Entertainment Guide to Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, nightlife is modest compared to the bright lights, big city, trance, and dance culture of brasher Tel Aviv. A Jerusalem evening out is likely to involve food, a coffee shop, and promenading around, enjoying both the fairytale like atmosphere of the city at night and the hive of human activity.

For listings of all events in English, buy the Friday edition of either the Jerusalem Post or Ha'aretz-Herald Tribune International. There are often lectures, workshops, or performances geared specifically towards English speakers. Also look out for Israeli folk dance events. There are possibilities to both watch a show and to participate in a class.

The municipality has invested USD2.5 million in illuminating the walls of the Old City, plus some 50 other buildings of note including churches, museums, the Western Wall Plaza, and other key sites. A walk around Jerusalem at night is recommended to take in the magic (and highly recommended if you want a romantic evening). To view Jerusalem at its twinkling best, try standing at the bridge by the Cinematheque or on the Haas Promenade (Tayelet).

Music and Performance

The alleys off Zion Square, such as Yoel Salomon, are peppered with coffee and dessert places–and the odd bar. Tmol Shilshom, a literary café in this area, is a charming place for coffee and cake. The premises are the former home of Israeli writer S.Y. Agnon. There are frequent readings (in both Hebrew and English) and English poetry slams.

Talpiot, a few kilometres further south out of town, is the city's industrial zone and is home to the dance clubs Ha'atasiya and Campus, as well as the live music venue, the Yellow Submarine. Clubs do not get going until around midnight, as Israelis rarely go out before 10pm. The DJs keep on playing until dawn.

Ticho House has a cheese, wine, and jazz evening every Tuesday and the Bible Lands Museum has a cheese and wine recital on Saturday nights. Churches, such as Dormition Abbey and the Church of the Redeemer, give concerts. Classical music lovers should check the schedule at the Jerusalem Theatre and the International Convention Centre.