The summer certainly brings out the best in Israel! It’s definitely the hottest time of the year in the Holy Land, but also the busiest and most action-packed. The kids are on holiday from school, tourists are flocking in aplenty and, as a result, some municipalities pull out all the stops to keep their people occupied and happy…especially on Thursday nights!
Thursday night is, of course, the Western world’s Friday night, so be prepared for crowds and traffic jams if you’re trying to reach some of Israel’s premier tourist spots, notably locations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. People are out and about on Thursday nights largely because most of them aren’t working on Friday morning…Friday night is also going to be very busy, of course…and Saturday night too…yes, it’s a long weekend here in the Holy Land!
Apart from the usual suspects of bars, cafes and restaurants, and boring (but packed to the rafters!) promenade walks along seafronts and tourist pedestrian malls, which are pretty much available all the time, there are additional options that run throughout the summer only and are well worth checking out. We’ve listed a couple you really should try…
Jaffa (Yafo) Nights in Tel Aviv
Through July and August, Jaffa holds its annual session of Jaffa Nights, every Thursday night. Largely centered around the amazing Flea Market, there is an amazing, buzzing atmosphere, with lots to see and do. The whole area is alive and kicking and you won’t know which little street to go down next!
Jaffa Nights is certainly one of Jaffa’s busiest times of the year; the sheer numbers of people here might astound you. And the traffic jam trying to get into Jaffa on a Thursday night might also hit you for six: we’d highly recommend you park somewhere more central (if driving into Tel Aviv) and/or walk down Tel Aviv promenade into Jaffa (perfect if you’re staying in the tourist strip of hotels along the seafront!).
From dusk til dawn, you can enjoy a variety of musical performances, stalls selling a variety of handicrafts, street theater, various art exhibitions, a yoga site open to all, as well as the regular Flea Market shops and stalls, all lit up in their glory for Jaffa Nights! And to wash all that marketeering down, we’d highly recommend a stop at Dr Shakshuka for some legendary shakshuka!
Thursday Nights in Alrov Mamilla Avenue, Jerusalem
Jerusalem is not about to be outdone on Thursday nights! Every Thursday evening through July and August, head down Alrov Mamilla Avenue (which connects the Old City with the more modern Jerusalem) to witness a freebie spectacular! That’s right, the Avenue turns itself into a giant piazza with an amazing array of street artists, live bands, jugglers, handicraft stalls, and much more (such as community singing, Israeli-stylee at 8pm – anyone?). And, best of all, it’s all FREE!
The action usually kicks off around 6pm and lasts til 11pm (Jerusalemites need their beauty sleep!). And in addition to the street shenanigans and regular Jerusalem cafes and pubs that overlook the amazing Old City, there’s also a 3D movie which will be screened on the walls of the Old City itself: “The City of David – this is where it all began”, starts at 8pm (3D glasses are provided, but cost 15 shekels) and is in both English and Hebrew. The movie lasts 20 minutes and will be repeated throughout the evening.
So, no more excuses, make Thursday a night out!