The Best Things to do in Jerusalem for First-Time Visitors

Jerusalem is one of the most fascinating cities I have ever been to. The mix of history and religion combined with a (surprisingly) cool nightlife scene and some great foodie spots made it fun to explore. I’ve been to Jerusalem many times so for those looking for any first time visitors looking for inspiration, here is my quick guide which includes some helpful tips and, of course, the best things to do in Jerusalem. 

How to Get to Jerusalem

Getting to Jerusalem is easy. From the Airport there are several options for getting to Jerusalem.

My preferred method of transportation is the train. It’s a 26-minute journey from the Airport to Jerusalem city. That being said, you still then need to find your way to your accommodation. 

The easiest option is to take a taxi, which will drop you off right at your doorstep (or at least as close as they can get depending on where you are staying). However it is also the most expensive.

Another option that will take you directly to your accommodation is the shared shuttle service called a sherut. Upon exiting the airport, you will see yellow shuttle vans. Tell the driver where you are going and he will direct you to the van headed in that direction. While this is an easy option and cheaper than a taxi but you may end up waiting a while because they only leave when they are full. 

You can also take public transit. Bus number 485 will take you from the airport to the central bus station in Jerusalem. From here you can hop on the tram to the stop closest to your accommodation option. This is by far the cheapest option

Finally, you can also rent a car from the airport.

Remember, public transportation shuts down for shabbat. During these house there will be some shabbat buses (sheruts) but the best option at this point is a taxi which also has more expensive shabbat pricing.

Getting Around Jerusalem

As mentioned above, Jerusalem is a very large city and while you will be able to walk to some places, it’s not realistic to think that you can walk everywhere.

Jerusalem does have a handy tram system that is easy enough to use. Tickets need to be bought from the machines at whatever station you start at, and then need to be tapped when you enter the bus. Your best bet is to purchase a RavKav which is the local transportation card. It can be used on the bus and train and you can load it up easily via the app.

It is important to know that all public transit in Jerusalem shuts down during Shabbat. This means from sundown (or a couple hours before) on Friday to sundown on Saturday, you will have to walk, use a taxi, or take a sherut. 

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a massive city, so when you are figuring out where to stay in Jerusalem you will definitely want to keep location in mind. I suggest finding somewhere within walking distance from Old Jerusalem and the shuk as this is where many of the attractions and sites are.

The next thing to consider is your budget. Israel, despite what many may think, is not a cheap destination. That being said, there are a number of accommodation options varying in cost so you can find somewhere that fits your budget.

If you are on a tighter budget, I recommend Abraham Hostel Jerusalem. They have private room and share dorm options. They also have a big common room, breakfast spread, and nightly activities which makes Abraham Hostel Jerusalem is a great option for solo travellers as well. Book your stay here.

If you aren’t quite a hostel person and willing to spend a little more on accommodation in Jerusalem, then consider the following mid-range hotels.

• Mr Agrippa by TLV2Go– a cute little apartment hotel by the shuk
• Old City Boutique Hotel 

Or, if you are willing to slue there more there are plenty of gorgeous high-end hotels in Jerusalem as well. Take a look at these options:

• Mamilla Hotel
• King David Hotel Jerusalem

The Best Things to do in Jerusalem

Whether you are interested in history, religion, architecture, food, or culture there is plenty to keep you busy in Jerusalem. Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Jerusalem.

Take a Tour of Jerusalem Old Town

Jerusalem Old Town is the highlight of Jerusalem for many and where most tourists, especially first-timers, will spend the majority of their visit. It’s full of history and stories and a beautiful place to photograph so make sure to bring your camera!

It is easy and safe to explore Jerusalem’s Old Town on your own, however, I recommend that you do take a tour on arrival. There are thousands of years of history within these walls and no visit to Jerusalem is complete without learning at least some of the stories and uncovering some of its history and even secrets.  

There are plenty of different tour options depending on your area of interest. There is this free walking tour for is good for a quick introduction. However, if you want something truly different then a dual narrative tour of Jerusalem is the way to go. I took this tour for a new perspective after several visits to Jerusalem and its by-far my favourite one to recommend. You are led to some of the highlights of the city by two tour guides; an Israeli Jew and a Palestinian. Together, they share stories and history of the city from two very different perspectives. It’s a fantastic way to gain some insight about history, religion, culture, and conflict in Jerusalem. 

There are so many things to see and do in Jerusalem’s old city, but there are some of the sites I believe are best visited with a guide.

Temple Mount & Al Aqsa Mosque 

Temple Mount or Haram al-Sharif is a holy site for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. It’s also one of the biggest areas of disagreement. As such, there are restrictive views about visiting Temple Mount and tourists do need to be mindful of these during their visit.

The area is only open at certain times and on certain days that can change throughout the season. It can also be closed off at any time due to security concerns. Since it is a bit confusing to visit on your own, and again, there is so much to learn here, I highly recommend visiting this part of Jerusalem on a tour. 

The highlight of these grounds is the Dome of the Rock which is the iconic gold-domed structure that is seen in so many photographs of Jerusalem. It is an Islamic Shrine that is part of the grounds of Al Aqsa Mosque and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The architecture and mosaic patterns are modelled after Byzantine churches and Palaces and the bright colours really make it stand out and shine, especially in the sun. It’s absolutely beautiful and a visit here is one of the top things to do in Jerusalem. However, note that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter. 

Women especially need to ensure that they are dressed appropriately when visiting this sacred site. Cover your arms, legs, and chest. Tight pants are also looked down upon. I suggest making sure you dress appropriately and bring your own scarf in case. They do provide clothing if your attire is not acceptable, however, its not always the cleanest. 

The Western Wall

The Western Wall, sometimes also referred to as the Wailing Wall, is the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people. The Wall is located in the Old City and is the western support wall of Temple Mount, where Al-Aqsa mosque is built.

The wall is divided into 2 sections; one for men, one for women as they need to pray separately (though there is also a smaller section of the wall in the Muslim quarter where both men and women can go). Visitors can either pray out loud or write their prayers on a small piece of paper to leave in the cracks of the wall. It is free to visit, but again make sure you dress appropriately and behave respectfully.

Note that when walking away, you should walk backwards so you don’t turn your back on the wall which is seen as disrespectful. 

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

One of the major pilgrimage sites for Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is considered to be the place where Jesus was crucified and his tomb. Today, this church built into the rock is quite extravagantly decorated. It’s free to visit but is usually incredibly crowded. There is a lot to see in the church so visit first with a guide to get some of the history and learn about the different sections. If you like, you can then come back on your own time to explore more. 

Shop at the Arabic Market

If you are looking to do some souvenir shopping, then head to the Arabic market which is also in the Old City. From rugs to scarves, ceramics to jewellery, you can find just about everything here. In my experience, not only was shopping here one of my favourite things to do in Jerusalem but it was the best souvenir shopping in Israel. Make sure you haggle though! Especially when items don’t have a sticker price attached to them. Even if they do, it might be worth asking if they can go lower. Keep in mind, you can really only haggle in this market- not in other shops around Jerusalem.

My favourite shop in the market is called Sinjalawi and its owned by a Palestinian family who are artisans themselves. The shop sells everything from jewelry to carpets and more. Every time I go in it reminds me a bit of stepping into Aladdin’s cave. Expect its much friendlier and more welcoming. The shop has been in the same family for years and is currently run by four brother who will be more than happy to help you find a unique souvenir. For something special, look at the jewelry that is embedded with Roman glass. Oh, and before you go, be sure to take a peek down the 2000 year old well at the back of the shop. It’s one of the most unique things to see in Jerusalem.

Find Santa

Ok, so this is an incredibly random thing to do in Jerusalem but I always think it’s pretty fun. It turns out that Santa lives part time in Old Town Jerusalem and you can visit at certain times. I was lucky enough to meet Santa one day when he was undercover. Turns out he rides bikes and camels as well as reindeer and played professional basketball. Who knew?

Eat Your Way Through Mahane Yehuda Market

If you are a foodie, then you will fall in love with Mahane Yehuda Market. About a 20- minute walk from Old Town, the Mahane Yehuda Market is the best place to grab some fresh food and drinks. Food on offer here ranges from baked pita bread from the oven, gooey baklava, fresh vegetables and creamy hummus. Not to mention all the juices, shakes, and spices, and teas. In my opinion, some of the best places to eat in Jerusalem are in this market.

Not only is the market fun to experience during the day, but it also comes alive at night. Cocktail bars and craft beer vendors alike have stalls here and transform the market into a place to drink, dance, and party. Spending time here is one of my favourite things to do in Jerusalem and when I visit I usually end up here daily. 

Yad Vashem: The Holocaust Remembrance Centre

Yad Vashem is the Holocaust remembrance centre in Jerusalem. While not exactly a happy place I think it’s really worth a visit when in Jerusalem, even if you have been to other Holocaust remembrance centres around the world. It’s considered to be one of the best museums in the world and one of the best things to do in Jerusalem. Yad Vashem is located a little bit outside of the heart of the city bit it is free to visit. The museum is quite large so you will want to dedicate a couple of hours of your time to spend here. 

Jerusalem Winery 

If you find yourself in need of a break from historic sightseeing then why not grab a glass of wine from a local winery? The Jerusalem Winery is located just outside the city walls by an adorable old neighbourhood overlooking the Old City. A large windmill marks the location of the tasting and visitor centre. You can get a glass, a bottle, do a tasting, and munch on some snacks while taking in some gorgeous views. Definitely add a visit here to your list of things to do in Jerusalem. 

How Long to Spend in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem is ancient and there is enough to see and do here to keep you busy for days. That being said, Israel and Palestine both have so much to offer that I recommend exploring more than just Jerusalem. Two to three days in Jerusalem is enough for the highlights, but keep in mind that it does make a good base for some nearby day trips as well. 

The Best Day Trips from Jerusalem

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Jerusalem, but it also makes a great base from which to explore more of Israel and Palestine. Not only does this make things easier in terms of not having to constantly move around with your luggage, but taking day trips from Jerusalem is also ideal because if you take guided day trips (which I definitely recommend) then you don’t have to worry about sorting out transportation- which can be a bit tricky.

• The Dead Sea: The lowest spot in the world! Come here for a fun day of floating. Book a tour.
• Masada & Ein Gedi: Ancient ruins, fantastic views, and a desert oasis. Book a tour.
• Hebron: A historic divided city. Take this dual narrative tour to experience both the Palestinian and Jewish side.
• Bethlehem: A Palestinian city known for being the birth place of Jesus Christ. Book a tour. 

Jerusalem is a fascinating city to explore on its own and use as a base to see more of Israel and Palestine. There are plenty of things to do in Jerusalem, so make sure to give yourself enough time to do and see as much as possible! For more tips, be sure to check out my 2 weeks in Israel and Palestine guide.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance here. If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend SafetyWing. For Canadian readers, take a look at SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend booking.com for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is GetYourGuide. They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my travel essentials and camera gear if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!