jerusalem tourist centre

First time Jerusalem: top tips for your first visit to the Holy City

Aug 4, 2015 • 6 min read

Jerusalem seen from the Mount of Olives after Sunset

Sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims, Jerusalem’s Old City is one of the world’s foremost pilgrimage destinations. It’s also one of the most magical – and disputed – places in the Middle East. If the description ‘living history’ truly applies anywhere in the world, it applies here.

But the Old City isn’t the only attraction in town. In the modern part of Jerusalem are museums, memorials and markets to visit, as well as a thriving cafe, bar and restaurant scene to investigate . Together, the city’s old and new sections offer an irresistible destination for travellers.

Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif

Few places on earth are as religiously significant as Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif . Located on the southeastern edge of the Old City, this elevated cypress-planted plaza is revered by Jews as the location of the First and Second Temples, and is also home to two of Islam’s most sacred buildings: Al Aqsa Mosque and the shrine known as the Dome of the Rock . Security officers ensure that entry to the mosque is for Muslims only, but all visitors can wander around the plaza and admire the perfect proportions, tile-encrusted exterior walls and glittering gold roof of the shrine.

Top tip: A rrive early (the site opens at 7.30am in the summer and 8.30am in the winter) to be sure of getting in, dress modestly (no shorts) and bring your passport for the security check.

Christian Quarter

There haven’t been too many changes in this ancient part of the city since Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine, came to Jerusalem in 326 CE, looking for Christ’s crucifixion site. The signature sound of the narrow streets, home to 4500 residents drawn from 20 different Christian denominations, is still the sonorous chime of church bells; the defining smell is the heady whiff of incense crossed with the mustiness of millennia. The quarter’s greatest attraction is Christendom’s most holy structure, the  Church of the Holy Sepulchre , built at Helena’s behest to sanctify the place where she – and subsequently billions of Christians – believed Christ was crucified and entombed.

Top tip:  Visit just after opening (5am summer, 4am winter) or in the hour before closing (8-9pm summer, 7pm winter) to avoid the crowds.

Jewish Quarter

The massive stone blocks of the  Western Wall are Judaism’s most holy prayer site and an important place of worship – Jews believe the wall once supported the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Nearby, the  Jerusalem Archaeological Park & Davidson Centre offers a fascinating peek into the area's history.

Top tip:  Photography is forbidden in the Western Wall plaza itself, but you can take photographs from the viewing platforms in the alleys between the plaza and Hurva Sq.

Muslim Quarter

A microcosm of the Middle East, this colourful quarter starts at bustling  Damascus Gate on the edge of Arab East Jerusalem and is centred along the narrow mercantile strips of Al Wad Rd and Souq Khan Al Zeit St. Purchase aromatic spices, sample delectable Arabic sweets and admire the handsome, though sadly deteriorating, facades of palaces, tombs and caravanserais (ancient inns for travellers) built by the Mamluk rulers of the city between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Top tip:  If you are here around lunchtime, head to Jerusalem’s best loved hummus joint,  Abu Shukri , for a bowl of tangy tahini-laden hummus accompanied by crispy falafel. Follow it with a tea or coffee at the beloved Abu Musa's Cafe .

Armenian Quarter

The Armenian Quarter’s 1500 residents are the only remaining representatives of a community that has been in Jerusalem for nearly two millennia. Visitors can join them for a service in the 12th-century  St James’ Cathedral   and afterwards head to the  Citadel  at Jaffa Gate, which is now home to the impressive Museum of the History of Jerusalem.

Top tip:  If you liked the cathedral’s tiles and would like to purchase something similar to take home, head to the  Sandrouni Armenian Art Centre  in the neighbouring Christian Quarter.

Mahane Yehuda Market

Crammed with fresh fruit, olives, nuts and vegetables, open-air Mahane Yehuda Market is a foodie's paradise . Come here to source spices, tea, cheese, dried fruit, tahini, bread and pastries or watch the daytime action from one of the cafes  and return after sunset when the market is the centre of Jerusalem's hipster bar scene.

Top tip:  Two exciting restaurants in the market precinct are  Yudale  and  Machneyuda . Arrive early (6.30pm) to score a bar stool at Yudale or book well in advance for a table at Machneyuda.

Israel Museum

You’ll need to devote at least half a day to exploring the magnificent  Israel Museum . Marvel at the treasures in the Archaeology wing, be fascinated by the displays in the Jewish Art & Life wing, wander past sculptures in the art garden designed by American-Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi and come face to face with the Dead Sea Scrolls in the purpose-built Shrine of the Book pavilion.

Top tip: Take advantage of the complimentary audioguide, and consider lunch in the museum’s excellent restaurant,  Modern .

Spread over 16 pine-scented hectares of the Jerusalem forest on the western edge of city,  Yad Vashem is a moving and powerful memorial to the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust. Yad Vashem means ‘A Memorial and a Name’ and one of the most heart-wrenching exhibits here is the Hall of Names, where the personal details of millions of victims are recorded. Another poignant section is the Children’s Memorial, a dimly lit underground cavern containing a solitary flame reflected infinitely by hundreds of mirrors.

Top tip: The memorial is easily reached on the Jerusalem Light Rail (JLR); alight at the Mt Herzl stop.

What to pack

• Good non-slip walking shoes – the Old City can only be explored on foot, and many of its paving stones are worn and slippery.
• Headscarf or shawl – in some religious buildings, women are required to cover their heads.
• Long trousers or skirts – shorts and miniskirts are not acceptable attire in many mosques, churches and synagogues, or at Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif.

Where to stay

Those seeking atmospheric lodgings should consider staying in one of the religious guesthouses in the Old City or East Jerusalem. The best of these are  Christ Church Guesthouse ,  Austrian Hospice ,  Lutheran Guest House ,  Ecce Homo Pilgrim House and  St George’s Guesthouse . For more comfortable options, stay downtown, where the majority of Jerusalem’s cafes, restaurants and bars are located. Atlas Hotels  offers good midrange boutique choices.

Getting around

To take advantage of Jerusalem’s bus and light rail network, purchase an ‘anonymous’ Rav-Kav smart card for 5NIS from the Egged public ticketing office at the Central Bus Station or from any bus driver. Load it with a certain number of rides (6.90NIS each, or 10 rides for 55.20NIS). Download the Moovit app for help with navigating public transportation.

Getting to Jerusalem from Ben Gurion Airport

From Ben Gurion International Airport , sheruts (shared taxis) can take you to any location in Jerusalem, and they operate 24 hours a day, charging 64NIS per passenger. Look out for them in the rank in front of the international arrivals hall. An hourly bus also goes back and forth from Ben Gurion to Jerusalem Central Bus Station for 16NIS. To book a sherut to the airport, call Nesher Service Taxis . The bus cannot be booked in advance. If you’re going to the airport on a Friday, make sure to book with Nesher in advance.

Last updated August 2018

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20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 24, 2023

The most contested city on Earth is also one of the most beautiful.

Jerusalem's scope of history is staggering, and the major role the city plays in the traditions of all three major monotheistic faiths has led to it being continually fought over, across the centuries.

This is the heart of the Holy Land , where the Jews raised the First Temple to keep the Ark of the Covenant safe, where Jesus was crucified and rose again, and where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven to receive God's word.

For believers, a visit to Jerusalem is a pilgrimage to one of the most sacred sites in the world. The number of religious tourist attractions here can be baffling for first-time visitors, but luckily most of the top sightseeing landmarks and things to do are secreted within the lanes of the compact Old City district .

With so much to see and do, the best way to tackle a trip here is to decide on a few key points of interest and places to visit that are must-dos and break your sightseeing down into sections of the city.

Don't try to do too much and wear yourself out. It would take a lifetime to see everything that Jerusalem offers.

Help plan your city sightseeing with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Jerusalem.

1. Haram Al-Sharif (Temple Mount)

2. western wall and jewish quarter, 3. church of the holy sepulchre, 4. armenian quarter, 5. follow the route of the via dolorosa, 6. explore the citadel (tower of david) and surrounds, 7. churches of the christian quarter, 8. muslim quarter, 9. mount of olives, 10. mount zion, 11. walk the old city walls, 12. east jerusalem, 13. west jerusalem central city sites, 14. israel museum, 15. kidron valley, 16. monastery of the cross, 17. yad vashem (hill of remembrance), 18. herzl museum, 19. take a day trip to ein kerem and abu ghosh, 20. visit latrun, map of things to do in jerusalem, jerusalem, israel - climate chart, history of jerusalem.

Follow in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims, and enter one of the holiest sanctuaries on Earth .

Lauded by both Jews and Muslims, this is the site where Abraham (father of all three monotheistic faiths) is said to have offered his son up as a sacrifice to God, where Solomon built the First Temple for the Ark of the Covenant, and where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven during his early years of preaching Islam.

Haram Al-Sharif is a place of deep significance (and contention over ownership) for those of faith.

The wide plaza, above the old city, is centered around the glittering Dome of the Rock , which is Jerusalem's most iconic landmark .

Beneath the golden dome is the sacred stone both Jews and Muslims believe to be where Abraham offered his son to God and where Muslims also believe the Prophet Muhammad began his journey to heaven.

The southern side of the plaza is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque . First established in 705 CE, it's among the oldest mosques in the world .

Location: Entry from Western Wall Plaza, Old City

The Western Wall is the surviving retaining wall of Jerusalem's First Temple.

Sometimes also called the Wailing Wall due to the people's laments for the loss of the temple in 70 CE, it is now the holiest site in Judaism and has been a place of pilgrimage for the Jewish people since the Ottoman era.

The Jewish Quarter of the old city runs roughly from the Zion Gate east to the Western Wall Plaza . This part of the Old City was destroyed during the Israeli-Arab fighting in 1948 and has been extensively rebuilt since 1967.

A major highlight here for history fans is the Jerusalem Archaeological Park at the southern end of the Western Wall Plaza, where archaeologists have unearthed fascinating remnants of old Jerusalem.

The Western Wall Tunnels , which take you under the city, back to the level of the original city, are also not to be missed.

Jewish Quarter Street (Rehov HaYehudim) is the main lane of the district, and veering off this road onto the surrounding side streets are a cluster of interesting synagogues to visit.

For Christian pilgrims, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is Jerusalem's holiest site and is said to have been built on the site where Jesus was crucified.

The site for the church was picked by Saint Helena–mother to Constantine the Great–during her tour of the Holy Land. She was the one to announce to the Byzantine world that this spot was the Calvary (or Golgotha) of the gospels.

The original church (built in 335 CE) was destroyed by 1009, and the grand church you see now dates from the 11th century.

Although often heaving with pilgrims from across the world, the church interior is an opulently beautiful piece of religious architecture.

This is the ending point for the Via Dolorosa pilgrimage , and the last five Stations of the Cross are within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre itself.

The interior contains various holy relics, and the quarters inside the church are owned by different Christian denominations.

Location: Christian Quarter, Old City

Running south from the Citadel, Armenian Patriarchate Road is the main street of what is known as the Old City's Armenian Quarter.

Within the narrow lanes here are the Armenian Orthodox Cathedral of St. James and the Syriac Orthodox St. Mark's Chapel , which receive much fewer visitors than others in the Old City.

Armenians have been part of Jerusalem's community for centuries, first arriving in the city during the 5th century. Many more arrived during the Ottoman era and after the Armenian massacres in Turkey during the early 20th century.

Jerusalem's Armenian Quarter is the Old City's most tranquil corner to explore and a good place to wander if the press of pilgrims gets too much.

For many Christian visitors, the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) is the highlight of a visit to Jerusalem.

This walk follows the route of Jesus Christ after his condemnation as he bears his cross towards execution at Calvary.

The walk is easily followed independently, but if you're here on a Friday, you can join the procession along this route led by the Italian Franciscan monks.

The course of the Via Dolorosa is marked by the fourteen Stations of the Cross , some of which are based on the Gospels' accounts and some on tradition.

The walk begins on Via Dolorosa Street (1st station, east of the intersection with Al-Wad Street) from where you follow the street west. Then proceed south onto Al-Wad Street and west onto Via Dolorosa Street again, through eight stations until you reach the 9th station at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where the last five stations are.

The current route stretches for around 600 meters and has been the accepted trail since the 18th century, replacing earlier processional ways that Christian pilgrims to the city had used since around the 8th century.

Of particular interest along the way is the Chapel of the Flagellation (2nd station), built on the site where Jesus is believed to have been flogged.

Address: Via Dolorosa Street, Old City

The Citadel, popularly known as the Tower of David, actually has no connection with David, having been erected by King Herod to protect the palace he built in approximately 24 BCE.

His original citadel had three towers named after his brother Phasael, his wife Mariamne, and his friend Hippicus.

After Titus' conquest of the city in 70 CE, the Romans stationed a garrison here, but later the citadel fell into disrepair. It was successively rebuilt by the Crusaders, Egypt's Mamelukes, and the Ottomans, during their years of reign over Jerusalem.

The building you now see was built in the 14th century on the foundations of the original Phasael Tower.

Inside is the Tower of David Museum , which relays the story of Jerusalem . A permanent display of archaeological exhibits can be viewed, along with temporary exhibitions that explore facets of Jerusalem's culture and heritage.

If you climb up to the citadel's rooftop, you are rewarded with one of the best Old City vistas in town .

During the evening, there is a Sound and Light show here, with visuals projected onto the city walls, which is particularly good for traveling families who want to introduce their children to some of the city's history.

Location: Jaffa Gate, Old City

There are churches throughout Jerusalem's Old City, but the area, running north from Jaffa Gate and centered around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , is known on most tourist maps of the Old City as the Christian Quarter.

Within this tangle of alleyways are some of the Old City's most popular tourist souvenir souks and a whole caboodle of churches that are well worth exploring.

Protestant Christ Church (Omar ibn al-Khattab Square) has a quirky museum with interesting document exhibits and a decent café to rest your weary old city-plodding feet.

The Ethiopian Monastery , squeezed into the corner of The Church of the Holy Sepulchre's courtyard, contains interesting frescoes portraying the Queen of Sheba's Jerusalem visit.

The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (Muristan Road) is where you come to climb the bell tower for incredible Old City views. And the Church of St. John the Baptist (off Christian Quarter Street) is worthy of a visit as it is Jerusalem's oldest church .

The most bustling and alive district, with the best souk shopping in the Old City, is known on most tourist maps as the Muslim Quarter.

This district roughly runs from Damascus Gate through the northeast chunk of the Old City.

Plenty of fine surviving remnants of Mamluk architecture line the streets here, including the 14th-century Khan al-Sultan (Bab al-Silsila Street), where you can climb up to the roof for excellent views across the higgledy-piggledy lanes.

If you wander down Antonia Street , you'll come to the beautiful crusader-built St. Anne's Church (believed to be built on top of the site of the house of the Virgin Mary's parents) and the Pool of Bethesda next door.

Overloaded with churches and home to the oldest continually used cemetery in the world , the Mount of Olives holds particular interest to religious pilgrim travelers to Jerusalem, but even the non-devout can appreciate the spectacular Old City panoramas from the peak.

This sacred hill is believed to be the place where God will begin rising the dead on Judgement Day. For Christian believers, this is also where Jesus ascended to heaven after his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection.

The Church of the Ascension on the top of the mount dates from 1910 and has the best views across Jerusalem.

Walking down the slope, you come to the Church of the Pater Noster built next to the site where, according to tradition, Jesus instructed his disciples.

Farther down, the Church of Dominus Flevit is claimed to be built over the site where Jesus wept for Jerusalem, and farther along is the onion-domed Russian Church of Mary Magdalene .

The Gardens of Gethsemane (where Jesus was arrested) and the Church of All Nations are next, while the Tomb of the Virgin Mary is the last big attraction on the Mount of Olives.

Mount Zion (the small hill immediately south of the Old City's Zion Gate ) is home to Jewish and Muslim shrines as well as a number of churches.

Since the Byzantine Age, Mount Zion has been revered as the place where Christ celebrated the Last Supper and where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life, according to some Christian traditions (another tradition says her last days were spent in Ephesus in Turkey).

For Jews, Mount Zion's importance stems from this being the place of King David's Tomb . If you climb up the stairs from the tomb's courtyard, you'll come to the Last Supper Room , which has served as both church and mosque throughout its long history.

The Church of the Dormition nearby is where the Virgin is supposed to have died, while just to the east is the Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu where Peter is said to have denied Jesus.

The Old City fortifications date from the Ottoman period, and nine magnificent gates at junctions within the wall's length lead into the Old City.

The Damascus Gate is one of the most famous. Lion's Gate (sometimes called St. Stephen's Gate ) leads onto the Mount of Olives outside the city walls. Zion Gate is the main entry into the Jewish Quarter, while Jaffa Gate is the main passageway for the Christian Quarter.

Walking the wall ramparts is a wonderful way to experience the Old City. There are two sections that can be walked on: Jaffa Gate heading north to Lion's Gate or Jaffa Gate heading south to Dung Gate .

The entire old city is officially part of East Jerusalem (the Palestinian sector of Jerusalem that is occupied by Israel). The main entrance into the "newer" section of East Jerusalem, outside the old city walls, is through Damascus Gate .

Just to the east of the gate, within the gardens at the foot of the wall, is Solomon's Quarries , a cave system that extends under the Old City. According to ancient tradition, the stone for Jerusalem's First Temple was quarried from here.

The cave is also known as Zedekiah's Grotto as in Jewish tradition, Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, hid here from the Babylonian forces in 587 BCE.

Slightly east from here (along Sultan Suleiman Street) is the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum . Inside are exhibits from the Stone Age right up to the 18th century.

If you're short on time, some of the highlights of the collection are the skeleton unearthed on Mount Carmel, known as the Carmel Man, in the South Gallery, the 6th century BCE Lachish letters in the North Gallery, and the ornately carved beams from the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the South Room.

If you walk down Nablus Road, you'll come to the Garden Tomb , which dates from the Roman or Byzantine period. It was found and identified as Christ's tomb by General Gordon in 1882, and some Protestant Christians still believe that this is the true site that Christ was buried and rose again.

Heading north along Nablus Road is the French Dominican Monastery of St. Stephen where its namesake, the first Christian martyr, is believed to have been stoned to death.

Veer off onto St. George Street from here, and you'll come to the site of the Mandelbaum Gate . Between 1948 and 1967, it was the only crossing-point between the Israeli and Jordanian sectors of Jerusalem. The site is marked with a plaque.

Also on St. George Street, is the Museum on the Seam , a contemporary art museum that exhibits works dealing with social commentary on human rights and conflict.

From the Old City's Jaffa Gate , you enter West Jerusalem's modern central city district with Jaffa Road running northwest to Bar Kochba Square and Zion Square .

Northeast from Bar Kochba Square , you reach the Russian Compound , dominated by the green-domed Russian Orthodox Cathedral. This area grew up in the late 19th century as a large walled complex for Russian pilgrims.

On the northeast side of the complex were the Russian consulate and a hospice for women, and to the southwest were a hospital, the mission house, and a large hospice for men that lies beyond the cathedral. The buildings are now occupied by various government institutions.

North from here is Ethiopia Street where you'll find the Ethiopian Church . The reliefs of lions above the doorway recall the style of Lion of Judah borne by the Abyssinian dynasty, which traced its origins back to the Queen of Sheba.

Farther north from Ethiopia Street is the Mea Shearim district , home to a community of ultra-orthodox Jews. If you'd like to enter this area, be aware that modest dress (covering arms and legs) is mandatory, and taking photographs of inhabitants is not allowed.

The people of Mea Shearim still wear their old East European dress and speak mostly Yiddish. Some extreme groups refuse to recognize the state of Israel because it was not established by the Messiah and regard themselves as a ghetto of true orthodoxy within the Jewish state.

South from Jaffa Road is the Time Elevator (Hillel Street), a child-friendly introduction to Jerusalem's history, and the Museum of Italian Jewish Art & Synagogue with an extensive collection of Judaica.

Running west from Zion Square on Jaffa Road is the pedestrianized Ben Yehuda Street , Jerusalem's main vortex for dining and shopping.

Opened in 1965, this complex of museums is the only place in the country that collects and displays both archaeological finds and art.

The Shrine of the Book building displays Israel's portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls (the rest of the scrolls are displayed in Amman's Jordan Museum in Jordan), which were unearthed in the Dead Sea area during the 1940s.

In the main building of the complex, the Judaica wing has an impressive display of sacred Jewish art and ethnographic displays from Jewish life in various countries.

The archaeological wing contains fascinating exhibits from sites throughout the country ranging from the neolithic era through to the Ottoman era.

There are also adjacent galleries displaying art and artifacts from neighboring cultures that influenced the culture and history of this land. The galleries cover ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and the Arabian Peninsula.

The museum's art wing has a good collection of works by Israeli painters as well as pieces by Gauguin, Renoir, Van Gogh, and a range of works by international artists. There's also a regular program of contemporary art exhibitions.

Location: Givat Ram district, West Jerusalem

Official site: https://www.imj.org.il/en

The Kidron Valley lies between the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion and is one of the oldest areas of Jerusalem .

Both Jews and Muslims believe that the Last Judgement will take place here, a rope will extend from the battlements of the Temple Mount , over the valley to the Mount of Olives , and the righteous will cross over, supported by their guardian angels, while the sinners will be cast down into damnation.

Archaeological excavations here have uncovered a settlement that dates back more than 4,000 years. The archaeological site is known as the City of David and archaeologists are still working here.

Area G is the oldest part of the site, dating from the 10th century BCE. From here, you can walk down into the tunnels known as Warren's Shaft and Hezekiah's Tunnel and proceed onto the Pool of Siloam and Shiloach Pool , which some people think may be the site where Jesus performed the miracle of healing a blind man.

According to legend, the massive fortress-like bulk of the medieval Monastery of the Cross is built on the site where the prophet Lot lived.

The trees he is said to have planted in the surrounding area are also believed to have provided the wood for Christ's cross. In Greek Orthodox tradition, a church was first founded here by the Empress Helena.

Georgian monks controlled the church until the 18th century, when it passed back into the hands of Jerusalem's Greek Orthodox community.

Until a few decades ago, the monastery lay well to the west of Jerusalem, but the city's creeping expansion has now surrounded it.

Location: Rehavia district, West Jerusalem

Israel's major Holocaust memorial is Yad Veshem.

In the main building, the Hall of Remembrance , the names of the Nazi death camps are set into the floor and an eternal flame burns in memory of the dead.

Opening off the main hall is a room containing victim's names, a photographic exhibition, the extremely moving children's memorial, and an art museum with work produced by inmates from the concentration camps.

The extensive surrounding grounds hold numerous works of sculpture and memorials.

Official site: www.yadvashem.org

Mount Herzl commemorates the founder of Zionism.

The remains of Theodor Herzl, who died in Austria in 1904, were brought to Israel in 1949, a year after the foundation of the independent Jewish state for which he advocated, and buried in a free-standing sarcophagus on the summit of this hill, which was then named after him.

Near the main entrance is the Herzl Museum with a reconstruction of Herzl's study and library.

The large park also contains the graves of Herzl's parents and several leading Zionists.

Ein Kerem Road in Jerusalem runs down into the Ein Kerem Valley where, according to Christian tradition, the village of Ein Kerem was the birthplace of St. John the Baptist.

The Franciscan Friary of St. John here was built in the 17th century over the Grotto of St. John (believed to be his birthplace).

In the center of the village is the Church of the Visitation with beautiful frescoes.

Farther west of the city is the village of Abu Ghosh. This Palestinian village is dominated by a crusader church that has belonged to the Lazarists since 1956. With its four-meter-thick walls, the three-aisled church is fortress-like and is full of crusader character.

Abu Ghosh is also home to the Church of Our Lady of the Ark of the Covenant , which is believed by some to stand on the site where the ark was kept before being transferred to Solomon's temple.

Latrun Monastery , about 28 kilometers west of Jerusalem, was built in 1927 by French Trappist Monks.

Until very recent times, Latrun was of strategic importance. During the British Mandate period, UK authorities had a fortified police post here and up until 1967, it stood on the armistice line between Jordan and Israel.

The monastery is part of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance who practice silence. The extensive grounds that surround the monastery building are beautifully laid out.

In the garden are a collection of late Classical and early Christian capitals and reliefs.

The first settlement in the Jerusalem area probably dates back to the 20th century BCE.

In 997 BCE, King David and the Israelites arrived, and his son (Solomon) constructed the first temple in 950 BCE.

In 587 BCE, the town was captured by Nebuchadnezzar and many of the inhabitants were carried off to Babylon. After the end of the Babylonian Captivity, in 520 BCE, the Second Temple was built.

In 332 BCE, Jerusalem came under Greek rule and was increasingly Hellenized. The desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV sparked off the Maccabean rising of 167 BCE.

Under the Maccabees and the Hasmoneans, the town expanded westward on to Mount Zion. In 63 BCE, it passed into Roman control, and in 37 BCE, Herod became king of the Jews.

He rebuilt and embellished the temple platform and equipped the city with palaces, a citadel, theater, hippodrome, an agora, and other buildings on the Hellenistic and Roman model. After his death in 4 BCE, Jerusalem became the city of the high priests under Roman procurators.

From 41 to 44 CE, it was ruled by Agrippa I, who extended the city northward, building the Third (North) Wall. In 70 CE, Jerusalem was destroyed by Titus, and then again by Emperor Hadrian, in 132 CE, who banned Jews from the city and renamed Jerusalem Aelia Capitolina.

Jerusalem became a Christian city in 326 CE, when the Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena built a number of churches. This era came to an end when Jerusalem was captured by the Persians in 614 CE.

It was recovered by the Byzantines in 627 CE, but in 638 CE it was conquered by the armies of Islam. Thereafter, the Umayyad Caliphs built the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

A further period of Christian rule began in 1099 CE with the conquest of the city by the Crusaders, who built many churches, palaces, and hospices. Islam returned to Jerusalem, however, when Saladin captured the city in 1187 CE, and it remained in Muslim hands under the Mamelukes (1291- 1517 CE) and the Ottomans (1519-1917 CE), who built the present town walls (1537 CE).

In the 19th century, the Christian powers of Europe, which had supported the Ottoman Sultan against the Egyptian ruler Ibrahim Pasha, gained increasing influence from 1840 CE onwards, and built churches, schools, hospitals, and orphanages. The Pope re-established the Latin Patriarchate, which had originally been founded in 1099 CE, but was dissolved in 1291 CE.

Jews had begun returning to live in Jerusalem in significant numbers since the 13th century. In 1267 CE, Rabbi Moshe Ben Nachman Ramban (Nachmanides) founded a synagogue. In 1488 CE, Jews from Egypt settled in Jerusalem, and they were followed by Sephardic Jews from Spain offered refuge from the Spanish Inquisition by the Ottoman Sultan.

In December 1917, British forces under General Allenby entered the city, and on July first 1920, it became the seat of the British High Commissioner in the mandated territory of Palestine.

The United Nations resolved, in 1947, that Palestine should be divided between the Palestinians and the Jews and that Jerusalem should be internationalized. After the end of the British Mandate in 1948, Israeli and Jordanian forces fought for control of the city, and it was partitioned under a cease-fire agreement in 1949.

In 1950, the Israelis made West Jerusalem capital of their state, and after the Six Day War of 1967 they annexed and occupied East Jerusalem including the old city.

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17 Top Things to Do in Jerusalem

One of the most fiercely contested places on Earth, Jerusalem is home to many of Christianity’s, Islam’s and Judaism’s most important holy sites; the wealth of historic, religious and cultural landmarks is astonishing. Now part of Israel, Jerusalem has been fought over for millennia. At one time or another, the Mamluks, Ottomans, Christians, and Muslims have all ruled, with each of them leaving their mark.

Despite its diminutive size, the Old City probably contains more incredible tourist attractions than many countries do. The Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall are just three of the astonishing sites you can expect to delight in.

Walking through its ancient streets is a mesmerizing experience and the pilgrims of all faiths clogging the passages only add to the intoxicating atmosphere. A special place like no other, Jerusalem offers an endless list of things to do and tourist attractions, such is the wealth of history on show.

17. Church of All Nations

Located on the Mount of Olives that looks out over Jerusalem, the Church of all Nations is an important historical site. It contains a bedrock upon which Jesus is said to have prayed prior to being arrested.

While the current church was consecrated in 1652, it actually lies on the foundations of two older churches, with the earliest dating to the 4th century AD.

The church is named for the many different countries that donated various mosaics and apses to it; each of their coat-of-arms can now be found amidst the designs and religious motifs on show.

16. Jaffa Gate

This delightful stone portal is set in Jerusalem’s imposing walls and is one of the main entrances to the Old City.

Its distinctive L shape helped defenders protect the gate and the sand-colored blocks certainly do look impenetrable.

Dating to 1538, Jaffa Gate opens out onto the Christian Quarter on one side and the Armenian Quarter on the other, and you’ll find a constant stream of pedestrians pouring beneath its ancient arch.

15. Jewish Quarter

Although part of the Jewish Quarter was bombed and destroyed during the 1948 Arab – Israeli War, much of it has been rebuilt, giving it a newer feel than many other parts of the city.

That’s not to say that there aren’t lots of historic and religious sites – the Western Wall and Hurva Synagogue are located here, among other important sights.

Wandering around the Jewish Quarter is one of the most interesting things to do in Jerusalem and visitors should definitely make sure to head to the atmospheric Cardo shopping street that was built back in Roman times.

14. Damascus Gate

Located in the northwest walls of the city, Damascus Gate is one of the main entrances to Jerusalem’s Old City. It certainly is impressive to behold with its wonderful crenulations and the two towers that flank it.

Built in 1537, the current gate has weathered numerous wars and invasions. Excavations indicate that a gate stood here as early as 130 CE.

Passing through it is an amazing experience as you follow in the footsteps of so many people who came before you, and walking along the ramparts offers a great view from above.

13. Mount of Olives

Lying just outside the Old City, the Mount of Olives looks out over Jerusalem. From its hillside, there are incredible views of Temple Mount and the glimmering Dome of the Rock.

As well as a scenic spot, it is also a historic and religious site; it is home to a large Jewish cemetery and numerous churches can also be seen here and there, such as the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church.

The oldest continually used cemetery in the world, the Mount of Olives is definitely worth checking out if you have time.

12. Tower of David

Known by some as the Jerusalem Citadel, the Tower of David offers up some of the best views of the Old City and is a fascinating place to visit. Some of the archaeological finds date back more than 2000 years.

Remarkably well preserved, the current citadel dates to Mamluk and Ottoman times and was built upon much older fortifications.

Located on site is the Tower of David Museum, offering an interesting look at over 4000 years of Jerusalem’s history through interactive exhibitions, holograms, and maps.

11. Via Dolorosa

Believed to have been the street along which Jesus walked during his crucifixion, the aptly named ‘Way of Sorrow’ is a historic street which runs through Jerusalem’s Old City.

Starting off from the Lion’s Gate, pilgrims and tourists alike can retrace Christ’s steps, ending up at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus is believed to have been crucified.

Via Dolorosa is marked with nine stations depicting various parts of his journey; there are five more in the church itself. Every Friday, there is a procession along the route. Taking part in it will really make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

10. Dome of the Rock

Lying atop of Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock sparkles in the sun and is recognized around the world. It is one of Jerusalem’s most famous landmarks.

Built between 688 and 691, the temple is home to a slab of stone from which Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

While only Muslims are allowed inside, the Dome’s outside is spectacular to behold. Bright blue mosaics coat the walls and the iconic gold plated dome sits atop, looking out over Jerusalem.

9. Western Wall Tunnels

Jerusalem’s long, tumultuous history has seen the city destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, which means that much of it is built on and out of the rubble and ruins of buildings that came before them.

As such, numerous tunnels snake their way beneath the Old City. A guided tour of the Western Wall tunnels offer visitors the chance to go back to the time of the second temple and explore a stretch of this fascinating underground world.

Running adjacent to the Western Wall, the tunnels are narrow and a bit claustrophobic but well worth checking out for the wealth of history on display.

8. Mahane Yehuda Market

This bustling market that has been around since Ottoman times is loads of fun to visit. The myriad colorful stalls are laden with everything from fruit and vegetables to pastries and fresh juice.

Offering an authentic look at life in the Holy City, Mahane Yehuda Market has numerous sections to it; some alleys are home to butchers while others host clothes and coffee sellers.

At night, the market transforms and many people come here for its great restaurants and bars.

7. City of David

Another attraction that is mired in controversy because it is now in an illegal Israeli settlement, the City of David is one of Jerusalem’s most important archaeological sites.

Located just outside of the Old City, it is here that King David first built the city of Jerusalem. Amidst the rubble and rocks, there are two ancient stone tunnels for you to walk along.

Adventurous travelers will love Hezekial’s Tunnel, which was once an aquifer. Water sometimes comes up to your knees as you wade along in the dark with a torch in hand.

6. The Garden Tomb

This marvelous rock-cut tomb dates back to the 8th-7th centuries BC and some Christians believe that it is where Jesus was buried and later rose from the dead.

Consequently, many pilgrims and tourists come to visit the peaceful gardens in which it is located, although it still remains a nice quiet spot away from the crowds that clog the Old City’s ancient streets.

Located next to the ominously named Skull Hill, there is much debate as to whether Jesus really was buried here, but is worth visiting in any case.

5. Temple Mount

Venerated throughout the centuries by all three of the Abrahamic religions, Temple Mount lies at the heart of the Old City and is one of the most fiercely contested pieces of land in the world.

Containing the Al Aqsa Mosque, it is the third most important site in Island and the holiest site in Judaism. It is here that the First and Second Temples were erected.

Wandering across the ancient limestone pavings of the huge cypress tree-fringed complex is a peaceful affair, despite the millennia of conflict that have plagued it. The highlight is seeing the Dome of the Rock with its iconic golden dome glistening in the sun.

4. Yad Vashem

A moving and emotional place, visiting Yad Vashem is a must when in Jerusalem. It is Israel’s official memorial to those who were brutally murdered during the Holocaust.

Lying on the slopes of Mount Herzl, the commemorative site contains the Holocaust Memorial Museum, which takes you through the horrific atrocities that the Nazis committed. Seeing all the photos of those who died in ‘the Hall of Names’ is something you’ll never forget.

While many of the audio, video, and items on display are shocking, just as many symbolize rebirth and ‘The Eternal Flame’ exhibit is a perfect example of this.

3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Believed to be the site where Jesus was crucified and later rose from the dead, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains two of Christendom’s most sacred sites. Its gloomy, atmospheric interior definitely warrants a visit when in Jerusalem.

Packed with pilgrims and tourists, the church is run by several Christian denominations, who reluctantly share responsibility amongst themselves. Consecrated in 335 AD, the church has been damaged, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries

Entering the church after having wandered through the ancient stone courtyard is a memorable experience. Despite the crowds, it is a strangely peaceful place to visit. Seeing the Edicule shrine in which Jesus’s empty tomb lies will surely send shivers down your spine.

2. Israel Museum

Opened in 1965, the Israel Museum’s fantastic collection covers over 5000 years of history and its main focus is on art and archaeology.

Wandering through the archaeological galleries, you’ll find a wealth of artifacts discovered in the region, and items from the Islamic world, Near East, Italy, and Greece are all represented. The renowned Dead Sea Scrolls are just one of the highlights; gazing at the ancient biblical manuscripts is an awe-inspiring experience.

The Jewish Art and Life Wing of the museum is just as interesting to visit. Here, you can learn a lot about Jewish culture and traditions such as bridal and funerary practices.

1. Western Wall

The holiest site in Judaism is fascinating to visit and there is an electric atmosphere, as Orthodox Jews rock back and forth, praying at the Western Wall.

Supporting one side of Temple Mount, the area now acts as a de-facto synagogue. It is often known as the Wailing Wall, as Jews throughout the ages have come here to mourn the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE.

A must-see when in Jerusalem, visitors can stop by the segregated worship areas and experience the intoxicating ambiance themselves. You can even write a prayer and slip it into the cracks between the stones of the huge, white, rock wall.

Map of Things to Do in Jerusalem

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Top Things to Do in Jerusalem, Israel

Places to visit in jerusalem, explore popular experiences, ways to tour jerusalem.

• Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Jerusalem

Travel To Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River - Group Guided Tour from Jerusalem

Masada, Ein Gedi and The Dead Sea from Jerusalem

Israel Museum Must See High-Lights

3-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Jerusalem

Fully Inclusive Private Customized Israel Tour

ScaVentures! Have fun, explore and discover!

• Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Jerusalem

Jerusalem Guided Tour from Tel Aviv

Israel Tour Guide

Archaeology tours.

Top Attractions in Jerusalem

Other Top Attractions around Jerusalem

Private and Luxury

Walking Tours

Cultural Tours

Full-day Tours

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What travellers are saying

• Yad Vashem - The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
• Old City of Jerusalem
• Israel Museum
• Western Wall
• Monte das Oliveiras
• The Garden Tomb
• Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
• Herodyon National Park
• Garden of Gethsemane
• Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem
• Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv
• Old and New Jerusalem Day Trip from Tel Aviv
• Maya Israel Tours
• Elchanan Maimon
• Booqify - Amazing Jerusalem
• Tiyoul-Tov Tourist Guide Francophone in Israel - Day Tours

Jerusalem   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Yulia_Malinovskaya | Getty Images

Why Go To Jerusalem

Jerusalem is suspended between many different crosshairs. First and foremost, it serves as the Holy City for the three primary western religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The narrow streets and alleyways that make up the labyrinth-like Old City reverberate with the sounds of spirituality. Whispered Hebrew prayers uttered by tefillin -clad Jews at the Western Wall mingle with the hauntingly beautiful Muslim call-to-prayer sounding from Temple Mount . The voices from the Jewish and Muslim quarters are then accompanied by melodic bells sounding from the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulchre . For many visitors, the rumor of a constant Almighty presence suddenly becomes very real; even the most adamant non-believer will find it hard to deny that there's something ethereal about Jerusalem.

While the image of ancient Jerusalem—a city still ruled by King David and his followers—is what most travelers expect, you'll find instead a destination in flux. Beyond the historic walls of the Old City lies a buzzing metropolis where traditional lifestyles collide with cosmopolitan developments. West Jerusalem is littered with trendy restaurants and bars, while East Jerusalem resonates with the cries of market vendors. The city's diverse offerings have transformed Jerusalem from a pilgrimage spot to a well-rounded vacation destination. So whatever your reason for visiting, you can be sure that this is a city you’ll never forget.

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Best of Jerusalem

Best hotels in jerusalem.

• in American Colony Hotel The Leading Hotels of the World
• in The David Citadel Hotel
• in Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem

Best Things to Do in Jerusalem

• # 1 in Old City
• # 2 in Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
• # 3 in Israel Museum

Popular Tours

Travel To Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River - Group Guided Tour from Jerusalem

(127 reviews)

from $ 89.00

Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem

(747 reviews)

from $ 111.00

Old and New Jerusalem Full-Day Tour

(270 reviews)

from $ 75.00

Jerusalem Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Jerusalem are April through May and October through November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thin. However, make sure to cross-check your travel dates with major Jewish celebrations such as the High Holy Days, Sukkot, and Passover. A strong surge of visitor traffic drives hotel prices up during these holidays. Summer is Jerusalem's peak tourism season, despite sweltering daytime temps. Winters boast good deals on hotels, but the weather remains fickle: One day can be sunny and fairly warm, while the next can be rainy and chilly.

Weather in Jerusalem

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• You're safe in tourist areas In Jerusalem, differing ideological views regularly spur heated religious and political debates, which have occasionally led to violent outbursts in the past. But aggressive instances are rare and do not take place in tourist areas.
• Be respectful This city is considered holy by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, meaning you should be considerate of traditions and conform to the more conservative dress code. Save your shorts and tank tops for Tel Aviv .
• Stock up for the weekend Many of Jerusalem's businesses and restaurants (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim) close for the Sabbath. Make sure to buy all food or other need-to-have items by Friday afternoon.

How to Save Money in Jerusalem

• Avoid major holidays Jerusalem's prices skyrocket during major Jewish festivals, especially Passover (March or April), Sukkot (September or October), and the High Holy Days ( fall). You'll find better deals if you avoid these holidays.
• Don't stay in West Jerusalem Hotels in West Jerusalem are more modern and more expensive. You'll find better rates within the Old City , but be prepared for possible nighttime curfews. East Jerusalem also has affordable lodging, but try to stay close to Damascus or Herod's Gate for convenience's sake.
• Rely on street eats Jerusalem has its fair share of swanky restaurants, but you can save some shekels by relying on food carts and markets for a good meal. Vendors throughout the city sell everything from bagels to falafel at a reasonable price, while the Mahane Yehuda market in West Jerusalem is a go-to spot for fresh produce.

Culture & Customs

Jerusalem acts as the Holy City by the three major Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This mingling of spirituality has led to a mélange of culture. For example, you’ll hear a multi-lingual soundtrack on a stroll through the Old City ; Hebrew and Arabic are the dominant languages, but you'll also catch whispers of Yiddish and other languages. Many Israelis, especially those working in the food and hospitality industries, also speak English.

Many Jerusalem residents still fervently following guidelines listed in their bible. You will witness some of these customs during your visit. For example, Jews and Muslims do not eat pork; therefore, if you get a craving for ham and cheese, you'll be out of luck. Many restaurants throughout Jerusalem, particularly in Jewish neighborhoods, maintain a kosher menu, meaning they observe strict religious rules about food consumption and preparation. But chances are that you won't give this a second thought as you thumb through a menu. Also, many businesses (especially in the Old City) close during the weekend to honor the various sabbaths. Jewish establishments close their doors on Friday afternoon and don't open again until Saturday night or Sunday morning. Many Christian businesses are closed on Sundays. All of these businesses—no matter their affiliation—accept Shekels (ILS), Israel's official currency.

You'll also encounter a variety of clothing styles, from the heavy black attire and wide-brimmed hats worn of Haredi Jews to the lighter, more casual tunics sported of Arab merchants. Keep in mind you should dress more conservatively in Jerusalem. Avoid wearing anything too revealing, especially if you plan to visit the city's religious sites. Note that the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Me'a She'arim (just northwest of the Old City) requires extremely conservative attire, such as long sleeves, ankle-length skirts, and covered heads, as well as very modest behavior.

In the decades of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contention over the city’s ownership has resulted in violent outbursts, most notably riots. That said, visitors should not feel threatened, as these incidents usually do not take place in tourist areas. You will likely come across a large number of Israeli soldiers, but don't let that alarm you: Many of these soldiers are tourists, just like you. You may also encounter armed guards performing security screenings at the Old City gates at night.

Getting Around Jerusalem

The best ways to get around Jerusalem are on foot or by taxi. Many of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of one another inside or just beyond the Old City walls. When you're looking to expand your stomping grounds, taxis are extremely convenient (albeit a little pricey). The transportation company, Egged, provides public bus service within the city and many points around the country. Egged also services Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), about 38 miles northwest of Jerusalem on the outskirts of Tel Aviv . However, the bus system isn't intuitive for foreign visitors. Travelers usually will have better luck with the new light rail system, which opened in 2011.

Entry & Exit Requirements

The Israeli government does not require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your arrival, but many airlines do. You will also need to show a return or onward ticket and sufficient proof of funds to enter the country. Expect heightened security screenings at the airport; the Israeli government has been known to deny travelers entry based on background checks. The government will also deny entry to anyone looking to travel to the West Bank or Gaza. You can learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website .

This stunning domed shrine resides on Temple Mount .

Explore More of Jerusalem

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Discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to three major religions.

See Jerusalem like a Nat Geo Explorer

At cultural and historical crossroads, this ancient city is constantly reinvented.

Every visitor to Jerusalem arrives with an expectation and leaves boggled by how vast and complicated this jewel in the rocky hills truly is. As the home of three major world religions, Jerusalem attracts people from far and wide. No two travelers to the city leave with the same experience, nor do they leave as the same people they were when they arrived. ( See the top 10 things to do in Jerusalem ).

My work in Israel

National Geographic has supported my research related to tsunamis that impacted the coastline during ancient times. For more than a decade, we conducted underwater archaeological excavations and offshore geological collections. This work has contributed to the Israeli government’s decision to include tsunamis as one of the national disaster preparedness programs. If you stay in Tel Aviv or stroll the beaches in Ashdod or Ashkelon, you will notice tsunami information signs and evacuation guides that are the direct result of these efforts. ( Read our travel guide to Israel ).

Travel for good

Planting trees is an old tradition in the region, and travelers can arrange to plant their own through the local arbor association. However, a quick way to do some good is to fill a bag with trash as you walk the beach. You can contribute a selfie to #2minutebeachclean , an international effort hosted locally by Eco Ocean .

You can also support local dual narrative tours that highlight both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, designed by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah .

What's in my bag

I may sound like Sherlock Holmes, but I always carry a small magnifying glass, or loupe . Getting up close to objects, whether looking at ancient stone, beach sand, flower petals, or jewelry, gives a whole new dimension. And if there are kids in tow it can keep them very busy! I also carry a Rite in the Rain notebook. In serious expeditions, this is essential for taking notes in all weather conditions, but even for casual travel it avoids running ink disasters if your water bottle leaks. Another essential I have on all expeditions, but especially in Israel, is lip balm. Israel’s climate varies from zone to zone, and the windy outlooks, hyperarid deserts, and salty coastal areas make lip balm a must.

Traditional crafts

Prayers take place at the Western Wall inside the Old City of Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, handmade Armenian tiles are a beautiful gift. There are many mass-produced options in the markets, so stop at the family-owned production shops located in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City. If heading to the north, I love the tapestries from the Druze village stores in Daliyat al Karmel. With their bright, tightly woven detail, they quickly turn into treasured family heirlooms.

Local etiquette

• Nat Geo Expeditions

While traveling in Jerusalem, dress in light-colored, breathable materials with sleeves that can be rolled up and a hem or pant length that goes beyond the knees. This will help you stay cool, prevent sunburn, and gain entrance to religious sites without any hassle. A scarf made of light material is also handy for this purpose.

Know that shaking hands between opposite sexes is not a standard practice for many of the region's religious sectors. When approaching someone from the opposite sex, it is best to wait for their cue to know whether to reach out or not. Usually just a hello with a smile is sufficient for greetings, though someone may surprise you with a bear hug at your departure.

Must-read book

Someone to Run With by David Grossman provides a wonderful fictional window into the nooks and crannies of Jerusalem. The Source by James A. Michener gives an essential, timeless summary of the history of the Jewish faith from the beginning. Jerusalem: A Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi will both prime the appetite and tell a story from the eyes of this Jewish and Arab Israeli chef team from Jerusalem.

Savor the flavors

Dedicated in 1149, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre dates to the crusader era, although portions are older. Pilgrims and tourists from around the world visit the historic basilica each year, which is still an active church.

In Jerusalem, the culinary options are endless. In the Machane Yehuda market on the western side of the city, there is a huge range of top-tier gourmet restaurants that take reservations or have multi-hour-long waits every evening. However, just walking around and nibbling is a great way to try tehini, seasonal fruits, international cheeses, freshly-roasted espresso, and local craft beers. There are companies that give tasting tours for the real foodie travelers. Ask any local where the best hummus is and they will have an opinion. My favorite is found at Lina .

Outside of Jerusalem, Uri Buri restaurant in Acre is an amazing, long-standing institution established by the Julia Child of Israeli cuisine, Uri Jeremias. If you don’t have the time or the budget for a sit-down meal, stop at his ice cream parlor for some of the most unusual and delicious flavors like cardamom or black pepper, pomegranate sorbet.

Get off the beaten path

Spring systems all around Jerusalem helped support agriculture for thousands of years. Many of these springs were channeled into natural pools or basins that can be visited for swimming or to refill water bottles. They are an excellent escape from the city year-round.

Cultural experiences

People-watching is perhaps the best cultural experience in Jerusalem. The hustle and bustle of the Western Wall late on Friday afternoon is only second to Central Station during rush hour. Watch as people complete their shopping before the Sabbath, pray, and connect with friends. If you are Jewish and would like to join a family for a Shabbat meal, there are organizations that connect hosting families with visitors.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not only a tourist destination, but it is an active, working church. After your own experience in the church, take some time to quietly watch as the different sects come and go to complete their rituals and prayers. Since the church is open to visitors and pilgrims all the time, they are accustomed to onlookers. ( Read about the site that may be Jesus’ tomb. )

Explore the outdoors

Even within Jerusalem there are areas with beautiful natural areas where you can observe birds, insects, lizards, and snakes in their natural habitats. The nature area of Ein Kerem and other hiking areas around Jerusalem are full of wildlife. Israel is located along the migration route for birds making their journey from Africa to Europe, making it one of the best bird-watching regions in the world. During migration periods massive flocks of pelicans can fill the sky like pterodactyls, and pink flamingos will show up in the most unexpected places! For the best bird-watching, travel north to the Hula Valley or south to the Eilat Birdwatching Center .

Travel back in time

Stop at Caesarea Maritima to see the remains of the massive Roman city that King Herod built along the sea, which was damaged by at least three tsunami events. The remains of the ancient aqueduct, theater, hippodrome, and bathhouses make for a daylong adventure. Snorkeling or scuba diving is available in the ancient harbor through the Old Caesarea Diving Center . The site is unusual in that a portion of it has been dedicated to restaurants, so you can also have cocktails or dinner at sunset. Many tourists only realize this after scheduling for just a trip through the site and regret not being able to enjoy all it has to offer.

Caesarea, Israel, holds a large Roman amphitheater and historic port on the Mediterranean coast.

Nimrod Fortress , a Muslim castle and stronghold that was built to fend off the crusaders, sits on a geological seam in the very north of Israel. Because it is far away from the main tourist attractions, it tends to be quiet almost year-round. You can wander the ancient outposts, dungeons, and vaulted rooms. Many hyraxes have taken residence within its walls and can be seen scrambling along the ruins during the cooler parts of the day.

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Top Tours in Jerusalem, Israel

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1. Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Jerusalem

2. Travel To Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River - Group Guided Tour from Jerusalem

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

4. Israel Museum Must See High-Lights

5. Old and New Jerusalem Day Trip from Tel Aviv

6. Old and New Jerusalem Full-Day Tour

7. 3-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Jerusalem

8. Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Tel Aviv

9. Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem

10. Private Professional Photoshoot in Jerusalem

11. Tour to Bethlehem, Jordan River, Dead Sea Mini Group. Up to 6 pax

12. Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Jerusalem

13. Jerusalem Guided Tour from Tel Aviv

14. Jerusalem Half-Day Tour from Tel Aviv: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall

15. Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv

16. Old Jerusalem Full-Day Tour

17. Jerusalem Boutique Tour from Tel Aviv

18. Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall

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20. JERUSALEM private tour with ELAD VAZANA - Life in Israel & Palestine Then & Now

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Visit Jerusalem

Travel to Jerusalem to view religious sites that have existed for millennia and experience modern uniquely Middle Eastern customs and events. The city has charming neighborhoods, shopping, arts and entertainment in addition to famous historic and religious locations.

The first stops in Jerusalem are usually in the Old City, with its numerous structures of religious significance. Head to Temple Mount, one of the world’s holiest places for Muslims, to find the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Dome of the Rock is a holy shrine for both Islamic and Judaic faiths. Nearby, see the Western Wall, which draws millions of pilgrims of Jewish and other faiths for profound prayer. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has important meaning for Christians as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

After viewing the holy sites, wander through the bazaars and see beautiful tapestries, jewelry and other gift items. Just beyond the Old City, Jerusalem’s modern development becomes evident, with shopping centers and cultural sites. Mamilla Mall offers upscale shopping in a modern open-air complex incorporating historic buildings in its architecture. The City Center’s famous shopping spots include the Machane Yehuda Market and Yafo Street.

Jerusalem’s southern neighborhoods are particularly popular with families. Visit the Biblical Zoo, Gazelle Valley Park, Teddy Stadium for athletic events and Jerusalem Pais Arena for sports and music concerts. On the western side, hike in the Jerusalem Hills. Stop at the Museum District to tour the Israel Museum, Bible Lands Museum and Science Museum.

Dine on varied fare at Jerusalem’s restaurants, including kosher, seafood, Middle Eastern, Italian, Latin American and many other cuisines. Nightlife choices might surprise you. Mingle with locals and international visitors enjoying live music, bars, dance clubs and even escape room adventures.

Fly to Ben Gurion Airport, about a 45-minute drive northwest of Jerusalem. While you can get around on your own easily in the Old City, consider guided tours to get a full appreciation of the region’s historic and cultural significance.

Where to stay in Jerusalem

Jerusalem City Centre

Unique features of Jerusalem City Centre include the historic sites and museums. Make a stop by Ben Yehuda Street or Zion Square while you're exploring the area.

Walled and divided into four distinct quarters, the Old City houses key religious sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock. Explore its unique atmosphere, attractions, and diverse shops and restaurants.

If you're spending some time in Mamilla, Zion Square and Ben Yehuda Street are top sights worth seeing.

While visiting Rehavia, you might make a stop by sights like Jerusalem Great Synagogue and Ben Yehuda Street.

Emek Refaim

If you're spending some time in Emek Refaim, Hansen House - Design, Media and Technology Center and Museum of Natural History Jerusalem are top sights worth seeing.

Check out the restaurants, historic sites, and gardens while spending some time in Baka. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like The First Station or Montefiore Windmill.

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Popular places to visit, al-aqsa mosque.

Part of the sacred Temple Mount site, this lead-domed structure is a fully functioning mosque. It is among the holiest sites in the Islamic world.

Western Wall

This 2,000-year-old structure is one of the world’s holiest sites, where hundreds of praying worshippers make for a stirring sight.

Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Israel , Misunderstood Destinations

Travel to Jerusalem Guide – What it Means to Visit the Holy Land

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

You don’t have to be a religious pilgrim to travel to Jerusalem. Here is where to feel its magnetism in the holy old and the new.

The desire to travel to Jerusalem may not appear to be the usual city of choice for a traveller with no religious calling, yet it is a city whose cultural rejuvenation is attracting those wanting to look beyond its theological persona. The city is cryptic yet captivating, firmly cementing itself as a contemporary space whilst retaining the ancient, spiritual hold that it’s mostly known for.

Israel-Gaza war: Traveling here is not possible now, but staying informed is a choice, including the live news feeds from various sources, including BBC, CNN and AlJazeera.  

Why Travel to Jerusalem?

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While everyone knows about Jerusalem in some form, you can’t really understand its meaning as the spiritual centre of the world until you stand within it, transfixed and transported in time, before landing with a bump to the vivacity of its modern-day culture.

Like most travellers going to Jerusalem, the Old City’s history and architecture were top of mind, and when there, it was a place with such magnetism that I often found myself heading back over and over with no aim except to lose myself within it. Yet, my nights spent dining in the old market, wandering amongst the local neighbourhoods and frequenting the entertainment area of the New City soon confirmed that you must look outside of the old Jerusalem to experience the city in its entirety.

 A single visit doesn’t warrant enough time to grasp its beauty and mystery completely.

Travel to Jerusalem – The Holy Land Old and New City Capital of Israel

Before You Go to Jerusalem

Jerusalem is often in the media spotlight, especially when tensions flare between Israel and Palestine, which has for centuries been a distinctly controversial subject and for which there is no easy resolution. With various fractions, options, tensions, groups, call to arms, forms of Apartheid and the continuing illegal building of settlements, this region remains one of the most divisive in the world. 

However, day-to-day life continues, and Jerusalem tourism thrives as many seek out the sites and stories of one of the most historic cities on earth. While I do not support the actions of the Israeli government and the brutal overstep of military power, I do not believe in boycotting local businesses and people who remain independent of these decisions. Aside from the extremist factions, many ordinary people want peace. 

Generally, it is safe to visit Jerusalem, and you will see there are extra security measures in place in the centre of the city, and more so around the Old City of Jerusalem, where people of different faiths live together, despite it remaining a contested area in light of internal politics.

As is the region of East Jerusalem, viewed by Palestinians as the capital of Palestine and often at the heart of the Jerusalem skirmishing you hear about in the news. 

Like anywhere, exercise caution and be aware of any political changes where it would be wise to stay away from demonstrations and be informed of any changes to travel, such as road and airport closures. 

For example, when President Trump’s announced recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017, the British Foreign Office (FCO) advised against all travel to the Old City of Jerusalem over a three-day period due to the call for mass protests across the West Bank and including East Jerusalem. 

Overall, I never once felt unsafe in Jerusalem, and I travelled from one end of Israel to the other, leaving and entering the city many times over. Jerusalem safety tips mostly come down to being prepared for any changes and opening your mind to a way of travelling that may way change your preconceived notions.

• Local people are welcoming and always willing to help.
• Be sensitive to your environment when and if you talk about politics. It’s difficult to understand and easy to offend.  
• Armed members of the Israel Defense Forces in Jerusalem city are predominantly young people on National Service, and while it can feel intimidating at first glance, you will soon see it is a normal part of everyday life here. 
• Use Google Translate or the Morfix Hebrew translation app if you need further help, or even just to practice a few Hebrew phrases. In Hebrew, “Thank you” is “Toda” and it goes a long way.

Things to Do in Jerusalem in the New City

The New City of Jerusalem (West Jerusalem) is easily navigable, with plenty of small suburbs to wander and a city centre full of life. My base was the bustling traveller hub of the Abraham Hostel , located right in the heart of town next to the Davidka Square stop of the Jerusalem Light Rail (tram). It meant staying in the city’s modern side while being within easy walking distance to the Old City for the perfect sightseeing combination. 

What to see in Jerusalem depends on your interests, whether visiting historic sites or indulging in the culinary food scene. So, while the catalogue of activities in new Jerusalem includes a bar crawl, cooking class and Friday night Shabbat dinner that is showcasing a vibrant side for travellers and locals alike, I put together this list of local spots and neighbourhoods for those wanting to uncover more of daily life in the city’s modern fringes. 

West Jerusalem – The New City

When I first arrived, my bus driver insisted on telling me about the Maheneh Yehuda Market on  Agripas Street with great enthusiasm, and locals never lie about great food. By day, the atmosphere is electric as you wander through stalls of sweets, fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh loaves of bread, nuts, pastries, meats, and so much more.

You swerve to dodge the trays, the carts and the locals whose hands are full of bags teeming with local produce. Your head turns at the sound of every market vendor call, the banter of a hasty transaction, and the lure of fresh juice bars and snack shops before you emerge into the light and calm of the residential streets surrounding it, your purse a few shekels lighter. It’s no wonder it is one of the main attractions in Jerusalem and a beautiful window into local living. 

At night, the market is a hip hangout. Vendor stalls are turned into seating areas, chairs and tables are laid out, and restaurants, pop-up shops and bars come into full force. This might well be a place you spend a lot of time in.

One of the best things to see in Jerusalem is the Mahaneh Yehuda Market

Mahaneh Yehuda Secular Jewish Neighbourhood

While there is nothing much to see in Jerusalem’s Mahaneh Yehuda neighbourhood, you can see houses built in Jerusalem stone and have some downtime in quiet spaces. Even when I was caught out by a local who asked me that busted tourist line: “Are you lost? Where do you want to go?” I liked it. It meant there was more chance of engaging in conversation.

Mea She-arim Orthodox Jewish Neighbourhood 

Adjacent to Mahaneh Yehuda, the Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Mea She-arim is one of the oldest Jewish neighbourhoods in Jerusalem city. This is where the majority of the Hasidic community lives, whose very traditional ultra-orthodox Jewish values are closed and seen as an ultra-religious culture. A microcosm of Jerusalem, this neighbourhood has a different atmosphere. 

Full of narrow alleyways, quiet streets, and religious institutional buildings, it’s here where you will see the 18th-century dress code that was customary in Eastern Europe but which remains to this day. You will see the bearded men dressed in their black coats and hats, standing on the street doing nothing much except chatting to each other since the majority do not work, instead days are spent in prayer reading the Torah. You will rarely see the women, and if you do, you will see them dressed in their conservative wigs, headscarves, black skirts and dresses, pushing strollers and doing their daily shop.

It is also where you can find the largest Synagogue in Jerusalem, although you cannot enter. 

In reality, the Orthodox Jewish community does not really want you hanging around. Signs in the neighbourhood dictate not to come here in big groups, as well as outlining how you should dress and behave conservatively. An Israeli friend told me that I might be spat at, pushed and have things thrown at me, although this never happened. I did get stared at an awful lot and felt uncomfortable on my own, which is why I decided to leave.

Sign in Jerusalem’s Mea She-arim Orthodox Jewish Neighbourhood

Nahla’ot Neighbourhood

The Nahla’ot neighbourhood is the other side of Mahaneh Yehuda Market, and using the main road of Agrippas as my marker to find my way out, I ventured into the narrow and winding streets here that make up this really pretty neighbourhood of neat buildings, stone archways, gated courtyards and tiny stairwells. 

Jaffa Road runs through the New City, connecting everything. Part picturesque and arty, it is great to stroll down and cut off into the shopping and dining areas hidden behind it. In the evening, the streets around Zion Square sound with the buzz of bars and local hangouts, where you can sip on local Goldstar beer, and people-watch for hours.

Visit Jaffa Road in Jerusalem city

What to Do in Jerusalem in the Old City

Of all the places to visit in Jerusalem, the Old City is at its core. Seen as holding the history of the world, it has been fought over and conquered by various groups of people for thousands of years and is as admired as it is contested for being the holy centre to all three monotheistic faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Despite its complexities, this one-square-kilometre walled area bestows an air of ancient lure, and the labyrinth layout is just how you always imagined.

Jerusalem Old City walls

A walled city of stone structures, flanked in the sun’s golden hues, make up a maze of pathways that cut this ancient stronghold into the Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish quarters, and knowledge of the complex and delicate history is not always necessary to appreciate the architecture, ancient relics and charged atmospheres here.

Whether you watch the Jews praying at the Western (Wailing) Wall or singing in the cause of a celebration, silently observe Christians in prayer at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre while standing amidst the clang of the church bells, or look on as Muslims make their way to the Mosque as the call to prayer reverberates around you, you don’t have to be spiritual to be moved and taken in by the religious spectacles that blend in this small space, whilst simmering in division beneath the surface.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City

A disputed holy site, where once sat a Jewish temple thousands of years ago and is now a mosque, Temple Mount is an unmissable part of your exploration of the Old City.

Only open for a small window each day for non-muslims (at the gate to the right as you face the Western Wall between the hours of 07:30 – 10:00 and 12:30 – 13:30 in the winter and 07:30 – 11:00 + 13:30 – 14:30 in the summer) hundreds venture up here to view what has become an infamous symbol of Jerusalem – the gold dome which covers the slab of rock sacred to both the Jewish faith as the foundation stone of the world and the Muslim faith as the point where Mohammed ascended to heaven to join Allah.

Visiting Temple Mount

Jerusalem’s Old City is mesmerising as you meander through it and breathtaking when you see it from afar.

The view from the Mount of Olives is labelled as the most spectacular. The Austrian Hospice in the Muslim Quarter has one of the best rooftop lookouts, and the Armon Hanatziv Promenade close to the German Colony is more of a local spot, best viewed at sunset as the magical sounds of church bells or calls to prayer scatter across the land.

Jerusalem Tours

No trip to Jerusalem is complete without finding ways to really understand it and know where to find its historical and cultural highlights. A great introduction to the Old City, for both the history and general navigation, is the free walking tour from Sandemans . Those with stamina can take a full-day Jerusalem tour with a local , from the old city to the new town, the mount to the hidden corners. 

I have one rule for Jerusalem’s Old City when you head back on your own: to not really plan a route. Getting lost is a good thing, and trying too hard to work your way around the labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden alleys, and bustling bazaars will frustrate you. You will always eventually come back onto one of the main streets leading to the main gates or one of the religious sites or stumble upon a direction sign.

The following experiences and cultural Jerusalem trips can be  booked via the Abraham tours website or at the travel desk inside the Abraham hostel:

• Culinary experience tasting local foods on a Mahane Yehuda Market tour.
• Take a Mount of Olives tour, see the major churches, the Mosque of Ascension,Mary’s Tomb and visit the world’s oldest Jewish cemetery.
• Join the only tour which explores Jerusalem’s nightlife on a Jerusalem pub crawl .
• Meet members of the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and better understand their culture.
• Journey back in time by 4,000 years and enter the secret underground tunnel system on a City of David Tour .
• The street-art tour in Jerusalem tells stories about the tensions between secular and religious Jews, Muslims and Christians and more.
• Consider a sunrise biking tour around all of Jerusalem’s 8 gates and see the city from angles other transport can’t get you to.

A visit to Jerusalem is often taken as a day trip from Tel Aviv, but if you find yourself based in Jerusalem for longer, there are plenty of experiences to explore the wider city and neighbouring areas of Israel. The following are some of the best Abraham tour day trips from Jerusalem, which can be booked here .  

Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour from Jerusalem

• READ MORE:   The Natural Wonders of Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea  – Adventure in Southern Israel

See both perspectives and narratives of the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the Hebron Dual Narrative Tour

• READ MORE:  Visit Hebron in the West Bank– The Divided City of Palestine

Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee, including Mount Tabor, the Jordan River and Capernaum 

• READ MORE: Nazareth, Israel – Revival Beyond Biblical Reference
• Best of the West Bank that takes you to Bethlehem, the ancient city of Jerich and the modern city of Ramallah

Looking to visit Jerusalem as part of a small group? For many, independent travel to Israel can be daunting, so I recommend the G Adventures Israel tour, which covers the country’s highlights in an 8-day trip that starts in Tel Aviv and ends in Jerusalem. That means being in the traveller hubs of the big cities on either side of your visit while enjoying everything in between, including Haifa, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee in the north and Masada, the Dead Sea and Bethlehem, with like-minded travellers. 

You can view the itinerary for this adventure, look at G Adventures reviews from previous passengers and find all the details on how to book on the Israel trip page .

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Budget accommodation in Israel is widespread, most notably via a Hostel network with around 40 quality-assured independent hostels across the country, many of those in Jerusalem.

I’ve known and worked with Abraham Hostels for many years and highly recommend them. The Abraham Jerusalem hostel has 40 dorm rooms and 40 private rooms, a beautiful large common room with lounge space, a huge guest kitchen, a bar and other facilities such as great internet and laundry. 

Not only that, but it is a hub where people from the city come in to enjoy the events on offer such as Live Music, Quiz Night and a Pub Crawl, Shabbat Dinner, weekly travel lectures, language lessons and the extensive daily tour offering of Abraham Tours throughout Israel, Jordan and Egypt.

Book your stay at Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem here . 

There is no airport in Jerusalem, and instead, travellers to Israel will enter via Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. From here, you can transfer to Jerusalem in around one hour. 

• For transfers from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem, the 485 shuttle bus takes you from the airport to various stops in Jerusalem city centre, including the Jerusalem Central Bus Station. These buses run every day except on Shabbat (Saturday).
• Many accommodations may have shuttle options that arrange drop-off and pick-up at accommodations in the city, which can be one of the most cost-effective options for getting between the airport and the city.
• If staying at Abraham Hostel, a shuttle service is available as part of your booking for a small extra cost. 
• The Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories guidebook is a great resource to plan your trip.
• For further information on where to go in Jerusalem and other highlights, check out the dedicated online Tourist Israel guide – which I partnered with during my time in the city to help produce this Jerusalem travel guide.
• A recommended book on the history of Israel and the modern-day conflict is A Line in the Sand , which details the struggles between Europe, Britain and France for power in the Middle East and what events led to the modern-day conflict and division. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

22 June 2021 at 2:53 pm

This is a beautiful article besides the fact it mentions apartheid. Israel is by no means an apartheid state. Arabic is an official language, Israeli Arabs have the same rights as the Jewish Israelis and they also have representation in the Israeli Parliament. The health system in Israel is full with Arabic doctors, our universities are full with Israeli Arabs who can get higher education with huge discounts and in some cases even for free using a full scholarship funded by the governmet. Israeli Arabs can set foot wherever they want all across the country with no restrictions. Funnily, Jewish Israelis cannot set foot in some parts of the country as it is unsafe for Jews to be there. Correct me if I’m wrong, but an apartheid state looks nothing like this. I suggest to think hard before you wrtie such things, without knowing all the facts. I invite you not just to have a short tour or two here – try to really live here and then tell me if Israel is an apartheid state. Peace, love and truth.

22 June 2021 at 3:55 pm

As I mentioned, it is the human rights groups who have highlighted the situation as a form of/version of Apartheid giving the forms of discrimination, separation and occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Like many of the other fragments of thought, it will always ignite discussion. I am in no position to give a definitive answer. I am highlighting all the means of discussion, controversy, and loaded opinion that make understanding this not at all easy, especially when doing prior background reading before a visit.

Your comment here is welcomed as we all try and understand each others’ viewpoints. In the same way that we all want to see peace.

28 February 2019 at 8:00 am

Hi Becki, I ‘m really curious and interested in this country. With so much culture and history to learn. Is it advisable to travel solo or much better with a tour group?

28 February 2019 at 10:23 am

It’s a personal choice about how you want to visit Israel. Some feel better in the company of a group because of pre-conceptions; because of crossing check-points; or because they simply don’t feel comfortable moving around the country on their own, and don’t know where to start with the organisation. My recommendation for a group tour would be the G Adventures Israel Explorer which is an 8-day trip that covers the highlights: https://goo.gl/vvyXLF I work with them, travel with them and can vouch for the cultural insights garnered from having a local with you all the way.

I travelled around Israel solo, using Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth and the Negev desert as bases and taking adventure and culture day trips from those. There’s even a hostel in the desert! There are options all over as it has a good traveller network set up. The Israel bus system also connects to key towns and cities nationwide, although the full-day trips get you to a lot of little corners and places you couldn’t get to easily on your own. Plus, you are in a small group scenario to go explore. It’s a win-win either way you choose 🙂

5 May 2014 at 11:36 am

I think there’s possibly more stories from Jerusalem than any other place in the world. If only walls could talk, eh?

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Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is a city that offers a diverse range of cultural experiences. The city’s rich history, culture, and spirituality are all sources of inspiration that leave visitors in awe. From the ancient holy sites of the Old City to the modern city’s contemporary art galleries, theaters, music, and dance venues, Jerusalem provides a cultural feast for art, theater, dance, and music enthusiasts. The city is a fascinating blend of past and present, creating a dynamic cultural scene that’s a joy to explore.

With our expert guide, you’ll uncover both the top-rated and hidden gems of Jerusalem’s cultural scene. You’ll get a chance to experience a world of artistic wonders that few travelers get to see, providing you with an unforgettable cultural experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Art Museums:

The  Israel Museum  in Jerusalem serves as a landmark of art and history, showcasing a vast collection that spans from archaeological artifacts to contemporary art. Established in 1965, it is Israel’s largest cultural institution and ranks among the world’s leading art and archaeology museums. The museum’s extensive holdings include the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book, a remarkable collection of Jewish art and life, as well as a comprehensive compilation of works from various periods and regions of the world. Its beautifully designed campus, featuring sculpture gardens and exhibition spaces, offers a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Through its dynamic exhibitions and educational programs, the Israel Museum engages visitors in the rich tapestry of human culture, making it a pivotal place of discovery and inspiration for people from all walks of life.

Ticho House in Jerusalem is a historic building turned cultural center, once home to Dr. Albert Ticho and artist Anna Ticho, key cultural figures in early 20th-century Jerusalem. Originally built in the late 19th century and acquired by the Tichos in 1924, it served as both a residence and Dr. Ticho’s eye clinic. Anna Ticho bequeathed the house and her art collection to the public upon her death in 1980. Now part of the Israel Museum, Ticho House showcases Anna’s art, hosts contemporary exhibitions, and serves as a cultural venue with a popular restaurant, reflecting Jerusalem’s rich history and cultural diversity.

The Museum on the Seam is a socio-political contemporary art museum, situated along the line that once divided East and West Jerusalem. This unique museum explores themes of coexistence, dialogue, and understanding through contemporary art, focusing on issues that transcend local conflicts to address global concerns. Housed in a building that has witnessed the complexities of Jerusalem’s history firsthand, the Museum on the Seam serves as a space for art that challenges and inspires discussions on social issues and human rights, aiming to bridge gaps and foster peace in a region marked by long-standing divisions.

The Museum for Islamic Art is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Islamic art and artifacts. The museum houses an extensive collection that spans centuries, featuring ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and notable items such as antique watches and clocks. Its exhibitions aim to highlight the rich artistic heritage of the Islamic world, emphasizing the diversity and cultural significance of Islamic art. The museum not only serves as a repository of art but also as an educational center, offering insights into the historical and cultural contexts of the Islamic civilization.

Contemporary Art Venues:

Hansen House is a historic compound that has been transformed into a center for design, media, and technology. Originally built in the 19th century as a leprosy hospital, the site has been repurposed to serve as a vibrant cultural and creative hub. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and events that focus on innovation, design, and art, bringing together creators, entrepreneurs, and the public. The transformation of Hansen House from a medical facility into a center for creativity and innovation reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic buildings to meet contemporary cultural and social needs. Mamuta art and research center , located within the Hansen House, always has interesting contemporary art exhibitions and events. If you are planning to visit Jerusalem in June, don’t miss the extraordinary Jerusalem Design Week hosted by Hansen House.

Hamiffal (“The Factory”) in Jerusalem is an innovative art and culture project that revitalizes an abandoned historic building by transforming it into a dynamic space for creative collaboration and cultural activities. This grassroots initiative brings together artists, creators, and the community to participate in a wide range of artistic endeavors, workshops, and cultural events. Hamiffal serves as a platform for experimental art, social engagement, and community development, embodying a unique blend of history and contemporary culture. Through its activities, Hamiffal fosters an inclusive environment that encourages creativity and collective creation, making it a unique and vibrant part of Jerusalem’s cultural landscape. Learn more about Hamiffal in this beautiful explainer video .

The Jerusalem Artists House is a prominent cultural institution and gallery space, housed in a historic building that once served as the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts. Today, it functions as a vibrant center for contemporary art, showcasing the work of both established and emerging Israeli artists. The Jerusalem Artists House offers a diverse range of exhibitions, including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia art, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of Israel’s art scene. It also serves as a meeting point for artists and art lovers, hosting lectures, workshops, and events that foster dialogue and engagement with art. By bridging historical heritage and contemporary artistic expression, The Jerusalem Artists House plays a crucial role in nurturing and promoting the arts in Jerusalem.

Feel Beit is an innovative cultural initiative located in Jerusalem, designed to serve as a vibrant hub for contemporary Middle Eastern culture and art. This unique space combines a hostel, art gallery, and cultural venue, offering a platform for artists, musicians, and creators from the region to showcase their work and engage with the public. Feel Beit aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through a rich program of exhibitions, live music performances, workshops, and cultural events. By blending hospitality with cultural exploration, Feel Beit provides both locals and visitors with an immersive experience that celebrates the diversity and creativity of the Middle Eastern cultural landscape, making it a distinctive and enriching addition to Jerusalem’s cultural scene.

Barbur Gallery is an independent, nonprofit space for art and artists, featuring monthly exhibitions and weekly screenings, lectures, and workshops. Artists’ Studios complex in Talpiot is a center for contemporary culture that offers a rich and inspiring work environment for visual artists. The Jerusalem Print Workshop is Israel’s leading printmaking studio, producing etchings, lithographs, silk screens, and woodcuts. The workshop commissions prints, publishes books, produces exhibitions, and offers workshops. The New Gallery – Artists’ Studios Teddy is a municipal center that includes 18 workspaces available for leading artists from Israel and abroad. It also houses an active print workshop and a gallery that presents contemporary art exhibitions. In addition, the center holds a workshop program – ‘Teddy Talks & Practice’ – aimed at providing artists with practical tools that can help them in the Israeli and international art worlds. Koresh 14 Gallery is a railway housing built in the 1950s by architect Abba Elhanani, emphasizing innovative projects and exhibitions that bridge canonical art and contemporary art. Agripas 12 Gallery is an artists’ cooperative featuring works by fifteen local contemporary artists.

Theater and Performance Venues:

At the Jerusalem Theater , visitors can enjoy top-tier theatrical performances from leading theaters, independent artists, and fringe ensembles. In addition to plays, the theater also hosts dance performances by acclaimed companies from Israel and around the world, as well as concerts featuring a diverse range of musical styles. Those visiting in June should be sure to book tickets for the Israel Festival hosted by the theater. The festival’s program includes a wide variety of existing and original works in many different artistic disciplines, featuring both new and classical pieces and showcasing emerging artistic trends and stage languages.

Machol Shalem Dance House is a platform for independent contemporary dance creators in Jerusalem, while Hazira is a theater and production house for original work in the field of performance art and contemporary theater. Between Heaven and Earth is a cultural center that unites diverse groups, including dancers, musicians, artists, poets, producers, and rabbis. They work to challenge boundaries and promote cultural exchange, primarily through contemporary dance. One of the participants in this initiative is the male contemporary dance group Kaet Ensemble .

Music Venues:

For music lovers, Jerusalem is home to some of the best music venues in the country. The Yellow Submarine is a non-profit multidisciplinary center for music that is a rehearsal space, professional performance venue, and recording studio. The center produces musical events and festivals, as well as music performances by established musicians. Zappa Jerusalem is a top music venue in the capital, housed in a historic building from the British Mandate era. It hosts intimate concerts by Israeli and international artists from various genres, accompanied by kosher food and drinks.

And Beyond :

Yad Vashem , located in Jerusalem, is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Established in 1953, it is dedicated to preserving the memory and story of each of the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust, as well as documenting the history of the Jewish people during this period. The complex includes the Holocaust History Museum, memorial sites, such as the Children’s Memorial and the Hall of Remembrance, an extensive research center, and an education center. Yad Vashem serves as a comprehensive center for Holocaust education, documentation, and research, aiming to impart the lessons of the Holocaust, commemorate the lives lost, and honor those who stood against it.

The National Library of Israel in Jerusalem, established in 1892, stands as a premier repository for the heritage of Israel and the Jewish people, housing an extensive range of collections from rare manuscripts to Jewish texts. Recently, it underwent a significant architectural transformation with a new building designed by Herzog & de Meuron and Mann-Shinar Architects. This modern facility, adjacent to the Israel Museum, spans about 45,000 square meters over ten levels, integrating traditional library functions with innovative spaces for a digital age. The design, which reflects Jerusalem’s architectural heritage within a contemporary context, features textured concrete walls, a distinctive curved roof, and a central void linking the reading room to the library’s vast collections. Surrounded by gardens and public spaces, the revamped library aims to be a dynamic center for culture, education, and dialogue, underscoring its role in preserving and making accessible the intellectual and cultural legacy of the Jewish people.

Jerusalem Design Week is an esteemed annual design event, that serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing contemporary design across various disciplines, including industrial, graphic, fashion, and architectural design. Hosted primarily at the historic Hansen House and other venues city-wide, the event attracts a mix of local and international talent, offering exhibitions, installations, workshops, and discussions centered around a yearly theme that reflects current design trends and societal issues. It aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and dialogue among designers, professionals, and the public, while also highlighting emerging talents. Jerusalem Design Week uniquely integrates the city’s rich cultural and historical backdrop into its programming, making it a significant and inspirational gathering in the design community.

The Jerusalem Cinematheque is a prestigious cultural institution located in Jerusalem, Israel, renowned for its dedication to the art of cinema. Situated near the Old City, it offers a panoramic view of the ancient walls, providing a unique backdrop for film enthusiasts. The Cinematheque serves as a hub for cinema lovers, featuring a rich program of Israeli and international films, retrospectives, and special screenings aimed at promoting film culture and appreciation. It houses several theaters, a film archive, and educational facilities. A highlight of its annual calendar is the Jerusalem Film Festival , one of the most significant film events in the country. This festival showcases a diverse selection of films from around the world, including premieres, documentaries, and classics, alongside competitions and awards for filmmaking excellence.

The Manofim Festival , an annual highlight in Jerusalem showcasing its thriving contemporary art scene. This grassroots initiative brings together artists, galleries, and the public in a city-wide celebration of art and creativity. Through a diverse array of activities, including exhibitions, performances, open studios, and art tours across various venues, Manofim provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to display their work. The festival aims to foster dialogue and engagement, enhancing the visibility of contemporary art in Jerusalem and promoting cultural enrichment.

The Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, established in 1906, stands as Israel’s premier institution for art and design education, fostering innovation and creativity across various disciplines. Renowned for its comprehensive programs, distinguished faculty, and vibrant campus life, Bezalel plays a crucial role in the cultural and artistic development of the country. A highlight of its academic calendar is the final exhibition of graduates, a public event that showcases the diverse and innovative works of students in fields ranging from fine arts to architecture. This exhibition not only marks the culmination of the students’ academic journey but also offers visitors a glimpse into the future of creative industries, highlighting the academy’s commitment to excellence and the promotion of new talent.

Are you planning a trip to Israel and seeking the best cultural gems, from its northernmost points to its southernmost corners? Look no further! Explore the comprehensive Culture Treasure travel guide to Israel for insider tips on top galleries, museums, and theaters in the country’s most unexpected destinations. Discover Israel’s rich artistic heritage and vibrant contemporary creative scene. Make your visit truly unforgettable with our expertly curated recommendations.

Shachaf Dekel

Boutique Hotels, Nomad Sanctuaries, and Chic Hostels:

When planning your stay in Jerusalem, it's crucial to select the right hotel to meet your needs and ensure it's situated in your desired location in the city. To help you make an informed decision, we've carefully selected some of the best hotels in Jerusalem for our readers. Please note that some of our recommendations include an affiliate link, which supports the magazine's continued activities by providing a percentage of the sale without extra cost to you. We encourage you to use these links and support our magazine.

The King David Hotel

The King David Hotel in Jerusalem is a 5-star luxury hotel built with locally quarried pink limestone and named after the biblical king David. Opened in 1931 and founded by Ezra Mosseri, a wealthy Egyptian Jewish banker, it is located on King David Street and offers impeccable service, spacious rooms, world-class dining, and panoramic views of the Old City and Mount Zion. As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the King David Hotel remains a beacon of luxury and sophistication that offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking the ultimate in accommodations.

Mamilla Hotel

Mamilla Hotel offers a luxurious stay at the intersection of old and new Jerusalem. Situated next to Alrov Mamilla Avenue and within walking distance of major tourist sites, including the Tower of David, Jaffa Gate, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the hotel boasts a variety of attractions, including the Roof Top Lounge & Restaurant, the Happy Fish restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and the Akasha Wellness Centre.

The American Colony Hotel

Experience luxury and tranquility in the heart of Jerusalem at The American Colony Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This hotel offers a high-tech fitness center, swimming pool, gourmet restaurants, and landscaped gardens. Rooms are located in 4 buildings and feature Italian "Frette" bed linen, modern bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. The wellness center includes an outdoor pool, sauna, and fitness room. The American Colony Hotel is ideally located less than 2 km from the Old City, with the nearby light rail providing easy access to the modern city center.

Alegra Boutique Hotel

Alegra Boutique Hotel in Ein Kerem village is a luxurious and unique accommodation option that offers guests the perfect blend of old and new. This beautiful hotel is located just 200 meters away from the Church of the Visitation and features exposed-stone walls, contemporary bathrooms, and Persian rugs in its spacious and comfortable suites. The hotel is housed in a stunning Arabesque building dating back to 1850, with contemporary Israeli artwork decorating its public areas. Guests can enjoy massage treatments, relax in the sauna in the hotel's fruit orchard, or enjoy a daily buffet breakfast. The Old City of Jerusalem is just 9 km away from the hotel, while the Yad Vashem Memorial is a mere 10-minute drive away.

Bezalel Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel

Bezalel Hotel is a captivating blend of history, art, and modern luxury. Located in the heart of Jerusalem's vibrant cultural district, it offers guests easy access to the city's historical sites, museums, and local markets. The rooms are elegantly designed, combining Jerusalem's unique architectural charm with contemporary comforts for a relaxing stay. The hotel's restaurant offers a delightful array of local cuisine, and the rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the city. A standout feature is the hotel's commitment to local art, with a curated collection of works from Jerusalem's Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design adorning the walls, adding a unique cultural richness to the guest experience.

Brown JLM Mamilla

Brown JLM Mamilla, a member of Brown Hotels, is a conveniently located property in the heart of Jerusalem. This hotel boasts air-conditioned rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi, with a restaurant and bar on-site. Certain rooms offer scenic city views, and all are equipped with a seating area, flat-screen TV, and safety deposit box. A concierge service, tour desk, and currency exchange are also available for guests. The Western Wall is just 1.4 km away, and the Garden of Gethsemane is 2.4 km away, with the nearest airport being Ben Gurion Airport, located 50 km from the hotel.

Villa Brown Moshava

Discover the charm and elegance of Villa Brown Moshava - a member of Brown Hotels - Boutique Hotel, situated in the heart of the German colony in Jerusalem. The historic building offers guests free-to-use bikes, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and stylishly designed rooms with Smart TVs, air conditioning, and pay-per-view channels. Enjoy a bathtub or shower, and indulge in the free toiletries and tea and coffee provisions. Some rooms have a private balcony overlooking the neighborhood. The hotel boasts a beautiful garden for guests to relax in, and additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, tour desk, luggage storage, and dry cleaning service. The renowned Emek Refaim Street is just a block away, and public parking is available nearby.

Villa Brown Jerusalem

Experience a unique blend of classical inspiration and contemporary design at Villa Brown Jerusalem, a member of Brown Hotels, located in the heart of Jerusalem and only a 10-minute walk from the old city walls. This restored 19th-century villa features free WiFi, a restaurant, a bar, and a rooftop wellness area with a hot tub. The air-conditioned rooms offer a flat-screen TV with satellite and pay-per-view channels, a minibar, and some rooms even offer a balcony. A daily continental breakfast buffet is available, and the restaurant serves International and Mediterranean cuisine.

Abraham Jerusalem Hostel

Located just 350 meters from Mahne Yehuda Market in Davidka Square, the Abraham Jerusalem hostel provides private rooms and dormitories with free WiFi and air conditioning. Private rooms have their own bathrooms while dormitories come with private lockers and extra storage space in the lounge. The hostel offers a daily continental breakfast buffet and is situated right in front of a tram and bus stop that provides access to the city's most important landmarks. The Old City is only a 20-minute walk away. The hostel also features an evening bar with a selection of Israeli beers and nightly entertainment. The tour desk can arrange excursions in Jerusalem, as well as to other destinations in Israel and even Jordan.

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A CELEBRATION FOR ALL THE SENSES

Thursday Night Madness in Mahane Yehuda Vibrant Middle Eastern market by day and party central by night

Throngs of locals and tourists are drawn during the day to witness the authentic atmosphere and workings of the market, and of course do some shopping, and once the food vendors close up, revelers — foreign and local alike — descend on the market to drink and make marry in the bars, restaurants and alleyways.

The shuk never really takes a day off during the week, but if you’re looking for a truly electrifying night out, then Thursday is your target. For locals, it’s the only night can go out without having to worry about getting up for work the next day, and it shows, as the bars and restaurants stay open late, throw parties that spill out into the streets and host special events.

My “date” and I arrived at 7:20 pm, when many of the vendors were still open, and the aisles were crowded with shoppers looking for weekend bargains.

However, as the vendors closed, the shoppers quickly dissipated making room for the party people.

Although, it seems like yesterday that the shuk was just a place where you shopped and maybe grabbed a bite to eat from a local, working class eatery, over the past 5 years or so, the number of hip bars and restaurants has skyrocketed to the point that you can hardly keep track of everything between new ones popping every day and secret spots hidden away in corners only the locals know about.

“When you see the throngs of partiers at the shuk on a Thursday night, it is easy to forget that just a few short years ago you wouldn’t find a soul here at night,” said local tour guide Joel Haber. “But the truth is, this is not just the next logical step in Machane Yehuda’s constant historical development, but also the most vibrant new contribution to the city’s nightlife scene. The shuk has always been the crossroads where all Jerusalemites mix. Now the young and the less so, secular and religious, all sit side by side drinking beers and drinking in the shuk’s special character.”

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Photographers: Guy Yehieli, Adam Primer, Kfir Boltin, Linnea Andres, Kfir Sivan, Haim Yafim, Dana Fridlander, refael Ben Ari, Itamar Greenberg, Moshik Lindbaum, Ori Ackerman Video Credits: Israeli food channel, National Geographic

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Apple still hasn’t fixed emoji bug at centre of ‘antisemitism’ row

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Some iPhone users have spotted a controversial bug in the latest update, which suggests the Palestinian flag when typing in the word ‘Jerusalem’ in messages.

Tech giant Apple said that it is aware of the bug within the predictive text emoji in the keyboard and is working on a fix that will be made available in the next iOS update.

The bug was first spotted by Countdown presenter Rachel Riley, who voiced her opinion on X.

She wrote: ‘Dear @Apple, @AppleSupport, @tim_cook

‘I’ve just upgraded my software to version iOS 17.4.1, and now, when I type the capital of Israel, Jerusalem, I’m offered the Palestinian flag emoji. This didn’t occur on my phone immediately before this update.’

Ms Riley then lists the countires where no flag appears when typing in the name.

Dear @Apple @AppleSupport @tim_cook I’ve just upgraded my software to version iOS 17.4.1, and now, when I type the capital of Israel 🇮🇱, Jerusalem, I’m offered the Palestinian flag emoji. 🇵🇸 This didn’t occur on my phone immediately before this update. Below is a… pic.twitter.com/Cw9TDmE6VD — Rachel Riley MBE 💙 (@RachelRileyRR) April 9, 2024

‘Showing double standards with respect to Israel is a form of antisemitism, which is itself a form of racism against Jewish people,’ she adds.

‘Please explain whether this is an intentional act by your company, or whether you have no control over rogue programmers.’

Apple told the BBC that the change which appeared with the release of the latest update, was not intentional and the issue will be solved in a future update, which has not been yet announced.

A fix for the beta version of iOS 17.5 has since been released, resolving the issue.

However, the bug only seems to appear on English setting keyboards for the UK, Singapore and South Africa.

In response, Ms Riley wrote on X: ‘In my opinion a multinational company like Apple would not want to admit publicly that this was an intentional act by an employee/employees hence the description “bug” but I hope at least internally those responsible will no longer be working for the company.’

The status of Jerusalem has been a long-running dispute in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Palestinians say that the eastern part of Jerusalem belongs to them as part of its capital, but Israel is claiming the whole city.

East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were captured by Israel from Jordan and Egypt in a war in 1967. Since then, it has been viewed internationally as occupied Palestinian territory.

Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered to be holy to all three Abrahamic religions – Islam, Judaism and Christianity, and holds monuments of religious significance to all three religions.

A spokesperson for Apple told Metro.co.uk: ‘We are aware of a bug within predictive emoji in Keyboard. This is not intended behavior and a fix will be available in the next iOS update.’

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