Located on the bustling Nachalat Binyamin Street, Shpagat – Hebrew word for “splits” in gymnastics – is the unofficial queen of Tel Aviv’s vibrant gay nightlife scene. If you aren’t strictly gay, and bi-sexuality is your preference, Shpagat doesn’t discriminate. All shapes, sizes, and ages are welcome here. Enjoy its intimate seating surrounding the large performance stage-like steps and dance floor/schmoozing area, and stay for the groovy tunes, delicious drinks and guest DJs from around the world.
Known as a worldwide gay haven, Israel is a sliver of human rights and progressive ideology in a historically conservative region. While the Holy Land may not have a large amount of typical gay bars, cities like Tel Aviv have large gay communities, which seem to blend into the local hipster bars that line Florentine, the Carmel Market and beyond. One of the beaches in Tel Aviv is even a designated gay beach with distinct rainbow umbrellas, yet gay-specific bars and clubs are less common. What Israel does have, however, is a large number of gay party lines from fetish to twink. So, while a wealth of Tel Aviv’s clubs and bars are gay-friendly, be sure to check out these gay-specific venues and plan your trip accordingly.
