Best things to do in Jerusalem
Find out more about those top places in Jerusalem
Jerusalem: Holy City, Hip Hoods, and History That'll Blow Your Mind (and Maybe Cause a Little Head-Scratching!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Legendary Land!
Welcome, intrepid travelers and lovers of cities with more stories etched into their stones than your grandma's favorite armchair! Prepare to enter Jerusalem, one of the world's most talked-about cities, a place that sparks more opinions than a Eurovision Song Contest jury. But hold onto your hats, because peel back the layers of its tumultuous politics, and you'll discover a hidden gem where the histories of Muslims, Jews, and Christians intertwine like the threads in a very old and very important tapestry.
Towering over this ancient metropolis is a piece of land that's arguably the world's most contested square footage: known to Muslims as The Noble Sanctuary (Haram al-Sharif) and to Jews as Temple Mount (Har HaBayit). Today, this hilltop holds two of Islam's most revered architectural wonders – the dazzlingly blue Dome of the Rock, shimmering like a sapphire under the Middle Eastern sun, and the more austere but equally significant Al Aqsa Mosque. For Jews, this site is profoundly sacred, believed to be the very location of the First and Second Temples. The only surviving remnant of these ancient structures is the Western Wall (Kotel), which has transformed into Judaism's most revered religious shrine, a place where whispered prayers ascend like incense smoke.
But hold on a sec, Jerusalem isn't all about profound religious history (though there's enough to keep you busy for a lifetime!). Get ready to tantalize your taste buds at the Mahane Yehuda Market (the Shuk), a vibrant explosion of colors, aromas, and the absolute best Middle Eastern produce you've ever encountered. Think mountains of spices, glistening olives, freshly baked bread that smells like heaven, and enough halva to keep you buzzing for days. It's a foodie's paradise and a fantastic place to visit for a true taste of Jerusalem life.
And for the art aficionados among you, East Jerusalem is rapidly transforming into a hot spot for challenging art galleries, showcasing contemporary works that will make you think, question, and maybe even scratch your head in a good way. It's a testament to the city's evolving cultural landscape, proving that Jerusalem is a city that's constantly reinventing itself while holding onto its deep roots.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this legendary city. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring millennia-old holy sites and bustling markets to discovering contemporary art and soaking in the unique atmosphere where ancient history meets modern life, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Jerusalem a truly unique and hilariously complex (in the best way!) destination.
Top Attractions: Holy Sites, Bustling Markets, and Artistic Hubs!
Jerusalem offers a captivating blend of religious significance, cultural vibrancy, and modern creativity:
The Noble Sanctuary/Temple Mount: A Sacred Hilltop
Witness the iconic Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque, two of Islam's most revered sites, located on the historically significant hilltop known as The Noble Sanctuary to Muslims and Temple Mount to Jews. A key place to visit for understanding the city's religious importance (note: access restrictions may apply, so research beforehand).
The Western Wall (Kotel): Judaism's Holiest Shrine
Visit the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple and Judaism's most sacred site. Observe the prayers and feel the weight of history. A must-see attraction for your Jerusalem sightseeing.
Mahane Yehuda Market (The Shuk): A Feast for the Senses
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Mahane Yehuda Market, a bustling marketplace overflowing with fresh produce, spices, street food, and local life. A top thing to do for experiencing the city's energy and flavors.
The Old City's Quarters: A Journey Through Time
Wander through the distinct quarters of Jerusalem's Old City – the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter – each with its own unique character, history, and places to visit.
East Jerusalem's Art Galleries: A Contemporary Edge
Explore the burgeoning art scene in East Jerusalem, with its challenging and thought-provoking contemporary art galleries. Discover a different side of the city's cultural landscape. A top attraction for art enthusiasts.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Museums, Views, and Culinary Delights!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Jerusalem vibe:
- Visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial: A powerful and moving museum dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust.
- Explore the Israel Museum: Discover a vast collection of art and archaeological artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls.
- Walk the Ramparts of the Old City: Enjoy panoramic views of Jerusalem from the ancient city walls.
- Indulge in Jerusalem's Culinary Scene: Sample the diverse and delicious cuisine, from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to modern fusion creations.
- Take a Hike in the Judean Hills: Escape the city for a bit of nature and enjoy the scenic landscapes surrounding Jerusalem.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a profound sense of history, a vibrant cultural experience, and a city that will undoubtedly spark conversation, Jerusalem in Israel is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable journey filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to walk on ancient ground and maybe leave with more questions than answers (in a good way!). Shalom and enjoy this legendary city!
-
Dome of the Rock
Sitting astride the area known by Muslims as Al Haram Ash Sharif and by Jews as Temple Mount is the dazzling Dome of the Rock, which is likely the world’s most iconic Islamic place of worship. Bedecked in turquoise tiles and capped with a golden dome that can be seen across Jerusalem, the mosque shelters a slab of rock that Jews believe was where Abraham sacrificed his son and Islamic tradition suggests that Prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens. While non-Muslim visitors are not allowed inside the Dome, guided tours of its exterior reveal its complex history.
-
Western Wall
Jerusalem’s holiest Jewish site is the Western Wall, which is the last remaining part of what once was the vast Second Temple. The wall has been a site of pilgrimage since the Ottoman era and today the atmosphere is usually electric with Jews from across the world traveling there to pray. For the best experience, take a guided tour of the remarkable complex and guides will be able to inform you of the various Jewish traditions associated with it.
-
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is the most important Christian place of worship in Jerusalem, is believed to be built atop the site where Jesus was nailed to the cross and rose from the dead. While Emperor Constantine erected the original structure some three centuries after the crucifixion, what you see today was largely built during the era of the Crusades. Visitors of all faiths are welcome but respectful dress is a must.
-
Yad Vashem
Israel’s most poignant memorial and museum to the Holocaust is Yad Vashem. Spread over a vast site, the complex houses the Holocaust Museum that details the events that led up to what Jews call the Shoah and the Nazi atrocities that were committed thereafter. Other highlights include the Hall of Names, which lists the names of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, the Hall of Remembrance, which contains the eternal flame, and the haunting Cattle Car Memorial – an original train car utilized by the Nazis to transport Jews to extermination camps.
-
City of David
In a city full of contested archaeological sites, the City of David is clearly the most controversial. Dating to the Canaanite period of the 2nd millennia BC, the area is believed to be the oldest in all of Jerusalem with highlights including the Royal Quarter, which was once an aristocratic home, and the partially flooded Hezekiah’s Tunnel that ends at the iconic Pool of Sioloam. The reason for the site’s divisiveness is that it stretches into area’s that are internationally recognized as Palestinian.
-
Mahane Yehuda Market
Centered on Mahane Yuda Street and Etz Chayim Street, this vast food market is Jerusalem’s beating heart. Stalls selling a remarkable array of spices, meats, herbs and sweet treats, including halva, are no less than a mouth-watering sensory overload that are best explored as part of a guided food tour. For the ultimate experience tour the area’s atmospheric alleyways and bustling food halls on Thursday and Friday during the pre-Shabbat rush.
-
Tomb of the Virgin Mary
One of the holiest sites in Christianity is Jerusalem’s Tomb of the Virgin Mary. The cavernous tomb is one of the city’s most atmospheric spots with candle-blackened walls, a plethora of religious art and the numerous lanterns strung from the ceiling. The present tomb dates from the Crusader era but the site’s history goes back to at least the 5th century.
-
Palestinian Heritage Museum
For those hoping to gain a better understanding of Jerusalem’s complex cultural and historical situation a visit to the Palestinian Heritage Museum is a must. Providing a detailed look at the history of the Palestinian nation from the medieval Islamic caliphates to the creation of Israel and its present position within a Jewish state, the museum is a harrowing but ultimately rewarding experience.
