A city of contrasts where modern architecture meets the ancient buildings, Jerusalem in Israel is the holy city to three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The beautiful Old City of Jerusalem and its walls form a UNESCO World Heritage site including many important religious sites, while the modern West Jerusalem hosts museums and cultural institutions.
Divided city. Jerusalem is the largest city in Israel and has five distinct areas. West Jerusalem or New Jerusalem is the Israeli part of the city and the business heart of Jerusalem with lively cultural activities, such as concerts in Jerusalem. There are good opportunities for shopping in Jerusalem as well. East Jerusalem on its behalf is home to the majority of Jerusalem's Arab population, and was only ceded to Israel in 1967. A district called Chareidi Jerusalem is inhabited by the Jewish and has many fine kosher restaurants. Jerusalem is also home to an annual film festival and a half marathon competition.
Flights to Jerusalem arrive at the renovated Ben Gurion International Airport which is located approximately 50 minutes drive from the city centre. There are also fast, reliable and inexpensive bus connections to Jerusalem from major cities in Israel. If you have time and want to admire the Israeli scenery, travelling to Jerusalem by train can also be considered.
Jerusalem, the holy city with remarkable religious sites and museums
A popular place for pilgrimage for centuries, Jerusalem is home to many beautiful historical sites, most of them located in the Old City. The major attractions in Jerusalem include the Ottoman period Wall, Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, al-Aqsa Mosque, Tomb of the Virgin, Church of the Ascension, Church of St. Anne and The Via Dolorosa (Way of Pain). Popular tourism attractions in the modern West Jerusalem include the Israel Museum, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and the popular Biblical Zoo. There are several excellent museums in Jerusalem to visit. The major attractions in the city can be easily explored on sightseeing tours in Jerusalem.Divided city. Jerusalem is the largest city in Israel and has five distinct areas. West Jerusalem or New Jerusalem is the Israeli part of the city and the business heart of Jerusalem with lively cultural activities, such as concerts in Jerusalem. There are good opportunities for shopping in Jerusalem as well. East Jerusalem on its behalf is home to the majority of Jerusalem's Arab population, and was only ceded to Israel in 1967. A district called Chareidi Jerusalem is inhabited by the Jewish and has many fine kosher restaurants. Jerusalem is also home to an annual film festival and a half marathon competition.
Practical information for your stay in Jerusalem
Located in the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem has a temperate Mediterranean climate with mild winters with some rain and long and hot summers. The mild humidity in the summer makes the heat bearable. The best seasons to visit Jerusalem are in the spring or in the autumn when the weather in Jerusalem is warm and ideal for sightseeing.Flights to Jerusalem arrive at the renovated Ben Gurion International Airport which is located approximately 50 minutes drive from the city centre. There are also fast, reliable and inexpensive bus connections to Jerusalem from major cities in Israel. If you have time and want to admire the Israeli scenery, travelling to Jerusalem by train can also be considered.
Photo: phauly, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Note that public transport does not run during the Shabbat (Saturday), when shared taxis offer a choice for traveling.
Local transport. Jerusalem has a good public transportation system consisting mainly of buses and shared taxis or sheruts, which are the most popular forms of transport. The easiest way to move in the Old City is on foot. Car rental in Jerusalem is a good option if you want to explore the other parts of Israel, but driving in the city is not recommended due to the narrow streets and limited parking space.
Visitor services. There is a large variety of restaurants in Jerusalem consisting of cheap local falafel stands to international dining places. Hotels in Jerusalem are also numerous: there are small and inexpensive hotels in the Old City and a wide selection of hotels in the West Jerusalem. There is some lively nightlife in Jerusalem available as well.
Safety. As Jerusalem has been witnessing terrorist attacks in the recent past, visitors to the city should exercise caution when travelling in Jerusalem. Avoid crowded places, marketplaces and traveling by local buses in West Jerusalem. In the East Jerusalem and in the Old City visitors are advised to dress conservatively and avoid travelling after dark. However, although pickpocketing does occur in the Old City, violent crime and political violence against tourists is rare in Jerusalem.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Tel Aviv, Amman, Acre (Akko), Petra (Wadi Musa), Haifa
