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Visiting Masada

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Masada National Park Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Masada National Park. We've got 273 adventures going to Masada National Park, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 26 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

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250+ masada national park tour packages with 1,458 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Jewish Tour, 3 Days

Informative on the tour we enjoyed the guides. They were knowledgeable of the sites we visited and would recommend the company.

Heritage of the Holy Land

Thoroughly recommend this tour. The itinerary covered everything we wanted to see. All the arrangements worked ike clockwork, our guide was absolutely fantastic! Only criticism would be the choice of hotels, the food was buffet style, never hot and finished by 7.30 to 8 so very early nights. Not really 4 star. But that’s only a minor point, overall it was one of the best holidays I have had. Thank you Tourrader!

Christian Jerusalem, 3 days

Great 3 day tour. Thanks!

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Dead Sea 4-Day Excursion

The tour was amazing! Masada sunrise - Ein Gedi - the Dead Sea - a wonderful mix of mountain hiking (not easy, but such a satisfaction from a successful ascent!), walking in the park and then relaxing in the Dead Sea. Jerusalem - history and modernity - it was interesting to see two sides of this city. And a cherry on the cake - a Tel Aviv bike tour - it was fantastic! Architecture, parks, history and especially the promenade - I enjoyed it so much! And also a complete delight from the hostel! There is a lovely lounge where a lot of events, nice bar and rooftop for guests to relax. Stunning atmosphere! The staff is friendly and professional - any help at any time. Thank you all, guys, you are amazing!

Holyland Trip of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada & Dead Sea - 5 Days

Our tour guide Ron was extremely knowledgeable and able to provide information from ancient times to present. Hotels were great and tour was even better that expected.

Jerusalem and Dead Sea 4-Day Journey

The driver and guide were both excellent and very patient and professional. It was a bit difficult for me to have to get up so early every day. I understand we had a lot to do but on the Petra day we got to the camp so late and then had to eat, shower, etc so we could not sleep more than 6 or 7 hours before we had to get up. I think we could have had a bit shorter guided tour in Petra so we could start a bit later, as we hung around in the hot sun a lot and took things very slow. Everything else on the tour was great, although it would have been nice to have possibility to charge our phones on the Jordan bus.

3 Day Highlights of Israel Package Tour

• Coach / Bus

Biblical Israel - Faith-Based Travel - Protestant Itinerary

Trip duration was 8 days but only 5 full days and we need to pay extra for 1 more day excursion. Breakfasts and dinners included and they're good.

Classic Israel 4 days

We traveled 2 times with Booking Tours in Israel, and we were always satisfied. Excellent organization and great guide. The first time we did a tour classic but the second time we wanted to do a more detailed tour visiting some places also different from the main touristic attractions. Booking tours offered us an excellent program with an archaeologist and organized everything very well. We will come back again with them.

5 days in Israel

As with every tour, too much time in selected souvenir shops and overpriced food. Tour quality varied with the guide. Pray you have a good one.

Tailor-Made Best Israel Tour with Daily Departure & Private Trip

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Israel the Holy Land

There is so much to see and absorb that some days were just too jam-packed. In particular, the Jerusalem day started out on the Mount of Olives and by the end of the day, everyone was completely exhausted and suffering from information overload. It was all relevant and interesting but simply too much for one day.

Israel Explorer - 6 days

8 Day Christian Holy Land Israel Tour

Highlights of Israel - 8 days

What people love about masada national park tours.

Mark was great tour leader!

• Israel Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

THE 10 BEST Masada Tours & Excursions

Tours in masada.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Israel & Jordan: See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

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3. Golan Heights Private Tour from Tel Aviv

4. Masada, Dead Sea & Bedouin Hospitality - Tiny group from Tel Aviv

5. Israel 4 Days - 03 nights Tour from Amman

6. Masada & Dead Sea Tour from Jerusalem

7. Jerusalem , Jericho, Qumran and Masada 3 Days from Amman

8. Masada and Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv

9. 07 Day Tour to Jordan & Israel Palestine

10. 09 Day Tour to Jordan & Israel Palestine

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What travellers are saying.

• Masada, Dead Sea & Bedouin Hospitality - Tiny group from Tel Aviv
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Top Tours in Masada, Israel

Masada tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem

2. Masada, Ein Gedi, and The Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

3. Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv

4. Masada, Ein Gedi and The Dead Sea from Jerusalem

5. Day Trip: Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

6. Full-Day Masada and Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

7. Private Day Trip to Dead Sea and Masada from Tel Aviv

8. 4WD Masada Ein Gedi Judea desert Dead Sea adventure 4x4 Tour.

9. Private Tour: Masada and Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem

10. Private Tour: Masada and Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv

11. 2-Day Best of Israel Tour from Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Masada Tour

12. Masada Sunrise Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour from Jerusalem

13. Masada and Dead Sea Tour

14. Along the Dead Sea exciting Private Tour

15. Dead Sea and Masada Outdoor Private Tour, from Tel Aviv

16. 8-Night Israel Tour from Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Northern Israel and Petra

17. Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port

18. From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea

19. Bethlehem Highlights Private Tour

20. Small Group Day Trip to Masada and Dead Sea from Jerusalem

21. Masada and the Dead Sea Trip from Jerusalem

22. Private Tour: Dead Sea and Masada

23. Masada and Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv

24. GoKedem 5-Day Private All-Inclusive Cross-Israel Adventure

25. Day Tour to Masada and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

26. Day Trip to the Dead Sea Valley with GaryTheGuide

27. Masada, Dead Sea & Bedouin hospitality - Tiny group from Jerusalem

28. Masada, Dead Sea & Bedouin Hospitality - Tiny group from Tel Aviv

29. Private Historical Tour of Masada & Dead Sea from Jerusalem

30. Day Tour of Masada and the Dead Sea - Small Group

What travellers are saying.

• Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem
• Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv
• Masada, Ein Gedi, and The Dead Sea from Tel Aviv
• 4WD Masada Ein Gedi Judea desert Dead Sea adventure 4x4 Tour.
• From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea

The 5 Best Masada Tours From Jerusalem [2024 Reviews]

Masada is the most famous fortress in Israel. The patriotic story of the Jewish Zealots defending Masada against the might of the Roman Empire has made it one of the best-known forts in the world. Today, many people who come to Jerusalem also decide to visit Masada.

There are many great Masada tours from Jerusalem. Also, several tour operators offer a combined Masada and Dead Sea tour. And, if you’re interested in history, these can be combined with visits to the Qumran Caves and the Good Samaritan archaeological site.

I’ve identified 5 top-rated Israel day tours that run from Jerusalem to Masada. Each has slightly different features, so you may find that one appeals more to you than the other four. Check out my reviews below and discover if one of these Masada and Dead Sea tours is perfect for you. Also see: Jerusalem Travel Guide .

Best Masada Tours From Jerusalem

Quick answer: the 5 best-rated masada tours from jerusalem for 2024.

• Masada & Dead Sea: Small Group Tour From Jerusalem
• From Jerusalem: Masada & Dead Sea Tour
• Masada & Dead Sea Tour: Full-Day From Jerusalem
• Masada & The Dead Sea Full-Day Tour From Jerusalem
• Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi, & Dead Sea from Jerusalem

Best Masada Tours From Jerusalem Reviewed

#1. masada & dead sea: small group tour from jerusalem.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM (Sunday – Thursday) 8:45 AM (Friday & Saturday)
• Duration : 10 hours
• Includes : Licensed tour guide, transportation to Masada & the Dead Sea, cable car ride, and entry fees

Masada is the most famous fortress in Israel, and the Dead Sea beach is the lowest place on Earth.

Most people have heard about the great battle between a Roman legion and the last Jewish rebels to hold out against the Roman Empire. This is your opportunity to visit the site of this key historic event in Jewish history.

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Climbing Masada isn’t easy along the ancient Snake Path. Fortunately, you’ll be lifted to the archaeological site by a modern cable car.

Although the site is mainly famous today because of the siege of 73/74 CE, its history stretches back to before 76 BCE when it was fortified by King Alexander Jannaeus.

The buildings that you’ll see during your guided tour were built between 37 and 31 BCE by Herod the Great. You’ll be astounded by the remains of the two palaces atop the hill, with mosaic floors and Roman-style bathhouses.

Once you reach the Dead Sea, you’ll experience the surreal feeling of floating on salty water that is 9.6 times saltier than seawater. The shore of the Dead Sea is 1,412 feet below sea level, which makes it the lowest land in the world.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, #2. from jerusalem: masada & dead sea tour.

• Departure Time: 7:00 AM, 7:45 AM
• Duration : 1 day
• Includes : Licensed guide, air-conditioned transport to Masada & the Dead Sea, cable car ride, and entrance fees

The famous fortress built by Herod the Great stands atop a hill overlooking the Judean Desert. Fortunately, today you don’t have to climb the treacherous Masada Snake Path to reach the ruins above. The modern Masada cable car will take you up and bring you back down again.

Your licensed guide will take you through the partially reconstructed Roman bathhouse, show you the amazing mosaic floors, and usher you through the oldest synagogue in Israel.

You’ll be inspired by the story of the freedom fighters who chose to take their own lives rather than surrender to tyranny.

After your informative guided tour, you’ll travel from Masada to the Dead Sea. There you can experience the surreal sensation of suspension in water 9.6 times saltier than seawater.

But, even better, you can enjoy a therapeutic mud bath in the mineral-rich mud of the Dead Sea.

#3. Masada & Dead Sea Tour: Full-Day From Jerusalem

• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Includes : Licensed guide, transport to Masada & the Dead Sea, cable car ride, and entrance fees

The fortress-palace of Masada stands atop a plateau 1,300 feet above sea level. This stunning hilltop features a rocky platform 1,000 feet wide by 2,000 feet long, which gave Herod the Great a lot of room to play with when designing the ultimate desert fortress and palace to which he and his army could retreat in troubled times.

You’ll be amazed by the 12 cisterns carved into the rock, each capable of holding 140,000 cubic feet of water. In the Judean Desert, these were key to the defense of the hilltop against any besieging force.

But the palace wasn’t all about defense. The luxurious Roman bathhouse, with its hypocaust and mosaic floors, was the height of luxury in the 1 st -century BCE. And religious needs were taken care of within what is now the oldest synagogue in Israel.

Your tour will also take you to the Dead Sea. Here you can take a mud bath and swim in the mineral-rich waters that are believed to provide therapeutic benefits.

Whether or not this is true, visitor flock to the Dead Sea to experience floating in the water that is 9.6 time saltier than seawater.

#4. Masada & The Dead Sea Full-Day Tour From Jerusalem

• Departure Times: 8:30 AM
• Duration : 10 Hours
• Includes : Professional guide, transport to Masada, the Qumran caves, & the Dead Sea, cable car ride, and entrance fees

This tour takes you through the Judean Hills, an area rich in history and archaeology. You’ll see the Qumran caves in the Judean Desert, where Bedouin shepherds found the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.

This excursion from Jerusalem passes the Good Samaritan archaeological site and mosaic museum. This is the site of an ancient inn that many believe is the caravanserai on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho mentioned in Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan.

A Byzantine church, once a place of pilgrimage, was excavated at this site. In recent years, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has opened a reconstructed Byzantine church on the site to complement the museum.

But the true highlight of this tour is the journey in the Masada cable car to the ancient fortress-palace built by Herod the Great.

This famous battle site provides stunning views across the Judean Desert, and the ruins of the oldest synagogue in Israel, a Roman bathhouse, and Herod’s palace will astound.

After your professional tour of the ruined hilltop fortress, you’ll be taken to the Dead Sea. There you can reap the therapeutic benefits of floating in the extremely salty water and coating yourself in the mineral-rich mud.

#5.   Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi, & Dead Sea from Jerusalem

• Departure Point : Abraham Hostel Lobby, Davidka Square, Jerusalem
• Departure Times : 4:00 AM
• Duration : 12 hours
• Includes : Transport to Masada, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, & the Dead Sea

Not only do you get to witness an amazing Masada sunrise over the Judean Desert and the Moab Mountains, but this tour also involves climbing the famous Masada Snake Path.

Until the modern Masada car was built to take visitors up the hill by cable car, this path was the only way to access the fortress.

The ancient fortress of Masada boasts many interesting ruins, such as the Roman bathhouse and the oldest synagogue in Israel.

However, the most important feature for the Zealots defending this hilltop against the Roman legion was its 12 water cisterns, each capable of holding up to 140,000 cubic feet of drinking water.

The true highlight of this tour is a hike through En Gedi Nature Reserve . This is a beautiful reserve where you’ll see bubbling springs, waterfalls, rock hyraxes, ibexes, and plants surrounding the largest oasis in Israel.

This sublime paradise is a fantastic place to practice your wildlife photography .

After your long hike, you’ll be pleased to bathe your feet in the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea. You may even decide to take a therapeutic mud bath!

Jerusalem Travel Guide

Jerusalem is a hotbed of controversy. It’s been attacked 52 times, captured 44 times, and destroyed twice. Even today, two nations claim it as their capital city, and neither claim is widely accepted. But that also makes it one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

There are more things to see and do in Jerusalem than can be fit into a brief travel guide like this, but I’m going to provide an introduction to this amazing city and a taste of what it has to offer. And if you’re planning to visit Jerusalem, I hope this guide will help you plan your journey.

Airports & Entry

Ben Gurion International Airport , commonly known as Natbag, is located 28 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Natbag handled almost 23 million passengers in 2018 and is the busiest airport in Israel.

You’ll find it extremely busy during important Jewish holidays, but quiet during the Shabbat (sunset Friday to sunset on Saturday) when El-Al does not operate any flights.

Natbag currently has 2 open terminals, and International flights are handled by Terminal 3 and domestic by Terminal 1 (Terminal 2 was closed and demolished). The airport is notorious for its lengthy and strict security procedures, so plan to arrive early for your departing flight so you don’t miss it.

Terminal 3 is a 4-story building, but you only need to think about floors G and 3 because S and 2 are used for public transport. G is for arrivals and 3 for Departures. Arriving passengers walk past a long window that looks down into the plaza—the Departure area restaurants and shopping hall.

You’ll find the Information Desks in the Greeter’s Hall landside, opposite Entrance 3 landside, in the Check-In Hall landside, opposite Entrance 32, and in the Rotunda Airside.

There’s also a Tourist Information booth in the Arrivals Hall where the Ministry of Tourism provides free maps, arranges hotel reservations, and provides general assistance.

For passengers with kids, there are multiple children’s playrooms around Terminal 3 Airside and Terminal 1 Airside. The Mother & Child Room in the Departures Hall in Terminal 3 Airside provides a sink, changing table, and crib.

Mobile charging stations are located throughout Terminals 1 and 3, and free Wi-Fi is available from the airport’s “Netvision” network.

ATMs are scattered all over the airport, and Yahav Bank provides full banking services in Terminal 1 Landside, though it’s closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

There are 3 currency exchange booths in Terminal 3: Landside Baggage Claim, Landside Eastern Hall, and Landside Check-In. In Terminal 1, you can only go to Yahav Bank for currency exchange.

Once service you’ll love is the Traveler’s Box kiosk. They convert any leftover holiday change into emoney in the Arrivals Hall Landside next to the currency exchange booth.

There is a good selection of food outlets, including Pizza Hut, CaféCafé, Burger Ranch, and Israel’s popular Aroma Espresso Bar chain. All the restaurants prepare kosher food.

You cannot smoke in the restaurants, except for inside Schmoozy’s Pub in the Rotunda. Smoking within the airport is restricted to a few designated locations both Airside and Landside.

Natbag boasts an incredible number of stores, like a shopping mall. You’ll find stores selling everything, from Victoria’s Secret to sports clothes and equipment, from Swarovski crystal gifts to a toy shop.

In the event of a medical emergency, you’ll find First Aid stations in Terminal 1’s Greeter’s Hall near Gate 21 and in Terminal 3 Departures in the Duty-Free area next to the Mother & Child Room. For air sickness and headache pills, SkyPharm Pharmacy is in Terminal 3 on floor 3.

For those of a religious inclination, there are 3 synagogues: Terminal 3 Duty-Free Hall Airside, Greeter’s Hall Airside, and Terminal 1, Eastern Hall Airside, near Gate 2.

You won’t have any trouble reaching Jerusalem from Natbag since there are multiple public transport options on Levels S and 2.

That is, you won’t have problems as long as you aren’t traveling during the Shabbat (Friday to Saturday) or during a Jewish holiday, because then the railway station closes. On normal weekdays, the easiest and most efficient method is to take a train.

Ben Gurion Airport Train Station is found in Terminal 3’s lower level, and the services to Jerusalem are run by Israel Railways .

The direct train service to Jerusalem’s ultra-modern Jerusalem-Yitzhak Navon Railway Station runs every 30 minutes and takes less than 25 minutes. Except on the Shabbat…when it doesn’t run!

There are multiple bus services run by different companies linking the airport to Jerusalem. Some require you to change coaches at El-Al Junction, but Afkim runs a 24-hour service that departs on the hour every hour called Route 485 . As you might have guessed, it doesn’t operate on the Shabbat!

On the Shabbat, your best option is to take a sherut. This is a private minibus that takes around 10 passengers and runs like a taxi service. Sheruts are found on Level G outside Arrivals.

Alternatively, you can hire a rental car from the Level 1 Arrivals Hall or take a taxi. Taxis are available 24/7, and you’ll find dispatchers in Terminal 3 Level G, Exit Gate 3, and Terminal 1, Gate 3. I strongly advise you only arrange a taxi through the airport dispatchers.

The formula for calculating taxi fares is complex, but you can use this fare calculator provided by the airport to estimate the likely cost of your journey. This is the most expensive way to reach Jerusalem from Natbag.

Planning Tips

Jerusalem is one of those must-see destinations that most people want to visit at some time in their life. I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time there. To ensure you do, here are 5 tips to help you plan your journey.

Tip #1: Avoid weekends

If you’re only spending a few days in Jerusalem, aim to visit midweek, Monday to Thursday. Friday is the Islamic day of prayers, Saturday is the Jewish Shabbat, and Sunday is the Christian Sabbath.

On these days, many key attractions will be closed. Whatever you do, try not to arrive or leave on the Shabbat. You’ll find it much less convenient to travel when most public transport is either closed or running a restricted service.

Tip #2: Book tickets in advance, especially during Easter and Christmas

Can you imagine how crowded it gets in Jerusalem around Easter? Hotels are fully booked and tours sell out. Even during other times of the year, Jerusalem is a popular destination.

Do yourself a favor and book your hotel, transport, and any tours well in advance.

Tip #3: Go during fall

During winter, the weather is unpredictable, and the holiday season brings disruption and chaos as the arrival of many pilgrims coincides with the closure of many businesses and services.

Spring is great weather-wise, but Easter also draws huge crowds. Summer can be a little hot for some, especially if you have elderly or young relatives along. During the fall, the weather is just right and it’s less crowded.

Tip #4: Buy unique souvenirs

You can find some great unique gifts for your friends around Jerusalem. Check out the Mahane Yehuda Market for traditional arts and crafts as well as tasty Israeli delicacies that you can take home with you.

Tip #5: Dress appropriately

The religious sites in Jerusalem are not museums of the ancient past. They are places where devout people gather today to pray and worship. So, be respectful of others’ faith.

Men should wear a head covering in some places, and women should cover up and, for some sites, wear a headscarf. Research each religious attraction before visiting to avoid embarrassment.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Because so many Israelis migrated here from other nations, you’ll find a creative blend of cuisines from all around the world. Popular foods include hummus, falafel, salads, fresh fish from the Jordan River, halvah, and fresh fruit juices.

And with the kosher and halal restrictions on food within the local population, many of these foreign dishes have transformed into something unique.

Israelis believe Breakfast is the most important meal, and this is reflected in their food. Shakshouka is a popular breakfast staple of poached eggs in a tomato, pepper, and onion sauce.

They also love bourekas, which are flaky dough pastries filled with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, salty cheese, or spinach. Bourekas are often eaten alongside hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and dipping sauces.

A breakfast menu might also include pickled or smoked fish, fresh salad, and various popular cheeses. With the kosher and international influences, you’ll also find croissants, bagels, whole grain bread, yogurt, tahini, and hummus.

Israeli salad is a delicious, cooling dish consisting of chopped cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. In Jerusalem, it’s frequently eaten at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Later in the day, shawarma is a popular Middle-Eastern dish made from thinly-sliced meat stuffed into pita bread. These are often topped with cucumber, tomato, tahini, tabbouleh, hummus, or pickled turnips.

Originally, shawarma was made with lamb but today you’ll also find buffalo, beef, veal, and chicken varieties in Jerusalem.

Falafels are immensely popular in Israel. These are fried balls of ground chickpeas mixed with onions and various spices and served in a pita bread pocket.

These are often topped with peppers, pickles, or tomatoes, and moistened with a tangy green sauce and tahini.

The many immigrants who settled here have each introduced their own traditional cheese into the local cuisine. So, if you wander into a local cheese shop, like Basher’s Fromagerie , you’ll find as many as 850 varieties of goat cheese, feta, labeneh, gouda, and creamy cottage cheese.

If you noticed all the sweet shops at the airport, you won’t be surprised to discover that desserts feature prominently in local menus.

Halvah made using tahini and sesame is especially popular and usually appears in the form of cylindrical cakes or slabs in a broad variety of flavors, such as vanilla or chocolate. At The Halva Kingdom store, you’ll find over 100 varieties of halvah to choose from, such as coffee, pecan, coconut, and pistachio.

Kanafeh is a curious confection that I can only describe as a kind of cheesecake is a traditional Middle-Eastern dish consisting of thin pastry soaked in syrup and layered with kaymak cheese then topped with pistachio.

And Israelis do love their honey-drenched pastries. Baklava is immensely popular, with layers of filo dough filled with chopped pistachios or almonds.

You can buy fantastic baklava from the Shawar Bakery & Patisserie in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Shawar Bakery has been run by the same family for 300 years, so they must be doing something right.

You can find many of these traditional foods at the Mahane Yehuda Market , locally known as The Shuk. This huge bazzar in the center of Jerusalem contains over 250 stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to textiles.

The Shuk is a great place to sample local foods, and there are fast food outlets selling shawarma, falafel, kebabs, baklava, halva, and Jerusalem mixed grill.

It’s also a great place to go for unique souvenirs. But, like so many businesses in Jerusalem, the whole market closes for the Shabbat.

Nightlife & Entertainment

While Jerusalem isn’t as well known for its nightlife as Tel Aviv, there are still plenty of bars, clubs, and other great venues where you can let off steam late at night.

The Mahane Yehuda Market mentioned above is a surprising choice for nightlife, but in the past few years the old bazar has transformed into a lively nightlife spot with its selection of trendy bars, such as The Shuka, Que Pasa, Fifth of May, and Casino de Paris.

Moving from The Shuk toward Zion Square, you’ll find the center of Jerusalem’s nightlife in the side streets off Jaffa Street. Near the square, you’ll find The Sira, which is a dance club and hipster hangout.

And for live music, check out The Little Pinkas, a lively bar based in a unique building that offers low-priced drinks during its “happy hour”, which ends at 10:30 PM.

Other popular bars in the city center area include the Oliver Twist student dance club, with 3 bars and a dance floor, and the Toy Bar, another nightclub popular with students and other young people.

Although the Old City is not a great place to find bars and clubs, toward the end of June every year it hosts The Light Festival .

The ancient architecture of the Old City is illuminated in a dramatic fashion, light statues are installed around the center, and there are street and onstage performances by artists from all around Israel.

Getting Around

Most of the top attractions in Jerusalem are found inside the city walls and within walking distance of each other. If you plan to spend most of your time in the Old City admiring the ancient architecture, you’re better off sticking to walking.

Walking is the best way to explore all the back alleyways and picturesque neighborhoods. It’s also the only way to really sample the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. But you might like to buy a folding, pocket-sized street map before you go.

If you want to expand your exploration, you can always take a bus. All the buses in Jerusalem are run by Egged . They provide an extensive network of services, and if you’re environmentally conscious like me, you’ll be delighted to discover that Egged are committed to converting their fleet of buses from diesel to electric.

Single rides on an Egged bus are extremely cheap. We’re talking around $1.40 cheap! But, (and isn’t there always a but?!) you can’t pay on the bus. You must use a prepaid Rav Kav Card .

You purchase your Rav Kav Card for about $1.32 and then load it with money for your fare before taking your first bus ride.

You can get these smart cards from the Central Bus Station, any Cofix Coffee Bar , and other outlets around the city. You can then top them up at any light rail station or from automatic machines dotted around the city.

The city also boasts a brand-new Light Rail Transit . Sadly, this currently only operates one line, for which you’ll again need your prepaid Rav Kav Card .

But if the route you wish to take coincides with the Light Rail service, I’d recommend you take it.

The current Light Rail Transit service completely avoids the Old City, but it does stop at some key locations, like Damascus Gate and the Central Bus Station. Typical fares are around $1.75.

The problem with the above public transport options is that, like with many businesses, the services are limited during the Shabbat. If you want to get around on a Saturday, you’re probably best off taking a taxi.

You can hail a taxi anywhere in Jerusalem. If you can’t see one, you can order one through your hotel or on the net, but there’s a surcharge for ordering in advance.

By law, when you get in the cab, the taxi driver should turn on the meter. However, some taxi drivers will quote a price and then, if you accept the price, they won’t use the meter.

While this is common, and the price they offer may be fair, you’re not obliged to agree. You can insist they use the meter.

If the taxi driver states that their meter is broken, you’ve unfortunately encountered a con-artist. They are out to overcharge you for your journey.

The Ministry of Transport set taxi fare rates, so you should pay exactly the same no matter which cab you jump into. However, you’ll pay much more for rides on the Shabbat, during Jewish holidays, and at night.

There are also complex rules regarding luggage in the trunk and more than two passengers, which mean you’ll pay more. There is a website that helps you estimate taxi fares around Jerusalem.

You can, of course, hire a rental car and drive yourself. However, I wouldn’t recommend this. Traffic can be busy around the tourist attractions and city center, and Israeli drivers may be more aggressive than you are used to.

Accommodations

If you’re mainly interested in the historical and cultural attractions in Jerusalem, then the best place to stay is in or near the Old City. In this way, you’re within walking distance of the buildings and places you want to visit.

The Old City is also super quiet at night (except for during the Light Festival ) and you’ll be immersed in the rich culture of this ancient city during the day.

Sadly, the Old City is tiny. It only covers an area of 0.35 square miles. And much of that space is taken up with ancient monuments, museums, and businesses. That means there aren’t many places to stay in the Old City.

The popular Hashimi Hotel is situated within the city walls. It provides stunning terrace views and scores 8/10 on Booking.Com and 4/5 on TripAdvisor. You can get a comfy and convenient room for around $90.

Or if you want something more luxurious, the 5-star Mamilla Hotel is located just outside the city walls.

You’ll find a lot more hotels around the new city center around Zion Square, from historic boutique hotels for the discerning to basic hostels for backpackers.

This is also where you’ll find the nightlife, and you’ll be swapping the quiet of the Old Town for busy clubs, bars, cafés, and restaurants.

The Dan Boutique Hotel is a trendy and youthful hotel situated a mere 20-minutes-walk from the Old Town. It’s near the Old Turkish Railway Station, which offers boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment, and the Mamilla Shopping Center, where you can buy unique Israeli jewelry, fashion, and art.

At the other end of the spectrum is the extremely popular and high-rated (9.2 on Booking.com!) Stay Inn Hostel . This basic hostel boasts a sun terrace, evening entertainment, garden, free Wi-Fi, and a full “English breakfast” or buffet.

It’s 1½ miles from the Old City, but what’s a 13-minute walk when it only costs $25 for a shared room with bathroom?

Heading out from the center, Musrara is an area of the new city famed for its art schools, public art exhibitions, and concerts.

It’s a quieter area than the city center and offers good eating at reasonable prices in local cafés and restaurants. In this area, you’ll find affordable hotels and plenty of hostels.

But if you want somewhere a bit more exclusive, the German Colony is a prestigious suburb only a short walk from the Old City.

Here you’ll find luxury apartments and expensive mansions. The streets boast trendy restaurants, fashion boutiques, and markets. The German Colony is great if you want to experience colonial charm.

Jerusalem has a Mediterranean climate. It experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Given that the weather is relatively good all year round, you can enjoy a visit to Jerusalem at any time.

Personally, I’d recommend spring or fall when it’s not too hot and not too cold.

In summer, it rarely rains and can grow too hot for sightseeing. If you plan to visit outdoor attractions, the best time to visit them is early morning before the sun bakes the ground.

Alternatively, visit in the evening. August is the hottest month when average temperatures range from 67 0 F to 85 0 F.

It’s pleasant and sunny in the fall, and this is a good time to explore the Old City. There is some rainfall but not much. In November, average temperatures range from 54 0 F to 66 0 F.

In winter, the weather is generally mild, but it can fluctuate. Some winters are sunny, while others bring really cold weather. Jerusalem even experiences rare snowstorms.

December through February sees the most rainfall, peaking in January. Average temperatures range from 44 0 F to 53 0 F in January, the coldest month.

During spring, rainfall rapidly decreases from March to May, and the days grow hotter. Average temperatures in April range from 55 0 F to 71 0 F.

Attractions

Most visitors to Jerusalem come either because of their religious beliefs or a fascination with history. Because this city is sacred to 3 major religions, it is awash with major religious attractions.

And given that the city has changed hands at least 44 times (those are only the times listed in recorded history), it is rich in unique archaeological sites relating to many different historical cultures.

The Old City is the place where you’ll find most of the attractions, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s where you’ll find the Wailing Wall , the Dome of the Rock , and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher .

These attractions and more are found within the 16 th -century city walls. Up until 1860, the Old City was the whole of Jerusalem, but since then the city has grown exponentially.

Everything inside the Old City is within easy walking distance, and it’s probably where you’ll spend most of your time when visiting Jerusalem.

The Western “Wailing” Wall is a key place to visit whatever your beliefs. It’s the last remaining structure from the famous Second Temple built by Herod the Great.

The Wailing Wall is the holiest place in the Jewish faith where Jews are allowed to pray.

The Western Wall is considered a synagogue by those who administer the site, so synagogue rules apply to any visitors.

This means the segregation of males and females, mandatory headwear, and signs of respect. Even if you have no religious faith, you cannot fail to be moved by the expressions of faith and emotions of the visitors to this holy shrine.

Next to Jaffa Gate, within the city walls, you’ll find the Tower of David . This citadel provides spectacular views over the Old City from its crenelated ramparts.

The building itself is fascinating enough to make it a key attraction, but it is the museum inside you’ll love.

The museum showcases the history of Jerusalem from the second millennium BCE to the foundation of the modern State of Israel.

The city’s story is told through films, dioramas, and models. And the museum also contains artifacts found during archaeological excavations of the citadel that relate to this story.

Outside the city walls to the south is the City of David. During the 19 th -century expansion of Jerusalem, many archaeological sites were uncovered relating to the much older City of David mentioned in the Bible.

A particularly popular exhibit in this area is Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which visitors can now explore. This tunnel dates back to the 8 th -century BCE, and many believe it is the “waterworks” recorded in 2 Kings 20:20 .

To the east of the Old City, you can find the Mount of Olives . Not only does this hillside provide great views of the Old City, but it’s also significant as the location of the Garden of Gethsemane .

The hill served as a burial ground for the city for over 3,000 years and contains more than 150,000 graves. It is frequently mentioned in both the Tanakh and the Gospels.

The Israel Museum is well worth a visit. If you’re interested in the Wailing Wall and the Second Temple, here’s where you’ll find the best Second Temple model, which uses the latest archaeological evidence to recreate the famous lost temple. The museum contains an amazing range of exhibits as well as a great collection of Jewish fine art.

I think Vad Vashem is a must-see. It’s the official memorial to the millions of souls lost during the Holocaust. It’s a shrine dedicated to reminding future generations about what was lost, why it happened, and the meaning of it all. Every year, over 800,000 people pay their respects here.

There’s more to see and do in Jerusalem than you can do in a year, but it’s also a great base from which to explore other interesting places. Bethlehem is just 6 miles away and a must-see for Christians.

It’s only 65 miles from Jerusalem to the famous fortress of Masada , which is one of the most popular attractions in Israel.

The Dead Sea isn’t too far away for an excursion. A swim there is both a weird and amazing experience. And it’s only a short trip over the border into Jordan, where you can see the most incredible ancient city in the world—Petra.

Professionalism

We chose Masada & Dead Sea: Small Group Tour From Jerusalem as our Editor's Choice for the best Masada tour from Jerusalem.

Richard Moore

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