Are you traveling to Jerusalem in Israel? Here’s a list of our favorite attractions and the top 10 things to do in Jerusalem as a tourist!
Old City of Jerusalem
The old city is divided into four parts. South-east is dominated by the Temple Mount, the disputed holy site for all three Abrahamic religions of the world.
Nowadays the place is two of Islam’s holy buildings, namely the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Previously Solomon’s temple was here, but the temple was destroyed in the first century of our era. In the middle of the eastern side of the Temple Mount lies the Golden Gate.
In the southwestern part of the Temple Mount lies the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), which is incredibly important in Judaism and Islam.
South of the Temple Mount lies the oldest part of Jerusalem, known as the City of David or Silwan as it is called by the locals. Resurrection Church is located in the northwestern neighborhood.
Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem, Israel’s official, monuments, archives and research center for “remembrance of Holocaust victims and heroes of” The archive contains about 62 million documents, thousands of photographs, videos, and recorded testimonies from survivors. In addition, there is a record of the Holocaust’s Jewish victims that can be accessed via the Internet.
Western Wall (Wailing)
A holy place in Judaism and Islam, with a history that stretches far back in time. Among Muslims, the wall is known as Al-Buraq, based on a tradition that says that the Western Wall was the place where the Prophet Muhammad during the night journey tethered his winged steed, Buraq.
For Jews there is no direct historical connection, more than that, it is said that King David built the Great Wall. According to the Mishnah (summary of the Jewish Law), the Western Wall was of all four walls of the Temple Mount, closest to the Holy of Holies; therefore prayers at the wall is being considered to be particularly beneficial.
Israel Museum
Museum in Jerusalem is Israel’s largest cultural institution. Here you get the chance to learn more about Israel and Jerusalem’s history. At the Israel Museum one can see the largest collection of archaeological finds from the biblical sites and the Holy Land. Among other things, one can see the famous “Dead Sea Scrolls” on display inside the museum.
Like history? Then this is definitely one of the must things to do in Jerusalem.
Mount of Olives
From here you get a great view of Jerusalem. In addition to the view, the Mount of Olives has a historical significance as it is mentioned several times in the Bible. The place got its name thanks to the abundant supply of olive trees.
Mahane Yehuda Market
This ancient market is a lively place that everyone should visit when you are in Jerusalem. Here you get the chance to discover the culinary culture of the Middle East and try different fruits. One of the must things to do in Jerusalem.
Haram El Sharif
A big square where the Holy “Dome of the Rock” stands with its blue ceramic tiles and gold. This is one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture. On the square also lies the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is Islam’s third holiest building. A must place to visit if you like culture, history, and religion.
Holy Sepulchre
The church is also known as Resurrection Church, and it’s the church consecrated to Christ’s tomb. The building is located in Old Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter and is considered to be located on Calvary, the hill on which Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. Ever since the 300’s, the place has been a destination for Christian pilgrimages.
Eat biblical food at Eucalyptus
This restaurant serves the same food that they ate during biblical times. Eucalyptus offers a cool experience where among other things, one can get a taste of Iraqi meatballs, biblical couscous, and Oriental ceviche.
Address: 14 Hativat Yerushalayim Street, just below the Jaffa gate.
City of David
Join a guided tour of the city that King David made the capital of his former kingdom. It is possible to explore the area on your own but then one must not forget to bring rubber boots and flashlight. We recommend a guided tour because you get to know more about each place you go past. A special place to walk by is the Siloam Pool, which is the place where Jesus performed his second miracle (healed a blind man).