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Tel Aviv

Even though Israel is a country in the Middle-East, its citizens enjoy freedom similar to Europeans. There have been attacks commited by ultra-Orthodox protesters on people from the gay cumminuty in the past but the Tel Aviv Gay Parade is as strong as ever attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year. The best time to visit Tel Aviv is in spring and fall (between April and May, and September and October).

There's no specific gay village because the gay scene is spread all over the city. Tel Aviv has a thriving night-life but it usually gets busiest quite late - most bars get busy around midnight and clubs from 2 am. Remember that in Israel the weekend consists of Friday and Saturday. Sunday is considered the first day of the week.

Hilton Beach just north of Hilton Hotel is Israel's official gay beach and the spot where most of the cruising takes place. Ga'ash Nude Beach, located 35 minutes away north of Tel Aviv has a more mixed crowd but frequented by many gays. Beetween Hilton and Gordon Beaches there are often big parties at night in case you'd rather stay on the beach than move back to the city. There are always posters spread around the beach areas to keep you informed. 

Head to central Tel Aviv for the best LGBT night-life where new and trendy bars and clubs emerge every year and old ones close. Most places have the open-door policy closing only after sunrise. The best time to go out is on Thursdays and Fridays as Sunday is the first day of the week there. Also, smoking is quite common with bars allowing people to smoke indoors.