Known as Israel’s spiritual capital, Jerusalem is divided into three parts: Jewish-majority West Jerusalem, Palestinian-majority East Jerusalem, and the Old City and its four historic quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian). Most visitors target Old City attractions like the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and Church of the Holy Nativity, plus outlying biblical-era sights in the Mount of Olives. But, don’t dismiss off-the-beaten-track things to do in Jerusalem, from food crawls through Mahane Yehuda Market to the sprawling Israel Museum or political art museum, Museum on the Seam.
Think shoulder season. Jerusalem—at an elevation of more than 2,500 feet (754 meters)—has surprisingly frigid winters and famously sweltering summers. Spring and fall are ideal windows for planning a visit, although you’ll want to check the calendar for major religious holidays or national holidays like Jerusalem Day. Unless you want to partake in the festivities, they’re best avoided as they bring crowds and occasionally protests or other disturbances.
If you’ve got your sights set mainly on the Old City, then the only way to get around is on foot. The Light Rail will get you pretty close to Jaffa Gate, stopping at City Hall and connecting to the Central Bus Station and Mahane Yehuda market. For getting further afield, you’ll find a well-connected grid of inter-city bus lines. And, when you’ve exhausted your leg muscles (easily accomplished in hilly Jerusalem), you’ll find plenty of taxis and ride-sharing apps.
Consider beginning your time in Jerusalem with a trip to the Israel Museum, a sprawling campus dedicated to art and archaeology. Highlights include the Shrine of the Book—housing facsimiles of the Dead Sea Scrolls—and the Kadavumbagam Synagogue, a restored 16th-century temple from Southern India. The museum will give you an excellent primer on Jewish history and the region’s heritage, so plan on spending half a day. Save time for lunch at Modern, the museum’s top-notch restaurant.
Local Currency Israeli New Shekel (₪) | Time Zone IDT (UTC +2) | Country Code +972 | Language(s) Hebrew | Attractions 42 | Tours 396 | Reviews 7,534 |
Jerusalem is Israel’s declared capital and has many places held sacred in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Sites include the gold-coated Dome of the Rock—holy to the Muslim and Jewish religions; the Western Wall—cherished in the Jewish faith; and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, hallowed by Christians.
...MoreMany travelers cover Old Jerusalem in a day, taking in sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock, Western Wall and Jewish, Muslim, and Christian quarters. Add a day or so to delve further, exploring the excavated City of David, markets, and Yad Veshem Holocaust Museum.
...MoreYes. Jerusalem is generally safe—the terrorism risk is pretty low—but it’s worth taking some precautions. Be ready for security measures and armed soldiers in the city and for security screening in certain locations. While street crime is rare, it’s wise to keep valuables like passports and wallets stowed away.
...MoreJerusalem thrums with activity at night. Join locals at buzzing Mahane Yehuda market: a food and nightlife hotspot with narrow alleyways crammed with outdoor tables, bars, and clubs. Alternatively, take a sunset stroll through the Old City’s gold-hued lanes or watch a spectacular sound-and-light show at the ancient Tower of David.
...MoreTop your sightseeing with Old Jerusalem’s historical treasures, including its old quarters, Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and Holy Sepulchre Church. Don’t miss a swim in the Dead Sea, a sunrise Masada trip and—to chart the story of Christianity—the biblical sites of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Galilee.
...MoreMay is probably best for visiting Jerusalem. You’ll avoid the peak crowds and intense summer heat, and likely enjoy warm, dry weather with daytime average temps of around 70°F (21°C). You’ll also miss the busy Passover holiday, usually in April. Another option is October, the last sunny hurrah before winter.
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