Jerusalem Entertainment Guide

International food such as Japanese, Thai, Chinese, South American and South African and of course American fast food is available in West Jerusalem. Here, in the downtown restaurants, the lunchtime business menu, served between noon and 4 pm, offers a two or three course menu for about $10. You can drink alcohol with your meal, which you can’t do in the East Jerusalem. Bread, cheese and yogurts, fresh vegetables and fruits are easily and cheaply available everywhere. Fresh fruit and vegetable juice made from local produce is available at juice bars on street corners. The narrow lanes of the Old City are crowded with restaurants where excellent Middle Eastern cuisine is served.

Nightlife in Jerusalem is second to that in Tel Aviv. It comes to life in clubs and bars from Thursday to Saturday nights, after the conservative lot is fast asleep. Alcohol is allowed only in West Jerusalem and some bars in the Old City (the Christian and Armenian areas of the city). The cafes in the Muslim sector serve tea, coffee and soft drinks. The traditional qahwas or coffee houses serve strong Turkish coffee. A hot milk based drink sahlab, spiced with cinnamon, coconut and pistachios is a very popular drink in winter.

The Mahane Yehuda Market is Jerusalem’s cheapest market, from where one can buy at a greater discount just as the market closes, about 7.30 to 8.30 pm, Sunday to Thursday and 3 to 4 pm on Fridays. The market is closed on Sundays. Bargaining is a must while shopping in Jerusalem. Pay in foreign currency to avoid the 17% VAT (value added tax). If you pay in shekel, get a receipt and refund form to redeem at the airport or border crossing stations.

The Muslim Quarter is very busy and crowded. The Souk is full of activity. Here Palestinian crafts such as Hebron style wine glasses, boxes inlaid with mother of pearl, ceramic tiles and candles can be bought.  Jerusalem's ceramic pottery and woodwork is beautiful and famous. Jewellery made from Eilat stone (a greenish turquoise semi precious stone from the hills around Eilat) from the Muslim Quarter’s souks and handpainted tiles make beautiful souvenirs to take back home.