17 Best Things to Do in Jerusalem in 2024 ✔️ From Experience

Hi traveler, and welcome to your practical Jerusalem guide! I live in Israel and have visited the city at least a dozen times. In this article on the 17 best things to do in Jerusalem, I share all the insider knowledge I gathered over all my visits to help you have an amazing time here!

From the must-visit tourist attractions to hidden gems, practical info on how to get to places, tips, and my personal recommendations for hotels, you’ll be ready to visit Jerusalem by the time you finish reading!

Since Jerusalem can get confusing at times, I made sure to include information I only got to learn on the spot that I wish someone told me before, so beyond everything else, I hope you’ll find this guide utterly practical!

Quick Picks for Your Stay 

Here are the main things to book in advance:

• Join a walking tour of Old Town
• Explore underground Jerusalem on a day tour
• Meet the ultra-Orthodox Jews on a guided tour

And here are the best hotels: Herbert Samuel (luxury), Austrian Pilgrim Hospice (mid-range), New Citadel Hostel (budget)

1. Join a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old Town

There’s no better way to experience Jerusalem’s Old Town than getting lost in its narrow maze of alleys and tiny streets! The Old Town is spread across 1 km square (0.35 sq mi), and with all the attractions being inside its walls, you can spend anywhere from 1 to 4 hours exploring around.

The Old Town of Jerusalem is home to the most sacred sites for Jews and Christians and the 3rd most sacred site for Muslims. And they are all within walking distance of each other!

This is why a walking tour of Jerusalem should be a top priority if you’re visiting for a short time. You can do the tour independently or join a licensed one. Since I’m basically a local and return to the city often, I never booked an official tour. But from experience, I can tell that a lot of first-time tourists opt for tours.

TOUR PRICE: From US$50

TIP: Always wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses when walking in Old Town (especially from May to October). Carry a water flask that you can refill since the water bottles in Old Town are super expensive.

NOTE: The entrance to the main sites in Old Town (Church of Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and many others) is free of charge.

2. Put a written prayer on the Western Wall

The Western Wall (map) is a holy place for Jews where they come to pray daily. This wall is the only thing that remains of the ancient First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, believed to be the holiest place in Judaism.

The reason people place prayer notes on the wall is that according to old Jewish teachings, the divine presence never left the Western Wall, and all prayers from here go to heaven through the adjacent Temple Mount.

NOTE: As you leave the Western Wall, don’t turn your back on it. Walk backwards! It’s what everyone does, and it took me a while to figure this out. Symbolically, this is done for not turning your back on your prayers.

TIP: Dress modestly and try to have your knees covered. Buy a wrap or a scarf to cover your shoulders and head. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy an expensive one inside the Old Town or use the wraps at the entrance of sacred sites (during summer, this is not a pleasant thing to do, trust me).

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3. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter

The Old Town of Jerusalem is split into Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian Quarters, each holding precious landmarks and sites for the respective groups of people. People from these religious groups also live here.

The central place for pilgrims for over a thousand years, the Church of Holy Sepulchre (map) is built on the place where Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected.

As you enter the church right in front of you will be the Stone of Anointing, or where the body of Jesus was prepared for burial. And to your right (climb the staircase), you’ll see the Rock of Calvary, the exact place where Jesus was believed to be crucified.

Walk to the left from the Stone of Anointing, and you’ll see a small chapel, which is believed to be the tomb of Jesus. You can walk inside, but maybe there will be a line for entrance (usually during holidays and high season).

4. Admire the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount

When you look for pictures of Jerusalem online, you’re guaranteed to see this huge mosaic building with a giant golden dome. That’s the Dome of the Rock (map), the oldest Islamic monument dating from the 7th century (when Islam was born as a religion). Most importantly for Muslims, it’s a place from which Mohammed is believed to have ascended to heaven!

I went to the Dome of the Rock twice and absolutely loved the peace and quiet of the area being surrounded by lush trees and seeing people praying. Of course, there are also tourists taking shots just to remind you you’re not alone in this mysterious land!

TIP: To visit the Dome of the Rock, you’ll have to enter the Temple Mount area, which is accessible from the side of the Western Wall. Walk from the Wall towards the exit by the Wall Excavations (map) to find the entry to Temple Mount. If you get confused, just ask the guards for help. Entry to Temple Mount is possible from Sunday to Thursday. In winter, visit time is from 7 AM to 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM to 13:30 PM. In summer, from 7 AM to 11 AM and 13:30 to 14:30. 

NOTE: Plan at least an hour to walk here.

5. Roam the vibrant souks of the Muslim Quarter

There’s no better place to experience that authentic Middle Eastern vibe than by strolling through the Muslim Quarter (map) in the Old Town of Jerusalem!

Although I love walking around the Muslim Quarter (it’s the one with the highest number of souks or shops), I honestly hate buying stuff there. I only found one store so far where the sellers offer the exact price right away, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find the link to share it with you. I’ll make sure to update this post with the shop’s location the next time I go there!

At a random shop, a seller once offered me a camel stuffed toy for 300 NIS (that’s like US$80). In the end, I lowered that down trifold, which is still probably too much for that item!

So take all the beautiful pics you like, soak in the spice smells, enjoy the colorful embroidery, artwork, and souvenirs, and only buy things you really want to have!

6. Walk the Via Dolorosa

Via Dolorosa is the path Jesus took on his way to crucifixion. Until today, it’s one of the most sacred walks any Christian can take in Jerusalem.

The entire walk takes around 2 hours, possibly more if the place is crowded since everything is inside the walls of the Old Town. The idea is to stop at all the 14 Stations of the Cross, the same ones where Jesus stopped before his crucifixion.

The path starts at the Church of Condemnation (map), where Jesus was condemned by Pontius Pilates, and ends at the Church of Sepulchre, which I already talked about above, where he was crucified. The entire time, you’ll see the “Via Dolorosa” path to lead your way.

TIP: It’s best to do this walk really early in the morning when everyone is still sleeping.

7. Catch a break in the lovely Austrian Hospice

My absolute favorite place in Jerusalem, the Austrian Hospice (map), is located in the heart of the Old Town between a mosque, synagogue, and church, and it’s like a little Austrian-fairytale-garden spot. Ideal to catch a break when walking between the hot, golden stones of the Old Town!

Try their Sacher cake and pair it with coffee of your choice, and then walk around the hospice to see the nice hallways and rooms before you reach the roof for stunning views of Jerusalem! They even offer accommodation if you’re interested!

8. Go food tasting at Mahaneh Yehudah Market

Mahaneh Yehudah (map) is the main market of Jerusalem with fresh spices, fruits, meat, sweets, clothes, antiquities, and who knows how many other sections! It spreads across multiple streets and it’s a must-see place in Jerusalem Downtown.

I have this rule that every time I visit Jerusalem (once every few months), I eat at a new place in or around Mahaneh Yehudah Market. So far, it has never disappointed me! Dozens of restaurants await just as you exit the premises of the market, so pick your favorite and enjoy!

TIP: Get traditional rugelach croissants from Marzipan Bakery (map), they’re my absolute favorites! The irresistible smell of fresh pastry and spices will lead you to the store if you approach it anyway!

From Mahaneh Yehudah, you can exit on Jaffa Road, the main street in Jerusalem where the tram goes, and just walk toward the Old Town, or head to the Sacher Park in the opposite direction for more exploration!

9. Hike from Sacher Park to the Israel Museum

If you like to walk, I recommend this route that I took the last time I visited Jerusalem. I love to sit for coffee in this cute place in Sacher Park called Gan Sipur Café (map), some 15-minute walk from Mahaneh Yehudah.

So after a short break here, walk through the large green park (a favorite outdoor spot for Orthodox Jewish families living in the area), then pass the Knesset (map, Israel parliament building), and make it to the Israel Museum.

This is such a cool walk I did with my husband. It’s short, but you get to climb a hill, see beautiful picnic spots tucked inside a small forest, and be gifted with views of an old Greek monastery!

NOTE: I don’t recommend doing this hike during the hot months (May to October), but you’re always welcome to stroll in Sacher Park regardless of the season.

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10. Learn about Israel’s history at Israel Museum

And if you’re not a hiking type of person, just take public transport and visit the Israel Museum! This is one of the fanciest museums I have visited in the world. You can tell how much Israelis care about their cultural institutions just by walking through the huge hallway at the entrance.

The coolest part here is the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known manuscript of the Bible! By the way, a Bible Lands Museum is located just across the street from the Israel Museum, and it takes just about 1 hour to visit.

For the Israel Museum, plan at least 2 and a half hours. Don’t be like us; we came at the end of the day and, in the end, missed the Dead Sea Scrolls area since it’s a bit further from the central building.

PRICE: 62 NIS (US$16.50) for adults, 31 NIS (US$8.20) for children over 5

HACK: If you’re visiting with kids (aged 5 to 17), entrance is free for them on Tuesdays and Saturdays!

11. See the Citadel of Jerusalem (Tower of David)

One of my favorite Indiana Jones moments in Jerusalem was exploring the City of David and the Citadel! I definitely recommend this activity if you want to feel like an ancient explorer.

Filled with excavation sites, artifacts that date back as far as the Iron Age, underground Turkish prison sites, and stunning views of Jerusalem at the top, the Citadel is so worth exploring!

At one point, you get to hop on the old walls of Jerusalem for unobstructed views of the Tower of David monument. This walk is also part of the Ramparts Walk, a separate attraction you can do later if you want full access to the top of the walls of the Old Jerusalem!

After you’re done with the Citadel visit, just across the Citadel you’ll find Teta Cafe (map), a delicious place to try falafel!

TIP: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the Citadel, and definitely avoid flip-flops.

PRICE: 50 NIS (US$13.30) for adults, half the price for kids

12. Visit Mount Zion and its fun surroundings

Mount Zion (map) is a hill just outside the Zion Gate in Old Town, and it’s a lovely place to walk around and see some more sacred and interesting sites.

The top sights here are the Tomb of David (map) and the place where the Last Supper took place (map).

Mount Zion is very important for Jews, as according to their beliefs, this is where the God of Israel dwells and where he has installed David to serve as the king.

For me, the most interesting part was descending from Mount Zion towards Mamilla, a brand-new shopping and residential complex just by the Old Town walls. You pass by the most picturesque neighborhoods in Jerusalem like Mishkenot Sha’ananim, with the beautiful Yemin Moshe street, and then further down you make it to the Montefiore Windmill (map), one of the cutest landmarks of Jerusalem if you ask me.

And, my favorite new place in Jerusalem, the First Station (map), is just an 8-minute walk from the windmill! This repurposed 19th century train station is now home to craft shops, fun restaurants, and entertainment parks for the kids. It’s a great place to spend an hour in Jerusalem to explore its modern side!

It’s possible to walk this route even in summer because there’s lots of shade, but of course, you should always carry your sun protection kit (glasses, hat, sunscreen, and water).

13. Stroll in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was arrested

Jerusalem has plenty of nice places and gardens to walk around, and the Garden of Gethsemane (map) is one of the most special ones. Located at the foot of the Mount of Olives hill, it’s a great place to spend time before climbing the hill, but it’s also so serene and green, plus filled with history.

According to the Bible, Jesus was here with his students when he got arrested, so naturally this is one of the most popular pilgrim sites throughout history.

GETTING THERE: The Garden of Gethsemane is located just an 8-minute walk outside of the Old Town’s Lion’s Gate. You can walk to it from Old Town, but there’s also a bus (number 66) that runs here from Downtown Jerusalem.

14. Enjoy the sunset from Mount of Olives

Mount of Olives lies between the Judean Desert and the Temple Mount, and it’s believed to be the place from which Jesus ascended into heaven and where he will return during the Second Coming.

The Jews also believe that the Messiah will come to Mount of Olives and that the people buried here will be the first ones to be brought back to life. As you can imagine, the graveyard at Mount of Olives is one of the most elite and expensive cemeteries in the world.

Now as you get to the top of Mount of Olives, you’ll be rewarded with dreamy views of the entire Old Town of Jerusalem with its golden shades during sunset. I even have a puzzle I did years ago with the same view of Jerusalem as the one you get to see here!

I saw a lot of scammers here asking to take pictures of tourists or approaching me with random questions. Most of them were kids and were harmless, but just be aware and ideally don’t visit alone just to feel more comfortable.

GETTING THERE: Walk (moderate levels of physical condition required) or take bus lines 1 (from Downtown), 83, 84, or 275.

15. Visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Yad Vashem is a Holocaust memorial to the 6 million Jewish victims and one of the most sacred places for Jews in modern times. Today, Yad Vashem is also a research and educational center on the Holocaust.

The central part of the museum is the Hall of Names with 2.7 million Pages of Testimony (symbolic tombstones that the survivors and their families filled for their loved ones who died). Also, see the part with photographs, which has one of the largest collections of photographs related to the Holocaust in the world.

NOTE: If you are traveling with kids, keep in mind that children younger than 10 will not be permitted in the museum.

The entrance to this museum is free. You can book a guided tour in advance here or get an audio guide for a small fee.

GETTING THERE: Take the tram (line 1), from the Mahane Yehuda Market or anywhere else on Jaffa Road, and it’ll take you to the entry of the museum area in less than 30 minutes.

16. Stroll the picturesque Ein Karem neighborhood

Ein Karem is a great place to get away from the touristy hustle and bustle, go sightseeing in Jerusalem’s narrow lanes, and stop by Mary’s Spring (map), where the Virgin Mary used to drink water.

Although not touristy, this place also has a historical significance. It’s known as the birthplace of John the Baptist, so you’ll have a lovely church built in his honor here (map).

GETTING THERE: Take Tram 1 from Downtown Jerusalem to Yefeh Nof (map) or to the station closest to Yad Vashem, and then hop on bus 28 which will take you to the village.

17. Take the kids to the Biblical Zoo and Israel Aquarium

All of Jerusalem is very kid-friendly, but if you’re looking for things to do with kids specifically, then one area in West Jerusalem will hit the spot! The Biblical Zoo and Israel Aquarium are located near each other and make a great duo for family visits!

GETTING THERE: Take tram 1 to Yefe Nof (map), then change to bus 33 that goes to the Zoo. It’s a 35-minute ride from Downtown. You can take bus 26A to get from the Zoo to the Aquarium.

PRICE: The Zoo costs 71 NIS for adults and 51 for kids, while the Aquarium entrance is 65 NIS for adults and 53 for kids.

🏛️ Best museum:	Yad Vashem
🎢 Top paid attraction:	Israel Museum
🚶🏽‍♂️ Best free activity:	Old Town
👧 Best attraction for kids:	Biblical Zoo
🕺 Nightlife:	Downtown
🥟 Must try food:	falafel

BONUS: Unusual things to do in Jerusalem

Fancy some unusual things to do and see in Jerusalem? I’ve got you covered!

Get a tattoo in the oldest tattoo shop

Razzouk Tattoo (map) is the oldest family-run tattoo shop in the world, with 28 generations having run the business! You can get a tattoo here from 500-year-old stamps, just make sure to set an appointment in advance!

Explore the city from its rooftops

If the Ramparts Walk sounded fun to you, there’s an even better way to explore Jerusalem from above, and it’s by walking on its rooftops. This activity has such a great feel from the very start; you’ll feel like you’re on a special mission trying to find the staircases that lead you there!

INSIDER TIP: Climb the small staircase on the intersection of Khabad Street and St. Mark’s Road (map) to get on the roof!

Walk the tunnels in the city of David

A pretty amazing (and very popular) thing to do in Jerusalem, where you can walk the extremely narrow ancient tunnels! The maze of tunnels led its residents out during wars but also allowed the city to be conquered many times in history. Now you can walk there (but only if you’re not claustrophobic!).

See Santa Claus’s home in Jerusalem (best for Christmas)

I found this attraction (map) accidentally when walking in the Christian Quarter just around Christmas time, and it was perfect timing. When you enter this small place, you feel transported into a fairytale with endless Christmas decorations, a living Claus (the kids can take pics with him!), and even a nice shop to get warm drinks.

Meet the ultra-Orthodox Jews on a tour

Why not go the extra step and, instead of people watching the ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem, actually get to meet them? There are tours that take you to ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods where you can learn first-hand about their customs and way of life.

Where to stay in Jerusalem

To help you plan your stay, I cherry-picked the top-rated hotels in Jerusalem and sorted them nicely according to budget!

NOTE: For a detailed insight on the best areas to stay in Jerusalem, plus many more cool hotels, check out my Jerusalem travel guide!

Luxury (US$250 and up)

• Herbert Samuel – A top-rated luxury hotel in Downtown Jerusalem (but close to Old Town) with 2 on-site restaurants, a spa and wellness center, and a much-needed pool for those hot summer months!
• Old City Boutique Hotel – The best luxury place to stay in Old Town Jerusalem with a Deluxe Suite suitable for couples and small families.

Mid-range (US$120 – US$250)

• Austrian Pilgrim Hospice – my favorite place to stay in Jerusalem with the best service, location, and garden! Plus, you’ll be in the heart of Old Town just seconds from all the tourist spots.
• My Jerusalem View – enjoy the best views of Jerusalem in this lovely hotel with clean rooms that all have AC, daily housekeeping, and super modern furniture!

Budget (up to US$120)

• New Citadel Hostel – a centrally-located hostel in Old Town with cozy rooms with city views, free Wi-Fi, and a nice terrace. They have affordable family rooms too!
• HYVE Jerusalm Hosted by STAY – this cozy hostel is excellent for backpackers and young travelers looking to explore but also meet fellow adventurers. There’s a bar, terrace, parking, and free Wi-Fi across the property!

Practical Information

Now here’s what you need to know about public transport, safety, and staying connected in Jerusalem.

How to get around

Public Transport

Public transport is the best way to get around Jerusalem. There’s a wide network of buses and a very convenient tram line (only 1 line) that connects Downtown Jerusalem with Old Town.

As you arrive at the central train station from Tel Aviv or the airport, you can just hop on the tram right there and be in Old Town in less than 10 minutes! The tram is reliable and fast and I always use it whenever possible. If there’s no tram, I’ll use the bus.

You can pay for public transport with a toppable Rav Kav card (available at kiosks around town or at ticket booths at train stations or the airport). Use the app to recharge your balance (if you have Apple Pay, it works fantasticly) or use the ticket machines to add money. One ride is NIS 6 (US$2.66).

TIP: Use the Moovit app to plan your journey across Jerusalem. It works great for inter-city and intra-city travel, and it includes live schedules for all public transport.

NOTE: All public transport and shops close completely on Friday evening until Saturday evening in Jerusalem for Shabbat, a holy day for rest in Judaism. Stores in East Jerusalem will be open though, as that is a Muslim area, but transport will still be unavailable.

Taxis/Ride Sharing

Taxis are very expensive in Israel. I only use taxis as a last resort, and I recommend you do so as well.

Since most of the Jerusalem attractions are close by, you won’t need a taxi in the first place. The city and public transport are well-adjusted for travels with strollers (people have tons of kids in Jerusalem), and the only situation where I can see you needing a taxi is on Shabbat when public transport is sleeping and you need to get somewhere fast.

Use the Gett app to schedule your ride or hail a taxi by raising your hand on the street.

All about SIM cards

SIM cards in Jerusalem are available for purchase in most telephone stores, but I don’t recommend it. It’s better to get an eSIM plan right away so you’re connected basically from the moment you land in Israel.

Airalo has great plans for Israel starting from US$4.50, and they work so well!

If you’d rather go the old-fashioned way and purchase a SIM card, Pelephone is my recommendation. Their tourist plans start from US$15 and include 125 GB of data, plus unlimited use for select apps (Gmaps, Facebook, Instagram, etc).

Safety

Safety and security in Jerusalem are on a very high level. I never walked in the city and felt threatened or unsafe, be it middle of the day or night. All areas I visited, from Downtown to Old Town to East Jerusalem (which is a Muslim area), were perfectly safe.

NOTE: Due to the ongoing conflict that started on October 7, 2023, follow the updates from Israel’s National Emergency Portal for any restrictions on visits to Jerusalem. So far (a year following the start of the conflict), no significant disruptions have been imposed on Jerusalem, meaning you can visit the city freely. The Red Alert app is also helpful as you can get notifications in case the security situation in Jerusalem changes (if there are sirens or an intrusion).

FAQs about tourist attractions in Jerusalem, Israel

Final thoughts on the top things to do in Jerusalem

That’s it, dear reader! This is all I had in store for you for today! Hopefully, you have a good idea on the best things to do in Jerusalem for your upcoming stay.

I wish you a pleasant stay in Jerusalem! But before I let you go, I want to remind you to prioritize walking as the best way to experience the Holy City, and also stay hydrated when visiting in the summer months!

If you have any questions regarding your trip, feel free to drop me a comment below. I’ll be happy to help!

Safe travels,

Darija

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