Jerusalem is one of the most interesting and inspiring places in the world that offers a lot to those who take time to explore it on their own. If you are planning a self guided trip to Jerusalem and wonder what places to visit, where to stay, or how much time to spend there, this guide is perfect for you.
Jerusalem is sacred to three major faiths, thus constantly entangled in political and religious disputes. For believers, a trip to Jerusalem is a spiritual journey to the holiest city on earth. But whether you are religious or not, you’ll find so many interesting places to visit in Jerusalem!
Table of Contents
- What to Visit in Jerusalem – 23 Places You Shouldn’t Miss
- Places to Visit Outside the City Walls in Jerusalem
- 10. Mount of Olives
- 11. The Jewish Cemetery
- 12. The Chapel of the Ascension
- 13. The Tombs of the Prophets
- 14. Dominus Flevit Church
- 15. The Church of Mary Magdalene
- 16. The Tomb of Mary
- 17. The Garden of Gethsemane
- 18. The Church of All Nations
- 19. The Tomb of Absalom & the Tomb of Zechariah
- 20. The City of David
- 21. Hezekiah’s Tunnel
- 22. Mahane Yehuda Market
- 23. The Israel Museum
- How Many Days to Spend in Jerusalem?
- Where to Stay When Taking a Trip to Jerusalem
What to Visit in Jerusalem – 23 Places You Shouldn’t Miss
The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most astonishing cities you will ever visit. This place is a treasure trove of historical architecture, religious culture and tradition, tiny cobbled stone streets dating back centuries, and yet it’s still very much living in the 21st century.
There are so many astonishing places to visit in Jerusalem, but here are some that you should miss when visiting the city:
1. The 8 Gates of Jerusalem
The Old City has eight gates, each from a different historical era of Jerusalem. You can enter the city through seven of them: Damascus Gate, Herod’s Gate, Lions’ Gate, Dung Gate, Zion Gate, Jaffa Gate and the New Gate.
The eight gate – the Gate of Mercy (or the Golden Gate) – is located in the eastern wall of the Temple Mount. The gate has been blocked for centuries, but according to Jewish tradition, it will be opened when the Messiah comes and resurrects the dead.
The gates are all very beautiful, therefore I would recommend visiting each one of them if you have time.
2. The Four Quarters of the Old Jerusalem
The core of the Old City of Jerusalem has a history of over 4000 years, but the walls that surround it are not so old. They were built in the 16th century by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
The Old City is divided into four quarters: Jewish Quarter, Armenian Quarter, Muslim Quarter, and Christian Quarter. Each district has its own character and unique atmosphere. The best way to explore them is to get lost in this lively and colorful labyrinth of meandering streets and alleys, where you can feel the pulse of the city.
The area enclosed within the Old City walls is not very big (just about one square kilometer). It is however loaded with important sites to see and things to do. You can wander around for hours and not pass by the same places twice. Chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time in the Old City, since most of the historical sites are in this area.
3. Western Wall (or Wailing Wall)
One of the most important places to visit in Jerusalem is the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. The wall is actually a small segment of a far longer ancient retaining wall of the Temple Mount. For the Jews the Western Wall is the most significant prayer site in the world. But why?
When the Romans destroyed the temple, in the year 70 AD, this was the only wall that survived. As a result, the Jews were left with no place to worship and they have also been banned from this site for centuries.
Today, although Jews are allowed to visit the Temple Mount, they can’t pray there. Therefore, the Western Wall became the holiest site where Jews can pray, as it’s the closest to where their temple once stood.
4. Temple Mount & the Dome of the Rock
No trip to Jerusalem would be complete without a visit to one of the most contested and controversial places in the world: Temple Mount and the famous Dome of the Rock.
The Temple Mount is the elevated plaza above the Western Wall in Jerusalem where the two ancient Jewish temples were located.
Today however, the Temple Mount plaza is dominated by three monumental structures: the al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and the Dome of the Chain.
For Jews, Temple Mount is the location of their Holy of Holies. Similarly, for Muslims Temple Mount is the the spot where their prophet, Mohamed, ascended into heaven. So as you can see, Temple Mount is one of the most contested religious sites in the world.
5. Via Dolorosa
Perhaps the most cherished places in Jerusalem is Via Dolorosa. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Dolorosa is a processional route that represents the path that Jesus took on the way to His crucifixion. The route goes from Antonia Fortress to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a distance of about 600 meters.
Via Dolorosa is a celebrated place of Christian pilgrimage that was established in the 18th century. Today the path is marked by the 14 Stations of the Cross, five of which are located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The route begins at the Church of Flagellation, where the trial of Jesus took place, and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where he was crucified. Via Dolorosa consists of 14 stations commemorating particular events that took place in the last hours of Jesus’s life.
6. Church of the Holy Sepulcher
If for Jews the Wailing Wall is the most sacred place on earth, for Christians the most venerated one is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The church was built over the two of the holiest sites for Christianity: the place of Jesus’ crucifixion and his tomb.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher is made of over 30 chapels and worship spaces. Three of the important sites to visit in the church are: the Rock of Calvary, the place where the cross stood; the Stone of Anointing, a slab of reddish stone commemorating the place where the body of Jesus was prepared for burial; the Holy Sepulcher (Christ’s tomb) which is inside of a shrine.
Expect hours-long lines at all these stations, especially at the empty tomb of Jesus. We tried to be there earlier to beat the crowds, but at 6:00 a.m. we still found a line of at least 2-3 hours!
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7. Tower of David Museum
The Tower of David – also known as the Jerusalem Citadel – houses the Museum of the History of Jerusalem. The entrance to the beautifully restored ancient citadel is near the Jaffa Gate, in the Christian Quarter.
The Tower of David is one of the biggest attractions in Jerusalem. The museum houses a great collection of Jerusalem artifacts from the Canaanite period up to today. Visiting the citadel is also very rewarding for the spectacular views that you get from the ramparts.
Despite being called the Tower of David, the citadel was actually the palace of King Herod’s the Great, a Roman king that ruled Judea around 74 BC. The original palace had three enormous towers, one of which was modeled on the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
In summer, they stage a a 45-minute sound-and-light show in the Citadel’s courtyard. Visiting the
8. The Ramparts Walk
Walking the Ramparts of the Old City if one of the most rewarding things to do in Jerusalem. This is the best way to see the Old City as a living city, not just as a historical attraction. However, be advised that this walk is rather strenuous and requires ascending and descending very steep stairs.
There are practically two separate walks included in the same admission ticket. The north side walk goes from the Jaffa Gate to the Lions Gate and is the longer of the two. The south side walk is shorter starts at the Tower of David and ends at at the Western Wall.
9. The Garden Tomb
Located outside the the Old City walls, just a short walk from Damascus Gate, is the GardenTomb. Many consider this site to be the real burial site on which Jesus’ tomb lies. One of the points in support of this idea is the location of the Tomb. In the Bible (Hebrews 13:12) it is written that Jesus was buried outside the city walls, and the Garden Tomb fits this description.
Another interesting observation in support of the Garden Tomb is the hillside next to it, that resembles a skull. The Gospel of John mentions that Jesus was crucified “at the place of the skull.” Therefore, most experts believe the Garden Tomb is the real place where Jesus was buried.
But whether you consider this to be the actual burial site or not, the Garden Tomb is a really peaceful and nice place to visit.
Places to Visit Outside the City Walls in Jerusalem
10. Mount of Olives
Although associated with Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives actually sites outside the walls of the Old City walls. This is one of the holiest places in Jerusalem – sacred both to Jews and Christians. It’s the place where Jesus spent much of His time on Earth teaching his disciples and where he wept for Jerusalem.
To reach the top of the Mount of Olives you can either take a cab, or climb the hill through a narrow alley that starts from the Garden of Gethsemane. The hike is not very long, but it’s pretty steep. Most people take a cab up the mountain and then walk back down.
11. The Jewish Cemetery
The Mount of Olives is also believed to be the place where God will return on the Earth to judge humanity. Therefore, thousands of Jews made their graves on the adjacent slopes, in the Jewish Cemetery. Standing above this immense graveyard and looking at the Old City of Jerusalem feels almost unreal. A breathtaking view!
12. The Chapel of the Ascension
Also atop the Mount of Olives is another place of great biblical significance: the Chapel of the Ascension. This small, simple structure marks the spot from where – according to Christian tradition – Jesus ascended to Heaven.
Inside the structure there is nothing but a rock that supposedly has a footprint left by Jesus prior to His ascension to Heaven.
13. The Tombs of the Prophets
Right before you start your descent from the mountain, there is a big cave that contains the Tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. The cave is not visible from the road, so you’ll have to climb down a few steps and look for the sign.
14. Dominus Flevit Church
As you continue walking down from the Mount of Olives you’ll encounter a number of sites that commemorate the key events in the ministry of Jesus. One of them is Dominus Flevit, which was built on the site where, according to tradition, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. The lovely chapel is shaped as inverted teardrop and sits in a beautiful garden overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem.
15. The Church of Mary Magdalene
This Russian Orthodox Church (Church of Mary Magdalene) with seven gilded domes is one of the most picturesque sights in Jerusalem. The church contains the relics of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ followers and was a witness to his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
16. The Tomb of Mary
At the foot of the Mount of Olives, right next to the Garden of Gethsemane, you find the Tomb of the Virgin the mother of Jesus.
The New Testament doesn’t actually say anything about the death or burial place of Mary. However, Christian tradition considers this below-the-ground crypt to be the place where Mary was buried.
17. The Garden of Gethsemane
This beautiful grove of olive trees at the foot of the Mount of Olives is believed to be the place where Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer and contemplation.
Unfortunately, the Garden of Gethsemane you see today is not the quiet, peaceful oasis described in the Bible. Loads of tourists visit the place every day and at all times, so don’t expect to find much peace here!
18. The Church of All Nations
Of all the holy sites on the Mount of Olives, the most beautiful one is the Church of All Nations. The church was built over the rock on which Jesus has prayed before his crucifixion, therefore it is also known as the Basilica of the Agony.
The church has a very beautiful location, adjacent to the Garden of Gethsemane. The interior of the church is particularly beautiful with beautiful mosaics depicting scenes from the night Jesus was betrayed. Visiting the church is a very moving experience for all Christian believers.
19. The Tomb of Absalom & the Tomb of Zechariah
Right across from the Church of All Nations/Gethsemane, in the Kidron valley (Yehoshafat valley), you’ll find a series of old tombs/monuments dating from the time of King David (10th Century BC). Two of the most impressive ones are the Tomb of Absalom, the rebellious son of King David, and the Tomb of Zechariah, the prophet.
The monumental Tomb of Absalom rises 20 meters high and features a square base with ionic columns and a conical roof. The tomb is now closed, so you can only see it from the outside.
The Tomb of Zechariah does not contain a burial chamber, so it’s rather a monument. The upper part is shaped like an Egyptian pyramid that sits upon a cornice. It is believed that Zechariah was buried in the Tombs of the Prophets, on the Mount of Olives.
20. The City of David
The City of David is an archeological site that contains the oldest part of Jerusalem. This is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, many visitors to Jerusalem overlook this important site, but I strongly encourage you to visit it during your trip.
The story of the City of David began over 3,000 years ago, when King David establishing it as the first capital of Judea. This is where Kind Solomon, David’s son, built the First Temple on top of Mount Moriah, the site of the actual Dome of the Rock. As a result, this hilltop became one of the most important sites in the world.
The excavation work still continues today, unveiling more amazing finds confirming the authenticity of data mentioned in the Bible. The tour starts at the Davidson Center and goes along the eastern wall. You can see the old foundations of what may have been the royal palace, a house from the first temple period and some ritual baths (Mikveh)
21. Hezekiah’s Tunnel
The tour then continues underground, through the Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This was the major water source of Jerusalem for over 1000 years. The tunnel is narrow and low in parts, so it’s definitely not for claustrophobic people.
The tour ends at the Pool of Siloam where, according to the Bible, Jesus healed of the blind man (John 9).
22. Mahane Yehuda Market
Often referred to as “The Shuk”, Mahane Yehuda Market is perhaps the most popular marketplace in Jerusalem. The market is huge, with over 250 different stands, shops, and restaurants. If you want to try some of the local specialties at a reasonable price, this is the place to come.
23. The Israel Museum
If you only have time for one museum on your trip to Jerusalem, I’d recommend the Israel Museum. The 50,000 square meters complex features an impressive variety of collections, from prehistoric archeology to contemporary art. The children’s wing is the most interactive section of the museum, so if you have kids this is a very entertaining place to visit in Jerusalem.
Your entrance fee (54 shekels for adults and 27 shekels for children) includes the audio guide, which I highly recommend. There’s so much to see here! Check the times of the tours at the information desk when you arrive. They are also included in the entrance fee.
Tip: On Tuesdays the museum is open from 4 – 9 p.m. This could be a good time to see it if you want to spend your mornings visiting other places in Jerusalem.
How Many Days to Spend in Jerusalem?
Most of the guides I’ve read recommend spending at the most 2-3 days on a trip to Jerusalem. I also noticed that many people visit Jerusalem as a day trip from Tel Aviv. But in my opinion that’s way too little, considering how many amazing places to visit are in Jerusalem.
When we planned our Israel itinerary, we allocated 6 full days to Jerusalem. We thought that should be plenty, but we still didn’t get to visit everything we would have liked to.
That doesn’t mean it’s not possible to visit Jerusalem in less than 6 days, but you’ll have to rush through the attractions if you want to see everything in less time than that. My recommendation to stay at least 5-6 days in Jerusalem if you want to fully enjoy and comprehend its culture.
Where to Stay When Taking a Trip to Jerusalem
The Old City of Jerusalem is the best place to stay if you want to be minutes away from the most popular sites in the city. However, accommodations within the city walls area are limited (HaShimi Hotel).
A better option is to stay just a little outside the Old City where you’ll find more accommodations. The closest lodging is Mamilla Hotel, which is a five-star accommodation connected to the Old City via a short pathway.
We stayed at the St. George’s Pilgrim Guesthouse, a beautiful accommodation set in the guesthouse of St. George’s Cathedral. The guesthouse has simple but very comfortable rooms, a beautiful courtyard, a garden, and a charming cloister decorated with antique furniture.
The hotel has an excellent location – just outside the Old City walls, within 5 minutes walk from Damascus Gate.
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La Vacanza
This certainly brought back some wonderful memories. I visited Jerusalem only once, back in 2011. While I appreciated the historical sites, other aspects of the city didn’t quite resonate with me. I didn’t feel a positive vibe from the locals, found the food to be okay, and there was more security than I preferred. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for the experience, as it allowed me to learn a great deal about the country. My advice: disregard what the media says and see it with your own eyes! 🙂
I also have many images of Israel, which might help you. I want to contribute. Please let me know if you are interested.
Anda
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your offer to contribute some images to my post, but I don’t think I need any more at this point.
Best regards
Clare Colley
Jerusalem looking amazing. After seeing your pics it might have to go to the top of the list for next year. I never realised how much like morocco it looks, but it looks stunning and I definitely want to see all the gates, the tower of David and walk along the ramparts. I might struggle to do a long trip to Israel in 2020 but I think I need to go look at flights for a long weekend to Jerusalem, it looks like a place I would love to explore.
Anda Galffy
I’ve never been in Morocco, so I can’t tell if Jerusalem looks like it or not.
Blairvillanueva
Thank you for sharing us this wonderful city. Jerusalem is one of the top destination for faith tourism. And good thing, we have a free travel visa access to visit Jerusalem, yey!
daniel
Great post!! I never consider Jerusalem as someplace that I would consider adding in my list but it sure has been somewhere in the back if y mind. The city looks amazing somewhere sort of medieval. I am thrilled to know all the historical places have been preserved so well.
Pooja
Jerusalem has always been on my list. Apart from the religious reasons the architecture and feel of the place is what attracts me there. I love visiting historical places and the old city looks amazing. Would love to visit the wailing Wall, the prophets tomb and especially the Hezekiah’s Tunnel among other things.
AMAR SINGH
I must admit your post come in perfect time as I start to plan my trip to this beautiful historic destination later in 2020. It has been on my list for a few reasons and your post highlights most of these. Apart from the history and religious importance of this city I personally want to visit it just to wonder around the old town. Its shops and atmosphere. I believe the culinary delights are great here as well and I look forward to it. Georges Pilgrimage place would be a good start when looking at accommodation . Thanks for this detailed post and I will be in touch if I need more information.
Anda Galffy
Please feel free to contact me with any questions, Amar.
Jane Dempster-Smith
Excellent article. Interesting facts about the 8 gates, 7 that you can visit, and the 8th that is closed. I knew about the Wailing Wall but never knew the facts about it, thanks for enlightening me. This article has been a history lesson for me. I would like to visit Jerusalem one day, I have bookmarked your article for future travels. Thanks Anda.
Anda Galffy
Hope you’ll get to visit Israel, Jane.
Rhonda Albom
Those gates truly are gorgeous. I love the top of the Damascus gate. It looks delicate and dainty, like something out of a fairytale. I’ve heard of the wailing wall before. Don’t people leave scraps of paper with their prayers or wishes in the cracks of the wall? And wow, I didn’t know the Chapel of the Ascension existed. The stone is such an interesting relic.
Anda Galffy
Yes they do leave prayers on pieces of paper in the wall, Rhonda. Jerusalem is such a great place to visit!
Linda (LD Holland)
We do love old gates to cities. We only got to see two on our visit. We found the old city to be such a mix of old and new. At times it was disturbing to see replica religious relics decorated as tourist trinkets. We were sorry we did not get to see Temple of the Rock up close. But we got the most amazing view from a distance. It was interesting to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Even if I did almost get run down by a group of nuns pushing in the long line! We are sorry we missed the chance to walk on the walls. The views from above look stunning. We spent most of our time in the old town. So definitely a lot to see on a return trip.
Anda Galffy
I thought Israel will be a one-time-thing for me, Linda, but I already want to go back there. It’s such an amazing place!
Tanayesh
Jerusalem always reminds me of the wailing wall. I really want to visit Jerusalem and click few great photos of the wailing wall… Jerusalem is so rich in history however sadly very few tourists visit this great country
Anda Galffy
You are wrong, Tanayesh. Jerusalem is one of the most visited places on Earth! There are so many tourists (and pilgrims) there, you can barely move.
Danik
This sure did brought back some fantastic memories. I only went to Jerusalem once and that was in 2011. I liked the historical places but the other aspects of the city I didn’t enjoy. I didn’t get a good feeling from the locals, the food was ok, and way too much security for my liking. I am still glad I went and learnt about the country a lot more and all I can say is, forget what the media says. See it for your own eyes! 🙂
Anda Galffy
The security is absolutely necessary in Jerusalem, Danik. Don’t forget that this city is a boiling pot. There is so much friction between the three main religions that coexist there! As for the vibe that you get from the locals, it’s very different in each of the four quarters. The Orthodox Jews are probably the least friendly of them, but I felt great in the Muslim Quarter I had a lot of fun. Those merchants are full of humor and very outspoken.
Bong @Cebu island hopping
One day in God’s will, I will visit this holy place.
Anda Galffy
Hopefully you will. Jerusalem is awesome!