main attraction is the view: from the terrace the Old City walls and the Tower of David skyline sit close at hand, and the hour around sunset is the most sought-after time. The crowd is affluent and international, made up of hotel guests, couples on a special night out, business travellers and well-off Israelis, mostly aged thirty and above. The atmosphere is polished and calm rather than raucous, and the guide advises smart-casual dress, which in practice means avoiding sportswear and beachwear. The specialty is cocktails with Old City views, with a list of signature and classic cocktails alongside wine and spirits, and the price level is the highest in this guide ($$$$), in keeping with the hotel's luxury position. The venue is kosher, which affects the food and some arrangements, and it operates in the evenings daily. Music is soft background lounge material suited to conversation. There is no cover charge, but reservations are strongly advised for a sunset table, particularly in the warmer months and on Thursday and Friday evenings, when demand rises. Bottle service is not a stated feature, but groups booking in advance may be offered table arrangements by the hotel. The hotel stands beside Mamilla Mall, a pedestrian shopping street leading to Jaffa Gate, so the bar is easy to reach on foot from the Old City and from the Jaffa Road light rail line, though trams do not run on Shabbat. After dark the area stays busy and well lit, and taxis are available at the hotel entrance. Visitors seeking a high-end drink with the best skyline views in the city will find this the strongest option in the Mamilla area.