One of Jerusalems best features is how varied it is and this is especially true when it comes to the nightlife. Regardless of what kind of night out you are after it is more than likely that it can be found in Jerusalem.
In regards to pubs and bars Jerusalem has a huge selection which will cater to a wide variety of tastes. From huge bars such as the Dublin or Mikes Place to much smaller venues such as The Glen, the Cassette or Slow Moshe, there is something for everyone.
As you get to know Jerusalem you will undoubtedly become more familiar with these places and there are far too many of them to give a proper overview here. However, it is possible to give you an idea of the variety.
Mikes Place is a chain of American themed bars with branches in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat and more. They offer a lively atmosphere, a wide selection of drinks, a great food menu and live sports for those interested. At the other end of the spectrum would be a place like The Glen. This is a small bar with a real community atmosphere. It specialises in single malt whiskies and has a selection of well over 200; in addition there are 18 beer taps as well as some great food. What makes the Glen unique is that nearly everyone there knows each other, the most loyal customers have their names engraved on their glasses and it doesn’t take long to become part of the crowd.
Sometimes you will be looking for a relatively cheap night out and this is where Israels bracelet bars come in handy. In Jerusalem there are two, The Piccadilly and Heder VChetzi. In these bars you will pay a fixed price for a drinks menu (in the range of 70 to 150 shekel) and can enjoy unlimited amounts of the drinks on your chosen menu all night long.
Don’t worry if you are looking for more than just a drink as there is plenty more on offer. Jerusalem has a growing number of live music venues where you can listen to some local talents. The most famous is called The Yellow Submarine and it offers a great variety of music genres with different shows most nights. The best thing about this venue is that it is just a 10 minute walk from your apartments. Another popular venue is HaMazkeka, a tiny place hidden in the centre of town which offers a mixture of music including Israeli, Arabic, Electric and acts from abroad.
Of course another major feature of Jerusalem nightlife is food. You will find that there are an astonishingly large number of places to go out to eat regardless of what you are looking for. From Israeli fast food to vegan restaurants to upmarket restaurants the choices are endless. Thanks to this it is easy to find a place to go and have a great meal with friends and with no need to break the bank.
Another brilliant thing about going out in Jerusalem is that it serves all levels of religiosity. If you or your friends want a place with a respected kosher certificate it is of course no problem, similarly if you want to go out on a Friday night then you will find plenty of places still open on Shabbat.
Overall, Jerusalem offers a diverse and highly enjoyable nightlife and you are bound to have a great time getting to know it on your gap year.
