Visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem: tickets, prices, times

Are you planning a trip to Jerusalem? Then discover all the essential information to visit the Temple Mount!

Considered as a sacred site by the three monotheistic religions, the Temple Mount is a must to visit when you come to Jerusalem. Today it is one of the city’s symbols, with the Rocher Golden Dome and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, two Muslim places of worship.

Would you like to visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem? In this article, you will find all the necessary information to discover it in the best conditions. Tips, history and practical information through rates and times, you will know the essentials to plan your visit and appreciate it at best!

History of the Temple Mount

Having once sheltered the First Temple built by the King Solomon then the Second Temple, Mount of the Temple is considered the most sacred site of Jewish believers. Parts of the four surrounding walls date back to the time of the Second Jewish Temple, dating from the first century before our era.

The Temple Mount is also the third most sacred site of Muslims after Mecca and Medina. In the Muslim tradition, it is in this place that the Prophet Muhammad made his “nightly journey” to the throne of God. In the seventh century, when Muslims conquered Jerusalem, they built the Dôme du Rocher . Overcoming a golden dome, this sanctuary is today an emblematic monument of Jerusalem. Next to it is the Al-Aqsa Mosque .

Today, the Temple Mount houses about 100 different structures dating from different periods: places of prayer, arches and fountains. The place is thus a must-see monument during its stay in this Holy City for the three monotheistic religions!

Our tips to visit the Temple Mount

By its nature, history and geopolitical context, specific rules must be followed to visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It is important to understand these rules well before your visit.

Conditions of entry

The entrance of the complex is made by the Mughrabi door near the Western Wall, more known as “ Wall of Lamentations ". You should not miss it when you cross the Western Wall square. The site is open at very precise times, the queue can be long. We therefore advise you to arrive early to access this essential site.

Please also note that, depending on current events, the site’s entry may be restricted or closed without notice and for security reasons. Before coming, take the time to check the access conditions. To enter and visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, you will also have to be dressed modestly. Carrying a scarf is not mandatory. However, women and men must have shoulders covered . You will also have to wear long pants or a long skirt.

It is also forbidden to bring a religious object (Christian and Jewish). During the visit, Christian or Jewish prayers are also prohibited. Sometimes you'll be asked to show your passport. Prepare and make sure you have this document well with you before your visit. Taking photos or videos of the site security members is also strictly prohibited.

Note that the complex is open to all, but non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Dome of the Rock or the Mosque Al-Aqsa!

The best time to visit the Temple Mount

This crucial information in mind, we recommend come as soon as possible In the day. In summer, the Temple Mount opens to 7:30 and in winter, 7h . The place is then opened for 3:30 , which is largely enough to discover the site! The site is also open 1h early in the afternoon, which is not the ideal to visit the Temple Mount. Because the schedules are strictly respected by the authorities of the site.

The optimal is thus come just before the opening , to avoid the long queue that can form. You will then have plenty of time to visit the Temple Mount and enjoy this emblematic place of Jerusalem. At these times, the sun is not yet high in the sky and temperatures are pleasant, even in the summer.

What to do during your visit to the Temple Mount?

During your visit to the Temple Mount, you can admire two unmissable monuments: the Dôme du Rocher and al-Aqsa Mosque . If you're non-Muslims, you can't get in there. However, you will have the pleasure of admiring these magnificent historical buildings.

The Dôme du Rocher is thus a magnificent sanctuary completed in the year 691. Take the time to contemplate its superb golden dome, but above all to observe its colorful mosaics and ceramics that cover its facades. As for the al-Aqsa mosque, it is the largest in Jerusalem! It was built in the seventh century.

In addition to the Rocher dome and the al-Aqsa mosque, you can admire a hundred buildings dating from different periods. Some are true works of art. This will offer to you: Muslim prayer places, arches and porticoes, Muslim religious schools, minarets, drinking fountains and others for ritual ablutions. Take the time to make a tour of all the esplanade and admire all these little elements that make the beauty of the Temple Mount!

How much does a ticket cost to the Temple Mount?

The entrance to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is free . So you don’t have to buy a ticket to access this place and to discover it by yourself. However, to learn more about this symbolic and historical place, we recommend you to opt for a guided tour From the Temple Mount.

These visits are usually combined with other emblematic monuments of Jerusalem. They cost on average between 60€ and 100€ per person. They can last from half a day to a full day.

Are there guided tours of the Temple Mount?

As mentioned above, there are guided tours of the Temple Mount. We highly recommend this activity. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the exciting history of this place, about the emblematic monuments it houses and thus on the very city of Jerusalem.

The price of a guided tour of the Temple Mount varies greatly between different organisms, but also according to the monuments with which it is combined. Indeed, most guided tours combine the Temple Mount with other iconic places of Jerusalem and its surroundings, such as the Mont des Oliviers , Saint-Sépulcre or Old City .

The price of guided tours combining Mount Temple and other unmissable places thus oscillates between 60€ and 100€ per person. The price varies according to the location, but also from the starting point: Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv For example. These visits frequently include a pickup and deposit from your hotel in a city. The entry price is not necessarily included, and the routes are usually made by air-conditioned bus. Check the conditions before booking!

Opening hours

You can visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem from Sunday to Thursday. The place is Closed on Friday and Saturday . The schedules differ between summer and winter:

• From April to September: 7h30 - 11h00, 13:30 – 14:30
• From October to March: 7h00 – 10h30, 12:30 – 13:30

Careful, these times can change. As mentioned above, make sure to check the opening hours and accessibility of the site upstream of your visit. Inputs may be subject to certain restrictions.

How to get to the Temple Mount?

To reach the Temple Mount, you will have to go first to the Old City of Jerusalem. For this, you can use public transport.

There are bus stops all around the Old Town and close to its entrance doors. You can thus stop in front of the Jaffa Gate with bus lines: 3, 124, 125, 231, 232 and 234. You can also stop in front of the Damascus Gate with the red tram line.

Once you arrive at the entrance of the Old Town, you can reach the Temple Mount on foot. For this, join the East to reach the Western Wall or the Wall of Lamentations. You will then easily find the entrance to visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Where to park near the Temple Mount?

Many parking facilities are located near the Old City of Jerusalem, particularly close to the Jaffa Gate west of the latter. Rates can vary greatly between different parking spaces. We recommend you, however opt for public transport . Indeed, traffic can be dense especially in the morning and late afternoon!

Where to stay near the Temple Mount?

The Temple Mount is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. The latter houses a few hotels in which you can stay. You will then be close to the most historical parts of the Holy City.

To find the offer that best fits your expectations, you can use our Compare hotels . You can also choose one Airbnb , for a stay in all autonomy.

You can also stay outside the Old Town, but still close to the Temple Mount. Many hotels are located in the West, near the Jaffa Gate!