JERUSALEM AREA
A place of deep religious and historical significance for the world’s three major monotheistic faiths. This region is a tapestry of ancient stones, vibrant markets, and modern life, centered around the captivating and complex Holy City of Jerusalem.
Why Visit The Jerusalem Area?
A World Holy City: Explore sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, like the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Ancient Wonders: Walk the millennia-old streets of the Old City and discover archaeological treasures like the City of David.
Vibrant Culture: Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Mahane Yehuda Market and the city’s modern arts and dining scene.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): The weather is pleasant, ideal for walking and exploring the Old City and surrounding sites. Festivals like Passover/Easter and Sukkot can bring crowds and high prices.
Deep Off-Season (December-March): Offers the best value on accommodation and fewer crowds. Be prepared for chilly, sometimes wet weather, with a chance of snow.
Peak Season (June-August): Hot, dry days are the norm. Expect larger crowds at major religious and historical sites. Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Jerusalem
The capital of Israel and its largest city. The Old City is an intensely holy, walled area divided into Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters, home to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. New Jerusalem is a modern, bustling metropolitan center with museums, government buildings, and lively markets like the Machane Yehuda Market.
Your Smart Tip: To truly appreciate the history, take a guided tour of the Old City first, focusing on the historical context of the different quarters before exploring independently.
The Judean Desert and The Dead Sea
Although slightly outside the city itself, the Jerusalem area is the gateway to the Dead Sea and the dramatic Judean Desert. Sites like the ancient fortress of Masada, the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and the lowest place on earth are popular day trips.
Your Smart Tip: Your smart Tip: Combine a visit to Masada with a dip in the Dead Sea. Start your Masada climb early to catch the sunrise—it’s unforgettable, but strenuous. You can also take the cable car up later in the day.
Mount of Olives and Mount Zion
These two hills offer crucial historical and religious sites. The Mount of Olives provides the most iconic panoramic view of the Old City. Mount Zion houses sites like the Tomb of King David and the Chamber of the Last Supper.
Your Smart Tip: Visit the Mount of Olives at sunset for a spectacular photo opportunity. Remember that many sites on the Mount of Olives, like the Jewish cemetery, are profoundly sacred and require respectful attire and behavior.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Jerusalem has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Summer (June-August): Average Max 32ºC (90ºF), very little to no rain.
Winter (December-February): Average Min 8ºC (46ºF), with most of the year’s rain.
Shoulder Season: Pleasantly warm, Average Max 25ºC (77ºF).
Local Customs And Etiquette
The Sabbath (Shabbat): From Friday sunset until Saturday nightfall, most public transportation stops, businesses close, and there is no driving in many religious neighborhoods. Plan travel and meals accordingly.
Greeting: A handshake is common. Avoid initiating physical contact (like a hand-touch or kiss on the cheek) with members of the opposite sex in religious areas, as some Orthodox individuals may avoid it.
Respect: When visiting Jewish holy sites, men should cover their heads (a paper kippah is often provided). In all major religious sites, dress modestly: cover shoulders, cleavage, and knees.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($90–$180), luxury ($200+). Prices are significantly higher during high season and major holidays.
Food: Street food/Falafel/Hummus plate ($10–$20), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Local bus/Light Rail ticket ($1.50–$2.50), intercity train/bus ($5–$15), shared taxi (Sherut) to/from airport ($18–$25).
Activities: Major religious sites (mostly free), Israel Museum ($15–$20), Yad Vashem (free).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$110 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $140–$220 (hotels, casual dining, attractions).
- Luxury: $250+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Foot: The best way to explore the Old City and central Jerusalem. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Light Rail and Bus: An efficient network using the Rav-Kav smart card (pre-loaded with value) connects major areas of Modern Jerusalem and the Old City gates.
Shared Taxis (Sherut): Minivans that travel on fixed intercity routes or serve as an airport shuttle, running even on Shabbat. Faster than the bus but slightly more expensive.
By Car: Only recommended for day trips outside the city (e.g., Dead Sea, Masada). Driving and parking within Jerusalem are very challenging.
Must-Try Food
Hummus (Hoo-moos): Creamy chickpea dip, often served warm and topped with olive oil and spices. Try a Hummus Masabacha (whole chickpeas).
Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea balls, served in a pita with salad and tahini.
Sabich (Sa-beech): A pita sandwich stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potato, and amba (a tangy pickled mango sauce).
Shawarma: Seasoned meat (chicken, turkey, or lamb) roasted on a vertical spit, served in a pita or laffa.
Kugel (Koo-gel): A baked noodle or potato casserole, often found in the Jewish Quarter.
Me’orav Yerushalmi (Mee-oh-rav Yeru-shal-mee): “Jerusalem Mixed Grill,” a specialty of grilled chicken hearts, spleens, and liver mixed with onions and spices.
Jachnun (Ja-kh-noon): A traditional Yemenite Jewish pastry, slow-baked overnight for Shabbat, served with a tomato dip and a hard-boiled egg.
Burekas (Boo-reh-kas): Flaky puff pastries with savory fillings like cheese, potato, or spinach.
Rugelach (Roo-geh-lakh): Small, crescent-shaped pastries with chocolate, cinnamon, or nut filling.
Knafeh (Kuh-nah-feh): A famous Arab cheese pastry soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Must-Try Drinks
Arak: An anise-flavored alcoholic drink, often served over ice with water (turning it cloudy white).
Israeli Wine: Look for wines from the Judean Hills and Golan Heights; Israel’s wine industry is highly developed.
Israeli Beer: Goldstar (lager) and Maccabee are local favorites.
Gargirim (Gah-gree-reem): Seeds in a cup, a traditional non-alcoholic drink made from boiled barley and carob.
Café Kar (Ka-feh Car): A simple iced coffee with ice cubes and milk. (Don’t order “iced coffee,” which often means a pre-mixed slushie).
Fresh Pomegranate Juice: A refreshing juice often found in the Old City market stalls.
Mint Tea (Nana): Served hot and very sweet, a staple in many Middle Eastern restaurants.