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Western Wall during sabbath, Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall during sabbath, Jerusalem, Israel - Photo by Sander Crombach

Explore Jerusalem, Israel: Culture, Food, and Sightseeing Highlights for

About Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem, Israel is a city rich in history and religious significance. Visit the Old City to see landmarks like the Western Wall, or explore the bustling markets and restaurants. With a variety of cultural and religious sites, Jerusalem is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to explore the Middle East.

Jerusalem is a destination that is steeped in history, religion, and culture. Located in Israel, it is considered one of the oldest cities in the world and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start.

One of the most famous attractions in Jerusalem is the Old City. This walled city is home to many significant religious sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. Visitors can also explore the narrow streets and alleyways of the Old City, which are filled with markets, shops, and restaurants.

Another must-see attraction in Jerusalem is the Mount of Olives. This mountain offers stunning views of the city and is home to several important religious sites, including the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane. Visitors can also explore the ancient Jewish cemetery that is located on the mountain.

For those interested in history, the Israel Museum is a must-visit destination. This museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history of Israel, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period.

Foodies will also love Jerusalem, which is home to a vibrant culinary scene. From traditional Middle Eastern dishes to modern fusion cuisine, there is something for everyone. Be sure to try the hummus, falafel, and shawarma, which are all local favorites.

Overall, Jerusalem is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, religion, culture, or food, there is plenty to see and do in this fascinating city. With its rich history and vibrant culture, it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Israel.

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Popular Stays in Jerusalem, Israel

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Jerusalem, Israel

Sports and Entertainment
Business hotelsHotels with charmFamily hotels

Dan Jerusalem (Ex Regency)

This modernly designed hotel sits on the historic slopes of Mount Scopus, offering magnificent views over the charming skyline of Jerusalem. It offers the ideal retreat for those wishing to enjoy an unforgettable stay away from the hustle and bustle of city life, as it is located in a tranquil setting surrounded by Judea hills. This luxurious hotel is located just minutes from Jerusalem Light Rail, offering easy access to the Old City. This outstanding property offers a choice of different room types ranging from the Standard Room with garden views to the sumptuous Presidential Suite with kitchenette and a large suite on the top floor. The lavish dining options include a modern buffet restaurant and a café located inside the spa complex serving healthy delicacies. Business travellers will appreciate the extensive range of services available onsite, and the spa area is the best place where to rejuvenate body and soul.
General view
Business hotelsHotels with charm

Addar

This family-run boutique hotel dates back to the 19th century and features a prime situation in Jerusalem. It is located a short walking distance from the city’s main attractions, including St. George’s Cathedral, situated 2 minutes away, and the world-renowned old city, just a few steps from this establishment. Guests will find public transport links in the surrounding area and offering easy access to Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho. Guests staying at this exclusive hotel will appreciate the refined elegance and charming atmosphere which prevails at this establishment. The accommodation units have been completely equipped and provide a large choice of amenities and services, including top quality marble bathrooms with hot tub. Those travelling for business purposes will appreciate the equipped business centre and sports lovers can maintain their workout routines in the fitness centre.
Restaurant
Business hotelsHotels with charm

Dan Boutique Jerusalem

This stylish hotel is located opposite Mount Zion and the Old City of Jerusalem. It is within easy reach of many tourist attractions, both ancient and new. A short walk away is Jerusalem's new train station entertainment zone and the charming German Colony with its lively cafés and restaurants, and, in the other direction, guests will find the picturesque Yemin Moshe neighbourhood and an array of fashionable cultural and entertainment venues. This hotel offers guests elegant and sophisticated surroundings, combined with a cosy and intimate atmosphere, while maintaining the hotel's tradition of warm hospitality and the highest standard of service. Facilities available to guests in the 129-room hotel include a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out services, conference facilities, room and laundry services and free car park (upon availability). Guests may work out in the on-site gym.
Restaurant
Business hotelsFamily hotels

Dan Panorama Jerusalem

The hotel is centrally located in the new part of the city, within easy reach of modern Jerusalem's lively centre. It offers a range of conference and convention facilities with a business centre. The establishment also features a synagogue, a beauty salon and some gift shops. Further facilities available to guests in the 292-room hotel include a hairdressing salon, room and laundry services and a car park. The guests are offered excellent facilities for business guests and holidaymakers alike, including an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and a sun terrace with sun loungers, as well as a fully equipped gym. The restaurant offers a variety of delicious dairy meals, and light dairy snacks can be enjoyed in the lobby and bar.
General view
Hotels with charm

Vert Jerusalem

From its location in Givat Ram, the highest point in the city, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the beautiful city of Jerusalem. The hotel is opposite the international convention centre (Binyeney Ha'Umma) and within walking distance of the museum campus, the Knesset, the Supreme Court, the Spanish Orchard in the Nachlaot neighbourhood and the vibrant Mahane Yehuda market, which is quickly filling up with boutiques and stores. The Mamila tourist centre and the Old City of Jerusalem are both around 30 minutes on foot, or 15 minutes by public transport. The nearest beach on the Dead Sea is 75 minutes' drive and Tel Aviv is roughly an hour and a half by car. Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion International airport is approximately 58 km away. The family-friendly city hotel was designed especially for an exclusive stay in the tradition of all top hotels worldwide, from the contemporary style, the polished service and the outstanding facilities down to the business mood throughout the hotel. The air-conditioned business hotel offers 397 guest rooms in total and facilities include a lobby, currency exchange facilities, a cloakroom, newspaper stand, café and a breakfast/dining room. Guests may also take advantage of the Internet access, room and laundry services, and a garage. The guest rooms and suites, with their warm and intimate interior design, soft beds, satin sheets, exclusive accessories and breathtaking views, are the source of unique indulgence. The large standard rooms, located on the 3rd to 7th and 9th to 11th floors, all provide wonderful views of Jerusalem from the balcony and are suitable for a couple or a couple with two children. All the rooms are equipped with a kitchenette with minibar, cable TV, wireless Internet access, hairdryer and a tea and coffee making kit. An en suite bathroom with shower and bathtub, a double or king-size bed, direct dial telephone, radio, safe, air conditioning and central heating also come as standard.
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Business hotelsHotels with charmFamily hotelsDesign

Legacy Hotel Jerusalem

This hotel invites guests to experience a whole new way of visiting Jerusalem. The hotel enjoys breathtaking panoramic views of Jerusalem, affording guests a chance to survey the many splendours the city has to offer. This sophisticated modern property is located in the heart of the city. It is a pleasant 5-minute walk from the Old Town area and a mere 10-minute walk from the centre of the new city. Ben Gurion International Airport is approximately 58 km away. This 1960s building started off as a YMCA hostel and comprises a total of 49 elegant rooms. It has been meticulously renovated in a perfect combination of old charm and elegance and today's convenience and simplicity of design. From the high ceilings and modern furnishings of the lobby to the elegance and serenity of the restaurant on the top floor, no detail is left untouched. The hotel aspires to give the highest quality of food, service, and accommodation. Whether for business or leisure stays, the distinguished staff of this property are dedicated to making guests' visit an enjoyable one. The rooms are designed with comfort in mind and each has been completely redesigned and decorated in a classic modern style, offering luxury and privacy. All come with tea and coffee making facilities and provide free wireless Internet access and other standard communication technologies. The hotel offers its guests a wide range of leisure facilities including a spa, a fully equipped gym, a health club and an indoor swimming pool. It is also possible for guests to enjoy a game of squash, basketball or volleyball.
General view
Business hotels

Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem

Situated opposite The Great Synagogue and next to the leafy green Independence Park, this modern hotel boasts a fantastic city-centre location in Jerusalem. The Western Wall, Tower of David and Jerusalem Light Railway can all be reached within a 20-minute walk. Visitors might also wish to shop for souvenirs and observe street performers in the nearby Ben Yehuda shopping precinct. Each room is cosy and bright with large windows overlooking the old and new cities, and the hotel provides two Sabbath elevators and an in-hotel synagogue for religious observers. Guests can choose from two restaurants serving a satisfying Israeli breakfast, traditional Shabbat meals, and Italian fish and pasta dishes. On summer nights, the barbeque bar serves delicious barbequed meats. There are also two children's play rooms, a conference centre, and an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and spa offering a wet sauna and hot stone massages. Saturdays, and Jewish holidays, check-in is available from 21:00 Late checkout on Saturday's are confirmed upon availability and involves a fee. contact the front desk of the hotel for more details.
General view
Business hotelsHotels with charm

The American Colony Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels

Built in the mid-19th century as a palace for a pasha and his four wives, the luxury American Colony Hotel enjoys a fantastic location in the centre of Jerusalem, on the seam line between the Jewish and Arab areas. Known to be a neutral place, it is a favourite among international journalists, UN officers and diplomats. Famous guests included Lawrence of Arabia, Tony Blair, John le Carré and Sir Peter Ustinov. The historic hotel exudes a sophisticated ambience of peace and tranquillity. The luxuriously appointed rooms are beautifully decorated, blending classic elements with modern amenities. Business guests will appreciate the business centre and the meeting facilities. The hotel offers a lovely courtyard, a delightful outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre as well as a Swedish sauna. Various fine dining options tempt even the most discerning palate. A truly unique hotel close to all the famous sights. The Daily cost for our Buffet Breakfast for Room only rate plans is US$ 35.00 per person per day. Check in Time: 15:00 Check Out Time: 12:00 noon

Things to do in Jerusalem, Israel

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Jerusalem, Israel

Light Rail Downtown Jerusalem
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail

The Jerusalem light rail spans the city, connecting history, conflict, people and differing narratives. It is a wonderful way to learn about the many facets of this city. We begin on Mount Herzl, the fist stop. We will visit the national cemetery and gain an understanding of the history of Israel. We continue on the light rail, pointing out the sites on the way, exiting at the the colorful Machane Yehuda market which we will tour and sample the street food. We continue on the rail, stopping at the center of town, Jaffa Street and King George Avenue, to get a sense of this historical and bustling area. We continue to the Damascus Gate Station, to visit both a Jewish Ultra-Orthodox neighborhood and the neighboring hub of the Arab section of the city at the Damascus Gate and Salah a Din Street. Here we will get a deep sense of the complexities of this multicultural city. We continue to the Arab and Jewish northern neighborhoods, asking the question: What unites us? What divides us?
Visit the Western Wall.
Digital Voucher540 minutes

Private Tour: Highlights of Jerusalem

The highlights tour in Jerusalem is a good introduction for first-time visitors. We will explore the city of three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. A sample itinerary includes: 1. Lookout from the Mount of Olives 2. Jaffa Gate - introduction to the Old City. 3. Walk on top of the city's walls and see the Old City from above. 4. Visit the Jewish Quarter and its sites: the Roman Cardo and Hezekiah's Wall 5. Visit the the Western Wall ("The Kotel") - the spiritual heart of the Jewish nation. 6. Follow the story of Jesus along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) to the Christian Quarter. 7. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which hosts the site where Jesus was crucified (Golgotha Hill) and the site of Jesus burial.
Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Dead Sea - for cruise ship guests only
Digital Voucher600 minutes

Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Dead Sea - for cruise ship guests only

When your cruise visits Ashdod Port, take a full-day tour of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. With a guide, travel to Jerusalem and admire sweeping views of the Old City from the Mount of Olives. See the hallowed sites of the Garden of Gethsemane and Last Supper room, and enter the walled city to visit age-old places of pilgrimage including the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and more. Then, continue to the Dead Sea to float in its salt-rich waters before your return to Ashdod.
Jerusalem Private Guide Half Day Tour
Digital Voucher240 minutes

Jerusalem Private Guide Half Day Tour

Enjoy a private 4-hour walking tour in the Old City of Jerusalem with a personal guide. Explore major city quarters with visits to historic sites and taste local flavors. Customize your tour to fit your schedule, which includes options for a dawn tour (after your hotel breakfast) or an afternoon tour. You can also customize your tour to focus on sites in the New City.
Explore Jerusalem's Old City
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Explore Jerusalem's Old City

Get to know Jerusalem's Old City: its historical and cultural highlights. Meet a rich variety of cultures, religions, and people. Gain new knowledge, have a moving experience, and a lasting impression. Each trip can be tailor-made to your interests and needs. Jerusalem is a city with many steps in its streets and sidewalks, but we can make the tour wheelchair accessible with a little extra planning. Please let me know if you have any special requirements. The price is per group, not per person as indicated.
Privet group on Mount Zion
Digital Voucher420 minutes

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

Holy Jerusalem is a complex city, thousands of years old, a place of yearning and identification for Jews, Christians, and Moslems. Join me on a walking tour during which we will meet and talk with people from the wide variety of cultures and religions who live in the Old City. We will visit holy places of the three religions: the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and more. As we wend our way through charming narrow streets, we will enjoy hidden courtyards, view the city from concealed roofs, be intoxicated by myriad scents in the colorful markets, taste authentic foods, and hear stories of the past and present that provide food for thought.
Garden Tomb
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Jerusalem Christian Protestant Private Tour

Enjoy your full day Christian Protestant tour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem with a highly qualified tour guide, specialist in Christianity and Holy Land History. This exciting full day Jerusalem tour encompasses the most important places for the Protestant Christians worldwide. 
Jews praying at the Western Wall
Digital Voucher300 minutes

Private Tour Jerusalem Old City

A highly motivated guide, because we work with a guide network, not for a company. Your guide will contact you after your booking, you can customize the tour with him/her. Embark on this private half-day city tour of Jerusalem with a professional guide. Your guide will bring you to hidden corners, the best viewpoints for taking pictures, an African rooftop village and many more surprises. The Holy City of Jerusalem is unique. It is by far the most fascinating city in the world and the most important religious and historical sites are located in just a tiny walled area called the Old City. This tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.  If you don't choose a private tour, we highly recommend that you book a group tour to visit with a guide, it is a missed opportunity to visit Jerusalem without a guide, the density of sites, religion and history on 1 square kilometer is huge.

Why People Love Jerusalem, Israel

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Jerusalem, Israel

P
pitri2021
4
Apr 2020
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
great way to move around the city, modern light rail fair price however does not get to all places and sometimes can be quite crowded.
BK
Batel-Orel K
5
Dec 2021
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
יש אפשרות להחנות את הרכב בהר הרצל, משם יש תחנה של הרכבת הקלה.. ובחזור במקום לשלם להעביר את כרטיס הרכבת והחניה בהר הרצל בחינם. בתנאי שנוסעים ברכבת. הרכבת מהירה ונוחה. בלי פקקים ולחפש חניה בדרך. נסיעה עולה 6₪ לכיוון לאדם ואם יש כרטיס רב קו עולה 10₪ ליום שלם. אפשר גם לקנות מספר כרטיסים במרוכז ואז עו...
K
K3216HPmarkg
5
Nov 2019
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
Jerusalem from One End to the Other- By Rail
We know Jerusalem well. We have lived here and studied here. But Ed Snitkoff gave us a new understanding of this amazing city and a deep appreciation for the new and the old. Ed is engaging, informative and he has a great sense of humor. He brings together history, sociology and tradition with gr...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Jerusalem

What are some must-see attractions in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem is home to many incredible attractions, including the Western Wall, the Tower of David, and the Dome of the Rock. Other must-see attractions include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, and the Israel Museum.

What are some fun activities to do in Jerusalem?

There are many fun activities to do in Jerusalem, such as taking a guided tour of the Old City, exploring the Mahane Yehuda Market, and visiting the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. You can also take a hot air balloon ride over the city, go on a bike tour, or attend a live music performance.

What is the best time of year to visit Jerusalem?

The best time to visit Jerusalem is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, if you don't mind the heat, visiting in the summer can also be enjoyable. Winter can be rainy and cold, but if you enjoy winter sports, you can go skiing in the nearby mountains.

What are some good accommodations in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem has many great accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular options include the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, the King David Hotel, and the Abraham Hostel. There are also many Airbnb options available throughout the city.

What are some good restaurants in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem is home to many incredible restaurants, serving up a variety of cuisines from around the world. Some popular options include Machneyuda, Eucalyptus, and Azura. If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, you can also find many street food vendors selling delicious falafel, shawarma, and hummus.

What are some good shopping areas in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem is home to many great shopping areas, such as the Mamilla Mall, the Mahane Yehuda Market, and the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall. You can find everything from high-end designer stores to local artisan shops selling handmade souvenirs.

What is the transportation system like in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and light rail trains running throughout the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available. If you prefer to walk, many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other.

What are some good day trips from Jerusalem?

Jerusalem is centrally located and there are many great day trips you can take from the city. Some popular options include visiting the Dead Sea, Masada, and Bethlehem. You can also go hiking in the nearby Judean Hills or take a wine tour of the surrounding vineyards.

What is the currency used in Jerusalem?

The currency used in Jerusalem (and all of Israel) is the Israeli shekel. Many establishments also accept US dollars and credit cards, but it's a good idea to have some shekels on hand for smaller purchases.

Are there any safety concerns for travelers in Jerusalem?

While Jerusalem is generally a safe city, there are some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of. It's a good idea to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and to be aware of your surroundings at all times. You should also be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.