Jerusalem

Travel Guide
Church of Mary Magdalene showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Jerusalem is one of the world’s truly great cities. For thousands of years, people have been visiting this meeting point of civilisations and religions, and it remains one of the most fascinating travel destinations into the 21st century. It is safe to say that human history is tied to Jerusalem like no other place on Earth, so take the time to discover and explore as much of the city as possible during your holiday in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem’s Three-Thousand Years of History

The starting point for many on holiday in Jerusalem is the Old City, surrounded by walls and accessed by gates – the Jaffa Gate, the Damascus Gate – that have become famous landmarks in their own right. From the Jaffa Gate, you can climb up on the ancient walls for the fascinating views from the Ramparts Walk, before heading back down to explore the sights, sounds and smells and the city below. The Old City is divided into four quarters – Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Armenian – and they are all worth exploring in their own right.

The Old City of Jerusalem is where you will find many of the buildings of historical and religious significance. After all, Jerusalem is a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. The Temple Mount is the third holiest place in Islam, with its Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, while the holiest place Jews may pray is the Western Wall. For Christians of all dominations, one of the most important places of pilgrimage is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the spot where Christ was crucified.

Culture in Jerusalem

During your Jerusalem getaway, make time to visit the many excellent museums in Jerusalem. In the Old City, the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem tells the story of the city, while in West Jerusalem, the Israel Museum and the Bible Lands Museum are both close to the Botanical Gardens and the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. In East Jerusalem, head to the Rockefeller Museum to see room after room of fascinating archaeological artefacts.

One place that should be on every visitor’s itinerary is Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum and Memorial to the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis in Europe. Beyond the history museum, there is also a children’s exhibition, a garden of remembrance and the sombre Hall of Names, dedicated to the victims known and unknown.

Food and Drink in Jerusalem

For more relaxed parts of your holiday, Jerusalem has plenty going for it in the evening and after dark. Jerusalem city centre is where you’ll find much of the shopping and entertainment in the city. The Nahalat Shiva neighbourhood in particular is well-known for its upscale boutiques and high-end restaurants. The area around the Mahane Yehuda Market is packed with excellent bars and restaurants, and Talpiot in the south is home to many of Jerusalem’s best clubs. Increasingly, holiday makers head for East Jerusalem to sample regional cuisine and the famous Jerusalem hospitality.

Where to stay in Jerusalem

Jerusalem which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people

Jerusalem City Centre

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

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

Jerusalem City Centre
Old City which includes markets, food and street scenes

Old City

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Unique features of Old City include the historical sites and shopping. Make a stop by Via Dolorosa or Mosque of Omar while you're exploring the area.

Old City
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Mamilla

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

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

Mamilla
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Rehavia

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

Rehavia
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Emek Refaim

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Emek Refaim, you might make a stop by sights like Hansen House - Design, Media and Technology Center and Museum of Natural History Jerusalem.

Emek Refaim
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Baka

Get to know Baka by checking out its restaurants, historical sites and gardens. Consider a visit to nearby sights like The First Station or Mount Zion during your time in the area.

Baka
Orient by Isrotel exclusive
Orient by Isrotel exclusive
5 out of 5
3 Emek Refaim St, Jerusalem
The price is RM1,094 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
RM1,094
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Jerusalem. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (569 reviews)
"I have returned to the Orient Hotel number of times. Every time is special it is my favorite hotel in the Jerusalem area."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Orient by Isrotel exclusive
The David Citadel Jerusalem
The David Citadel Jerusalem
5 out of 5
7 King David St, Jerusalem
The price is RM2,420 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
RM2,420
per night
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Jerusalem. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Jaffa Gate and Western Wall are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (410 reviews)
"Always wonderful!"

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2024

The David Citadel Jerusalem
The Inbal Jerusalem
The Inbal Jerusalem
5 out of 5
Liberty Bell Park, 3, Jabotinsky St., Jerusalem
The price is RM1,639 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
RM1,639
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Jerusalem. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (570 reviews)
"Excellent all around"

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2024

The Inbal Jerusalem
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
City Center Jerusalem
City Center Jerusalem
17 King George St., Jerusalem
Stay at this aparthotel in Jerusalem. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (802 reviews)
"Disappointed that room was not ready by 3.00 p.m check in time. Although there were notices for no smoking in the room, there was a distinct smell of cigarettes on the floor and in the room. Overall, the staff were excellent - very helpful at all times and overall our stay was very good value for ..."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024

City Center Jerusalem
Hillel 11 Hotel
Hillel 11 Hotel
Hillel 11, Jerusalem
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Jerusalem. Enjoy free WiFi, a nightclub, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (615 reviews)
"Nice location. Good beds. Good bathrooms. Dark rooms. Needs more light. I paid extra for a balcony but it overlooked a loud construction site. Not pleasant."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Hillel 11 Hotel
Mr. Agrippa - By TLV2GO
Mr. Agrippa - By TLV2GO
10 Mazor St, Jerusalem, Jerusalem District
Stay at this apartment in Jerusalem. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Jaffa Gate and Western Wall are located nearby. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
"Great place. Centrally located. Nice and relaxing. Thank you."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Mr. Agrippa - By TLV2GO
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Jerusalem

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
119
" "5 - Excellent 71.6867469879518%
4 - Good
36
" "4 - Good 21.686746987951807%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 6.626506024096385%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Mar 2020

Very little harassment from stallholders.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Feb 2020

So interesting , in a myriad of ways Felt at home there esp the old city

5/5 - Excellent

CHImezie
21 Jan 2020

I ♥️ JERUSALEM.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Jan 2020

We are always happy to visit the beautiful city of Jerusalem.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Jan 2020

There is a lot to do and see with plenty of restaurants and lots of shops. Don’t forget to bargain in the souk. Parking is an issue so best to walk or take taxis

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 Dec 2019

A wonderful city with so much history. Will definitely visit again.