What to see in Jerusalem: the 18 best attractions and things to do

Jerusalem, in the state of Israel, is the ancient Jewish capital, a city considered sacred by the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions. The very old city is a destination for numerous pilgrimages and visits each year, even from non-believers. It is rich in historical and architectural sites that are very important to the history of all humanity and dense with suggestive itineraries.

There are indeed many attractions to visit. Here is our guide to discover what to do and see in Jerusalem!

Walking through the Old City of Jerusalem and getting lost in its alleys is like exploring differently worlds. The Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian quarters intertwine through narrow streets.

The Muslim quarter of Jerusalem is the largest and most populated, known for its crowded streets and lively bazaars, reflecting a strong connection to Islam. From here starts the Via Dolorosa, which leads to the Christian quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Jewish quarter is distinguished by its orderly streets and shops selling traditional clothing and sacred items, separated from the Muslim quarter by a narrow street. The Armenian quarter, the smallest and quietest, hosts about 2,000 people and has the appearance of a fortress.

The best choice is definitely a tour with a local guide for an initial approach to the city and to identify points of interest. Stop to taste street food and visit bazaars of all kinds.

You enter the Old City through the gates, such as Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate. At Jaffa Gate, bus line 3 and tram line 231. From the central station, take tram line 1 and get off at City Hall (10 min), then walk (800 m) - Get directions

Visiting time: 3 hours

Located on the western side of the ancient walls, the Jaffa Gate or Jaffa Gate is the ideal starting point to explore the Old City of Jerusalem. Built in the 16th century under the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Jaffa Gate takes its name from the road that connects Jerusalem to the coastal city of Jaffa. This majestic entrance is characterized by a fortified tower and an imposing arched gate, which leads directly into the Old City. Crossing the Jaffa Gate, you can find a maze of cobbled streets, vibrant markets, and sacred sites. (Get directions)

From here, it is easy to reach the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter, each with its rich history and unique traditions. Nearby are also the Tower of David and the Citadel Museum.

Visiting time: 15 min

It is the symbol and place of pilgrimage for Jewish believers from all over the world. The Western Wall is the remains of the ancient temple destroyed by the Romans. It is a truly moving experience that we recommend approaching with the right spirit and respect. (Get directions)

Faithful people come to the Wall to pray and mourn for the diaspora of the Jewish people and the destruction of the sacred temple; usually, the atmosphere is thick with mysticism. Each of them writes prayers on pieces of paper and slips them into the cracks of the wall. If you're lucky, you might also witness some Jewish celebrations, such as Sukkot, to celebrate the liberation of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. As it is the holiest place for Judaism, it is necessary to dress respectfully: covered shoulders and long pants or skirts. Men must cover their heads with a kippah, cap, or hat. It is forbidden to shout or speak loudly.

It is located in the Jewish quarter, in the Old City. You can reach it by buses 1 and 3 (20 min) and get off at the Ma'ale HaShalom stop, then walk for 300 meters. Nearby is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (550 m, 8 min) and the Temple Mount (400 m, 5 min).

Visiting time: 30 min

It is one of the most important and sacred sites in Jerusalem, not only for Muslims, who here have two important mosques, the Dome of the Rock, the third holiest Islamic site, and Al-Aqsa; but also for Jews: here stood the First and Second Temples.

There is a dedicated entrance for visitors who are not of the Muslim religion, which is the wooden bridge located next to the Western Wall. Inside, there are also four minarets and another dome called Dome of the Chain from which, according to the scriptures, David and Solomon ruled their ancient kingdoms. The architecture of this place is superb, the Dome of the Rock can be seen from all over the city, sitting atop the Temple Mount, which has become one of the symbols of Jerusalem. For non-Muslim visitors, this building is not accessible.

It is one of the gates that provide access to the Old City, located on the eastern part of its walls, in the Muslim quarter. It connects the Old City with the Mount of Olives and the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and, according to Christianity, this is the place from which the Via Dolorosa began, Jesus' Stations of the Cross. - (Get directions)

This massive gate was built in 1538 by an Ottoman sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, to witness the many cultures and dominations that have shaped the appearance of Jerusalem, and unfortunately also bloody conflicts, making it the precious and unique place in the world that it is today. On the gate four panthers were carved, symbol of the sultan, which have mistakenly always been called lions.

It is located on the eastern walls, on the opposite side from Jaffa Gate. Reachable from the central station with tram line 1 (15 min).

Visiting time: 15 min

One of the activities you must absolutely do in Jerusalem is to walk the Via Dolorosa. This is the path that Jesus followed with the cross on his shoulders to Mount Golgotha, where he was crucified. You can start this walk from the Lions' Gate, in the Muslim quarter, and then continue along the route that has fourteen stations leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. (Get directions)

Don't worry: the path is marked by plaques on the walls of the city, so you can follow the Via Dolorosa without problems. At each station, there is a small chapel for prayers. The atmosphere is always one of great spirituality and will help you learn more about the ways of this incredible city. The path is mostly uphill and is about 1 kilometer long.

Visiting time: 1 hour

A paradise oasis in the midst of the Old City. In the chaos of the Arab quarter, you open a small gate and climb a dozen stone steps, leaving all the chaos behind and entering a place where it feels like being teleported to Vienna. Everywhere you look, you will find boiserie, red velvets, and Art Nouveau chandeliers.

This place, run by clergy, hosts a hotel and a restaurant. Room prices are modest and you can just stop for lunch; of course, the menu won't have pita and falafel but rather Wiener Schnitzel and Sacher. When it's very hot, the elevated garden from which you can also enjoy a nice view of Jerusalem is the perfect place to rest in the shade of the flowering plants.

This is one of the most majestic among the various gates that allow access to the Old City of Jerusalem. It is located to the northwest and is named because it is on the road that used to lead directly to Damascus. - (Get directions)

The structure you see today was erected in 1542 by the Ottoman emperor Suleiman the Magnificent and, even today, Arabs call it the Gate of the Column, in honor of the column of Hadrian which no longer exists; it was indeed destroyed in 200 AD. Passing through the Damascus Gate, you are immediately catapulted into the bazaar that leads to the Muslim quarter.

It is located on the northwestern side of the walls. Reachable from the central station with tram lines 1 or 3 (12 min). Get off at Sultan Sulliman/Damascus Gate and walk for about 200 meters. A single bus ticket costs 5.90 NIS (€1.54).

Visiting time: 30 min

You can't say you've truly visited Jerusalem if you haven't taken a tour of the New City! Starting from the late 1800s, in fact, a new period began for this city: new, wealthier, and larger neighborhoods began to form outside the walls of the Old City. It was in 1860 that philanthropist Moses Montefiore built the first neighborhood outside the walls. - (Get directions)

So, don't forget to stroll down Jaffa Street, where the buildings of the economic and administrative center of the city are located, as well as the charming Mahane Yehuda market, where you can find true multicultural street food. Finally, you can experience the nightlife of Jerusalem; would you ever have thought? So don't forget to take an evening stroll where Jaffa Street divides and becomes Shlomtzion HaMalka Street and Ben Sira Street.

The New City can be explored on foot and develops around the central station. Jaffa Street and Mahne Yehuda Market are reachable by tram 1, red line, direction Heil Ha'avir, stop Yehuda Camp.

Visiting time: 1.5 hours

That's right: the journey to Jerusalem is filled with spiritual experiences that involve even non-believers. It's the atmosphere that makes everything very touching. Thus, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre cannot be missed, a splendid Christian building where the Holy Sepulchre, the stone behind which the body of Jesus Christ was buried, is preserved. According to the Gospels, this was the stone found moved by the women who went there to embalm the body of Christ after his death.

The Basilica is located in the heart of the Old City, at the end of the Via Dolorosa, that is the Stations of the Cross. It is a Constantinian-era building with splendid frescoes inside. It is usually very crowded, although the place retains a certain suggestion, so we recommend visiting it in the very early hours of the morning; it has very flexible hours.

In the Old City, you will find the Tower of David, built in the 2nd century BC to strengthen the city's defenses. It is in fact a true citadel, a small city within the city. It is surrounded by walls that highlight the tower, once used as a lookout point.

Today, the Citadel houses the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, which traces the most significant historical events that have affected the city over the centuries. In the museum, in addition to the permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions, events, and shows are hosted. Furthermore, the place is mostly famous for the light show that transforms the Tower of David every evening into a truly captivating representation.

One of the things to do in Jerusalem is definitely to enjoy the city from above, even though it requires some effort! From Jaffa Gate, in fact, you can take the complete tour of the ancient walls of Jerusalem. You will need to climb several steps, both up and down, but from above you will enjoy an extraordinary panorama of the entire city.

You can go north or south, you can also retrace your steps on another day if you have time, the important thing is to keep your ticket. If you choose Friday, keep in mind that you can only head north, as the Muslim part is inaccessible that day. One last piece of advice: sunset is the most evocative time to see Jerusalem from above.

The City of David is the ancient core of Jerusalem and one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Israel. It is located not far from the Western Wall; just step out of the walls and cross the street to see the entrance. This is where Jerusalem began between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago.

Much of it is underground and you can also walk along some ancient underground tunnels, some of which are submerged in water. In particular, the Hezekiah Tunnel is a tunnel that connects the Gihon spring to the Pool of Siloam. It is an aquifer built by the people of the City of David to keep their water source within the walls and away from enemy forces.

One of the busiest places in Jerusalem and located outside the Old City. A walk here means blending in with the locals and seeing a unique glimpse of the city's lifestyle.

Moreover, it is also a unique opportunity to taste local specialties. You must first try a freshly squeezed orange or pomegranate juice, followed by pita, the typical bread usually served along with hummus and falafel. Finally, remember to save some room for dessert, a delight of honey and dried fruit!

Yad Vashem is the National Institute for Holocaust Remembrance and is located on Mount Herzl, in the western part of Jerusalem. It is a large museum, partly indoors and partly outdoors, which aims to preserve and safeguard the history of the Jewish population regarding the Holocaust perpetrated by Nazism during World War II, but also to honor all non-Jews who sacrificed themselves and in some cases lost their lives to save those of persecuted Jews. The latter are commemorated by carob trees planted in the outdoor area, called the Garden of the Righteous.

Inside the Hall of Memory burns the Eternal Flame. There is also the Holocaust Art Museum, which collects artifacts created in the ghettos and concentration camps.

The Mount of Olives is another holy place for both Jews and Christians; in particular, Jews consider it important for the immense cemetery that extends on its western slope. At the base is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent his last evening before dying and where he was betrayed. - (Get directions)

On the Mount of Olives, there are buildings of particular religious significance, such as the Church of the Pater Noster and the Russian Church. From above, you can admire a magnificent view of the city, the cemetery, and the Temple Mount. The road to climb to the top is steep and tiring; it takes about 40 minutes to reach.

It is located east of the Old City. Reachable on foot from Damascus Gate (2 km, 30 min). Reference stop A-Shaiah A, from Terminal/Sultan Suleiman Street A, near Damascus Gate, bus line 255 (28 min) to A-Shaiah A. Taxi is the most convenient option, from Damascus Gate 10 min (average cost 30.00 NIS/€7.50).

Visiting time: 1 hour

At the foot of the Mount of Olives lies the Garden of Gethsemane, the olive grove where Jesus was arrested on Holy Thursday. Here are some of the oldest olive trees in the world, some over 800 years old! - (Get directions)

Right next to the Garden of Gethsemane is the Church of All Nations, recognizable by its gable entirely covered in beautiful golden mosaics, and inside of which lies the rock where Jesus prayed the night before his arrest. Just opposite the Church of All Nations is the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, an unpretentious building behind a stone wall, very similar to a cave. It is said that this is the burial place of the Virgin Mary.

They are located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, easily reachable on foot from the Lions' Gate of the Old City (450 m, 5 min).

Visiting time: 1.5 hours

The Israel Museum in Jerusalem is one of the most important and fascinating cultural institutions in the country, offering a wide range of collections that span from archaeology to art history, from ethnography to ancient manuscripts. Founded in 1965, one of the highlights of the Israel Museum is the Shrine of the Book with the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, some of the oldest biblical manuscripts ever discovered. The structure of the shrine, with its white dome-shaped roof, has become an internationally recognizable icon.

The museum also houses a scale model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple, providing visitors with a detailed view of the city as it was two millennia ago. The museum's art collections range from contemporary Israeli art to European masterpieces, with works by artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and Van Gogh. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Israel Museum offers temporary exhibitions, cultural events, and educational activities for all ages.

Don't limit yourself to the "big classics." In Jerusalem, there are many other small treasures that often go unnoticed, such as the Crusader Basilica of St. Anne (free), the Armenian Cathedral of St. James (free), and the Russian Church of St. Alexander (free), which preserves the entrance stone of the city.

Jerusalem hosts extraordinary museums, very diverse but all equally interesting. At the Israel Museum, you can spend an entire afternoon, and the contemporary art in its park alone is worth the entry ticket (54.00 NIS/€13.50). Small but delightful is the Islamic Art Museum (44.00 NIS/€11.00), the very recent Holy Land Museum (15.00 NIS/€3.75), at the second station of the Via Dolorosa, and the Italian Jewish Art Museum (25.00 NIS/€6.25).

If you have time, Mount Zion is also worth a visit, to the south of the Old City. It is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Jews. If you are interested in discovering the more fundamentalist and conservative side of the Jewish population, visit the Mea Shearim neighborhood but be careful: do not take photographs and do not appear too curious!

Jerusalem is highly sought after by international tourism, so despite the daily tensions in the country it is a safe place. The police are always present, where there is not also the army guarding the "hottest" locations. You fly into Tel Aviv (compare flights), but prepare for long security checks: security services in Israel are very thorough, so when returning, consider at least 3 hours for check-in. Jerusalem is connected to the airport by a super fast train, just 20 minutes to the central station. The ticket can be included on the Rav Kav card and costs only 17.00 NIS (€4.50) each way. It is a destination that can be visited at any time of the year, but keep in mind that in summer, the heat can be really excessive.

Public transportation is great, inexpensive, widespread, and frequent: there are many bus lines and the Light Rail, tram lines. You can buy a single ticket or charge a certain number of rides on the magnetic card Rav Kav. You can choose to stay in the Old City, where mostly old hostels or B&Bs are located (compare lodgings on booking), or on Ben-Yehuda, the street of nightlife, with modern and comfortable hotels. For evening nightlife, go to Jaffa Street, particularly where it divides and becomes Shlomtzion HaMalka Street and Ben Sira Street.

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