Things to do in  Jerusalem

Jerusalem is Israel’s declared capital and has many places held sacred in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Sites include the gold-coated Dome of the Rock—holy to the Muslim and Jewish religions; the Western Wall—cherished in the Jewish faith; and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, hallowed by Christians.

Many travelers cover Old Jerusalem in a day, taking in sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock, Western Wall and Jewish, Muslim, and Christian quarters. Add a day or so to delve further, exploring the excavated City of David, markets, and Yad Veshem Holocaust Museum.

Yes. Jerusalem is generally safe—the terrorism risk is pretty low—but it’s worth taking some precautions. Be ready for security measures and armed soldiers in the city and for security screening in certain locations. While street crime is rare, it’s wise to keep valuables like passports and wallets stowed away.

Jerusalem thrums with activity at night. Join locals at buzzing Mahane Yehuda market: a food and nightlife hotspot with narrow alleyways crammed with outdoor tables, bars, and clubs. Alternatively, take a sunset stroll through the Old City’s gold-hued lanes or watch a spectacular sound-and-light show at the ancient Tower of David.

Top your sightseeing with Old Jerusalem’s historical treasures, including its old quarters, Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and Holy Sepulchre Church. Don’t miss a swim in the Dead Sea, a sunrise Masada trip and—to chart the story of Christianity—the biblical sites of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Galilee.

May is probably best for visiting Jerusalem. You’ll avoid the peak crowds and intense summer heat, and likely enjoy warm, dry weather with daytime average temps of around 70°F (21°C). You’ll also miss the busy Passover holiday, usually in April. Another option is October, the last sunny hurrah before winter.