Best Things To Do in Jerusalem

If you are planning to visit Jerusalem, the first challenge you will face when planning your travel itinerary will be to choose from the many attractions this destination has to offer. Between museums, markets, holy sites and nearby cities, you will have to choose the alternatives that are most interesting to you and that fit your travel plan. Here are a few ideas.

If you want to explore Jerusalem's religious profile, you can visit the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, Gethsemane or the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while if you want to delve into local history, you can visit the Israel Museum. You can also discover the city's most famous markets and neighbourhoods and visit the outskirts of the city, where you can explore Nazareth and Galilee.

If you want to get to know the foundations of Jerusalem's history and tradition, a tour of the Orthodox Jewish Quarter is a must. This district of cobblestone streets will allow you to learn about daily life based on ancient Jewish customs and rituals, as well as take in the surrounding landscape, which lies on the border with the West Bank.

The ideal way to get to know Mea Shearim, as it is called in Hebrew, is to join some of Jerusalem's best guided tours, but you can also discover the synagogues and traditional markets on your own. At these sites, you can also sample some of the delicacies of kosher cuisine, such as rugelach and challah cakes, two specialities found in the bakeries of the markets.

The Jewish Quarter's historical legacy dates back to biblical times and has been the scene of crucial events in Jewish and world history. From the destruction of the Second Temple to the recovery of the Quarter after the Six Day War in 1967, this corner of Jerusalem bears witness to the long and complex narrative of the Jewish people, offering visitors an experience that transcends time and its crossroads in the present.

The Holy Sepulchre, located in the heart of Jerusalem, is a revered site of vital historical importance to the followers of the major monotheistic religions. It is home to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on Mount Golgotha, where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ was crucified and buried before his resurrection. Its presence evokes a deep connection with the most transcendent passages of the Christian faith, making it one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Israel.

The history of the Holy Sepulchre dates back to the 4th century, when Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of the church on the site identified as the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Since then, it has undergone several restorations and renovations over the centuries and has become the epicentre of religious sightseeing in Jerusalem, being included among the stops on tours and sightseeing buses in the city.

The various Christian denominations share custodianship of the site, which has led to historic moments of tension, but has also cemented the ecumenical importance of the site and fostered coexistence. It is also an attraction that is often included in the best guided tours of the city.

At the Holy Sepulchre, which becomes the most visited site in Jerusalem on Christmas Eve, you can see The Rotunda of the Edicule, which protects the apparent tomb of Jesus. Every year, thousands of worshippers gather here to witness liturgical ceremonies and participate in rituals commemorating the crucial events of Christ's Passion and Resurrection.

The Wailing Wall, also known as the Kotel, is a symbol of the Jewish people's spiritual and cultural connection to their ancient history. This sacred site is the last remnant of Herod's Temple, destroyed in 70 AD during the Roman occupation, and is part of the pilgrimage and prayer circuit for Jews around the world, marking a meeting point between the earthly and the divine.

The history of the Wailing Wall is steeped in deep significance, as for centuries, it has witnessed wailing and prayer, as well as momentous moments in Jewish history. From the Diaspora to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the Kotel has been a banner of resistance and hope for the Jewish people.

If you want to visit the Western Wall, you can do so on your own or join one of the best guided tours of Jerusalem. Also, because of its proximity, you can make the most of your tour and get to know the West Bank as well, as this religious site is located on a piece of land disputed by Palestine and Israel, or you can visit Masada from Jerusalem on an adventure tour.

Please note that at the Western Wall you will need to follow strict dress codes and respect the exclusive prayer times for visitors.

Off the religious tourist trail that characterises the city, exploring the bustling Majane Yehuda Market will give you a different side to Jerusalem. Known as The Shuk to the locals, this market is a melting pot of colours, aromas and flavours that capture the essence of daily life in this destination. At the market you can wander among the stalls of fresh fruits, exotic spices, freshly baked bread and a variety of local produce and foods.

Majane Yehuda was founded in the early 20th century, when it was established as an open-air market. Over the years, it has evolved and adapted to the changes in the city, becoming a central meeting place for the community. Over the decades, the market has witnessed political, social and cultural transformations in Jerusalem, becoming a dynamic reflection of Jerusalemite culture.

Beyond the shopping you can do here, a stroll through Majane Yehuda will transport you into local daily life. The bars, cafes and restaurants lining the market offer kosher delicacies in an experience that combines tradition and modernity.

If you want a quick overview of Jerusalem, a bus tour will allow you to discover the historical and cultural richness of this ancient destination. The bus tour will take you to the iconic sites, giving you a panoramic view of the city, especially from the Mount of Olives, where you will have a sweeping view of the city and the Dome of the Rock.

The itinerary also includes a stop in the Old City, where you can explore its narrow streets and soak up the unique atmosphere of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim quarters. The Western Wall, the Holy Sepulchre and the Esplanade of the Mosques are just some of the holy sites you can visit to marvel at their architecture and spiritual significance.

The bus tour will also take you to the Israel Museum, home of the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. There you can dive into ancient history and discover archaeological treasures that shed light on the rich cultural heritage of the region. During the tour you will have the opportunity to make stops and be assisted by an expert local guide.

A guided bus tour is also useful if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that's the case, here's a list of things to do in Jerusalem in 3 days.

Gethsemane in Jerusalem is a natural oasis of spiritual and historical significance. This garden, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, is known as the place where Jesus spent the night before his crucifixion. The garden, therefore, stands as a silent testimony to the sacred events that took place there, creating a special connection to the Christian narrative.

The importance of the Garden of Gethsemane lies in its role as the setting for one of the most intense and momentous moments in the life of Jesus. According to tradition, it was there that he experienced anguish and prayed fervently before being arrested by the Romans. The thousand-year-old olive trees that populate the garden are part of the Christian liturgy that unfolds during Easter and can be experienced in the city if you plan to visit Jerusalem in winter.

Gethsemane, which over the centuries has become an inescapable pilgrimage site for Christians, is also a meeting point located between two other sites central to the city's religious tourism, the Mount of Olives and the Old City. You can usually visit this site on the best guided tours of this destination.

For a cultural experience in Jerusalem, a visit to the Israel Museum in the city is a must during your trip. This exhibition houses a collection ranging from archaeological artefacts to contemporary masterpieces, giving you a comprehensive overview of the local cultural heritage. In its galleries, you can also explore treasures that tell the story of the Holy Land and its inhabitants.

Among the outstanding exhibits is the Shrine of the Book, home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. These ancient manuscripts, discovered in the 1940s, contain biblical texts and offer a direct window into life in antiquity. In addition, this museum houses an extensive collection of Jewish art, with pieces ranging from ancient to modern times, including illustrated manuscripts and liturgical objects.

From prehistoric to Roman times, this site, which is considered one of the best museums in Jerusalem, also has an archaeological display. Among other items on display is an accomplished model of the city during the Second Temple period that is the result of decades of research into the Middle East's past.

Located about 50km from Jerusalem is the West Bank, a region steeped in history, culture and political complexities, which you can explore on a guided tour. In addition, these experiences usually include a stop in Bethlehem, the biblical city that is home to the Basilica of the Nativity, built on what is considered the traditional site of Jesus' birth.

Another highlight of these experiences, which are often among the best full-day excursions from Jerusalem, is Hebron, one of the oldest cities in the region, with an ancient historical presence. Hebron's Old City is home to the Cave of the Patriarchs, a place of veneration for Jews and Muslims alike, as it is believed to contain the tombs of biblical figures such as Abraham and Sarah.

Aside from its vital historical contribution to the region, the West Bank has some beautiful scenery, especially in the Judean Desert area, characterised by its vast horizons and rock formations. As well as visiting Bethlehem from Jerusalem, you can also explore the modern cities of Ramallah and Nablus, with their local markets and rich cultural tradition to match their complex history.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina, and its importance in the Jerusalem epicentre demonstrates the interconnectedness of the Muslim religion with Judaism and Christianity. It is also part of the Esplanade of the Mosques complex, a site that also houses the Dome of the Rock with its distinctive golden dome.

The history of the Al-Aqsa Mosque dates back to the 7th century. Originally built in 705 AD, it has witnessed architectural transformations over the years and its name, which translates as 'the far one' in Arabic, reflects its geographical position in relation to Mecca and symbolises the mosque's spiritual connection to the Prophet Muhammad. This makes it one of the five holy sites of Islam.

In addition, Al-Aqsa's architecture makes it a site to be admired, with its colonnades, domes and exquisite mosaics that can be seen from a distance due to its imposing size. Apart from its religious value, the mosque has also been the scene of significant events that marked its history and that of its surroundings.

One of the things you can do during your trip is to take part in some of the best excursions from Jerusalem. This will not only allow you to make the most of the city's Mediterranean location, but also to see some of the highlights nearby. Galilee and Nazareth, located in northern Israel, are two of the destinations you can discover on these experiences.

Galilee is known for being the place where Jesus carried out much of his ministry. The region is dotted with significant sites, such as Capernaum, which was the scene of miracles, and the Mount of Beatitudes, where the famous Sermon on the Mount was delivered.

Nazareth, meanwhile, is revered as the city where Jesus spent his childhood and adolescence. A visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation will allow you to see the place where, according to Christian tradition, the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was pregnant. The city is also home to the International Museum of the Annunciation, which features a collection of religious art.

The importance of these holy cities lies in their central role in the biblical narrative and their direct connection to the life of Jesus. Galilee and Nazareth offer visitors the opportunity to walk through the very places that once witnessed miracles and crucial teachings.