The spiritual capital of roughly two-thirds of the world’s population, as well the capital city of the State of Israel, Jerusalem draws 3.5 million visitors every year to sites sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike, such as the golden Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount, the Western Wall and Tomb of King David, the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Hall of the Last Supper. Get lost searching for these attractions in the walled portion of Jerusalem known as the Old City—or get a guide to help navigate the labyrinth of medieval alleyways connecting the Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian quarters, each with its own set of sacred sites, residential districts, and bazaars. Although most of Jerusalem’s visitors seek the sacred and spiritual within the bounds of the Old City, most of Jerusalem’s residents live in the New City, which has the amenities to serve them. Visit the Machane Yehuda Market (“The Shuk”) to see the spices, teas, sweets, and foods that maintain Israel’s status as the land of milk and honey, or complete the museum circuit of the Rockefeller Museum, Yad Vasham Holocaust Remembrance Museum, and the Bible Lands Museum. Thanks to the small size of Israel and the Palestinian territories and Jerusalem’s central location, day-trip options abound to Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Masada, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the West Bank, Petra in Jordan, and more.
Spring in Jerusalem is unbeatable: it’s warm, dry, and fragrant with blooms, plus it's low-season so you won’t run into huge crowds. Fall is equally lovely, with slightly cooler temperatures perfect for sightseeing. But no matter when you time your visit, be sure to check the calendar of Jewish holidays when many local businesses—and some attractions—close.
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.
...MoreMany 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.
...MoreYes. 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.
...MoreJerusalem 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.
...MoreTop 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.
...MoreMay 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.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 41 |
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Number of Tours | 389 |
Number of Reviews | 7,105 |
Currency | ILS |
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