If you are planning your next vacation and looking for something new to experience, we have compiled an insider list of 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem!
Israel is the only country in the world with a city that is also a country, and that makes for some striking juxtapositions.
The capital city of Jerusalem is one of the most important cities in the world due to its significance in three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
There are many things to do in Jerusalem that will fascinate anyone who loves history or religion.
1. Haram Al-Sharif (Temple Mount) – 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem
This is the third most sacred place in the world after Mecca and Medina. The Temple Mount has been a site of continual pilgrimage and worship for thousands of years. It is the most important archaeological site in Israel. It is the location of the ancient Jewish temples destroyed by the Babylonian and Roman armies. The former Dome of the Rock (built in the 7th century) and Al-Aqsa Mosque (built in the 8th century) are now the most recognizable landmarks of Jerusalem. The Temple Mount is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most visited sites in the world.
2. Western Wall and Jewish Quarter – 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem
The Western Wall is one of the last remnants of the Temple of Jerusalem. It is the most sacred and notable site for Jewish people. The adjacent Western Wall Jewish Quarter is the only Jewish neighborhood left in Jerusalem. The Western Wall is one of the few places where you can experience a direct connection to the ancient past. Standing in a place like the Western Wall, it is hard to imagine that this place was even there thousands of years ago. But the history is still there if you know where to look for it. There are many other important holy sites and museums in the Jewish Quarter, such as the Hurva Synagogue, which was destroyed during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and later rebuilt, the Jewish Museum, and the Hak Canaanim (Path of the Pilgrims) walking path.
3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre – 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as the Basilica of the Resurrection, is the most important in the world, built on the site where Jesus is said to have been crucified and buried. It is one of the world’s oldest and most significant pilgrimage sites. The church is built above a grotto that is the reputed site of the tomb of Jesus (called the Holy Sepulchre). The Byzantine emperor Constantine I built the original church in the 4th century AD and was called the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It was refurbished in 615 by the Islamic ruler of Jerusalem, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who was on pilgrimage at the time and came upon the site and its dilapidated condition. The current structure was built in 1099 by the Crusaders.
4. Armenian Quarter – 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem
The Armenian Quarter is located on the western side of the walled Old City of Jerusalem. This is the only remaining medieval Armenian Christian neighborhood in the world. It has existed since the 7th century. It was established in the wake of the Seljuk Turk conquest of Jerusalem in 1077. And it is the only remaining relic of the Christian presence in the Old City of Jerusalem from the Byzantine period. It is also the only predominantly Armenian-inhabited area outside the Republic of Armenia. The Church of the Holy Redeemer (also known as the Church of the Redeemer or Church of the Holy Saviour) is the main church of the Armenian Quarter. It was constructed in 1043, making it one of the oldest churches in the world.
5. Follow the Route of the Via Dolorosa – 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem
The route of the Via Dolorosa, or the Way of Sorrow, is the path that Jesus is said to have walked on his way to his crucifixion. Many of the places along the route were places of public humiliation, often used by the Romans as a form of punishment. The route starts at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and ends at the Church of the Condemnation (Golgotha). It is estimated that the route covers about 800 meters. The entire route is marked by stones. It is advisable to follow the stones if you would like to follow the route in a single day. The route is open from early morning until late evening. There are also guided tours that last about an hour.
6. Explore the Citadel (Tower of David) and Surrounds
The Tower of David (also known as the Citadel) is one of the best places to visit in Jerusalem. It was built by King David, who ruled Jerusalem and was the ancestor of every Jewish King. And it was the home of the king, but it was also used as a fortress and refuge when Jerusalem was attacked. The Citadel overlooks the Old City and is perched on top of a hill in the center of the city. It is the only portion of the ancient wall that survived and is one of the most impressive sights in Jerusalem. There are many things and places worth exploring in Jerusalem, but if you are short on time or want to explore the best things to do in Jerusalem, then this Citadel and surrounding areas are the best way to spend your time.
7. Churches of the Christian Quarter
The Christian Quarter is one of the most important archaeological sites in Jerusalem. There are many churches in the Christian Quarter, most of which are built on top of important sites. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Mount of Olives are particularly notable. It is the most significant pilgrimage site for Christians all around the world. This is the place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected. The Mount of Olives is one of the most important places in Jerusalem. From here, Jesus Christ made his predictions about the end of the world and the last days.
8. Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter is an important place to visit in Jerusalem. It is the most ancient part of the city, and it is estimated that it has been inhabited since the 16th century. It is one of the few places that has preserved its identity and old architecture. The Muslim Quarter is the center of Jerusalem’s Muslim culture with its many mosques and shrines. The quarter is home to about 7,000 Palestinians, many of whom are descendants of the original inhabitants of the city. The first thing that you should do when visiting Jerusalem gets to the Muslim Quarter. It is an incredible part of the city and one of the best places to experience the local culture and history of the place.
9. Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge that extends from east to west. It is the most important place of pilgrimage in Jerusalem. It is the site of many important religious sites and buildings, such as the Church of Gethsemane and the Tombs of the Prophets. This is thought to be where Jesus will come again at the end of the world and where he will be resurrected. The Mount of Olives is also the place where some of the most important moments and events in the Bible took place. It is also the best place to watch the sunset over the city. The entire city is spread out before you as the sun sets, and you can see all of the different neighborhoods and landmarks illuminated in the twilight. The Mount of Olives is one of the best places to visit in Jerusalem.
10. Mount Zion
The Mount of Zion is the location of the Temple Mount and the City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem. It is believed that David chose this hill as his capital city. The Mount of Zion is one of the most important archaeological sites in Israel. It is the place where both the First and Second Temples were built, which were two of the most significant buildings in history. The Mount of Zion is one of the best places to visit in Jerusalem. It is a place of great historical significance and is a must-see when visiting the city.
11. Walk the Old City Walls
The best way to get a true feel for any city and its history is to walk its streets. Jerusalem’s Old City dates back to the 16th century B.C. and walking the streets of the Old City you can feel the weight of its history. The most famous site inside the Old City is the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Temple Mount. This is the holiest site for Jews, where we come to pray and ask for divine assistance. The walls of Jerusalem are an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site and were built by Suleiman the Magnificent between 1537-1541. There are still plenty of original sections of walls left, so you can walk the same paths as people have been doing for the last 400 years.
12. East Jerusalem – 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s Old City is an amazing place to explore, but you can also visit East Jerusalem, which is the Arab side of the city. East Jerusalem was occupied by Israel in 1967, and today there are many cultural and religious sites to visit. One place to visit is the Temple Mount, which is the location of both the First and Second Temples. Jews and Muslims have built their temples on this site because they believe it is the place where Abraham bound his son as an act of devotion to God.
13. West Jerusalem Central City Sites
Jerusalem is an amazing place to visit all year round, but in December it is lit up with festive decorations, and the city is alive with excitement. The best way to start your sightseeing is at Rabin Square, where the official celebrations of Jerusalem’s holidays take place. Rabin Square is the heart of West Jerusalem. The Western Wall Tunnel Tour is a great way to learn more about the history of the site. Next, visit the Israel Museum, which has an amazing collection of artifacts and historical pieces.
14. Kidron Valley – 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem
The Kidron Valley is a great place to visit in Jerusalem, as it is only a 10-minute drive from the city. The valley is the only place where you can see natural water flow from the Gihon Spring. The valley is also the site of the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus miraculously made water flow out of a rock. The Valley is also the place where the first Temple of Jerusalem stood. The Archaeological Park in the Kidron Valley is a great place to visit, and it explains the significance of the valley.
15. Monastery of the Cross
If you love architecture and religious history, the Monastery of the Cross is a must-see when visiting Jerusalem. The Monastery is built on the place where the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, had a cross made to execute Jesus. Pilate himself wrote in Aramaic, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews,” and this is still visible on the original cross. Furthermore, the place where Jesus was crucified has been marked by a church since the 4th century, and it is one of the top places to visit in Jerusalem. Above all, any people come to the Monastery of the Cross to pray and ask for forgiveness for their sins. The oldest part of the monastery is the Church of the Flagellation, which dates back to the 5th century.
16. Yad Vashem (The Hall of Remembrance) – 20 Top-Rated Things to Do in Jerusalem
Yad Vashem is Israel’s national Holocaust Museum, and no visit to Jerusalem is complete without a stop at Yad Vashem. The building itself is an architectural marvel and is worth seeing in itself. Yad Vashem has been called the world’s central museum of the Holocaust. The museum was opened in 1953 and houses an extensive collection of artifacts and photos from the Holocaust. Even more, Yad Vashem is an important place to visit in Jerusalem because it reminds us of the dangers of prejudice, racism, and discrimination. It is a reminder that the Holocaust can happen again if we are not vigilant.
17. Herzl Museum
Firstly, the Herzl Museum is located on the edge of the beautiful and expansive Mishkenot Sha’ananim in East Jerusalem. Secondly, it is the place where the founder of modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl, wrote his famous poem “If I Were a Bird” The museum is arranged to look as it did when Herzl lived there in the last years of his life. Thirdly, it is a great place to visit in Jerusalem, as it is a reminder of why the city is so important to people from all over the world. And fourthly, the museum is also the site of the First Zionist Congress in 1897, where the goal of the movement was decided: the creation of a Jewish state.
18. Take a Day Trip to Ein Kerem and Abu Ghosh
Ein Kerem is a great place to visit in Jerusalem, as it is a tranquil village that is close to the city. It is the site of the Church of John the Baptist, who was born in the city. This is named in particular after a spring that is believed to be the birthplace of John the Baptist. Therefore, the village is also a great place to visit because it is home to the Jerusalem Biennale, which is an art exhibition that changes every three years. Also, Abu Ghosh a historic Arab village that is worth a visit.
19. Visit Machane Yehuda Market
The Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem is one of the oldest markets in Israel. The market is located in the center of Jerusalem and is an important landmark for visitors. It is a market with a large variety of produce, food, souvenirs, and other goods sold by local vendors. More than that, it is also a popular place for tourists to take pictures.
There are several restaurants as well nearby the market as well. Visitors can enjoy a meal while enjoying the scenic view of Jerusalem.
Machane Yehuda Market is not only a place where people can go to buy food or souvenirs.
Without a doubt it is also a place that connects people from all over the world.
20. Visit Latrun
If you love visiting old fortresses and ruins, then you should visit the ruins at Latrun. Located only 30 km outside of Jerusalem, Latrun is an amazing place to visit in Jerusalem. The ruins date back to the period of the Crusades, and it is an important historical site for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The best way to get to Latrun is to take the bus from the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem. The journey takes about half an hour and costs only 6 shekels.
In conclusion, now that you know what the top things to do in Jerusalem are, you should start planning your trip!
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