Jerusalem © Shutterstock
Jerusalem © Shutterstock

Jerusalem nightlife: the best bars and nightclubs

Jerusalem and nightlife may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s not. Tel Aviv never sleeps, but Jerusalem only catnaps

Elianna Bar-El
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Many things come to mind when people think about things to do in Jerusalem, but it doesn’t tend to include nightlife. This, however, is quickly changing as the Jewish history-charged city – thanks to the great Jerusalem hotels, hostels, the Jerusalem restaurants, Israeli fashion designers and a bustling tech scene – is attracting a new crop of urban savvy tourists and denizens who may not have left the confines of the White City due to the endless to do in Tel Aviv in the past. Whether you prefer to sit back with a glass of exquisite Israeli wine or are looking to dance the night away to live music on Ben Yehuda street, we’ve rounded up the best of Jerusalem nightlife: bars and clubs.

The best of Jerusalem nightlife

  • Jerusalem
Whatever genre of music tickles your fancy, or your ears, or your feet – Yellow Submarine is the place to indulge in all of those musical pleasures. From jazz to funk to rock or folk, Yellow Submarine offers a performance stage, a sitting and standing area and a fully equipped bar. The sound is sublime too.
  • Cocktail bars
  • Jerusalem City Center
Set foot inside Gatsby and let the sounds of jazz, swing, and bubbly conversations enlighten your senses. Aromatic herbs swirl around you as you slip into the era of flappers and dappers. Cocktails at this 1920s speakeasy are brewed to perfection, justifying the bar’s slightly higher than normal prices.
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  • Lounges
  • Jerusalem City Center
For the ever-picky jazz enthusiast who just so happens to be a foodie as well, Birman fuses Middle Eastern bar food together with unusually delicious cocktails. Step into a world of connoisseurs and collaborations, ragtime, funk, soul and blues—an endless well of musical and nightlife gifts.
  • Lounges
  • Jerusalem City Center
Located next to the old neighborhood of Nahalat Shiva, the Toy Bar is a fantastic place for experiencing the Jerusalem scene and rubbing shoulder with some of Jerusalem’s locals. The bar regularly hosts parties for the student crowd too, luring them in with its vibrant atmosphere, comfy sofas and a wide variety of beverages.  
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  • Hotel bars
  • Jerusalem City Center
Located in the chic Mamilla Hotel, the Mirror Bar is a perfect pick for a romantic date or cocktails with friends in a serene setting. Mirror bar attracts an assortment of people too, from tourists to businessmen, to native Israelis. Want an added bonus? Reflect on the cool cocktail list and get tasting, the food is sumptuous too.
  • Pubs
  • Jerusalem City Center
A tiny bar ... a landmark institution ... Sira Bar is hard to define. It's frequented by students, so don’t be put off by its exterior either. The mini dance floor, DJs and beer will lure you into its magical world. If you’re a lover of Electronic beats and eclectic tunes, then Sira will thrill you right to the core and keep you coming back for more!
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  • Beer bars
  • Jerusalem City Center
What used to be Jerusalem’s arcade and games den, has now been transformed into a grungy-yet-cool biker-bar music venue. Blaze bar fires up their venue by hosting live bands on a nightly basis; talented musicians funnel in by the dozens for spontaneous jams and unforgettable collaborations.
  • Beer bars
  • Jerusalem City Center
Located in downtown Jerusalem, The Barrel & The Tap’s style matches the easy-going, low-key pubs down any alleyway or High Street in Great Britain. The beers are signature UK too, from regular, to black, to bitter. Pucker those lips and settle into a chilled atmosphere that attracts an even more chilled crowd – making this a perfect spot for meeting new people and making long-lasting friends.
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  • Mediterranean
  • Machne Yehuda
  • price 2 of 4
From the masterminds of the chefs who brought the famous Machneyuda to life, Assaf Granit, Yossi Elad and Uri Navon have done it again, mastering the art of hip evening vibes with this cozy tapas bar. The food comes from the nearby Machane Yehuda market, where everything is farm-fresh and of the best caliber. What really intrigues the visitors are the chefs cooking in front of them, the fun energy and the liveliness of the place, all wrapped into one happening scene.    
  • Dive bars
  • Jerusalem City Center
American-style hamburgers, a myriad of international beers and a super friendly staff means anyone stumbling into Mike’s Place for the first time will automatically feel welcomed. Extended across two floors, the lower level offers live bands and open-mic nights, billiard tables and a huge comfortable bar.
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