Discover Jerusalem’s Sacred Heritage and Contemporary Culture
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Description
Whether you're trying to grasp its history, contemplate its spirituality, or understand its different cultures, experiencing Jerusalem is a fascinating undertaking. The Old City is Jerusalem's most popular attraction, with an array of religious and historical buildings. However, don't miss the newer districts that started spreading in the 1860s — start with the quarters of Mishkenot Sha'ananim and Nahalat Shiva. For fashion, novelties, and nightlife, head to the Downtown Triangle, between Jaffa Road, King George Street, and Ben Yehuda Street. But be sure to explore further: you will find a bustling cultural scene and lively entertainment throughout the city. A wild, dusty natural landscape surrounds the urban area. The history of Jerusalem is restless and runs through thousands of years. The Canaanite population settled in the area 6,000+ years ago, near the Gihon Spring. After biblical king David conquered the city, his successor Solomon built a legendary Temple — the shrine was the most sacred place for Jewish people, who developed a strong and tormented connection with the land. Jerusalem then became part of the Roman Empire through a dramatic conquest. The Temple was definitively destroyed in 70 AD during a brutal repression by the emperor Titus. The site of Jesus Christ's death and alleged resurrection, Jerusalem saw the birth of a new religion; it was also the site of an important spiritual journey for Muhammad, the founder of Islam. During the Crusades and Middle Ages, Jerusalem played a significant role in the region's history, with important orders like the Templar Knights founded there. Since the State of Israel was proclaimed in 1947, a tortuous conflict between the state and the city's previous inhabitants has divided its people.
Useful information
Metro area: 983,000 (2024)
New Israel Shekel (ILS)
Police: 100
Emergency Medical Services: 101
Fire and Rescue: 102
Most shops open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm. Jewish-owned stores are closed on Friday afternoon and Saturday to mark Shabbat. Some re-open on Saturday after sundown. The Muslim day of rest is Friday, while Christians do not work on Sunday.
Do & See
Dining
Cafés
Bars & Nightlife
Shopping
Tourist Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Jerusalem is rich in historical and religious sites. Key attractions include the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. The Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and the Israel Museum, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, are also significant. Don't miss the vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market for a taste of local life.
A stay of 3 to 4 days is ideal to explore Jerusalem's main attractions at a comfortable pace. This allows time to visit the Old City, explore museums, and take day trips to nearby sites like the Dead Sea or Bethlehem.
Jerusalem's public transportation system is efficient, with buses and the Light Rail serving most areas. The Old City is best explored on foot due to its narrow streets. Taxis and rideshare services are also available for convenient travel.
The best time to visit Jerusalem is during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons also avoid the peak tourist crowds and the intense summer heat.
Jerusalem offers a variety of traditional foods, including falafel, hummus, and shawarma. Try local dishes like shakshuka (poached eggs in spicy tomato sauce) and Jerusalem mixed grill, a popular street food. Don't miss tasting fresh pastries like rugelach and kanafeh.
Jerusalem hosts several cultural events throughout the year. The Jerusalem Film Festival in July and the Jerusalem International Book Fair in February are notable. Religious events such as Passover, Easter, and Ramadan bring unique experiences to the city.
When visiting religious sites in Jerusalem, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. It's customary to greet with 'Shalom' and respect the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening, when many businesses close. Always ask before taking photos of people, especially in religious areas.
