Tel Aviv is party town and there are plenty of places to go dancing every night of the week. Big clubs, on the other hand, are not that common, especially now the world-famous Block Club has shut.
There are a few good sized places, some music venues that double as nightclubs, a couple of very big clubs, and a lot of dance bars and glorified dance bars that call themselves clubs.
The Tel Aviv clubbing scene has changed a lot since the pandemic, and many clubs are now gone. Clubs that have shut down in recent years (before, during, or after covid) include the Block, Aphabet, Bootleg, Pasaz, Bascula, and more.
In fact, most Tel Aviv club and nightlife guides you’ll find online are now grossly out of date. This one has been updated in 2023, so the clubs listed here are all still open.
What is the Tel Aviv club scene like?
The alternative scene in Tel Aviv is notorious for being a bit of a trend follower. This means that when something becomes popular, the whole city will be full of that kind of music and style. At some point it will disappear off to be replaced by something else. Some things, though, remain popular, so you can find psychedelic trance nights, techno nights, house clubs, and lots and lots of reggae, dancehall and dub. Reggaeton is now popular too, as is rock / emo.
Commercial Tel Aviv clubs will often have “selectors” on the door as well as security guys. These will generally be women who decide whether or not you’re cool enough to go in. The good news is that as a tourist, you’re likely to be a preferred audience member. Just smile and speak to them in your native language and you should be fine.
The alternative clubs are generally more chilled about things, though security will still look in your bag on the way in to make sure you’re not carrying a weapon or a bomb (or drugs).
How old do you have to be to go clubbing in Tel Aviv?
Generally speaking, you have to be at least 18 to get into a club. You are likely to have your ID checked at the entrance, and if you look young you may also be carded at the bar when ordering drinks. In practice, many clubs and bars have a 21+ age requirement, with some even featuring a 25+ age limit.
This isn’t anything to do with the law, as the drinking age in Israel is 18. It’s more about the type of crowd the clubs want inside, and possibly to do with the fact that most 18-21 year olds in Israel are soldiers, and likely to not have much money to spend at the bar.
Do Tel Aviv clubs have a dress code?
Tel Aviv is a very casual city, so unless it’s specifically stated in the event invite / Facebook event, assume the dress code is pretty casual pretty much everywhere.
Jeans, a T-shirt and trainers (sneakers) should get you into most places, even those posh dance bars where some people wear slightly fancier clothes. Some places may stipulate closed toe footwear (mostly for health and safety), but even that’s pretty rare.
Suits or suit jackets are hardly ever worn here. Even to weddings. If in doubt about the place you’re going to, check out their Facebook page for photos of past events. You’ll soon see you have nothing to worry about.
Can you smoke inside Tel Aviv clubs?
Note that while Tel Aviv has an indoors smoking ban, many clubs don’t strictly uphold it, so if you’re used to a smoke free environment, you’ll be grossly disappointed. On the other hand, if you’re a smoker, you’re going to love it. Some clubs have designated smoking areas, while others just let you smoke.
Recently the government has been cracking down on this, so if you see people in the club suddenly drop their lit cigarettes on the floor, it probably means the inspectors are there to give you a massive fine. I suggest you follow other people’s leads, and always put out your cigarette if asked to do so.
What time do people go out to clubs in Tel Aviv?
Generally speaking, people in Tel Aviv go out pretty late. Many parties don’t start to get going till well after midnight. Israelis like to get drunk before getting to the club, either at home (cheaper prices), or at one of their favourite bars.
The advantage of going out before midnight in Tel Aviv is that it’s sometimes cheaper to get into the party. Some clubs and many dance bars will offer reduced prices, or even free entry during the first couple of hours of the party. You might have to wait a while before things get interesting, but you can save a load of money this way.
What are some good Tel Aviv nightclubs?
These are some popular ones.
Duplex Club – It started as an underground club but nowadays is very mainstream. It has three floors and most club nights will feature different music on each. Expect pop / mainstream, rock / emo (and sometimes even metal), reggaeton, and more. Generally low age limit.
Radio EPGB – More of a dance bar, really, but they define themselves as a club now. Parties are generally hip hop / dancehall / afrobeat and related styles, though sometimes also hosts 80s nights. Free entry, usually, with some exceptions.
Phi Garden – Techno and house. Great local and international DJs. Lots of parties are free for the first few hours.
Art Club – I guess this is the Block’s closest replacement? Lots of electronic music nights, from house and techno to trance and more. Big space.
