Jerusalem is a must when visiting Israel.
An historic city, Jerusalem is holy to Christians, Muslims and Jews alike.
The city conveys a special sense of magic that stays with you long after you leave the city. We tried to pick for you the leading attractions in Jerusalem you have to see.
The Old City – When touring Jerusalem, make sure to visit the Old City of Jerusalem. This part of the city is divided into 4 quarters: the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter. See ancient buildings and hear stories about ancient Jerusalem, visit synagogues, churches, and mosques, and meet the locals who live in the Old City, people of different religions living side by side. When you think about attractions in Jerusalem, this one is a must.
Via Dolorosa – Walk along the famous Via Dolorosa, the route that Jesus took, the places he passed, and the sights he saw. The route is a recommended and moving experience, where you can genuinely imagine the last moments in the life of Jesus, just before his crucifixion.
Yad Vashem – Not all the attractions in Jerusalem have to be fun. The World Holocaust Remembrance Center (Yad Vashem) commemorates the Holocaust and its victims. In its 45-acre area, you can view survivor testimonies, see personal diaries and artifacts, and walk around outdoor monuments and memorials. While this may not be an easy or pleasant experience, we recommend a visit to the museum to hear inspirational stories of survival. Yad VaShem has an educational team and guides in almost every language who will be more than glad to give you a personal guided tour of the museum and expand your knowledge about the Holocaust.
Knesset – Don’t miss a tour of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. See where leaders and legislators make significant life-changing decisions, and observe the Knesset at work in a live plenary session.
Mount Herzl – If you visit the Knesset, we warmly recommend visiting Mount Herzl – the resting place of the great leaders of the nation. Among the green hills visit the tombs of historic and important people in the history of the State of Israel, among them Herzl, the visionary of the State of Israel and Yitzhak Rabin, the prime minister of Israel who signed the peace agreement with Jordan.
The Western Wall Tunnels - We recommend going underground for a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, where you can see and touch the original stones from the area of the Jewish Temple built thousands of years ago. In this amazing tour below ground, you will learn about ancient water technologies and how people lived in ancient times.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher – When you tour Jerusalem, we recommend a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Many Christian denominations believe that this is the site where Jesus was crucified, died and was resurrected. This church is worth a visit if only to see the impressive building and learn about its history.
The Garden Tomb – This is considered by some Christians to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. The neatly maintained green garden was preserved over the years and offers visitors a glimpse of history in a tranquil environment.
Ein Karem – Once an ancient village and now a charming neighborhood of Jerusalem, Ein Karem is a highly recommended tourism gem. It is considered an important site for many religious pilgrims who believe that this was the birthplace of John the Baptist. In Ein Karem you will also find historic churches and ancient landscapes, alongside pleasant modern restaurants and cafés. Join a tour of the neighborhood where you can see the old alongside the new.
Bethlehem – If you visit Jerusalem, you are invited to visit the famous neighboring city – Bethlehem. The city is holy for Christians as the birthplace of Jesus and for Jews as the birthplace of King David. Visit the impressive Church of Nativity, believed to be the site where Jesus was born.
The First Station in Jerusalem – A major center of entertainment, culture and culinary delights located on the site of the original train station building built in the 19th century for the train that operated between Jerusalem and Jaffa. The train from Jerusalem to Jaffa no longer leaves from this station, but in 2013 the First Station was renovated and became a multi-disciplinary cultural center. The First Station offers activities and attractions for all ages – enrichment activities, musical performances, shopping, chef restaurants and a beautiful promenade along the old railway that crosses parks and neighborhoods.
Mahane Yehuda Market – if you are looking for an anthropological and culinary adventure, we recommend a visit to the famous Mahane Yehuda Market. You can find many attractions in Jerusalem, but very few of them will be so delightful as the Mahane Yehuda Market. During the day, the market offers visitors an authentic market experience, with hundreds of stalls and countless goods - from souvenirs of Jerusalem, fresh vegetables and fruits, fish, meat and nuts and sweets, alongside sounds, aromas and colorful sights you will not forget. At night, the market undergoes a transformation, with dozens of pubs and restaurants offering an exhilarating nightlife experience. Taste the local beers made in Jerusalem and selected wines produced in wineries in the area. Walk through the alleys, hear the music coming from the bars and pubs, and raise a toast with other tourists and locals enjoying and celebrating in Jerusalem.
