Best Things To Do in Jerusalem

If you are planning to visit Jerusalem, the first challenge you will face when planning your travel itinerary is to choose among the many attractions this destination has to offer. Among museums, markets, sacred sites and nearby cities, you will have to choose the alternatives that are most interesting to you and that fit your travel plan. Here are some ideas.

If you want to explore the religious profile of Jerusalem you can visit the Holy Sepulcher, the Wailing Wall, Gethsemane or the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while if you want to dive into the local history you can visit the Israel Museum. You can also discover the most famous markets and neighborhoods of the city and visit the outskirts of this destination, where you can visit Nazareth and Galilee.

If you want to get to know the foundations of Jerusalem's history and tradition, you can't miss a tour of the Orthodox Jewish Quarter. This district of cobblestone streets will allow you to learn about daily life based on ancient Jewish customs and rituals, plus you can see the surrounding landscape, which is located on the border with the West Bank.

The ideal alternative to get to know Mea Shearim, as it is called in Hebrew, is to join some of the best guided tours in Jerusalem, although if you wish you can also discover the synagogues and traditional markets on your own. At these sites, you can also sample some of the delicacies of kosher cuisine, such as rugelach and challah cakes, two specialties found in the bakeries of the markets.

The historical legacy of the Jewish quarter dates back to biblical times and has been the scene of crucial events in Jewish and world history. From the destruction of the Second Temple to the recovery of the neighborhood after the Six Day War in 1967, this corner of Jerusalem bears witness to the long and complex narrative of the Jewish people, offering visitors an experience that transcends time and its crossroads in the present.

The Holy Sepulcher, located in the heart of Jerusalem, is a revered site of vital historical importance for the followers of the major monotheistic religions. It houses the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on Mount Golgotha, where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ was crucified and buried before his resurrection. Its presence evokes a deep connection with the most transcendental passages of the Christian faith, making it one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Israel.

The history of the Holy Sepulcher dates back to the 4th century, when Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of the church on the site identified as the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Since then, it has undergone several restorations and renovations over the centuries and became the epicenter of religious visits in Jerusalem, being included among the stops on the tours and sightseeing buses of the city.

The various Christian denominations share custody of the site, which has led to historic moments of tension, but has also cemented the ecumenical importance of this site and fostered coexistence. It is also an attraction that is often included in the best guided tours of the city.

At the Holy Sepulcher, which becomes the most visited site in Jerusalem on Christmas Eve, you can see The Rotunda of the Edicule, which protects the apparent tomb of Jesus. Every year, thousands of the faithful congregate there to witness liturgical ceremonies and participate in rituals that recall the crucial events of Christ's Passion and Resurrection.

The Wailing Wall, also known as the Kotel, is a symbol of the Jewish people's spiritual and cultural connection to their ancestral history. This sacred site is the last remnant of Herod's Temple, destroyed in 70 A.D. during the Roman occupation, and is part of the pilgrimage and prayer circuit for Jews around the world, marking a meeting point between the earthly and the divine.

The history of the Wailing Wall is steeped in deep significance, as for centuries, it has witnessed lamentations and prayers, as well as momentous moments in Jewish history. From the Diaspora until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the Kotel has been a banner of resistance and hope for the Jewish people.

If you want to visit the Western Wall, you can do it on your own or join one of the best guided tours in Jerusalem. Also, because of its proximity, you can make the most of your tour and also visit the West Bank, since this religious site is located in a portion of land disputed by Palestine and Israel, or you can visit Masada from Jerusalem on an adventure tour.

Please note that at the Western Wall you must follow strict dress codes and respect the exclusive prayer times for visitors.

Off the religious tourist circuit that characterizes the city, exploring the bustling Majane Yehuda market will give you a different side of Jerusalem. Known as The Shuk to the locals, this market is a melting pot of colors, aromas and flavors that capture the essence of daily life in this destination. At the market you can wander among the stalls of fresh fruits, exotic spices, freshly baked bread and a variety of local produce and foods.

Majane Yehuda was founded in the early 20th century, when it was established as an open-air market. Over the years, it has evolved and adapted to the changes in the city, becoming a central meeting point for the community. Over the decades, the market has witnessed political, social and cultural transformations in Jerusalem, becoming a dynamic reflection of Jerusalemite culture.

Beyond the shopping you can do at this site, strolling through Majane Yehuda will transport you to local daily life. The bars, cafes and restaurants lining the market offer kosher delicacies in an experience that combines tradition and modernity.

If you want to get a quick overview of Jerusalem, a bus tour will allow you to discover the historical and cultural richness of this ancient destination. The bus tour will take you to the iconic sites, giving you a panoramic view of the city, especially from the Mount of Olives, where you will have a sweeping view of the city and the Dome of the Rock.

The itinerary also includes a stop in the Old City, where you can explore its narrow streets and soak up the unique atmosphere of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim neighborhoods. The Western Wall, the Holy Sepulcher and the Esplanade of the Mosques are just a few of the sacred sites you can visit to marvel at their architecture and spiritual significance.

The bus tour will also take you to the Israel Museum, home of the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. There you can dive into ancient history and discover archaeological treasures that shed light on the rich cultural heritage of the region. During the tour you will have the opportunity to make stops and be assisted by an expert local guide.

A guided bus tour is also useful if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of things to do in Jerusalem in 3 days.

Gethsemane in Jerusalem is a natural oasis loaded with spiritual and historical significance. This garden, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, is known to be the place where Jesus spent the night before his crucifixion. The garden, therefore, stands as a silent testimony to the sacred events that occurred there, creating a special connection to the Christian narrative.

The importance of the Garden of Gethsemane lies in its role as the setting for one of the most intense and transcendental moments of Jesus' life. According to tradition, it was there that he experienced anguish and prayed fervently before being arrested by the Romans. The thousand-year-old olive trees that populate the garden are part of the Christian liturgy that unfolds during Easter and that you can experience in the city if you plan to visit Jerusalem in winter.

Gethsemane, which over the centuries has become an inescapable pilgrimage site for Christians, is also a meeting point located between two other sites central to the city's religious tourism, the Mount of Olives and the Old City. You can usually visit this site on the best guided tours of this destination.

If you want to live a cultural experience in Jerusalem, during your trip you can't miss the Israel Museum located in the city. This exhibition houses a collection ranging from archaeological artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, giving you a comprehensive overview of the local cultural heritage. In its galleries, you can also explore treasures that tell the story of the Holy Land and its inhabitants.

Among the outstanding exhibits is the Shrine of the Book, home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. These ancient manuscripts, discovered in the 1940s, contain biblical texts and offer a direct window into life in antiquity. In addition, this museum houses an extensive collection of Jewish art, with pieces ranging from ancient to modern times, including illustrated manuscripts and liturgical objects.

From prehistoric to Roman times, this site, which is considered one of the best museums in Jerusalem, also has an archaeological display. Among other items on display is an accomplished model of the city during the Second Temple period, the result of decades of research into the Middle East's past.

Located about 50 km from Jerusalem is the West Bank, a region steeped in history, culture and political complexities, which you can explore on a guided tour. In addition, these experiences usually include a stop in Bethlehem, the biblical city that is home to the Basilica of the Nativity, built on what is considered the traditional site of Jesus' birth.

Another highlight of these experiences, which are often among the best full-day excursions from Jerusalem, is Hebron, one of the oldest cities in the region, with a millennia-long historical presence. Hebron's Old City is home to the Cave of the Patriarchs, a place of veneration for both Jews and Muslims, as it is believed to contain the tombs of biblical figures such as Abraham and Sarah.

In addition to its vital historical contribution to the region, the West Bank boasts beautiful scenery, especially in the Judean Desert area, characterized by its vast horizons and rock formations. In addition to visiting Bethlehem from Jerusalem, you can also explore the modern cities of Ramallah and Nablus, with their local markets and rich cultural tradition to match their complex history.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina, and its importance in the Jerusalem epicenter showcases the interconnectedness of the Muslim religion with Judaism and Christianity. This temple, moreover, is part of the Esplanade of the Mosques complex, a site that also houses the Dome of the Rock, with its distinctive golden dome.

The history of the Al-Aqsa Mosque dates back to the 7th century. Originally built in 705 AD, it has witnessed architectural transformations over the years and its name, which translates as "the far one" from Arabic, reflects its geographical position in relation to Mecca and symbolizes the mosque's spiritual connection to the Prophet Muhammad. This makes it one of the 5 holy sites of Islam.

In addition, the architecture of Al-Aqsa makes it a site of admiration, with its colonnades, domes and exquisite mosaics that can be discovered from a distance due to its imposing size. Apart from its religious value, the mosque has also been the scene of significant events that marked its history and that of its surroundings.

One of the activities you can do during your trip is to participate in some of the best excursions from Jerusalem. This will not only allow you to take full advantage of the city's Mediterranean location, but also to see outstanding sites nearby. Galilee and Nazareth, located in northern Israel, are two of the destinations you can discover on these experiences.

Galilee is known for being the place where Jesus carried out much of his ministry. The region is dotted with significant sites, such as Capernaum, which was the scene of miracles, and the Mount of Beatitudes, where the famous Sermon on the Mount was delivered.

Nazareth, meanwhile, is revered as the city where Jesus spent his childhood and adolescence. A visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation will allow you to see the place where, according to Christian tradition, the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was pregnant. The city is also home to the International Museum of the Annunciation, which features a collection of religious art.

The importance of these sacred cities lies in their central role in the biblical narrative and their direct connection to the life of Jesus. Galilee and Nazareth offer visitors the opportunity to walk through the very places that once witnessed miracles and crucial teachings.