Though often seen as quiet in comparison to nearby Tel Aviv, the ort town of Haifa has built itself a vibrant night scene that has spread across the city. Located in northern Israel, Haifa is a mixed city where Jews and Arabs eat, sleep, and party side by side. Here’s some great best bars to enjoy Israel’s third most populous city.
Descending from the bottom of the famous Bah’ai gardens, Ben Gurion Boulevard in the German Colony is a popular tourist destination stacked with restaurants. Outdoor seating is the name of the game here, with lush garden patios and warm lighting. Though Fattoush is known as a great spot for a meal anytime of day, it’s also an excellent nightlife destination. The lights on the wide stone terrace convert the space into a sparkling garden bar. With some of the best food to be found in the neighborhood, Fattoush is not to be missed.
Libira is a rare find in Israel: an excellent microbrewery that takes its beers seriously. Located in the up-and-coming downtown port area, this is a must-see for beer lovers. Six fresh beers, brewed in the cellar are always on tap, as well as a wide selection of other Israeli microbrews. The food is on point, with expertly prepared dishes making Libira a true gastro-pub. Downtown Haifa has seen a real revival in the last year, and the bar scene is heating up. Make sure you don’t miss Libira—it’s a standout bar worth making the trip.
Another downtown highlight is Ma’ayan Habira, which translates to ‘beer fountain’. Great beer is certainly flowing here, along with traditional Middle Eastern dishes. Ma’ayan Habira is fun to visit any night of the week, but it’s best to come on Tuesdays, when live bluegrass music transforms the whole street corner into a joyful, boisterous dance party. Sure to get the good vibes going, this is a great start to a night of barhopping around the neighborhood.
After taking a short ride up the mountain on the underground Carmelit subway, you are transported to Massada Street, an area known as a hip meeting point for both Arabs and Jews. Poets, artists, and activists meet to talk politics over strong cups of Turkish coffee, cheap beer, and bowls of olives. The street pulses with young people and creative types at any time of day, and the warm vibes here extend long into the night. Grab a coffee or a beer at the rustic tables outside Cafe Massada and see why Haifa is known as a peaceful mixed city.
Nola Socks is located in the Neve Sha’anan neighbourhood of Haifa, just 10 minutes away from the Technion – The Israel Institute of Technology, so the vibe here is much more student-oriented, with plenty of live music and lecture events. The food is more international than elsewhere in the city, with European, American, and Mexican dishes that would be hard to find elsewhere. If you’re looking for European drafts and solid burgers to go with live music, this is the place to go.
