JERUSALEM
Jerusalem is the spiritual heart of the world, a city revered by billions and steeped in thousands of years of dramatic history. It is a unique tapestry of ancient stones, sacred sites, and vibrant, complex cultures.
This unparalleled city is an essential journey for pilgrims and history lovers alike. It’s a land where faith and archaeology intersect, offering an intense and unforgettable experience around every corner of its walled heart.
Most Popular Attractions
Old City – Sacred Sites & Quarters:
Western Wall (Kotel): The most sacred site in Judaism, a remnant of the Second Temple complex and a powerful place of prayer.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Believed to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, housing five of the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif: One of the most contested religious sites, home to the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Via Dolorosa: The “Way of Suffering,” the route Jesus is believed to have taken to his crucifixion, marked by the Stations of the Cross.
The Cardo: A partially excavated, colonnaded main street of the Byzantine-era city, located in the Jewish Quarter.
Hurva Synagogue: A historic, rebuilt synagogue dominating the skyline of the Jewish Quarter.
Mount of Olives: A hill offering the most iconic panoramic view of the Old City, and a site of many biblical events.
Gethsemane: A garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives, famous for the ancient olive trees and the Church of All Nations.
Tower of David Museum: Housed in the ancient citadel at the Jaffa Gate, offering a journey through Jerusalem’s history and a magnificent Night Spectacular show.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel: An underground water tunnel built in the 8th century BCE, an exciting (and wet) walk beneath the City of David.
The Four Quarters: Explore the distinct character of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian Quarters.
Greater Jerusalem – History & Modernity:
Yad Vashem: Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, a deeply moving and essential historical museum complex.
Israel Museum: A world-class museum housing the Shrine of the Book (where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed) and extensive art and archaeology wings.
Mahane Yehuda Market (The Shuk): Jerusalem’s bustling, sensory food market, transforming into a lively hub of bars and restaurants by night.
Mount Zion: A hill just outside the Old City walls, containing King David’s Tomb and the Cenacle (Room of the Last Supper).
City of David National Park: The archaeological site of the original Jerusalem, with ongoing excavations and tunnels dating back to the First Temple period.
Ramparts Walk: A walking path along the top of the Old City walls, offering unique views of the city’s internal and external areas.
Ben Yehuda Street: A modern, central pedestrian mall for shopping and café culture in the New City.
Monastery of the Cross: A beautiful, medieval Georgian Orthodox monastery in the Rehavia neighborhood.
The Knesset: Israel’s parliament building, a symbol of modern Israeli democracy, often offering guided tours.
St. George’s Cathedral: A stunning Anglican cathedral and pilgrimage center just outside the Old City walls.
Tabor House (Yemin Moshe): The historic, picturesque neighborhood outside the Old City, famous for the Montefiore Windmill.
The Biblical Zoo: A highly-regarded zoological garden focusing on animals mentioned in the Bible, perfect for families.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Ramparts of the Old City: Ascend the walls near the Jaffa Gate for a stunning, panoramic walking tour, offering unique views into the different quarters of the Old City and the surrounding modern city.
Explore the Cardo and Hurva Synagogue: Discover the remains of the ancient Roman main street, the Cardo, and visit the beautifully restored Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter.
Descend into the Western Wall Tunnels: Take a guided tour that delves beneath the modern streets, revealing the full length of the Western Wall and uncovering fascinating archaeological layers from the Second Temple period.
Witness a Shabbat Service at the Western Wall: Experience the profound atmosphere of Friday sunset, as thousands of Jewish worshippers gather to welcome the Sabbath.
Walk the Via Dolorosa: Follow the traditional route that, according to Christian belief, Jesus took to his crucifixion, stopping at the designated Stations of the Cross that wind through the Muslim and Christian Quarters.
Visit the Mount of Olives Viewpoint: Go to this iconic hill for the most breathtaking, classic view of the Old City, the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, and the surrounding desert landscape.
Discover the City of David: Explore the fascinating archaeological site just outside the Old City walls, including Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a subterranean water channel from the time of the First Temple.
Attend a Tasting Tour at the Machane Yehuda Market: Join a food tour of the bustling “Shuk,” sampling fresh baked goods, spices, Halva, and local delicacies like kugel and kubbeh.
Take an Arabic Calligraphy Workshop: Engage with local culture by learning the art of Arabic calligraphy in the Old City’s Muslim Quarter or East Jerusalem.
Tour the Israel Museum: Spend a day at one of the world’s leading art and archaeology museums, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Shrine of the Book and a vast collection spanning prehistory to modern art.
Explore the Haas Promenade (Tayelet): Enjoy a quiet walk on this scenic walkway in the Talpiot neighborhood, offering a different, equally beautiful perspective of the Old City from the south.
Visit the Garden of Gethsemane: Find a moment of quiet contemplation in the ancient olive groves at the base of the Mount of Olives, a deeply significant site for Christians.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential: The Old City is purely pedestrian and is best explored on foot. All major sites within the walls are close together. Be aware that the streets are often cobbled, steep, and uneven.
Jerusalem Light Rail (The ‘Rakevet HaKala’): This is the most efficient way to travel between the Old City area (stops near Jaffa Gate/City Hall) and the New City, including the Machane Yehuda Market and the Central Bus Station. It is highly recommended to use a multi-trip Rav-Kav card.
Buses: An extensive and reliable bus network (primarily operated by Egged) connects all parts of the modern city. The Central Bus Station (CBS) is the main hub for inter-city travel.
Taxis: Readily available throughout the city. Most taxis use a meter (‘monit’) and it is illegal for them to refuse to use it. Many local taxi apps are also in use.
From Ben Gurion Airport (TLV): The high-speed train connects the airport directly to Jerusalem’s Yitzhak Navon train station (next to the CBS). This is the fastest and most reliable option. A shared taxi service called Nesher Shuttle (Sherut) is also a traditional, though slower, option that takes you door-to-door.
Embrace the Shabbat/Sabbath: From Friday sunset until Saturday night, the city largely shuts down. Public transport (trains, most buses) stops running, most restaurants and all shops outside of designated areas (like parts of the Muslim and Christian Quarters) are closed. Plan your travel and grocery shopping accordingly.
Dress Code is Crucial: When visiting religious sites (churches, mosques, synagogues, the Western Wall), dress modestly. This generally means covering your shoulders and knees. Shawls are often provided at major sites like the Western Wall or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but it is best to come prepared.
Keep Your Passport Handy: Security is high in Jerusalem. Be prepared for random bag checks, especially at entrances to major public spaces, markets, and malls. It is always wise to carry your passport or a copy of it.
Dining Times: Lunch is often the largest meal of the day. Dinner is typically eaten later, though not as late as in Spain (usually between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM). Don’t miss out on street food like falafel, sabich, and shawarma.
Hidden Gems:
- Armenian Quarter: The quietest and most tranquil of the four Old City quarters. Take a walk through its narrow, less-trafficked lanes and visit the beautiful St. James Cathedral.
- Ticho House: A beautiful, quiet historical landmark in the New City, featuring a lovely café, art exhibitions, and a serene garden, right in the heart of the bustling center.
- The Ethiopian Church (Kidane Mehret): Tucked away near the city center, this beautiful, circular church is a unique architectural and cultural gem, a piece of Ethiopia in Jerusalem.
- The Friends of Zion Museum: A modern, interactive, and high-tech museum offering a compelling, lesser-known narrative of Christian support for the State of Israel.
Navigating the Old City: The Old City can be confusing. Use the four main quarters (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Armenian) and the Gates as your navigational anchors. Don’t be afraid to get lost; that’s often when you find the most interesting places!
Top Restaurants
Azura [$15-$25] – A beloved institution inside the Mahane Yehuda market, famous for its slow-cooked, traditional Iraqi-Kurdish home-style cuisine, served from huge pots.
Hatzot Steak House [$20-$35] – A classic, no-frills “steakiah” (grill house) near the market, renowned for inventing the famous Jerusalem Mixed Grill (Me’urav Yerushalmi).
Ishtabach [$15-$25] – A Kurdish restaurant specializing in Shamburak, a Syrian-Kurdish flaky, oven-baked pastry stuffed with spiced meat or other savory fillings.
Machane Yehuda Market Stalls [$5-$20] – This is a collection of countless food stalls. Highlights include the delicious Jachnun Bar (Yemenite slow-cooked dough) and excellent street food.
Rahmo [$15-$25] – A simple, highly-regarded Kosher Middle Eastern spot in the Mahane Yehuda Market known for authentic, homey, slow-cooked dishes.
Ima [$15-$25] – An old-school, local favorite near the market serving massive portions of traditional, comforting Middle Eastern food.
Jaffar Sweets [$5-$15] – A classic sweets shop in the Old City’s Muslim Quarter, famous for its excellent, freshly-made Knafeh (a warm cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup).
Hummus Ben Sira [$10-$20] – A highly-rated, Kosher hummus spot popular with locals, known for its creamy hummus and perfectly crispy falafel.
Abu Shukri [$10-$20] – A renowned, long-standing hummus and falafel restaurant in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City.
Aricha Sabich [$10-$15] – A popular street food stand near the Mahane Yehuda Market, specializing in Sabich—a pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and various condiments.
Marzipan Bakery [$5-$15] – A local landmark famous for its incredibly sweet and addictive chocolate rolls (rugelach).
Nadi Cafe [$15-$25] – A central, unpretentious cafe known for its simple, tasty Israeli cafe food and a very local, relaxed vibe.
Knaf [$10-$20] – A popular Mahane Yehuda market spot offering a sweet and savory twist on the traditional Knafeh.
Jacko Street [$20-$35] – A kosher market restaurant known for its high-quality, inventive Israeli and Kurdish-influenced cuisine.
Machneyuda [$50-$80] – The wildly popular, non-Kosher restaurant in the market, known for its chaotic, high-energy atmosphere and constantly changing, inventive dishes based on the freshest market ingredients. Reservations are essential.
Adom [$40-$70] – Located in the historic First Station complex, this non-Kosher restaurant offers a sophisticated menu of Mediterranean, Italian, and French cuisine, and an extensive wine list.
Chakra [$40-$70] – A well-loved, modern, non-Kosher Mediterranean restaurant offering high-quality fish, meat, and pasta dishes in a stylish setting.
Satya [$40-$70] – A new, highly-regarded restaurant that blends local Israeli cuisine with European bistro dishes in a sleek, romantic setting.
Mona [$50-$80] – An elegant and relaxed non-Kosher Chef Bistro located in the historic Artists’ House, offering meticulous, seasonal Mediterranean and European cuisine.
Hasadna (The Culinary Workshop) [$50-$90] – A non-Kosher, high-quality restaurant in the First Station complex with a creative flair and focus on prime meat cuts.
Katy’s [$50-$90] – A long-standing, beloved institution that offers a unique interpretation of French fine dining, blending it with local ingredients.
Talbiya [$35-$60] – A non-Kosher chef bistro located below the Jerusalem Theater, offering a rich menu with a focus on local ingredients and wines.
Modern – Israel Museum [$35-$60] – Located in the Israel Museum, this kosher chef restaurant offers contemporary and creative Jerusalem cuisine with warm, local flavors.
Piccolino [$25-$40] – A charming, kosher Italian restaurant in the Music Square (Kikar HaMuzika) known for its fresh pasta and rustic, cozy atmosphere.
Nocturno Café Restobar [$20-$35] – A long-standing café and cultural spot in the heart of the city, known for its lively vibe and modern, kosher dairy menu.
Kadosh Café Patisserie [$20-$35] – A beloved café and patisserie known for its incredible sweet and savory pastries, and an excellent European-style brunch.
Crave Gourmet Street Food [$25-$45] – A kosher spot offering a modern, innovative twist on American, Mexican, and Korean street food classics.
Station 9 [$20-$40] – An Asian-fusion restaurant located in the First Station complex, offering a diverse menu of Japanese, Thai, and other Eastern dishes.
Bardak [$20-$35] – A popular local spot for craft beer and creative, high-quality gourmet pizzas.
Shanty [$30-$50] – A cozy, cosmopolitan bistro in the Nahalat Shiv’a neighborhood with an imaginative and diverse non-Kosher menu.
Hachapuria [$15-$30] – Tucked away in the market area, this Georgian gem offers authentic dishes like Khachapuri (cheese bread) and Khinkali (dumplings).
Iwo’s Meatburger [$20-$35] – Jerusalem’s sole non-kosher burger haven, known for high-quality meat burgers and a rebellious vibe.
Pepito’s [$20-$35] – Bringing Latin street food flavor to Jerusalem with Argentinian and Israeli fusion dishes in a colorful, lively setting.
Angelica [$70-$120] – A refined Kosher chef restaurant with an ever-evolving seasonal menu, known for first-class culinary execution and elegant service.
The Eucalyptus [$80-$130] – Led by Chef Moshe Basson, this unique kosher restaurant revives ancient Biblical cuisine, using indigenous herbs and foraged ingredients in a beautiful setting near the Old City.
02 Restaurant [$60-$100] – Located in the Inbal Hotel, this kosher chef restaurant offers contemporary, meticulous Jerusalem cuisine with a sophisticated menu.
Touro [$60-$100] – A Kosher Mediterranean restaurant offering one of the best views of the city from the Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighborhood, specializing in refined beef dishes.
David 16 [$70-$110] – An elegant kosher restaurant near the Old City walls with a meticulously designed menu and a magical atmosphere, focusing on local wines.
Rooftop Mamilla [$70-$120] – Perched atop the Mamilla Hotel, this Kosher restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Old City walls and a sophisticated, high-quality bistro menu.
Fringe [$60-$100] – A kosher chef restaurant located in the Jerusalem Theater, specializing in Levantine fringe cuisine that works exclusively with local ingredients.
Veranda [$70-$120] – Located in the David Citadel Hotel, this Mehadrin Kosher chef’s kitchen offers a meticulous dining experience with stunning city views.
Reshta Restaurant [$60-$100] – Located just outside Jerusalem in Ein Rafa, this non-Kosher chef’s restaurant offers authentic, seasonal Arabic food with a farm-to-table approach.
Khan [$50-$90] – Located in the Orient Hotel, this high-quality Kosher restaurant offers a refined Middle Eastern and local Israeli menu, along with an extensive wine selection.
Tmol Shilshom [$25-$45] – A truly unique and cozy literary café and restaurant set in an old, rustic building, offering a hearty, homey, Kosher menu and a massive selection of books.
Sarwa Street Kitchen [$15-$25] – A vibrant cafe on Salah Eddin street (East Jerusalem) serving high-quality, authentic Arab street food and a fusion of flavors.
Havat Ha’Tavlinim (Spice Farm) [$30-$50] – A unique concept featuring dishes infused with the exotic herbs and spices grown on their farm, offering a distinct local flavor experience (located just outside Jerusalem).
P2 Pizza [$15-$25] – A small, casual pizza joint in downtown Jerusalem, known for its simple yet high-quality Italian pizza.
Cafe Yehoshua [$20-$35] – A non-Kosher café popular with locals in the Rehavia neighborhood, known for its excellent Israeli cuisine and lively atmosphere.
Dolphin Yam [$40-$70] – A long-standing, non-Kosher restaurant in the city center known for its extensive and fresh seafood and fish menu.
American Colony Courtyard [$50-$90] – Located in the historic American Colony Hotel (a converted Ottoman-era palace), the dining in its elegant courtyard offers a beautiful, historic setting with Levantine cuisine.
Lavan [$40-$70] – Located in the Cinematheque, this non-Kosher restaurant has a spectacular view and an Italian-inspired menu.
Craft Pizza [$15-$30] – A popular Kosher spot with a stall in the market and a restaurant in town, known for its delicious sourdough base and flavorful pizza.
Miss & Mr [$50-$80] – A Kosher chef restaurant in the Nahalat Shiv’a alleys, offering rich meat and fine fish dishes in a romantic setting.
Piccolino (Dairy) [$25-$40] – Another mention for its Mehadrin Kosher dairy/fish offerings in a magical, historic Jerusalem stone building.
Lechem Basar [$30-$50] – A Kosher meat restaurant at the First Station, offering high-quality dishes in a modern, vibrant atmosphere.
Nuna [$30-$50] – A chic and sophisticated non-Kosher spot with a fusion of local flavors and global influences, offering a creative menu and intimate setting.
The Quarter Cafe [$20-$35] – A great Kosher place for a casual meal or coffee while touring the Old City.
Haverim Restaurant [$25-$40] – An authentic Israeli meat experience with a special vibe, located in the Cinema City complex.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Gatsby Cocktail Room: Located right in the heart of Jerusalem’s city center, this sophisticated speakeasy-style bar offers a menu of inventive, high-quality cocktails in a refined atmosphere that transports you to the Prohibition era.
The Mirror Bar (The American Colony Hotel): Found within the elegant American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem, this bar is known for its timeless colonial charm, excellent service, and classic cocktails, often attracting a distinguished international clientele.
Bellino: Situated near the Mahane Yehuda Market, this intimate and stylish bar offers creative cocktails and a lively, local atmosphere that makes it a popular spot for both pre-dinner drinks and late-night socializing.
Zuta: A classy establishment in the city center, known for its focus on modern mixology and carefully crafted drinks. It’s a great spot for those seeking an elevated cocktail experience.
HaMiffal: Housed in a beautifully renovated historic building near the Old City, this unique art and culture center also features a bar that serves excellent drinks in an inspiring, eclectic setting.
Sira: Located in the city center near the bustling Jaffa Street, this well-known bar has a relaxed, pub-like atmosphere and is a favorite among locals for its reliable drinks and lively crowd.
The Perch Rooftop Bar (Mount Zion Hotel): Offering spectacular, sweeping views of the Old City walls and the surrounding area, this rooftop bar provides a stunning backdrop for enjoying a signature cocktail, particularly at sunset.
Jacko’s Street: Near the vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market, this upscale restaurant and bar features a stylish cocktail menu to complement its celebrated cuisine, perfect for a sophisticated night out.
Bardak: Found in the city center, this popular spot focuses on a wide selection of craft beers but also offers a concise menu of well-made classic cocktails in a casual, energetic setting.
Frank: A centrally located bar known for its welcoming, relaxed vibe and solid cocktail selection. It’s a great meeting spot before a night out in the city.
Mike’s Place (Jerusalem Branch): Situated in the city center, this American-style bar is popular for its extensive beer menu, but also mixes classic cocktails and is a famous spot for live music and a vibrant, international crowd.
BeerBazaar (Mahane Yehuda): While primarily a craft beer destination in the Mahane Yehuda Market area, this popular venue also offers some simple mixed drinks and a lively, market-centric ambiance.
Toy Bar: Located in the downtown area, this bar has a playful, quirky aesthetic and serves a variety of drinks, offering a fun and relaxed atmosphere away from the more formal cocktail spots.
Birman (Mahane Yehuda Market): An intimate bar nestled within the market’s alleys, offering a focused selection of drinks, popular for its authentic, cozy atmosphere.
Tahrir: Located in the city center, this small, charming bar is known for its friendly bartenders and a good selection of spirits and cocktails in a more low-key environment.
Shoshana: One of Jerusalem’s long-standing and most famous nightclubs, located centrally, known for its large dance floor, state-of-the-art sound system, and a mix of mainstream, electronic, and Israeli pop music.
HaMazkeka: Located in an industrial area slightly outside the main downtown, this is a popular spot for the alternative crowd, featuring live music, DJ sets, and a focus on electronic and underground music. It’s known for its authentic, gritty feel.
Balbert: A centrally located venue that transforms into a high-energy dance club on weekends, often hosting local and international DJs playing house, techno, and commercial hits.
Terminal: A large and popular club in the city center known for hosting major parties and diverse music genres, including Israeli artists, hip-hop, and electronic dance music, attracting a younger crowd.
Hataklit (The Record): Situated downtown, this club is famous for its retro vibe, focusing on 80s, 90s, and classic Israeli music, offering a fun and nostalgic dance experience.
Yellow Submarine: While primarily a legendary venue for live music, often showcasing rock, jazz, and world music, this centrally-located spot also features late-night DJ sets and club nights, particularly on weekends.
Uganda: A central cultural hub and bar that often hosts themed parties and DJ nights, transforming into a vibrant, high-energy dance space, popular with a student and alternative crowd.
Bascula: Located near the Old City, this venue is a hybrid space, functioning as a circus school, bar, and club. It hosts unique parties and dance nights with diverse musical selections.
Toy Club: The club portion of the central Toy Bar, often featuring dedicated club nights with guest DJs, offering a more intense dance experience than the bar area.
Khan Club (Jerusalem Khan Theatre): Sometimes hosts special event club nights or late-night parties in its unique and historic setting near the railway station, offering a different vibe from the downtown clubs.
Blum: A smaller, intimate club in the city center known for focusing on electronic and deep house music, attracting a dedicated group of music enthusiasts.