Western Wall (HaKotel)
The retaining wall left from the Second Temple compound is Judaism's holiest accessible prayer site. The plaza has separate men's and women's sections and a large open square that fills for festivals and bar mitzvahs.
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About Jerusalem
Jerusalem sits about 750 m above sea level and about 60 km from Tel Aviv, and is divided in practice between the Old City and its four quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian), the modern West Jerusalem centred on Jaffa Road and Ben Yehuda Street, and East Jerusalem around Salah al-Din Street and Damascus Gate. The compact Old City can be walked in a day, but most visitors need three to five days to cover the Mount of Olives, the City of David, the Israel Museum, Mount Herzl and Yad Vashem, and the village of Ein Karem. Daily life follows the Jewish calendar: most West Jerusalem shops, restaurants and public transport stop from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, while East Jerusalem and the Christian and Muslim quarters keep different weekly rhythms (Friday for Muslim prayer, Sunday for Christian services). The security situation in Israel and the West Bank has been tense since 2023, so travellers should check government advisories immediately before departure and again on arrival.
- Capital
- Jerusalem
- Largest city
- Jerusalem
- Population
- ~1 million
- Languages
- Hebrew, Arabic, English
- Currency
- Israeli New Shekel
- Time zone
- IST/IDT (UTC+2/+3)
Explore Jerusalem by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Jerusalem
The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Built over the traditional sites of the crucifixion and empty tomb, this shared church is administered by six Christian denominations. Pilgrims queue at the Aedicule for the tomb and climb the stairs to the Calvary chapels.
Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif and Dome of the Rock
A vast raised esplanade holding the gold-capped Dome of the Rock (691 CE) and Al-Aqsa Mosque, sacred to Muslims and to Jews as the Temple Mount. Non-Muslims walk a set route, with no prayer and no religious items allowed.
Western Wall Tunnels
A guided walk along the full length of the Western Wall below street level, passing Herodian stones, a 13-ton block and Warren's Gate. The tour ends on the Via Dolorosa side of the Muslim Quarter.
Tower of David Museum
The citadel at Jaffa Gate houses a museum tracing 4,000 years of Jerusalem's history through models, films and excavations. Climb the Phasael tower or ramparts for the best skyline view of the Old City.
City of David and Hezekiah's Tunnel
The oldest settled part of Jerusalem, with excavated Bronze and Iron Age structures, the Gihon Spring and a 533 m Iron Age water tunnel dug under King Hezekiah. The site is located in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan and is politically contested.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Jerusalem Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Jerusalem, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Jerusalem
- Days 1-2Jerusalem city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Jerusalem
- Days 1-3Jerusalem comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Jerusalem, departure
Where to stay in Jerusalem
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 200 ILS (~$65)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 650 ILS (~$213)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 1,800+ ILS (~$590+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
King David Hotel
Historic 1931 landmark hotel facing the Old City walls, run by Dan Hotels, with garden, pool and a long record of hosting heads of state.
Check rates on Booking.comThe David Citadel Hotel
Five-star hotel facing the Tower of David with rooftop pool and views over the Old City walls.
Check rates on Booking.comWaldorf Astoria Jerusalem
Hilton-brand luxury hotel in the restored 1920s-era Generali building and tower near Independence Park, a short walk to Mamilla.
Check rates on Booking.comAmerican Colony Hotel
Former pasha's palace turned boutique hotel in East Jerusalem, long favoured by diplomats and journalists, with a shaded courtyard and the Arabesque restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Jerusalem
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Machneyuda
A loud, chef-driven kosher restaurant beside Mahane Yehuda Market where the menu changes with the day's produce. It is one of the city's best-known restaurants for a lively fine-dining meal.
Azura
A family-run market institution serving Iraqi-Kurdish and Sephardic Jerusalem home cooking from a large open kitchen. Portions are generous and prices are fair.
Rachmo
A small market eatery known for Iraqi-style dishes, with a short menu and counter seating. It is popular with locals at lunchtime.
Abu Shukri
An Old City hummus institution at the corner of Al-Wad Street and the Via Dolorosa, serving creamy hummus with warm bread. It is open on Shabbat.
Hummus Ben Sira
A bustling kosher hummus bar off Jaffa Road known for generous toppings and endless free pita. It is a short walk from the Jaffa Road light rail stops.
Tmol Shilshom
A cafe set in a bookshop in a quiet alley off Jaffa Road, with a tree-shaded courtyard. Weekend breakfast is a local favourite.
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Getting around Jerusalem
Compact city with light rail, buses and taxis; closed to most transit on Shabbat.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in ILS, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 100 ILS (~$33) | 400 ILS (~$131) | 1,200 ILS (~$393) |
| Food (per day) | 60 ILS (~$20) | 150 ILS (~$49) | 400 ILS (~$131) |
| Transportation | 20 ILS (~$7) | 40 ILS (~$13) | 100 ILS (~$33) |
| Activities | 20 ILS (~$7) | 60 ILS (~$20) | 100 ILS (~$33) |
| Daily total | 200 ILS (~$65) | 650 ILS (~$213) | 1,800+ ILS (~$590+) |
Best time to visit Jerusalem
Weather through the year in Israel
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Israel.
Spring and autumn deliver mild days for walking the Old City.
Holiday dates follow the Hebrew calendar; check each year.
Essential travel tips
- Plan around Shabbat: West Jerusalem restaurants, shops and public transport mostly close from Friday mid-afternoon to Saturday after dark, so stock up on food and buy tickets before Friday
- Dress modestly for holy sites: cover shoulders and knees, bring a scarf, and expect to check bags at Haram al-Sharif and Western Wall security
- Non-Muslims can enter the Haram al-Sharif only through the Mughrabi Gate ramp near the Western Wall during limited visiting hours, and not on Fridays, Saturdays or Muslim holidays; check access at the entrance on the day
- Carry some cash in shekels for Old City stalls and smaller cafes, and use ATMs inside banks
- Wear flat walking shoes: Old City stone steps are uneven and slippery when wet
- Buy a Rav-Kav card at the Central Bus Station or use the app for light rail and buses
- Confirm the Bethlehem day-trip details with a licensed operator or at the Checkpoint 300 information point because West Bank access can close without notice
- Tipping is customary in restaurants: 10-15% (service is rarely included) and a few shekels for tour guides and taxi drivers
Safety information
Install the Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) app, available for iOS and Android in English, and enable location alerts. It gives missile, rocket and drone warnings with the time left to reach shelter (in Jerusalem usually about 90 seconds)
When a siren sounds, go to the nearest protected space (mamad or miklat) or an enclosed stairwell and stay for 10 minutes after the last boom. If caught outdoors with no shelter, lie flat and cover the head. Hotels and apartment buildings list the shelter location at the front desk or on the stairwell door
Public shelters in Jerusalem are marked with a blue and white 'Miklat' sign. In the Old City, ask staff at the nearest hotel, hostel or shop; the Jerusalem municipality hotline 106 and the municipal website jerusalem.muni.il list public shelters by neighborhood
Expect security checks and bag searches at the Jaffa Gate area, the Western Wall entrance, malls, the Central Bus Station and Light Rail stops. Carry a passport or a photo of it and be ready to open bags. Never leave luggage unattended
Do not go to the West Bank or Gaza border areas without checking the advisories. Many insurers exclude them and the US Embassy restricts staff travel there. Bethlehem can be reached on bus 231 from Damascus Gate through Checkpoint 300; hand in a passport copy where asked and carry the original
Avoid demonstrations, funerals and clashes, especially around Damascus Gate, Salah ad-Din Street and Sheikh Jarrah, and during Friday prayer times and Ramadan
Wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for religious sites. The Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif) has limited visiting hours for non-Muslims and strict rules; check the Western Wall Heritage Foundation website
Shabbat runs from Friday sunset to Saturday after dark. Do not drive or use phones in front of religious areas such as Mea Shearim, and do not photograph people there
Keep water and sun protection handy, especially from June to September, when daytime highs reach 31-33 C (88-91 F)
Before you go, buy travel insurance that covers Israel and the current advisory level, and check whether it excludes conflict-related events
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerusalem safe to visit right now?
Jerusalem receives visitors, but Israel and the West Bank are under an elevated US advisory (Level 3, Reconsider Travel), and the US Embassy Jerusalem issued security alerts in October 2026. Check travel.state.gov or your own government's advisory and your airline directly before booking and again before departure, and make sure your insurance covers the destination.
Does Jerusalem close on Shabbat?
Yes. Public transport, most West Jerusalem shops and many restaurants stop from Friday afternoon until Saturday after dark. Old City Muslim and Christian quarters, East Jerusalem cafes and some hotels and restaurants stay open, and taxis and the Gett app still work.
What should I wear at Jerusalem's holy sites?
Cover shoulders and knees at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Haram al-Sharif. Carry a scarf or light jacket, as entrances may refuse entry without them.
How do I get from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem?
Take Israel Railways to Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon Station (check rail.co.il for times and fares), a shared taxi (sherut), or an official taxi. The train does not run on Shabbat, so use a sherut or taxi then.