Tel Aviv is known the world over for its vibrant LGTBQ+ culture and scene. Just a short visit to this Mediterranean cultural capital will have tourists from all backgrounds feeling the spirit of Pride, no matter the time of year. Tel Aviv’s gay-friendly atmosphere can be felt everywhere from its soft sand beaches to its towering high-rises, but nowhere can it be felt more than on a night out in this party capital. We’ve compiled a list of seven of the best LGBTQ+ and queer-leaning bars and clubs in Tel Aviv, each with its own unique flair and experience to offer.
Layla:
Located in the heart of Tel Aviv’s downtown, Layla (rhymes with Delilah) is one of Israel’s friendliest gay bars. “Layla” is the Hebrew word for “night” and true to its name, no night in Tel Aviv is complete without some drinks and dancing at Layla. The indoor dancefloor and DJ booth will keep you moving, but don’t be surprised if your visit coincides with a disco night or a voguing competition. Coming to Layla hungry is never a bad idea either; Layla’s kitchen serves some of the best Mexican bites and sharing dishes in Israel. Drag Race fans, be sure to check if there’s a viewing party for the latest episode during your visit. It’s not uncommon to catch RuPaul’s Drag Race winners and legends enjoying a few drinks at Layla after performing a show in Tel Aviv.
Shpagat:
Perhaps the most iconic gay bar in all of Israel, Shpagat has made a name for itself as one the epicenters of Tel Aviv’s queer community. Located on Nachalat Binyamin Street, one of central Tel Aviv’s most picturesque pedestrian thoroughfares, Shpagat provides a laid back vibe with excellent drinks and a lively atmosphere. With a rotating roster of DJs and a staff of queer-only bartenders, Shpagat draws LGBTQ folks from all parts of the queer spectrum every night of the week. Ladies, be sure to visit on Wednesday nights when Shpagat becomes the hottest lesbian bar in the Middle East.
HaOman 17:
A must-visit spot for every gay tourist coming to Tel Aviv, “HaOman 17” (Hebrew for “The Artist”) is a nightclub/party venue in southern Tel Aviv that hosts the biggest gay circuit parties in the city. Make sure your visit to Tel Aviv coincides with Israel’s most iconic circuit parties, “Forever Tel Aviv” and “Offra Bli Offra”. HaOman 17 hosts plenty of other legendary parties including PAG for techno-lovers (queer-minded straight folks welcome), ARISA for Middle Eastern music, BEEF for bears, daddies, and leather-lovers, TLV Ballroom for high-brow queer culture enthusiasts, and JIZZ for those who want something a bit more hardcore and hands-on. HaOman 17 has an extensive outdoor patio with plenty of turfed grassy areas to chill out between partying. Expect to leave the Oman after sunrise.
Lima Lima:
With a different theme every night of the week, Lima Lima is your tropical-inspired oasis in the center of Tel Aviv. While Reggaeton nights on Thursdays and Fridays attract more of a straight crowd, Monday nights are LimaDays for gays and every second Saturday at Lima Lima is Glamazon night where you can get up-close and intimate performances of some of Israel’s hottest new drag queens. One of the best kept secrets in Tel Aviv’s gay scene, however, is Eurovision Night every Sunday at Lima Lima. This hidden gem is a huge crowd-pleaser with Eurovision music all night long as well as four hours of live Eurovision lip sync performances by “Eurofalsh” one of the most famous Eurovision tribute groups in the world. Every eurofan in Israel knows that this is the place to be if you’re in Tel Aviv on a Sunday night and entrance is free so you have no excuse to be anywhere else.
Saraya Sauna:
Located in a renovated Ottoman-era bathhouse, Saraya Sauna is probably the most stunning gay sauna in the Middle East. This huge complex in Jaffa’s historic Old Town encompasses three floors of jacuzzis, steam rooms, dark rooms, and private rooms, as well as a bar and a dance floor. Walking into Saraya is like stepping back in time to an era when shameless pleasure and indulgence was a necessary part of life for Middle Eastern men. Saraya is open every Thursday and Friday night from 10pm to 6am and is a great place to wind down and relax after a night of partying.
Dreck:
Tourists visiting Israel for the first time should be aware that the Israeli weekend begins on Thursday evenings with Israelis heading back to work on Sunday mornings. But this doesn’t mean that you need to wait until Thursday night to start partying – the gay weekend in Tel Aviv begins every Wednesday night with Dreck. Located at Sheket Club in the center of Tel Aviv, Dreck is the place to be every Wednesday night for global and Middle Eastern pop music all night long. With a young and high-energy crowd, Dreck is a great place to meet people, discover Israel’s world-famous pop music scene, and dance your way into the long weekend.
Phi Garden:
While many cities in the world have their nightlife scenes divided into either the straight or gay categories, Tel Aviv does things a little differently. Often described as “the world’s first ‘straight-friendly’ city”, Tel Aviv ensures that gay and queer life never needs to be limited to explicitly gay bars and clubs. While there are, of course, many clubs meant solely for the gay community as well as ones leaning more toward the straight crowd, the majority of Tel Aviv’s nightlife spots sit somewhere in the middle – offering something for everyone. Nowhere can this be felt more than at Phi Garden where every night is enjoyed by gays and straights alike. This hybrid indoor/outdoor venue is open almost 24/7 and hosts some of the best day parties and after-after parties in Tel Aviv.
