Jerusalem is a city of great significance to many people around the world. As the birthplace of major world religions, it has long been a place of pilgrimage and prayer. At the same time, it is a city of great historical significance, with a past that stretches back thousands of years. With its mix of ancient architecture, diverse cultures, and religious traditions, Jerusalem is a unique and unyielding destination that offers something for everyone.
Visitors to Jerusalem can explore the city’s many historic sites, including the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. They can wander through the winding streets of the Old City and discover hidden alleyways and markets, where they can sample delicious Middle Eastern cuisine and pick up unique souvenirs.
But Jerusalem is more than just a tourist destination. It is a city of great spiritual significance, where people of all faiths can come to connect with their beliefs and find peace. For Jews, it is the holiest city on earth, the site of the ancient Temple and the spiritual center of the Jewish people. For Christians, it is the site of many important events in the life of Jesus, including his crucifixion and resurrection. For Muslims, it is the third holiest city in Islam, the site of the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Despite its long and often tumultuous history, Jerusalem remains a city of great beauty and hope. Its rich culture and deep spirituality continue to inspire visitors from around the world. For anyone seeking a deeper connection with the heart of the Middle East, Jerusalem is a destination that cannot be missed.
3 Days in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a city with a rich history and spiritual significance, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. If you only have three days to explore this fascinating city, here’s a suggested itinerary that will help you make the most of your time.
Day 1: Old City Exploration
Start your day early with a visit to the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Afterward, walk through the winding streets of the Old City and explore its four quarters, each with its own unique atmosphere and historical significance. Be sure to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Jesus was crucified and buried, and where he is believed to have risen from the dead. End your day with a sunset view from the rooftop of the Austrian Hospice, overlooking the Old City.
Day 2: Modern Jerusalem and Mount of Olives
Start your day with a visit to the Israel Museum, where you can explore the history and culture of Israel through a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits. Then head to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial and museum, to pay your respects and learn about this tragic period in history. In the afternoon, take a walk through the picturesque neighborhoods of Yemin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha’ananim before heading to the Mount of Olives for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Day 3: Bethlehem and Food Tour
Take a day trip to Bethlehem, just a short drive from Jerusalem, to visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus. Then, head back to Jerusalem for a food tour of the city, sampling delicious Middle Eastern cuisine at local markets and restaurants. End your day with a visit to the Tower of David Museum, which explores the history of Jerusalem from ancient times to the present day.
In three days, you can experience the highlights of Jerusalem, from its ancient history to its modern culture and cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a spiritual seeker, this city has something to offer everyone.
Just 1 day in Jerusalem
One day in Jerusalem is not enough to see everything, but it’s still possible to get a taste of the city’s rich history and culture. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a day trip to Jerusalem.
Morning: Old City Highlights
Start your day early in the Old City and visit the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Then, walk through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter and visit the Cardo, an ancient Roman road. Continue to the Christian Quarter and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. End your morning in the Muslim Quarter at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the most important sites in Islam.
Lunch: Mahane Yehuda Market
Head to Mahane Yehuda Market, a vibrant and bustling outdoor market, for lunch. Sample some of the delicious Middle Eastern food, like hummus, falafel, and shakshuka, from the local vendors.
Afternoon: Modern Jerusalem
After lunch, take a short taxi ride to the Israel Museum, where you can explore the history and culture of Israel through a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits. Don’t miss the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world.
Evening: Sunset from Mount of Olives
End your day with a visit to the Mount of Olives, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city at sunset. From here, you can see the Old City walls, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Jerusalem.
In just one day, you can experience some of the highlights of Jerusalem’s rich history and culture. While there is much more to see and do in this beautiful city, this itinerary will give you a taste of what Jerusalem has to offer.
How to get to and around Jerusalem
Jerusalem is easily accessible from other parts of Israel, and there are several transportation options for getting around the city. Here’s a guide to getting to and around Jerusalem:
Getting to Jerusalem
- By plane: The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, located about 45 minutes away from Jerusalem by car or public transportation.
- By train: The train station in Jerusalem is located in the city center, and there are regular train services to Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other parts of Israel.
- By bus: There are several bus companies that operate services to Jerusalem from other parts of Israel. The central bus station is located in the city center, and there are also several other bus stops throughout the city.
Getting around Jerusalem
- By foot: The Old City is best explored on foot, and many of the city’s other attractions are within walking distance of each other.
- By public transportation: Jerusalem has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a light rail system. The Rav-Kav card can be used for all modes of public transportation and can be purchased at kiosks throughout the city.
- By taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city, and it’s best to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi.
- By car: It’s possible to rent a car in Jerusalem, but driving in the city can be challenging due to heavy traffic and narrow streets. There are also several parking lots throughout the city, but parking can be difficult to find during peak times.
Overall, Jerusalem is a relatively easy city to navigate, with several transportation options available to visitors. Whether you choose to explore the city on foot or by public transportation, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in this beautiful and historic city.
Places to stay in Jerusalem
Jerusalem offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some recommended places to stay in Jerusalem:
- The King David Hotel: This iconic hotel is located in the heart of Jerusalem and is known for its luxurious amenities and stunning views of the city.
- Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem: Another luxurious hotel option, the Waldorf Astoria is located in the historic Mamilla neighborhood and offers guests a range of high-end amenities and services.
- Abraham Hostel: A popular hostel among budget-conscious travelers, the Abraham Hostel offers dorm-style and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Old City.
- Notre Dame Guest House: This guest house is located in a renovated 19th-century building near the Old City and offers guests comfortable rooms and a peaceful atmosphere.
- The American Colony Hotel: A historic hotel with a rich history, the American Colony Hotel is known for its beautiful gardens, elegant decor, and tranquil atmosphere.
- Inbal Hotel: A family-friendly hotel located near the Old City, the Inbal Hotel offers guests comfortable rooms, a range of amenities, and stunning views of the city.
- The David Citadel Hotel: Another luxurious hotel option, the David Citadel Hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers guests a range of high-end amenities and services.
Overall, there are many excellent places to stay in Jerusalem, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly hostel. No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in this beautiful and historic city.
What and where to eat in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of cuisine to choose from, ranging from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to modern fusion cuisine. Here are some of the best foods to try and places to eat in Jerusalem:
- Hummus: Hummus is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, and Jerusalem is known for its delicious hummus. Abu Shukri and Abu Hassan are two popular hummus spots in the Old City.
- Falafel: Falafel is another classic Middle Eastern dish that’s popular in Jerusalem. Some of the best places to try falafel include Moshiko Falafel, Azura, and HaKosem.
- Shawarma: Shawarma is a popular street food in Jerusalem, with a variety of meats and toppings to choose from. Some of the best shawarma spots include HaAchim, Jaffar Sweets, and Marvad Haksamim.
- Palestinian cuisine: Jerusalem is known for its Palestinian cuisine, which features dishes like musakhan (roast chicken with sumac and onions) and maqluba (a rice and meat dish). Some great places to try Palestinian cuisine include Al-Quds, Hosh Jalsa, and Rukab’s Ice Cream.
- Machneyuda: Machneyuda is a popular restaurant in the Machane Yehuda Market that serves up modern Israeli cuisine with a creative twist. The menu changes daily and features fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Rooftop bars: Jerusalem has a number of rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the city. Some popular options include The Mirror Bar, The Terrace, and The Eucalyptus.
- Street food: Jerusalem’s markets are full of delicious street food options, including roasted nuts, fresh fruit, and pastries. The Mahane Yehuda Market and the Old City markets are both great places to explore and sample different foods.
Overall, there’s no shortage of great food to try in Jerusalem, whether you’re looking for traditional Middle Eastern dishes or modern fusion cuisine. Be sure to explore the markets and street food options for the full culinary experience.
Coworking in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a growing hub for startups and innovation, and as such, there are several coworking spaces in the city that cater to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers. Here are some of the top coworking spaces in Jerusalem:
- Merkspace: Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Merkspace is a coworking space that offers flexible workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities. They also offer a range of services and amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and scanning facilities, and 24/7 access.
- Beit Alliance: A community-focused coworking space in the German Colony neighborhood, Beit Alliance offers shared workspaces, private offices, and event spaces. They also host workshops, networking events, and cultural events to foster collaboration and community.
- Naya: A coworking space located in the trendy neighborhood of Nahlaot, Naya offers shared workspaces, private offices, and meeting rooms. They also offer a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and scanning facilities, and a communal kitchen.
- MindSpace: A global coworking company with a location in Jerusalem, MindSpace offers flexible workspaces, private offices, and meeting rooms. They also offer a range of services and amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and scanning facilities, and 24/7 access.
- KamaTech: A coworking space that focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in the Orthodox Jewish community, KamaTech offers shared workspaces, private offices, and event spaces. They also offer mentorship and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Overall, Jerusalem has a growing coworking scene, with a range of spaces to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker, there are plenty of options to choose from in this dynamic and innovative city.