Nightlife

Nightlife in Israel is also fast catching up with other large European cities. Most Israeli cities have nightclubs and discos. Club scenes of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem attract DJs and club fans even from the USA and Europe. There is a lot of entertainment being provided by nightclubs for the tourists visiting the Israel. Rock, jazz, folk and pop music are played in all clubs in the main cities and resorts of the country.

Israeli folklore and dance shows have also become immensely popular and are performed everywhere, especially in the kibbutzim, which are community areas in the country.

The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra is quite renowned and plays to packed audiences at the ICC Binaynei Ha'uma Hall in Jerusalem during winters. Israel Festival of International Music is a popular summer attraction. The new Israel opera also hosts an annual season from October to July at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts center.

Cinema is also a popular nightlife option. They typically screen three daily shows of both local and international films. Tickets for all nightlife activities can be purchased in advance at hotels and tourist offices.

A. Favorite Spots

CARPE DIEM

17 Montefiore

Tel Aviv

Tel: 3 560 2006

This is billed as a lounge bar and has a mixed clientele and caters to both male and female clients. Evita (31 Yavne St., 03/5669559) is also a restaurant and bar catering to all kinds of couples that is owned by three Tel Aviv residents. The parties in such locations last well past the witching hour.

ECKMAN

2 Reines St.

Tel Aviv

Tel: 3 5237719

ECKMAN is another groovy club, which is located in a corner of the former Eckman department store. It is in this location that the style icons of Tel Aviv in early 1930's indulged in imported European fashions. It still manages to attract a Diesel clad crowd, to chill out in a groovy space furnished with bright-red pod seats, couple-sized circular tables, and custom-designed banquettes. The place is also famous for its grape martinis, vodka, cranberry and lime.

HAMARA BAR

Raphael Restaurant 87 Hayarkon St.

Tel Aviv

Tel: 3 522 6464

Hamara is a dash of Moroccan casbah on the seafront of Tel Aviv. The fashionable bar conducts shows featuring the DJ Srulik Einhorn who has been a regularly heard on TV shows like The Sopranos and Sex and the City, and also on the hip Buddha Bar CD collection. The mood is generally set by the modern Arab music that is very popular the world over along with the special cocktail menu. This menu is the brainchild of last-year's winners of the Israeli Bartending Championship. Fig "Delight" Martini or the Spicy Martini, which is spiked with fiery Israeli chili liquor are a connoisseur's delight. They also cater to a high-end bar with Middle Eastern snacks.

HAOMAN 17

88 Abarbanel St.

Tel Aviv

Tel: 3 813636

This was the only club of repute in Jerusalem for many years before a bigger and more elaborate branch was opened in south Tel Aviv. The club boasts of a huge dance floor with lofty platforms and has another dance floor that is separated by a see through glass. It has recently opened to great reviews and continues to host a long list of unending parties. It is however a snobbish place to hang out and visitors are advised to dress in their best club wear.

SHOSHANA JOHNSON

97 Allenby St.

Tel Aviv

Tel: 3 5607443

It is known to be the most happening late-night joint in the city. It gets its name from the legendary American POW. It boasts of an alfresco courtyard and a cozy dining room. This bar is known to serve exotic cocktails and great beers. The menu is a simple Continental and Middle Eastern fare. It is an ideal place for the fun loving young crowd from 20s to 40s.