Ramallah has by far the most active bar and cafe scene in the Palestinian territories — a function of its relatively secular, educated population, its large NGO and diplomatic community, and the presence of several universities. The streets around Al-Manara Square and the Masyoun neighbourhood are lined with options.
The city has a genuine nightlife by regional standards: bars stay open late on weekends, and live music is not uncommon. This is one of the things that most surprises first-time visitors who arrive expecting a uniformly conservative atmosphere.