The 10 essential things to do in Jerusalem

Are you going to visit Jerusalem? Discover the best things to do and see in this holy place in the heart of the Middle East?

Jerusalem is such a city. A holy city that has become a controversial Israeli capital, it holds a central place in each of the three religions of the book: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Rich in a heteroclite population of nearly a million souls, its old town, a splendor of secular ethnic brewery, is divided into four quarters surrounded by ramparts.

The Muslim quarter, the Armenian quarter, the Christian quarter, and the Jewish quarter make up the religious and cultural identity of the city. Located about 30 kilometers from the Dead sea Jerusalem is a city of great character. The all shared between East and West. Despite the episodic tensions and conflicts between communities, security is rampant and the city welcomes many tourists comforted by a deep feeling of appeasement. Is this probably due to the spirituality of the place? Whatever it is, Jerusalem knows how to convince visitors and curious. In the end, Jerusalem amazes anyone who decides to go there.

Are you wondering what to do in Jerusalem during your stay? Here is a selection of the must-see activities when you come to visit Jerusalem and want to enjoy its stay!

1. Pray to the Wall of Lamentations

The Wall of Lamentations is undoubtedly one of the must-sees in Jerusalem. It is also called the Western Wall or the Kotel. In fact, it is part of the support wall of the esplanade of the Temple of Jerusalem. Old nearly 2,000 years old, it is located in the Jewish quarter of the historic centre. During the seventh century, it was integrated into the walls of the enclosure of the famous Mosque esplanade during the construction of the Dôme du Rocher and the al-Aqsa Mosque. For the Jews, it is a high religious place: it constitutes the wall of the Mount of the Temple and it is undoubtedly the holy place par excellence to get closer to God in prayer.

Many Israeli political ceremonies take place and the monument, despite its barrier quality, is of such importance in the region that it seems almost capable of bringing people closer to it!

2. Climb the Mount of Olives

First of all, the Mount of Olives is similar to a gigantic Jewish cemetery. But here, nothing morbid! This beautiful wooded hill covered by Christian monuments - this is where the Ascension of Jesus – includes some major cultural points of interest. Visiting Jerusalem without taking a walk to the Mount of Olives would, from a tourist point of view, be a real sacrilege! There is the Basilica of Gethsemane and its altar where Jesus would have prayed.

Further, a path leads straight to a point of view on the esplanade of the Temple and the dome of the Rock. If the Mount of Olives is an impossible to do in Jerusalem, it is just as much for its intrinsic beauty as for its symbolic and spiritual burden.

3. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian quarter of the Old Town. It is a major pilgrimage site! This sanctuary is nothing less than the place of Crucifixion , and includes the cave where the body of Christ was laid after his death. Therefore, you will enter into the place of his resurrection.

Whether you are a believer or not, you can only feel subjugated by the beauty of the place. Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the world. Don’t hesitate to go there when you come to visit Jerusalem!

4. Grimper the Herodion

This time, we are talking about a very special place: Herodion. It is an artificial hill of almost a hundred metres high and resembling a volcano. Located about 20 kilometres south of Jerusalem, it houses the ruins of a fortified palace built by King Herod the Great.

The interior of the hill is dug out of galleries that are thought to welcome the tomb of King Herod. The site is protected because of its historical value. Moreover, Israel has classified it National Park, but you can go there without congestion. The Herodion is a must-see in Jerusalem, and the many visitors who come to admire it have understood it well!

5. Mount the Tower of David

It is to the northwest of the Armenian quarter of the old town, near the gate of Jaffa, that this ancient fortified area, also known as the City of Jerusalem. Built in the second century BC by the Hasmoneans, consolidated by King Herod I the Great, it bears witness to the architectural richness of the area. Constructed, destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries by the successive conquerors of Jerusalem, distinctive elements of each culture are present there!

The visible fortress of today is dated with certainty of the time of the Crusades. One can enjoy the adjoining museum, allowing you to learn more about the history of the city. Once again, the Tower of David is unmissable if you come to visit Jerusalem.

6. Visit the church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

A pure splendour, a local pride or a national symbol. What a gift! It is indeed a present of tsar Alexander III of Russia in person that we present to you. The church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, built in the purest Russian Orthodox style, is located not far from the monuments of the Mount of Olives. It is clearly an immanquable when you visit Jerusalem! Built between 1885 and 1888, the church is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus. She would have been the first to have seen her after her resurrection. It stands out by its "onions", recalling the famous moscovites dome watching Red Square. Russia is not far away: after their assassination by the Bolsheviks, the bodies of the great Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna and his servant rest there.

7. To the Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is not really talking about a tourist site. This is much more than that. This Israeli memorial was built in memory of the victims of the Shoah Right after World War II. It is located precisely in the forest of Jerusalem, on the western slope of Mount Herzl at 804 meters above sea level.

Yad Vashem, a place of memory, is certainly not an entertaining activity but is essential to better understand the routing of Nazi horror. More than a museum, we come to collect and discover testimonies, artistic presentations, historical archives and even study them. This exciting place will undoubtedly attract the Fears of History who came to visit Jerusalem.

8. Explore Soreq Cave

The Soreq Cave, also known as Avshalom Cave or Stalactite Cave, is located on the west side of the splendid Judea Mountains. It was discovered by chance in 1968! By looking to crack the rock to get stones to size, a crack left stalactites appear. And what stalactites! In this cave dating from 8 to 25 million years and measuring more than 7,000 m2, there are hundreds, sometimes colossal. It is known to be one of the most beautiful stalactite caves in the world!

By the way, do you know the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite? The stalactite, with a T, falls from the ceiling while the stalagmite, with a M, rises from the ground. If you didn’t know, in your turn to communicate the info!

9. Feast

When we come to visit Jerusalem, we do not necessarily imagine that it is possible to celebrate. And yet! Try to get back to the surprising neighborhood of Yehuda Mahane from the night. Here, hip restaurants and trendy bars coexist with falafel and spicy skewers. It is all the youth of Jerusalem who finds themselves in the bistros to taste -with moderation - amazing local beers of very good bill. Bar cafés broadcast a live sound until early morning on Jaffa Street or Ben Yehuda. Perfect for dancing and breaking when you come to visit Jerusalem!

10. Explore Teddy Park

Teddy Park is a lovely place. In this country with a warm climate, we appreciate the fountains of Teddy Park - named Teddy Kollek, former mayor of the city. Families, friends or lovers come to relax after work and enjoy the freshness of the 256 jets of water placed below the walls of the old town.

During the summer season, we come to admire some pretty sounds and lights once the evening comes. If you are passing by and looking for nothing in Jerusalem, don’t hesitate to stop there!

How do I go to Jerusalem?

Jerusalem has no airport: To get there, you will surely have to go through the Ben Gourion airport of Tel Aviv. Therefore, consider using a flight comparator, as Ulysses , to go to Jerusalem by finding the right flight, at the best price.

From there you can take a taxi , one sherout (collective tax) or bus No. 475 to Tel Aviv, where you can easily find a way to get to Jerusalem. Once on site, given the configuration and size of the Old Town, you will have no other choice but to move on foot .

To reach points of interest outside Jerusalem, such as the Mount of Olives, bus exist but you will need the RavKav Card To get there. In Jerusalem, we don’t buy a ticket from the driver! This transport card must be purchased in a kiosk and charged with credit. But we recommend you to enjoy your legs: nothing like being pedestrian in Jerusalem!

Where to stay in Jerusalem?

When we look for what to do in Jerusalem, we also have to look for accommodation. On site you will find several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget. The neighborhood of the Old town and especially Jaffa Street, very touristic, are home to several renowned hotel establishments.

But be careful: The rates are pretty high! Therefore, help you with a hotel comparison to find the best prices. Beautiful establishments are located on the mont des Oliviers , and make you enjoy an incredible sunset on the Old Town.

The new city can also be an interesting option, and has a rental offer comparable to European countries, for example, including in terms of budget. It's for all tastes!

Finally, why not choose to East Jerusalem West Bank side? This will allow you to benefit from far more affordable rates and more typical Airbnb accommodation.