Beer Sheva Redirect
Live and Work in Be’er Sheva
Be’er Sheva, capital of the Negev region of Israel, is a desert city that serves as the gateway to this region. Be’er Sheva is known as the “college town” of Israel: home to Ben Gurion University of the Negev. As such, this city boasts a young and trendy vibe! There are a number of interesting and unique things to do in Be’er Sheva, from amazing restaurants and bars, to interactive museums/exhibits, as well as nearby Tel Beer Sheba – the archaeological remnants of an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Culture
Turkish Railway Station
The ancient Turkish Railways station is a location for a wide range of cultural events. Here you can attend concerts, food and wine festivals, art festivals and more. Additionally, while on Saturday most establishments are closed, almost every Saturday there is a Bedouin food market where you can get coffee or tea and some delicious jachnun, baklava, knafe, or the pitot with zaatar or shokolad to enjoy while sitting comfortably under their tent and relaxing with friends. This is a great Saturday activity to enjoy at your own pace and to spend time with good food and good friends
Israel Air Force Museum
The Israeli Air Force Museum is located at Hatzerim Airbase in the Negev desert. The museum displays a variety of Israeli Air Force and foreign aircraft, as well as anti aircraft arms
Negev Monument
The Negev Monument is on the outskirts of Beer Sheva located on a hill. It is the perfect spot for a date or to go for some meditation or relaxing and watch the sun set over the whole city of Beer Sheva. This monument commemorates a brigade of soldiers from the Palmach Negev Brigade who fell while fighting during the 1948 war of Independence. The monument includes multiple structures you can climb, sit on and even a dome which houses phenomenal acoustics which many musicians take advantage of for communal musical evenings
Tel Be'er Sheva
Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tel Beer Sheba contains the ruins of a walled city from the Israelite monarchic period, as well as relics from the Roman Period, when the settlement sprawled to the area of modern Beer Sheva
Carasso Science Park
The Carasso Science Park is the largest science and technology museum in Israel. In addition to the innovative exhibitions that can be found here, there are also some amazing science demonstrations, performances, big screen 3D movies, creative arts activities, festivals, science fairs and most importantly a pool you can pay for admission to if you wish to cool off with a swim
The Artists Colony
This is an area in the old city where the community came together to beautify a pathway where artists have their own working stations. You can come here to see the beautiful and eccentric murals on the walls or to experience the beautifully made instruments that are outside one of the artists shops. This artist creates percussion instruments out of metal and other recycled materials and has put some of his creations on display to be used by any passer by who wishes to take a turn
Museum of Islamic and Near Eastern Cultures
The museum is located in a building which formerly housed the city’s Archaeological Museum. The museum courtyard has become a symbolic garden with a decorated fountain and containing archaeological artifacts of the land of Israel, the Islamic culture and people of the East Nations
Recreation
Performance Rock Gym
This pristine gym in Beer Sheva offers rental shoes, lots of different rock walls, and a friendly and supportive staff. They have walls for all skill levels and people are always there to give assistance. On Wednesdays women get to climb for free so all you pay for are the shoes, but in general it is very affordable and a great way to get active and have fun on a hot summer day
Yes Planet & Cinema City
These two large movie complexes are great places to not only catch a film but also partake in other activities like shopping, eating and even ice skating. In Cinema City there is an ice rink right in the middle of the main level where you can rent skates and skate away
Escape Room
Try a night of brain teasers and puzzles in one of the escape room options found in the Old City of Beer Sheva. These escape rooms are fun for everyone and you can do it in groups. So much fun to challenge yourselves with these tricky rooms and see if you can beat the clock
Turner Stadium
Turner Stadium is the location of the professional soccer and basketball stadiums in Beer Sheva. The newly renovated soccer stadium is large and beautiful with many places to eat and enjoy the games. HaPoal Beer Sheva is the name of both the basketball and soccer, or as they say football, teams. The basketball stadium is smaller but gives a much better view of the court and the players. During half time you can see the Beer Sheva Blimp floating around and the spectators grabbing a snack at the snack bar and enjoying the atmosphere
Grand Canyon Mall
The largest mall in Israel is located in Beer Sheva, its name containing a double meaning, Grand Canyon to show its enormity, and the Hebrew word “ken-yon” meaning mall. At this mall you can find bakeries, restaurants, home goods stores, office supplies, clothing shoe and jewelry stores, and just about anything else you can think of. In the basement there are grocery stores and on the top floor there is even a gym
Be'er Sheva River Park
The Negev’s metropolitan park covers 1,325 acres, containing various attractions: bike and walking paths along the banks of the river, a variety of green public areas, playgrounds, an amphitheater, and various historical and archaeological sites
Food
Hummus Said
Though modest in appearance, the food at this local hummus spot is anything but. Reasonable price and very fast service compared, you’ll be eating some of the best hummus in Israel in no time! Each meal is also followed by the most perfect cup coffee you won’t want to miss out on
Albi
This is a gem of a mediterranean restaurant in the Big Shopping Center in Be’er Sheva. One of the top rated restaurants in the city – the food is local, tasty, fresh and served in large quantities (you’ll have leftovers for days). It is family run with all the care that you would expect and they even give a complete explanation of the menu in English
Pastina
Quaint, family-run Italian restaurant in the heart of the city. People are welcoming and the staff are extremely helpful and explain the menu patiently in english. For those looking for a home cooked “comfort meal” after a lot of shawarma and hummus, the spaghetti is extremely tasty and definitely hits the spot
Yakuta
The best and most authentic Moroccan food I have ever experienced! Beautiful, traditional decor throughout the restaurant and the hospitality is above and beyond. The chef is one of most caring people I have ever met and makes sure everyone has an experience they will not forget. The couscous is phenomenal. You’ll be coming back here again and again
Kebab Emuna
One of the absolute best kebab places in all of Israel. Locals have been coming from far and wide to sample the amazing kebabs, salads, sides, and fresh lafa in this hole-in-the-wall eatery
Dining Sandwich Bar
This famous sandwich bar on Ringelblum Street makes marvelous sandwich creations with meats, vegetables and other ingredients. They combine these fresh and delicious ingredients with their unique sauces to create sandwich art. This sandwich shop is renowned across the country and is definitely a place to try
Little India
This restaurant located on Ringelblum Street is one of the few Indian restaurants in Beer Sheva and has the most delicious food. Very well priced and located right in the center of the student area enjoy a delicious Malay Kofta or a Palak Panir and some Chai Tea and watch the students walk by
Bialik
This cafe is located in Schunah Gimel, a more residential part of Beer Sheva, and has delicious food and great service. A perk of Beer Sheva is that you can get high quality food for fantastic prices that rings true here. The chef creates different dishes each season so go and see what they are cooking up today. This restaurant also hosts different events for the LGBTQ+ community along with doubling as a bar at night. You will always feel welcome and have a good time at this little corner cafe
Cafe Lola
Cafe Lola is a great place in the old city with a studious vibe. If you are looking for a place to bring your laptop and get work done or to just sit and people watch with a friend while enjoying a delicious meal, coffee, shake, or dessert this is the place. Good food and a diverse menu make this a location for everyone. Open on Shabbat as well which gives you a nice place to go when everything else is closed
Pri Shake
Located in the middle of Ha Chalutz street between Kakal and HaAtsmaut Stret you can find the best fruit shake joint in the city! This is where you get the freshest fruit available made into custom shakes. You can pick your fruit, nuts, and bases to be put into the perfectly customized shake. In addition to smoothies, this place also sells delicious fruit sushi! Better get it fast though they run out quite quickly
Nightlife
Zalame ACB
If you didn’t know any better, you’d walk right by this popular club. A true “hidden gem” in Be’er Sheva and the whole Negev. Though it may not look like much on the outside, the minute you open its’ iron doors you enter a completely different world (once you see it, you’ll understand). Each drink at this place is unique and delicious and the side dishes are killer as well. Staff is on top and all the bartenders are friendly and english speaking. You can’t live in Be’er Sheva and not come here at least once a week
Giggsi
Great sports bar in the heart of downtown. This place hosts tons of screens, so if you are into sports, this is the place for you! The food and decor will transport you straight back to any sports bar in your local American college town. Better reserve a spot though, because this joint gets packed
Munchilla
A little bit tiki, a little bit “Miami Vice”. This joint boasts parties, live entertainment, and some spot on sushi. Definitely worth a late night visit to this night club meets pub
Ashan Hazman
Ashan Hazman is the best pub in town with the best and most inviting atmosphere. This relatively hipster pub has good drinks, great music and an even better staff. Always treats you like family. Every Friday they get hummus from Hummus Said and serve a hummus special, for only 28 shekels you can get unlimited hummus, veggies, and pita and for only 8 more shekels you get a beer with your meal. On Sunday nights they have open mic and everyone is supported and welcome to sign up, both English and Hebrew performers attend. Additionally, the first Friday night of every month is paint night. All you have to do is go, order a drink, and ask for a canvas. They will have all the art supplies, sometimes they give you a prompt to help with inspiration but it is considered independent creativity and you can make what ever you like
Barbasaba
This cool hidden beer garden is located on Hatikvah Street near Habanim Square. To get to this beer garden you must tell the hostess where you’d like to go, get a wrist band, and they she will take you around back to a secret entrance to the beautiful courtyard area that houses the beer garden. Come here on Fridays around noon for special discounts on their delicious menu of food and drinks. They also have games that you can take to play with friends. This is a welcoming environment to all people with vegan and vegetarian options on the menu along with a great atmosphere at night when they transition to the bar
Baraka/Berta Bar
Baraka and Berta Bar are almost one in the same. They are both located at the same place but Baraka is the name when open on Wednesday nights for students and Berta is what is open on Friday nights and weekends. Sometimes it is just one room open however when you attend Baraka there are often multiple rooms with different music playing. This is a great place to go out with friends when you want to dance and celebrate
Manga
This is a relaxed student bar located right near Ben Gurion University. Not only is there a great and relaxed atmosphere where you can meet new people but they have delicious food from pizza to sushi. Come here to get a drink, have something to eat and talk to friends
Forum
This is one of the largest clubs in Israel, Forum has many floors and different rooms to enjoy a variety of music types and environments. Some parts are for dancing, some for standing or sitting with a drink, all for enjoying your night with friends. Just make sure they are open on the night you want to go because sometimes their hours vary
Travel/Excursions
Though there is always something fun to do in Be’er Sheva, we all need an excursion every once in a while. There are numerous buses, coaches, trains and cars that can take you to any city in Israel! No matter the means of transportation, you will likely always leave from Be’er Sheva Central Station – information about this station/train routes can be found here. But before you pack those overnight bags, be sure to check out the Know Before You Go section to make sure you have a successful trip
Tel Aviv
A 1 ½ hour train ride from Be’er Sheva Central Station takes you to the heart of Tel Aviv. With the city’s beautiful beaches, diverse cultural scene, top-notch cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, there’s always something to see and do here. The city serves as a meeting point between old and new, reflecting tradition and history while embracing innovation, pluralism and diversity. Here you can be whoever you want to be – whether you’re a party-goer, culture enthusiast, or just like to chill – Tel Aviv has a place for you”
Jerusalem
A 2 ½ hour train ride from Be’er Sheva Central Station will land you in the capital of Israel. Jerusalem is the religious and historical epicenter of the world. A surreal and vibrant city, holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians – rich in historical sites, wold famous museums, important religious locations and a global food mecca. Jerusalem has to be seen to be believed
Eilat
A 3 ½ hour coach bus ride from Be’er Sheva Central Station takes you to the coastal city of Eilat. This Resort city on the coastline of the Red Sea is known for its sandy beaches, warm waters, amazing restaurants, raging clubs, ample water sports, beautiful reefs, and all to the desert backdrop that’s just beyond the crowded coast
Testimonials
Hear what our past participants had to say about their experience!
Sami L.
“Welcome to the most underrated city in Israel, Be’er Sheva! My first weekend in Be’er Sheva was filled with sunscreen, sunshine, and some extremely hot air, which is why we decided to go to the pool on the BGU campus! It’s a real family-friendly area with a large, COLD pool and chairs so anyone going can sit all together. The Grand Canyon mall (biggest in Israel) in Be’er Sheva will open up when Shabbat ends tomorrow night, so this is a great place to go get dinner and walk around with your new friends! This was a great opportunity to explore the city and find all if its hidden treasures, like Pinat Ochel—the infamous sandwich shop.”Lena S.
“I had an amazing time immersing myself in Israeli culture. I took advantage of as much as I could in Be’er Sheva and tried to see as much as possible. My favorite part of the summer was how I grew more and more comfortable in Be’er Sheva as the summer progressed. As I learned my way around the buses, began a daily workout routine, frequented the climbing gym, and became a regular at the delicious sandwich shop around the corner, I grew to think of Be’er Sheva as my home. I love how Onward Israel made it easy for me to get so comfortable in Israel in such a short time, and when I left, I felt like I had learned so much about the city I lived in. From now on, I will always think of Be’er Sheva as a second home. My least favorite part about living in my city was leaving! It was sad to say goodbye to the friends that I had made, both from Onward and from my internship. We still stay in touch and I can’t wait to go back! I would love to give others the chance to make the connections I made and fall in love with the city of Be’er Sheva as much as I did.”Tori S.
“My favorite thing about Be’er Sheva was the community aspect that I felt. Being in a smaller city compared to Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem, it was easier to travel around, and significantly cheaper too. I loved that the burger shop around the corner knew our order after the first two weeks of us going there. I would encourage anyone living in Be’er Sheva to try a new spot every week so that way they can enjoy every aspect of their city, and even find the little hidden treasures. “Apply Now!
Apply now for an Onward Israel program based in Be’er Sheva to explore everything the city has to offer
Intern 4-5 days a week, immerse yourself in Israeli society with a cohort of other young adults from Montreal, and meet Israeli young adults living in Beer Sheva through Montreal’s Partnership2Gether program. Participate in two weekend seminars, weekly cohort activities as well as daytrips, cultural events, and activities with the cohort all over Israel and within Be’er Sheva. During your free time, enjoy Beer Sheva’s student life and enjoy weekends exploring all that Israel has to offer.