When planning weekend activities in Israel, the first thing to bear in mind is that the weekend is Friday and Saturday. In Jerusalem, Thursday nights and Friday mornings are prime time for leisure and touring activities as the Israeli work week winds down. Nightlife on Friday nights (for those who are not observing the Jewish Shabbat) and Saturday nights is more abundant than most people imagine.
While many Jerusalem shops, eateries and attractions – as well as the entire public transportation system – do shut between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday, more and more venues remain open if you know where to find them. And on Saturday nights, everyone’s back out in force.
The fun starts Thursday night
One of Jerusalem’s liveliest places on Thursday nights is the Machane Yehuda marketplace, better known as “the Shuk.” Soak up the unique culture of the marketplace by navigating among the hordes of shoppers filling granny carts with fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, candy, nuts, baked goods and condiments for their Sabbath feasts. Get free or almost-free samples from vendors such as the Halva King, Pereg spice shop and Uzi-Eli the Yemenite juice/medicine man. Around 9pm, vendors drastically reduce prices on produce and baked goods until the next morning’s shipment comes in.
Saturday in Jerusalem
With no buses or light rail running through the city, and many fewer cars than usual, Saturdays in Jerusalem offer a quieter atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Every Saturday, the Jerusalem municipality sponsors free walking tours with English-speaking licensed guides in 20 of the city’s most iconic areas. Other English walking tours are offered by the Yad Izhak Ben-Zvi Institute and the Abraham Hostel.
In the village-y Ein Karem neighborhood, nearly everything is open on Saturdays, including its many historic churches, artisan workshops and little stores such as the Sweet N’ Karem chocolate shop.
The Ramparts Walk around the Old City is a great way to get a perspective high above the ancient walls, beginning from the Tower of David Museum on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Once the stars come out on Saturday night, Jerusalem comes fully alive again with cultural and culinary activities.