Jerusalem, Israel Travel Guide

Discover Jerusalem, a city that bridges the ancient and the modern, with sacred sites, cultural heritage, and vibrant markets that tell stories of millennia.

Jerusalem is a city where history breathes through every stone and spiritual significance envelops every corner. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is a melting pot of cultures and religions, hosting sacred sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse heritage. Visitors can walk through the ancient streets and visit iconic landmarks such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Tower of David offers panoramic views of the city, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial provides a poignant reminder of the past. For a taste of modern Jerusalem, head to the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market, where you can sample local delicacies and experience the vibrant atmosphere. Apart from its historical and religious significance, Jerusalem also offers serene gardens and parks, including the Garden of Gethsemane and the Mount of Olives. The city’s museums, such as the Israel Museum with the Dead Sea Scrolls, provide deeper insights into its rich history. Despite its ancient roots, Jerusalem is very much alive, with contemporary art galleries, cafes, and nightlife that cater to all tastes.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Jerusalem.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect for local customs.
Visit the Western Wall early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.
Use public transportation or walk within the Old City as driving and parking can be challenging.
Check local holidays and events as some sites may have different opening hours or be closed.
Try local foods like falafel, hummus, and fresh pastries at Mahane Yehuda Market.
Learn a few basic Hebrew or Arabic phrases to enhance your interaction with locals.
Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes, as exploring Jerusalem involves a lot of walking.

Neighbourhoods in Jerusalem

West Jerusalem

Old City

City Center

East Jerusalem

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Jerusalem

Explore Jerusalem: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Jerusalem

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Mahaneh Yehudah Market

Discover the vibrant Mahaneh Yehudah Market in Jerusalem, where local flavors, fresh produce, and cultural experiences come alive in a bustling atmosphere.

4.6

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Explore the profound history and spiritual significance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a cornerstone of Christian heritage in Jerusalem.

4.7

Al-Aqsa Mosque

Experience the spiritual and architectural wonder of Al-Aqsa Mosque, a cornerstone of Jerusalem's rich heritage and a must-visit tourist attraction.

4.8

The First Station

Discover the vibrant heart of Jerusalem at The First Station, a cultural hub blending history with modern attractions, dining, and entertainment.

4.4

Best landmarks in Jerusalem

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Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Discover the profound spiritual and historical significance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a must-visit for every traveler.

4.7

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Explore the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, where art, archaeology, and history come together to tell the story of human civilization.

4.7

Gethsemane

Discover the profound history and serene beauty of Gethsemane, a sacred site in Jerusalem that invites reflection and peace.

4.8

Western Wall

Explore the Western Wall, a sacred site in Jerusalem where faith, history, and spirituality converge in a profound journey.

4.7

Best restaurants in Jerusalem

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Machneyuda

Discover culinary excellence at Machneyuda – where Jerusalem's vibrant flavors meet gourmet creativity in an unforgettable dining experience.

4.4

Ishtabach

Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Ishtabach in Jerusalem, where traditional flavors meet modern hospitality.

4.4

Focaccia Bar

Discover authentic Italian flavors at Focaccia Bar in Jerusalem – where every meal feels like a celebration of culinary artistry.

3.9

Azura

Experience authentic Middle Eastern flavors at Azura in Jerusalem - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

4.4

Best bars in Jerusalem

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BeerBazaar Jerusalem

Discover the essence of Jerusalem's craft beer scene at BeerBazaar, a lively brewpub offering a rich selection of local and international brews.

4.5

Gatsby Cocktail Room

Discover the stylish Gatsby Cocktail Room in the heart of Jerusalem, where crafted cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere create unforgettable nights.

4.6

Mike's Place

Discover Mike's Place, Jerusalem's lively sports bar, where delicious food and exhilarating sports unite in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.2

Dublin Irish Pub

Discover the lively atmosphere of Dublin Irish Pub, a perfect blend of Irish culture and Jerusalem's vibrant nightlife.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Jerusalem

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Zappa at the Lab

Discover the heartbeat of Jerusalem's nightlife at Zappa at the Lab, where live music meets an electric atmosphere in a unique setting.

4.4

Gatsby Cocktail Room

Discover Gatsby Cocktail Room in Jerusalem, where expert mixology meets a speakeasy atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

4.6

Hataklit Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife and delicious culinary delights at Hataklit Bar, a must-visit gastropub in the heart of Jerusalem.

4.5

Mazkeka

Discover the vibrant energy of Mazkeka, a lively live music bar and cafe in Jerusalem, perfect for food lovers and music enthusiasts alike.

4.5

Best shops in Jerusalem

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Alrov Mamilla Avenue

Discover the vibrant shopping and cultural experience of Alrov Mamilla Avenue, blending luxury boutiques with the historic charm of Jerusalem.

4.5

Ha'metzi'on second-hand stores

Discover unique vintage finds and sustainable fashion at Ha'metzi'on second-hand stores in Jerusalem, a treasure trove for thrift lovers.

4.7

Zak’s Jerusalem Gifts

Explore Zak's Jerusalem Gifts for unique antiques and authentic souvenirs that capture the essence of Jerusalem's rich culture and history.

4.9

Baltinester Jewish Jewelry & Judaica in Jerusalem

Explore exquisite handcrafted jewelry and Judaica at Baltinester in Jerusalem, where tradition meets artistry in every piece.

4.8

Explore Jerusalem on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Jerusalem, mapped for you.

Jerusalem Essentials

Jerusalem is well-connected to major international cities. The primary gateway is Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), located about 50 kilometers from Jerusalem. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shared shuttle (Nesher), or the high-speed train to Jerusalem's Yitzhak Navon Station. Buses and private car services are also available. For those traveling from within Israel, Jerusalem is accessible by intercity buses, trains, and private cars.
Jerusalem's public transportation network includes buses, light rail, and taxis. The Jerusalem Light Rail connects key parts of the city and is a convenient option for tourists. Egged buses cover extensive routes within the city and to other cities in Israel. Taxis are readily available but ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. Rental cars are an option but note that parking can be challenging in the city center. Walking is also a great way to explore the Old City and nearby attractions.
The official currency in Israel is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Jerusalem, especially in tourist areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in markets where cards might not be accepted. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, hotels, and various exchange offices in the city.
Jerusalem is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to stay vigilant. Avoid East Jerusalem, especially neighborhoods like Shuafat and Silwan, where tensions can be higher. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas. Always follow local news for updates on any security concerns and heed advice from local authorities.
In case of emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Jerusalem has several hospitals, including Hadassah Medical Center and Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Always carry a copy of your passport and emergency contact numbers.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. Cover your head when visiting religious sites such as the Western Wall or churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to the elderly or disabled. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Shalom' or 'Hello'. Handshakes are common, but be mindful of religious customs. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it can be considered impolite.
To experience Jerusalem like a local, visit the Mahane Yehuda Market for fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. Walk through the different quarters of the Old City to appreciate its diverse cultures. Take part in a Shabbat meal if invited. Use local buses and light rail for an authentic commuting experience. For a serene escape, visit the Ein Kerem neighborhood with its charming streets and cafes. Engage with locals, who are often eager to share insights about their city.

When is the best time to visit Jerusalem?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Jerusalem

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Jerusalem. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
- Goodbyeלְהֵיתֵר
  [Lehitraot]
- Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
- Noלֹא
  [Lo]
- Please/You're welcomeבְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Bevakasha]
- Thank youתּוֹדָה
  [Toda]
- Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Slicha]
- How are you?אֵיך אַתָּה?
  [Eich Ata?]
- Fine. And you?טוֹב. וְאַתָּה?
  [Tov. Ve'ata?]
- Do you speak English?הֲאַתָּה מְדַבֵּר אַנְגְלִית?
  [Ha'ata medaber Anglit?]
- I don't understandאֲנִי לֹא מֵבִין
  [Ani lo mevin]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִרְאוֹת אֶת הַתַּפְרִיט, בְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Ani rotseh lirot et hataprit, bevakasha]
- I don't eat meatאֲנִי לֹא אוֹכֵל בָּשָׂר
  [Ani lo ochel basar]
- Cheers!לְחַיִּים!
  [Lechayim]
- I would like to pay, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְשַׁלֵם, בְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Ani rotseh leshalem, bevakasha]
- Help!עֶזְרָה!
  [Ezra!]
- Go away!לְךָ הַלְאָה!
  [Lecha hal'ah!]
- Call the Police!תִּתְקַשֵׁר לַמִּשְׁטָרָה!
  [Titkasher la'mishtara!]
- Call a doctor!תִּתְקַשֵׁר לַרוֹפֵא!
  [Titkasher la'rofe]
- I'm lostאֲנִי אָבֵדָה
  [Ani aveda]
- I'm illאֲנִי חוֹלֶה
  [Ani holeh]
- I'd like to buy...אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִקְנוֹת...
  [Ani rotseh liknot...]
- I'm just lookingאֲנִי רַק צוֹפֶה
  [Ani rak tzofeh]
- How much is it?כַּמָּה זֶה עוֹלֶה?
  [Kama ze ole?]
- That's too expensiveזֶה יָקָר מִדַי
  [Ze yakar midai]
- Can you lower the price?אִפִּשֵׁר לַהַפְחִית אֶת הַמְחִיר?
  [Ifshar lahafchit et hamchir?]
- What time is it?מַה הַשָּׁעָה?
  [Ma hasha'a?]
- It's one o'clockזֶה חָדֵשׁ
  [Ze chadesh]
- Half past (10)חֲצִי אַחַר (עֶשֶׂר)
  [Chatzi achar (eser)]
- Morningבֹּקֶר
  [Boker]
- Afternoonצָהֳרַיִים
  [Tzohorayim]
- Eveningעֶרֶב
  [Erev]
- Yesterdayאֶתְמוֹל
  [Etmol]
- Todayהַיוֹם
  [Hayom]
- Tomorrowמָחָר
  [Machar]
- 1אֶחָד
  [Echad]
- 2שְׁתַיִם
  [Shtayim]
- 3שָׁלוֹשׁ
  [Shalosh]
- 4אַרְבָּעָה
  [Arba'a]
- 5חֲמִשָּׁה
  [Chamisha]
- 6שִׁשָּׁה
  [Shisha]
- 7שִׁבְעָה
  [Shiv'a]
- 8שְׁמוֹנֶה
  [Shmone]
- 9תִּשְׁעָה
  [Tisha]
- 10עֶשֶׂר
  [Eser]
- Where's a/the...?אֵיפֹה נִמְצָא אוֹ הַ...
  [Eifo nimtza o ha...]
- What's the address?מַה הַכְּתוֹבֶת?
  [Ma haktove]
- Can you show me (on the map)?אִתָּה יָכוֹל לְהַרְאוֹת לִי (עַל הַמַפָּה)?
  [Ata yachol leharot li (al hamapa)?]
- When's the next (bus)?מָתַי הַאוֹטוֹבוּס הַבָּא?
  [Matay haotobus haba?]
- A ticket (to ....)כַּרְטִיס (לְ....)
  [Kartis (le....)]

History of Jerusalem

Jerusalem's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement as early as 3000 BCE. The city is mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts and in the Bible, where it is referred to as 'Urusalim,' meaning 'City of Peace.'
Around 1000 BCE, King David captured Jerusalem and established it as the capital of the united Kingdom of Israel. His son, Solomon, later built the First Temple, making the city a center of religious worship for the Jewish people.
In 586 BCE, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the First Temple, and exiled many of the city's inhabitants to Babylon. This marked a significant period of hardship and displacement in Jewish history.
After the fall of the Babylonian Empire, the Persian King Cyrus the Great allowed the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem in 538 BCE. They rebuilt the city and constructed the Second Temple, which was completed in 516 BCE.
Following Alexander the Great's conquest, Jerusalem came under Hellenistic influence. In 167 BCE, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Second Temple, leading to the Maccabean Revolt. The Jewish rebels, led by the Hasmonean family, successfully reclaimed and rededicated the Temple.
Jerusalem fell under Roman control in 63 BCE. In 70 CE, following a Jewish revolt, the Roman general Titus besieged and destroyed the Second Temple, leaving only the Western Wall, which remains a sacred site in Judaism.
During the Byzantine period, Jerusalem became a major center of Christianity. In 638 CE, the city was conquered by the Muslim Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, ushering in a period of Islamic rule. The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque were constructed on the Temple Mount during this time.
In 1099, during the First Crusade, Christian crusaders captured Jerusalem and established it as the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This period ended in 1187 when the Muslim leader Saladin recaptured the city, allowing for a tolerant coexistence of religious communities.
Jerusalem was part of the Ottoman Empire from 1517 to 1917. During this time, the city's infrastructure was expanded, and it became a multicultural hub. Following World War I, Jerusalem came under British control as part of the Mandate for Palestine, leading to significant political and social changes.
In 1948, the State of Israel was established, and Jerusalem was declared its capital. However, the city was divided during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, with West Jerusalem under Israeli control and East Jerusalem, including the Old City, under Jordanian control. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem, reunifying the city.
Today, Jerusalem is a city of profound religious and cultural significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is home to numerous historical and religious sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The city's diverse population and rich history continue to make it a focal point of global interest and significance.