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 ↓9 places on the map
Rainy day
- 1
Israel's main museum, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- See the Shrine of the Book
- Allow half a day
📷 Photos
- 2
Israel's Holocaust memorial and museum.
3 tips
- Allow 3 hours
- Not for children under 10
- Free entry; check hours
📷 Photos
- 3
Citadel and museum at Jaffa Gate with city views.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Climb the ramparts
- Evening light show
- Buy ticket at the gate
📷 Photos
- 4
Collection of Islamic art and clocks.
3 tips
- Includes the Breguet watch collection
- Allow 1.5 hours
- Check opening days
📷 Photos
- 5
Museum on ancient Near East cultures.
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Allow 1.5 hours
- Next to the Israel Museum
📷 Photos
- 6
Archaeology museum in a 1930s building outside the walls.
3 tips
- Allow 1 hour
- Check opening days
- Near Damascus Gate
📷 Photos
- 7
Socio-political contemporary art museum.
3 tips
- Located on the seam line
- Closed Saturdays
- Allow 1 hour
📷 Photos
- 8
Traditional site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Expect queues at the tomb
📷 Photos
- 9
Excavations and museum beside the southern Temple Mount.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Allow 1.5 hours
- Combines with the Western Wall
📷 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