In this guide · 11 sections
Last verified: October 2026. Sources: the saunas' own websites, Mako (October 2025), misterb&b, Travel Gay, Nighttours, GayCities and Spartacus.
The honest summary
Gay cruising in Tel Aviv happens indoors, at three men's saunas, one sex-shop backroom and a few men-only party nights, and on the apps. The old outdoor spots belong to the city's history more than its present. We don't give directions to them, for the reasons set out below.
The saunas
Sauna Club Tel Aviv (Carlebach 14) is the most club-like of the three. It covers about 400 m² and has a dry sauna, a steam room, a large jacuzzi, private rooms, a darkroom and a sling room, plus a bar and a small dance floor for DJ nights. Its own site lists Wednesday 18:00–00:00, Thursday and Friday 20:00–06:00 and Saturday 20:00–03:00. misterb&b lists entry at 80 NIS including locker, towel and slippers.
HAMAM (HaRakevet 2) opened in November 2025 near the Allenby light-rail station. It's the new home of the old Saraya sauna in Jaffa. The space is about 500 m² of Moroccan-style rooms with a jacuzzi, steam room, dry sauna, salt room, private rooms, a bar and a small gym. It opens Wednesday to Saturday (Wednesday 18:00–00:00, Thursday 18:00–06:00, Friday 20:00–06:00, Saturday 16:00–02:00), and Mako reported entry at 75–120 NIS.
Paradise (Allenby 75) is the only sauna open every day, from noon. Inside are a two-level Turkish steam room, a dry Finnish sauna, a jacuzzi, private rooms and glory holes. Closing times vary, so check before a late visit. Nighttours lists entry at about 85 NIS, cheaper after 18:00 from Sunday to Thursday.
Friday night into Saturday is when all three are busiest, because that's the start of the Israeli weekend. Thursday nights come next.
The Sexy Shop backroom
Sexy Shop on Dizengoff Street opened in 1996. Gay guides describe it as Israel's first gay and lesbian adult store. Behind the shop floor is a men-only backroom with cabins. GayCities, Spartacus and cruising directories list it, and it's the only option of its kind outside the saunas. Hours for the backroom aren't published, so ask at the counter.
Men-only party nights
Schwartze is a monthly men-only party with a fetish or nude dress code. Mako counted about a thousand guests at its first anniversary in 2024, and it was still on the local listings in October 2026. The venue changes, so follow its Instagram and our events list. BEEF, the bear and leather line, runs mainly over Pride weekend.
Outdoor cruising: why we don't list it
Independence Park, the clifftop park above Hilton Beach, was the city's cruising ground for decades, and Travel Gay still lists it. It also says the park is "not that active" now. It is a public park with lighting and CCTV, sex in public is an offence for anyone, and a complaint from a neighbour is enough for police to act. We don't publish meeting points or times for outdoor spots. Hilton Beach is a social daytime gay beach, not a cruising area, and it has no lifeguards after hours.
Law and common sense
- Same-sex relations have been legal in Israel since 1988. Saunas and backrooms are private premises.
- Sex in public is illegal for everyone, gay or straight.
- Bring ID; the saunas are 18+. Leave valuables in the locker.
- Bring your own condoms. For HIV testing and PrEP information, ask at the Tel Aviv LGBTQ Center where to go.
- When the security situation changes, nightlife can shut at short notice. Check that a venue or party is open on the day.
- Saraya (Jaffa): moved and became HAMAM in November 2025.
- Apolo (Allenby 46): the men-only club is listed as closed by Travel Gay.
- Shpagat and Layla: the gay bars that used to start many nights both closed in 2024. Today the bars are Mash Central and Callas.
Closed or changed
FAQ
Which sauna is open on a Sunday or Monday?
Only Paradise on Allenby, which opens every day from noon. The other two open Wednesday to Saturday.
Is there a cruise bar in Tel Aviv?
No. The nearest thing is the backroom at Sexy Shop on Dizengoff, plus the men-only party nights.
Is Independence Park still a cruising spot?
Much less than it was, according to Travel Gay. It's a public park with CCTV, and we don't recommend it or give directions.