7 Best Gay Bars in Tel Aviv

How many reasons do you need to visit Tel Aviv? Well, there’s the gorgeous beaches, the incredible food, the amazing nightclubs and the lovely locals. Oh - and there’s the gay scene. This is a city that boasts a long and proud history of supporting the LGBTQ community - the annual Tel Aviv Pride Parade each June began as far back as 1993 and today, of course, it’s one of the most celebrated events in the annual calendar with as many as 250,000 people rocking up to party.

It’s hard not to notice how gay-friendly the city is when you visit Tel Aviv - rainbow flags in windows, sunbathers at the Hilton Beach and a flourishing ‘scene’ which is full of bars, clubs and gay-friendly venues. The whole atmosphere boasts inclusivity and diversity and, with its reputation as the City That Never Sleeps if you’re looking for a night out, you won’t be disappointed.

So where should you start? Here’s our lowdown on the best gay watering holes and hangouts to grab a drink, meet new friends or dance until the sun comes up. Enjoy yourself.

1. Shpagat

Shpagat, which means ‘splits’ in Hebrew (think gymnastics) is probably Tel Aviv’s most iconic gay bar in Tel Aviv, that always cuts the mustard both with the locals and the tourists.  

Located on lovely Nahalat Binyamin (a charming street in an area known for its beautifully renovated buildings, thriving arts and craft market and compelling street art), it’s probably the best place to kick off your evening.

It has a great dance floor, with DJs who play a wide mix of music, and an outdoor patio area, which is fantastic for warm spring and summer evenings. Sphgat also hosts ‘Womens nights’ on Wednesdays and has occasional themed parties. Finally, they serve yummy breakfast plates too, which means you can shake off your hangover at the place you acquired it!  

Location: Shpagat, 43 Nahalat Binyamin Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo

2. Lima Lima

Down on Lilienblum Street, a moment from elegant Rothschild Boulevard and a short walk to the lovely Neve Tzedek neighbourhood, you’ll find Lima Lima, which in many ways epitomises the Tel Aviv nightlife scene. Mondays are gay-friendly, and the parties here are legendary for a reason.  

Lima Lima has two areas - one open (where you can smoke) and the other leading to the dance floor which means you can dance the night away or just sit around with friends, chilling. The music is eclectic - hip-hop, techno, international - and with DJ’s that spin madly and an exotic crowd, this spot is highly recommended.

Location: Lima Lima, 42 Lilienblum Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo

3. M.A.S.H. Central

Much like the famous tv show, there’s always something going on at M.A.S.H. Central, which could loosely be described as a bit of a dive bar with bartenders who are, by any standards, real characters. It has a reputation for entertaining Monday-night drag shows, hilarious comedy sets (many in English) and karaoke nights which are a total blast.  

Cocktails are well-mixed, bar food is tasty and during the week it’s rarely crowded, so you can actually chat with people. Cosy and welcoming, M.A.S.H. is the place to go if you’re travelling solo and looking for casual conversation and friendly vibes.

Location: M.A.S.H. Central, 38 Allenby Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo

4. Layla

Definitely the place to head if you want to have fun, Layla - in South Tel Aviv - offers visitors a mixed crowd, plenty of themed evenings, killer cocktails and a night kitchen for when you’ve worked up an appetite. In fact, you could perhaps describe it as a gastropub that turns into a nightclub!  

With a pulsating dance floor, there are regular live DJ sets, wild dance parties (don’t miss their legendary ‘Disco Inferno’ on Mondays) this is the place to party late into the night. And their themed dance parties - well, let's say you haven’t lived until you’ve been to one.  

Location: Layla, 31 Yavne Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo

5. Phi Garden

You’ll find Phi Garden down in the old historic part of Tel Aviv, on a street that has a reputation for its incredible Bauhaus architecture and beautifully renovated buildings. But step inside, and you’re in another world - there’s a hanging garden, a buzzy bar, small booths (great for intimate conversations) and ‘healthy’ alcoholic drinks (fresh fruit and alcohol in the form of a ginger-kale-arak cocktail - how can you go wrong?)

They’ve also got comfy benches and a very minimalist decor which will attract Zen lovers.  Even better, Phi Garden isn’t just a lounge bar by night but a space in the day where you can grab coffee with friends. With its European feel, and a hipster crowd dancing into the wee hours, this is a spot that has to be on your list.

Location: Phi Garden, 54 Ahad Ha’am, Tel Aviv-Yafo

6. Haoman 17

Originally established in Jerusalem in 1995 at the eponymous street, Haoman 17 moved to Tel Aviv in 2005 where it established itself as one of the leading nightclubs in the city. Its reputation as a ‘live fast, party hard’ venue precedes itself, often described as a ‘temple’ for electronic music and with its gay-friendly vibes, is ideal if you want to enjoy yourself until the sun rises.

Haoman 17 boasts an outside garden, a large space, an incredible sound system and - spread out over four complexes, and boasting two dance floors - trust us when we say this is the place to party. Gay and lesbian-friendly events are always a blast and look out for world-famous DJ Tiesto. With a mixed crowd, interesting lighting effects and their iconic chandelier, prepare to be dazzled. Literally.

Location: Haoman 17, 88 Abarbanel Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo

7. LGBTQ Centre in Gan Meir

Tel Aviv Municipal LGBT Community Center

Finally, whilst it’s not a bar (and certainly not a place to club), the LGBT Centre in Gan Meir, in downtown Tel Aviv, is a great spot to head if you want a quiet place to chat and chill. Set inside a veritable green oasis (perfect for dog lovers, young families and cyclists) the centre’s an ideal place to head to learn more about the lesbian and gay community in Tel Aviv.

Established in 2008, it has a spacious cafe, a theatre hall, studios, a clinic and a gorgeous balcony. As well as being a space you can just come and hang, it hosts all kinds of live events including book launches, interactive performances and dance shows. This is the ultimate LGBTQ community hub in the city and with everyone welcome, it’s an excellent place to check out, especially if you’re in the neighbourhood or exploring the nearby Carmel Market.  

Location: LGBTQ Centre, Simtat Gan Meir, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Tel Aviv is a city that effortlessly blends vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and a deep commitment to inclusivity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers, especially those in the LGBTQ community. Whether you're here to experience the electric atmosphere of the clubs, relax at a gay-friendly beach, or immerse yourself in the city's rich culture, Tel Aviv offers something for everyone. With its welcoming locals, diverse venues, and a proud history of LGBTQ support, your time in Tel Aviv will undoubtedly be unforgettable. So, grab your dancing shoes, hit the town, and get ready to experience one of the most dynamic cities in the world.