Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps, is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, and as a result, it often stars on many tourist websites with a connection to this. Lines of parties, pubs with impressive attendance by gays, beaches and a municipal center for the gay community, under the sponsorship of the city administration. During the month around the gay-pride parade, the city gets into high gear: more parties, more tourists and many more activities and attractions directed at this community.
Tel Aviv Gay-Pride Parade – a “Must Attraction” for the Whole Community!
As already mentioned, there are not a few attractions in Tel Aviv that are directed at the gay community, but the cherry on the pie is, without a doubt, the Tel Aviv Gay-Pride Parade, which is at its peak, includes more than 100,000 participants. The parade takes place every year at the beginning of June, and though it is not the only parade in Israel, it is beyond a doubt the largest, most colorful and best known of them all, and not only on a local scale. In addition to the parade itself, the whole city is decked out in rainbow colors, and many businesses fly the gay flag in solidarity with the community. So what will you find in the Tel Aviv parade? Trailer trucks with dancers, insane music, drag-queens in their full glory and not a few children. At the starting line of the 2018 Gay-Pride Parade, there was even a playground for the community’s children.
The parade starts from Ben-Zion Boulevard and ends at Charles Clore Park: it begins with performances and stands and ends with an enormous party with top artists. The parade date is not random, it marks the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, out of which grew the Gay Rights organizations around the world. This date is important, but the sun doesn’t take this into account. June in Tel Aviv is hot – really hot! Among all the tourists, the parties and the parade itself, the sun also makes a contribution and since the parade starts at noon, it is very important to be well supplied with sun-screen, lots of water and a hat is also recommended. Fans and water pistols are also very welcome.
A variety of unique lines and parties in Gay Tel Aviv
There are many giant parties and bars in Tel Aviv where you can meet new people and find out what is happening in the city. We will note three outstanding examples among them: in 2019 the Inta Lounge bar in Yaffo was opened, DTM (Don’t Tell Mom) which recently opened in the Florentine neighborhood, and Shpagat on Nachalat Binyamin, which except for Wednesdays, is meant mainly for men. If you are looking for an entertaining evening in an oriental Yaffo atmosphere, the Inta Lounge could be the ideal place for you.
In addition, there is no lack of parties for women in Tel Aviv, and there are several outstanding lines: the Kit-Kat in Florentine puts on a lively dance party every Thursday, and at Saban Alban, next to Nahalat Binyamin, there is a party every Monday. Saban Alban is the largest and most crowded line of parties. The place opens at 20:00, but to really see and be seen, you should arrive starting at 23:00 or even later. If you are more interested in talking and less about dancing, you should visit the Shpagat Bar, where Wednesdays are devoted to women.
Several places in the city are identified with the gay community, and perhaps the most central location, where you can receive information concerning coming activities, is the Gay Center in the heart of Gan Meir. Come and get information and enjoy a little quiet from all the hustle and bustle at the café. Take a breath, since the best parties end in the early hours of the morning!
Tel Aviv Beaches – the Leading Attraction among the Gay Community
All the Tel Aviv beaches are a special attraction among many tourists and Israelis alike, but some beaches are especially liked by the gay community. The Hilton Beach is considered to be Tel Aviv’s Gay Beach and is definitely the best-liked among the LGBTQ community in Tel Aviv. This beach has earned an international reputation and was recently ranked first among the best gay beaches in the world (!) by Newsweek. The Hilton Beach is located close to the center of what is happening in Tel Aviv, and there, you can find all the Who’s-Who of the gay community. Weekends during the hot seasons are incredibly crowded, and for those who prefer more relaxed entertainment, it is recommended to go on weekdays.
At the northern end of Hilton Beach, you can find the “Dogs Beach,” which is meant to provide a solution for those that want to spend free time with their dogs at the seaside. This beach attracts many singles, both straight and gay. The part of the Hilton Beach that is more identified with the gay community is located north of the breakwater.