The German Colony

Cafes are a national pastime, and Emek Refaim Street is brimming with choices. Israelis lounge on the outdoor terraces, enjoying their coffee and sandwiches in the shade of the surrounding greenery. Caffit and Masryk offer the authentic Jerusalem experience, being venerable institutions—they were here long before the German Colony became a hot spot. Much younger and popular with ex-pats is the Coffee Mill, which is papered from floor to ceiling with covers of the New Yorker and boasts a huge selection of coffees.

But while the culinary choices in the German Colony are endless and seem like the main attraction, the real draw is the cultural scene. First there is Smadar, an art house cinema that for the most part features limited-release and foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) films. The atmosphere of Smadar is part of the experience: creative and bohemian types gravitate to this theater, and often relax in the in-house bar between showings. Beer and other beverages are permitted in the theater itself—relax and enjoy.

Farther down is the old St. Andrews Scottish Church, which dates from the British Mandate. Situated with a view of the Old City, this church often hosts free classical and choral concerts.

More cultural treasures are just around the corner. Locals know this area as the “Old Train Station,” even though the old trains have disappeared without a trace. The Khan Theater is situated here, and while most of the performances are in Hebrew, there are productions in English as well. The theater is built around an old Bedouin caravanserai and is worth seeing in its own right.

Last but not least is The Lab, one of the hottest cultural centers in Jerusalem. Every kind of concert, play, dance and art exhibition is on offer in this sleek, dim-lit bar and performance space. For audiences just looking to have fun, pop, Irish and rock concerts take the stage on many nights. Don’t be afraid to get up and dance.

 But for a taste of Israel’s cutting edge art world, The Lab is the place to go. Here are the most unconventional and mind-bending cultural events, where provocative issues are explored—and sometimes attacked—through all forms of art. Nothing is sacred, everything is up for discussion, and the alcohol flows freely till all hours of the night.