I am trying to decide which area of Jerusalem to stay in for 5 nights in August. The old city appeals because that is where I plan to do the majority of walking around, but I am worried about there not being much to do at night.
Any recommendations of area to stay in and a budget but safe and clean hostel?
Thank you!
I think it would be most interesting to stay in the Old City. Yes, it's completely dead at night, but it's only a 15 minute walk to the centre of West Jerusalem, which is very much alive at night. Staying in W Jerusalem the whole time means paying more for something less atmospheric. There are loads of hostels in the OC - the LP has details of the good ones.
Yes, definitely stay in the Old City for at least a few nights ... it's wonderful to walk around at night when the streets are all empty and mysterious.
There are many hostels, best is the Austrian Hospice. Pricier than some at 18 Euro per dorm bed, but that includes an awesome breakfast, obsessively-clean rooms & bathrooms, and an ideal location.
If you want to support a Palestinian business rather than an Austrian one, the second best dorms in the old city are at the Hashimi Hotel.
And me makes three! Nothing to beat the atmosphere of the Old City and the Hebron Hostel is my favourite. (Give their the restaurant a miss for anything other than tea and coffee). In the evening I generally stomped up to Mike's Place for a few beers and some chat with locals and travellers and some sport on the tv. I sometimes tested the patience of the Hebron staff who try to enforce a midnight curfew, but a quick word with whoever is manning the night desk will keep the peace. When you wake to the church bells and the call of the muezzins from the mosques, then you know you're in Jerusalem.
The Old City is like Times Square in New York, there's nothing quite like it but if you spend too much time there you'll quickly tire of it. Remember the Old City is just a small part of Jerusalem and while it is without a doubt the main attraction the rest of the city isn't to be overlooked. I personally would stay in W Jerusalem. I like bars within close reach of where i'm staying so I can unwind at night just before I head off to bed and aside from a few places to get a drink around the Jaffa Gate area there isn't a lot to do aside from wondering aimlessly around a very quiet Old City. I think it would be better to make the short walk from wherever it is your staying in West Jerusalem to the Old City whenever you want to visit, you may appreciate it more.
If you do want to stay in the Old City though the action really isn't far away, just a short 15 minute walk. Whatever you decide to do enjoy, and don't forget to stop by Ramones just inside Damascus gate for a cold beer and to watch the most diverse flow of people you will ever see in your life go by, his hospitality is second to none.
Thank you for the awesome answers. The 'atmospheric old' really does appeal to me, but I do see your point buranokan. Thanks all!