Jerusalem Travel Guide
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Your Guide to Jerusalem
There is perhaps no other city with a rich and complicated religious, cultural, and historical significance as Jerusalem. The city, currently administered by Israel, is a crucially significant mecca for those of both Jewish and Muslim faith. Jerusalem is also a thoroughly engaging place for those of other faiths to visit.
To make the most out of your visit to Jerusalem, it is important that you know any pertinent information about the trip, such as notable attractions, popular areas to stay, the best things to do in the city, and more. It is also crucial to respect the people, places, and cultures you will encounter within and around the city.
These things should all be researched before venturing abroad to any city, but especially Jerusalem. Let’s take a closer look at each of any pertinent information that may serve to help you make the most out of your trip to Jerusalem.
Top Attractions in Jerusalem
There are plenty of attractions to see and explore in Jerusalem. Still, in a typical 5 to 7-day vacation, it is near impossible to visit all of the attractions Jerusalem has to offer. Now, depending on your preferences, some attractions may be more interesting to you than others.
If you are more interested in attractions with Christian significance, the Christian Quarter and Via Dolorosa are excellent places to visit. If you are more intrigued by the historical significance of the city, then the Israel Museum or Kidron Valley will be of greater interest to you.
Ultimately, there will be attractions in Jerusalem to captivate an array of desires and interests. However, there are three places that anyone who visits Jerusalem should check out. Let’s take a closer look at each of these three attractions what makes them stand out amongst the rest.
Haram Al-Sharif
Arguably the most iconic landmark in Jerusalem is this temple mount, which surrounds an ostentatious temple that bears significance for Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. Haram Al-Sharif is one of the holiest places in the world, particularly for those belonging to the aforementioned faiths. However, this is also a place of significance for those of other faiths.
For religious historians, on the southern side of the temple mount is the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is believed to be one of the oldest mosques in the world. For architecture enthusiasts, the plaza’s central temple is ordained by a shimmering gold dome, referred to as Dome of the Rock. This is one of the most renowned architectural landmarks in the world.
However, there is some crucial information to know as a tourist to Haram Al-Sharif, particularly those who are non-Muslim. First, the only entrance for non-Muslims is the Bab al-Magharibeh, which is located next to the Wailing Wall, another attraction that will undoubtedly be mentioned later. It is also important to dress modestly as this is a holy religious site.
Now that we’ve covered the essential information let’s take a look at the various things you can see while touring Haram Al-Sharif.
- The Enclosure Walls: Along these walls are intriguing landmarks such as Bab al-Magharibeh, Bab es-Silsileh (Chain Gate), Bab al-Qattanin (Cotton Merchants’ Gate), Bab el-Hadid (Iron Gate), and Bab en-Nazir (Watchman’s Gate).
- Temple Platform: Once the site of Solomon’s First Temple, this landmark is now a spacious plaza that features several notable tombs.
- Al-Aqsa Mosque: This mosque, which translates to “The Farthest Mosque,” is said to be one of the oldest mosques still standing in the world.
- Dome of the Rock Platform Buildings: There are a few structures that surround the coveted Dome of the Rock, named the Dome of the Chain and Dome of the Ascension.
- Dome of the Rock: The most intriguing of all structures within the temple mount is the Dome of the Rock. Non-Muslims cannot enter the structure, but its lavish exterior is engaging enough to admire.
Wailing Wall
Known as either the Western Wall or the “Wailing Wall,” this structure is the only remaining wall of Jerusalem’s First Temple. Thus, this wall is one of the holiest sites in all of the world and certainly the holiest site in all of Judaism. Many Jewish people travel to this wall on pilgrimage, but the structure is available for any faith to pay a visit.
There are a few important things to consider before paying a visit to the Wailing Wall, especially as a non-Jewish person. First, it is always important to remember that this is a holy site and should be respected. This means acting and dressing modestly. Women who wish to pray at the wall should cover their legs and shoulders, and men their heads.
The wall is free to visit for all people, however, guided tours of the wall and its surroundings cost anywhere between 15-30 Shekels (roughly $4 to $9). Now that we’ve covered all the crucial information let’s take a look at some of the amazing things you can see at the Wailing Wall.
- Jewish Quarter: The Jewish Quarter is one of the four traditional quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem and is home to several synagogues and yeshivas.
- Zion Gate: One of the eight gates of the Old City of Jerusalem, this gate is also referred to as Bab Harat al-Yahud (Jewish Quarter Gate) or Bab an-Nabi Dawud (Prophet David Gate).
- Western Wall Plaza: A large public square built next to the Wailing Wall in 1967 as a result of the destruction of the Moroccan Quarter, which once stood in its place.
- Jerusalem Archaeological Park: An awe-inspiring park located in the Umayyad Palace, which contains ruins and artifacts from the Second Temple to Early Islamic Periods.
- Western Wall Tunnels: A system of tunnels that serve as a continuation of the Western Wall and travel under buildings in the Muslim Quarter.
Muslim Quarter
Speaking of the Muslim Quarter, there is perhaps no place in the Old City of Jerusalem livelier than it. It is the largest and most populous, at 22,000 people, of all of the four quarters of the Old City. This area is perhaps not as well-known as the Wailing Wall or the Dome of the Rock. However, this is an excellent place for tourists to visit.
The Muslim Quarter features a number of shops, or souks, which sell various goods that can only be found here. Additionally, this Quarter features stunning landmarks and views of the Old City. Let’s take a look at some of these landmarks and views.
- Damascus Gate: One of the eight gates of the Old City of Jerusalem serves as the entrance to the Muslim Quarter.
- Anne’s Church: Located on Antonia Street, this ornate Church was built by Crusaders and is believed to have been built on top of the location where the Virgin Mary’s parents once lived.
- Khan al-Sultan: This street, also known as Bab al-Silsila Street, was built in the 14th Century and is known for its accessible rooftops, which feature beautiful views of the Old City.
- Pool of Bethesda: A pool in the Muslim Quarter famed for its inclusion in the New Testament story in which Jesus miraculously heals a paralyzed man.
The Experience Flying into Jerusalem Airports
The experience of flying into Jerusalem is technically an experience the average person will never have as there are no airports located in Jerusalem. International travelers must fly into Israel’s international airport, Ben Gurion Airport, which is located roughly 30 minutes away from both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
There is also the Eilat Airport, but it is located in southern Israel and is primarily used for internal flights.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Jerusalem
There are a few important things to note when flying to Israel, especially if you are on a budget.
1. Only Use Ben Gurion Airport
First, you should only be able to fly into Ben Gurion Airport internationally, but just if you are advertised a flight to Eilat Airport, be sure to disregard it. Eilat Airport is for charter flights only and is on the opposite end of Israel.
2. No Direct Flights in Certain Circumstances
Secondly, some countries are not able to fly directly into Israel due to distance or international relations. Australia, for one, is not able to offer direct flights to Israel due to the distance between the two countries. Thus, it is important to book a connecting flight, which may vary in price depending on your location.
3. Cheapest Flights Fly into Old Terminal (Terminal 1)
Finally, many of the discount airlines offer flights into Ben Gurion’s oldest terminal, Terminal 1, which is far cheaper than any other flights into Israel. This is crucial for travelers on a budget.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
There are ultimately two popular areas for tourists to stay in Jerusalem, the Old City, and the city center. The Old City features most of Jerusalem’s popular attractions but will certainly feel like the quainter, more peaceful stay. The city center features popular tourist attractions in its own right and a far more substantial nightlife.
Popular Hotels in Those Areas
There are plenty of accommodations in both the Old City and Jerusalem’s city center, which each offer something slightly different from one another.
First, let’s take a look at the accommodations offered in Jerusalem’s city center.
Jerusalem’s city center features plenty of upscale hotel options for a comfortable stay. However, more affordable options such as Check-In Jerusalem are available as well.
Now, let’s take a look at the accommodations offered in the Old City of Jerusalem.
There are no hotels located within the Old City of Jerusalem, so your best bet is to stay in family-run hostels or bed and breakfasts.
Popular Airbnb Places in Those Areas
There are also several popular AirBnB options for your stay in Jerusalem’s city center or the Old City.
First, let’s take a look at some popular AirBnB options offered in Jerusalem’s city center.
Now, let’s look at some popular AirBnB options offered in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Top Things to Do in Jerusalem
Although we have certainly mentioned some of the most popular things to do in the Old City of Jerusalem, there are plenty more things to do within the Old City and Jerusalem’s city center.
Here is a list of some of the other most popular things to do during your stay in Jerusalem.
- Visit Yad Vashem (World Holocaust Remembrance Center)
- Visit the Mahane Yehuda Market
- Eat at Kadosh Café Patisserie
- Visit Tmol Shilshom
- Eat at Manou Ba Shouk
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Jerusalem
As mentioned in a previous section, the Yehuda Market Suite and Ben Yehuda Suite AirBnB’s are particularly cool experiences. They are located just next to one of the most popular attractions in Jerusalem’s city center, the Mahane Yehuda Market.
Additionally, the Old City of Jerusalem features several unique AirBnB experiences, including Moriah’s Panorama, which offers an exquisite rooftop view of the entire Old City.
Final Thoughts
Jerusalem is the perfect destination for history buffs and culture seekers alike. While there are plenty of incredible religious sites, there are also plenty of modern-day attractions. There’s something for everyone to see and do on a trip to Jerusalem.
