Jerusalem

Jerusalem General Information

Jerusalem is the religious and historical epicentre of the world. A surreal and vibrant city, holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians – over one-third of all the people on earth. Jerusalem is as unique as she is special. Beyond her religious and historic significance, Jerusalem is the capital of modern-day Israel and an advanced, dynamic city. Jerusalem must be seen to be believed. Exploring Jerusalem solo is fantastic, and if it is your first time visiting this glorious place, a tour is simply a must. With so much to see and know, having an experienced guide with you is indispensable and worth every penny.

Getting around

How to Get to Jerusalem

Using the bus & light rail in Jerusalem are two very convenient ways to get around the city. Whilst information is generally in Hebrew and English, it can sometimes be confusing with so many different routes and ticket options available, so we created this guide to getting around Jerusalem using the bus and rail. The Jerusalem bus and rail systems shut down for Shabbat on a Friday afternoon (buses stop about 30 minutes before sundown, light rail a few hours before), and resumes after sunset on Saturday night (likewise, buses start about 30 minutes later, light rail a few hours later). During this time, there is no public transportation in Jerusalem, so using the bus and light rail in Jerusalem on Shabbat is not possible. Please read this dedicated article for more information on Shabbat in Jerusalem.

- Buses in Jerusalem are all run by the company Egged. Their buses are mostly green, although some are white with red stripes. Egged run a very large route network which is centred around the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and the centre of town (the area around King George and Jaffa Streets.) There are many routes which duplicate each other through the city centre, however spread out when you get outside. That means that if you wanted to travel from, say, the Central Bus Station to Keren Hayesod Street, there is a choice of five or six high-frequency routes.
- The Jerusalem Light Rail (otherwise known as ‘the tram’) opened in 2011 and runs along one line between Mount Herzl and Pisgat Zeev. At Mount Herzl, Ammunition Hill, and Pisgat Zeev, there are park and ride lots where you can park and then take the Light Rail instead of driving to the city centre.
Using the Jerusalem Light Rail requires you to buy a ticket before boarding the train. Tickets can be purchased at stops, and cost 5.90 NIS for a single trip. You can also use your ‘Rav Kav’ smartcard to travel on the Light Rail.

Things to do

What to Do in Jerusalem

Jerusalem offers a variety of different experiences in the holiest city of them all. From one day introductory tours to religious-themed tours, packages tours, culinary tours, and more.
Getting lost in the Old City is one of the things you must do in Jerusalem. The best way to explore Jerusalem is with one of our many tours.
- Visit the Church of the Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, and Western Wall, while also making a stop at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem as well as the Dead Sea, all in one day on our Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Bethlehem Tour. Or, visit both these historic sites as well as the modern city outside the walls on our Jerusalem Day Tour.
- For a breathtaking view of the city, take a trip through the Old City to the “Austrian Hospice”, now a hotel, and there, make your way to the publicly accessible roof. Take a moment to view the gorgeous scenery, with the sound of the prayer call in the background.
- While strolling through the Old City, pick up a pair of handmade leather sandals, or a gorgeous ceramic bowl. These along with spices, candies, and sweets are all worth purchasing in the area, you will not regret it!
While there is no end of options of incredible and historical sites to visit, there are always a few extra things to see in Jerusalem, that belong on our bucket list as well:
- Explore the Nachalat Shiva neighbourhood sprinkled with many bars, cafes, and galleries. Definitely worth window shopping and peaking in these shops in the area.
- Be sure to stroll through Ein Karem, a charming neighbourhood tucked at the bottom of the Jerusalem Hills, and a different vibe from the Old City.
- Or get lost on Emek Refaim, in the German colony, with its array of cute shops, cafes, bakeries and some great ice cream!
While you spend your days weaving in and out of the Old City and visiting the many sites Jerusalem has to offer, be sure to take a break from the sightseeing and take note of a few alternative bucket list spots:
- Take a break from all the sightseeing a rest in Gan Sacher or the park around Monastery of the Cross with its beautiful olive trees and many hidden pathways.
- Check out the Israeli Supreme Court, the building is a marvel of architecture and worth checking out.
- Find yourself in Wohl Rose Garden, a gorgeously maintained floral display which can be found behind Sacher Park, in the government quarter.
- For an art break, be sure to “pop” into Art-Time Israel, a quaint gallery exclusively displaying pop art Art-Time Israel, 15 Shlomzion Hamalka St. Jerusalem, Israel.
- For concerts and local happenings, check out HaMiffal this is an art and cultural centre with a unique vibe and a very special atmosphere.
Experiencing the Holy City on the weekend during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) is a special experience that cannot be compared to a weekend in any other place in the country. Our suggestions for things to do in Jerusalem on a weekend include:

- On Friday mornings, go visit the Bezalel Street Fair. Handmade gifts and products crafted from over 120 artists, you won’t be disappointed!
- Take a weekend stroll: You will watch the streets full of energy in the morning go quiet by late afternoon as Shabbat begins. The city will become relaxed and feel almost magical as stores close and everyone takes a break for Shabbat. Be sure to make purchases before everything closes on Friday.
- On Saturday night, after a quiet and restful weekend take a look at Burstein’s Klezmer Basement – for a unique Klezmer musical experience! This special place also caters to English speakers and will be sure to offer an authentic experience, worth visiting!
As captivating as Jerusalem is – the city is also a great base to explore the surrounding areas. Take a break from the sites and the noise of city life, and take a tour to Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea with pickup and drop off from Jerusalem, or explore the stunning North of Israel – the lush Galilee.
Whether you’re taking in the historical sites or the new and innovative parts of the city, we are sure you will have no trouble filling your days while visiting Jerusalem, especially now that you know our Jerusalem bucket list with the best things to do in the Holy City.
Museums:
- Yad Vashem Museum located in Jerusalem, is the Worlds Holocaust Remembrance Centre which was founded in 1953 by an act of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament). This was established to honour and educate about the Holocaust and pay tribute to the Righteous Among the Nation who risked their lives to liberate Jews during the Holocaust.

- The Israel Museum located in Jerusalem, known to be the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel. Ranking amongst the world’s prominent art and archaeology museums, which was established in 1965. Here you can discover encyclopaedic collections, comprising pieces dating from prehistory to the present day, in its Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Jewish Art and Life Wings, and highlights the most widespread holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeology in the world.

- Tower of David, the iconic symbol of Jerusalem, and uses innovative and exciting technology to tell the stories of more than 3,000 years. The Citadel, which is situated at the meeting point between the eastern and western parts of the city, conveys the continuing dialogue between ancient and modern Jerusalem that continues to our day. The Tower of David looks out over the walls of the ancient city and into the distance and receives visitors to the Old City through the main entryway - Jaffa gate. Throughout the year, the museum features changing exhibitions and cultural events and performances, which draw a wide range of visitors of every age, religion, and nationality. All those who love Jerusalem are invited to explore, touch and experience Jerusalem’s intense, emotional, and sometimes surprising perspectives.

All through the year, two sound-and-light shows are screened on the walls of the citadel: the classic Night Spectacular, and KING DAVID. These Night Experiences create multi-sensory encounters between the past, the present and the future, and bring Jerusalem’s stories to life. The Night Experiences are screened in the international language of sound and images, and are appropriate for everyone, at every age, of every religion and nationality.

Food

What to Eat in Jerusalem

From street eats to fine dining, Jerusalem has developed its culinary offerings to please all palates. Whether you are looking for kosher cuisine or just authentic and vibrant flavours, Jerusalem has an endless list of options to please. The growing scene has developed over the years and you will certainly not be disappointed!
for the quick bites you can grab while out exploring. You can sit in a nearby park, a busy hummus joint or even a bench to enjoy some people watching while enjoying these delicious eats who belong on any Jerusalem bucket list:
Hummus Shel Tahini - Jerusalem Nissim Bachar 23, Jerusalem: hipster vibe and tasty hummus
Akramawi, Nevi’im 2 – Old City, Jerusalem: authentic hummus in the Old City
Aricha Sabich – Machaneh Yehudah 83 15, Agripas, Jerusalem: the best sabich in town
Urban Cafe Rehov Ha-Shikma 5, Jerusalem: amazing American-style cinnamon rolls
Ja’afar Sweet Ja’afar Sweets, Khan Al-Zeit Street-Old city, Jerusalem: for anyone with a sweet tooth

The area around the Mahane Yehuda Market also offers some great spots who you should visit, if you love authentic food experiences:
Ishtabach: specialty: shamburek, a Kurdish-Syrian pastry with tasty fillings
Pizza Flora: the best Italian pizza in town
Azura: a real institution in the shuk, open since 1952
Manou Ba Shouk: tastes like your Middle Eastern grandma’s home-cooked food
Mousseline: the best spot to indulge in some ice cream for dessert