How to Visit Jerusalem

Last Updated: December 27, 2022

Jerusalem is one of the oldest, most historical, revered and majestic cities in the world. Considered holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians, a visit to Jerusalem is unlike any other experience, with its beautiful religious sites, bustling souks (outdoor markets), massive stone architecture, and a warm, diverse culture. Here is a guide to making the most of a trip to Jerusalem.

Steps

1
Time your trip accordingly. You will want to take into consideration the particular time of year, weather conditions, if any major religious or national holidays are ongoing, the current security situation, etc.
2
Learn the long, fascinating, often tumultuous history of the city. Obviously this is not mandatory, but if you have at least a basic understanding of why Jerusalem is such an important place, you will appreciate your visit much more.

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3
Go to Israel. It is fairly easy to get to by car or bus from Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv, the country's main international gateway.
4
Familiarize yourself with how Jerusalem is laid out. The city is essentially divided into four major districts:
- Old City: Home to most of the main historical and religious sites for Jews, Muslims, and Christians, the Old City is walled and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.^{[1]
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- West Jerusalem: The modern heart of the city and a developed commercial hub, including several unique neighborhoods as "suburbs".
- Me'a Shearim: Inhabited by mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim), visitors are expected to adhere to strict modest dress, but will find an endless amount of large families and interesting people.
- East Jerusalem: Home to the majority of Jerusalem's Muslim and Christian population, East Jerusalem is well worth a look.
5
Start in the Old City. This is where Jerusalem's most sacred and best known landmarks are found, including the Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock, Western Wall/Western Wall Tunnels, Hurba Synagogue, the Cardo, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, etc.
6
Move on to West Jerusalem. Here, you will find the main urban thoroughfares lined with stores and restaurants, along with tourist attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, the Knesset (Israeli parliament building), the Israel Museum, Mount Herzl, and Yad Vashem (the Israel national Holocaust memorial).
7
Check out the Me'a Shearim neighborhood. This dense area resembles an old-world European Jewish town, with a strictly observant population. Be sure to dress modestly if visiting this neighborhood, as formal dress code is enforced (though not necessarily required).
8
Head to East Jerusalem. Visit the Mount of Olives for a spectacular panoramic view of the city, then descend the mount and explore the vibrant neighborhoods outlying it.

Warnings

While Jerusalem is generally very safe to visit, take into consideration the frequently unstable political environment and remember to be vigilant. If you see something or someone that looks out of place or suspicious, don't feel hesitant to approach the authorities and let them know.

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If you are Jewish, the current security arrangements mandate that it is not permitted to ascend the Temple Mount, for your own safety and to some extent, religious regulations.

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