Things to Do in Jerusalem: 9 Top Highlights & Travel Tips

Our Top Things to Do in Jerusalem

Want to explore Jerusalem on your own? We’ll show you what you absolutely can’t miss in Jerusalem!

The City Wall

The Old City of Jerusalem is divided into four quarters: the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian quarters. Surrounding it all is a very old city wall stretching just over four kilometers in length.

We especially recommend a walk along the city wall because from up here you get a really great view of the Old City. There are two routes, both about two kilometers long.

If you want to learn more about the history of the city wall, you can buy tickets for a guided tour at the Jaffa Gate. They cost 25 shekels (about $7).

The Western Wall

The Western Wall is a holy site for Jews from around the world and one of the best-known things to see in Jerusalem. The wall at the Temple Mount is the last remaining section of Herod’s Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans long ago.

Worshippers come here and leave small notes with prayers tucked into the cracks of the wall. The Western Wall has separate sections for men and women, but people of all faiths are welcome to visit.

The Western Wall is accessible every day of the year and there’s no admission fee or restricted visiting hours. It can get very crowded on Shabbat and on holidays, though.

Note: Women should cover their shoulders and men should wear a kippah. You can borrow one at the entrance to the Western Wall.

The Temple Mount

The Temple Mount is one of the holiest sites in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. You’ll find it right in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, where important religious sites are clustered together — including the Dome of the Rock, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Western Wall.

Here too you must cover your knees and shoulders — women must also cover their heads. You’ll also need to go through a security check before entering. Photography is generally permitted, but be careful not to disturb those who are praying.

Opening hours vary and access is sometimes restricted. It gets crowded on holidays and you may have to wait. No worries: in the meantime you can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the city.

Via Dolorosa

Via Dolorosa means the painful way — no surprise there, as it refers to the path Jesus walked carrying the cross. It’s one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Christians. It consists of 14 stations depicting the events of the Way of the Cross. Along the route you’ll find churches and a spot said to bear the handprint of Jesus.

Don’t be surprised if you see people carrying wooden crosses on their backs. For many believers, physically experiencing the suffering of Jesus is a deeply spiritual act.

As with all other religious sites: appropriate attire and respectful behavior show consideration for others.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most significant churches in Jerusalem. This is where Jesus is said to have been crucified, buried, and risen from the dead.

The centerpiece of the church is the Tomb of Jesus. Nearby you can also see the spot where Jesus carried the cross, the Chapel of the Crown of Thorns, the Chapel of the Angels, and many colorful frescoes.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is primarily a place of worship, so conduct yourself respectfully. It’s best to check the opening hours in advance, as the church is closed to visitors on certain holidays and during services.

Mount of Olives

The Mount of Olives — what else would you expect in Jerusalem — plays an important role in the Bible. This is where Judas’s betrayal and the arrest of Jesus are said to have taken place.

But it holds significance not only for Christians, but also for Jewish and Muslim pilgrims. The Mount of Olives is home to several churches and religious sites, including the Jewish cemetery.

From the summit you get a stunning view over the Old City of Jerusalem and the surrounding hills. The atmosphere is especially breathtaking at sunset. Right below the Mount of Olives you can visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have prayed after the Last Supper.

Mahane Yehuda

The Mahane Yehuda market — or just the shuk, for short — is loud, lively, and a place you simply cannot skip when visiting Jerusalem. In the narrow alleyways you’ll find stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, spices, and food stands for a quick bite.

What makes the market so special is its cultural diversity! Muslims, Jews, Christians, and tourists all squeeze through the bustle together, shopping for foods from all over the world.

In the mornings, many locals do their grocery shopping here; in the evenings the mood is more festive. The music gets turned up, drinks flow at the stalls, and the market transforms into a lively after-work party.

The market is open daily except on Saturdays.

Austrian Hospice

The Austrian Hospice is an institution of the Archdiocese of Vienna and has served as a gathering place for German-speaking pilgrims in Jerusalem since the 19th century.

Today, various cultures and religions come together here. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the hospice is a genuine oasis of calm.

Guided tours of the historic building are also offered. Or you can sit in the café, enjoy a Viennese Melange, and treat yourself to authentic Austrian specialties. From the rooftop terrace you also get a great view over the rooftops.

Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is a Holocaust memorial. Admittedly, it’s not the most cheerful of visits — but it is all the more moving for it.

There is a museum where you can learn a great deal about the history of the Holocaust, as well as an outdoor memorial dedicated to the victims.

Admission to Yad Vashem is free, but you need to register in advance. You can find more information on the Yad Vashem website.

Our Hotel Recommendations in Jerusalem

When it comes to a city trip, finding the right place to stay is everything. We’ve picked out three hotels in Jerusalem that are centrally located and really lovely.

Albi Hotel – a small hotel with cheerful, bright colors. There’s a rooftop terrace with a great view over Jerusalem and even a whirlpool.

Bezalel Hotel – the Old City is reachable on foot, with great transportation links. The breakfast is incredibly varied and there’s a bar with happy hour.

Apartique Hotel – a modern boutique hotel with spacious apartments featuring a kitchenette. The property is very centrally located, ideal for a first trip to Jerusalem.

Haven’t found the right hotel in Jerusalem yet? No problem — we also have an article with our best hotel recommendations in Jerusalem. Take a look!

Day Trips from Jerusalem

Jerusalem isn’t just home to a huge number of famous things to do — there are also great day trip destinations in the surrounding area. Here’s a look at which day trips from Jerusalem are truly worth your time.

Dead Sea

You’ve surely heard of the Dead Sea, right? It’s the lowest saltwater lake and the lowest point on Earth accessible to humans.

The concentration of minerals is so high that you can simply float in the water and read the newspaper while you relax. The water also has a healing effect. That’s why you’ll find plenty of spas in the area where you can treat yourself to a mud mask, for example.

By rental car, the Dead Sea is about a two-hour drive. Alternatively, there are guided tours that depart from Jerusalem.

Book a day trip to the Dead Sea

Masada

Rising from a plateau in the middle of the Judean Desert is the ancient fortress of Masada. For Jews, it’s a historically significant site — the fortress was a key setting of the Jewish revolt against the Roman occupiers. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fortress sits on the shore of the Dead Sea, and a cable car takes you up the mountain. From there you get a phenomenal vista of the desert and the Dead Sea.

Many tour operators combine Masada and the Dead Sea as a day trip from Jerusalem, so you can take in two highlights at once.

Combined day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea

West Bank

In the West Bank you’ll find even more interesting cities. There’s Jericho, the oldest city in the world, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. You can venture into the Judean Desert or visit the site on the Jordan River where Jesus is said to have been baptized.

Many tours combine several of these destinations into one trip.

Given the tense political situation, though, you should research the current safety advisories before you go. It’s best not to travel to the West Bank on your own — go with a licensed tour guide instead.

Day trip to the top destinations in the West Bank including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho, and the Jordan River

Tour to Jericho, the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is surely a familiar name — this is where Jesus is said to have been born. The city holds significance not only for Christians, but also for Jews and Muslims. Must-sees in Bethlehem include the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto Church, and the Omar Mosque.

The city lies within the Palestinian Authority, and you’ll notice the cultural difference immediately. It also gives you a brief glimpse into both sides of the Middle East conflict.

Beyond that, Bethlehem alone is worth a visit for its impressive street art scene and the many small boutiques selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Combo tour: Bethlehem and the Dead Sea

Practical Tips for Jerusalem

To wrap things up, here are a few general tips to help you plan your trip to Jerusalem.

Getting to Jerusalem

Direct flights to Ben Gurion Airport take about four to five hours from most European hubs. From the airport you can take either the shuttle bus (line 485) or the train. The train ride takes just 24 minutes and you can buy your ticket for about 8 euros at the machine on-site.

To enter Israel, your passport is sufficient. As long as you’re staying for fewer than three months, you don’t need a visa. If you are of Arab or Iranian descent, or have stamps from those countries in your passport, you may be asked to take part in a security interview.

Getting to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv

If you have a bit of time, you can combine two city trips in Israel: Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. For the transfer, you can choose between bus, train, or shared taxi.

• By train: the fastest and most comfortable option. From Tel Aviv it takes about 30 minutes.
• By bus: cheaper than the train, but travel time can be significantly longer during rush hour. On Shabbat — from Friday evening to Saturday evening — public transportation runs on a reduced schedule or not at all.
• By shared taxi (sherut): a great alternative on holidays. The minibuses depart from the Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv once all seats are filled.

Best Time to Visit Jerusalem

The best time to visit Jerusalem is spring and fall. The weather is pleasantly warm without being too hot during the day. We especially love Jerusalem as a destination in March, since it’s also the off-season — with lower hotel and flight prices.

When planning your trip to Jerusalem, always keep holidays in mind, as they draw especially large numbers of tourists to the city. It’s best to look up the exact dates in advance.

The most important holidays are:

• Jewish Passover
• Easter
• Muslim fasting month of Ramadan
• Jewish Sukkot festival

Safety in Jerusalem

You’ve probably seen in the news that Jerusalem has experienced violent clashes on more than one occasion. The relationship between Jewish Israelis and Muslims is complex, which is why political tensions arise.

That said, Jerusalem is generally not a dangerous destination. Police and security personnel are present virtually everywhere in the city. While that can feel a bit intimidating at first, it’s there to keep you safe. At the same time, you should follow a few behavioral guidelines:

• Avoid certain areas such as the border region with the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights.
• Don’t engage in debates about controversial topics.
• Stay especially alert in tourist areas.
• Respect local customs and traditions.
• Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.