Jerusalem
Save33 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Free things to do
- 1
Sacred remnant of the Second Temple complex, a key Jewish prayer site.
- Tip: At night
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Visit on Friday evening for Shabbat
- Separate sections for men and women
📷 Photos
- 2
Route Jesus is believed to have walked to the crucifixion.
3 tips
- Walk the Stations of the Cross
- Friday afternoon procession
- Start at Lions Gate
📷 Photos
- 3
Traditional site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Expect queues at the tomb
📷 Photos
- 4
Main western gate and tourist entrance to the Old City.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Start walks here
- Visit at golden hour
- Near the Tower of David
📷 Photos
- 5
Grandest entrance to the Old City, busy with vendors.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Great at sunset
- Watch the market stalls
- Entrance to the Muslim Quarter
📷 Photos
- 6
Restored Roman-Byzantine main street of the Jewish Quarter.
3 tips
- Look for the old Roman columns
- Shops and galleries
- Easy walk to the Western Wall
📷 Photos
- 7
Hill with the classic panorama over the Old City.
3 tips
- Go at sunrise
- Walk down towards Gethsemane
- Take a taxi up
📷 Photos
- 8
Ancient olive garden next to the Church of All Nations.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Closed midday for some hours
- Combine with the Mount of Olives
📷 Photos
- 9
Lively market with food stalls, bars and spices.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Visit Thursday or Friday
- Go at night for bars
- Try halva and falafel
📷 Photos
- 10
Promenade in East Talpiot with a broad view over the Old City.
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Jerusalem tips
Transportation
- Ride the light rail: Jerusalem's light rail runs through the city centre near the Old City; pay with a Rav-Kav card or a supported app.
- Walk the Old City: the Old City's lanes are car free, so explore on foot and wear comfortable shoes for the steep stone steps.
- Plan around Shabbat: most public transport stops from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, so plan taxis or walking then.
Security
- Follow security checks: bag checks are common at malls, stations and holy sites; allow extra time and cooperate calmly.
- Stay informed: check current travel advice before and during your visit, and follow local guidance at busy sites.
- Watch for pickpockets: crowded Old City markets and holy sites attract pickpockets, so keep valuables secure.
Saving
- Explore the Old City for free: wandering the four quarters and many holy sites costs nothing.
- Eat at Mahane Yehuda: the Machane Yehuda market offers fresh food, falafel and pastries at good prices.
- Join free walking tours: several groups offer tip-based walking tours of the Old City.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for hot, dry summers: summers are hot and sunny, so bring light clothes, a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring layers for winter: Jerusalem's altitude makes winters cool and rainy, and snow is possible, so pack a warm jacket.
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees for holy sites; a scarf is handy for women visiting religious places.
Cultural
- Respect religious sites: follow dress codes and rules at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other sites.
- Try local food: sample hummus, falafel, shakshuka and fresh pita from local eateries.
- Respect Shabbat customs: many shops and restaurants close on Shabbat, especially in Jewish neighbourhoods.
Local Hacks
- Walk the ramparts: the Ramparts Walk along the Old City walls offers unique views over the rooftops.
- Visit early: holy sites are less crowded early in the morning, making visits more peaceful.
- Enjoy the Mount of Olives view: the viewpoint offers one of the best panoramas of the Old City, especially in the morning.
1-day itineraries in Jerusalem
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Church of the Holy Sepulchre and around
🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops
- 1Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- 2Tower of David
- 3Dome of the Rock
- 4Western Wall
- 5City of David
Day 2 of 3
Israel Museum and around
🕘 9:30–17:00📍 4 stops
- 1Israel Museum
- 2Bible Lands Museum
- 3L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art
- 4Mahane Yehuda Market
Day 3 of 3
Via Dolorosa and around
🕘 9:30–13:45📍 4 stops
- 1Via Dolorosa
- 2Garden of Gethsemane
- 3Mount of Olives
- 4Rockefeller Archaeological Museum